Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02949798 2016-11-28
Title: The tri-paddle (TRI)! A fast, versatile, touring paddle craft which has
a semi-automatic tri-
paddle cockpit with integrated two-part spray protector system, a portable
craft-pack system, and an
on-board sleeper system!
Background of the invention:
Paddle craft touring and multi-day paddling excursions, with stints of hiking,
arc an ever-growing
outdoor activity in North American and around the world. For many years, the
sit-inside touring
kayak has been the paddle craft of choice for these adventures, having, with
its efficient double-
bladed paddle, protected sit-inside cockpit paddling position, and enclosed
hull storage, edged out
the canoe. However, other than the introduction of the foot-pedal-activated
stern rudder and
improvement to hull-storage hatches, enhancements to the sit-inside touring
kayak in recent years
have been limited to the construction materials used and hull designs for
increased mono-hull
efficiency. Perceived shortcomings associated with the sit-inside touring
kayak have only been
addressed obliquely, by the introduction of other paddle craft segments; by
the sit on top (SOT)
kayak and more recently the stand-up paddle (SUP) boards.
New paddlers are torn between which type of paddle craft they should buy, a
sit-inside, a sit-on-top,
or a stand-up, since each on their own has its positives and negatives.
Although the SUP continues
to gain market share it can be a difficult craft to paddle, steer, or make
headway with when windy
conditions arise. The sit-on-top kayak's freedom of movement has made it a
favorite of angling
kayakers; however, it lacks the storage required for serious touring and can
be a wet, cold craft to
paddle in northern climates. This choose-one-or-the-other conundrum is
amplified for families in
which different family members may favor a different paddling position. Paddle
Craft rental
operators are currently forced to offer SUPs, SOTs and sit-inside kayaks to
satisfy a diverse clientele.
The sit-inside touring kayak
Current, sit-inside touring kayak paddlers are confined to the enclosed
cockpit in a seated paddling
position, hour after hour, during their entire excursion. The sit-inside
kayak's cockpit floor follows
the contours of the hull and does not have a level, non-slip textured surface
for the paddler to stand
up on. The interior scat of the sit-inside kayak is fixed to the cockpit wall
and/or floor, facing
forward and is extremely low at the back, to allow the kayaker to engage the
spray skirt, thus, it has
little or no back support and only rudimentary scat adjustments. The touring
kayak usually has both
bow and stern hull storage compartments, however, these compartments are
severely restricted by
the hull contours, and must be filled and emptied inefficiently, one item at a
time, through small
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hatches. Further, loading these compartments adds significant weight to the
craft, and moving a
charged kayak to and from the water's edge requires the efforts of two people.
The characteristic hull shape of the touring kayak is a semi displacement mono
hull throughout its
length with a pronounced rocker which lifts the bow and stern of the craft out
of the water;
shortening the craft's water line. This short water line combined with the bow
wave created when
paddling, reduces speed potential. Further, being a mono hull, the craft
becomes severely angled to
one side or the other when beaching, which exacerbates entering and exiting
challenges.
Current sit-inside touring kayaks require the paddler to enter the kayak
cockpit through a static, non-
adjustable, key hole or oval shaped opening on the top of the kayak. Boarding
and exiting the sit-
inside kayak through this restricted opening is a daunting task for many,
especially beginner
paddlers, with dock and shore-side capsize a regular occurrence. Many sit-
inside paddlers have
concerns as to their ability to exit through this confined opening should they
capsize and voice even
more concern with regards to their ability to re-enter the cockpit after a wet
exit. These concerns are
strong enough to keep some from paddling sit-inside kayaks. The current
cockpit spray skirt,
designed to keep the sit-inside kayaker dry, is another awkward and confining
element. Designed to
entour the paddler and the entire cockpit opening tightly it is overly large
and wieldy and must be
donned by the paddler prior to entering the kayak. Once inside the cockpit the
paddler stretches
their spray skirt out over the combing around the entire entry hole; a
maneuver that often takes
several tries to accomplish even in the best of conditions.
