Kayak comprising a rowing configuration

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a watercraft including: a hull; a first seat located on the hull, where the first seat is formed into the hull and is configured for operation of the watercraft in a kayaking manner of propulsion; and a second seat located on the hull, where the second seat is attached to the hull, where the second seat is configured for operation of the watercraft in a rowing manner of propulsion.

Description

KAYAK COMPRISING A ROWING CONFIGURATIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 575,267, filed April 5, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates to a watercraft that includes both a standard kayak seat and also a rowing seat.BACKGROUND

[0003] A standard kayak for two kayakers comprises two seats / positions for the kayakers, however the kayakers both face a common direction, e.g., both face forwards in direction of paddling. Hence, the kayakers do not have face-to-face contact.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] One or more embodiments are described below in the Detailed Description section with reference to the following drawings.

[0005] FIG. 1 A presents a kayak comprising both a kayaking seat and a rowing seat, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0006] FIG. IB presents a kayak comprising both a kayaking seat and a rowing seat, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2 presents a drawing of an oar-rig configuration, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0008] FIGS. 3 A- J present various photographs illustrating the kayak and operation of the kayak on water, per the various embodiments presented herein.DESCRIPTION

[0009] The following description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit embodiments and / or application or uses of embodiments. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed and / or implied information presented in any of the description section.

[0010] One or more embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like referenced numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the followingdescription, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the one or more embodiments. It is evident, however, in various cases, that the one or more embodiments can be practiced without these specific details.

[0011] In the following, n is a positive integer.

[0012] FIG. 1A, system 100A, presents a watercraft that is a combination of a conventional sit-on-top kayak and a rowing scull / shell. A kayak 100A (also referenced as kayak 100B in FIG. IB) is presented, wherein kayak 100A is designed for tandem use, enabling a first person to kayak / paddle while a second person rows, wherein the rowing technique can comprise rowing with two oars, commonly referred to as “sculling”. With both the kayaker and the rower facing each other, face-to-face communication can be conducted. Kayak 100 A comprises a hull 115. The hull 115 can be constructed / formed from any suitable material, e.g., a rotomolded polymer such as polypropylene, a fiberglass layup, wood, and suchlike. The rotomolded polymer may be formed using a rotational molding technique in which the resin is added into a mold that heated and rotated slowly (e.g., vertically and / or horizontally). The simultaneous heating and rotation may distribute and fuse the resin on the inner surfaces of the mold. The rotomolded product may be hollow.

[0013] A first seat 105 can be formed into the upper surface of hull 115 in a recessed portion 106 comprising an upper recessed portion 106A (seat) and a lower recessed portion 106B (a footwell), wherein a paddler can sit in the first seat 105 and paddle in a conventional technique for paddling with kayak / double bladed paddle (not shown). In an embodiment, a series of footrests 150A-n can be formed in the hull 115 and located on either side of the lower recessed portion 106B. The footrests 150A-n can be used by a paddler when paddling the watercraft. Footrests 150 A-n are further depicted in FIG. IB. Lower recessed portion 106B can have a curved / narrowing width profile, such that the distance between a pair of opposite footrests 150A-n becomes less as the respective pair of footrests 150A-n are located closer to the front / bow than the rear / stern.

[0014] A second seat 107 (aka rowing seat) can be accommodated in the hull 115 in a recessed portion 108, wherein the recessed portion can comprise of a lower portion 108A (a footwell) and an upper portion 108B. In an embodiment, the second seat 107 can be a sliding seat commonly utilized for a rowing scull / shell. The second seat 107 can slide back and forth in the upper recessed portion 108B, wherein the second seat 107 can have wheels (not shown) that run along rails 109 A-n recessed / located in the recessed portion 108B, wherein the rails109A-n can function to guide the second seat 107 along the recessed portion 108B of the hull 115. Rowing seat 107 can be slidably attached to the hull 115 / recessed portion 108B utilizing an underside retaining plate (not shown). Footrests 140 can be incorporated into the lower recessed area 108A, wherein footrest 140 can include any suitable fastener (e.g., Velcro straps) to locate / secure feet of the rower in second seat 107. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second seat 107 may have a fixed position (e.g., be a non-sliding seat).

[0015] The first seat 105 and / or the second seat 107 may be a rotomolded polymer such as polypropylene. While the first seat 105 and the second seat 107 are shown as being molded into the hull 115, it will be appreciated that other suitable configurations of the first seat 105 and the second seat 107 may be used, such as the first seat 105 and / or the second seat 107 comprising a stadium- style seat attached to the hull 115.

[0016] In an embodiment, a standard “rigger” can be attached to the hull 115, e.g., a rigger and seat arrangement as utilized in a scull / single person rowing shell.

