Kayak

In one example, a watercraft, such as a kayak, is provided that has a body which includes a hull, a cockpit connected with the hull, and a backrest removably attached to the body. The watercraft may additionally include a fish tail configuration near a stern of the watercraft.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application hereby claims priority to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/700,169, entitled KAYAK WITH MOVABLE SEAT ELEMENTS, filed Sep. 12, 2012; and, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/537,919, entitled KAYAK, filed Sep. 22, 2011. All of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein in their respective entireties by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At least some example embodiments of the invention concern kayaks. However, one or more of the concepts, in various combinations, disclosed herein may extend to other types of watercraft as well such as, for example, sailboats, surfboards, paipo boards, boards for wind surfers, paddleboards, knee boards, canoes, wakeboards, and body boards, examples of which include boards sometimes referred to as boogie boards.

ASPECTS OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments disclosed herein do not constitute an exhaustive summary of all possible embodiments, nor does the following discussion constitute an exhaustive list of all aspects of any particular embodiment(s). Rather, the following discussion simply presents selected aspects of some example embodiments. It should be noted that nothing herein should be construed as constituting an essential or indispensable element of any invention or embodiment. Rather, and as the person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, various aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined in a variety of ways so as to define yet further embodiments. Such further embodiments are considered as being within the scope of this disclosure. As well, none of the embodiments embraced within the scope of this disclosure should be construed as resolving, or being limited to the resolution of, any particular problem(s). Nor should such embodiments be construed to implement, or be limited to implementation of, any particular effect(s).

Disclosed embodiments are concerned with watercraft, one example of which is a kayak. Some example embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may, but need not, include one or more of the following elements, in any combination: a ‘fish tail’ configuration located at or near the back of the watercraft; a hull whose length is in a range of about 9 feet long to about 11 feet long; a hull whose length is about 10 feet long; a hull whose width is in a range of about 32 inches wide to about 40 inches wide; a hull whose width is about 36 inches; a hull whose thickness is in a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches; a hull that is about 7 inches thick; one or more scuppers; one or more cup holders; paddle rests; a backrest; a removable backrest; a backrest attachment configuration that permits an associated backrest to move between a substantially upright position and a substantially folded position; a backrest attachment configuration that permits an associated backrest to move between, and be locked in, an upright position and a folded position; a backrest having a range of motion of about 90 degrees; a backrest having a range of motion of about 180 degrees; a rotatable backrest; a blow-molded plastic backrest; an injection-molded backrest; a backrest configured to be tilted at a desired angle relative to an associated watercraft or portion thereof; a backrest whose tilt angle is adjustable; means for retaining a backrest at a desired angle; means for retaining a backrest at a desired angle, wherein the means for retaining permits adjustments to the angle of the backrest; means for retaining a backrest at a desired angle, wherein the means comprises one or more elements of adjustable length that are connectible to the backrest and to structure of a watercraft; means for retaining a backrest at a desired angle, wherein the means comprises one or more adjustable seat straps that are removably connectible to one or both of the backrest and a watercraft; one or more adjustable seat straps that are removably connectible to one or both of a backrest and associated watercraft; multiple backrests in a single watercraft; a stop that may or may not be integrally formed with a watercraft, and the stop is configured and arranged to at least partly define a range of motion of an associated backrest; a hinge bracket connectible to a body of a personal watercraft and configured to releasably receive a corresponding portion of an associated backrest; a structure that may or may not be integrally formed with a watercraft, and the structure is configured to engage, possibly releasably, with corresponding structure of a movable backrest; a backrest configured to be connected to a watercraft with a hinge; a backrest having an integrally formed hinge portion; a hinge portion of a watercraft, the hinge portion configured to engage a corresponding hinge portion of a backrest; a hinge portion of a watercraft, the hinge portion configured to engage a corresponding hinge portion of a backrest in a snap fit or push fit arrangement; an attachment point that may or may not be integrally formed with a watercraft; one or more attachment points configured to engage, possibly releasably, a respective element that is connectible to a backrest; one or more tabs, slots and/or other retention elements that may or may not be integrally formed with a watercraft, and that releasably engage corresponding structure of a movable backrest so as to allow the movable backrest to be locked into one or more defined positions, which may optionally include one or both of a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position; a swim step at or near the rear of the watercraft; a motor mount at or near the stern of the watercraft; a wheel mount at or near the stern of the watercraft; one or more handles; one, two, three, or more, seat backs; one or more drain plugs; a substantially flat bottom; a weight of about 55 pounds; a weight-carrying capacity of about 500 pounds; a fin-less construction; one or more seats and foot wells arranged such that a seat is positioned higher, relative to the bottom of the watercraft, than at least some of the foot wells; a cockpit and hull that are integrally molded together in a unitary one-piece construction; and, a seat located relatively close to the stern of the watercraft. A portion, or all, of the kayak may be constructed of blow-molded plastic and one or more of the aforementioned elements, in any combination, may be integrally formed as part of the kayak during a blow-molding process.

