Patent Publication Number: US-10780957-B2

Title: Board-type watercraft

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to watercrafts and, more particularly, to watercrafts designed for selective disassembly into a plurality of separate sections for ease of transport and storage. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Board-type watercrafts, such as surfboards and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs), are well known in the art and are widely utilized in a variety of water-based leisure activities. 
     Commonly, board-type watercrafts are shaped or molded using one or more polymer materials, such polyurethane foam treated with a polyester or epoxy resin. The resultant board has an elongated, unitary construction with a relatively flat top surface designed to support the rider, a relatively flat, low friction, bottom surface, a narrow or pointed front end, or nose, and a widened rear end, or tail. To facilitate control of the board on water, a fin is often provided that projects outwardly from its bottom surface near its tail end. 
     Although designed primarily for use by a single rider, board-type watercrafts of the type as described above are nonetheless relatively large in size. For instance, a conventional stand-up paddle board is often approximately 7-14 feet in length, approximately 27-32 inches in width, and approximately 4-6 inches thick. As a result, the routine transport and storage of such items has been found to be relatively challenging. In fact, designated accessories, such as racks, are typically required in order to transport and store such boards. 
     Accordingly, an increasing number of watercrafts have been recently designed that are adapted for selective disassembly into a plurality of separate sections for greater ease of transport and storage. For example, a canoe with multiple releasable sections is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0194061 to R. Ohman et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. As another example, a stand-up paddle board with a modular construction is currently available for sale by Point 65 Sweden AB, of Solna, Sweden, under its Rum Runner line of stand-up paddleboards. Lastly, a modular stand-up paddle board is currently available for sale by Riot Stand-Up Paddleboards of St. Hubert, Canada, under its Hydra line of stand-up paddleboards. 
     Separable, or modular, board-type watercrafts typically include adjacent sections with opposing mating faces that releasably engage to form a near seamless joint region. At least one fastening mechanism, such as a serrated strap and complementary locking buckle, is used to secure together the adjacent sections through the application of a suitable compressive force. Typically, one fastening mechanism is located along each outer side edge of the watercraft (i.e. with the fastening mechanisms disposed in a side-by-side relationship) to secure together the separate modules through each joint. 
     Although well known in the art, modular board-type watercrafts of the type as described above have been found to suffer from a few notable shortcomings. 
     As a first shortcoming, separable board-type watercrafts often lack the requisite rigidity and stability required to effectively engage in water-based activities. Specifically, it has been found that a certain undesirable degree of torque is experienced through each joint due to the number, style and arrangement of fastening mechanisms. This level of torque creates instability in the board that often renders it difficult to operate. 
     As a second shortcoming, although separable, the individual sections of such watercrafts are often relatively bulky in size and lack a flat, streamlined construction. As a consequence, these boards, when assembled, are generally not aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, these boards, when disassembled, are often incapable of being effectively arranged into a compact package, thereby precluding transport via smaller automobiles and shipment via conventional ground courier services. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved board-type watercraft. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved board-type watercraft that is adapted for selective disassembly into a plurality of separate sections. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a board-type watercraft of the type as described above that, when in its assembled state, remains rigid and stable to ensure effective operability. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a board-type watercraft of the type as described above that, when in its assembled state, is aesthetically pleasing and closely resembles the look and feel of a conventional single-piece board. 
     It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide a board-type watercraft of the type as described above that, when in its disassembled state, can be arranged into a compact configuration to allow for ease of storage and transport as well as shipment via traditional ground courier services. 
     It is even yet still another object of the present invention to provide a board-type watercraft of the type as described above that has a limited number of parts, is inexpensive to manufacture, and is easy to use. 
     Accordingly, as a feature of the present invention, there is provided a watercraft adapted for arrangement between an assembled state and a disassembled state, the watercraft comprising (a) a plurality of separate sections, the plurality of separate sections comprising first and second sections that are joined together through a first joint when the watercraft is in its assembled state, and (b) a plurality of compressive-type fastening elements for securing the first and second sections together when the watercraft is in its assembled state, the plurality of compressive-type fastening elements comprising a first pair of fastening elements arranged in substantial vertical alignment with one another. 
