Assembled boats and portable boat kits

Abstract

To provide a modular boat or similar structure that is simple and lightweight, yet ensures stability and strength, and is easy to assemble and store. [Solution] An example of an assembly boat (1) is provided, which includes a frame (A), a sheet (C), one or more basket (B), and a plurality of hard float (D), wherein the frame (A) forms the upper frame of the hull of the assembly boat (1), the sheet (C) is mainly made of waterproof processed fabric and engages with the frame (A) by a connector that can be connected without the use of tools, covers at least a part of each member of the one or more basket (B) and the plurality of hard float (D), and forms at least a part of the outer surface of the hull of the assembly boat (1), and the one or more basket (B) and the plurality of hard float (D) are fixed by the tension of the sheet (C) engaged with the frame (A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of floating structures such as ships. The present invention relates to a modular boat and a boat kit comprising its components.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a type of modular ship, a falt boat is known. This is a canoe or kayak that is assembled by covering a framework such as a metal or wooden frame or the hull body with a waterproof hull cloth. Some can be disassembled and stored in a size similar to a backpack, enabling transportation by train or small vehicle and storage in an apartment building.

[0003] As such a falt boat, for example, in Citation 1, a modular canoe composed of a support member, a hull shell, a waterproof hull bag, and an air tube is disclosed. In the modular canoe, the required support member is provided on the hull shell, and a plurality of air tubes are provided around the hull shell. The bottom of the hull shell and the periphery of the plurality of air tubes are covered with a waterproof hull bag and fixed to the support member, which is a monocoque type canoe. According to the document, the plurality of air tubes can be stored in the hull shell, and the support member can be folded as needed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional folding boats, including the canoes described in Reference 1, are optimized as very small vessels for one or two people. Therefore, if the hull structure is used as is to create larger vessels, there is a risk that the hull's stability and strength will be insufficient.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above problems and provide a modular boat that is simple in structure, lightweight, yet ensures stability and strength, and is easy to assemble and store. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a portable boat kit consisting of a set of components for such a modular boat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inventor conceived of employing multiple rigid float sections, and furthermore, enclosing not only the cage section of the hull but also these float sections with hull fabric, thereby completing the present invention. Examples of the present invention include the following embodiments.

[0008] [1] A prefabricated boat comprising a frame section, a seat section, one or more basket sections, and a plurality of hard float sections, The aforementioned frame section forms the upper frame of the hull of the prefabricated boat. The sheet portion is mainly made of waterproof processed fabric and engages with the frame portion by a connector that can be connected without the use of tools, covering at least a part of each of the one or more basket portions and the plurality of hard float portions, and forming at least a part of the outer surface of the hull of the prefabricated boat. The assembly boat is characterized in that the one or more basket sections and the plurality of hard float sections are fixed by the tension of the sheet section engaged with the frame section. [2] The frame portion can be folded without the use of tools, The assembly boat described in [1] above, wherein the seat section and the hard float section can all be stored inside the basket section. [3] A portable boat kit consisting of a set of components including the assembly boat components described in [1] or [2] above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a boat and boat kit that can be easily assembled and disassembled without the use of tools, while having excellent buoyancy stability and strength due to the action of the buoyancy and rigidity of the hard floats. The boat can be constructed to be resistant to capsizing and sinking, and if the components can be stored in a basket, the kit will have even better portability and storage, and will be easier to transport in small vehicles such as light trucks. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This diagram shows a completed model of one embodiment of the prefabricated boat according to the present invention, along with its various components. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a plan view of the assembly-type boat according to the present invention in the embodiment shown in Figure 1. However, the seat portion is omitted. [Figure 3] This is a right side view of the assembly-type boat according to the present invention in the embodiment shown in Figure 1. However, the seat portion is omitted. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a front view of the assembly-type boat according to the present invention, in the embodiment shown. However, the seat portion is omitted. [Figure 5] This figure shows one embodiment of a portable boat kit according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as necessary. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the design can be modified as appropriate without impairing the objective of the present invention.

[0012] 1. Prefabricated boat according to the present invention The prefabricated boat according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the boat of the present invention") (1) includes a frame part (A), a seat part (C), one or more cage parts (B), and a plurality of hard float parts (D). As shown in FIG. 1, the seat part (C) is stretched so as to cover the bottom of the cage part (B) and the plurality of hard float parts (D) from below, and the upper edge thereof is fixed to the frame part (A), whereby the boat of the present invention (1) is constituted. The cage part (B) and the plurality of hard float parts (D) are fixed by the tension of the seat part (C) engaged with the frame part (A), whereby the waterproofness of the hull and the overall integrity can be obtained.