None of the foregoing elements should be interpreted to be an essential or critical element, and other embodiments may omit one or more of any of the foregoing elements while remaining within the scope of the invention. Moreover, the aforementioned elements may not be mutually exclusive and, as such, more than one of those elements could be included in a single embodiment. Correspondingly, various embodiments in the following list may be combined with each other.

In a first example embodiment, a watercraft is provided with a bottom that is configured to force water outwards, generally in a direction away from a centerline of the watercraft, as the watercraft moves forward through the water.

In a second example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes a fish tail configuration near the back of the watercraft.

In a third example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes a pair of curved surfaces that are located on the bottom of the watercraft and are spaced apart from each other at the back of the watercraft.

In a fourth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes a fish tail configuration near the back of the watercraft, and the fish tail configuration is integrally formed with a hull of the watercraft.

In a fifth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes a fish tail configuration near the back of the watercraft, and the fish tail configuration is integrally formed with another portion of the watercraft by one of a blow-molding, roto-molding, or twin-sheet process.

In a sixth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes one or more scuppers that are integrally formed with another portion of the watercraft.

In a seventh example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes one or more scuppers that join a first portion of the watercraft with a second portion of the watercraft.

In an eighth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes one or more scuppers implemented in the form of a tack-off.

In a ninth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes a backrest attachment configuration that permits an associated backrest to move between an upright position and a folded position.

In a tenth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes one or more seats and one or more foot wells, wherein one seat is positioned relatively higher than a foot well.

In an eleventh example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes a fish tail configuration that incorporates a swim step.

In a twelfth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes a backrest that is rotatably connected to the watercraft.

In a thirteenth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes a backrest that is detachably connected to the watercraft.

In a fourteenth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes a backrest that is detachably, and rotatably, connected to the watercraft.

In a fifteenth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes a backrest movably connected to the watercraft, and including means for retaining the backrest at a desired angle relative to the watercraft.

In a sixteenth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes a backrest movably connected to the watercraft, and including means for retaining the backrest at a desired angle relative to the watercraft, where the means for retaining permits adjustments to the angle of the backrest relative to the watercraft.

In a seventeenth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes a backrest movably connected to the watercraft, and including means for retaining the backrest at a desired angle relative to the watercraft, where the means comprises one or more elements of adjustable length that are connectible to the backrest and to the watercraft.

In an eighteenth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes a backrest movably connected to the watercraft, and including means for retaining the backrest at a desired angle relative to the watercraft, where the means comprises one or more adjustable seat straps that are removably connectible to one or both of the backrest and the watercraft.

In a nineteenth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes one or more backrests attached to the watercraft, possibly removably, by a hinge.

In a twentieth example embodiment, a watercraft is provided that includes a backrest that is detachably connected to the watercraft, and the backrest is an injection-molded element.

In any of the preceding example embodiments, the watercraft may be a kayak, although as noted elsewhere herein, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to kayaks.

Any embodiment of the watercraft, such as a kayak for example, that includes a hull and/or other portion which is constructed at least partly of blow-molded plastic may have an interior that is partly, or completely, hollow. Such embodiments may also include, disposed in the interior, one or more depressions, sometimes referred to as “tack-offs.” In such embodiments, these tack offs may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during the blow-molding process. The depressions may extend from a first surface, such as a first interior surface of the hull, towards a second surface, such as a second interior surface of the hull. The ends of one or more depressions may contact or engage the second surface, or the ends of one or more of the depressions may be spaced apart from the second surface by a distance. In some instances, one or more depressions on a first interior surface may be substantially aligned with corresponding depressions on a second interior surface, and one or more depressions on the first interior surface may contact one or more corresponding depressions on the second interior surface or, alternatively, one or more depressions on the first interior surface may be spaced apart from corresponding depressions on the second interior surface. In still other instances, depressions that contact each other and depressions that are spaced apart from each other may both be present in a watercraft. The depressions may be sized and configured to strengthen and/or reinforce a portion of the watercraft such as, for example, the blow-molded plastic hull of a watercraft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

