A watercraft carrier includes a central hub having an upper surface configured to receive a watercraft, an upright rotatably coupled to the central hub and configured to be disposed in a plurality of positions, and a locking assembly coupling the upright with the central hub and configured to secure the upright in the plurality of positions. The locking assembly is disposed below the upper surface of the central hub. A portion of the upright is disposed above the upper surface of the central hub in a first position and the upright is disposed below the upper surface of the central hub in a second position.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to watercraft carriers. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to watercraft carriers that can be used with multiple types of watercraft.

Background

Devices for carrying equipment, such as watercraft, for example but not limited to, kayaks, canoes, surfboards, paddleboards, etc., on a vehicle can be used to transport the watercraft from one place to another. The watercraft can be secured to the carrier to safely and conveniently transport the watercraft, for example, on the roof of a motor vehicle.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a watercraft carrier can include a central hub having an upper surface configured to receive a watercraft, an upright rotatably coupled to the central hub and configured to be disposed in a plurality of positions, and a locking assembly coupling the upright with the central hub and configured to secure the upright in the plurality of positions. In some embodiments, the locking assembly can be disposed below the upper surface of the central hub. In some embodiments, a portion of the upright can be disposed above the upper surface of the central hub in a first position. In some embodiments, the upright can be disposed below the upper surface of the central hub in a second position. In some embodiments, the upright can be parallel to the upper surface of the central hub in the second position.

In some embodiments, the upper surface of the central hub can include one or more pads configured to engage a surface of the watercraft. In some embodiments, the one or more pads can be made of rubber or foam.

In some embodiments, the upright can include a first post coupled to a first side of the central hub, a second post coupled to a second side of the central hub, and a crossbar disposed between the first post and the second post. In some embodiments, the upright can be a unitary member.

In some embodiments, the locking assembly can include a pivot bolt extending through the first post, the central hub, and the second post. In some embodiments, the locking assembly can include a handle configured to rotate about the pivot bolt to releasably secure the upright in the plurality of positions.

In some embodiments, the central hub can include a side faceplate having a plurality of grooves configured to receive an attachment end of the upright. In some embodiments, the side faceplate can be perpendicular to the upper surface of the central hub. In some embodiments, the grooves can define concave surfaces on the side faceplate. In some embodiments, the grooves can have a first ridge and a second ridge protruding from the side faceplate defining edges of the grooves. In some embodiments, a second ridge of a first can groove define a first ridge of a second groove. In some embodiments, the upright can be parallel to the upper surface of the central hub when the upright is disposed in a first groove. In some embodiments, the upright can be perpendicular to the upper surface of the central hub when the upright is disposed in a second groove. In some embodiments, the side faceplate can include five grooves. In some embodiments, the upright can be disposed at an angle of 0 degrees, 75 degrees, 90 degrees, 105 degrees, and 180 degrees with respect to the upper surface of the central hub when the upright is disposed in a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth groove, respectively.

In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier can include a first wing having a proximal end adjacent the central hub, a distal end, and an upper surface. In some embodiments, the distal end of the first wing can be disposed vertically above a plane including the upper surface of the central hub. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the first wing can extend upward from the proximal end and downward toward the distal end. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the first wing can include one or more pads configured to engage a surface of the watercraft.

In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier can include a second wing disposed opposite the first wing, the second wing having a proximal end adjacent the central hub, a distal end, and an upper surface. In some embodiments, the distal end of the second wing can be disposed vertically above a plane including the upper surface of the central hub. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the second wing can extend upward from the proximal end and downward toward the distal end.

In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier can include an elongate base frame having a central portion. In some embodiments, a pair of arms can extend from the central portion. In some embodiments, the central hub can be disposed on the central portion of the base frame, the first wing can be disposed on a first arm, and the second wing can be disposed on a second arm. In some embodiments, a distal end of the first arm and a distal end of the second arm can be disposed vertically above a plane including the central portion of the base frame.

In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier can include a mounting assembly coupled to the central hub and configured to mount the watercraft carrier on a load bar of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier can be configured to carry a first type of watercraft when the upright is in a first position and the watercraft carrier can be configured to carry a second type of watercraft when the upright is in a second position. In some embodiments, the first type of watercraft can be a kayak or canoe and the second type of watercraft can be a surfboard or stand up paddleboard. In some embodiments, a portion of the upright can be disposed above the upper surface of the central hub in the first position. In some embodiments, the upright can be disposed below the upper surface of the central hub in the second position.

