Inflatable kayak

Abstract

A selectively inflatable kayak that includes at least one elongated pneumatically inflatable flexible tube which when inflated defines a passenger compartment and relatively narrow bow and stern sections. A flexible cover extends over the elongated pneumatically inflatable tube extending between and at least partially encasing it to provide an open passenger compartment and floor for the kayak. Cylindrical sheaths are sized to fit over and be received by the elongated pneumatically inflatable tube along the sections of the tube defining the sides of the passenger compartment. Extensions to the flexible cover are also provided at the bow and stern sections of the passenger compartment to drape over and separate the elongated pneumatically inflatable tube from the passenger compartment at those locations.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 824,797 filed on Jul. 3, 2007.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention deals with a selectively inflatable watercraft which can be stored in relatively compact volumes and which are pneumatically inflatable to provide a fully functional kayak for single or multi-passenger use. The present invention is intended to improve upon prior art designs by adding structural members only to selective portions of the pneumatically inflatable peripheral tube to enable the tube to be inflated to higher pressures while restricting tube expansion in selective areas.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]There are many reasons while kayak users find inflatable products desirable. Not only are such products capable of being reduced to a relatively small compact size for storage, but an inflatable watercraft is the only viable option when one requires the ability to carry, via backpack, watercraft t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

It is simply not practical to carry rigid non-collapsible water craft, such as a kayak, over land to be used only when the trip involves aquatic activities.

Despite the obvious benefits inherent in inflatable kayaks, there certainly are some limitations that have prevented such watercraft from being universally embraced.

Bending and flexure of inflatable kayaks provide undesirable characteristics which limit their universal acceptance despite the portability considerations recited above.

However, there is no similar limiting structure within the open passenger compartment so that as pneumatic pressure is increased, the pneumatically inflatable tubes encroach upon the open passenger compartment until they become intrusive.

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