As noted elsewhere herein, at least some example embodiments of the invention concern kayaks. However, one or more of the concepts, in any combination, disclosed herein may extend to other types of watercraft as well such as, for example, sailboats, surfboards, paipo boards, boards for wind surfers, paddleboards, knee boards, canoes, wakeboards, and body boards, examples of which include boards referred to as boogie boards. Thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to kayaks, or to any other type(s) of watercraft.

A. General Aspects of Some Example Embodiments

While the discussion herein makes reference to a kayak, it should be understood that reference to a kayak is by way of illustration and the discussion applies as well to the various other types of watercraft disclosed herein, and to any other types of watercraft that would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

In at least some embodiments, a portion, or all, of a watercraft such as a kayak may be constructed of blow-molded plastic. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to blow-molding processes or blow-molded elements. Other processes that may be used to construct a portion, or all, of a kayak, or other watercraft, include roto-molding, vacuum molding, and processes sometimes referred to as twin-sheet processes. It will also be appreciated that the kayak need not be constructed from plastic and may be constructed using other materials having other suitable characteristics.

Portions of a kayak that may be integrally formed as part of the kayak by way of a blow-molding process include, in any combination, one or more of: a fish tail configuration; a swim step; one or more projections on the hull; one or more recesses in the hull; one or more generally longitudinal recesses on the bottom of the hull; a cockpit; foot wells; backrest attachment; scuppers; stops for a backrest; and, one or more portions of a hinge for connecting to a backrest. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more other elements, in any combination, may be integrally formed with the kayak as part of a blow-molding process. Examples of such other elements include, but are not limited to, seats, hand holds, handles, foot wells, recesses of any type, storage areas, drain holes, paddle rests, and projections of any type.

Any of the embodiments disclosed herein, or derived from this disclosure, may also include a surface treatment, examples of which include ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam decking, ABS sheeting and polyethylene sheeting, disposed on at least a portion of the kayak, such as the swim step for example. Other surface treatments, such as texturing for example, may be formed as part of a blow-molding process. In one example of a surface treatment that may be included in any embodiment, the surface treatment may be configured to provide a grippable surface for a user so that the user can more readily grasp, and keep hold of, a portion of the kayak, such as the swim step for example. In another example that may be included in any embodiment, the hull and/or other portions of the kayak has one or more surfaces, such as on the swim step for example, with a chemically etched textured portion that provides traction and may allow for elastomeric sheathing to be adhered. In still further examples, one or more surfaces of the kayak are textured, and the sheathing or other covering may be omitted.

At least some embodiments of the kayak are tandem kayaks that are particularly well-suited for use by one, two, or more, adults, one or more of whom may be as tall as about 6′4.″ In one particular example, a kayak of about 9′6″ to about 10′6″ inches in length may be well-suited for use by such individuals, although other longer or shorter lengths may be employed as well. A kayak approximately 10 feet in length may, for example, have a width that is about 30 inches to about 40 inches, such as about 36 inches, and this example kayak may also have a thickness of about 6 inches to about 8 inches, such as about 7 inches. It should be understood that the length-to-width ratio, and other ratios, implicit in the foregoing example dimensions may be extended to define lengths, widths and/or thicknesses of other kayak embodiments. The aforementioned example kayak may have a weight-carrying capacity of about 450 lb. to about 550 lb., such as about 500 lb. for example, and this example kayak may weigh between about 50 lb. and about 60 lb., such as about 55 lb. for example. It should be understood that such weight capacities, and kayak weights, are examples only and other relationships of weight-carrying capacity and/or kayak weight relative to the length, width, and thickness of embodiments of the kayak are implicit in the aforementioned example and may be extended to define weight-carrying capacity and/or kayak weights of yet other kayak embodiments.

B. Description of Some Example Embodiments

Turning now to the Figures, details are provided concerning some example embodiments of a watercraft. With regard first toFIGS. 1-2f, a watercraft is indicated that, in this example, takes the form of a kayak100, although the scope of the invention is not limited to kayaks. The kayak100has a bow100aand a stern100b, and includes a body200that, as noted elsewhere herein, may have a unitary single-piece construction formed by a blow-molding, or other, process. The body200may include, among other things, a hull202, a cockpit204, and one or more scuppers206.

