Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to kayaks, and more specifically to a kayak ballast system for a kayak cockpit or storage compartment. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   For decades, kayaking has been recognized as a pleasant way to enjoy the outdoors, and a convenient way to travel to remote regions. The sport of kayaking is reaching an all time high in terms of popularity. Consumer surveys and sales figures have shown the number of individuals participating in the sport is growing at a rate never seen before. Manufacturers, distributors, and guides throughout the country are witnessing this increase in popularity as the demand for their products and services continually increases. 
   Accompanying the growth of kayaking has been advances in the technology associated with the sport. Annual and bi-annual models are common with a majority of the leading manufacturers. Although minor advances have been made to increase the durability, agility and maneuverability of the modern design, in many ways, the basic design has varied little from the designs first developed by the Inuit of northern Canada. 
   The kayak currently takes one of two basic forms, either that of the whitewater kayak designed for running rivers, or the sea kayak. The former is generally shorter and of low volume for maneuverability. The latter is longer and of higher volume to provide greater directional stability and allow for the stowage of cargo. In the sea kayak, the paddler is sealed into the boat by a waterproof “skirt” worn around the waist and sealed around the lip of the cockpit in which the paddler sits. The skirt prevents water from entering the kayak even when the kayak is overturned. The sport of sea kayaking recognizes no geographic limit. The sport has been enjoyed in peaceful inland lakes and rivers, the violent and rough seas of the North Atlantic and virtually every waterway in between. In many ways, the geographic limits of the expedition are only set by the spirit and courage of the kayaker. 
   Hull designs are not created equal. Two 18 foot boats from competing manufacturers will leave different footprints on the water. What a kayak will do and how well it will perform in the water is determined by the compromise of beam (width), displacement (hull design) length and the kayaker. As this magic blend is reached, the center of gravity lowers, thus increasing the stability. 
   Increasing the overall stability, by lowering the center of gravity, may assist the kayaker in performing the Eskimo roll (or simply “roll”), one of the most critical safety maneuvers in kayaking. As noted above, in the sea kayak, the paddler is sealed into the boat by a waterproof skirt worn around the waist and sealed around the lip of the cockpit in which the paddler sits. Despite the overall stability of the basic kayak design, in rough waters or simply due to a loss of balance, a kayaker may overturn his or her kayak resulting in a critical and somewhat dangerous situation. 
   An overturned kayak places the kayaker in a difficult position in which he or she must make several critical decisions within a few seconds. In the best case scenario, an overturned kayak may be righted by the paddler without removing the skirt by performing an Eskimo roll. To do a roll, the paddler applies sufficient torque using correct orientation and movement of the paddle to rotate the boat and his or her body to an upright position. Alternatively, if the paddler is unable to right the boat using the Eskimo roll, but a second boat is near, a rescue can be performed in which the second boat is brought close enough to the capsized boat so that the capsized paddler&#39;s waving hand can grasp its bow. The capsized paddler can use the support of the second boat&#39;s bow to rotate him- or herself to an upright position without exiting his/her boat. 
   As a final alternative, a paddler unable to right the kayak can free him or herself from the boat by releasing the skirt from the cockpit rim and slipping out of the cockpit while underwater. This is the least desirable option because it exposes the kayaker and the kayak to the elements. If a sea kayaker fails to right the boat and it becomes necessary to release the skirt and exit the boat, he/she is confronted by a number of life-threatening dangers. The kayaker may become separated from the boat and/or paddle, possibly far from shore and possibly in rough seas. The temperature of the water will often be low enough to reduce the paddler&#39;s strength over a fairly short time, and make re-entry to the boat more difficult. This serious situation can lead to hypothermia and/or drowning, and fear or panic can further complicate the situation. Even if the paddler succeeds in re-entering the boat it will be filled with water, unstable, and liable to re-capsize before it can be emptied. Consequently the preferred response to a capsize is righting the boat without the paddler exiting the boat. Thus, any device that may increase the ability of the kayaker to right themselves following a capsize is desirable. 