[0017] In another embodiment, kayak 100 is equipped with a pair of oar-rigs 120A-n that can be attached to the hull 115. The oar-rigs 120A-n can be placed in respective recesses 130A-n and vertical slots 135A-n. By placing the oar-rigs 120A-n in the respective recesses 130A-n and slots 135A-n, different physiologies can be accommodated, e.g., different person’s height, arm length, torso length, leg length, etc.

[0018] Turning briefly to FIG. 2, system 200, an oar-rig 120A is depicted. The oarrigs 120A-n can respectively include a horizontal bar 126A-n to which an approximately 90° bar 127A-n is respectively attached. An approximately 90° bar should be understood as a bar forming any suitable angle near 90°, such as an angle of approximately 90°, such as from 85 °- 95°. Accordingly, an oar rig 120A-n can respectively comprise two tubes (one straight 126A- n and the other bent at approximately 90° 127A-n) at precise angle to fit into molded hull recesses 130A-n and vertical slots 135A-n. A horizontal bar 126A-n can be attached to an approximately 90° bar 127 A-n by any suitable technique / technology, e.g., welded together, secured by mechanical fasteners such as nuts and bolts, glued, etc. An approximately 90° bar 127 A-n respectively comprises a first end, horizontal end 129 A-n located at the end of a horizontal portion of the bar 127 A-n, and a second end, vertical end 128A-n. Hence, a first oar-rig 120A comprises a first horizontal bar 126 A with an approximately 90° bar 127 A attached thereto, having a first horizontal end 129A and a second vertical end 128A. A second oar-rig 120B comprises a second horizontal bar 126B with an approximately 90° bar 127B attached thereto, wherein the approximately 90° bar 127B comprises a first horizontal end 129B and a second vertical end 128B. While bar 127 A-n is presented above as being fabricatedwith an approximately 90° angle, the various embodiments are not so limited, and any suitable angle can be utilized.

[0019] Each of the oar-rigs 120A-n can be respectively located on the hull 115. The horizontal bar 126A-n can be located in a recess 130A-n (e.g., grooved portions) formed in the upper surface of the hull 115. Hence, horizontal bar 126A locates in recess 130A, wherein recess 130A is located on a right hand side (RHS) of hull 115, and horizontal bar 126B locates in recess 130B, wherein recess 130B is located on the left hand side (LHS) of the hull 115. The horizontal ends 129A-n can be configured to receive / have attached thereto an oarlock (not shown) configured to retain oars.

[0020] As further shown in FIGS. 1A and IB, hull 115 can have a number of vertical slots 135A-n located proximate to the recess 130A-n. As shown in FIG. 1A, with a horizontal bar 126 A of oar-rig 120A located in recess 130A, the vertical portion / vertical end 128 A of approximately 90° bar 127A can be located in one of the vertical slots 135A-C. In an embodiment, the vertical slots 135A-n can be formed in the sidewall of the lower recessed portion 108A of the hull 115. To enclose each of the vertical slots 135A-n, a plate 170 can be secured in front of the vertical slots 135A-n, whereby the plate 170 can function to secure / retain the vertical portion / vertical end 128 A of approximately 90° bar 127 A in the respective vertical slots 135A-C. Plate 170 can be fabricated from any suitable material, e.g., metal, carbon fiber, plastic, etc. Plate 170 can be attached to hull 115 by any suitable technique, e.g., glued to hull 115, bolted / screwed to hull 115, etc. In a further embodiment, the vertical portion / vertical end 128A of approximately 90° bar 127A can include a push-button fastener (e.g., a spring loaded ball fastener, or suchlike), and the plate 170 can include locating holes, such that when the vertical portion / vertical end 128A of approximately 90° bar 127A is correctly positioned in a respective vertical slots 135A-C, the push-button fastener locates in the respective locating hole in plate 170, thereby locating and securing the vertical portion / vertical end 128 A of approximately 90° bar 127A in the respective vertical slots 135A-C.

[0021] The location of the vertical slots 135A-n relative to the position of seat 107 is such that as the seat 107 slides back and forth during a rowing motion of operation, the respective oar rig 120A-n is positioned to enable motion of oars (e.g., oars 310A-n depicted in FIGS. 3A-3J) in a rowing manner to enable propulsion of the kayak 100.

[0022] It will be appreciated that the oar rig 120A-n can be secured to the hull 115 as described herein in a secure, easy on-off manner, with or without fasteners (e.g., screws / bolts). The oar rig 120A-n can be secured to the hull 115 without requiring fasteners to secure the components together, though fasteners may also be used.

[0023] FIG. IB presents another view of hull 115. As shown in FIGS. 1A and IB carrying handles 190A and 190B can be attached to hull 115, also storage webbing 191 can be attached to hull 115, and further, lidded storage areas 192A and 192B can be included in the hull 115.

