Inflatable watercraft

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a watercraft comprising a first inflatable panel, a second inflatable panel and a third inflatable panel, each of which being configured with at least one fold to thereby create a non-planar shape when inflated, wherein the first panel, the second panel and the third panel are joined in an abutting relation to cooperate to form a hull.

Description

INFLATABLE WATERCRAFTFIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an inflatable watercraft. In particular, the invention relates to an inflatable kayak style watercraft.BACKGROUND

[0002] Personal watercraft such as canoes and kayaks provide a popular leisure activity. While the rigid hulls of typical personal watercraft provide rigidity, strength and hydrodynamic performance, they are typically heavy and bulky, and so can be difficult to transport. This is particularly disadvantageous when a single person must move a kayak without assistance, which is a common scenario in the case of a single seat kayak.

[0003] Inflatable watercraft have been developed that allow for the watercraft to be transported in a deflated state and inflated prior to use. While beneficial for transport and storage, inflatable kayaks typically lag well behind rigid vessels in structural strength and on-water performance. Furthermore, the inflatable structure tends to result in architecture that may not be favorable for kayaking. Many other tradeoffs are encountered when using an inflatable structure that may not be favorable to kayaking, such as incorporating noninflatable components into the kayak in order to achieve sufficient stiffness, buoyancy or hydrodynamic performance. In other cases, the tradeoffs result in a kayak with limited capability such as slow speed or being suitable to still water only.

[0004] In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to produce inflatable kayaks with improved transportability and on-water performance. This is an ongoing need, and improvements in this area represent an advance in the art.SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of existing arrangements, or at least provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a watercraft comprising a first inflatable panel, a second inflatable panel and a third inflatable panel, each of which being configured with at least one fold to thereby create a non-planar shape when inflated, wherein the first panel, the second panel and the third panel are joined in an abutting relation to cooperate to form a hull.

[0007] In embodiments, the fold of the first inflatable panel defines an upper portion at a non- planar included angle to a lateral portion; wherein the fold of the second inflatable panel defines an upper portion at a non-planar included angle to a lateral portion; wherein said upper portion of the first inflatable panel and said deck portion of the second inflatable panel cooperate to form a top structure of the watercraft.

[0008] In embodiments, the upper portion of the first panel and the upper portion of the second panel join at a non-planar included angle thereby forming a central ridge along at least a portion of top structure.

[0009] In embodiments, the first panel and the second panel are arranged symmetrically about the central ridge.

[0010] In embodiments, the third panel has two folds thereby defining a main floor portion central to a first lateral portion and an opposing second lateral portion.

[0011] In embodiments, the first lateral portion of the third panel angles upwardly from the main floor portion and joins at a non-planar included angle with the transition portion of the first panel.

[0012] In embodiments, the first lateral portion and the first transition portion cooperate to form an outer ridge along at least a portion of a first side structure of the kayak.

[0013] In embodiments, the second lateral portion of the third panel angles upwardly from the main floor portion and joins at a non-planar included angle with the transition portion of the second panel.

[0014] In embodiments, the main floor portion is substantially flat and configured to orient horizontally in use.

[0015] In embodiments, the second lateral portion and the second transition portion cooperate to form an outer ridge along at least a portion of a first second structure of the kayak.

[0016] In embodiments, the hull is substantially enclosed in the style of a sit-in kayak.

[0017] In embodiments, the hull is substantially open in the style of an open-top kayak.

[0018] In embodiments, each of the first panel, the second panel and the third panel are formed with an internal drop-stitch construction.

[0019] In embodiments, each of the first panel, the second panel and the third panel are formed with a flexible PVC shell.

[0020] In embodiments, the first panel, second panel and third panel are respectively joined using flexible PVC patches.

[0021] In embodiments, moulded caps are applied to a bow and stem of the hull.

[0022] In embodiments, each of the first panel, the second panel and the third panel are independently inflatable.

[0023] In embodiments, the watercraft comprises at least one removably attachable accessory.

[0024] In embodiments, at least one removably attachable accessory is a seat and / or a footrest.

[0025] There is also disclosed herein a watercraft having an enclosed hull comprising of: a first inflatable panel forming a first side structure; a second inflatable panel forming a second side structure; and, a third inflatable panel forming a base structure; wherein, the third inflatable panel has a main floor portion, a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion, wherein said first and second lateral portions angle upwardly from the main floor portion; wherein the first inflatable panel comprises a wall portion adjoining the first lateral portion, and a deck portion angled with respect to the wall portion; wherein the second inflatable panel comprises a wall portion adjoining the second lateral portion, and a deck portion angled with respect to the wallportion; wherein the deck portion of the first panel and the deck portion of the second panel cooperate to form a deck structure of the watercraft having a cockpit.

