Patent Publication Number: US-8967065-B2

Title: Bailer

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/620,080, filed Apr. 16, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter is directed to bailers for watercraft, and more particularly to an automatic bailer for canoes, kayaks and other watercraft. 
     BACKGROUND 
     So called Elvstrom-type bailers (produced by Andersen and others) are commonly employed in sailboats. Such bailers are fixed in an aperture formed in a boat bottom, and employ a wedge-shaped venturi having an opening facing the rear of the boat on the outside of the boat hull to permit outflow of water at high speed forward travel. The flow of deflected water draws water from inside the boat as long as the boat is moving through the water at a fairly rapid speed. A flap, open during rapid speed travel, acts as a non-return valve, closing when the boat is stationary in the water or moving too slowly for outflow. The bailer can be closed so that it is flush with the surface of the hull, completely sealing it from incoming water and eliminating drag from the bailer. 
     A drawback in existing Elvstrom-type bailers is that there is limited area from which water can drain. Water can only drain from the gated portion at the back of the wedge, which is about 50% of the rear vertical surface. 
     Another drawback in such bailers is that they cannot be easily adjusted to different levels. Such bailers are typically used in either the fully open position—allowing water drainage while inducing a significant amount of drag on the boat, or fully closed—eliminating the extra drag, but allowing no drainage. The bailers must be opened at least 50% to allow the gate to open and draining to begin. Between 50% and 100% open, it is very difficult to judge how far the bailer is open, thus making it impractical to adjust the amount of bailing needed. 
     Thus there is a need for a bailer which provides a higher ratio of draining speed (bailing) to induced drag, and which is adjustable at various levels to vary the draining rate and induced drag. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Bailers are disclosed which provide significantly more area for flow and are operable to drain much faster than conventional bailers. The disclosed bailers increase the ratio of draining speed to induced drag over prior art bailers. The disclosed bailers are also adjustable at various levels to vary the draining rate and induced drag. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an automatic bailer open on three sides, i.e., the rear and adjoining sides. 
     In another embodiment a bailer is provided which is open on two sides, i.e., the rear and one adjoining side. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, an adjustable bailer is provided which may include a handle with indexed positions (roughly ¼, ½, ¾ and fully open) which allows the user to easily adjust how far the bailer is open to suit conditions. The full open position will drain the fastest, but also create the most drag. It can be set at one of the other positions to give only as much bailing as needed while minimizing drag. It can also be fully closed to give no drag and prevent leakage back into the cockpit. The handle can easily be operated by either the hand or foot. The indexing function makes it easier for a user to judge how far the bailer is open compared to prior art bailers 
     In accordance with one aspect a bailer is provided which is operable to be mounted to the hull of a kayak, canoe or other small watercraft. 
     In accordance with another embodiment a bailer is provided which is operable to be mounted in the footwell of a kayak or canoe. The bailer may be adjusted by a user&#39;s foot. Placement of the bailer in a footwell or bulkheaded compartment that only holds a couple liters of water when flooded to the outside water level is advantageous. 
     In another embodiment the device is constructed of plastic with rounded corners to provide a safer alternative to conventional bailers, eliminating potential cuts from the sharp metal corners and rough edges of conventional metal bailers. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, a bailer for a watercraft includes a frame having an opening formed therein, an open-sided flap having an end pivotably connected to the frame, the flap operable to move pivotably from a closed position covering the opening to an open position away from the opening, and a handle operably connected to the frame and operable to activate opening and closing of the flap. The frame may be configured to mount in an aperture formed in the bottom of a watercraft. The frame may include a support extending therefrom, wherein the handle is pivotably connected to the support at a point between the ends of the handle and is operable to move the flap between open and closed positions. 
     In an embodiment the flap includes a first side having a web extending vertically therefrom, the web having a slot formed therein and at least one detent formed on a side of the web. The flap may have a second, substantially flat opposite side. The slot is configured to accommodate a drive pin operably connected to an end of the handle, wherein the drive pin is slidably engaged in the slot. The handle may include opposing connecting bars configured to pivotably engage a support extending from the frame, and the drive pin spanning between the connecting bars. One or more tabs may be positioned on an inside surface of at least one of the connecting bars and are operable to engage the at least one detent. One or more arms may be positioned on an outside surface of at least one connecting bar, wherein the cam arm is operable to contact the frame. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment, a bailer in accordance with the present disclosure may include at least one support extending vertically from a first side of the frame and extending longitudinally along the frame, the at least one support including an aperture formed longitudinally along a portion of the length of the at least one support. In this embodiment the handle may include a pin slidably engaged to the aperture of the support, and be operable to slide longitudinally along the at least one support and move the flap between open and closed positions. The sliding handle may be generally U-shaped and configured to “saddle” the support. A first end of the flap is pivotably connected to the frame, and includes a first side having a web extending vertically therefrom, the web having a slot configured to accommodate the pin of the handle. 
