Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Shapeshifting multi-mode personal watercraft
This invention relates to multi-mode personal watercraft. It also relates to a
method
of assembling a multi-mode personal watercraft and a kit of parts for assembly
into a
multi-mode personal watercraft.
Background
1.0 In the field of nautics there are several different types of
watercraft, each being
suited to a particular mode of operation. For example, kayaks canoes and
dinghies
are generally suitable for paddling, whereas yachts, catamarans and sailing
dinghies
are generally suitable for sailing. Further modes of operation include rowing,
sculling, pedal power, stand-up paddling, outboard motor power.
However, in some applications it may be desirable to travel for a portion of a
journey
in a first mode, and to proceed for another portion of a journey in a second
mode. In
the prior art, this would be achieved through the provision of multiple
different
watercraft. This is both inconvenient and expensive for a user. Alternatively,
a user
could attempt to operate a single watercraft in two different modes. However,
as
prior art watercraft are suited to only one mode of operation, the watercraft
would
operate sub-optimally in a second mode of operation.
It is an aim of the present invention to overcome some of the drawbacks set
out
above. This aim is achieved by providing a single watercraft, wherein a user
can
alter the shape of the watercraft. This allows the craft to perform optimally
in multiple
modes, e.g. the shape of a craft can initially be of the form of a kayak to
operate in a
first mode (paddling), and the user can alter the shape of the craft from a
kayak form
to a catamaran form to operate in a second mode (sailing). The shape of the
craft
can be altered in shape for operation in further modes (sculling, stand-up
paddling,
outboard motor powered travel, etc).
Additionally, in the field of nautics watercraft are generally built in a
workshop or
docks and sold to an end user fully assembled. This has the advantage that the
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watercraft are ready to use immediately on purchase. However, this has the
drawback that watercraft must be transported fully assembled to their intended
point
of use. This can be inconvenient for a user as fully assembled watercraft are
relatively large and bulky. For example, they cannot be carried by a user as
hand
luggage on an aeroplane, but must be shipped separately. This can be expensive
and time-consuming.
It is a further aim of the present invention to overcome some of the drawbacks
set
out above. This aim is achieved by providing a watercraft that is modular,
i.e. the
watercraft comprises discrete modules that can be readily assembled by an end
user
into a functioning watercraft. By providing the watercraft as a plurality of
modules,
the watercraft can be stowed in a compact form when not in use. For example,
each
of the modules can fit into a backpack which is portable (i.e. it can be
readily carried
by an average able-bodied person) and can be carried on an aeroplane as hand
luggage. As an example, a backpack of dimensions 52cm by 35cm by 22cm, and
weight 5-10kg could be described as being portable. However, a backpack
containing a watercraft according to the present invention is preferably no
heavier
than 6kg in a basic mode (e.g. for paddling), and no more than 14kg with other
varying modes of operation (e.g. including a sailing rig). In both of these
cases, the
dimensions would still comply with maximum backpack dimensions.
Summary of the invention
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a
watercraft comprising:
a first section;
a second section; and
a connecting element joining the first section to the second section,
wherein the connecting element has a first unextended state and a second
extended state, and wherein the connecting element can be moved between the
first
and second states to alter the relative positions of the first and second
sections.
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The first and second sections could respectively comprise first and second
floats.
The first and second floats could be inflatable, or formed of a rigid
material. Where
they are formed of a rigid material first and second floats could be hollow or
solid.
The connecting element could comprise an inflatable cross-strut. The
connecting
element could comprise a telescopic cross-strut. The connecting element could
comprise a hinged cross-strut.
The hinged cross-strut could be connected to a rotatable or moveable pole
which is
operable by a user aboard the watercraft to move the hinged cross-strut
between the
first and second states to alter the relative positions of the first and
second sections.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided
a
watercraft comprising a plurality of discrete modules, wherein each of the
modules
comprise complementary parts of a releasable attachment means.
One of the modules could be a float. One of the modules could be a cross-
strut.
The cross-strut could have a first unextended state and a second extended
state,
and the cross-strut could be moveable between the first and second states.
The releasable attachment means could comprise a zip fastener.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a
kit of
parts comprising:
first and second floats; and
a cross-strut,
wherein each end of the cross-strut comprises a first part of a releasable
attachment means, and
wherein each of the floats comprise complementary second parts of a
releasable attachment means.
The first and second floats could be inflatable, or formed of a rigid
material. Where
they are formed of a rigid material first and second floats could be hollow or
solid.