[0026] In embodiments, the watercraft having an enclosed hull formed from a plurality of inflatable panels, wherein the ends of said panels are connected at angles greater than 90 degrees.

[0027] In embodiments, the ends of said panels are connected at angles of 135 degrees or greater.

[0028] In embodiments, the main floor portion has a greater lateral extent than the combination of the first and second lateral portions at a mid portion along the longitudinal extent of the hull.

[0029] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a watercraft having an enclosed hull comprising of: a first inflatable panel forming a first upper structure; a second inflatable panel forming a upper side structure; and, a third inflatable panel forming a base structure; wherein, the third inflatable panel has a main floor portion, a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion, wherein said first and second lateral portions angle upwardly from the main floor portion; wherein the first inflatable panel comprises a transition portion adjoining the first lateral portion, and a deck portion angled with respect to the wall portion; wherein the second inflatable panel comprises a transition portion adjoining the second lateral portion, and a deck portion angled with respect to the wall portion; wherein the deck portion of the first panel and the deck portion of the second panel cooperate to define a central ridge along at least a portion of a deck structure of the watercraft.

[0030] There is also disclosed herein a watercraft comprising a first inflatable panel, a second inflatable panel and a third inflatable panel, each of which being configured with at least one fold to thereby create a non-planar shape when inflated, wherein the first panel, the second panel and the third panel cooperate in a substantially end-to-end relation to form a hull with a cockpit.

[0031] In embodiments, the fold of the first inflatable panel defines a deck portion at a non-planar included angle to a wall portion; wherein the fold of the second inflatable panel defines a deck portion at a non-planar included angle to a wall portion; wherein said deck portionof the first inflatable panel and said deck portion of the second inflatable panel cooperate to form a deck structure of the watercraft.

[0032] In embodiments, the deck portion of the first panel and the deck portion of the second panel join at a non-planar included angle thereby forming a central ridge of the deck.

[0033] In embodiments, thee deck portion of the first panel meets at an obtuse angle with the deck portion of the second panel.

[0034] In embodiments, the third panel has two folds thereby defining a main floor portion central to a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion.

[0035] In embodiments, the first lateral portion angles upwardly from the main floor portion and joins at a non-planar included angle with the wall portion of the first panel;

[0036] In embodiments, the first lateral portion meets at an obtuse angle with the wall portion of the first panel.

[0037] In embodiments, the second lateral portion angles upwardly from the main floor portion and joins at a non-planar included angle with the wall portion of the second panel.

[0038] In embodiments, the main floor portion is substantially flat and configured to orient horizontally in use.

[0039] In embodiments, the second lateral portion meets at an obtuse angle with the wall portion of the second panel.

[0040] In embodiments, the hull is substantially enclosed in the style of a kayak.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the hull is enclosed with a larger cockpit in the style of a canoe rather than a kayak.

[0042] In embodiments, each of the first panel, the second panel and the third panel are formed with an internal drop-stitch construction.

[0043] In embodiments, each of the first panel, the second panel and the third panel are formed with a PVC shell.

[0044] In embodiments, the first panel, second panel and third panel are respectively joined using flexible PVC patches.

[0045] In embodiments, moulded caps are applied to a bow and stem of the hull.

[0046] In embodiments, each of the first panel, the second panel and the third panel are independently inflatable.

[0047] In embodiments, the watercraft further comprises at least one removably attachable accessory.

[0048] In embodiments, the at least one removably attachable accessory is a seat and / or a footrest.

[0049] In an embodiment, hull is configured with two cockpits.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0051] Figure 1 is a plan view of an inflatable kayak in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 2 is a series of cross sections at longitudinal sites as marked in Figure 1;

[0053] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the kayak of Figure 1 as represented by its internal surface;

[0054] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the kayak of Figure 1 as represented by its internal surface showing representitive cross-sections to indicate the thickness of the hull;

[0055] Figure 5 is a view of the bottom structure of the kayak according to Figure 1 in isolation;

[0056] Figure 6 is a view of a side structure of the kayak according to Figure 1 in isolation;

[0057] Figure 7 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of an inflatable kayak in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 8 is a series of cross sections at longitudinal sites as marked in Figure 9;

[0059] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the kayak of Figure 9 as represented by its external surface with some representative cross sections shown;

[0060] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the kayak of Figure 9;

