Patent Abstract:
A modular watercraft is disclosed which includes plural connectable modules and which can be broken down for ease of handling, transport and storage. The watercraft includes novel means for connecting separate modules. The connectable modules may be storable within a single one of the modules.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/791,712 filed Mar. 15, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/927,769 filed Jan. 15, 2014, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to the field of watercrafts. More specifically, it relates to a modular watercraft. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There are many types of small watercraft, sometimes referred to as personal watercraft. These are generally one- or two-person craft that may be unpowered, such as canoes, kayaks and the like, or powered, such as jet skis or a Mokai® jet-powered watercraft available from Mokai Manufacturing, Inc. of Newburgh, N.Y. Such watercraft can range from being fairly easy to handle and transport when out of the water to requiring significant effort. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The presently disclosed subject matter solves the aforementioned problem of handling and transporting watercraft when out of the water by providing and employing modular features. 
         [0005]    In accordance with one embodiment a modular watercraft is provided which breaks down to multiple pieces for ease of handling, transport and storage. In accordance with another embodiment, a modular watercraft includes plural connectable modules. In accordance with a further embodiment a modular watercraft is disclosed which employs novel means for connecting separate modules. In accordance with yet a further embodiment a modular watercraft is disclosed wherein one or more modules thereof are “packable” or storable in other modules thereof. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, a modular watercraft hull is disclosed including a bow module having a bow at a first end and a bulkhead disposed on a second end opposite the bow, a cockpit module having a first end having a bulkhead and a second end opposite the cockpit module first end having a bulkhead, wherein the first end of the cockpit module is removably connectable to the second end of the bow module, and an engine compartment module having a first end having a bulkhead, wherein the engine compartment first end is removably connectable to the second end of the cockpit module. In one embodiment, the engine compartment module includes a second end opposite the first end, the engine compartment second end having a bulkhead. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, the bow module bulkhead includes at least one male element operable to engage a female element disposed on the first end bulkhead of the cockpit module. Optionally, the bow module bulkhead may include at least one female element operable to engage a male element disposed on the first end bulkhead of the cockpit module. 
         [0008]    In still a further embodiment, the cockpit module second end bulkhead may include at least one male element operable to engage a female element disposed on the first end bulkhead of the engine compartment module. In still a further embodiment, the cockpit module second end bulkhead may include at least one female element operable to engage a male element disposed on the first end bulkhead of the engine compartment module. 
         [0009]    The bow module bulkhead can include at least one latch assembly which may have at least one pin and a handle, wherein the pin is operable to engage at least one pin-receiving housing disposed on the first end of the cockpit module. The bow module bulkhead may also include at least one spool disposed thereon, wherein the at least one spool is operable to engage a channel disposed on the first end of the cockpit module. 
         [0010]    In still a further embodiment, the cockpit module second end bulkhead may include at least one fastener having a bolt, wherein the bolt is operable to engage at least one bolt receiver disposed on the first end of the engine compartment module. 
         [0011]    The cockpit module second end bulkhead may also include at least one guide pin, wherein the guide pin is operable to engage at least one pin receiver disposed on the first end of the engine compartment module. 
         [0012]    It will be apparent that any bulkhead disclosed herein may include one or more guide pins and/or guide pin receivers, fasteners and/or bolt receivers, spools and/or spool channels, and latches and/or pin receivers as disclosed herein. 
         [0013]    In a further embodiment, the engine compartment module may include an engine mounting system having rails disposed on an interior bottom surface of the engine compartment module, the rails oriented in substantial axial alignment with a long axis of the engine compartment module, at least one bracket extending from the rails and oriented perpendicular to and spanning the rails, the at least one bracket operable to receive connecting means engaged to an engine. The engine mounting system may further include at least one further bracket extending from at least one of the rails in a direction toward the second end of the engine compartment module, the at least one further bracket operable to be attached to the engine compartment module bulkhead. The engine mounting system may further have at least one bracket operable to be fixed to an engine to be mounted, the bracket having at least two pins oriented and spaced from each other to be aligned with apertures formed in the at least one bracket extending from the rails. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the cockpit module is sized and configured to contain the bow module and the engine compartment module. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, a system is provided including a modular watercraft as described above and an engine, wherein the engine is removably mountable in the engine compartment module. 
         [0016]    Novel fasteners and latch devices are also disclosed. 