     Bailers in accordance with the present disclosure may include a handle whereby the position of the handle is operable to provide to a user a visual cue identifying the position of the bailer flap. The handle may also be operable to provide to a user a tactile indicator of the position of the bailer flap. Indicia may be positioned on the surface of the frame operable to provide to a user a visual cue identifying the position of the bailer flap. 
     The handle may include a grip extending from one end of the handle. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment a bailer for a watercraft is disclosed having a frame including an opening formed therein, a flap having an end pivotably connected to the frame, the flap operable to move pivotably from a closed position covering the opening to an open position away from the opening, and a handle operably connected to the frame and operable to activate opening and closing of the flap, the frame having a support extending therefrom, wherein the handle is operable to move the flap between open and closed positions, wherein the position of the handle is operable to provide to a user at least one of a visual cue identifying the position of the bailer flap and a tactile indicator of the position of the bailer flap. The bailer may include indicia operable to provide the visual cue identifying the position of the bailer flap. The bailer may include a detent and a complementary tab operable to engage the detent to provide the tactile indicator. 
     Watercrafts employing the disclosed bailers provide an effective means for emptying the craft of on-board water without the necessity of hand bailing. Bailers in accordance with the present disclosure are particularly well suited to sit-on-top boats, including surf skis and one &amp; two man outrigger canoes (OC-1/OC-2). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For the purposes of illustration, there are forms shown in the drawings that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a bailer in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a frame of a bailer in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of a flap of a bailer in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is side view of a handle of a bailer in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is front view of the handle of  FIG. 4  in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a bailer in the open position in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a bailer in the half open position in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a bailer in closed open position in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is top view of a bailer installed in a boat, viewed from the inside of the hull, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom view of a flap and frame of a bailer installed in a boat, viewed from the outside of the hull, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a is a perspective view of a frame of a bailer in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional view of the bailer of  FIG. 11  taken through line A-A′ in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12A  is a side view of a bailer in a closed position in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12B  is a side view of the bailer of  FIG. 12A  in an open position in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12C  is a side phantom view of the bailer of  FIG. 12A  in a closed position in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12D  is a side phantom view of the bailer of  FIG. 12A  in an open position in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 13  is a further embodiment of a bailer in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The following is a detailed description of the subject matter provided to aid those skilled in the art in practicing the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art may make modifications and variations in the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. All publications, patent applications, patents, figures and other references mentioned herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment a bailer  2  includes a frame  10  having an opening  13 , flap  20  and handle  30 . Flap  20  is pivotably connected to frame  10  permitting flap  20  to rotate from a closed position, covering opening  13 , to an open position. Frame  10  further supports handle  30  which is operable to activate opening and closing of the bailer  2 . 
     Now further referring to  FIG. 2 , in general the frame  10  is fastenable to a surface of boat so that bailer  2  is operably connected to a boat. Frame  10  is configured to mount in an aperture formed in the bottom of a watercraft, such as a kayak, employing any suitable mounting means such as but not limited to screws, rivets, bolts, and/or adhesive. The frame  10  may include apertures  11  formed therein for receiving mounting means. The frame  10  may include a hinge assembly or region  12  disposed proximate the opening  13 , the hinge assembly  12  configured to pivotably engage flap  20  such as via a hinge pin (not shown) or the like. The engagement of the flap  20  to the frame  10  enables the flap  20  to pivot down and drain the boat. In one embodiment, a gasket (not shown) is positioned on the frame  10  around the opening  13  to provide a sealing surface against the flap  20  to prevent water from leaking into the boat when the flap is closed against the frame  10 . Frame  10  may include a support  14  which spans lengthwise across the frame  10 . An opening  16  in support  14  is configured to receive a pin which serves as a connection and pivot point for the handle  30 . Opening  16  may include or be configured to receive a bushing operable to receive the pivot pin. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 3 , flap  20  is pivotably connected to frame  10  at a hinge  12 . When the bailer  2  is installed in the boat, the hinge  12  is positioned proximal the bow of the boat and is operable to permit the flap  20  to pivot downward from frame  10  into the water, providing a ramp or wedge deflecting water away from the boat hull and creating a low pressure area for draining. The flap  20  is open-sided, such that there are no walls extending perpendicularly or vertically from the boat-facing side thereof. This is in contrast to Elvstrom-type bailers which include walls extending from the edges of the boat-facing side of the flap. 