In some embodiments, a watercraft carrier for carrying multiple types of watercraft on a vehicle can include a base frame having a central portion and a pair of arms extending from the central portion and a central hub having an upper surface. In some embodiments, the central hub can be disposed on the central portion of the base frame. In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier can include a first wing having an upper surface and a second wing having an upper surface. In some embodiments, the first wing can be disposed on a first arm of the base frame and the second wing can be disposed on a second arm of the base frame. In some embodiments, an upright can be rotatably coupled to the central hub and configured to be disposed in a plurality of positions. In some embodiments, a locking assembly can couple the upright with the central hub and be configured to secure the upright in the plurality of positions. In some embodiments, the locking assembly can be disposed below the upper surface of the central hub.

In some embodiments, the upper surfaces of the central hub, the first wing, and the second wing can include pads configured to receive multiple types of watercraft. In some embodiments, the upright can be configured to rotate from a first position where a portion of the upright is disposed above the upper surface of the central hub to a second position where the upright is disposed below the upper surface of the central hub. In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier can be configured to receive one or more kayaks or canoes in the first position and configured to receive a surfboard or stand up paddleboard in the second position. In some embodiments, a crossbar of the upright can pass proximate a distal end of the first wing when rotating the upright from the first position to the second position.

In some embodiments, an adjustable watercraft carrier for carrying watercrafts of different sizes can include a central hub having an upper surface configured to receive a watercraft, a first wing having an upper surface configured to receive the watercraft, and a second wing having an upper surface configured to receive the watercraft. In some embodiments, the first wing can be configured to translate longitudinally with respect to the central hub from a first position to a second position. In some embodiments, the central hub, the first wing, and the second wing can be disposed on a longitudinal rail. In some embodiments, the second wing can be configured to translate longitudinally with respect to the central hub from a first position to a second position.

In some embodiments, the first wing of the watercraft carrier can include a lock strip having a plurality of slots and a lever having an activation end and a tooth. In some embodiments, the first wing can be disposed in the first position when the tooth is disposed in a first slot and the first wing can be disposed in the second position when the tooth is disposed in a second slot. In some embodiments, pressing the activation end of the lever can disengage the tooth from a slot. In some embodiments, longitudinal translation of the first wing can be permitted when the tooth is disengaged from the slots and longitudinal translation of the first wing can be prevented when the tooth is engaged in a slot.

In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier can be configured to receive a first watercraft having a first width when the first wing is disposed in the first position and the watercraft carrier can be configured to receive a second watercraft having a second width when the first wing is disposed in the second position.

In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier can include an upright rotatably coupled to the central hub and configured to be disposed in a plurality of positions. In some embodiments the watercraft carrier can include a locking assembly coupling the upright with the central hub and configured to secure the upright in the plurality of positions. In some embodiments, the locking assembly can be disposed below the upper surface of the central hub.

In some embodiments, a method of adjusting a watercraft carrier for carrying a watercraft on a vehicle can include positioning an upright coupled to a central hub of the watercraft carrier in a first position. In some embodiments, the upright can have a locking assembly disposed below an upper surface of the central hub. In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier can be configured to support a first type of watercraft when the upright is in the first position. In some embodiments, the method can include rotating the upright to a second position such that the watercraft carrier is configured to support a second type of watercraft when the upright is in the second position.

In some embodiments, positioning the upright in the first position can include rotating the upright such that a portion of the upright is disposed above the upper surface of the central hub. In some embodiments, rotating the upright to the second position can include rotating the upright such that the upright is disposed below the upper surface of the central hub. In some embodiments, rotating the upright from the first position to the second position can include disengaging the upright from a first groove on a side faceplate of the central hub and engaging the upright with a second groove on the side faceplate of the central hub.

In some embodiments, the method can include translating a first wing of the watercraft carrier from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position. In some embodiments, the method can include translating a second wing of the watercraft carrier from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position. In some embodiments, the method can include activating a lever to disengage a tooth on the lever from a slot in a lock strip and sliding the first wing along a rail until the tooth engages a second slot in the lock strip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the watercraft carriers10disclosed herein can have an upright400that is configured to rotate to multiple positions. This can allow watercraft carrier10to carry different types of watercraft, for example, but not limited to kayaks, canoes, surfboards, paddleboards, etc. In some embodiments, watercraft carrier10can carry multiple watercrafts at the same time. The versatility of watercraft carrier10allows the user to use one carrier for multiple types of watercraft. This can eliminate the need to switch carriers when the user wants to carry a different watercraft, which can be an inconvenient and time consuming task, for example, when using a roof-mounted carrier. The unique configuration of the watercraft carrier10can allow for safe and efficient carrying of watercrafts.