[0061] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the kayak of Figure 9

[0062] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an inflatable kayak in accordance with the present disclosure as represented by its internal surface;

[0063] Figure 13 is plan view of the kayak of Figure 12;

[0064] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the inflatable kayak of Figure 12 as represented by its internal surfaces along with the cross sections of the kayak of Figure 1 as shown in Figures 2 and 4;

[0065] Figure 15 is a front view of the inflatable canoe of Figure 12 as represented by its internal surfaces along with the cross sections of the kayak of Figure 1 as shown in Figures 2 and 4;

[0066] Figure 16 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a kayak in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0067] Figure 17 is an isometric view of the kayak of Figure 16 as represented by its external surface

[0068] Figure 18 is a cutaway isometric view of the kayak of Figure 16 with some indicative cross sections;

[0069] Figure 19 is a plan view of an example embodiment of an inflatable kayak in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0070] Figure 20 is a plan view of an example embodiment of an inflatable canoe in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0071] Although certain figures include dimensions, these are to be understood as indicative and non-limiting,DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] With reference to the Figures, shown are indicative examples embodiment of a personal watercraft 1 in accordance with the present disclosure. The depicted watercrafts 1 are of the type generally known as kayaks, having a hull 10 defining a space 15 in which one or more users sit in order to pilot the watercraft 1. A top structure 11 of the watercraft 1 is configured with an opening 12 allowing the user to access the space 15 and be supported by a bottom structure 13 or floor 13. In embodiments, the watercraft 1 may have a mostly enclosed hull 1 such that the top structure 11 has a character of a deck 11 and the opening 12 has the character of a cockpit 12 and is distinct from surrounding deck 11. In other embodiments, the watercraft may have a mostly open topped hull 1 whereby the extent of the opening 12 is large compared to the surrounding top structure 11. The example watercraft 1 is inflatable, and the Figures represent the watercraft 1 in its inflated condition.

[0073] The watercraft 1 comprises three inflatable panels 101, 201, 301 that cooperate to form the hull 10. A first inflatable panel 101 forms a first upper structure 100, a second inflatable panel 201 forms a second upper structure 200 and a third inflatable panel 301 forms a base structure 300. Typically, the inflatable panels 101, 201, 301 will comprise an impermeable shell such as a PVC shell, and have an internal drop-stitch construction. Reinforcing meshes and other components may also be used. Typically, flexible PVC patches are used to join the panels 101, 201, 301. Although the three inflatable panels 101, 201, 301 are joined, they are independent in the sense of having separate internal chambers. Typically, each panel 101, 201, 301 would beconfigured with a valve (not shown) such that each panel 101, 201, 301 would be inflated independently.

[0074] Each of the three inflatable panels 101, 201, 301 are configured with bends or folds such that they have a non-planar character when inflated. As herein described, these fold lines provide shaped inflatable panels 101, 201, 301 that cooperate to form the hull 10.

[0075] As herein disclosed, the first panel 101 and the second panel 201 are joined in a substantially abutting manner at a non-planar included angle. By this arrangement the first panel 101 and second panel 201 meet to form a central ridge 16 along at least a portion of the top structure 11 of the watercraft 1.

[0076] As herein disclosed, the first panel 101 and the second panel 201 are each configured with a fold such that each panel 101, 201 each define an upper portion 103, 203 at a non-planar angle to a transition portion 102, 202 of the respective first and second panels 101,201. The so called upper portions 103,203 of the first and second panels 101,201 cooperate to generally form the top structure 11 of the watercraft 1. The so-called transition portions 102,202 of the first and second panels 101, 201 are configured to join with a third panel 301 on opposing sides of the water craft 1.

[0077] By this arrangement, the watercraft 1 is configured with a central ridge 16 along at least a portion top structure 11 of the watercraft 1, which may serve to increase the feeling of spaciousness for a user. It has also been surprisingly found that the provision of the central ridge 16 along at least a portion of the top structure 11 by joining the first panel 101 and the second panel 201 at non-included angles may also provide increased strength and rigidity to the watercraft.

[0078] It is to be understood that the central ridge need not be provided along the full longitudinal extent of the hull, not even the majority of the longitudinal extent of the hull 10. In fact, it has been surprisingly found the benefits in strength and rigidity can be realised by provisional of a central ridge 16 formed by the join between the first panel 101 and the second panel 201 even at only a portion of the longitudinal extent of the hull 10. In additional these benefits in strength and stability are not only realised in the region of the central ridge 16, but rather the hull in general may be found to have improved strength and stability.

