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US20070068436A1 - Watercraft stabilizer - Google Patents

Watercraft stabilizer Download PDF

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Publication number
US20070068436A1
US20070068436A1 US11/525,358 US52535806A US2007068436A1 US 20070068436 A1 US20070068436 A1 US 20070068436A1 US 52535806 A US52535806 A US 52535806A US 2007068436 A1 US2007068436 A1 US 2007068436A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
frame
watercraft
stabilizer assembly
members
recited
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/525,358
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English (en)
Inventor
James Page
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US11/525,358 priority Critical patent/US20070068436A1/en
Publication of US20070068436A1 publication Critical patent/US20070068436A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B43/00—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for
    • B63B43/02—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for reducing risk of capsizing or sinking
    • B63B43/10—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for reducing risk of capsizing or sinking by improving buoyancy
    • B63B43/14—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for reducing risk of capsizing or sinking by improving buoyancy using outboard floating members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B34/00—Vessels specially adapted for water sports or leisure; Body-supporting devices specially adapted for water sports or leisure
    • B63B34/26—Accessories for canoes, kayaks or the like

Definitions

  • This invention relates to watercraft and, more particularly, to a stabilizer assembly for canoes that is lightweight, strong, and easy to assemble.
  • Other stabilizer devices include heavy frames that attach to sides of the watercraft and extend into the water.
  • these types of devices include many different frame pieces to assemble, are heavy, and are difficult to attach to the watercraft.
  • the relatively heavy weight offsets the stabilization benefits of the float, and the frame is susceptible to bending during assembly or during use.
  • An example watercraft stabilizer assembly includes a frame comprising a plurality of frame members connected together and a plurality of floats received on the frame.
  • the frame includes two frame members and in another example the frame includes four frame members.
  • At least one clamp secures the frame to a watercraft, such as a canoe.
  • the clamp comprises clamp members that are securable together such that the frame and a portion of the watercraft are held together between the clamp members.
  • FIG. 1 shows selected portions of an example watercraft having a stabilizer assembly according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows a float received onto a frame of the stabilizer assembly that is shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 shows ends of a first frame member being received into ends of a second frame member during assembly of the stabilizer assembly.
  • FIG. 4 shows an example clamp for securing a stabilizer assembly to a watercraft.
  • FIG. 5 shows the clamp of FIG. 4 in an assembled condition.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 showing angling of the frame of the stabilizer assembly.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view according to FIG. 1 showing angling of the frame of the stabilizer assembly.
  • FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of an example frame of a stabilizer assembly having four frame members.
  • FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of an example frame of a stabilizer assembly having six frame members.
  • FIG. 10 shows an optional quick release locking mechanism for securing frame members of the frame together.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates selected portions of an example watercraft 10 , such as a canoe.
  • the watercraft 10 includes a stabilizer assembly 12 that stabilizes the watercraft 10 to provide resistance to tipping.
  • the stabilizer assembly 12 includes a frame 14 having a first frame member 16 a and a second frame member 16 b that are secured together to form the frame 14 .
  • Floats 18 are received onto and supported by the frame 14 .
  • the frame 14 of the stabilizer assembly 12 is secured at four illustrated locations to the edges 20 of the watercraft 10 using clamps 22 .
  • the float 18 is made of a buoyant material such as foam.
  • the buoyant material is polystyrene, polyethylene, or other type of foam.
  • the float 18 comprises a solid body 24 having an opening 26 extending along a longitudinal axis A of the float 18 . In one example, the opening 26 is drilled through the solid body 24 .
  • each float 18 is slidably received onto the first frame member 16 a .
  • the frame members 16 a and 16 b have a generally uniform cross-section. In this example, the frame members 16 a and 16 b are nominally round. In this example, the ends 40 of the first frame member 16 a have a reduced diameter cross-section that permits the ends 40 of the first frame member 16 a to fit within corresponding ends 42 of the second frame member 16 b.
  • the reduction in the cross-section of the ends 40 is achieved using a crimping process. In another example, the reduction in cross-section is achieved using a swaging process. Given this description, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to recognize other methods of achieving a reduced cross-section for fitting the frame members 16 a and 16 b together.
  • the ends 40 are received into the corresponding ends 42 of the second frame member 16 b and form a joint 41 there between that secures the frame members 16 a and 16 b together.
  • the floats 18 fit tightly between the frame members 16 a and 16 b , which provides the benefit of reduced float 18 movement during use of the stabilizer assembly 12 .
  • reducing the cross-sections of the ends 40 permits an interfere fit with the inner diameter of the corresponding ends 42 of the second frame member 16 b to provide a tight fit. This provides the benefit of tightly securing the first frame member 16 a and the second frame member 16 b together during use of the stabilizer assembly 12 and further provides a simplified assembly method.