In some embodiments, a central hub200of watercraft carrier10can include a plurality of grooves206, for example, on a side faceplate204, which can be generally perpendicular to upper surface202. The grooves can be concave surfaces of side faceplate204that are configured to receive an end of the upright400to facilitate securing the upright400in a plurality of positions corresponding to each groove206. The upright400can therefore be rotated so that the end is disposed in a particular groove206such that the upright400is in a suitable position to carry a particular type of watercraft. This can include positions where upright400is used as a support for the watercraft and positions where upright400is disposed such that it cannot contact the watercraft.

Embodiments of the watercraft carriers10can also have a locking assembly420for releasably securing the upright400in a plurality of positions. In some embodiments, the locking assembly420can be disposed entirely below the upper surface202of central hub200of the watercraft carrier10. In some embodiments, the locking assembly420can include any component associated with securing upright400in the plurality of positions, for example, but not limited to pivot bolt422, knob or handle424or another adjustment device, and/or grooves206in a faceplate204. In some embodiments, the locking assembly420can include a housing associated with any of these components, for example, a housing coupled to upright400. In some embodiments, the upper surface202can include one or more pads210. By locating the locking assembly420entirely below the upper surface202of the central hub200, the locking assembly420does not interfere with (i.e., contact) a watercraft disposed on watercraft carrier10. For example, when upright400is in a position as shown inFIG. 4, a watercraft can be disposed on watercraft carrier10without contacting locking assembly420. Rather, the watercraft can contact, for example, only the pads210,310of the central hub200and the wings302,306, when disposed on watercraft carrier10. This can prevent additional forces from being imparted onto the watercraft by the upright400or locking assembly420that can damage the watercraft by way of scratching, cracking, etc.

In some embodiments, the wings302,306of watercraft carrier10can be telescoping. For example, one or both of the wings302,306can move in a longitudinal direction between a plurality of positions. This can adjust the width of watercraft carrier10, which can allow watercraft carrier10to better carry watercraft of different shapes, sizes, widths, contours, etc. using the same watercraft carrier. This can prevent damage to the watercraft by having a better fit for the watercraft on the watercraft carrier.

FIGS. 1-9illustrate embodiments of watercraft carrier10. In some embodiments, watercraft carrier10can include a base frame100and a central hub200. In some embodiments, watercraft carrier10can include a first wing302adjacent central hub200. In some embodiments, watercraft carrier10can include a second wing306adjacent an opposite side of central hub200from first wing302. In some embodiments, watercraft carrier10can include upright400, which can be coupled to central hub200. In some embodiments, upright400can rotate with respect to central hub200to multiple positions as shown, for example, inFIGS. 4-8. In some embodiments, watercraft carrier10can be coupled to a load bar on a vehicle roof, for example, using one or more mounting assembly500.

FIG. 2illustrates base frame100of watercraft carrier10, according to an embodiment, with first wing302, second wing306, and central hub200removed. In some embodiments, base frame100can include a first arm102, a second arm104, and a central portion106between the first arm102and the second arm104. Base frame100can be made of any suitable material, for example, but not limited to metal or plastic. In some embodiments, base frame100can be hollow, which can reduce the weight of base frame100. In some embodiments, base frame100can be a unitary piece of material, for example, an extruded metal tube.

As shown, for example, inFIG. 2, in some embodiments, central portion106of base frame100can be straight. In some embodiments, first arm102and/or second arm104of base frame100can be angled upward with respect to central portion106. In some embodiments, arms102,104can have a first portion extending from central portion106that is curved in a first direction and a second portion that is generally parallel with central portion106. For example, a portion of first arm102near distal end103can be generally parallel to central portion106. Similarly, in some embodiments, a portion of second arm104, for example, near distal end105can be generally parallel to central portion106. In some embodiments, arms102,104can have a complex curvature. For example, a proximal portion can extend upward from central portion106and a distal portion can curve downward. This convex shape of base frame100can facilitate a contour formed by wings302,306and central hub200best suited for carrying watercraft on watercraft carrier10.

