Abstract:
A paddle force transfer assembly is provided that is adapted to be installed about an existing canoe bench seat. The assembly secures the thighs of a canoe occupant while providing a foot brace under the seat, whereby the occupant can bear against the thigh supports and the foot brace when exerting force on the canoe paddle in rough water conditions. The thigh supports may be biased to rotate into an upright, open configuration when the user retracts his or her thighs therefrom, whereby the user is not restrained by the supports in a capsizing event. The assembly anchors to the interior surface of the canoe about the canoe seat and is secured thereto and around the seat using a plurality of anchors and strap connectors that transfer load from the paddle, through the user and the present assembly, and into the canoe for increased control without sacrificing emergency exit safety.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/741,597 filed on Jul. 25, 2013, entitled “Freedom Braces: Safe, no-entanglement, auto-release, canoe-seat-mounted thigh and foot braces.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to canoes and improvements in seats therefor. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a new and novel canoe seat that assists a user&#39;s ability to transfer force into the canoe paddle from a stable position within the canoe, while also not compromising safety of the paddler by allowing for swift and efficient exiting of the seat in a capsizing event. 
         [0004]    High maneuvering forces are required when canoeing in turbulent waters and in white-water conditions. The canoeing user is required to exert considerable force on a canoe paddle in order to maintain the boat&#39;s course and maneuver between hazards in the environment, while also preventing the boat from capsizing in very violent waters. This force exertion dictates that the canoe occupants are ‘locked’ into the canoe for maximum paddle force transfer and, if necessary, requires that all occupants are able to exit the canoe freely, quickly, and without restrictions or manual releases. In order to accomplish these goals, a canoe seat is required that secures the occupants of a canoe in position, while also offering an efficient means of releasing the seat restraint without requiring manual operations that can be difficult to accomplish in rough conditions or once the boat becomes capsized. 
         [0005]    The prior art describes various seating devices for canoes and personal watercraft that lockably secure a paddler to the boat. However, these devices create a significant risk of bodily injury if the occupants are unable easily remove themselves from the restraint. What is required is a device that does not introduce this risk and allows for quick and easy exiting of the canoe in an emergency situation. Most of the prior art devices involve thigh straps that restrict movement of the occupant and do not involve a quick release means. These straps introduce an entanglement risk and risk of serious injury or drowning if the canoe were to capsize. 
         [0006]    Simply adding thigh straps to a standard canoe bench seat as the prior art suggests increases entrapment risks, as the seats prevent rearward movement needed to disengage from thigh straps. Therefore the straps must be released by hand or, that failing, cut with a knife. This option is not likely to be successful unless conducted by the most well prepared paddler and accomplished canoe user. In order to minimize exit dangers and maximize paddle-force transfer, canoe outfitters usually remove the seats and add an open saddle seat with thigh straps and foot pegs. This saddle combination comes at a significant cost to the user and reversing the installation back to a stock seat is not practical. Canoes outfitted also lose cargo space and remain dangerous in emergency situations where a swift exit is required. 
         [0007]    The present invention provides a ready solution to a long-standing need in the art of canoeing and watersports involving paddle-driven transport. The device comprises a new and novel seating arrangement that is specifically designed for use with a canoe, wherein the integrity of the canoe is maintained and the device can be installed with minimal modification to the canoe structure. The device is designed to incorporate a standard canoe seat and provide a secure, ‘locked-in’ seating arrangement that avoids the use of harnesses or other devices that would limit exfiltration from the canoe in an emergency. The present invention also retains much of the canoe interior cargo space and functions when the canoe is used as a solo or tandem canoe, wherein the device can be readily purchased and installed at a much lower cost than existing saddle seat installations. 
         [0008]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0009]    Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to canoe user securement means, new canoe seats, and tethers that secure the user into existing canoe seats. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. 
         [0010]    It is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing canoe seat assemblies. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of canoe seat assemblies now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new canoe user securing assembly and safety seat that can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when maintaining a canoeing user in a canoe during periods of rigorous paddling, while allowing the same user to freely exit the canoe if the canoe capsizes. 
         [0012]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved canoe seat assembly that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the present invention is to provide a canoe seat assembly that can be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability. 