   The paddler&#39;s body and shape and size will affect the paddler&#39;s feel of the kayak. A short round body will have a lower center of gravity verses a long slender, broad shouldered paddler. The center of gravity is centered in the paddler at about the belt line. It is the center of the combined weight of the paddler and boat. The boat&#39;s performance may be enhanced or lessened by the paddler&#39;s height and weight. 
   A lighter paddler may feel the boat uncomfortable or tippy when the boat is at rest. With a lighter paddler, the boat will have a shallow footprint. The boat&#39;s working water-line will be shorter causing the boat to feel tippy. This tippyness feeling poses a significant problem to newer or less experienced paddlers who desire a high degree of stability. Not only does the lack of stability lessen the overall safety of an expedition, but it can also lessen ones enjoyment in the experience. 
   Finding the right fitting boat may not be an option for individuals below the “average” weight, which most kayaks consider in their design. This poses a significant problem for expedition&#39;s guides who have a limited number of kayaks to accommodate the full spectrum of paddlers. There is a strong need in the industry to accommodate beginner paddlers, and give them the security and comfort in the water to allow them to fully enjoy their experience. This added comfort may be obtained by adding weight close to the center along the boat&#39;s keel line. 
   Additionally, it is recognized that even experienced paddlers may desire to lower the center of gravity of the kayak depending on the sea or river conditions. In rougher conditions, a lower center of gravity may be desirable. Likewise, many touring kayaks are designed with large storage compartments capable for carrying large amounts of cargo. Owners of these larger boats have found them to be cumbersome and less maneuverable on day trips due to the lack of overall cargo. The lack of weight results in a significant decrease in the stability and maneuverability of the large touring kayak. 
   To date, there has been no easy, way to add and remove weight to the kayak in a manner that optimizes the kayaks center of gravity and thus its overall stability. As it can be appreciated from the discussion above, there is an obvious need to improve the stability and maneuverability of kayaks for individuals of all skill levels. There is a further need for a system that optimizes the positioning of any added weights and keeps the weights stable within the kayak. There is an additional need for a device which may increase a paddler&#39;s ability to right an overturned kayak without exiting the kayak. 
   SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   In light if the foregoing, it is an object of the invention to provide a ballast system that increases the center of gravity of a kayak and thus increases the overall stability of the boat. It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus which is quickly and easily installed into any kayak. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kayak ballast system that is easy to install using existing parts and maintains weight in the center of the boat thereby increasing the degree of lean in a boat and assisting a kayaker in performing a roll. Still another object of the invention is to provide a system that has one or more of the characteristics discussed above but which is relatively easy to setup. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a system that can be used to relatively inexpensively adjust the center of gravity of a kayak. 
   Consistent with the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a ballast system, a kayak ballast device, and method of increasing the center of gravity in a kayak are disclosed in suitable detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. 
   By way of summary, the present invention is generally directed to a ballast system to be used in a wide variety of kayaks, canoes and watercraft, and also to a method for using such a ballast system. 
   In one embodiment, a ballast system for a watercraft includes a cradle member for receiving weight configured to be positioned within the interior of the watercraft. The cradle member may be an elongate member defining a first end and a second end and configured to be secured against the interior of the watercraft. The cradle member may define a receiving unit for attaching weight. 
   In another embodiment, the cradle member includes a receiver, and the weight defines a recess configured to receive the receiver. The weight may define at least one through bore configured to align with a passage on the receiver, and the through bore and passage may be configured to receive a pin therethrough. 
   In still another embodiment, the weight may be comprised of a container that includes at least one opening allowing access to the interior of the container. In yet another embodiment, a mounting plate may be attached to the bottom of the watercraft and configured to engage to the underside of the cradle member and limit movement of the cradle member. The mounting plate may include at least one projection configured to engage a recess on the weight receiving unit. The system may also be secured to the interior of the kayak by straps secured to the bulkhead of a kayak. The system may include an end cap attached to an end of the cradle to engage the interior wall of the watercraft. 