         [0017]    Embodiments of modular watercraft are disclosed in the accompanying drawings and description. Given above is a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    So that those having ordinary skill in the art will have a better understanding of how to make and use the disclosed systems and methods, reference is made to the accompanying figure wherein: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a modular watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the modular watercraft in accordance with  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a modular watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2A  is a front view of a modular watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2B  is a side cross-sectional view of a modular watercraft taken along line A-A′ of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3A  is an elevated perspective view of a bow module and bulkhead in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3B  is an elevated perspective view of a front end of a cockpit module and bulkhead in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3C  is an enlarged view of detail A of  FIG. 2B  with reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , depicting apparatus for connecting adjacent modules in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3D  is an elevated perspective view of a locking pin assembly having a handle and a pin in a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3E  is an elevated perspective view of the locking pin assembly of  FIG. 3D  wherein the handle and pin are in a second position in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3F  is a side view of the locking pin assembly of  FIG. 3D  depicting the relative positions (some shown in phantom) of the components of the locking pin assembly depending on movement of the handle in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3G  is an exploded view of the locking pin assembly of  FIG. 3D  in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4A  is an elevated perspective view of a rear end of a cockpit module and bulkhead in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4B  is an elevated perspective view of an engine compartment module and bulkhead in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4C  is an enlarged view of detail B of  FIG. 2B  with reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , depicting apparatus for connecting adjacent modules in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4D  is a side perspective view of a fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4E  is an exploded view of the fastener of  FIG. 4D  in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4F  is a side cross-sectional view of the fastener of  FIG. 4D  taken along line B-B′ in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0037]      FIG. 4G  is a view of the fastener of  FIG. 4F  wherein a bolt contained therein is positioned in a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4H  is a view of the fastener of  FIG. 4F  wherein a bolt contained therein is positioned in a second position in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a cockpit module wherein bow (in phantom) and stern modules are fitted in the cockpit module in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0040]      FIG. 5A  is a side cross-sectional view of the cockpit module containing bow and stern modules in accordance with  FIG. 5  taken along line C-C′; 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0042]      FIG. 6A  is a bottom plan view of a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0043]      FIG. 6B  is a side view a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0044]      FIG. 6C  is a side cross-sectional view of the watercraft of  FIG. 6  taken along line D-D′; 
           [0045]      FIG. 6D  is an enlarged view of detail C of  FIG. 6C  including intake, drive, exhaust, and motor mounting elements of a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0046]      FIG. 6E  is an enlarged view of detail D of  FIG. 6C  including drive and steering elements of a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0047]      FIG. 7  is an elevated side perspective view of an engine mounting rail for a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0048]      FIG. 7A  is an elevated side perspective view of an engine mounting pin assembly for a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0049]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a mounting frame for a watercraft with an engine disposed in a position to be engaged to the mounting rail in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0050]      FIG. 9  is an elevated perspective view of a mounting rail for a watercraft with an engine disposed in an engaged position on the mounting rail in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0051]      FIG. 10  is an elevated front perspective view of an intake manifold in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0052]      FIG. 11  is an elevated rear perspective view of an intake manifold in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0053]      FIG. 12  is an elevated perspective view of a motor with an exhaust device connected thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0054]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the exhaust device depicted in  FIG. 12  along with mounting means in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0055]      FIG. 14  is an elevated top perspective view of a steering device and water jet nozzle along with mounting means in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0056]      FIG. 15A  is a front view of an engine compartment module bulkhead in accordance with one embodiment of the of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0057]      FIG. 15B  is a cutaway side perspective view of an interior front side of an engine compartment module including electrical wiring and wiring harness in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; 
           [0058]      FIG. 15C  is an enlarged view of detail E of  FIG. 15B ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 15D  is a cutaway perspective view of a rear interior portion of a cockpit module in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; and 
           [0060]      FIG. 15E  is a cutaway perspective view of a rear interior portion of a cockpit module adjacent a front portion of an engine compartment module, with electrical connectors depicted, in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0061]    The following is a detailed description of the invention 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. 
         [0062]    Now referring to  FIGS. 1 and 1A , a watercraft  2  includes a bow module  10 , a cockpit module  20  and an engine compartment module  30 . Modules  10 ,  20  and  30  are connectable to form a complete watercraft  2 . With further reference to  FIG. 1A , each of the modules  10 ,  20  and  20  may include at least one bulkhead to provide a secure fit between adjacent modules. Cockpit module  20  may include bulkheads  22  and  24 . Bow module  10  may include bulkhead  12 , which in one embodiment is connectable to bulkhead  22  of cockpit module  20 . Similarly, bulkhead  24  of cockpit module  20  is connectable to bulkhead  32  of engine compartment module  30 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , engine compartment module  30  may further include a bulkhead  34 , for connection to an optional stern module  40 . 