[0079] As herein disclosed, the third panel 301 forms a generally bottom structure 300 of the watercraft 1. The third panel 301 has a substantially flat main portion 302 with the third panel 301 having folds to define lateral portions 303, 304 at a non-planar angle to the main portion 302. These lateral edge portions 303,304 angle upwardly from the main portion 302, and are configured to join with a respective one of the first panel 101 and second panel 201 on opposing sides of the watercraft 1. The lateral portions 303, 304 angle upwardly to meet with the respective one of the transition portion 102 of the first panel 101 and transition portion 202 of the second panel 201 at a non-planar included angle. Cooperation between the first lateral edge portion 303 of the third panel 301 together with the transition portion 102 of the first panel may thereby be considered to generally define a side structure 14 of the watercraft 1. Similarly, cooperation between the second lateral edge portion 304 of the third panel 301 together with the transition portion 202 of the second panel 201 may thereby be considered to generally define an opposing side structure 14 of the watercraft 1.

[0080] By this arrangement the provision of folds in panels 101,201,301 to form the transition portions 102,202 and lateral portions 303,304 along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the watercraft 1 may generally form act to increase the separation of the top structure 11 from the main floor portion 302 may increase the felling of spaciousness for a user. It has also been surprisingly found that the provision of these folds to form the transition portions 102,202 and lateral portions 303,304 may increase the strength and rigidity in the joins between the first panel 101 and second panel 201 at opposing sides if the third panel 301 as opposed to using flat panels without any folds

[0081] Also by this arrangement, the bottom structure 300 formed by third panel 301 having a flat main portion 302 with upturned lateral edge portions 303, 304 may serve to approximate the shallow semi-roundedness of certain non-inflatable kayaks 1, which may improve speed and stability of the watercraft 1 and improving the on water experience.

[0082] It is to be understood that the folds of the first panel 101, second panel 201 and / or third panel 301 need not occur along the full lateral extent of the watercraft 1. In some embodiments, said folds may only occur in a central region of the watercraft 1. In other embodiments, said folds may only occur in a front or bow end of the watercraft. Nonetheless, it has been surprisingly found that provision of the folds to form the transition portions 102,202 and lateral portions 303, 304 along only a portion of the lateral extent of the watercraft 1 may also stillimprove the strength and rigidity of the watercraft 1 while providing for improved feeling of spaciousness in preferred positions, such as a central region where a user sits, or a forward position where a user’s legs are accommodated.

[0083] Referring now to Figures 1 to 6, depicted is an example embodiment of a watercraft 1 of the typical kayak type, having a mostly enclosed hull 10 defining an internal space 15 in which a user sits in order to pilot the kayak 1. The top portion 11, or deck 11, of the kayak 1 is configured with an opening 12 typically termed a cockpit 12 allowing the user access to the internal space 15. The example kayak 1 is inflatable, and the Figures represent the kayak 1 in its inflated condition.

[0084] The kayak 1 comprises three inflatable panels 101, 201, 301 that cooperate to form the hull 10. A first inflatable panel 101 generally forms a first upper structure 100, a second inflatable panel 201 generally forms a second upper structure 200 and a third inflatable panel 301 generally forms a base structure 300. As hereinbefore disclosed, the inflatable panels 101, 201, 301 will typically comprise an impermeable shell such as a flexible PVC shell, and have an internal drop-stitch construction. Reinforcing meshes and other components may also be used. Typically, flexible PVC strips are used to join the panels 101, 201, 301. Although the three inflatable panels 101, 201, 301 are joined, they are independent in the sense of having separate internal chambers. Typically, each panel 101, 201, 301 would be configured with a valve (not shown) such that each panel 101, 201, 301 would be inflated independently.

[0085] Each of the three inflatable panels 101, 201, 301 are configured with bends or folds such that they have a non-planar character when inflated. As herein described, these fold lines provide shaped inflatable panels 101, 201, 301 that cooperate to form the hull 10 with an internal space 15 in communication with a cockpit 12.