In the example ofFIGS. 1,2aand2b, five scuppers206are provided, although more or fewer scuppers may be employed in other embodiments. The scuppers206may all be the same general configuration, or scuppers206of different configurations may be combined in a single embodiment. In the illustrated example, the scuppers206are generally circular in shape, although scuppers of other shapes, sizes and locations may be employed. In at least some embodiments, one or more of the scuppers206take the form of a tack-off formed by a blow-molding process that is used to integrally form the cockpit204with the hull202. In addition to facilitating drainage of the cockpit204, or at least providing low points for collecting water to be removed later, the scuppers206may also add strength and rigidity where the cockpit204joins the hull202. In the example ofFIG. 2, the scuppers206are generally located within recesses208that extend along the bottom of the hull202. In at least some embodiments, the location of the scuppers206in the recesses208may lend particular strength and rigidity to the hull202and cockpit204. In other embodiments, some, none, or all of the scuppers may be located other than within such recesses.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1 and 2a, some embodiments of the kayak100may include one or more foot wells210on either side of the cockpit204. In general, the foot wells210may be configured and arranged to provide support for the feet of a user. In some embodiments, the foot wells210may be integrally formed with the body200. Aspects such as the size, geometry, orientation, number, location and spacing of the foot wells210can be selected as desired. Among other things, the foot wells210may enable a user to position his or her feet in a variety of different locations within the cockpit204. This flexibility in positioning may prove useful where considerations such as physical size and paddling style can vary from one user to another. As well, different water, wind and other environmental conditions may dictate changes in the foot position of a user.

As noted earlier, embodiments of the kayak100may have one, two, or more, seats. One or more of the seats222, discussed in more detail below, may be positioned relatively higher in the kayak100than the foot wells210. This configuration and arrangement of the seats222and foot wells210may provide relatively more comfortable sitting and paddling positions for the user, while reducing, or possibly eliminating, the need for backrests in some embodiments. Another aspect of the seat222and foot well210configuration and arrangement is that one or more relatively tall, e.g., greater than 6′, individuals may be easily accommodated in, and operate, the kayak100, even if the kayak100is as short as about 10′ long.

Another useful aspect of some embodiments of the kayak relates to the compactness of certain configurations, such as tandem configurations for example. That is, such compactness tends to put the paddlers so close to each other that their legs would come into contact with the seat straps that connect from the front of the seat back to an area on the outer edge of the foot well trough. Some embodiments, one example of which is discussed herein in connection withFIG. 4, have eliminated this problem by mounting the seat straps to the outer edge of the seat bottom. This allows the paddler in the rear or middle position to straddle the seat strap in front of them without interference from the seat straps.

Some embodiments of the kayak100may include one or more internal storage areas212in the interior of the body200and accessible by way of a removable cover212a, which may be threaded or otherwise configured to releasably engage corresponding structure of the body200. Moreover, embodiments of the kayak100may include one or more stowage areas214where cargo can be secured, for example, by way of retention devices216such as elastic cords or other elements releasably connected to attachment points218. At least some embodiments of the kayak100may include a handle220to enable a user to pull and otherwise maneuver the kayak100. As noted above, embodiments of the kayak100may also include one or more seats222.

In the particular example ofFIG. 1, three seats222are provided, although more or fewer seats may be provided in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the seats222may be integrally formed with the body200. One or more of the seats222may be sized and oriented to accommodate an adult passenger. Further examples of elements that may be employed in embodiments of the kayak100are disclosed elsewhere herein in connection with the discussion of backrests that may be employed in connection with the seats222.

With particular reference toFIGS. 1,2a,2b,2dand2f, the kayak100may incorporate a ‘fish tail’ configuration300. In at least some embodiments, some or all of the fish tail configuration300may be integrally formed with the rest of the kayak100in a blow-molding, or other, process that produces a kayak100having a unitary one-piece construction. As indicated inFIGS. 2aand2b, the fish tail configuration300may include a pair of tail portions302that may collectively define a fork shape. The fork may be relatively shallow, as in the example ofFIGS. 2aand2b, or may be relatively deep. In one alternative embodiment, a portion of the fish tail configuration may be eliminated such that the back of the kayak100is relatively straight, rather than forked.