         [0063]    Now referring to  FIGS. 2-2B , modules  10 ,  20  and  30  are connectable to form a complete watercraft. Those skilled in the art will recognize the shapes, contours, etc. of the modules are not limited to those shown in the drawings, which are merely exemplary. The modules may take any form as long as when connected, a watercraft is formed. 
         [0064]    The bow module  10  has a longest length measured from the front end of the bow module to the rear end (i.e., the end which is connectable to the cockpit module  20 ) in the range of 6 to 36 inches, preferably from 10 to 30 inches and more preferably from 18 to 22 inches. The bow module  10  has a widest width in the range of 12 to 72 inches, preferably from 20 to 60 inches and more preferably from 28 to 50 inches. The bow module  10  has a highest height measured from the top of the hull to the bottom of the hull in the range of 6 to 36 inches, preferably from 10 to 20 inches and more preferably from 12 to 18 inches. In one embodiment the bow module  10  has a longest length of 19 inches, a widest width of 32 inches, and a highest height of 15.25 inches. The bow module may have a volume of about 432 in 3  to about 93,312 in 3 . 
         [0065]    The cockpit module  20  has a longest length measured from the front end (i.e., the end connectable to the bow module  10 ) of the cockpit module  20  to the rear end (i.e., the end connectable to the engine compartment module  30 ) in the range of 36 to 336 inches, preferably from 40 to 200 inches and more preferably from 60 to 90 inches. The cockpit module  20  has a widest width in the range of 12 to 72 inches, preferably 20 to 60 inches, and more preferably 30 to 45 inches. The cockpit module  20  has a highest height measured from the top of the hull to the bottom of the hull in the range of 6 to 36 inches, preferably from 10 to 30 inches and more preferably from 15 to 25 inches. In one embodiment the cockpit module  20  has a longest length of 77.5 inches, a widest width of 36 inches and a highest height of 19 inches. The cockpit module may have a volume of about 2,592 in 3  to about 435,456 in 3 . 
         [0066]    The engine compartment module  30  has a longest length measured from the front end (i.e., the end connectable to the cockpit module  20 ) of the engine compartment module  30  to the rear end in the range of 12 to 72 inches, preferably 25 to 60 inches and more preferably 30 to 50 inches. The engine compartment module has a widest width in the range of 6 to 72 inches, preferably 10 to 60 inches, and more preferably 15 to 40 inches. The engine compartment module  30  has a highest height measured from the top of the hull to the bottom of the hull in the range of 6 to 36 inches, preferably from 10 to 30 inches and more preferably from 15 to 25 inches. In one embodiment the engine compartment module  30  has a longest length of 39 inches, a widest width of 19.25 inches and a highest height of 15.25 inches. The engine compartment module may have a volume of about 432 in 3  to about 186,624 in 3 . 
         [0067]    The modules  10 ,  20 ,  30  and optionally  40  may be formed of any suitable material recognized in the art to provide a seaworthy component. For examples, the modules may be aluminum, fiberglass, plastic or the like. In one embodiment the modules are thermoformed or rotomolded plastic to provide a lightweight component. The faces of adjoining modules, and/or bulkheads, may include complementary male and female profiles for added strength and stability and provide for a smooth surface transition from bow to stern when assembled. For example, a given bulkhead may include both pins and apertures, and an adjoining bulkhead may include complementary, corresponding apertures and pins, respectively. It may be desirable to employ pins which help position and guide each module as adjoining modules are coupled. Adjoining modules may include complementary molded or thermoformed lips or ridges for added stability and ease of fit. 
         [0068]    Bulkheads may be formed of any rigid, durable material such as metal, polymer, ceramic or other suitable material. Bulkheads may be mounted directly to each module via inserts molded into the module. For example, each module may be thermoformed, rotomolded or the like to include male or female parts complementary to a corresponding female or male part of a bulkhead. In another embodiment, bulkheads may be fixed to modules by adhesive, or mechanical means such as screws, bolts or the like. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that more than three modules may be employed. 
         [0069]    In one or more embodiments, any of modules  10 ,  20  and/or  30  may include at least one sealed cavity to provide buoyancy. In one embodiment, the bow module  10  may be air- and water-tight, to form a sealed interior cavity. In this embodiment the bow module  10  provides a flotation device. 