As shown, for example inFIG. 2, in some embodiments, undercarriage110can be coupled to base frame100. In some embodiments, undercarriage110can be coupled to a bottom surface of base frame100. In some embodiments, undercarriage110can serve as a mounting surface for central hub200including, for example, side faceplate204. The undercarriage110can support base frame100and central hub200and act as a support structure to hold the upright400in position.

As also shown, for example inFIG. 2, in some embodiments, upright400can be coupled to base frame100. For example, in some embodiments, a pivot bolt422or other attachment mechanism can extend through a through-hole108on either side of base frame100. This can allow upright400to rotate, for example, about the pivot bolt422and with respect to base frame100. In some embodiments, pivot bolt422can be disposed through base frame100below an upper surface107of central portion106.

In some embodiments, watercraft carrier10can include locking assembly420for upright400. In some embodiments, locking assembly420can include a handle424or other tightening mechanism and pivot bolt422. In some embodiments, handle424can be rotated about pivot bolt422to tighten locking assembly420in order to fix the position of upright400. In some embodiments, when locking assembly420is untightened, upright400can freely rotate about pivot bolt422. Other mechanisms can be used to lock, secure, and release upright400, for example, a lever, knob, button, gearing system, etc. Generally, the size and shape of locking assembly420should be such that locking assembly420is disposed below upper surface202of central hub200at all times to avoid interfering with the watercraft being carried on watercraft carrier10.

In some embodiments, upright400can include first post402and second post404. In some embodiments, first post402and second post404can be disposed on opposite sides of base frame100. In some embodiments, crossbar406can be disposed between first post402and second post404to connect the two posts. In some embodiments, upright400can be made from a unitary piece of material. Upright400can be made of any suitable material, for example, but not limited to metal or plastic. In some embodiments, upright400can be hollow. In some embodiments, upright400can have a U-shape (i.e., an upside down U-shape when disposed in a position as shown, for example, inFIG. 2).

Referring, for example, toFIGS. 1 and 3, in some embodiments, watercraft carrier10can include central hub200. Central hub200can be made from any suitable material, for example, but not limited to plastic or metal. Central hub200can be a single unitary piece or multiple pieces coupled together. For example, side faceplate204can be coupled to upper surface202of central hub200.

In some embodiments, central hub200can be disposed on and/or coupled to base frame100, for example, to central portion106of base frame100. In some embodiments, central hub200can include upper surface202and one or more side faceplate204. In some embodiments, a side faceplate204can be disposed on either side of central hub200. In some embodiments, side faceplate204can be disposed on and/or coupled to undercarriage110.

In some embodiments, side faceplate204can include one or more groove206. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3-9, for example, side faceplate204includes five grooves206A-206E. Side faceplate204can have any number of grooves206, for example, one, two, three, four, five, six, or more grooves. In some embodiments, grooves206can be symmetrically disposed on side faceplate204. In some embodiments, side faceplate204can form a “scallop” with a plurality of grooves206and ridges208. In some embodiments, each groove206can be disposed below upper surface202of central hub200.

Grooves206can be indentations into side faceplate204, for example, a concave surface. In some embodiments, grooves206can be integrally formed with side faceplate204. For example, in some embodiments, grooves206can be raised from the surface of side faceplate204, forming an indentation within the raised portion. In some embodiments, grooves206can include ridges208on either side of groove206. The ridges208can define the boundary of each groove206. In some embodiments, two or more grooves can be directly adjacent to each other, for example, as shown inFIG. 4with grooves206B,206C, and206D. As such, in some embodiments, a first and second ridge208can define left and right sides of groove206B, for example. In some embodiments, the second (i.e., right) ridge208of groove206B can also define the first (i.e., left) ridge208of groove206C. In some embodiments, grooves206and/or ridges208can originate from or be directed toward a central point, for example, a hole in side faceplate204through which pivot bolt422passes.

Grooves206can provide a seat within which a post402,404of upright400can be disposed. Grooves206can be maintain the post402,404of upright400in position even when locking assembly420is not fully tightened. For example, upon untightening locking assembly420, upright400can be rotated such that the post402,404can be moved from one groove206to the next. For example, when post402of upright400is disposed in groove206D, as shown for example inFIG. 5, upright400can be rotated in the clockwise direction so that post402slides out of groove206D, over ridge208, and into groove206C, as shown for example inFIG. 6.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, locking assembly420for upright400can be disposed below upper surface202of central hub200. As shown for example inFIG. 3, each element of locking assembly420can be disposed below upper surface202of central hub200. This can prevent locking assembly420from interfering with a watercraft being carried on watercraft carrier10. More specifically, when upright400is in a position as shown, for example, inFIGS. 4 and 8, locking assembly420is disposed below the upper surface202of central hub200such that locking assembly420will not contact a watercraft disposed on watercraft carrier10.