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The connecting element could comprise an inflatable cross-strut. The
connecting
element could comprise a telescopic cross-strut. The connecting element could
comprise a hinged cross-strut.
The releasable attachment means could comprise a zip fastener.
In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided
a
method of assembling a watercraft, the method comprising the steps of:
io providing first and second floats;
providing a cross-strut,
wherein each end of the cross-strut comprises a first part of a releasable
attachment means, and
wherein each of the floats comprise complementary second parts of a
releasable attachment means;
connecting the first part of the releasable attachment means of the cross-
strut
to the second part of the releasable attachment means of the first float; and
connecting the first part of the releasable attachment means of the cross-
strut
to the second part of the releasable attachment means of the second float.
In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided
a
method of changing the shape of a watercraft, the watercraft comprising:
a first section;
a second section; and
a connecting element joining the first section to the second section,
wherein the connecting element has a first unextended state and a second
extended state,
the method comprising the step of:
moving the connecting element between the first and second states to alter
the relative positions of the first and second sections
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Detailed description
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in
which:
5
Fig. 1 schematically shows a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of
the
present invention; and
Fig. 2 schematically shows sectional and partial views of some of the
components of
Fig. 1;
3.0 Fig. 3 schematically shows the watercraft of Fig. 1, showing additional
details;
Fig. 4 schematically shows a load dispersant frame assembly for use with the
watercraft of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5a schematically shows a cross section of the float of Fig. 3 to show
item 8 in
more detail;
Fig. 5b schematically shows a cross section of the float of Fig. 3, to show
item 14 in
more detail;
Fig. 6 schematically shows a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of
the
invention being operated in a first mode (left hand side) and a second mode
(right
hand side);
zo Fig. 7 schematically shows three examples of extendable cross-struts
suitable for
use in the present invention;
Fig. 8 schematically shows a plan view of a watercraft in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 9 schematically shows a plan view of a watercraft in accordance with a
further
embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 10 schematically shows a modular paddle for use with the present
invention;
and
Fig. 11 schematically shows a rotatable seat for use with the present
invention.
Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a watercraft in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The watercraft comprises a pair of floats
2
which are elongate and extend substantially parallel to one another. The
floats 2 are
connected together by a first cross-strut 3 and a second cross-strut 4. The
floats 2
shown are made of a polymer material (for example polyester) and are
inflatable.
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The floats 2 may be inflated via a valve 9. However, in other embodiments
rigid
hollow floats may be used, or completely solid floats. The floats may also
have
pressure release valve (not shown) to relieve pressure and prevent explosion,
e.g. in
strong sunlight or due to overinflation.
In Fig. 1 a fully assembled watercraft is shown. However, the floats 2, the
first cross-
strut 3 and the second cross-strut 4 comprise discrete separate modules that
can be
joined to each other by an end user. This can be seen more clearly in Fig. 2.
Fig. 2 schematically shows sectional and partial views of some of the
components of
Fig. 1. The upper part of Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the
attachment point
between one of the floats 2 and the cross-strut 3. The float 2 comprises a
first half 5
of an attachment means, and the cross-strut 3 comprises a complementary second
half 6 of an attachment means. The first and second halves 5, 6 of the
releasable
attachment means are configured to engage with one another to secure the cross-
strut 3 and the float 2 together. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the first half
5 of the
attachment means comprises a first half of a toothed zip connector, and the
second
half 6 of the attachment means comprises a corresponding second half of a
toothed
zip connector. However, alternative attachment means could also be used, for
example, hook and loop fasteners, latches, straps, hasps, chains or any other
suitable attachment means. The attachment means could removably or permanently
attach the cross-strut to the floats.
The lower part of Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the attachment point between one
of
the floats 2 and the cross-strut 3. An air channel 7 is provided between the
float 2
and the cross-strut 3. This allows air to flow between the float 2 and the
cross-strut
3, and so a single inflation point can be provided on the watercraft rather
than
respective inflation points for each component. A blocking means 8, in the
form of a
releasable clip, is provided on the air channel 7, so that the interiors of
the float 2
and the cross-strut 3 can be isolated from each other once inflated. This can
be
useful in ensuring that the entire vessel does not deflate if a puncture
occurs in one
of the float 2 and the cross-strut 3.