         [0070]    In one embodiment mating aluminum bulkheads, such as mating bulkhead pair  24 ,  32  and pair  12  and  22 , are substantially identical in profile to support proper load displacement. 
         [0071]    In hulls made of roto-molded plastic or the like such as those which may be used in connection with watercraft disclosed herein, previous products have used a solely plastic to plastic interface when assembling, in which the mating faces are never exactly the same due to material shrinkage, wear, plastic drift, material instability, fabrication defects, etc. Employing precision-machined components, and the use of bulkheads of a stable material such as aluminum, enables a much stronger, more accurate, and reliable connection every time it is made. These bulkheads also provide the ability to transfer any loads over a much larger area reducing the amount of stress at any one point. 
         [0072]    Connections between adjacent modules and bulkheads may be achieved using bolts, screws or other removable fastening devices. For ease of assembly and disassembly, it may be preferred to employ other fasteners and/or latching devices. 
         [0073]    With reference to  FIG. 2B , in one embodiment, adjoining modules  10 ,  20  and  20 ,  30  may be removably connected using one or more latching devices  50 , such as cam-locking levers or the like, to removably lock adjacent modules together. The locking device(s)  50  provide resistance to separation during storage, transportation and/or use. The adjoining modules may also include a spool/channel arrangement  70  and or/fasteners  80  to removably lock adjoining modules together. 
         [0074]    Now referring to  FIGS. 3A-3C , in one or more embodiments examples of a latch assembly and spool/channel assembly are provided. In  FIG. 3A  bow module  10  includes molded lip  11 , bulkhead  12 , a latch assembly  50  mounted on a top portion of the bow module  10 , such as by bolts, screws or the like fastened to the bulkhead  12 , and spools  72 . In  FIG. 3B , cockpit module  20  includes molded lip  21 , bulkhead  22 , spool guide channels  74  and a pin-receiving housing  68 . With further reference to  FIG. 3C , when bow module  10  and cockpit module  20  are adjoining, spools  72  are seated in guide channels  74 . Complementary molded lips  11  and  21  are seated in close contact. Pin  56  is receivable in pin-receiving housing  68 . 
         [0075]    With further reference to  FIGS. 3D-3G , in one embodiment the latch assembly  50  includes pin housing  52 , guide bushing  53 , spring  54 , locking pin  56 , guide pin  60 , handle base  62 , handle  64  and hinge pins  66   a,    66   b.  Latch assembly includes openings  61  which may include threads for receiving a threaded fastener, such as a bolt, screw or the like, for facilitating fastening of the latch assembly  50  to a bulkhead (for example as shown in  FIG. 3C ). 
         [0076]    The handle base  62  is attached to the end of the locking pin  56  with hinge pin  66   a.  The handle base  62  may be machined with a press fit for hinge pin  66   a,  securing it in place and preventing backing out of the pin  66   a.  Handle  64  is hingedly attached to handle base  62  with hinge pin  66   b.    
         [0077]    Handle  64  is movable to advance and retract spring-loaded locking pin  56  to engage the pin receiving housing  68 . The locking pin may be tapered for ease of fit and engagement with the pin receiving housing  68 . Movement of the handle  64  toward the pin housing  52  causes the spring loaded locking pin  56  to engage the receiving housing  68  positioned on the cockpit front bulkhead  22 , locking the bow module  10  into position with the cockpit module  20 . The spring  54  maintains a biasing force against the locking pin flange  57  preventing the locking pin  56  from retracting from the receiving housing  68 . Movement of the handle away from the pin housing  52  causes the locking pin to retract from the receiving housing  68 , allowing the bow module  10  and cockpit module  20  to be unlocked, enabling disconnection of the modules  10  and  20  by disengagement of the spools  72  from the spool guide channels  74 . The fully engaged and retracted positions of the locking pin  56  may be a predetermined distance controlled by the installation of the guide pin  60  into the pin housing  52  by for example press fit, with one end of the guide pin  60  set in a clearance slot  58  on the side of the locking pin  56 . Positioning the guide pin  60  within the clearance slot  58  also prevents the locking pin  56  from rotating. Guide bushing  53  located in pin housing  52  is operable to permit locking pin  56  to move in a linear motion when force is applied to the handle  64 . 