  • the clamps 22 include a U-shaped member 52 having threaded portions 54 that receive nuts 62 to secure the frame 14 to the edges 20 .
  • a saddle member 57 includes a curved portion 59 that cradles the frame 14 and a support edge 61 (i.e. a pivot surface).
  • a resilient lip 58 includes openings 60 that receive the threaded portions 54 of the shaped member 52 .
  • the nuts 62 are threaded onto the threaded portions 54 and tightened to compress the resilient lip 58 against the saddle member 57 .
  • the edge 20 of the watercraft 10 includes an inside lip 64 such that the nuts 62 are assembled inside of the watercraft.
  • the tightening of the nuts 62 secures the frame 14 between the inside lip 64 and the U-shaped member 52 .
  • the support edge 61 of the saddle member 57 presses against the underside of the inside lip 64 to pivot the saddle member 57 upwards (relative to FIG. 5 ).
  • the clamp 22 provides an easy to assemble method of securing the stabilizer assembly 12 to the watercraft 10 .
  • the resilient lip 58 which compresses during tightening of the nuts 62 , provides a constant tension on the U-shaped member 52 to maintain a securing force on the frame 14 . This provides a benefit of maintaining a tight clamping force against vibration or other environmental factors acting to loosen the clamp 22 .
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the shape of the frame 14 according to the cross section shown on FIG. 1 .
  • the frame 14 extends at an angle ⁇ downwards toward a water surface 74 .
  • the angle a is about 30°.
  • An angle of 30° allows the frame 14 to extend away from the watercraft 10 and provides leverage to stabilize the watercraft 10 . If the angle a is made too large such that the portions of the frame 14 that extend downwardly toward the water surface 74 are closer to the watercraft 10 , the stabilization effect may be less. If the angle ⁇ is made smaller than 30° such that the portions of the frame that extend toward the water surface 74 are farther away from the watercraft 10 , the frame 14 may interfere with navigation of the watercraft 10 through relatively narrow waterways.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates the frame 14 according to the cross-section shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the frame 14 bends at an angle ⁇ .
  • the angle ⁇ is about 90°.
  • An angle of about 90° positions the frame 14 and float 18 approximately parallel to the water level 74 .
  • the frame 14 is made of a 3 ⁇ 4′′ metal conduit.
  • the metal is a relatively lightweight and strong metal, such as aluminum, titanium, magnesium or other lightweight metal.
  • the thickness of metal conduit is relatively thin to minimize the weight of the frame 14 .
  • the combination of the relatively small diameter of the conduit, the relatively thin thickness, and relatively strong and lightweight material provides the benefit of a lightweight and strong stabilizer assembly 12 .
  • the stabilizer assembly 12 can support a weight of an average adult without bending significantly. Further, assembling the frame 14 from only two frame members 16 a and 16 b minimizes the number of frame parts needed to assemble the stabilizer assembly 12 , which is a drawback of prior stabilizer systems. Thus, a user of the stabilizer assembly 12 can easily assemble the frame 14 and secure it to a watercraft 10 and likewise disassemble the stabilizer assembly 12 when not in use.
  • the frame 14 includes only two frame members 16 a and 16 b , however, in another example shown in FIG. 8 , the frame 14 includes four frame members 16 c , 16 d , 16 e , and 16 f that are secured together in the same manner as the frame members 16 a and 16 b using reduced cross-section ends 40 that fit within corresponding ends 42 .
  • the frame members 16 c , 16 d , 16 e , and 16 f are secured together in the same manner as the frame members 16 a and 16 b using reduced cross-section ends 40 that fit within corresponding ends 42 .
  • the frame 14 includes six frame members 16 g , 16 h , 16 i , 16 j , 16 k , and 16 l that are secured together in the same manner as the frame members 16 a and 16 b using reduced cross-section ends 40 that fit within corresponding ends 42 .
  • the frame members 16 i and 16 j are linear pieces that extend across the width of the watercraft 10 and are clamped to the edges 20 of the watercraft 10 using the clamps 22 .
  • the frame members 16 g and 16 h are secured together with one of the floats 18 and then secured to the frame members 16 i and 16 j .
  • the frame members 16 k and 16 l are likewise assembled.
  • clamps 22 and linear frame members 16 i and 16 j may remain assembled on the watercraft 10 even when the floats 18 and other frame members 16 g , 16 h , 16 k , and 16 l are removed, which eliminates the need to completely disassemble and remove the entire stabilizer assembly 12 for storage or when the watercraft 10 is transported, for example.
  • the joints 41 between any of the frame members 16 a - l in the above examples optionally include a quick release mechanism 84 (i.e., a locking mechanism) to secure the frame 14 together.
  • a quick release mechanism 84 i.e., a locking mechanism
  • the frame members 16 d and 16 e are shown.
  • the quick release mechanism 84 includes a button 86 located at least partially within a recess 88 of the frame member 16 d .
  • the recess 88 includes a notch 90 that defines a range of travel 92 of the button 86 .
  • a resilient member 94 such as a spring, is located between the button 86 and a wall 96 of the frame member 16 d .
  • the resilient member 94 biases the button upwards in the figure through an opening 98 in the frame member 16 d .
  • the button can be manually moved against the biasing force of the resilient member 94 such that the button 86 retracts into the recess 88 .
  • the retraction allows the frame member 16 d to be inserted into the frame member 16 e.
  • the frame member 16 e includes an opening 100 that corresponds to the button 86 .
  • the resilient member 94 moves the button 86 through the opening 100 to lock the frame members 16 d and 16 e together.
  • the button 86 is actuated against the biasing force of the resilient member 94 into the recess 88 such that the frame member 16 d can be slidably removed from the frame member 16 e .