   In another preferred embodiment, a kayak ballast device includes a weight receiving unit configured to be attached to the interior of a kayak and attach to a weight. The weight may be a container configured to be received by the weight receiving unit and the container may define an opening for the placement and removal of weight. In one embodiment, the container defines at least one through bore configured to align with a passage on the weight receiving unit, and the through bore and the passage are configured to receive a pin therethrough. 
   In another embodiment the ballast device includes a cradle member supporting the weight receiving unit and the cradle member is configured to be press-fitted within the interior of the kayak. The cradle member includes an end cap that includes an angled face. 
   In a final embodiment, a method of increasing the center of gravity in a kayak includes the steps of providing a support that includes a weight receiving unit configured to be positioned within the interior of a kayak, positioning the support within the interior of the kayak and securing a weight to the weight receiving unit. The weight may be a container defining at least one opening and the method may further include filling the container with a material. The weight may further define at least one through bore configured to align with a passage on the weight receiving unit and receive a pin therethrough. 
   These and other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and accompanying drawings, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a sea kayak incorporating a ballast system in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a sectional perspective view of the kayak along lines  4 — 4  in  FIG. 1  illustrating the ballast system attached to the front bulkhead of the kayak; 
       FIG. 3  is a partially cut away perspective view of a kayak ballast system of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a fragmentary perspective view of the kayak ballast system; 
       FIG. 5  is a side sectional view of the ballast system in the first operating position; 
       FIG. 6  is a side sectional view of the weight container of the inventive ballast system; 
       FIG. 7  is a side sectional view of the ballast system in the second operating position; 
       FIG. 8  is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the kayak ballast system; 
       FIG. 9  is a side cross sectional view of the ballast system illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the cradle member illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a side perspective of the alternative embodiment of the cradle member illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a sectional perspective view of the cradle member along lines  5 — 5  in  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the weight container; 
       FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the weight container; 
       FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the weight container; 
       FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the weight container; 
       FIG. 17   a  top plan view of the pin utilized with the ballast system illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 17   b  is a side perspective view of the pin utilized with the ballast system illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 18  is a side perspective view of the mounting plate utilized with the ballast system illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the mounting plate utilized with the ballast system illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 20  is a top perspective view of an end cap utilized with the ballast system illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 21  is a side perspective view of an end cap utilized with the ballast system illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of the cradle extension member utilized with the ballast system illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 23  is a side perspective view of the cradle extension member utilized with the ballast system illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; and 
       FIG. 24  is a bottom perspective view of the cradle extension member utilized with the ballast system illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
   

   Before explaining one or more embodiments invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Turning now to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIG. 1  thereof, a kayak  20  is shown incorporating the inventive ballast system  22 . It should be understood that kayaks are well known in the art, and the inventive ballast system  22  is configured to be readily adapted for use with any of a number of known designs. Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in reference to a sea kayak  20 , the design of the particular kayak is in no way limiting on the inventive ballast system  22 . The basic design of the ballast system  22  may be utilized by a wide variety of vessels including whitewater kayaks, sea kayaks, and canoes. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, kayak  20  is a conventional sea kayak known in the art. Kayak  20  includes a centrally located cockpit  24  with a seat  26  in which a kayaker sits with his legs extending forward. The cockpit has a raised combing  28  to allow an elasticized edge of a spray skirt (not shown) which the kayaker wears around his waist to overlap the lip of the combing  28  and prevent water from entering the cockpit. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , a forward cargo hold  30  and a stern cargo hold  32  are accessible for stowing and retrieving cargo through openings defined therein. Additionally, as will be described in greater detail below, cargo holds  30 ,  32  can also be used as an alternate location for placement of the inventive ballast system  22 . The forward cargo hold  30  is separated from the cockpit  24  by a water tight forward bulkhead  36 , shown in phantom, in  FIG. 1  and the stern cargo hold  42  is separated from the cockpit  32  by a water tight stern bulkhead  38 . 