         [0078]    The latch assembly  50  is tamper resistant, in that once assembled it cannot be disassembled due to the blind openings in which the hinge pins are installed. As a safety feature, the latch assembly  50  may be designed so that the default (free standing) position of the locking pin  56  is in the engaged position, thereby reducing the possibility of mechanical failure during use, and premature separation of the connection between adjoining modules, for example, the connection between the bow module  10  and cockpit module  20 . 
         [0079]    Now referring to  FIGS. 4A-4C , in one embodiment an engine compartment module  30  module may be removably engaged to a cockpit module  20 . While various means may be employed to removably engage the modules  20  and  30 , such as the latch assembly  50  and/or spool/channel arrangements discussed hereinabove, in another embodiment the cockpit module  20  and engine compartment module  30  may employ a fastener  80  which provides high structural integrity and water-tight attributes. 
         [0080]    With reference to  FIG. 4A , cockpit module  20  includes molded lip  23 , cockpit bulkhead  24 , guide pins  120 , and fastener  80 . With reference to  FIG. 4B , engine compartment module  30  includes molded edge  31 , engine compartment bulkhead  32 , pin receivers  122  and fastener bolt receivers  110 . Now referring to  FIG. 4C , when the modules  20 ,  30  are brought together so that bulkheads  24  and  32  are adjacent, the cockpit module lip  23 , which forms a generally female profile, and the engine compartment molded edge  31 , which forms a generally male profile, seat snugly forming a tight joint profile. Simultaneously, guide pins  120  are received in pin receivers  122 , and fasteners  80  are aligned with fastener bolt receivers  110 . 
         [0081]    Once the respective modules  20 ,  30  are brought into abutment so that the lip  23  and molded edge  31  are seated, for example as shown in  FIG. 4C , fasteners  80  in conjunction with fastener bolt receivers  110  are employed to pull the modules  20 ,  30  together and prevent them from separation during use. Now referring to  FIGS. 4D and 4E , in accordance with one embodiment, a fastener  80  includes a fastener barrel  82 , fastener lug  84 , fastener bolt  90  and fastener bolt housing  100 . Fastener  80  is securable to a bulkhead such as bulkhead  24  such as by a threadable engagement of threaded section  104  of fastener bolt housing  100  with a complementary nut having an interior threaded bore. The wall of the module  20  adjacent bulkhead  24  may form a gasket to provide a watertight seal. Further gaskets may be employed for forming a water tight seal. In another embodiment the fastener  80  is securable to a bulkhead such as bulkhead  24  such as by a threadable engagement of threaded section  104  of fastener bolt housing  100  with a threaded bore formed in a bulkhead. In another embodiment the threaded bore may be a nut fixed Fastener lug  84  includes a tool end  87  for applying rotational force to the fastener lug  84 . Tool end  87  may include a handle as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4C , or may include a head operable to receive and engage a tool. In one embodiment the tool end  87  is a head having a hexagonal cross-section operable to receive a tool such as a wrench, pliers or the like. Those skilled in the art will recognize tool end  87  may include a head operable to receive a screwdriver head or the like. 
         [0082]    With reference to  FIG. 4F , a spring  106  keeps the fastener bolt  90  in a retracted position while the module to which it is mounted (for example, module  20  at bulkhead  24  in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 C) is not engaged to another module, keeping the threads  92  of fastener bolt  90  free from damage and/or debris. Now referring to  FIG. 4G , fastener lug  84  may be advanced against the biasing force of spring  106 , such as by pressure applied by an operator (either by manual pressure or with the assistance of a suitable tool), moving the fastener bolt  90  from a fully retracted position to a predetermined engagement position, which may be set using for example a retaining clip  108 , against which a lug flange  86  will contact and stop. The predetermined engagement position preferably brings the threads  92  of fastener bolt  90  into close, threadable connection with the fastener bolt receiver  100 . “Close, threadable connection” as used herein means at least one thread of threads  92  is positioned relative to the fastener bolt receiver  110  such that rotational force applied to the fastener bolt will commence a threaded connection between the fastener bolt  90  and the fastener bolt receiver  110 . 