[0013] The dimensions of the boat of the present invention are not particularly limited. For example, the overall length dimension can be in the range of about 8 feet (ft) to about 40 ft or 45 ft. The boat of the present invention can also be in an embodiment where the overall length is about 10 ft or less, and such a boat of the present invention can be used without a ship license without attaching a prime mover of 2 horsepower (1.5 kW) or more. As the overall width, for example, a range of about 3 ft to about 8 ft or 10 ft can be cited, and as the height, for example, a range of about 1 ft to about 3 ft, 4 ft or 5 ft can be cited.

[0014] 1.1 Frame The frame part (A) constitutes the upper frame of the hull of the boat of the present invention (1). The frame part (A) can have a structure that can be folded without using tools. The said structure can be realized using mechanical elements such as hinges (flat hinges, slide hinges, long hinges, insertion and extraction hinges, torque hinges, etc.).

[0015] The base material of the frame part (A) is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that can ensure the rigidity of the upper frame of the hull of the boat of the present invention (1). For example, wood, light metal, and plastic can be cited.

[0016] The frame part (A) can be configured, for example, to have a deck for mounting personnel, luggage, etc. at the front part. The deck may have a structure that can, for example, attach a container for storing caught fish or the like. 1.2 Seat section

[0017] The seat part (C) is mainly made of a waterproof processed fabric and engages with the frame part (A) by a connector that can be connected without using tools. Also, the seat part (C) covers at least a part of each of one or more cage parts (B) and a plurality of hard float parts (D), and constitutes at least a part of the outer surface of the hull of the boat (1) of the present invention.

[0018] The seat part (C) may be configured to cover all of the outer surface of the hull, or may be configured to cover all the sides and the bottom surface of the hull. Also, except for the rear surface of the hull, it can be configured to cover the outer surface of the hull or the sides and the bottom surface of the hull. In the case of the mode of covering except for the rear surface of the hull, for example, it is also possible to attach an outboard motor such as an engine to the rear part of the hull.

[0019] Here, examples of the connector that can be connected without using tools include connectors such as canavila, surface fasteners, ropes, etc.

[0020] The base material of the seat part (C) is not particularly limited as long as it is a processed fabric having waterproof properties. For example, coated processed fabric, laminated processed fabric can be mentioned.

[0021] There is no particular limitation on the base fabric of the processed fabric, but from the viewpoint of stable tension, a polyester base fabric, a nylon base fabric, and an aramid fiber base fabric are preferable.

[0022] Furthermore, as a specific example of the coated fabric, rubberized fabric (rubberized sheet) can be mentioned, and as a specific example of the laminated fabric, blue tarpaulin can be mentioned. Among these, rubberized fabric (rubberized sheet) is preferred from the viewpoint of sufficiently fixing the basket section (B) and the hard float section (D).

[0023] The rubber material used in the above-mentioned rubberized fabric is not particularly limited. Examples include natural rubber (NR), chloroprene rubber (CR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM / EPR), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), nitrile rubber (NBR), butyl rubber (IIR), silicone rubber (Si), fluororubber (FKM), urethane rubber (U), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Among these, CSM, CR, and NBR are preferred from the viewpoint of stable tension, and CSM is even more preferred from the viewpoint of durability.

[0024] 1.3 Basket section The basket section (B) functions as a cargo hold for carrying personnel and cargo. The boat (1) of the present invention requires at least one basket section (B), but there may be two, three, or more basket sections (B). There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the basket section. For example, it may be a box shape as shown in Figures 1-4, or it may have a streamlined shape that reduces water resistance.

[0025] The base material of the cage section (B) is not particularly limited, as long as it is a material that can ensure buoyancy and rigidity even when loaded with personnel or cargo. Examples include lightweight resin and aluminum alloy.

[0026] 1.4 Hard float section The hard float section (D) is a rigid float that stabilizes the buoyancy of the boat (1) of the present invention and improves the strength of the hull, and is arranged around the basket section (B) as shown in Figures 2 to 4. For example, a lateral float (Da) can be preferably used as a float to adjust the moment due to the buoyancy on the left and right, and a forward float (Db) and a rear float (Dc) can preferably be used as floats to adjust the moment due to the buoyancy on the front and rear.