         [0014]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a view of a canoe user seated within the assembly of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  shows a view of a canoe user from behind when seated in the assembly of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  shows a top view and front view of the thigh supports of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  shows a frontal view of a canoe user seated within the assembly of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  shows another view of the thigh supports of the present invention and its mounting components. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  shows a view of the thigh support for a dual canoe seat configuration. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a listing of components for the thigh support of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  shows a view of the foot brace and its attachment to the canoe seat. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  shows a listing of components for the foot brace. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  illustrates the anchor installation process within the canoe interior. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  illustrates the installation of the foot brace on the installed anchors. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  shows the thigh support brackets mounted to the canoe seat. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  shows an overhead view of the present invention installed on a canoe, wherein a one-sided and dual-sided embodiment are deployed. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  shows a view of the sweep angle of the thigh supports in the biased embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  shows a view of the thigh supports in a working state. 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  shows a view of the biased embodiment and its retractor cord in a deployed state. 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  shows a view of the biased embodiment and its retractor cord in an open state. 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  shows another view of the biased embodiment and its retractor cord in a deployed state. 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  shows another view of the biased embodiment and its retractor cord in an open state. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the canoe seat assembly. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing a means of securing the legs of a canoe occupant while also allowing the occupant to readily escape the canoe in a capsized condition. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
         [0036]    The present invention is an open, thigh-and-foot-brace assembly constructed primarily of elongated tubes having a foam covering. The assembly utilizes a standard canoe bench seat for mounting and support. This assembly effectively “locks” a canoe paddler to the canoe while allowing quick and easy emergency exits. When “locking in”, the paddler kneels in front of the seat, places his buttocks on the seat edge, and deploys (rotates) the thigh braces inward. The canoe users presses his thighs forward and outward against the foam-covered braces and adjusts the foot brace to apply forward pressure to assist in maintaining firm thigh brace contact. (Alternatively, the foot brace may be adjusted to provide instep support). When in this “locked” condition, the paddler can transfer his paddling forces directly and efficiently to the boat. 
         [0037]    For a quick, ‘clean’ emergency exit, the paddler simply brings his thighs together, which frees him from the braces as if the braces had not been deployed. In absence of leg pressure, an embodiment of the present invention contemplates a retractor means, which rotates the thigh braces out of the way and increases the body and cargo clearance. Proper installation places no impediments in the way of the paddler&#39;s legs or feet that would otherwise create an entanglement risk or impede the user in an emergency exit. This system can be applied to solo and tandem canoe configurations, the latter capable of being placed in any of the three seat positions of a canoe while accommodating easy tandem/solo position switching. 
         [0038]    The present invention is derived from the desire to outfit a conventionally-seated, touring/white-water boat with safe and effective canoe paddler “lock-in” for a kneeling user. The usual thigh straps that often entangle paddlers and create life-threatening circumstances are avoided. After user experiences with existing thigh straps with seats and their propensity to pin the user in rough waters or in roll-over events, the present invention was designed to provide the same level of connection with the canoe but without the entanglement risks. 
         [0039]    White-water paddlers typically remove seats and install saddles, thigh straps, and foot pegs/pedals. These work very well for providing “lock-in” for white-water paddling, but they eliminate cargo space, and they force the paddler always to kneel. The present invention works with standard canoe bench seats and most tubular-framed seats, accommodating both seated and kneel-paddling. And, while kneeling, the paddler can “lock in” for the control and paddling forces associated with upper-class rapids. This is accomplished all while the original cargo space is preserved. 
         [0040]    Unlike saddle installations, the present invention does not permanently alter the canoe structure, wherein the assembly is easily adjusted or removed. Most importantly, the present invention adds nothing that can entangle a paddler. And, since applied thigh pressure is what keeps the paddler “locked in”, emergency exit is as natural and easy as relaxing and falling out. 
         [0041]    Retaining the canoe&#39;s functional seats is a driving requirement behind the present invention. Optimum function, safety, and comfortable paddling position are also top-level requirements. Raising the seats upwards to just under the gunwale supports is best for these last three requirements: 1) direct gunwale attachment for firm, lateral transfer of paddle forces for boat control, 2) a safe foot clearance under the seat, and 3) less knee flex for more comfort in kneeling (especially for older, stiffer paddlers like the designer). Removing any seat height spacers and remounting the seats directly to the gunwale supports before installing the present invention is highly recommended for all the above reasons. When kneeling with one&#39;s feet under a seat that is positioned at your intended height, it is required that there be adequate clearance for the user&#39;s feet and no restrictions. Any restrictions on the user&#39;s feet will defeat the purpose of the present invention and possibly snare the user trying to exit in an emergency. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 19 , there are shown several views of the present invention and its embodiments, along with installation instructions for mounting the present invention to an existing canoe. 