   Turning now to  FIG. 2 , the inventive ballast system  22  is illustrated positioned in the forward end of the cockpit  24  against the inner surface of the forward bulkhead  36 . It should be understood, however, that ballast system may be alternatively placed within the forward  30  or stern  32  cargo holds against the opposite sides of the bulkheads, in a manner similar to that illustrated. Furthermore, the ballast system may be placed directly in front of the seat of a kayak such that it is positioned under the knees of the kayaker when positioned in the kayak. In the illustrated embodiment, ballast system  22  is positioned in front of footholds or pedals  23  shown in phantom against the forward bulkhead  36 . The ballast system  22  is generally comprised of a cradle member or support  40  configured to be fitted within a kayak cockpit or within one of the cargo holds  30 ,  32  and retain a weight  42 . 
   In the illustrated preferred embodiment, cradle member  40  is an elongate flexible tubular member having a first  44  and second  46  end. Cradle member  40  may be comprised of a variety of known materials. Preferably, cradle member  40  is constructed from PVC or other plastic. By way of example, cradle member  40  may be constructed from 2.25, 3.0 or 3.5 inch corrugated flexible plastic hose. In the illustrated embodiment, cradle member  40 , is constructed from corrugated plastic and includes plurality ridges  47 . Preferably, cradle member  40  is constructed from a soft or flexible plastic, such that cradle member  40  can be bent into a general U-shape to be press-fitted within the cockpit  24  or storage compartments  30 ,  32  of a kayak. As shown in  FIG. 2 , cradle member  40  is bent to be press fitted into the kayak against the bottom  31  and sidewalls  33   a ,  33   b  of the interior of the kayak. Alternatively, cradle member  40 , could be preformed into a U-shape from a more rigid plastic or other material to similarly fit within the cockpit or storage compartment of a kayak. 
   In the preferred embodiment, cradle member  40  is cut from corrugated plastic to a length of about 26 inches in order to allow it to be wedged within the hull of the kayak  20 . It is understood that a wide variety of lengths could be used to accommodate differing hull sizes. In a commercial setting, it is understood that additional length may be preferably provided to allow a consumer to cut cradle member  40  in order to custom fit the ballast system  22  to his or her kayak. Preferably, some indicia or other form of marking may be included on the cradle member to assist a user in custom fitting the ballast system  22  to his or her boat. For example, cradle member may include markings on its opposed ends corresponding to centimeters or inches of tube length. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , cradle member  40  may additionally include a pair of rubber or plastic end caps  48   a ,  48   b  configured to inserted into the first  44  and second  46  ends of the cradle member  40 . Preferably, end caps  48   a ,  48   b  are removably press-fitted within the ends  44 ,  46  of the cradle member  40  to accommodate adjustment of the length of the cradle member. End caps  48   a ,  48   b  are configured to assist in press fitting cradle member  40  against the inner surface of the upper wall  49  of the kayak and hold the ballast system  22  in place. In the illustrated embodiment, end caps  48   a ,  48   b  include an angled face  50  to better fit against the arcuate contour of upper wall  49  of the kayak. End caps  48   a ,  48   b  may additionally include a wide variety of friction enhancing mechanisms on the angled face  50  to maintain the ballast system in a desired location within the kayak. For example, the angled contact surface of the end caps  48   a ,  48   b  could include ridges, bumps or any other friction-engaging surface to increase the frictional engagement of the cradle member against the upper wall of the kayak. Alternatively, end caps  48   a ,  48   b  could be constructed from a rubber or other material with a generally high frictional coefficient. 