[0086] Referring to Figure 2, shown are schematic cross sections of the hull 10 taken along various longitudinal points of the kayak 1 as shown in Figure 1. The cross sections are provided to better explain the general principles and advantages of the disclosed watercraft 1, and are not to be understood as anyway limiting in terms of specific dimensions and angles. The third inflatable panel 301 forms the base structure 300 of the kayak 1. The third inflatable panel 301 comprises a main floor portion 302, which forms the floor 13 of the kayak 1 upon which the user will sit or place a seat. The depicted embodiment represents a kayak 1 with a substantially flat-bottomed hull 10, such that the floor portion 302 is predominantly flat and designed to orientate horizontally in use. Lateral edge peripheries 303, 304 of the third inflatable panel 301 adjacent the main floor portion 302 may be termed the lateral portions 303, 304, and are bent upwardly with respect to the horizontal orientation of the main floor portion 302. Otherwise stated, the third panel 301 may be considered as having laterally extending fold lines such the peripheral edge portions 303, 304 are disposed at an angle to the main floor portion 302. This arrangement of a horizontal floor portion 302 with upturned lateral edges 303,304 provides a transition between the floor 13 and a deck 11 of the example kayak 1. The provision of the inwardly inflected lateral portions 303, 304 may also be considered as contributing tO a side structure of the kayak 1 in combination with other panels 101,201 as herein described. Without wishing to be bound by theory such a transition may aid in alleviating stress on the joins between the third panel 301 with the first 101 and second 201 panels, and may also create a more comfortable and practical internal space 15. It has also been found that the upturned lateral edges 303, 304 of the third panel 301 may increase the strength and stability of the kayak 1, as opposed to a fully planar base 300, for example. It has been surprisingly found that even mild bends in the third panel 301 along just a portion of the longitudinal extent of the watercraft 1 to form lateral portions 303, 304 at relatively shallow angles to the main floor portion 302 may provide improved strength and stability to the watercraft.

[0087] A first lateral portion 303 of the third inflatable panel 301 adjoins with the first inflatable panel 101. The first inflatable panel 101 is also non-planar when inflated, and is configured with a fold line defining a first transition portion 102 and a first deck portion 103 as hereinbefore described. The first transition portion 102 joins with the first lateral portion 303, and may together be thought to generally defined a side structure 14 of the kayak 1. In the depicted example embodiment, the first transition portion 102 generally extends upwards from the join with the first lateral portion 303 thereby forming a substantially vertical sidewall, although other arrangements are possible as hereinafter described. The deck portion 103 angles inwardly from the transition portion 102 toward the second side structure 200. The deck portion 103 of the first inflatable panel 101 cooperates with the deck portion 203 of the second inflatable panel 201 to form the deck 11 and cockpit 12.

[0088] Similarly, a second lateral portion 304 of the third inflatable panel 301 adjoins with the second inflatable panel 201. The second inflatable panel 201 is also non-planar when inflated, and is configured with a fold line defining a transition portion 202 and a second deck portion203. The second transition portion 202 joins with the second lateral portion 304, to form an opposing side structure 14 of the kayak 1, and generally extends upwardly from the join with the second lateral portion 304 thereby forming substantially vertical sidewalls, although other arrangements are possible as hereinafter described. The deck portion 203 angles inwardly from the wall portion 202 toward the first side structure 100. The deck portion 203 of the second inflatable panel 201 cooperates with the deck portion 103 of the first inflatable panel 101 to form the deck 11 and cockpit 12.

[0089] The first 103 and second 203 deck portions are joined, for example by applying adhesive and a flexible PVC strip as hereinbefore described and have a non-planar included angle such that the deck 11 is substantially crested along at least a portion of its lateral extend. By this arrangement, a central ridge 16 is formed along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the deck 11. The ridge 16 formed by the first panel 101 and the second panel 201 meeting at a non- planar angle provides additional height along the centerline of the internal space 15 to accommodate a user. While it may have been thought that forming the upper structure 11 by joining two panels 101, 201 may have reduced the strength of the hull 10, it has been surprisingly found that this is not the case. In fact, by forming the deck 11 with the first panel 101 and second panel 201 symmetrically arranged about a centre-line in mirror image and joined to form a ridge 16 along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the kayak 1 it has been found that the strength and rigidity of the kayak 1 can be substantially improved. This may in turn may allow for thinner panels 101,201,301 to be used, in particular the third inflatable panel 301 forming the base structure 300. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is though that first panel 101 and second panel 201 meeting to form such a ridge 16 acts like a structural spine lending strength and stability to other portions of the hull 10. It has been surprisingly found that forming the ridge 16 by the joining of the first panel 101 and second panel 201 provides substantially improved strength and rigidity as opposed to forming the top structure 11 from a single panel with a fold to form an equivalent ridge 16. This is particularly true for steeper ridges, which can be beneficial to provide additional internal space 15.