[0027] The boat (1) of the present invention does not need to be equipped with all of these floats (Da, Db, Dc), but from the viewpoint of hull strength, it is appropriate to be equipped with at least a lateral float (Da). Furthermore, for example, if the boat (1) of the present invention has a deck on the frame section (A) so that personnel, luggage, or catches can be loaded at the front of the hull, or if an outboard motor or the like is mounted at the rear of the hull, it is preferable to be equipped with a forward float (Db) and / or a rear float (Dc).

[0028] The hard float section (D) can be fixed to the basket section (B) and frame section (A) or connected to each other using hook-and-loop fasteners, carabiners, or other connectors. By using such connectors, the boat (1) of the present invention can be assembled without the use of tools.

[0029] The base material of the hard float section (D) is not particularly limited, as long as it is a material that can ensure buoyancy and rigidity even when it is tightened together with the cage section (B) by the sheet section (C). Examples include hard plastics, metal materials, and special hard materials / composite materials.

[0030] Examples of the hard plastics mentioned above include ABS resin, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polycarbonate (PC). Among these, ABS resin is preferred from the viewpoint of strength, rigidity, and impact resistance.

[0031] Specifically, the above-mentioned metal materials include stainless steel (SUS), aluminum alloy, and titanium.

[0032] Examples of the special hard materials and composite materials mentioned above include hard rubber (such as NBR / phenolic resin), syntactic foam, and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP).

[0033] 1.5 Other components, etc. The boat (1) of the present invention may be equipped with other components as appropriate, such as a prime mover such as an engine and oars. It may also be equipped with legally mandated equipment and rescue supplies such as flags and flares.

[0034] 2. Portable boat kit according to the present invention The portable boat kit (hereinafter referred to as the "Kit of the Invention") (2) according to the present invention is characterized by consisting of a set of components including those of the Boat of the Invention (1). As shown in Figure 5, the Kit of the Invention (2) can be made compact by folding the frame section (A) and the seat section (C), and the seat section (C) and hard float section (D) can all be stored inside the basket section (B). Furthermore, the Kit of the Invention (2) may also be configured such that the frame section (A) can be stored inside the basket section (B), or the folded frame section (A) can be placed on top of the basket section (B).

[0035] The frame section (A) can be designed to be folded in various ways without the use of tools, such as in a bi-fold, roll-up tri-fold, outward tri-fold, gatefold, or accordion fold. Therefore, by folding the frame section (A) and the sheet section (C), and storing the entire structure, including the hard float section (D), inside the basket section (B), the overall size can be reduced, significantly reducing the storage space required. Furthermore, if multiple basket sections (B) are used, the dimensions of each basket section (B) can be designed to nest together, allowing all of them to be stored together as a single unit.

[0036] The present invention kit (2) may include all the components of the present invention boat (1), or it may include only some of the components. From the viewpoint of immediate use, it is appropriate that the present invention kit (2) is a set including at least a frame section (A), a seat section (C), one or more basket sections (B), and a plurality of hard float sections (D). If the assembled present invention boat (1) is equipped with a prime mover such as an engine, oars, flags, flares, and other components, the present invention kit (2) may also include these other components.

[0037] Therefore, depending on the embodiment of the present invention kit, it can be stored and transported, for example, in the cargo bed of a light truck (generally approximately 1,940 mm in length, 1,410 mm in width, and 290 mm in height). [Industrial applicability]

[0038] The boat and boat kit of the present invention are easy to assemble and transport, and can be used on rivers, lakes, and the sea. Their structure allows for use in a variety of applications, from leisure to disaster evacuation, rescue, educational materials, and defense. Therefore, their industrial applications can be expanded to include leisure, evacuation, rescue, defense, and military use. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1. The boat of the present invention A Frame section B Basket section C Seat Section D, Da, Db, Dc Hard float section 2. Kit of the present invention

Claims

1. A prefabricated boat comprising a frame, a seat, one or more basket sections, and multiple hard float sections, The aforementioned frame section forms the upper frame of the hull of the prefabricated boat. The sheet portion is mainly made of waterproof processed fabric and engages with the frame portion by a connector that can be connected without the use of tools, covering at least a part of each of the one or more basket portions and the plurality of hard float portions, and forming at least a part of the outer surface of the hull of the prefabricated boat. The assembly boat is characterized in that the one or more basket sections and the plurality of hard float sections are fixed by the tension of the sheet section engaged with the frame section.

2. The aforementioned frame can be folded without the use of tools. The assembly boat according to claim 1, wherein the seat portion and the hard float portion can all be stored inside the basket portion.

3. A portable boat kit comprising a set of components for the assembly boat described in claim 1 or 2.

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