   Turning now to  FIGS. 2–4  the cradle member  40  includes a centrally located weight-receiving unit  52 . Weight receiving unit  52  is preferably cut out from the tubular cradle member  40  at a central location and is generally configured to receive some form of weight  42 . Preferably, unit  52  is cut out of the cradle member  40  in a manner such that it will substantially align with the center of the kayak when the ballast system  22  is installed. While it is recognized that any increase in weight will increase a kayak&#39;s center of gravity, it is preferred that the weight be placed in a generally centralized region of the boat near the paddler in order to maximize the center of gravity and stability of the kayak. Weight receiving unit  52  defines first  53   a  and second  53   b  lateral edges, and first  55   a , and second  55   b  curved side edges. The dimensions of unit  52  may be altered to accommodate the specific dimensions of the cradle member  40 . In the described preferred embodiment, unit  52  provides sufficient space to support a wide variety of weights. For example, five or ten pound lead dive weights could be placed within the unit  52  and secured with a bungee chord, plastic cord, buckle, strap or other known retaining means. Alternatively, it is recognized that weight may be formed integrally within a central region of the cradle member  40 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment, weight  42  is comprised of a plastic container  60  with a removable end cap  62 . Container  60  is configured to fit within the unit  52  of cradle member  40  in either a generally perpendicular arrangement ( FIG. 3 ) or a generally parallel arrangement ( FIG. 7 ). It is understood that container  60  can take a wide variety of configurations. It is preferred that container  60  be configured to fit tightly within cradle member  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, container  60  is comprised is a generally circular body comprised of an upper surface  64  and a lower surface  66 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , upper surface  64  includes a threaded opening  65  configured to receive end cap  62 . Lower surface  66 , includes a pair of gaps  68   a ,  68   b . Gaps  68   a ,  68   b  are configured to receive and engage first  53   a  and second  53   b  lateral edges of unit  52  when the container is placed within the unit  52  of the cradle member  40  in a perpendicular arrangement ( FIG. 3 ). The interaction of the gaps  68   a ,  68   b  and the lateral edges  53   a ,  53   b  increases the retention forces acting on the container  60  within the unit  52 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the lower surface of unit  52  comprises a nipple  70  projecting upwardly therefrom. As best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , nipple  70  is configured to be received by a cavity  72  located on the lower surface  66  of the container  60 . The interaction of the nipple  70  and cavity  72  assists in holding the container  60  in place within the cradle member  40 . 
   Container  60  is preferably constructed from plastic or another known suitable material. Container  60  provides a useful alternative to dive weights or other known weights which may be used with the present systems. The problem with such permanent weights is that once they are brought on an expedition they are not readily disposed of. Alternatively, container  60  allows a user to use a wide variety of naturally occurring materials to add weight to the kayak. For example, sand, rock, or water may be added and removed through the threaded opening  65  of container  60  to add weight to the kayak by use of the ballast system  22 . A user simply removes the end cap  62  from the container  60  and fills the container with any suitable material. The user can than secure the end cap  62  and position the container  60  within the cradle  40 . If the weight is no longer desirable due to more stable conditions or the necessity to portage, the weight may be easily removed by emptying the material through the threaded opening  65 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment, in addition to the tight fit of the cradle member  40  and end caps  48   a ,  48   b  against the interior walls of the kayak, cradle member  40  is further secured in place by a harness or strap  76  secured to the bulkhead of the kayak. Strap  76  may take a variety of configurations and serves a dual function of maintaining the weight  42  within the cradle member  40  and securing the cradle member in a desired position within the kayak. In the illustrated embodiment, strap  76  includes a first end  79  secured to a screw, bolt or other fastener  78  inserted through the bulkhead  36  of the kayak. Strap  78  includes first  80  and second  82  adjustable loops configured to placed around the cradle member of the ballast system  22 . Both the length of the first end  79  and the loops  82 ,  80  may be tightened around the ballast system  22  to secure the weight  42  within the cradle member  40  and secure the ballast system  22  against the bulkhead  36 , thereby preventing swaying and backward movement of the ballast system  22 . Strap  78  also secures the kayak ballast system  22  in position during a capsize and subsequent Eskimo roll. 
   It should be recognized, however, that strap  76  is not necessary for the kayak ballast system  22 . Due to its tight fit within the hull of the kayak, ballast system  22  and its component parts are configured to stay in place without the use of any straps or other securing devices. As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , as cradle  40  is bent into its U-shaped configuration within the hull, it presses against container and secures the container in place within the cradle. As best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , when the container  60  is initially positioned within the cradle member  40 , gaps  90  exist between the container  60  and the first  55   a , and second  55   b  curved side edges of the unit  52 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , as the cradle member is moved into its curved position within the kayak, the first  55   a  and second  55   b  edges of the unit squeeze against the container  60  thereby maintaining it in place and preventing the container from being jolted or otherwise removed from the cradle member  40  while in use. The tight fit of the cradle member  40  against the container  60  maintains the container within the cradle  40  member during a capsize and subsequent Eskimo roll. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates and alternative arrangement of the container  60  within the cradle member  40 . Container  60  is positioned in a parallel relationship to the cradle member  40 . This alternative configuration allows the ballast system  22  to be placed tightly against the bulkhead  36  or directly under the legs of a kayaker. 