[0090] The folds formed in the panels 101, 201, 301 as hereinbefore described involve additional complexity and expense in manufacture. However, it has been surprisingly found that such folds may actually enhance the strength and rigidity provided by the central ridge 16 formed by the join between the first panel 101 and the second panel 201 While it may have been thought that folds or bends in the inflatable panels 101, 201, 301 may provide a weak spot resulting in thehull 10 collapsing or otherwise deforming due to the weight of the user or force from water, it has surprisingly been found that the structural integrity of the cross sectional envelope of the hull 10 may actually be improved. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that the transition portions 102, 202 and lateral portions 303, 304 formed by the folds in panels 101, 201, 301 serve to transition the angles formed by the joins between the third panel 301 with the first and second panels 101,201 respectively, for example, by alleviating stress on these joins. It is also thought that angular transitions provided by these folds about the join between the third panel 301 with respective first and second panel 101,201 also facilitates deforming forces on the third panel 301, for example due to the weight of the user, being better and more evenly distributed into the expanse of the first panel 101 and second panel 201 and ultimately balanced and withstood by the strength and stiffness provided by the ridge 16 formed by the first panel 101 and second panel 201 meeting in substantially abutting relation at a non-planar included angle. In any case, the folds forming the transition portions 102, 202 and lateral portions 303, 304 adjacent to the joint between the third panel 301 and respective first and second panels 101,201 acts to increase the separation between the top structure 11 and bottom structure 13 thereby increasing the internal space 15.

[0091] The particular arrangement of the folds in the panels 101, 201, 301 help create a comfortable interior space 15 for the user, with a flat floor 13 and sufficient vertical rise to accommodate the rider’s legs and equipment. Beneficially, the first 101 and second 201 inflatable panels cooperate to form a deck 11 such that the user has the experience of ‘sitting in’ the kayak rather than ‘sitting on’ as is more typical for inflatable watercraft of this type. The deck also substantially encloses the internal space protecting the portion of the user occupying the internal space in the manner typical of kayaks . The ridged nature of the deck 11 offers additional space to accommodate the user, thus providing additional leg room and storage space, the provision of which in inflatable kayaks having been an ongoing challenge, particularly while also providing a satisfactory on-water experience to the user.

[0092] The depiction of Figure 3 shows the shape made by the inner surfaces of the inflatable panels 101, 201, 301. Accordingly, Figure 3 indicates the shape of the internal space 15 of the enclosed hull 10. Figure 4 adds the cross sections from Figure 2 to Figure 3. Figure 6 shows an inflatable panel suitable as a first panel 101 or a second panel 202 in isolation. Indicated is thefold line whereby an angle is formed between the wall portion 102, 202 and the deck portion 103,203. Figure 5 shows a third panel 301 in isolation and also indicates the fold lines about which the lateral edges 3023, 304 bend upwardly from the main floor portion 302.

[0093] The first 101, second 201 and third panels 301 cooperate substantially to form the enclosed hull 10 without the need for any other major components in order to provide buoyancy, strength or rigidity to the hull 10, though typically molded caps (not shown) would be placed at the bow and stern for reinforcement. The angles or folds in the three panels 101, 201, 301 allow cooperation in a way that produces improved internal space 15 to accommodate a user while also improving strength and rigidity of the hull 10, and provide on-water performance with approximating the performance of a non-inflatable kayak / canoe with a typical semi-rounded bottom, such as in terms of speed and stability.

[0094] In embodiments, the kayak 1 may be configured with accessories such as a footrest 17 attachment or seat (not shown). Such accessories may be removably attachable, such that they can be removed for storage and added once the kayak 1 has been inflated for use. For example, Velcro, D-rings, clips, loops and any other suitable means may be used to form attachments sites for accessories such as the seat or footrest 17.

[0095] Referring now to Figures 7 11, shown is a preferred example embodiment of a watercraft of the typical kayak type, having a mostly enclosed hull 10 defining an internal space 15 in which a user sits. This example embodiment makes use of the hereinbefore principles of general application, and differs from the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6 primarily by the shape of the first panel 101 and the second panel 201 formed by the folds. As best observed in Figure 8, the transition portions 102,202 do not extend generally upwards from the respective transition portions 303,304 to form a substantially vertical side wall like that of Figures 1 to 6. Instead, the transition portions 102,202 are angled inwardly such that the side structure of the kayak 1 formed by cooperation of the transition portions 102,202 and lateral portions 303,304 has a crested or ridged character as opposed to being largely vertical. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that the provision of these ridged side structures 14 formed by the join between the lateral portions 303, 304 with respective transition portions 102,202 may also improve strength and rigidity in a manner alike the improved strength and rigidity provided by the central ridge in the upper structure 11 as hereinbefore described.