Should a sit-inside kayak paddler, who is unable to do a full kayak roll (a
delft maneuver to keep the
kayaker in the cockpit during capsize which is extremely difficult to do even
for the most
experienced kayakers), capsize, through loss of balance or in rough seas, the
kayaker must provide
the force to dislodge the tightly fitted spray skirt as they are going over
and then wiggle out of the
restricted cockpit opening while upside down under water. This is referred to
as a wet exit and is the
exit method used by well over 90 of sit-inside kayak paddlers. The sit-inside
kayak cockpit
immediately fills with water and the kayak becomes partially submerged, and
upside down. On
resurfacing the kayaker must first retrieve the paddle before trying to right
the heavy waterfilled
kayak. To right the craft the paddler must straddle the hull at the rear,
forcing the rear of the craft
down to lift the front section of the kayak out of the water to evacuate some
of the water from the
cockpit and then flip it right side up. Once the kayak is right-side-up, and
while the paddler is still in
the water, they then attach a paddle float to one end of their paddle and
engage the non-paddle float
end of the paddle underneath the bungees located behind the cockpit. Once this
outrigger paddle-
float paddle is in place the kayaker clambers onto the kayak facing backwards,
wiggles their legs back
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into the partially water filled cockpit, and completes a difficult tuning
maneuver to right themselves
in the cockpit before finally sitting back in the scat. Then they must pump
the remaining water out
of the kayak and reattach the tight-fitting spray skirt all around the cockpit
combing before being
= able to continue paddling again. To complete this reentry operation, the
kayaker needed to have
successfully recuperated their paddle, have a paddle float and a bilge pump on
board, and have deck
bungies in the correct place behind the cockpit to anchor the outrigger paddle
float. An immense
amount of energy is expended before the kayaker can complete all these
maneuvers, all the while
encumbered with the spray skirt around their waist and most probably fighting
rough seas and
hypothermia if they are in cold waters.
On regular returns to the dock the sit-inside kayaker yanks on the spray skirt
strap to dislodge it and,
clambers out through the key hole onto the dock sideways pulling their lower
body behind them,
whereby they then stand up and shimmy out of the spray skirt. If they are
disembarking on shore,
after dislodging the spray skirt, they lift one leg out of the cockpit and
over the side of the kayak and
into the water on one side and then the other leg out and into the water on
the other side, pry
themselves out of the cockpit to sit balanced on the back deck of the kayak,
hop either leg to the
other one on one side of the kayak, stand-up, and walk ashore where they
liberate themselves from
their spray skirt.
Summary of the invention in use:
General:
This invention will be used by the touring paddler for day and multiday
paddling and exploring
excursions in protected intercostal and interior waterways. This invention
eliminates certain short
comings and safety issues associated with the sit-inside kayak while
maintaining this classic craft's
sit-inside protection from the elements and double bladed paddle; which arc
highly appreciated
features.
=
This invention offers a solutions and system approach to paddle touring and
camping with its
purpose-built hull, tri-paddle cockpit with two-piece spray protector system,
craft-pack system, and
= sleeper system.
The full-water-line-length hull with wave piercing bow, asymmetrical contoured
catamaran hulls, and
a planning aft section have been proven in other marine categories to maximize
speed and tracking.
The catamaran contoured central section, besides providing greater stability
than a mono hull,
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ensures that this invention remains level when beached which facilitates entry
and exit and is critical
to using the craft as the base for the sleeper.
The paddler of the tri-paddle craft is not confined to the sit-inside paddling
position during their
entire excursion since this new craft can be paddled with the paddler seated
inside in an enclosed
environment, seated on top in an open, less restricted position, or standing
up for a more aerobic
workout. This invention enables the paddler to configure the cockpit on-the-
fly to address current
or impending weather and sea conditions or exercise different muscle groups
during long stints of
paddling.
The hard-shell, camp and hike, craft-pack system with solar energy modules,
address the explorer's
needs to efficiently pack, stow, and carry the gear, energy, and food required
for extended off-grid
touring. The paddler assembles and divides their gear into camp gear and
hiking gear as they prepare
for their excursion. They then load the compartmentalized, waterproof, packs;
each with integrated
shoulder harnesses. The fully charged portable packs are backpacked to and
from the water's edge
separately which significantly reduces the weight of the craft when carried.