The outer edge302aof each tail portion302may extend straight back, i.e., substantially parallel to the centerline CL, or may flare outward. In some embodiments, each of the tail portions302may include a recess302bthat extends partway along a length of the projection302. These recesses302bmay facilitate drainage of water away from the upper surface202aof the hull202.

With particular reference toFIG. 1, a swim step224may be positioned between the two tail portions302. Among other things, the swim step224may slope downward and away from the upper surface202aof the hull202so as to enable a user to readily reenter the kayak100, such as by placing a foot and/or knee on the swim step224. As noted elsewhere herein, the swim step224may be textured and/or covered in such a way as to provide a non-slip surface, or at least a surface that resists slippage of a user off of the swim step224. Finally, the swim step224may be configured to accommodate accessories such as a wheel or an electric trolling motor. To this end, the swim step224may include one or more scuppers. As best shown inFIG. 2f, the body200may include one or more handles, such as handle225, which may or may not be integrally formed with the body200.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, further details are provided concerning aspects of the example fish tail configuration300. As particularly indicated inFIG. 2, the bottom of the body200may include a central recessed portion226bounded on a portion of each side by a knuckle226aextending along at least a portion of a length of the body200. In general, the term ‘knuckle’ embraces, but is not necessarily limited to, an angle defined by the intersection of two surfaces. The knuckles226adiverge from each other proximate the stern100bof the kayak100so as to collectively define a portion of the fish tail configuration300. In particular, the tail portions302may be defined in part by and/or include portions of the knuckles226a. The thickness of the hull202may be reduced near the tail portions302so as to at least partially define a depth and length of each of the tail portions302. Thus configured, the tail portions302may extend vertically downward away from the upper surface202aof the hull202. The bottom of the hull202may also include first and second recesses214positioned outboard of a respective knuckle226a. The recesses214may cooperate with recesses208to at least partly define a generally V-shaped portion230extending toward the bow100a. In some embodiments, the recesses208and/or214may be implemented as, or incorporate, one or more tack-offs. More generally, any recess disclosed herein may be implemented as, or incorporate, one or more tack-offs.

As best indicated inFIG. 2b, some embodiments of the kayak100may be configured to include on or more ribs on the bottom of the body200. Aspects such as the size, shape, number, location and orientation of the ribs may be varied as necessary, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example embodiments.

With reference to the particular example ofFIG. 2b, the kayak100may include ribs232that extend along a portion of the body200. In this example, the ribs232are positioned between recess208and the central recessed portion226, although other arrangements and numbers of ribs may alternatively be employed.

In addition, or as an alternative, to ribs232, embodiments of the kayak100may include a rib234positioned proximate the centerline CL of the kayak100. The rib234may begin proximate, or at, the bow100aof the kayak100, and may extend toward the stern100b. The rib234may cooperate with knuckles208ato at least partly define a portion of the recesses208. In the example ofFIG. 2b, the aft-most portion of rib234may be located proximate the forward-most portion of one or more of the V-shaped portion230, the ribs232, and the central recessed portion226.

The example fish tail configuration300disclosed in the Figures may provide a variety of useful functions. For example, the configuration of the tail portions302may cause water to be pushed outward, in a direction away from the centerline CL, as the kayak100moves forward through the water. In this way, at least some embodiments of the kayak100are able to overcome the tendency of some known kayaks to wallow when paddled, insofar as those known kayaks are configured such that their hulls offer more resistance in the bow area than in the stern. Considered another way, the fish tail configuration300may provide for relatively lower resistance (i.e., through the water) in the front of the kayak100than in the rear by enabling the release of a smooth flow of water from the stern100bwhich, in turn, contributes to speed and efficiency of paddling. Another consequence of this fish tail configuration300may be that when a user stops paddling, the kayak100continues to move in a relatively straight line. This may be particularly advantageous where the kayak is relatively short, e.g., about 10 feet long or shorter. A related advantage that may be realized with the fish tail configuration300is that because the kayak100tends to track in a straight line, even when not being paddled, the need for fins and similar guide elements may be avoided.

Another useful aspect that may attend use of the fish tail configuration300is improved stability of the kayak100owing to the flotation provided by the tail portions302near the outer edge of the hull202, particularly near the stern100b. Among other things, this improved stability may enable the rearmost seat222to be placed relatively further back than would be the case in a kayak having a conventional stern configuration.