         [0043]    Simply put, staying in proper paddler position, especially in rough water and forceful paddle maneuvers, depends entirely upon the paddler maintaining sufficient thigh pressure against the thigh braces of the present invention. This thigh pressure, enhanced by foot pressure against the firmly-set foot brace and the curve of the thigh braces around the paddler&#39;s thighs all work together to keep the paddler wedged against the canoe seat for high-force paddle maneuvers and to remain in position under sudden jolts encountered in upper-class white water. Conversely, when circumstances dictate a need to exit the canoe for a quick “bail out”, then simply relaxing the thighs and feet and bringing the knees together effects immediate release of the present invention, allow for an unrestricted exit from the seat and the canoe. 
         [0044]    The best fit with present invention is one that maximizes long-term paddling comfort and “locked-in” control of the canoe in all maneuvers. Following are some guidelines for achieving a best fit condition. Remember, the best fit for you is the fit that works best for you, personally. Four Fit Parameters are contemplated: 
         [0045]    1) Assembly Spacing (AS) is the lateral distance from boat centerline to the Support Tube centerline, measured along each seat-support centerline (front and rear). Best AS will place the paddler&#39;s knees as wide apart as is comfortable, providing maximum leverage on the canoe, but not so wide that a) the “stretch” will cause discomfort with extended time in the position, or b) paddler&#39;s buttocks are too low (Foam Covers on seat edges are recommended). Knees should rest on the hull bottom with a spread no wider than the mid points of the hull&#39;s upward curves. 
         [0046]    2) Leg Spacing (LS) is the lateral spread of the paddler&#39;s thighs at the thigh brace contact point, measured from boat centerline to thigh brace centerline immediately adjacent to the paddler&#39;s thigh contact. This is not strictly a fitting-set parameter, but is established by front &amp; rear assembly spacing and assembly extensions. When front and rear assembly spacings are equal, the support tubes are parallel, and AS=LS. 
         [0047]    3) Assembly Extension (AE) is the horizontal distance from position seat&#39;s front support centerline to tip of Thigh brace End Cap. Best AE provides the kneeling paddler with a) comfortable hip and knee flex without being uncomfortably erect, and with b) mid-buttocks resting on the seat edge (Foam Covers on seat edges are recommended). 
         [0048]    4) Thigh brace Angles (SA) is the rotational angle of thigh brace from horizontal. Best SA provides maximum contact of the Foam-Covered braces with paddler&#39;s thighs, usually 300-450 downward. Brace Angles on either side of a position should be the same (for equal-length legs). Always perform the Fitting of all four variables in a “pressure-applied” mode, i.e. Foot Brace snugly against the balls of the feet, both feet firmly pressing against the Foot Brace, and with thighs pressing outward and firmly against the Thigh braces. With best fit and firm pressure applied, paddler will be “locked in” to perform high-force paddle maneuvers for all classes of white water. 
         [0049]    When paddling in tandem, the bow seat is most often occupied by a person of differing size than the adjacent occupant. If you have similar circumstances with different size paddlers, then you may need differing spacing between the Dual-Seat Solo and Bow positions. This can be accommodated in the present invention. 
         [0050]    Changes can be made to any or all of the Fit Parameters of any position. Effective recording and Reference Marking of each position&#39;s parameters will facilitate resetting any position to previous spec at any time. Think of it as adjusting your car&#39;s driver&#39;s seat position and seatbelt for a different driver. Be sure to read the entire present invention Manual before proceeding with Marking, Installing, or Fitting. Doing so will give you a good understanding of what to expect, how best to address each step, and help you avoid mistakes, so that first fit has best probability of being BEST FIT, not needing subsequent adjustments. 
         [0051]    Ideally the user of the present invention will deploy knee pads, which are standard white-water canoe gear. There are basically two types: paddler-worn pads, or boat-mounted pads. Boat-mounted pads are fixed, consume hull space, and cannot be adjusted for paddler size or preferences; they are required in every paddler position. Paddler-worn pads are only there when needed and always in the correct location for the paddler. Paddler-worn pads are strongly recommended and will be used for this instruction. The installer/paddler may add boat-mounted pads, later, if he so chooses. 