Once everything is at the
water's edge, the larger camp-pack is attached with quick release tie-downs to
the stern and the
smaller hike-pack is stowed on a bench in the forepeak cabin. The hinged solar
module on the hike-
pack is detached and reattached to the posts on the forepeak cabin top and its
charging cable
attached to a cellphone or other electronic gear attached to the gear-and-
assist arch.
The compact and lightweight, waterproof sleeper system, with integrated
shelter and fitted, inflatable
sleeping pad makes full use of the craft as a secure base and can be set up in
minutes for a new level
of camping efficiency and comfort. Minimalist structures, both the shelter and
the pad are folded
into individual mesh bags and stowed beneath the hike-pack bench in the
reverse-bow cabin when
not in use.
Used as a sit-on-top, touring paddle craft:
With this invention, should weather permit, the paddler can detach the spray
protector Velcro,
release the hatch and holding the hatch handles ease it forward until the
hatch is automatically
stowed in the cabin. This now open, sit-on-top (SOT), less restricted paddle
position is favored by
those who like to fish while touring or those touring in warm waters. The
paddle craft angler can
slide the seat forward or backward and rotate the seat for 360-degree fishing.
They can remain
seated or stand up on the wide, level, non-slip, textured platform to fish.
Used as a stand-up and paddle, touring paddle craft:
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This invention with its wide, level, recessed non-slip platform is an
effective stand-up-and-paddle
(SUP) craft. The paddler simply stows the hatch, pivots the cockpit gear-and-
assist arch forward,
slides the seat back to its farthest back position, and exchanges the double-
bladed paddle ends for
the blade and handle ends of a stand-up paddle stowed in the forepeak cabin.
Furthermore, for a
dedicated stand-up session in good paddling conditions the seat and stern camp-
pack can be
detached entirely before starting out.
Used as a sit-inside, touring paddle craft:
When the sit-inside paddler approaches the craft, they will note that of the
three-possible cockpit
configurations the tri-paddle's default configuration is that of an open
cockpit sit-on-top kayak
(SOT). That's because the semi-automatic, sliding cockpit hatch, which is
activated using bungee
cords, is stowed out of the way under the cabin with the bungces at their low
stretch "holding"
position and the spray protector collar and band are buttoned to the seat and
hatch respectively.
The section of the craft between the seat and the cabin is totally open, so
the paddler can easily
verify, depending on their stature, if the seat and footrest are positioned at
the correct position on
the notched slide-track that runs up the center of the cockpit. If they are
not, the paddler loosens
the scat or footrest knobs and adjusts one or both to a more appropriate track
position notch and
retightens the knobs. They also ensure that the scat rotation leaver is in the
down, locked position,
so that the seat is completely stationary while boarding. The tri-paddle will
be fitted with an
electronic rudder therefore there are no rudder pedals or guide wires in the
cockpit.
Once that is accomplished the paddler places the tri-paddle in the water and
steps onto its wide,
level, non-slip textured center platform, reaching simultaneously for an open
spot on the cockpit
assist-and-gear bar protruding forward from the top of the deck and griping it
lower themselves
backwards onto the seat. They then reach forward for the handles on either
side of the sliding
cockpit hatch and pull the hatch back from its stowed under-cabin position and
over their legs until
it docks, water-tight, against the seat and clicks shut. This drawing action
by the paddler tensions the
bungee cords that have one end attached to the inside of the sliding hatch and
the other anchored to
the underside of the cabin. Voila, an instantaneous enclosed cockpit! They
then unsnap the two
front flaps of the seat section of the spray protector, the spray collar,
invert the collar so it is in a
collar-up position and draw the flaps around in front and Velcro them together
just above waist
level. Once that is accomplished they then unsnap the cockpit spray band
section from the hatch,
invert the band and Velcro it onto the already fastened spray collar section.
The paddler, who's
CA 02949798 2016-11-28
paddle is easily retrieved from its resting position beside them, paddles off
totally enclosed in the sit-
inside paddling position.