[0024] FIGS. 3A-3J present a series of photographs illustrating the kayak 100 in use. FIG. 3 A illustrates the kayak 100 onshore with a pair of rowing oars 310A and 310B located in the oar-rigs 120A / B, wherein the rowing oars 310A and 310B are in a “stowed” configuration. FIG. 3B illustrates the pair of oar rigs 120A / B located on either side of the hull 115, the second seat 107, and the recessed portion 108A / B. FIG. 3C illustrates a person seated in the rowing seat 107, operating a pair of oars 310A and 310B in a “sculling” fashion of rowing, with the pair of oars 310A / 310B attached to hull 115 via the oar rigs 120A / B located respectively on the RHS and LHS of the hull 115. FIG. 3D illustrates the rowing seat 107 and oar-rigs 120A / B. FIG. 3E illustrates a first person (seated in seat 107) operating kayak 100A by rowing with oars 310A / 310B, and a second person (seated in seat 105) operating kayak 100A with a two-bladed kayak paddle. FIG. 3F illustrates the rowing seat 107 and oar-rigs 120A / B. FIG. 3G illustrates the rowing seat 107, the recessed portion 108A / B, the footrest 140, the vertical slots 135A-C and retaining plate 170, with a first oar rig 120A located in one of a first set of vertical slots 135A-C (RHS of hull 115) and a second oar rig 120B located in one of a second set of vertical slots 135D-F (LHS of hull 115). FIG. 3H illustrates a first person 320 sat in the rowing seat 107 and a second person 330 sat in the kayak seat 105 paddling with a double-bladed kayak paddle. FIG. 31 illustrates a person sat in the rowing seat 107, operating the pair of rowing oars 310A / B. FIG. 3J illustrates a person sat on the rowing seat 107, operating kayak 100 solo with a pair of rowing oars 310A / B.

[0025] It is to be appreciated that while the various embodiments presented herein related to a watercraft having a first seat for kayaking and a second seat for rowing, any configuration can be used. For example, a watercraft having just the single seat for rowing having the oar rig configuration as described herein. In non-limiting embodiments with a single seat, the watercraft may only include the rowing pod designed into a smaller hull, which could optionally function separately as a kayaking pod by transforming the rowing pod into a kayaking pod, for example by removing the oar rigs and installing a removable / stationary seat for the kayak paddler or otherwise transforming the rowing pod into a kayaking pod.

[0026] In another example, multiple rowing seats comparable to an arrangement of a conventional rowing shell and the oar rig configuration as described herein may be used, such as a 4-seat rowing hull, an 8-seat rowing hull, and the like. For example, for the 4-seatembodiment, the same rowing and kayaking pods may be used, but they may be positioned adjacent to each other (e.g., similar to 2 hulls from the FIGS, arranged in a side-by-side configuration). The two side-by-side rowers may “sweep” with a single oar each, and likewise the side-by-side paddlers may each have a single paddle.

[0027] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the watercraft may have a first seat facing a first direction and a second seat facing an opposing second direction, such that users seated in the first seat and second seat are facing one another. For example, the first seat and second seat may face toward a center of the watercraft such that both users, in the first and second seat, face the center of the watercraft.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A watercraft, comprising: a hull; a first seat located on the hull, wherein the first seat is formed into the hull and is configured for operation of the watercraft in a kayaking manner of propulsion; and a second seat located on the hull, wherein the second seat is attached to the hull, wherein the second seat is configured for operation of the watercraft in a rowing manner of propulsion.

2. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the first seat and the second seat are aligned along a centerline of the watercraft, first seat is located at the stern end of the watercraft and the second seat is located at the bow end of the watercraft.

3. The watercraft of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of oar rigs attached to the hull, wherein a first oar rig in the pair of oar rigs is attached to the right hand side (RHS) of the watercraft and a second oar rig in the pair of oar rigs is attached to the left hand side (LHS) of the watercraft.

4. The watercraft of claim 3, wherein the first oar rig comprises a first horizontal bar attached to a first approximately 90° bar, and the second oar rig comprises a second horizontal bar attached to a second approximately 90° bar.

5. The watercraft of claim 4, wherein the hull further comprises two sets of vertical slots, a first set of vertical slots are recessed into the RHS of the hull and a second set of vertical slots are recessed into the LHS of the hull.

6. The watercraft of claim 5, wherein the first oar rig locates into a vertical slot in the first set of vertical slots, and the second oar rig locates into a vertical slot in the second set of vertical slots.

7. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the hull is fabricated with rotomolded polymer.

8. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the second seat is a sliding seat configured to move in a slidable manner.

9. A method of operating a watercraft comprising: providing the watercraft comprising: a hull; a first seat located on the hull, wherein the first seat is formed into the hull and is configured for operation of the watercraft in a kayaking manner of propulsion; and a second seat located on the hull, wherein the second seat is attached to the hull, wherein the second seat is configured for operation of the watercraft in a rowing manner of propulsion; arranging a first user in the first seat, the first user operating the watercraft in the kayaking manner of propulsion; and arranging a second user in the second seat, the second user operating the watercraft in the rowing manner of propulsion.

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