In some embodiments, central hub200can include one or more pad210disposed on upper surface202of central hub200. For example, central hub200can include one, two, three, four, or more pads210. In some embodiments, pad210can be part of or constitute upper surface202of central hub200. In some embodiments, two pads210can be disposed on central hub200, as shown for example inFIG. 1. Pads210can be made of any suitable material, for example, but not limited to foam, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), EPDM, felt, or any other material to cushion the watercraft. In some embodiments, two elongate pads can be disposed along a length of central hub200, for example, as shown inFIG. 1. Various numbers, shapes, and sizes for pads210are contemplated and the embodiments shown and described herein are not meant to be limiting. For example, in some embodiments, central hub200can have a plurality of pads extending across the width of upper surface. In some embodiments, a single pad can cover a majority of the upper surface202of central hub200.

In some embodiments, central hub200can be coupled to a load bar by mounting assembly500, for example, a load bar disposed across a width of a roof of a vehicle. In some embodiments, mounting assembly500can include one or more bracket502and one or more fastener504. In some embodiments, fasteners504can be tightened using, for example, knob506, to clamp the bracket502about the load bar. In some embodiments, two mounting assemblies500can be used to couple watercraft carrier10to the load bar. For example, in some embodiments, a mounting assembly500can be disposed at each end of central hub200, for example, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3.

In some embodiments, watercraft carrier10can include first wing302. In some embodiments, first wing302can have a proximal end301closest to central hub200and a distal end303. In some embodiments, watercraft carrier10can include second wing306having a proximal end305closest to central hub200and a distal end307. First wing302and second wing306can be made from any suitable material, for example, but not limited to plastic or metal. In some embodiments, first wing302and second wing306can be the same material as central hub200. In some embodiments, first wing302and second wing306can be part of a unitary structure that includes central hub200.

First wing302and second wing306can each have an upper surface308and a lower surface309. In some embodiments, first wing302can be mounted on or coupled to first arm102of base frame100and second wing306can be mounted on or coupled to second arm104of base frame100. In some embodiments, first wing302and second wing306can follow the shape of first arm102and second arm104of base frame100, respectively.

In some embodiments, one or more pad310can be disposed on upper surface308of first wing302and/or second wing306. In some embodiments, pads310can be part of or constitute upper surface308of wings302,306. Pads310can be made from any suitable material, for example, but not limited to foam, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), EPDM, felt, or any other material to cushion the watercraft. In some embodiments, one, two, three, four, five, or more pads can be disposed on wings302,306. In some embodiments, pads310can be elongate in shape and extend partially or entirely from respective proximal ends301,305to distal ends303,307of the wings302,306. In some embodiments, four elongate pads can be disposed along a length of wings302,306, for example, as shown inFIG. 1. Various numbers, shapes, and sizes for pads310are contemplated and the embodiments shown and described herein are not meant to be limiting. For example, in some embodiments, wings302,306can have a plurality of pads extending across the width of upper surface308. In some embodiments, a single pad can cover a majority of the upper surface308of wings302,306.

In some embodiments, watercraft carrier10can include upright400. As described above, upright400can be coupled to central hub200. In some embodiments, upright400can include one or more pad410. Pad410can be made from any suitable material, for example, but not limited to foam, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), EPDM, felt, or any other material to cushion the watercraft. In some embodiments, each of first post402and second post404can include a pad410disposed partially or entirely around the post402,404. In some embodiments, crossbar406can include a pad.