     Various other features and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, an embodiment for practicing the invention. The embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts: 
         FIGS. 1( a )-( d )  are top plan, bottom plan, top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a board-type watercraft constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the board being shown in its fully assembled state; 
         FIGS. 2( a )-( e )  are exploded, top plan, front, bottom plan, top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the board-type watercraft shown in  FIG. 1( a ) , the watercraft being shown in its disassembled state; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged, top perspective view of the circled region shown in the board-type watercraft of  FIG. 2( d ) ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged, bottom perspective view of the circled region shown in the board-type watercraft of  FIG. 2( e ) ; 
         FIGS. 5( a ) and 5( b )  are top plan and front views, respectively, of the board-type watercraft shown in  FIG. 1( a ) , the watercraft being shown in its disassembled state and arranged into a highly compact stack which is suitable for transport and storage; and 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of a package suitable for retaining the disassembled and stacked watercraft shown in  FIG. 5( a ) . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Board-Type Watercraft  11   
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1( a )-( d ) , there is shown a board-type watercraft that is constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the watercraft being identified generally by reference numeral  11 . As will be explained in detail below, watercraft  11  is designed to be easily disassembled into a plurality of separate sections and, in turn, arranged into a highly compact stack that is suitable for storage or transport. 
     In the drawings, watercraft  11  is represented as a stand-up paddle board (SUP). However, it should be noted watercraft  11  is not limited to stand-up paddle boards. Rather, as defined herein, watercraft  11  represents any type of watercraft that would benefit from a modular construction for enhanced portability. In other words, the principals of the present invention could be similarly applied to alternative types of watercrafts, such as surfboards, kayaks, canoes and the like, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     As can be seen, watercraft  11  has an elongated, board-like construction that includes a relatively flat top surface  13  designed to support a rider, a relatively flat, low friction, bottom surface  15 , a narrow or pointed front end, or nose,  17  and a slightly widened rear end, or tail  19 . In this assembled state, watercraft  11  closely resembles the look and feel of a conventional one-piece stand-up paddleboard, which is an object of the present invention. 
     Preferably, watercraft  11  is manufactured of a rigid and durable material that is particularly well suited for use in its designated environment. For instance, watercraft  11  may be shaped or molded using one or more materials that are conventionally used in the manufacture of board-type watercrafts, such a polyurethane foam core which is externally treated with a polyester or epoxy resin, or a suitable rigid plastic material including, but not limited to, polyethylene. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1( b ) and 1( d ) , a fin-shaped recess  29  is preferably formed into bottom surface  15  towards tail  19 . As can be appreciated, recess  29  is dimensioned to receive a fixedly mounted or spring-loaded fin (not shown), which is used for improved tracking and stability of watercraft  11  during routine use. 
     As noted briefly above, watercraft  11  is designed to be easily disassembled into a plurality of modules for ease of transport and storage. Specifically, watercraft  11  includes a plurality of individual sections  31  that are releasably secured together using multiple sets of compressive-type fastening mechanisms, or devices,  33 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2( a )-( e ) , watercraft  11  includes a middle, or center, section  31 - 1  that is releasably secured to both (i) a front, or nose, section  31 - 2  through a first connective region, or joint,  35 - 1 , and (ii) a rear, or tail, section  31 - 3  through a second connective region, or joint,  35 - 2 . As will be explained further in detail below, the particular design of sections  31  provides a number of notable advantages including, but not limited to, positioning joints  35  at low stress areas on watercraft  11  and affording greater design flexibility by using a universal center section  31 - 1  with varieties of different styles of nose and tail sections. 
     Adjacent sections  31  are designed to mate so as to produce joints  35  that are both strong and relatively seamless upon assembly. As seen most clearly in  FIGS. 2( d ) and 2( e ) , first end  37  of center section  31 - 1  is configured to matingly engage with first end  39  of nose section  31 - 2  through connective region  35 - 1 . Specifically, first end  37  has an outwardly curved, generally U-shaped, face  41  that includes a center slot  43  and a pair of opposing, outwardly extending, side rails  45 - 1  and  45 - 2 . Furthermore, first end  39  has an inwardly curved, complementary U-shaped face  47  that includes a center rail, or stiffening rib,  49  and a pair of opposing side slots  51 - 1  and  51 - 2 . During assembly of watercraft  11 , face  41  on center section  31 - 1  mates with face  47  on nose section  31 - 2 , with center rail  49  fittingly protruding into center slot  43  and side rails  45 - 1  and  45 - 2  fittingly protruding into side slots  51 - 1  and  51 - 2 , respectively. As such, a near seamless joint  35 - 1  is created with the requisite degree of stiffness due, at least in part, to the presence of rails  45  and  49 . 