     In accordance with the present disclosure, when flap  20  is in the open position, water from the boat can drain through opening  13  over the rear and sides of the flap  20 . With further reference to  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment the water-facing side of the flap  20  comprises essentially a flat plate which forms a flush engagement with the frame, and essentially the hull of the boat, when retracted (closed). In one embodiment the flap  20  includes a rib or web  22  extending vertically from the boat-facing side of the flap  20 , the web  22  having a slot  24  and detents  26 . The slot  24  is configured to accommodate a drive pin (shown in  FIG. 1 ) operably connected to the handle  30 . The action of the handle-actuated drive pin  40  sliding in the slot  24  opens and closes the flap  20  of the bailer  2 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 5 , detents  26  accommodate a tab  38  formed on handle  30 , which may engage the detents  26  at various positions to provide indexing for the desired position of the flap  20 . While activating the handle  30 , a user can feel it snap into the index positions and know how far the bailer flap  20  is open without looking at it, which can be difficult when the bailer is mounted in the footwell of a kayak. Nevertheless, the position of the handle  30  provides a visual cue notifying the user instantly how far open or closed the bailer is. In one embodiment, for example, the handle  30  may be oriented vertical with respect to the frame  10  at the half open position and proportionally more open or closed as the handle  30  is adjusted in either direction from vertical. With further reference to  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the bailer handle support  14  may include indicia  17  such as numbers, with or without lines, positioned along a surface thereof to provide a visual cue to a user of the position of the flap  20 . 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , handle  30  is pivotably connected to frame  10  at a point between the ends of the handle  30 , such as at opening  33 , and is operable to move the flap  20  between open and closed positions, pivoting on support  14  of the frame  10 . A grip  32  may be present on one end of the handle  30  and can be operated either with the hand or the foot. The grip may be any desired shape that facilitates ease of use for a user. Foot operation of the bailer  2  is convenient for canoes and kayaks so that the user can control the bailer  2  without taking their hands off the paddle. Accordingly, the grip may be T-shaped, spherical, or the like so it may be easily manipulated using the feet. The grip may be formed of or have a covering formed of resilient material such as rubber or the like, to provide cushion and reduce the likelihood of injury to a user&#39;s feet. The surface of the grip  32  may be roughened to enhance friction and grip. 
     On the end opposite the grip is a connection for drive pin  40 . The handle  30  may include connecting bars  36 , so that pins spanning between the bars  36  can engage with frame  10  via openings  33  and slot  24  on the flap web  22  via openings  34  via pin  40 . 
     A tab  38  may be located on the inside of at least one of the connecting bars  36  to engage the detents  26  on the bailer flap web  22  to provide positive indexing in the desired positions. The number of detents and/or indexing positions can be varied depending on the needs of the user. In one embodiment the bailer includes five index positions: one fully closed, one fully open and three intermediate positions. It will be apparent to the skilled artisan a greater or lesser number of detents and/or indexing positions may be employed. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 6-8 , cam arms  39  may be located on the outside of each connecting bar  36  which are operable to contact and exert pressure on the bailer frame  10  and tighten the bailer flap  20  against the gasket as the flap  20  is closed, as can be seen from  FIGS. 6-8 .  FIGS. 6-8  show the bailer flap in the full open position, half open position, and closed position, respectively. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 9-10 , embodiments of a bailer in accordance with the present disclosure are depicted installed in a boat hull.  FIG. 9  depicts the inside surface  80  of a boat hull to which a bailer  2  is mounted using screws and bolts to secure the bailer  2  to the boat hull.  FIG. 10  depicts the outside surface  82  of a boat hull and the flap  20  in a closed position against frame  10 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 11-12D , in another embodiment a bailer  100  includes a frame  110 , flap  120  and sliding handle  130 . 