Referring toFIGS. 4-8, for example, upright400can be configured to rotate between multiple positions. For example,FIGS. 4-8represent positions of upright400at 0 degrees, 75 degrees, 90 degrees, 105 degrees, and 180 degrees, respectively, as upright400is rotated clockwise. Other positions can be selected depending on the desired angle(s) for upright400. In each position, upright400can have post402and/or post404disposed in a respective groove206A-E on side faceplate204. By way of example, when upright400is in a first position, for example as shown inFIG. 4, attachment end403of first post402can be disposed in groove206E. This can correspond to a 0 degree position, where upright400is parallel to the upper surface202of central hub200.FIG. 5shows upright400in a second position, where attachment end403of first post402is disposed in groove206D. In some embodiments, this position can be anywhere from 0 to 90 degrees.FIG. 6shows upright400in a third position, where attachment end403of first post402is disposed in groove206C. In some embodiments, upright400can be disposed at 90 degrees with respect to the upper surface202of central hub200when first post402is disposed in groove206C.FIG. 7shows upright400in a fourth position, where attachment end403of first post402is disposed in groove206B. In some embodiments, this position can be anywhere from 90 to 180 degrees.FIG. 8shows upright400in a fifth position, where attachment end403of first post402is disposed in groove206A. In some embodiments, this can correspond to a 180 degree position, where upright400is again parallel to the upper surface202of central hub200. Other angles and positions for upright400are contemplated. For example, watercraft carrier10can include grooves206on side faceplate204of central hub200such that upright400can be disposed at a 45 and/or 135 degree angle.

The various positions for upright400can facilitate carrying certain types of watercraft. For example, when upright400is in a position as shown, for example inFIGS. 4 and 8, watercraft carrier10is configured to carry a surfboard or stand up paddleboard. Notably, the locking assembly420will not contact the watercraft because it is disposed below the upper surface202of central hub200. When upright400is in a position as shown, for example inFIGS. 5 and 7, watercraft carrier10is configured carry a kayak or canoe. When upright400is in a position as shown, for example inFIG. 6, watercraft carrier10is configured to carry two kayaks or canoes, one on either side of upright400. These examples are not meant to be limiting, and other watercraft can be carried in these positions. In some embodiments, straps, ropes, bungees, etc. can be used to secure the watercraft to watercraft carrier10. The versatility of watercraft carrier10allows the user to have one carrier for many types of watercraft.

FIG. 9illustrates a rear view of watercraft carrier10, according to an embodiment. As shown inFIG. 9, each component of locking assembly420is disposed below upper surface202of central hub200on the rear of watercraft carrier10as well. In some embodiments, central hub200can have a side faceplate204on the rear of watercraft carrier10as described with respect toFIGS. 1 and 3-8. For example, in some embodiments, side faceplate204can include grooves206A-E having ridges208defining edges thereof. In some embodiments, post404of upright400can move from one groove to the next as the upright is rotated with respect to the central hub200.

FIGS. 10 and 11illustrate watercraft carrier10according to another embodiment. Reference numbers inFIGS. 10 and 11generally correspond to features described, for example, with respect toFIGS. 1-9. In some embodiments, central hub200, first wing302, and/or second wing306can be disposed on rail120. Rail120can be an elongate member made of any suitable material, for example, but not limited to metal or plastic. Rail120can be straight or have one or more curved portions, for example, as described with respect to base frame100shown inFIG. 2.

In some embodiments, locking assembly420can include a knob or button424, which can disengage upright400from a locked position such that upright400can be rotated. As shown, for example inFIG. 11, upright400can be rotated such that it is parallel with a longitudinal direction of watercraft carrier10and an upper surface of central hub200. Upright400can lock into place in a plurality of positions between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. As shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 10-12, locking assembly420is disposed below an upper surface of central hub200, for example, below an upper surface of pad210. This prevents locking assembly420from contacting a watercraft disposed on watercraft carrier10, as described above with respect toFIGS. 1 and 3-9.

As shown, for example inFIG. 12, in some embodiments, first wing302and/or second wing306(and associated pads310) can be generally flat near central hub200and extend concave upward along a first portion moving away from proximal end301,305and then transition to a concave downward curve along a second portion moving toward distal end303,307. This upward and downward contour can correspond to a contour of a watercraft to be carried on watercraft carrier10, for example when upright400is in a position as shown inFIG. 11, thereby providing a more suitable surface to cushion and protect the watercraft from damage. This shape can also allow for a wide watercraft, for example a stand up paddleboard, to overhang the wings302,306of watercraft carrier10without being damaged.