         [0052]    Single and dual-seat installations are marked the same, except only mark for one bungee tie-down for single-seat installations, 12″ to the (paddler&#39;s) rear of the single seat. Strap tie-down markings are the same for Single and Dual. Mark center-line of boat -A- on bottom under the seat, extending &gt;12″ past the seat edges. Mark two bungee tie-down pad centers B- &amp; C- on the hull centerline 12″ fore &amp; aft of seat edges. Add cross-marks that exceed the diameter of the tie-down pad to help with pad placement. Mark seat centerline on bottom, running across the boat -D-. Mark centers and cross-marks on this line for two Foot-Brace strap tie-downs, equidistant from boat centerline, at midpoint of the hull&#39;s turn-up curve between bottom and sides. 
         [0053]    When installing the tie-town pads, determine the centerline of the canoe with cross-marks. Sand hull and pad Clear away dust. Clean with alcohol. Apply adhesive to hull Apply adhesive to pad (After tacky) place and roll pad. Note orientation of “D” rings and straps pointing inward toward the centerline intersection. For Single Seats, only one Bungee Tie-Down at rear of Position is needed 
         [0054]    When installing the foot brace, place the position strap cam-lock buckle on the seat top, centered, lever up, and feed the other end of the strap down through the adjacent side space, through the Tie-Down ring (directly below), then through the foot-brace tube. Loop the strap through the Foot-Brace Tube a second time. Avoid twists in the strap. Pass the strap through the remaining Tie-Down (opposite side, under seat), then up through the seat space, directly above, back over the seat top, and feed the end through the cam-lock buckle. Pull the strap through the cam-lock buckle to remove all excess slack. Loop connect the center of the Retention Bungee to the Tie-Down Ring behind the Seat Position, and hook the ends over the strap emerging from either end of the Foot-Brace Tube. Adjust the Strap and Bungee to center the cam-lock buckle on the seat with Foot-Brace Tube drawn up tightly under the seat, centered on and perpendicular to the boat centerline (see below). [For the alternate (reversed) Seat Position, switch the Retention Bungee to the opposite, vacant Tie-Down.] 
         [0055]    Mark the center point of each seat support. With lines parallel with the boat centerline, mark each support at 8″, 9″, 10″, 11″, and 12″ from the seat center points. These marks will be references for setting Assembly Spacings. Add reference numbers on the seat-support edges. Mark each Clamp Assembly Top Plate ( 8 ) with centerlines for seat-supports and Support-Tubes. Place four Clamp Assembly Top Plates ( 8 ) on seat supports and assemble a Clamp Assembly Bottom Clamp ( 9 ) to each with Clamp Assembly Mounting Hardware ( 10 ). Tighten nuts just enough to retain the Bottom Clamps. 
         [0056]    Using PVC Cement ( 14 ), cement together items as follows, making sure to assemble each joint to its full depth: a) four End Caps ( 1 ) onto the small ends of four Thigh braces ( 2 ); b) four Stubs ( 3 ) into the bell ends of the same four Thigh braces ( 2 ); c) four 9″ Support Tubes ( 4 ) onto the four Stubs ( 3 ) now protruding from the four Thigh brace ( 2 ) bell ends. Slide two of the cemented assemblies, Support Tube ( 4 ) first, through two seat-mounted Clamp Assemblies, one on either side of seat (right and left). Without applying PVC Cement, into the Support Tube ( 4 ) ends of the remaining two cemented assemblies, slide an Extension Adjustment Tube ( 6 ). Now insert these two assemblies through the remaining two Clamp Assemblies, one on either side of the seat (right and left), inserting the protruding end of the Extension Adjustment Tubes ( 6 ) into each of the Support Tubes ( 4 ) of the first clamp-mounted assemblies. Press fore and aft assemblies fully together, center each full assembly fore-aft, and tighten the fasteners of the Clamp Assemblies just enough to hold Thigh Brace Assemblies in place while still allowing hand movement of the assemblies for fitting. 
         [0057]    Using PVC Cement ( 14 ), cement together items as follows, making sure to assemble each joint to its full depth: a) two End Caps ( 1 ) onto the small ends of two Thigh braces ( 2 ); b) two Stubs ( 3 ) into the bell ends of the same two Thigh braces ( 2 ); c) two 18″ Support Tubes ( 5 ) onto the two Stubs ( 3 ) now protruding from the two Thigh brace ( 2 ) bell ends. Slide these two cemented assemblies, Support Tube ( 5 ) first, through two seat-mounted Clamp Assemblies, one on either side of seat (right and left), so that the Thigh braces ( 2 ) extend outward from the Position face of the seat. Tighten the fasteners of the Clamp Assemblies just enough to hold Thigh Brace Assemblies in place while still allowing hand movement of the assemblies for fitting. 