As the foregoing makes clear, the fish tail configuration300is an example of a structural implementation of a means for performing, in any combination, one or more of: reducing hydrodynamic resistance at the bow of the kayak relative to the stern of the kayak; enabling the kayak to track in a relatively straight line, regardless of whether the kayak is being paddled or not; enhancing stability and/or flotation of the kayak near the stern of the kayak; enhancing the efficient flow of water off of and/or away from the stern of the kayak; enhancing lateral stability of the kayak.

With reference finally toFIGS. 3a-3c, at least some embodiments of a watercraft, such as a kayak for example, may include one or more backrests400. At least one backrest may be releasably attachable to the watercraft, such that the backrest can be attached to, and detached from, the watercraft, as/if desired. As well, such a detachable backrest may be movable relative to the watercraft. A watercraft that includes, or is configured to include, one or more releasably attachable backrests may enable a user to readily customize the watercraft for different uses, and numbers and/or sizes of users.

Where multiple backrests are employed in a single watercraft, the backrests may be substantially the same as each other in terms of one or more of their size, shape, and/or configuration. However, the backrests need not be substantially the same as each other in any of the aforementioned regards.

Moreover, one or more backrests may, or may not, be interchangeable with one or more other backrests. This interchangeability may be implemented within a single type or model of watercraft, or across a plurality of types or models of watercraft.

In some instances, a backrest may be configured for use with a plurality of different types of watercraft, and need not necessarily be limited for use with a single type or model of watercraft. As well, a watercraft may be configured to accept only a single type of backrest configuration, or to accept a plurality of different backrest configurations.

One or more releasably attachable backrests, and one or more permanently attached, backrests may be combined together in a single watercraft. Alternatively, a watercraft may include only one or more releasably attachable backrests.

The backrest can be formed by any suitable process. Some examples include blow-molding, and injection-molding, although other processes can be employed as well. Thus, the backrest may comprise a blow-molded or injection-molded structure.

Turning now to some more particular aspects of an example backrest such as that disclosed inFIGS. 3a-3c, the backrest400may have any desired configuration and, in some example embodiments, may be substantially, or completely, constructed of blow-molded plastic. The backrest400may be shaped and configured to generally conform with the contours of a user's back. As well, the size and shape of the backrest400may generally conform with a recess defined by the seat222so that when the backrest400is folded down (see, e.g.,FIG. 3c), some or all of the backrest400resides in the recess defined by the seat222. Among other things, this configuration and arrangement may facilitate stacking of one or more kayaks100.

As suggested above, the backrest400may be movable, such as by rotation, between one or more upright positions, one of which may be substantially vertical, and a folded position that may be substantially horizontal. The backrest400and/or the kayak100may be configured in any manner that permits the backrest400to move relative to the kayak100. In one example embodiment, the backrest400may be connected, removably or permanently, to the kayak100.

With reference now to the particular example ofFIGS. 3a-3c, an embodiment is disclosed where a backrest400is configured to rotate, relative to the body200, so as to be capable of assuming, at least, a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position. The backrest400may, or may not, be removable from the body200of the kayak100.

In one more particular example, the backrest400may be removably connected to the kayak100with an attachment mechanism, one example of which is hinge mechanism500. The hinge mechanism500may include a hinge bracket502configured to be at least partly received in a corresponding recess236defined in the body200of the kayak100. The hinge bracket502may be constructed of any suitable material, including plastic, or metals such as stainless steel, and the hinge bracket502may be secured to the body200with fasteners504, such as screws for example. In one alternative configuration, the hinge bracket502may be constructed of plastic and integrally formed with the body200, such as by blow-molding for example, or the hinge bracket502may be constructed of plastic and attached to the body200with one or more fasteners, which may or may not be plastic. As well, the hinge bracket502may be configured to receive, releasably in some embodiments, one or more corresponding structures of the seat400.

More specifically, the hinge bracket502may define a channel502aconfigured to receive a portion402aof a hinge402of the backrest400. The hinge402may be spaced apart from the body404by one or more supports406. One or more of the hinge402, body404and supports406may be integrally formed together to form the backrest400, such as by blow-molding or injection molding, for example. The hinge402may be sized and configured to be snap-fit or push-fit into the channel502aof the hinge bracket502. For example, the width of the top of the channel502amay be relatively smaller than the diameter of the portion402asuch that the portion402atemporarily deforms, such as by widening, the top of the channel502aas the portion402ais pushed down into, or pulled out of, the channel502a. An upper edge502bof the channel502amay be flared outward so as to guide the insertion of the portion402ainto the channel502a.