As also shown, for example inFIG. 12, in some embodiments, pads310of first wing302and second wing306and/or pad410of upright400can include one or more respective holes312,412through the pads310,410. In some embodiments, ribs314,414can be disposed between adjacent holes312,412through the pads310,410. These holes312,412and ribs314,414can provide cushioning and flexion, reducing what are known as “hot spots” on the watercraft, where localized friction and/or pressure can build up while being carried on watercraft carrier10due to the shape of the watercraft and its position on the pads310,410as described, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/811,376, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

As shown, for example inFIGS. 13 and 14, in some embodiments, first wing302and/or second wing306can be telescoping. In some embodiments, first wing302and/or second wing306can move away from and back toward central hub200. For example, first wing302and/or second wing306can extend outward along rail120so that watercraft carrier10can accommodate watercrafts of various widths, shapes, and sizes.

In some embodiments, for example, first wing302and/or second wing306can include telescoping assembly600, which can allow first wing302to be positioned at various locations along rail120. In some embodiments, telescoping assembly600can be disposed at least partially within an interior compartment320of the wings302,306. In some embodiments, telescoping assembly600can include lever602having one or more tooth604and an activation end606. In some embodiments, lever602can be configured to rotate about a pivot pin608. In some embodiments, by pressing activation end606of lever602, the teeth604can disengage from a lock strip612having one or more slot614within which teeth604can be disposed in a locked configuration. Upon disengaging the teeth604from the lock strip612, the user can slide wing302,306along the rail120to another position. In some embodiments, a spring610can bias lever602to a locked configuration so that teeth604engage slots614of lock strip612when the teeth604line up with slots614.

In some embodiments, telescoping assembly600can include lock616. Lock616can prevent activation of activation end606of lever602so that the wing302,306cannot be moved from the locked configuration even when pressing the activation end606. In some embodiments, an attachment lever618can be disposed under first wing302such that attachment lever618is exposed only when first wing302is in the farthest telescoping position, for example, as shown inFIG. 14. In some embodiments, attachment lever618can be configured such that watercraft carrier10can only be removed from attachment with a load bar when attachment lever618is activated, for example as shown inFIG. 14.

Methods of operating a watercraft carrier can be accomplished according to the manners of operation disclosed herein. For example, a method of adjusting the watercraft carrier can include positioning an upright coupled to a central hub in a first position and rotating the upright to a second position. In some embodiments, the upright can have a locking assembly disposed below an upper surface of the central hub such that when the upright is in the second position, a watercraft disposed on the watercraft carrier does not contact the upright or the locking assembly. In some embodiments, locking assembly can be tightened to secure the upright in place and loosened to allow the upright to rotate.

In some embodiments, positioning the upright in the first position can include rotating the upright such that a portion of the upright is disposed above the upper surface of the central hub. For example, the user can rotate the upright so that it is disposed at 90 degrees with respect to the upper surface of the central hub. In some embodiments, rotating the upright to the second position can include rotating the upright such that the upright is disposed below the upper surface of the central hub. For example, the upright can be parallel to the upper surface when disposed in the second position. In some embodiments, when rotating upright400to the second position, upright400can pass proximate the distal end of a wing of the watercraft carrier, for example, within 6 inches of the distal end.

In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier can be configured to support a first type of watercraft when the upright is in the first position. In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier can be configured to support a second type of watercraft when the upright is in the second position. In some embodiments the first and second type of watercraft can be the same type of watercraft. In some embodiments, the first and second type of watercraft can be different watercraft. For example, the first watercraft can be a kayak or canoe and the second watercraft can be a surfboard or stand up paddleboard.

In some embodiments, rotating the upright from the first position to the second position can include disengaging the upright from a first groove on a side faceplate of the central hub and engaging the upright with a second groove on the side faceplate of the central hub. In some embodiments, the upright can slide out of the concave portion of the groove, over a ridge defining an edge of the groove, and into an adjacent groove.

In some embodiments, the method can include translating a first wing of the watercraft carrier from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position. This can occur in a telescoping manner, for example, along a longitudinal rail. In some embodiments, the method can include translating a second wing of the watercraft carrier from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position. In some embodiments, the method can include activating a lever, for example, by pressing on an activation end accessible to the user. This can disengage a tooth (or multiple teeth) on the lever from a slot (or slots) in a lock strip so that the wing can slide along the rail until the tooth (or teeth) engages another slot in the lock strip.

In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier can be coupled to a vehicle, for example, to a load bar of a vehicle. In some embodiments, two or more watercraft carriers can be used to support a single watercraft.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Brief Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of watercraft carriers as contemplated by the inventors, and thus, are not intended to limit the present embodiments and the appended claims in any way.