         [0083]    The fastener lug  84  includes a bore  85  within which a contoured end  93  of the fastener bolt  90  is slidably engaged along the long axis of the bore  85 . As rotational force is applied to the fastener lug  84 , the threaded end  92  of fastener bolt  90  is turned in, and threadably engages, fastener bolt receiver  110  disposed on the engine compartment bulkhead  32 . The contoured end  93  of the fastener bolt  90 , while slidably engaged in the bore  85 , is specifically keyed to the interior surface of the bore  85 , allowing rotation of the fastener lug  84  to be transferred to the fastening bolt  90 . For example, the contoured end  93  may have a cross-section which is hexagonal which corresponds to a hexagonal-cross section of the bore  85 . The skilled artisan will recognize the cross-sections of the corresponding end  93  and bore  85  may be any suitable shape. As the fastener bolt  90  is threaded and advanced into the fastener bolt receiver  110 , flange  91  bottoms out against the face  103  of the fastener bolt housing  100 , securing the adjacent modules  20  and  30  together. At this point the spring  106  is in a compressed state, keeping a positive pressure against the threads  92  by frictional force, preventing ease of backing out/loosening during use. 
         [0084]    In one embodiment, one or more seals, such as O-rings may be employed to prevent leaking of water into modules employing the fastener  80 . For example, for a fastener  80  mounted to the cockpit module  20  at bulkhead  24 , a first seal  109   a  is positioned within an annular groove  100   a  formed in the fastener bolt housing  100  and seals against the outer diameter of the fastener bolt  90 . A seal  109   b  is positioned in an annular recess  91   a  formed along the periphery of flange  91  of the fastener bolt  90 , forming a seal against an inner circumference of fastener barrel  82 . 
         [0085]    It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that the latches, fasteners and spool/channel securement means disclosed herein may be used in various combinations as between the bow, cockpit and engine compartment modules. For example, it may be desirable to use at least one latch assembly  50  in combination with at least one fastener assembly  80  for connecting engine compartment module  30  with cockpit module  20 . It may be desirable to further employ a spool/channel arrangement  70  for such connection. Alternatively, it may be desirable to employ at least one fastener assembly  80  for connecting cockpit module  20  with bow module  10 , in addition to at least one latch assembly  50  and/or as a substitute for at least one spool channel arrangement. Moreover, it will be apparent that one or more guide pins/receivers may be used as desired for purposes of facilitating connections between bulkheads of modules to be connected. 
         [0086]    It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the placement of connection, fastening, latching and/or alignment devices may be in any suitable location. For example, it may be desirable to fix at least one fastener  80  on bulkhead  32  and position at least one complementary fastener bolt receiver  110  on bulkhead  24 . Similarly, alignment devices including guide pins  120  may be positioned on bulkhead  22 , and guide pin receivers  122  positioned on bulkhead  32 . 
         [0087]    One skilled in the art will recognize alternative, and/or additional devices, may include but not be limited to a cam-lock device, dead-bolt type of lock or the like. 
         [0088]    The modules may be disassembled for transportation and/or storage. In one embodiment, modules  10  and  30  are storable in cockpit module  20 , reducing the amount of room and/or vehicle space required to house the watercraft  2 . 
         [0089]    Now referring to  FIGS. 5A-5B , in accordance with another aspect, bow module  10  and engine compartment module  30  of the watercraft may be stored within the cockpit module  20 . The interior of the cockpit module  20  is configured to receive and contain the bow module  10  as shown. In one embodiment the bow module  10  may be positioned and securely fitted in a forward portion of the cockpit module  20  and upside down, which enables the watercraft pump and waterjet nozzle extending from the engine compartment module  30  to be placed into a section of the cockpit module  10  configured to accommodate it. The design/configuration permits easy transportation, storage, shipping, and ultimately easier/friendlier operator use. 
         [0090]    When the modules  10 ,  20  and  30  are assembled, the watercraft may be employed in conjunction with a power and drive system as used for example in connection with a Mokai® jet-powered watercraft available from Mokai Manufacturing, Inc. of Newburgh, N.Y. Certain other embodiments are described herein. 
         [0091]    With reference to  FIGS. 6-6D  in one embodiment a watercraft including modules  10 ,  20  and  30  further includes ports  35  formed in engine compartment module  30 , water intake  36  formed in engine compartment module  30 , engine mounting rail  130  with engine  200  mounted thereto disposed in engine compartment module  30  along with intake manifold  500  and exhaust pipe  600 . A fuel container  175  which may be connected to the engine  200  may also be removably or permanently housed in the engine compartment module  30 . Waterjet nozzle  400  extends from the rear of module  30  and is preferably mounted to engine compartment bulkhead  34 . With further reference to  FIG. 6E , steering linkage  300  and waterjet drive shaft  450  are also disposed in engine compartment module  30 . The engine  200  may be removably mountable to the engine mounting rail  130 . 