   In use of the inventive ballast system  22 , a user first obtains the cradle member  40 . The cradle member  40  is then temporarily positioned within the forward end of the cockpit  24  or within the storage compartments  30 ,  32  of the kayak  20  to check its length. If the cradle member  40  needs adjusting, the cradle member  40  may be cut down on its outer ends  44 ,  46 , or alternatively, plastic O-rings may be added to the ends of the cradle member  40  between the end caps  48   a ,  48   b  to increase the overall length of the cradle member  40 . Once a sufficient cradle member length is established, end caps  48   a ,  48   b  are positioned in the ends  44 ,  46  of the cradle member  40 . Weight  42  is then positioned within the unit  52 . If straps or other fasteners are being used, the straps may be secured around the cradle member  40  and weight  42  and tightened. The cradle member  40  is then bent into a general U-shape to conform to the interior of the kayak  20  and placed against the forward bulkhead  36  or other desired location. As the cradle member  40  is bent the first  55   a , and second  55   b  curved side edges of the unit  52 , press tightly against the weight  42 , thereby securing it in place. End caps  48   a ,  48   b  of cradle member  40  press tightly against the inner surface of the kayak, thereby securing the ballast system  22  in place. If straps or other securing devices are being used, straps  78  may be tightened around the ballast system  22  and secured to the bulkhead  36  or other portion of the kayak. 
     FIGS. 8–24  illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the inventive kayak ballast system  122 . The ballast system  122  is generally comprised of a cradle member or support  140  configured to be fitted within a kayak cockpit or within one of the cargo holds  30 ,  32  and retain a weight  142  configured to be attached to a weight receiving unit  152  via a pin  147 . 
     FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate an alternative preferred cradle member  140 . Cradle member  140  is likewise an elongate flexible tubular member having a first  144  and second  146  end. A weight receiving unit  152  is orientated in a central region of the cradle member  140 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , cradle member  140  is semi-circular and the underside of the cradle member is substantially hollowed out. The weight-receiving unit  152  includes an outwardly projecting connector  141 . Connector  141  includes a base  143  and tubular receiver, through bore or orifice  145  defining a passage  177  configured to receive a pin  147  therethrough and secure weight  142  to cradle member  140 . It should be understood that receiver  145  need not be circular or hollow throughout, but can take a variety of forms to secure the weight  142  to the connector  141 . It should be further noted that consistent with the invention the entire cradle member  140  need not be present, and that the weight receiving unit  152  can be simply mounted to the bottom of the kayak cockpit at a position, for example, directly in front of the seat  26  in order to secure the weight  142  without the use of the entire cradle member  140 . 
     FIGS. 9 and 12  are cross-sectional views illustrating of the weight receiving unit  152  and connector  141 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the underside of weight receiving unit  152  includes two rectangular orifices  153 . Orifices  153  are configured to tightly fit around the rectangular posts  155   a ,  155   b  of mounting plate  157  ( FIGS. 18 and 19 ) and provide for an additional securing measure. The mounting plate  157  is illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , and may be mounted, for example, on the bottom  31  of the kayak at any preferred position of the ballast system  20 . For example, mounting plate  157  may be mounted on the bottom of the kayak in front of the seat  26  of the kayak. The tight fit of the orifices  153  over the rectangular posts  155  of mounting plate  157  serves to stabilize the ballast system against undesired lateral or forward movement of the system within the kayak. It should be recognized that the mounting plate is not necessary to the practice of the invention but provides an additional securing measure. 