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Fig. 3 schematically shows the watercraft of Fig. 1, showing additional
details. In
Fig. 3 a pair of floats 1 are connected together by a first cross-strut 2 and
a second
cross-strut 17. The first cross-strut 2 is connected to the floats 1 by a pair
of
circumferential zips (one of which can be seen, indicated as item 7). The
cross-strut
2 is inflatable via a valve 6 and contains an expandable section 36. One of
the floats
has a mounting point 14, which is secured into float 1 via an integral flange
13 (this
will be described in more detail in Fig. 5b).
Each float has a tapered front end 3 (only one indicated) that allows impact
3.0
absorption. The floats carry a plurality of retaining means 15 for attaching a
load
dispersant frame assembly to the watercraft. In Fig. 3 a simple strap and
buckle is
shown for retaining means 15, but any suitable retaining means could be used
in
practice. Fig. 3 shows only a single retaining means 15, but in practice more
than
one retaining means would generally be used.
The floats each comprise an inner skin and an outer skin. The outer skin is
formed
of a material that stretches less than the inner material. The inner material
may be
formed of a hard wearing laminate, for example a polyurethane coated polymer
textile (such as nylon) to prevent chafing between the inner and outer skins.
The
outer material may be formed of polyester to prevent salt water resistance and
minimal stretch. The inner skin is generally welded together to provide an
airtight
enclosure. The outer skin is generally stitched. Alternatively, the floats can
be of a
single airtight material, e.g. HypeIon (RTM) or polyvinylchloride (PVC).
A zip 12 in the outer skin provides access to the inner skin of the float.
This allows a
user to remove or replace the inner skin.
Item 35 indicates a removable safety chamber. The safety chamber is inflatable
and
provides additional or redundant buoyancy. This can prevent the watercraft
from
sinking if a float or cross-strut is punctured. The safety chamber also
prevents the
watercraft from rotating or overturning if a float or cross-strut is
punctured. The
safety chamber 35 in Fig. 3 is attached to the float with a zip, although any
attachment means could be used in practice. Said safety chamber can be
retracted
behind a panel for deployment as required.
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Item 8 is a rigid panel that acts to maintain the cross-sectional shape of the
float 3.
In Fig. 3 the rigid panel is attached retained on the end of the float 3 by a
sphincter 9.
However, the rigid panel 8 could also be attached to float 3 by being trapped
between the inner skin and the outer skin. Alternatively, the rigid panel 8
could be
attached by a separate attachment means (e.g. a releasable clip).
Items 5 and 11 in Fig. 3 correspond to items 7 and 8 in Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 schematically shows a load dispersant frame assembly for use with the
watercraft of Fig. 3. The frame comprises longitudinal members, which lie in
the
direction of the length of the watercraft, and transverse members 51, 52,
which lie at
right angles to the longitudinal members, as shown. Corner pieces connect the
longitudinal members to the transverse members 51, 52.
The transverse members 51, 52 are extendable to accommodate the expansion of
the watercraft in the transverse direction. The transverse members may either
include expansion pieces to extend their length, or they may be telescopic.
zo The centre longitudinal member carries attachment means for a bench 56 upon
which a user may sit in use. The bench 56 may be a rigid piece, or may be
formed
of a flexible material or a mesh. The foremost transverse member carries a
mast
foot bracket 55 for a mast foot assembly. A mast foot bracket support (or
supports)
57 runs between the mast foot bracket 55 and the transverse member 51, or to a
suitable position on the frame or the floats. The mast foot bracket support 57
prevents fore and aft movement of the mast foot bracket 55 (and hence the
mast).
The rearmost transverse member 52 carries a mounting point for a rudder post
53,
which may carry a rudder 54.
Fig. 5a schematically shows a cross section of the float of Fig. 3 to show
item 8 in
more detail. A rigid panel 10 is held in the end of a float 1 by a sphincter
16.
Fig. 5b schematically shows a cross section of the float of Fig. 3, to show
item 14 in
more detail. The mounting point 14 is firmly maintained in a position by rigid
flange
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20. Fig. 5b depicts the mounting point in a substantially vertical position,
however
said position could be at any angle about the circumference to provide a
mounting
point for components as required. The flange 20 comprises an arched section 18
which is shaped to conform to the shape of the outer skin of the float 21 when
it is
fully inflated, such that the skin of the float forms a smooth continuous
circle which
includes the arched section 18. The arched section is connected to the outer
skin of
the float by attachment means 19 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5b. However,
alternatively the arched section 18 could be formed integrally with the outer
skin of
the float, e.g. it could be made of a rigid plastics material which is moulded
into the
3.0 flexible plastics material of the float skin. Alternatively, the arched
section 18 could
be trapped between the inner skin and outer skin of the float to hold it in
place.