         [0092]    Engine  200  may be any suitable engine such as but not limited to those commercially available from Subaru of America, Inc. of Cherry Hill, N.J. In one embodiment the engine is a Subaru EX21 7 hp engine. 
         [0093]    Now referring to  FIG. 7 , an engine mounting rail  130  includes engine mounting brackets  136   a,    136   b  having apertures  137   a,    137   b,  respectively. Engine mounting rail  130  may be fixed to an interior floor of engine compartment module  30  by any suitable fastening means including but not limited to screws, bolts, adhesive, etc. Engine mounting rail  130  may further include one or more bulkhead mounting brackets  132  fastenable to an engine compartment module bulkhead  34 , and optionally a steering linkage bracket  134 . In one embodiment, when the engine mounting rail  130  is fixed to the floor of engine compartment module  30  and bulkhead mounting brackets  132  are fixed to bulkhead  34 , the engine mounting rail  130  serves to provide rigidity and strength to the engine compartment module  30 . Rigidity in the engine compartment module  30  serves to reduce stress on the engine  200  and the connection between the engine  200 , engine drive shaft  250  and waterjet drive shaft  450 . 
         [0094]    With further reference to  FIG. 7A , an engine mounting pin assembly  150  includes brackets  150   a,    150   b  and pin pairs  152   a  and  152   b.  The pins  152   a  and  152   a,  and  152   b  and  152   b,  respectively, are spaced apart and oriented to be aligned with apertures  137   a,    137   b  to facilitate installation of engine  200 . Brackets  150   a,    150   b  further include pairs of alignment lips  153   a  and  153   b,  respectively. The distance between alignment lips  153   a  and  153   a,  and  153   b  and  153   b,  respectively, corresponds substantially to the distance X between the inside surfaces of parallel rails  131   a  and  131   b  as shown in  FIG. 7  to facilitate installation of engine  200 . With further reference to  FIG. 8 , mounting pin assembly  150  is connected to a bottom portion of engine  200  with pins  152   a,    152   b  oriented in the direction of drive shaft  250  and brackets  150   a,    150   b  spaced apart and substantially parallel. To install the engine  200  in engine compartment module  30 , engine  200  is placed on engine mounting rail  130  such that pairs of alignment lips  153   a  and  153   b  are positioned along the inside of rails  131   a  and  131   b,  and pins  152   a,    152   b  are aligned with apertures  137   a,    137   b,  respectively. Sliding the engine in the direction shown by arrow Y, with further reference to  FIG. 9 , pins  152   a,    152   b  are received in apertures  137   a,    137   b,  respectively. When the engine  200  is mounted on the engine mounting rail  136 , the engine  200  is effectively suspended. Thus, an engine mounting system is provided which is configured and operable to permit the engine  200  to be removed/installed in under one minute with no tools required. This feature provides advantages in ownership and serviceability of the watercraft. The system allows a user to place the engine  200  onto the rails  131   a,    131 , whereby the alignment lips  153   a,    153   b  essentially automatically center and align the engine  200 , and slide the engine  200  to the fully engaged position wherein the drive shaft  250  is connectable to the jet drive shaft  450 , the pins  152   a,    152   b  are received in apertures  137   a,    137   b,  retaining the engine  200  in place during operation. In one embodiment, apertures  137   a,    137   b  include bushings  138  and at least some of pins  152   a,    152   b  are tapered so that as the engine  200  slides forward along the rails  131   a,    131   b,  the tapered pins  152   a,    152   b  begin to engage corresponding aligned bushings  138 . As this occurs, the engine  200  is raised from the rails  131   a,    131   b  and positioned into the 4 degree angle required to align the engine  200  with the jet drive shaft  450 . Suspending the engine  200  allows the engine  200  to be used as a semi-stressed member to help increase the overall stiffness of the entire system, and extend the tie down points to the sides. 
         [0095]    Now referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , an intake manifold  500  includes engine connection openings  502  and  504  and intake opening  506 . Intake manifold  500  is operable to be connected to engine  200  as depicted in  FIGS. 6D and 9 . 
         [0096]    Now referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , an exhaust pipe  600  having exhaust exit end  602  is shown. Exhaust pipe  600  is operable to be connected to engine  200  as shown. Exhaust opening  602  is preferably positioned adjacent a port  35  as shown in  FIGS. 6C and 6D . Bracket  620  may be employed to securely mount exhaust pipe  600  to engine  200 . 