     FIGS. 13–16  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a container  160  for use with the second preferred embodiment. Container  160  includes a generally triangular body comprised of an upper surface  164  and a lower surface  166  and side surfaces  163   a ,  163   b . Container includes a first threaded opening  169  configured to receive and retain locking pin  147  and a second threaded opening  167  configured to receive an end cap  162 . Openings  169 ,  167  allow for insertion and removal of premanufactured weight such as lead shot or a wide variety of naturally occurring materials such as sand, rock, or water. An integral handle  170  is integrally formed along the upper surface  164  for ease of transport and manipulation of the container  160  within the system. 
   Container  160  is configured to fit over and lockingly engage the connector  141  of weight-receiving unit  152 . Container  160  includes a connector engaging hollow  161  configured to fit over weight receiving unit  152  of cradle member  140 . Within the hollow  161  is a connector receiving recess  163 . Connector receiving recess  163  is of roughly the same dimensions as connector  141  such that container  160  fits tightly over connector  141 . The container  160  includes through bores  165   a ,  165   b  extending from opposed sides of the connector receiving recess  163 . Through bores  165   a ,  165   b  are configured to align with and are the same dimension as the passage of the tubular receiver  145  such that pin  147  may be inserted through tubular receiver  145  and through bores  165   a ,  165   b  to secure the container  160  to the weight receiving unit  152 . 
     FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate rubber or plastic end caps  148  configured to be inserted into the first  144  and second  146  ends of the cradle member  140 . End caps  148  are similar to those discussed in the previous embodiment, however, they are configured to assume the shape of the modified cradle member  140 . Preferably, end caps  148  are removably press-fitted within the ends  144 ,  146  of the cradle member  140  to accommodate adjustment of the length of the cradle member. End caps  148  are configured to assist in press fitting cradle member  140  against the inner surface of the upper wall  49  of the kayak and hold the ballast system  122  in place. In the illustrated embodiment, end caps  148  include an angled face  150  to better fit against the arcuate contour of upper wall  49  of the kayak. As noted above, end caps  148  may additionally include a wide variety of friction enhancing mechanisms on the angled face  150  to maintain the ballast system in a desired location within the kayak. 
     FIGS. 22–24  illustrate views of a cradle extension member  180  for use with the second preferred embodiment. Cradle extension member  180  is similarly a flexible tubular member having a first  182  and second  184  end. First  182  and second  184  ends are preferably constructed to fit within first  144  and second  146  ends of cradle member  140 . Cradle extension member  180  is useful in situations where the U-shape of the cradle member does not provide a good press-fit within the interior of the kayak. In order to improve stability of the cradle member  140 , cradle extension member  180  can be used to form or a circular cradle that engages both the top  49  and bottom  31  of the kayak. 
   Although the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. 
   For example, the invention discloses in one embodiment a cradle member  40  and weight  42  in the form of a container  60 . However, as noted above, weight  42  may take a variety of configurations in addition to container  60  including but not limited to lead diver&#39;s weights, sand bags or water containers. The container may include a variety of shapes so long as it may be secured to the ballast system. Additionally container  60  may be filled with virtually any material to add weight to the kayak. Alternatively, the cradle member  40  may include an integrally formed weight. Such weight could take a variety of configurations. The invention further discloses the optional use of straps to secure the ballast system  22  in place. In is understood that a wide variety of straps could be utilized to secure the weight within the cradle, and the ballast system within the kayak. Alternatively, a retention member such as a plastic stop could be secured to the floor of the kayak to hold the ballast system in place. 
   Additionally, the preferred embodiments describe cradle members  40 ,  140  that include weight receiving units  152 . It should be understood that the entire cradle member is not necessary to the practice of the invention and the weight receiving unit of the cradle member could be mounted to the kayak at the preferred positioning location, thereby eliminating the need for the entire cradle member. For example, the weight receiving unit  152 , including the connector  141  could be mounted in front of a kayak seat or formed integrally with the seat thereby eliminating the need for such additional features as the mounting plate  157  and remainder of the cradle  140 . 
   It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.

Technology Category: 7