Should the paddler capsize while in the sit-inside paddling position, having
simply lost their balance
or through wave action in rough seas, they immediately push the release
handles forward which
releases the seat docking mechanism and the hatch is immediately and
automatically pulled forward
into the cabin by the bungees and held there. The push, on the release handles
by the kayaker, and
the pull of the bungies on the hatch automatically detaches the hatch spray
band Velcro as the
paddler and the craft go over. The paddler, in a now completely open cockpit,
falls out in a wet exit.
The weight of the falling paddler automatically detaches the seat spray collar
Velcro.
The craft may be right side up or upside down when the paddler resurfaces but
has no water in it
since even the slightly recessed platform is open at the stern. The paddler,
unencumbered with a
spray skirt, retrieves their paddle and rights the craft, if necessary,
flipping the empty craft from the
rear with one hand on each edge. The buoyant tri-paddle is ready for reentry.
Reentry is simple since
there is no cockpit wall to maneuver over or cockpit opening to wiggle
through. Reaching over to
the center of the craft the paddler grabs the soft attached to the scat track
and pulls themselves into
the recessed center of the deck, pulling their knees up. They effect a quarter
turn onto their back
and push back with their feet against the foot rest, reaching up to grab the
assist-and-gear bar for
leverage, and sit back in the seat. The paddler reaches forward for the hatch
handles and pulls the
hatch towards them. It slides back over the paddlers legs until it is once
again docked with the scat.
The paddler is fully protected inside the enclosed tri-paddle cockpit and
reattaches the scat and
hatch spray protector Velcro. No pump, paddle, or paddle float was required
for reentry
On regular returns to the shore in the seated inside position the paddler
detaches the spray protector
Velcro, pushes the hatch release and eases the hatch into the stowed under-the-
cabin position where
the bungees retain it. They unlock the seat, rotate the seat to one side or
the other and slide off the
scat to stand in the water. If it's a return to a dock, once the paddler has
stowed the hatch, the
paddler grabs hold of the assist-and-gear arch, pulls up into a standing
position, and steps off onto
the dock. The spray collar and spray band always remain attached to the tri-
paddle craft.
This invention offers a more efficient and safer sit-inside craft, a more
versatile and more enjoyable
overall paddling experience, and renders the sit-inside paddling mode an ever-
present component in
present day adventure paddle touring.
Used as a tandem or multi-paddler touring paddle craft system:
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By lengthening the mid-section of the activity deck and hull, one or more
amidships tri-paddle
cockpits can be installed to create a multiple-paddler craft. The amidships
tri-paddle cockpit's cabin
does not have the reverse-bow section of the forepeak cabin and since the
amidships cabin and its
hatch are fitted with a base and track plate this combo is both movable and
removable; along with
the seat. The amidships paddling position can be removed entirely and replaced
with a second,
track-plate-fitted camp-pack for outfitting extended trips.
Each cabin on the multi-paddler craft would contains a hike-pack, with the
solar module detached
from the pack and attached to the cabin top. A tandem could have a conjoined
sleeper. A paddlers
of tri-paddle tandems can paddle a different position than their co-paddler.
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Title: The tri-paddle (TRI)! A fast, versatile, touring paddle craft which has
a semi-automatic tri-
paddle cockpit with integrated two-part spray protector system, a portable
craft-pack system, and an
on-board sleeper system!
Drawings
Having described the invention in general terms above, reference will now be
made to the
accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale;
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the entire invention:
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the tri-paddle's configurations:
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the tri-paddle craft:
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the tri-paddle cockpit:
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the tri-paddle's seat-to-track and seat-to-
hatch
mechanisms:
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the two-piece tri-paddle cockpit spray
protector system:
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the tri-paddle's camp-pack system:
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the tri-paddle's hike-pack system:
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the tri-paddle's on-deck sleeper system:
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the tri-paddle tandem:
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Detailed description of the invention
The embodiments of this invention hereinafter described and referenced by the
preceding drawings,
overcome safety, and efficiency issues with the current touring sit-inside
kayak and enable the craft
= to be used as a sit-on-top-and-paddle craft and a stand-up-and-paddle
craft. The following are some
but not all the embodiments of the claimed invention. This invention may be
embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set
forth herein. Rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable
legal requirements.
Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Fig. 1 is one embodiment of the tri-paddle invention,
In this embodiment, the tri-paddle invention (1) is a new, highly versatile
touring paddle craft. It is
shown in both single cockpit and tandem cockpit versions. Referencing the
single cockpit version
embodied here, it's open-ended, reverse-bow cabin (2), level activity deck
(3), and tri-section hull (4)
combine to provide greater speed, stability and tracking, and enable the
craft's dynamic cockpit (5),
efficient craft-pack system (6&7), and on-deck sleeper (8).
Fig. 2 is one embodiment of the tri-paddle's configurations.
In this embodiment, and in accordance with changing weather and sea
conditions, water and air
temperature states, and excursion objectives the cockpit of the tri-paddle
paddle craft (I'M) can be
configured dynamically¨on-the-fly¨as a sit-inside-the-cockpit-and-paddle (SIN)
touring paddle
craft (9), a sit-on-top-and-paddle (SOT) touring paddle craft (10), or as a
stand-up-and-paddle (SUP)
touring paddle craft (11).
Fig. 3 is one embodiment of the tri-paddle craft.
In this embodiment, the tri-paddle's reversed bow forward cabin (2), the full
length, level activity
deck (3) and full length multi-contoured hull (4) are made of molded composite
or thermoform
plastic. Once formed these aforementioned elements are fused together with
structural adhesives to
become one single seaworthy craft.
The reverse bow cabin (2), protects the paddler from breaking waves which
immediately flow off
and away from the craft and serves as a storage area for the cockpit hatch
(44), the hike-pack (7), the
shelter (96) and the pad (107) once these last two items are folded for
storage. The cabin has a
molded in rail (15) in the center underside to guide the forward and backward
movement of the
cockpit hatch (44). It also has a reinforced area on the sides for the
mechanical attachment of the
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pivoting gear and assist bar (12) and molded in attachments points for the
solar module of the hike-
pack (Fig. 7, 80). The cross section (14) shows the cabin shape at the cockpit
end.
The activity deck (3) is a wide, level expanse with a full toe rail (16);
except for the stern where there
are openings to allow excess water to escape. An indentation in the inside of
the toe rail (19) towards
the bow provides a flat receptive area for the reverse-bow cabin to be
attached with structural
adhesives. A mechanically-attached, aluminum alloy seat track (20) runs up the
middle and is flush
with the deck. There are two groves (17) molded into the deck to guide the
bottom ends of the
cockpit hatch (Fig.4, (44)). A non-slip textured EVA foam pad (22) covers the
entire cockpit area
with cut outs for the seat track (20) and hatch guide groves (17). There is a
removable, bench-like,
molded composite unit (18), with a textured non-slip surface inside the cabin
to secure the hike-pack
(7), so that the pack does not interfere with the movement of the hatch (44)
and so that the folded
shelter (96) and sleeping pad (107) can be stowed beneath. There are
individual indentations in the
activity deck inside the cabin area that correspond to the bench legs and
secure the bench, under the
weight of the hike-pack, in place. The cross sections (23, 24, & 25) provide a
perspective of the
activity deck shape at the dotted lines.
The tri-section hull is comprised of the wave piercing bow (31), the central,
asymmetric semi-
displacement catamaran section (29), and the flat planning aft section with a
hard chine (26).
Corresponding cross sections for these areas are (35, 34, and 33). There are
two bulkheads (28) to
provide extra strength. Further, when the deck and hull arc joined with
structural adhesives, these
bulkheads separate the hull into three sections, the bow section (30), the
amidships section (27), and
the stern section (26). The bow (30) and stern (26) sections form watertight
buoyancy chambers and
the mid-section (27) is filled with light weight composite foam to support the
cockpit area and
provide buoyancy. The boxed-in area at the stern (32) is the space reserved
for the electronic rudder
assembly.