     In a similar fashion, second end  53  of center section  31 - 1  is configured to matingly engage with first end  55  of tail section  31 - 3  through connective region  35 - 2 . Specifically, second end  53  has an inwardly curved, generally U-shaped, face  57  that includes a center rail, or stiffening rib,  59  and a pair of opposing side slots  61 - 1  and  61 - 2 . Furthermore, first end  55  has an outwardly curved, complementary U-shaped face  63  that includes a center slot  65  and a pair of opposing, outwardly extending, side rails  67 - 1  and  67 - 2 . During assembly of watercraft  11 , face  57  on center section  31 - 1  mates with face  63  on tail section  31 - 3 , with center rail  59  fittingly protruding into center slot  65  and side rails  67 - 1  and  67 - 2  fittingly protruding into side slots  61 - 1  and  61 - 2 , respectively. As such, a near seamless joint  35 - 2  is created with the requisite degree of stiffness due, at least in part, to the presence of rails  59  and  67 . 
     It should be noted that board-type watercraft  11  is not limited to the specific mating relationship between adjacent sections  31  described in detail above. Rather, it is to be understood that alternative mating means (i.e. other than the use of complementary rails and slots) could be used in place thereof without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that additional structural elements, such as reinforcement ribs and/or deck contouring, may be integrated into one or more sections  31  to improve the overall rigidity of watercraft  11  through each joint  35 . 
     As referenced briefly above, adjacent sections  31  are releasably secured together under substantial compressive force using multiple sets of fastening mechanisms  33 . As can be appreciated, the number and arrangement of fastening mechanisms  33  serves to couple sections  31  together in such a manner so as to limit torque through each connective region  35 . As a result, watercraft  11  has a stable construction upon assembly, which is a principal object of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , each fastening device  33  is preferably in the form of a latch mechanism, or latch, which simply and reliably imparts a strong compressive force through its corresponding joint. As can be seen, each fastening mechanism  33  includes a latch arm  71  that is pivotally coupled to one module (e.g. middle section  31 - 1 ) and a complementary raised shoulder, or tab-like projection,  73  formed on an adjacent module (e.g. nose section  31 - 2 ) in direct linear alignment therewith. 
     Accordingly, through manual operation, latch arm  71  can be configured so as to clasp onto its complementary projection  73  and, in turn, be pivotally closed under considerable spring tension. As a result, the closed clasp establishes a significant compressive force between adjacent sections  31  and thereby forms a tight seal within the associated joint  35 . At any time, latch arm  71  can then be pivoted open so as to disengage from the complementary projection  73  and thereby allow for dissociation of adjacent sections  31 . 
     The incorporation of latch-type fastening mechanisms  33  is desirable due to their relative ease of use as well as the corresponding strength of the coupling force imparted therefrom. However, it is to be understood that alternative types of compressive-type fastening devices could be used in combination with or in place thereof without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     As mentioned above, the particular number and arrangement of latch-type fastening mechanisms  33  serve as principal novel features of the present invention. Most notably, as seen most clearly in  FIG. 2( b ) , fastening mechanisms  33  are arranged on top and bottom surfaces  13  and  15  as vertically aligned pairs across each joint  35 . In other words, each latch pair includes an upper fastening mechanism  33 - 1  on top surface  13  that is disposed above a lower fastening mechanism  33 - 2  on bottom surface  15  in vertical alignment therewith. By arranging fastening mechanisms  33  as vertically-aligned pairs on top and bottom surfaces  13  and  15  of watercraft  11 , each joint  35  receives opposing compressive forces that limit torque upon assembly. 
     Altogether, four fastening mechanisms  33  are used to secure each joint  35 , with a first vertically-aligned pair of latch mechanisms  33  disposed along one side of watercraft  11  and a second vertically-aligned pair of latch mechanisms  33  disposed along the opposite side of watercraft, as shown in  FIGS. 2( a ) and 2( c ) . The use of multiple pairs of vertically-aligned latch mechanisms  33  ensures proper rigidity through each joint  35  and, in addition, provides a certain degree of redundancy that renders watercraft  11  highly stable and reliable upon assembly. 
     As referenced above, the present invention relies upon pairs of latch mechanisms  33  that are preferably vertically aligned to ensure optimum rigidity through each joint  35 . However, it is to be understood that, in certain applications, each pair of latch mechanisms  33  utilized to secure each joint  35  may require an offset relationship (e.g. as much as by 2-3 inches) to account for unique aspects relating to the shape and contour of the particular watercraft. In such situations, the offset relationship between each pair of latch mechanisms  33  does not compromise the effective distribution of compressive forces applied across each joint  35 . 