Fig. 6 schematically shows a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of
the
invention being operated in a first mode (left hand side) and a second mode
(right
hand side).
On the left hand side of Fig. 6 the watercraft (which comprises a pair of
floats 2
connected by an extendable cross strut 3) is shown in a first configuration
having a
first shape. The shape of the first configuration is a kayak shape. In this
configuration, the cross strut 3 is unextended, and so the floats 2 are in
close
proximity to one another, giving the watercraft a relatively narrow shape.
This shape
makes the watercraft suitable for paddling, and the user can be seen operating
the
watercraft using a paddle 4.
On the right hand side Fig. 6 the watercraft is shown in a second
configuration
having a second shape. The shape of the second configuration is a catamaran
shape. In this configuration, the cross strut 3 is extended, and so the floats
2 are
distant from one another, giving the watercraft a relatively wide shape. This
shape
makes the watercraft suitable for sailing, and the user can be seen operating
the
watercraft using a sail 5. In addition, the wider shape offers increased
resistance to
capsize or overturn especially while sailing.
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Fig. 7 schematically shows three examples of extendable cross-struts suitable
for
use in the present invention. The three examples are shown on the left hand
side in
an unextended state and on the right hand side in an extended state.
5 The top example shows an inflatable cross-strut 3. The cross-strut 3
comprises an
expansion sleeve 7 which is contained within the cross-strut 3 in its
unextended
state. The expansion sleeve is prevented from extending the length of the
cross-
strut 3 due to a circumferential zip, which is the closed configuration in the
unextended state of the cross-strut. A reinforcing pole 10 runs through the
cross-
10 strut 3 to give it extra rigidity, and this can slide in a recess (shown
in dotted lines) as
the cross-strut 3 extends. However, in some applications the reinforcing pole
can be
omitted entirely.
To move the cross-strut from the unextended state to the extended state, the
circumferential zip is unzipped into the open configuration. The expansion
sleeve 7
fills with air from the interior of the cross-strut 3 and the sections of the
cross-strut 3
are moved away from one another by the expansion of the expansion sleeve 7.
This
has the effect of moving the floats 2, to which the ends of the cross-strut 3
are
connected, away from one another.
While the above mechanism has been described with reference to a cross-strut,
it
could also be applied to a float of the watercraft in order to extend the
length of the
watercraft.
The middle example shows a telescopic cross-strut 3. The cross-strut 3
comprises a
pair of poles, wherein one of the poles is received within the other pole.
On the left hand side the cross-strut 3 is shown in an unextended state,
wherein one
pole is completely received inside the other pole. The poles can be retained
in this
state via securing means (not shown), for example a projection on one pole can
be
received in a recess in a surface of the other pole, or the poles can be
locked,
chained or tied together, or secured with any other suitable means.
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To move the cross-strut from the unextended state to the extended state, the
user
disengages the securing means to allow relative movement between the poles.
With
the securing means released, the user can then pull one pole out of the other
pole to
move the floats away from one another. Once the cross-strut 3 is fully
extended the
securing means can be re-engaged to retain the poles at their relative
positions.
Alternatively, a second securing means can be used to retain the poles at
their
relative positions.
The bottom example shows a cross-strut 3 comprising a pair of hinged poles.
On the left hand side the cross-strut 3 is shown in an unextended state,
wherein the
hinges poles are secured with an acute angle between the poles. The poles can
be
retained in this state via securing means (not shown), for example a locking
pin can
be passed through an aperture in the hinge to prevent angular rotation of the
poles,
or the poles can be locked, chained or tied together, or secured with any
other
suitable means.
To move the cross-strut from the unextended state to the extended state, the
user
disengages the securing means to allow relative angular movement between the
zo poles. With the securing means released, the user can then increase the
angle
between the poles to move the floats away from one another. Once the cross-
strut 3
is fully extended the securing means can be re-engaged to retain the poles at
their
relative angular positions. Alternatively, a second securing means can be used
to
retain the poles at their relative angular positions. Intermeshing gears or
toothed
cogs can be used to maintain symmetrical angular movement between the poles.
Fig. 8 schematically shows a plan view of a watercraft in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The watercraft comprises a pair of floats 2
connected
by two cross-struts 3. The cross-struts 3 are of the hinged type described
with
respect to Fig. 7. A rotatable pole runs down the central axis of the
watercraft. In
use, a user sits on a bench 11 connecting the two floats. The bench 11 is made
of a
flexible material to accommodate relative movement of the floats 2.