[0096] It is also noted that the first and second panel 101,201 are not folded along the entire longitudinal extent of the hull. Rather, only the more central regions of the panels 101,201 are folded to form the respective deck portions 103,203 and transition portions 102,202. No such fold is provided in the region of the bow or stern such that the panels 101,201 at this location may be thought of as only having a transition portion 102,202 without a deck portion 103,203. By this arrangement, the mid portions of the hull 10 have a central ridge 16 formed by the first deck portion 103 and second deck portion203 being joined in substantially abutting relation at a non-planar included angle in a manner as hereinbefore described. However, the bow and stem portions of the hull 10 have a central ridge 16 formed by unfolded portions of the panels 101, 201 that are generally continuous with the transition portions 102,202at a mid section of the panels 101,201. As the panels 101,201 are not folded downwardly at the bow and stem, the central ridge 16 at the bow and stern is more aggressively sloped towards the terminal ends of the bow and stern.

[0097] In any case and as hereinbefore described, it is not necessary for the hull 10 to feature a central ridge 16 along the full or even substantial longitudinal extent of the hull 10. In fact, it has been surprisingly found that a central ridge 16 formed by the join between the first panel 101 and the second panel 201 in the manner hereinbefore described at only a portion of the longitudinal extent of the hull 10 can achieve benefits in strength and stability. Likewise, and as hereinbefore described, the panels 101,201 need only be folded in the manner hereinbefore described along only a portion of the longitudinal extent of the hull 10 to realise hereinbefore disclosed benefits. For example, in alternative embodiments, only a mid portion of the kayak 1 may be configured with folds to provide additional internal space 15 in the primary region occupied by the user. In other embodiments, some or all of the stern portion of the kayak 1 may not have any folds as the user typically required less internal space 15 in this region and manufacturing cost savings may be realised.

[0098] Referring now to Figures 12 to 15, shown is an alternative embodiment of a watercraft 1. This example embodiment makes use of the hereinbefore principles of general application, and differs from the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6 by being configured with an enlarged opening 12 in the style of an open-top kayak 1 as opposed to the more enclosed hull kayak 1 of the preceding Figures. Therefore, the kayak 1 of Figures 12 to 15 has a more open hull 10 as opposed to the semi-enclosed kayak 1 style hull 10 of Figures 1 to 6. Although the opening 12 of the depicted canoe 1 is larger and therefore consequently the top portion 11 having lesser extentthan the deck 11 of Figures 1 to 6, the features of the depicted canoe 1 are otherwise equivalent to those of the kayak 1 of Figure 1 to 6. This is evident from Figures 13 and 14 showing the internal surfaces of the canoe 1 along with the panel 101,201,301 cross-sections of the Figure 1 to 6 kayak 1. Here it can be observed that the internal surface corresponding to the internal space 15 of the canoe 1 fits within the envelope of the same panel 101,201,301 cross sections of the Figure 1 to 6 kayak 1.

[0099] Due to the open-top kayak style, this embodiment does not have the same extent of top structure compared to the preceding Figures. Accordingly, such a design cannot be configured with the same length of central ridge. However, and as hereinbefore disclosed, provision of a central ridge 16 formed by the join between the first panel 101 and second panel 201 can realise significant benefits in strength and rigidity in the manner hereinbefore disclosed.

[0100] Referring now to the example embodiment depicted in Figure 16 to 18, shown is an alternative embodiment of an open-top style kayak that makes use of the hereinbefore principles of general application. This embodiment is configured with a similar cross section to the example embodiment of Figures 16-18 having inwardly angled transition portions 102, 202 instead of the more vertically extending transition portions 102,202 of the preceding embodiments. By this arrangement, the side structures 14 of this embodiment may have outer ridges similar to that of the kayak of Figure 7-11.

[0101] The example embodiment of Figure 16-18 makes use of first and second panels 101,201 that are only folded at the bow end of the hull. At the other portions of the craft, the first and second panels 101,201 are unfolded. These unfolded portions can be considered continuous with the transition portions 102,202 at the bow end. Accordingly, only the bow end has first and second panels 101,201 with folds to cooperatively form a top structure 11, although the inwardly angled nature of the transition portions 102,202 effectively form somewhat of a deck or upper structure 10 away from the bow end. Nonetheless, and like that of the Figure 7-11 kayak, the transition portions 102,202 meet at the bow to form a ridge 16 with a steeper angle to the adjacent crest 16 formed by the deck portions 103,203 nearer to the opening 12, and the transition portions 102,202 similarly join to form a central ridge 16 at the stern of the craft.

