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(11) | EP 1 666 351 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Watercraft having an elevated platform |
| (57) A watercraft (11) comprising a shell (13) having an upper skin (23) incorporating
an aperture (43) therein and adapted to support at least one person, a lower skin
(24) defining a hull for contact with the water; and a cavity between the upper and
lower skins. The watercraft (11) also comprises a cylinder (47) having at least one
end closed and adapted to be positioned with respect to the aperture (43) such that
the cylinder (47) is moveable from an elevated position, whereby it provides an elevated
platform, or an inverted position.
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Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a watercraft. In particular the present invention relates to a watercraft capable of supporting a person on top of the craft in an elevated position.
Background Art
[0002] With the increasing popularity in recreational water activities the sit-on-top kayak has become increasingly popular due to its ease of use.
[0003] Typically, kayaks are of the conventional sit-in kayak construction wherein the operator is positioned in an enclosed cockpit incorporated within the shell of the kayak, entering through an opening in the upper deck of the kayak.
[0004] Sit-on-top kayaks which include surf-skis and wave-skis, have become very popular for those people who do not enjoy being confined in a traditional kayak, preferring a floating platform that gives the operator easy access to disembark or board the craft, particularly after the craft has capsized.
[0005] Typically, a sit-on-top kayak is characterised by a watertight shell having an upper and lower skin, and an open cockpit area with seating and footrests moulded or provided on the upper skin of the shell.
[0006] Several types of sit-on-top kayaks are much wider across the beam and do not possess the narrow bow and streamlined hull dynamics of the traditional enclosed kayak, resulting in a more stable, user-friendly kayak for all to enjoy.
[0007] Sit on top kayaks are often used as fishing platforms whereby the operator may cast a line either from a rod or hand reel. However, due to the stability of the kayak this can sometimes prove difficult. Furthermore, casting may be ineffectual due to the low position of the operator relative to the water, which may also hinder the landing of a fish caught on the line, particularly where the fish puts up a fight.
[0008] The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia as at the priority date of the application.
[0009] It is an object of this invention to provide a sit-on-top kayak having an improved platform and which can be easily transported and stored.
Disclosure of the Invention
[0010] The present invention provides a watercraft comprising:
a shell having an upper skin incorporating an aperture therein and adapted to support at least one person; a lower skin defining a hull for contact with the water; and a cavity between the upper and lower skin, the shell having a pocket therein extending from the aperture into the cavity;
an insert adapted to be positioned with respect to the aperture such that in one position the insert is in an elevated position so as to provide an elevated platform, and in another position is in an inverted position such that the insert is substantially received in the pocket.
[0011] In the elevated position the insert may provide a seat above the upper skin for the operator, whilst in an inverted position the insert may provide a container such as a bucket.
[0012] Preferably when in an inverted position the insert is substantially flush with the upper skin.
[0014] Preferably the insert is cylindrical in shape. Preferably the cylinder is closed at one end. The closed end of the cylinder may provide a cushion when the cylinder is in an inverted position.
[0016] The watercraft may also comprise at least one floatation assembly mounted on the shell. The at least one floatation assembly may be removably mounted. The at least one floatation assembly may be in the form of an outrigger.
[0017] The present invention further provides a watercraft comprising:
a shell having an upper skin incorporating an aperture therein and adapted to support at least one person; a lower skin defining a hull for contact with the water; and a cavity between the upper and lower skin;
a cylinder having at least one end closed and adapted to be positioned with respect to the aperture such that the cylinder is moveable from an elevated position, whereby it provides an elevated platform, or an inverted position.
[0018] In use, when the cylinder is in an elevated position an operator may position themself on the cylinder so as to be seated above the upper skin of the watercraft. When the cylinder is in an inverted position the cylinder can be used as a bucket. In this position the watercraft may also be easily transported or stored.
[0019] Preferably the cylinder is releasably locked with respect to the aperture. The closed end of the cylinder may provide a cushion.
[0020] In one aspect of the invention, the aperture extends inwardly from the upper skin terminating a distance from the lower skin and is defined by a bottom surface and a sidewall enclosure between the upper skin and the bottom surface to ensure the cavity remains watertight.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention, the aperture extends from the upper skin to the lower skin and is defined by a sidewall enclosure between the lower skin and the upper skin to maintain the integrity of the shell and ensure the cavity remains watertight.