Once the portion402ahas been positioned in the channel502a, the backrest400may be rotatable relative to the body200. In some embodiments, the backrest400and/or hinge mechanism500may be configured such that the backrest400may have a rotational range of motion of about 180 degrees, that is, from a position where the backrest400is folded forward as shown inFIG. 3c, to a position where the backrest400is folded back (not shown). In another example embodiment, the backrest400and/or hinge mechanism500may be configured such that the backrest400may have a rotational range of motion of about 90 degrees, that is, from a position where the backrest400is folded forward as shown inFIG. 3c, to a substantially vertical position as shown inFIG. 3b. These ranges of motion of the backrest400are presented only by way of example, and larger or smaller ranges of motion may be employed.

As will be evident from the present disclosure, the hinge mechanism500is but one example of a structural implementation of a means for releasably attaching a seat element, one example of such a seat element being a backrest, such as backrest400for example. Any other mechanism(s) having functionality comparable to that of the hinge mechanism may alternatively be employed in the releasable attachment of the backrest to a watercraft. For example, in one alternative embodiment, one or more fasteners, such as bolts or screws for example, may be used to releasably attach a backrest to a watercraft. The bolts or screws may be made of any material(s), including plastic, and may engage corresponding threads in the body of the watercraft. As another example, one or more quick-release mechanisms, such as a cam-lock mechanism for example, may be used to releasably attach a backrest to a watercraft. As a further example, devices such as pins may be used to releasably attach a backrest to a watercraft.

With reference now toFIG. 4, and continuing reference toFIGS. 3band3c, some embodiments may include one or more seat straps602whose length may or may not be adjustable. The seat straps602may or may not be employed for each backrest in a particular watercraft, and the seat straps602may be employed in different configurations depending upon considerations such as the intended use or configuration of a particular watercraft. Thus, in one example embodiment, the seat straps602for the front two seat positions in a watercraft may attach to the seat bottom, such as seat222(see, e.g.,FIG. 1) instead of the outside gunwales so the seat straps602will not interfere with the feet of the kayaker in the seat behind.

The seat straps602may comprise, for example, nylon webbing or other suitable material(s). The seat strap602material may be wind, sun and/or water resistant. Further, the seat strap602material may be at least slightly elastic to permit the seat straps602to stretch to a desired extent. As well, the seat straps602may include adjustment elements603or other devices that permit adjustments to be made to the overall length of the seat strap602. In other embodiments, the length of the seat straps602may be substantially fixed.

The seat straps602may include a connector604at one end of the seat strap602and configured to attach, permanently or releasably, to the kayak100or other watercraft. In the example ofFIG. 6, the connector604may define an opening604aconfigured to slip over and engage an attachment point238of the kayak100or other watercraft. The attachment point238may or may not be integrally formed with the kayak100or other watercraft. In some instances, the attachment point238is a structure that is discrete from, but connected to, the watercraft.

Where the attachment point238is configured, for example, generally in the shape of a pin, a first part of the opening604amay have a diameter or width slightly larger than an upper portion of the attachment point238, while a second part of the opening604amay have a diameter or width smaller than that of the first part and slightly larger than a lower portion of the attachment point238. In this example configuration, as tension is exerted on the seat strap602, the lower portion of the attachment point238slides into the second part of the opening604a.

The backrest400may include one or more attachment points (not shown), on the side or back of the backrest400for example, similar in construction to the attachment points238, and configured to releasably engage a connector, such as connector604for example, located at an end of one or more seat straps602. The backrest400attachment point(s) may or may not be integrally formed with the backrest400.

As indicated inFIG. 3b(as well asFIG. 1), some embodiments of the body200may include one or more cutouts240that may be integrally formed with the body200. Among other things, the cutouts240may enable the attachment points238and seat straps602to be located sufficiently far inboard so as not to substantially impede placement of the legs and feet of a user seated aft of seat404(FIG. 3b). Such an arrangement may be particularly useful for embodiments of the kayak that are relatively short, as that arrangement may enable a plurality of adult users to be seated in the kayak, notwithstanding the relatively short length of the kayak.