     Frame  110  is configured to mount in an aperture formed in the bottom of a watercraft, such as a kayak, employing any suitable mounting means such as but not limited to screws, rivets, bolts, and/or adhesive. The frame  10  may include apertures  111  formed therein for receiving mounting means. The frame  110  may include a hinge  112  disposed proximate an opening  113 , the hinge  112  configured to pivotably engage flap  120  such as via a hinge pin or the like. The pivotable engagement of the flap  120  to the frame  110  enables the flap  120  to pivot down and drain water from the boat. In one embodiment, a gasket (not shown) is positioned on the frame  110  around the opening  113  to provide a sealing surface against the flap  120  to prevent water from leaking into the boat when the flap is closed against the frame  110 . Frame  110  may include vertical supports  114  which extend longitudinally along the frame  110 . Supports  114  include an aperture  115  formed longitudinally along a portion of the length of the supports. Apertures  115  in supports  114  are configured to receive a pin which serves as a slidable connection to a pin  140  of sliding handle  130  as described in further detail hereinbelow. 
     Sliding handle  130  is generally U-shaped and configured to slidably engage supports  114  via pin  140 . 
     Flap  120  is pivotably connected to frame  110  at a hinge  112 . In one embodiment the flap  120  includes a rib or web  122  extending vertically from the boat-facing side of the flap  120 , the web  122  having a slot  124 . The slot  124  is configured to accommodate a pin  140  operably connected to the handle  130 . Handle  130  is slidable along the supports  114 , fore and aft. The action of the pin  140  sliding in the slot  124  as the handle  130  moves fore and aft opens and closes the flap  120  of the bailer  100 . When the bailer  100  is installed in the boat, the hinge  112  is positioned proximal the bow of the boat and is operable to permit the flap  120  to pivot downward from frame  110  into the water, providing a ramp or wedge deflecting water away from the boat hull and creating a low pressure area for draining. When flap  120  is in the open position, water from the boat can drain through opening  113  over the rear and sides of the flap  120 . In one embodiment the water-facing side of the flap  120  comprises essentially a flat plate which forms a flush engagement with the frame  110 , and essentially the hull of the boat, when retracted (closed). 
     Now referring to  FIG. 13 , bailer  100  may include detents  126  and tab  138  to provide tactile feedback to a user to indicate the position of the bailer flap  120 . Bailer  100  may include indicia  117  to provide a visual cue as to the position of flap  120 . Tab  138  may be a resilient piece extending from handle  130 , a separate piece that attachable to the handle  130  such as by a screw or the like, a spring-loaded tab connected to the slider, etc. As with other embodiments disclosed herein, the detents  126  and tab  138  also serve to secure the bailer flap  120  in a desired position. 
     It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that the location of tabs and detents in the foregoing embodiments may be switched, so that a detent is located on the handle and the tab may be positioned on a support or web. 
     Many advantages are achieved by the disclosed subject matter. The presently disclosed bailers eliminate at least one side and the vertical rear wall present in the wedge of conventional bailers. This allows a significantly larger area for water to drain from the boat. Water can drain from 100% of the back section, as well as the entire side sections. 
     It is recognized that in the present designs, water is free to backflow inside the boat when the bailer is open and the boat is sitting still or traveling at insufficient speed to create draining pressure. To attenuate this condition, the bailer may be in one embodiment installed in a footwell, bulkheaded cockpit, or other part of the boat that is separated from the main boat interior so that the boat will not completely fill with water and sink. This arrangement is particularly well suited to sit-on-top boats, including surf skis and one &amp; two man outrigger canoes (OC-1/OC-2). 
     Another significant advantage of the presently disclosed subject bailers is that the indexing feature permits the flap to easily be opened only partially. The full draining area is not needed in all conditions. When minimal water is entering the boat, a fully open bailer creates more drag and slows the boat more than necessary. By opening the bailer partially, the drag is decreased while adequate draining is still achieved for the lighter conditions. 
     The disclosed bailers include a handle which sets the opening of the bailer. The position of the handle can be seen visually to give an indication of how far the bailer is open. Additionally, the bailer positions may be indexed. In some embodiments the bailer “clicks” or provides tactile feedback at multiple positions due to engagement with a detent. Since the bailers disclosed herein do not include a gate that needs to swing open, they can function at any position (including 25% open or other setting less than 50% open), whereas the prior art Elvstrom-type bailers must be opened at least 50% before the gate will swing open and allow draining. 
     Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.