         [0097]    Now referring to  FIG. 14 , in one embodiment engine mounting rail  130  includes steering linkage bracket  134  operable to receive a steering arm  300  operably linked through one or more steering linkages  310 , a steering module  302  operable to be linked to a steering cable or the like (not shown) and steering wheel. In one embodiment steering module  302  is a servo motor electrically wired to a control such as a joystick, steering wheel or the like for steering control. Steering linkages  310  are operably connected to a steering nozzle  320 . Engine mounting rail also further includes bulkhead mounting brackets  132  mounted to bulkhead  34  (in phantom). Jet drive shaft  450  is in alignment with engine drive shaft  250 . As will be apparent to the skilled artisan the drive shafts  250  and  450  may be operably linked by devices old and well-known in the art. 
         [0098]    It may be desirable to include convenient means for electrically connecting the modules disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments one or more servo motors located in one module may be employed to control for example throttle and steering, the controls for which may be located in a separate module. With reference to  FIG. 15  in one embodiment engine compartment module bulkhead  32  may include electrical connectors  710  and  720  fixed thereto. Electrical connectors  710  and  720  may be any suitable commercially available connectors designed for use with bulkheads, such as those available from Amphenol Tuchel Electronics GmbH of Heilbrunn, Germany through Allied Electronics of Fort Worth, Tex. For example connector  710  may be a female connector such as Allied Electronics Part No. 70013151 and connector  720  may be a male connector such as Allied Electronics Part No. 70013182, or vice versa. Alternatively, both connectors  710 ,  720  could be male connectors or female connectors. 
         [0099]    Now referring to  FIGS. 15B and 15C , the opposite ends of connectors  710 ,  720  are shown on the interior front side of the engine compartment module  30  with wiring  745  extending therefrom, and wiring harness  750  mounted to the interior of the module  30 . Wiring  745  may be connected to a servo motor, charging system, engine, etc. contained in the engine compartment  30 . 
         [0100]    Now referring to  FIG. 15D , cockpit module  20  may include apertures  27  alignable with the connectors  710 ,  720  of engine compartment module  30 . With further reference to  FIG. 15E , the cockpit module  20  is shown adjacent the engine compartment module  30  such that apertures  27  are aligned in register with connectors  710  and  720 . Electrical connector  715  is connectable to electrical connector  710  and electrical connector  725  is connectable to electrical connector  720 . Electrical connectors  710  and  720  may be any suitable commercially available connectors designed for use with bulkheads, such as those available from Amphenol Tuchel Electronics GmbH of Heilbrunn, Germany through Allied Electronics of Fort Worth, Tex. For example connector  715  may be a male connector such as Allied Electronics Part No. 70013135 and connector  725  may be a female connector such as Allied Electronics Part No. 70013166, or vice versa, depending on the corresponding connector  710 ,  720 . Alternatively, both connectors  715 ,  725  could be male connectors or female connectors. Wiring  747  may be mounted to a wiring harness on the interior of cockpit module  20  and connected to a control device operable to control a servo motor, charging system, engine, etc. which may be located in the engine compartment module  30 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art wiring  745 ,  747  may be mounted to the hull in positions out of direct sight and/or in positions calculated to prevent damage to the wiring. 
         [0101]    Embodiments of the electrical connection schemes exemplified above provide convenient means to complete modular assembly including electrical connectivity. In one embodiment, employing opposite connectors in adjacent modules (e.g., one being male to female, the other being female to male) ensures a user cannot cross the two circuits in which a possible short/malfunction could occur. For example, one circuit formed by corresponding connectors may operate one or more servo motors, and the other circuit may operate the engine and charging system. 
         [0102]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the positions of male and female connectors, conduit wiring and wiring harnesses may be altered from what is depicted herein, depending on the configuration of the modules, bulkheads, controls, etc. 
         [0103]    In one embodiment, watercraft as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,422 entitled PLANING WATERCRAFT HULL AND PROPULSION SYSTEM, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, are modified in accordance with the teachings herein. 
         [0104]    Although the apparatus and methods of the present disclosure have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited thereby. Indeed, the exemplary embodiments are implementations of the disclosed systems and methods are provided for illustrative and non-limitative purposes. Changes, modifications, enhancements and/or refinements to the disclosed systems and methods may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, such changes, modifications, enhancements and/or refinements are encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1