Fig. 4 is one embodiment of the dynamic, tri-paddle cockpit,
= In this embodiment, the dynamic cockpit (5) comprised of a semi-automatic
cockpit hatch (44), a
two-piece, cockpit-integrated spray protector (37 & 45), a track mounted
rotating cockpit scat (36),
and an assist and gear bar (48), which combine to address specific efficiency
and safety issues
associated with sit-inside touring kayaks.
The molded composite bucket seat (36) is permanently fixed to its track
mounting mechanism (Fig.
5, (41)) and the entire assembly can be detached completely from the craft's
activity deck at the point
where the groves in the aluminum alloy track (20), which extends beyond the
cockpit area, opens
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wide enough (40) for the whole unit to be lifted out. The seat has a custom
fitted, detachable, inner
gel-lining (43) designed to conform to the paddler with use. The spray collar
(37) is held to the top
of the seat by a mechanically attached curved aluminum strap (38) and attached
at the sides with
snaps (42).
The molded composite sliding hatch (44) with accordion-fold center section
(55), made of heavy
gauge waterproof-breathable fabric and shaped by rigid plastic battens, is
guided in its forward and
backward movement by the rail (50) under the forepeak cabin and the two guide
groves (17) in the
activity deck. The bungie cords (51), with one end attached to the inside of
the hatch and the other
to the interior of the cabin, activate the hatch's stowing and holding
actions. The paddler can draw
the hatch (44) back over their legs to dock in a watertight manner against the
seat where it will latch
shut (as shown in Fig. 5). The paddler can release the latch (Fig. 5) whereby
the hatch will be drawn
back by the bungies (51) into its holding position stowed under the reverse-
bow cabin.
The aluminum alloy bar (48) assists the paddler to lower or lift themselves to
and from the scat and
doubles as a gear arch. It can be pivoted forward or backwards by loosening
the knob provided (49)
to meet the needs of the paddler at any of the tri-paddle configurations.
Fig. 5 is one embodiment of the seat-to-track and seat-to-hatch mechanisms,
In this embodiment of the sea-to-track mechanism (41) the seat rotator handle
(56) is easily reached
by the paddler. When the paddler pulls up on it the attached chain (57) pulls
up the rod (58) guided
by the seat bottom plate (63), so that it is no longer engaged in one of the
holes (65) in the track
plate (61). The paddler rotates the seat to the desired new position. The
paddler then releases the
rotator handle and the spring (60) forces the rod downward into a new hole in
the track plate (61)
corresponding to that seat position.
To move the seat (36) or foot rest (53) forward or backward the paddler
loosens the screw knobs
(59) so that they are clear of the track, moves the seat and foot rest, and
then tightens the screw
knobs back down into new notches in the track, creating friction with the
track and securing them
again.
In this embodiment of the scat-to-hatch mechanism (54), to release the hatch
from the seat the
paddler pushed forward on the hatch release lever (68), that action causes the
latch (66) to lift. When
the paddler is no longer pushing on the release lever (68) the spring (70)
pulls the latch back into
position until it meets the stopper (69).
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When the hatch is brought back against the scat thc latch (66) is tripped
upwards by the scat pin (62)
and then pulled downward immediately and around the seat pin (62) by the
spring (70).
Fig. 6 is one embodiment of the two-piece tri-paddle cockpit spray protector
system,
In this embodiment, the spray protector is comprised of two independent parts;
the spray collar (37)
which is held to the seat (36) by the mechanically attached aluminum scat
strap (38) and the spray
band (44) which is held on to the sliding hatch (43) by the mechanically
attached aluminum hatch
strap (45).
When not in use, the spray-collar (37) is folded back over the seat (36)
exposing the aluminum strap
(38) and snapped down with the snaps (42). When in use the spray-collar is
unsnapped turned up
and fastened in front of the paddler with the Velcro bands provided (71&72)
and the aluminum
strap (38) is no longer visible.
When not in use, the spray-band (44) is folded back over the hatch (43) and
snapped down with the
band snaps. When in use the spray-band is unsnapped turned up and fastened
onto the spray-collar
with the Velcro bands provided (73&74) once the spray-collar has been fastened
around the paddler.