         [0058]    When install the tube cover, with a sharp knife, flare one end hole of each 18″ Foam Tube Cover ( 13 ) to ˜1¾″. Apply liquid soap to each Thigh brace ( 2 ) and Support Tube ( 4 ,  5 ) up to the seat edge. Slide the Foam Tube Cover ( 13 ) onto the Thigh brace ( 2 ) and Support Tube Assembly, flared end first, leaving 2-3″ of Support Tube ( 4 ,  5 ) exposed next to the seat support for AE adjustment. (Covers will be too long, but will be cut off at the proper length in the final fitting.) 
         [0059]    When installing the seat pad, apply one Foam Seat Pad ( 12 ) to each Position seat edge at A, Split one side with a sharp knife, and apply the Cover to the each Position&#39;s front seat support. 
         [0060]    Fitting Points to Consider: Wide Braces=wide knee spread* and low paddler position. Narrow Braces raise paddler&#39;s position and center of mass, reduce control of the boat. Short Extensions raise position and center of mass, reduce hip flex*. Long extensions cause excessive hip and knee flex*, lower buttocks on seat edge, can cause lack of Foot Brace pressure. 
         [0061]    Paddler Fitting Process: Don kneepads and kneel in the first position to be fitted, buttocks resting on the Foam-covered seat edge. Adjust Foot-Tube Position Strap  5  to put pressure against balls of feet. With Clamps tight enough to prevent Assembly movement, push thighs outward against Foam Tube Covers ( 13 ) and test the AS (Assembly Spacing) fit. To adjust Braces, loosen the Clamp Assembly Fasteners ( 10 ) to allow Support Tube ( 4 ,  5 ) movement. Keeping the Support Tubes parallel,* adjust the AS and retighten the Clamp Assembly Fasteners. Continue this procedure until a comfortable side-side thigh angle is achieved. Next, slide the Support Tubes fore-aft to adjust the Assembly Extension (AE) while rotating the (Thigh) Sweep Angle (SA) for Best Fit around thighs. AE and SA should be set to provide greatest thigh contact, with SA usually about 450 down and inward. (View the Assembly from a few feet in front of position to assure SA is the same on each Assembly.) Continue the above sequence until Best Fit is achieved. 
         [0062]    Reference Marking After Dual-Seat Fitting: For the completed position fitting, record and save all fitting parameters and mark each of the following: A) Support Tube with a circumferential lines at under-seat faces of Bottom Clamps ( 9 ) (AE Ref.), B) Support Tube along axis up to and extending onto the Bottom Clamps ( 9 ) under-seat faces (SA Ref.), C) Support Tube with “SOLO” or “BOW” under the seat, immediately adjacent to appropriate Position Bottom Clamp ( 9 ), and D) seat support face (front or rear) below the Top Plate ( 8 ) Tube Centerline with vertical line (AS Ref.). Reference Marks will facilitate restoring Assemblies to ‘Best Fit’ after they have been moved. 
         [0063]    Reference Marking, Cutting, &amp; Capping After Single-Seat Fitting: For the completed position fitting, record and save all fitting parameters and mark each of the following: A) Support Tube with a circumferential lines at under-seat faces of Bottom Clamps ( 9 ) (AE Ref.), B) Support Tube along axis up to and extending onto the Bottom Clamp ( 9 ) under the Position seat support (SA Ref.), C) Support Tube with circumferential line 1½″ rear of the Position&#39;s rear seat Top Plate ( 8 ), and D) seat support face (front or rear) below the Top Plate ( 8 ) Tube Centerline with vertical line (AS Ref.). Reference Marks will facilitate restoring Assemblies to ‘Best Fit’ after they have been moved. Excess tail piece beyond “C” can be cut off now, or, if further fitting adjustment is anticipated that may increase AE, then cutting should be postponed until final fitting is complete. When this piece is removed, cement a Stub ( 3 ) into each of two Caps ( 1 ), and cement the other end of each stub into the rear of each Support Tube ( 5 ) to provide finished ends. 