     It is also to be understood that, as defined herein, each pair of latch mechanisms  33  utilized to secure each joint  35  may include more than two individual latch mechanisms  33  in substantial vertical alignment. For instance, each pair may represent an unequal number of opposing latch mechanisms  33  arranged in substantial vertical alignment (e.g. a single lower latch mechanism  33  disposed in vertical alignment between two upper latch mechanisms  33 ). 
     Preferred Stacked Arrangement of Disassembled Watercraft  11   
     As will be explained in detail below, watercraft  11  is capable of being dissembled and stacked in a highly compact configuration. In fact, when arranged as such, watercraft  11  is designed for packaging within a container that is compliant with maximum size standards established by most conventional ground courier services, such as UPS and FedEx. 
     Specifically, referring now to  FIGS. 5( a ), 5( b )  and  6 , disassembled watercraft  11  can be arranged into an optimized stack  111  that is ideal for storage or shipment within a compact container, or package,  113 . Optimized stack  111  is preferably created in the manner set forth in detail below. 
     Specifically, stack  111  is arranged by disposing middle section  31 - 1 , with its top surface  13  facing up, as the bottom layer. Next, with its top surface  13  facing upward, nose section  31 - 2  is stacked directly on top middle section  31 - 1 . In other words, bottom surface  15  of nose section  31 - 2  directly abuts against top surface  13  of middle section  31 , with the distal end of nose section  31 - 2  positioned directly above first end  37  of middle section  31 - 1 . 
     Finally, with its top surface  13  facing upward, tail section  31 - 3  is stacked directly on top of nose section  31 - 2 . In other words, bottom surface  15  of tail section  31 - 3  directly abuts against top surface  13  of nose section  31 - 2 , with the distal end of tail section  31 - 3  positioned directly above first end  39  of nose section  31 - 2 . As seen most clearly in  FIG. 5( b ) , the tapered thickness and slight curvature of nose section  31 - 2  and tail section  31 - 3  as well as the nested stack arrangement set forth in detail above serves to create an optimized stack  111  that is highly compact in nature, stack  111  being represented herein as having a length L, a width W and a thickness T. 
     Arranged as set forth above, stack  111  is designed to be fittingly inserted into a container  113  with a length L′ of approximately 49.325 inches, a width W′ of approximately 32.15 inches, and a thickness T′ of approximately 16.125. In view of the aforementioned dimensions, container  113  is compliant with the maximum allowable shipping size allowed by conventional ground couriers, such as United Parcel Service of America, Inc., and FedEx Corporation. More specifically, package  113  satisfies maximum size restrictions that rely upon the following compliancy formula (in inches): (Width+Thickness)*2+Length&lt;165. 
     Furthermore, it is to be understood that the limited-size stack  111  is appropriately dimensioned for transport within the interior of most conventional automotive vehicles. Specifically, it has been found that stack  111  can be fit within either (i) the backseat region of a full-size, extended bed truck, (ii) the backseat region of a compact, crew cab truck, (iii) the backseat region of a full-size sedan, or (iv) the cargo area of compact and full-size sport utility vehicles (SUVs). 
     Features and Advantages of the Present Invention 
     The particular design of board-type watercraft  11  introduces a number of notable features which, in turn, yield certain advantages over types of board-type watercrafts which are known in the art. 
     As a first feature, watercraft  11  relies upon a modular construction. As a result, watercraft  11  can be disassembled, as needed, for greater ease of transport (e.g. within most types of automobiles), shipment and storage. 
     As a second feature, watercraft  11  allows for design flexibility. In particular, it is to be understood that differently configured nose and tail sections can be used with a universal middle section to create a wide variety of different styles and models of boards using a limited number of molds, with each design closely resembling the look of a conventional one-piece board. 
     As a third feature, watercraft  11  is easy to assemble and disassemble, as needed. Specifically, the use of draw latches allows for assembly and disassembly of watercraft  11  with limited manual dexterity and without the need for additional tools. 
     As a fourth feature, watercraft  11  is rendered highly stable upon assembly. In particular, the use of complementary pairs of vertically-arranged draw latches on opposing surfaces of the board (i.e. in a top-to-bottom relationship) uniformly compresses adjacent sections together and thereby limits torque through each joint, thereby rendering the board highly stiff and stable. Additionally, the specific number and configuration of sections ensures that the joints are not located in certain regions of the board that typically receive the greatest amounts of stress (i.e. the center of the board where an operator commonly stands). 
     The embodiment shown above is intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.