[0022] Preferably the aperture is adapted to removably secure a propulsion means for propelling the watercraft, the propulsion means being configured to cooperate with the watercraft to maintain the shallow draught.
[0024] As the watercraft is watertight, it is capable of being propelled by the paddling action of one or more of the operators when the propulsion means is removed.
[0025] The watercraft may also comprise at least one floatation assembly mounted on the shell. The at least one floatation assembly may be removably mounted. The at least one floatation assembly may be in the form of an outrigger.
[0027] The present invention further provides a watercraft comprising:
a shell having an upper skin incorporating a securing means therein, and adapted to support at least one person; a lower skin defining a hull for contact with the water; and a cavity between the upper and lower skin;
a body adapted to be releasably secured with respect to the securing means of the upper skin, whereby when the body is secured to the securing means the body provides an elevated platform.
[0028] The body may be in the form of a cylinder having at least one end closed. The at least one end may provide a seat. The at least one closed end may have a cushion attached thereto.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0029] The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a watercraft according to a first embodiment showing an insert in an inverted position;
Figure 2 is a view similar to figure 1 with the insert in an elevated position;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a watercraft according to a second embodiment without outriggers and having the insert removed from the watercraft;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a watercraft according to a third embodiment showing an insert in an inverted position;
Figure 5 is a view similar to figure 4 but from a bottom perspective; and
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cylinder according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0030] Referring to the figures 1 and 2, the invention according to a first embodiment is a watercraft in the form of a sit on top kayak 11 comprising a shell 13 having an upper skin 23, a lower skin 24 and a cavity between the upper and lower skins (23, 24).
[0031] The upper skin 23 has an aperture 43 extending inwardly and terminating a distance from the lower skin 24 to define a pocket 45. The pocket 45 has a sidewall and a bottom surface to ensure the cavity remains watertight.
[0032] The kayak 11 also comprises an insert or body in the form of a cylinder 47. The cylinder 47 is lockable with respect to the aperture 43 in either an inverted position, as shown in figure 1, or an elevated position, as shown in figure 2.
[0035] In use the cylinder 47 can be positioned in an elevated position to provide an elevated platform for the operator (or passenger). In this position the operator is above the level of the water providing a better platform for activities such as fishing. When the cylinder 47 is not being used as an elevated platform, the cylinder 47 may be positioned in an inverted position and used as a bucket.
[0036] To increase the stability of the kayak 11, the shell may have an outrigger 51 mounted either side thereof in a rearward position.
[0038] Figure 4 and 5 shows a further embodiment of the invention with an outrigger 53 connected to the shell 13 in a rearward and forward position. This outrigger 53 provides stability to the shell 13 in one direction due to the buoyancy effect of the outrigger 53, and in the other direction due to the weight of the outrigger 53.
[0039] In this embodiment, the aperture 43 extends through the shell 13 as best shown in figure 5. The aperture 43 is adapted to receive a removable propulsion means, not shown, when the cylinder 47 is removed therefrom. Due to the shell 13 being watertight, the kayak 11 can be used with or without the propulsion means or cylinder 47 in place.
[0040] In this embodiment, the cylinder may be positioned with respect to the aperture 43 in an elevated position even when the propulsion means is in position.
a shell (13) having an upper skin (23) incorporating an aperture (43) therein and adapted to support at least one person; a lower skin (24) defining a hull for contact with the water; and a cavity between the upper and lower skin (23, 24), the shell (13) having a pocket (45) therein extending from the aperture (43) into the cavity;
an insert (47) adapted to be positioned with respect to the aperture (43) such that in one position the insert (47) is in an elevated position so as to provide an elevated platform, and in another position is in an inverted position such that the insert (47) is substantially received in the pocket (45).
a shell (13) having an upper skin (23) incorporating an aperture (43) therein and adapted to support at least one person; a lower skin (24) defining a hull for contact with the water; and a cavity between the upper and lower skin (23, 24);
a cylinder (47) having at least one end closed and adapted to he positioned with respect to the aperture (43) such that the cylinder (47) is moveable from an elevated position, whereby it provides an elevated platform, or an inverted position.
a shell (13) having an upper skin (23) incorporating a securing means (43) therein, and adapted to support at least one person; a lower skin (24) defining a hull for contact with the water; and a cavity between the upper and lower skin (23, 24);
a body (47) adapted to be releasably secured with respect to the securing means (43) of the upper skin (23), whereby when the body (47) is secured to the securing means (43) the body (47) provides an elevated platform.