         [0064]    Support Tube Tape Wrapping and Clamp Fastener Tightening: Adding Duct Tape to the Support Tubes ( 4  &amp;  5 ) increases the friction between the Tubes and the Clamp Assembly ( 8 ,  9 ,  10 ) which assures no movement of the Brace Assemblies when extreme forces are applied. Wrap at least one complete circumference of 3″ Duct Tape around each Tube with inside tape edge touching the previously marked circumferential lines, as shown, total of four spots. These wraps should be within each Clamp Assembly when reassembled and tightened. Reassemble the Brace Assemblies in the Clamp Assemblies properly aligned with all the marks and tighten each fastener only until it is snug, sufficient to keep the Thigh braces from rotating when twisted manually, and without bending the Top Plate ( 8 ) corners down. 
         [0065]    Foam Cover Completion and Cleanup: Complete the Foam Tube Covers ( 13 ) installation, sliding each Cover snugly up against the Clamp Assemblies. Trim off the excess ends even with the Caps ( 1 ) on the Thigh braces ( 2 ) using a sharp knife. (Optional) Taking care not to lose any Reference Marks, remove from the seat supports all visible tape except tape on the supports between the Top Plates ( 8 ) and Bottom Clamps ( 9 ). Use alcohol and paper towel to remove unwanted marks on remaining surfaces. 
         [0066]    SPECIAL INSTALLATION SITUATIONS AND SOLUTIONS: Gunwale-Limited Assembly Spacing (AS) Behind Stern Seat: Stern Position details are similar to those for Single-Seat Solo and Bow Positions. There is one important exception: Gunwale limits to Assembly Spacing (AS) at the stern seat&#39;s rear support. The drawing shows a boat with max rear AS of 9″ with the Top Clamps against the gunwales. Front AS can be increased beyond the rear limit, allowing proper paddler fitting. In this case, AS=10″ at the front seat support centerline provides ˜10½″ LS (Leg Spacing) at the paddler&#39;s thighs. Clamp Assemblies are rotated to accommodate the nonparallel Support-Tubes. 
         [0067]    Differing Assembly Spacings (AS) Between Dual-Seat Positions: Fitting different-sized paddlers in Solo and Bow requires coordinated effort. A change of AS in either position affects the LS (Leg Spacing) in the other. So, both must be adjusted together and each fit verified. The procedure is illustrated by the following example with the larger paddler in Solo:
       1. First fitting in each position with Tubes parallel: Solo AS=10½″; Bow AS=8½″; AS difference=2″; AS_adj (AS adjustment)=¼×2″=½″   2. Coordinated changes: Reduce Solo AS by AS_adj to 10″; increase Bow AS by AS_adj to 9″; recheck fit in each position.   3. Any further adjustments follow same procedure, with adjustment (+ or −)=each new AS_adj, until fit in both positions is obtained.   4. Alternate Method: Put both paddlers in positions and fit AS to both simultaneously. WARNING: Maintain paddler&#39;s hip-width minimum space between Thigh brace tips for unrestricted, safe ejection; trim the tips back, if necessary.       
 
         [0072]    Extra Wide Seat Bottoms: Some wooden canoe seats have exceptionally wide covered areas that may extend into required Clamp Assemblies locations. It is acceptable for Clamp Assembly bolts to pass through the seat covering (see right-side image), and, in some cases, through the side seat braces, as well (see left-side image), which requires drilling ¼″ holes through the braces. Be certain of the fit before drilling holes in the braces. In either case, in order to avoid fabric separation, heat the backend of a ¼″ or larger drill bit with a propane lighter (not included) and use the back end of the bit to “hot pierce” the nylon fabric of the seat cover where the bolts will be centered. 
         [0073]    Tubular Seat Supports: If you have tubular metal seat supports, and the seat design accommodates Freedom Thigh Braces, there may be a problem with undesired movement of the Thigh-Brace Support Tubes ( 4 ,  5 ) and the Clamp Top Plate with respect to the seat-support tubes, due to insufficient surface contact and low friction coefficient. If this is the case, after fitting is finalized:
       1) First try duct-tape wrapping the seat-support tubes over the Clamp contact area and add duct tape to the underside of the Clamp Top Plate; retest for movement; if this is insufficient, then—   2) Drill a ¼″ horizontal hole through each Bottom Clamp and Support Tube at its centerline, and insert a ¼″×2½″ SS hex bolt* through each and fasten with SS nut* and SS lock washer*, tightening sufficiently to prevent Support Tube rotation.       
 
         [0076]    It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0077]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.