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The hinges of the cross-struts 3 are threaded on the ends of the rotatable
pole.
Rotation of the pole acts to move central portion of the hinges towards or
away from
one another, and so control the relative angular position of the hinged cross-
struts 3.
The left hand side of Fig. 8 shows the cross-struts 3 in their unextended
states,
putting the watercraft in a kayak form for paddling. The right hand side of
Fig. 8
shows the cross-struts 3 moved to their respective extended states, putting
the
watercraft in the catamaran form for sailing. The rotation pole has a rotation
handle
that can be manipulated by a user sat on bench 11 as shown. This allows a user
to
alter the shape of the watercraft, even when it is in use, i.e. on the water.
3.0
While the above example has been described with a threaded pole and the two
hinged cross-struts moving towards one another when moving to their unextended
states, it would also be possible to link the hinged cross-struts together
with an
unthreaded pole attached to each hinge. In this case, the pole could simply be
moved along the length of the watercraft by a user, and the hinged cross-
struts
would move in the same direction as the pole is moved to put them into their
extended or unextended states. The hinges could be locked in their extended or
unextended states, e.g. by passing a locking pin through each hinge. This
arrangement is shown in Fig. 9.
Fig. 9 schematically shows a plan view of a watercraft in accordance with a
further
embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 9 the watercraft comprises a pair of
floats 71
connected by telescopic cross-struts 72. The floats 71 are also connected by a
pair
of hinged cross-struts 81, hinged at respective points 75 and 77. The hinge
points
75, 77 form receptacles for a rudder post 76 and a mast 78 bearing a sail 79.
The hinge points 75, 77 are connected to one another by a longitudinal
connecting
member 73, which is moveable fore and aft as indicated by arrows 74.
.. Item 80 is a flexible component, such as a webbing strap. A user can
transfer their
weight to the strap, which acts to draw the floats towards one another, and so
enables the telescopic members 72 to move with less friction than if a user
sat on
the telescopic members 72 directly.
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Extension and retraction of the cross-struts is effected by a user moving the
longitudinal connecting member either fore or aft. Alternatively, extension of
the
cross-struts can be effected by a user sitting on one of the two floats and
pushing
against the other float with their feet.
Fig. 10 schematically shows a modular paddle for use with the present
invention.
The paddle comprises a pair of paddle shaft sections 40 and a pair of paddle
blades
41. The modularity of the paddle allows these component parts to be used as
multiple components of a watercraft as shown in the lower section of Fig. 9.
3.0
For example, the paddle blade 41 can be used as a rudder of the watercraft as
indicated at reference numeral 47. A paddle shaft section 40 can be used as a
tiller
of the watercraft as indicated at reference numeral 46. A bracket 49 on a rear
part of
the watercraft is used to locate the rudder (paddle blade 41) and allow it to
rotate.
The paddle is removably received in the bracket 49, and it can be removed for
use in
paddling.
A paddle blade 41 and paddle shaft section 40 together can be used as a keel
or
centre board of the watercraft as indicated at reference numeral 44. A bracket
45 is
zo attached to a seat frame of the watercraft, to which the paddle shaft
section 40 can
be attached. The bracket 45 allows the keel assembly (combined paddle blade 41
and paddle shaft section 40) to rotate both fore and aft.
A mast foot bracket 43 is attached to the watercraft as previously described.
A mast
pole 42 bearing a sail S is located in mast foot bracket 43, which allows the
mast
pole 42 to rotate. The mast pole 42 may be telescopic or segmented to allow a
variety of lengths of the mast pole 42.
Fig. 11 schematically shows a rotatable seat for use with the present
invention. The
seat is particularly useful for angling / fishing from a watercraft.
Fig. 11 shows a watercraft comprising a pair of floats 63 connected by a pair
of
cross-struts 62 having a platform therebetween. The rotatable seat comprises a
rotatable base section 61 which is rotatably mounted on a central mounting
point on
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the platform and can rotate in the directions indicated by arrows 68. A
locking
mechanism 65 is provided within reach of the seat user which is operable to
brake
rotation of the rotatable base 61 and lock it in place. The rotatable base
section 61
has a backrest 64. A footrest 66 is also attached to the rotatable base
section 61,
and a rod holder, e.g. for a fishing rod, is attached to the footrest 66.
Alternative arrangements
io The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed
above, and other
possibilities will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example,
20
30