[0102] Referring now to Figure 19, shown is an alternative embodiment similar to the kayak 1 of Figure 1 to 6. This depicted embodiment makes use of the hereinbefore principles ofgeneral application, and differs from the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6 in that the first panel 101 and the second panel 201 cooperate to define two cockpits 12 instead of a single cockpit 12. As each cockpit 12 is provided to accommodate a separate user, the example embodiment of Figure 13 is elongated to increase the internal space 15 to therefore accommodate a second user. Other dimensions may also be adjusted while maintaining use of the principles of general application as hereinbefore described.

[0103] Referring now to Figure 20, shown is an alternative embodiment similar to the canoe 1 of Figures 16 to 18. Again, this depicted embodiment makes use of the hereinbefore principles of general application, and differs from the embodiment of Figures 16 to 18 by being elongated to thereby provide additional internal space 15 to accommodate a further rider and / or additional stowage. Again, other dimensions may also be adjusted while maintaining use of the principles of general application as hereinbefore described

[0104] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0105] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing”, “have”, “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used merely as labels,and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

[0106] PARTS LISTI watercraft / kayak10 hullI I top structure / deck12 opening / cockpit13 bottom structure / floor14 side structure15 internal space16 central ridge17 footrest100 first upper structure101 first inflatable panel102 first transition portion103 first upper / deckdeck portion200 second upper structure201 second inflatable panel202 second transition portion203 second upperdeck portion300 base structure301 third inflatable panel302 main floor portion303 first lateral portion304 second lateral portion

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A watercraft comprising a first inflatable panel, a second inflatable panel and a third inflatable panel, each of which being configured with at least one fold to thereby create a non- planar shape when inflated, wherein the first panel, the second panel and the third panel are joined in an abutting relation to cooperate to form a hull.

2. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the fold of the first inflatable panel defines an upper portion at a non-planar included angle to a lateral portion; wherein the fold of the second inflatable panel defines an upper portion at a non-planar included angle to a lateral portion; wherein said upper portion of the first inflatable panel and said deck portion of the second inflatable panel cooperate to form a top structure of the watercraft.

3. The watercraft of claim 2, where the upper portion of the first panel and the upper portion of the second panel join at a non-planar included angle thereby forming a central ridge along at least a portion of top structure.

4. The watercraft of claim 3, wherein the first panel and the second panel are arranged symmetrically about the central ridge.

5. The watercraft of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the third panel has two folds thereby defining a main floor portion central to a first lateral portion and an opposing second lateral portion.

6. The watercraft of claim 5, wherein the first lateral portion of the third panel angles upwardly from the main floor portion and joins at a non-planar included angle with the transition portion of the first panel;7. The watercraft of claim 6, wherein the first lateral portion and the first transition portion cooperate to form an outer ridge along at least a portion of a first side structure of the kayak.

8. The watercraft of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the second lateral portion of the third panel angles upwardly from the main floor portion and joins at a non-planar included angle with the transition portion of the second panel.

9. The watercraft of claim 8, wherein the main floor portion is substantially flat and configured to orient horizontally in use.

10. The watercraft of claim 6 to 9, wherein the second lateral portion and the second transition portion cooperate to form an outer ridge along at least a portion of a first second structure of the kayak.

11. The watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hull is substantially enclosed in the style of a sit-in kayak.

12. The watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hull is substantially open in the style of an open-top kayak.

13. The watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first panel, the second panel and the third panel are formed with an internal drop-stitch construction.

14. The watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first panel, the second panel and the third panel are formed with a flexible PVC shell.

15. The watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first panel, second panel and third panel are respectively joined using flexible PVC patches.

16. The inflatable watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein moulded caps are applied to a bow and stern of the hull17. The watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first panel, the second panel and the third panel are independently inflatable.

18. The watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one removably attachable accessory.

19. The watercraft according to claim 17, wherein the at least one removably attachable accessory is a seat and / or a footrest.

20. A watercraft having an enclosed hull comprising of: a first inflatable panel forming a first upper structure; a second inflatable panel forming a upper side structure; and, a third inflatable panel forming a base structure; wherein, the third inflatable panel has a main floor portion, a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion, wherein said first and second lateral portions angle upwardly from the main floor portion; wherein the first inflatable panel comprises a transition portion adjoining the first lateral portion, and a deck portion angled with respect to the wall portion; wherein the second inflatable panel comprises a transition portion adjoining the second lateral portion, and a deck portion angled with respect to the wall portion; wherein the deck portion of the first panel and the deck portion of the second panel cooperate to define a central ridge along at least a portion of a deck structure of the watercraft.APPLICANTPatent Attorneys for the Applicant / Nominated Person GLMR

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