Fig. 7 is one embodiment of the camp-pack system,
In this embodiment, the portable, molded thermoplastic camp-pack's dimensions
are sized to fit the
contours of the stern of the activity deck, where there are four quick-release
tie down D-rings to
secure it in place. It has an integrated shoulder harness (81) for ease of
transportation and eliminates
the inefficient, item-by-item method of packing the touring kayak's back
storage compartment and,
since it can be transported separately, reduces and the heavy lifting
associated with moving the kayak
to and from the water's edge thereby encouraging multi-day paddling ventures.
The pack is capped with a hinged solar module (80) with a magnetic catch (85)
that houses a solar
panel (75) which faces outward and a battery and charge management system in
its interior which
can be accessed for maintenance by mechanically removing the watertight bottom
panel (84). This
energy generation center provides electricity for the crafts electronic
rudder, craft-pack cooling, and
extension-pole (76) mounted safety light (77), which can be righted vertically
and extended. It also
has an input port for alternative methods of charging the battery (82) and a
USB export port (83) for
charging external electronic gear. The underlying body of the pack (86) is
separated into two
compartments; one for gear (87) and the other, with extra insulation, for food
(88). These
CA 02949798 2016-11-28
compartments are kept dry with a zippered, waterproof-breathable membrane (89)
which is bonded
with structural adhesives to the top section of the molded composite or
thermoplastic shell (86).
Fig. 8 is one embodiment of the hike-pack system
In this embodiment, the portable, molded thermoplastic hike-pack's dimensions
are sized so that the
pack can be stowed in the reverse-bow cabin on the bench like unit that
receives it and contains it.
The hike-pack eliminates the inefficient, item-by-item method of packing the
touring kayak's front
storage compartments and is of a size to double as a hiking pack and thereby
encourage stints of
inland wilderness exploration.
The hike-pack too has an integrated shoulder harness (92). It has a small
solar module dedicated to
cell phone and gear-bar electronics charging. This solar module (90) can be
detached from the pack
and reattached to the anchors on the reverse-bow cabin roof. The underlying
pack (91), is of similar
construction to the camp craft-pack but has the added feature of a bottom
opening panel (94) for
easy access to the pack's contents by the paddler while the craft is on the
water.
Fig. 9 is one embodiment of the on-deck sleeper system,
In this embodiment, the compact on-deck sleeper is made up of the shelter
(96), made of
waterproof, breathable material and the deck-fitted waterproof sleeping pad
(107). It can be set up
quickly and efficiently, to create a secure and comfortable overnight refuge.
The shelter (96) is
retrieved from its place in the cabin, unfolded, and the two aluminum poles
(100 &101), consisting
of three light-weight aluminum tubes with an internal bungee cord, are
deployed and slide into the
front (99) and rear (105) fabric gussets. The four pole ends each with spring
loaded snaps (102) are
slide into the pole receptors (21) until they snap in place. The flange
crimped to the front edge of
the shelter (103) is engaged with the flange (106) mechanically attached to
the top of the forepcak
cabin. The zipper in the back (87) the front (104) are zipped and the sleeping
pad is retrieved from
its storage space in the cabin and is blown up and placed in the cockpit to
completed the process.
Fig. 10 is one embodiment of the tri-paddle tandem,
In this embodiment, the tri-paddle tandem's stretched mid-section supports an
amidships tri-paddle
cockpit (108). The amidships hatch-cabin combo (109) has its own base and
track plate (110), and is
= attached to the aluminum alloy, central, activity-deck track in the same
manner the scat is attached.
This means that the amidships cockpit unit can be moved fonvards or backwards
or removed
entirely. The tri-paddle tandem has a somewhat longer craft-pack (111) and
carries a hike-pack
stowed in each cabin. It has a two-piece con-joined sleeper (112), zippered
together above the
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doorway, that is deployed once the amidships hatch-cabin combo (109) is
removed. The second
cockpit can be removed and a track-plate equipped second camp-pack installed
for extended single-
paddler trips (113). A trio cockpit craft or a quarto cockpit craft are also
possible.
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