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)
US11/525,358 2005-09-23 2006-09-22 Watercraft stabilizer Abandoned US20070068436A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/525,358 US20070068436A1 (en) 2005-09-23 2006-09-22 Watercraft stabilizer

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US71993505P 2005-09-23 2005-09-23
US11/525,358 US20070068436A1 (en) 2005-09-23 2006-09-22 Watercraft stabilizer

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20070068436A1 true US20070068436A1 (en) 2007-03-29

Family

ID=37717978

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/525,358 Abandoned US20070068436A1 (en) 2005-09-23 2006-09-22 Watercraft stabilizer

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20070068436A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007038269A2 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8943986B2 (en) 2010-10-14 2015-02-03 Brian MAUER Retractable stabilizer for watercraft
CN114655373A (zh) * 2022-04-24 2022-06-24 中国海洋石油集团有限公司 一种海洋平台安装船
FI131409B1 (fi) * 2023-02-06 2025-04-07 Autorobot Finland Veneen lisävaruste ja vene

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105059495A (zh) * 2015-07-26 2015-11-18 李烈仿 轮船的翅膀

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3537417A (en) * 1968-12-23 1970-11-03 Emmett D Beckner Stabilizer unit for canoes or the like
US4807551A (en) * 1986-03-18 1989-02-28 Ace Gwyn C Portable outrigger
US6050210A (en) * 1998-01-30 2000-04-18 Grzybowski; Joseph Michael Universal clamping system
US6928949B1 (en) * 2004-03-19 2005-08-16 Gerald M. Simon Canoe stabilizer having vertically adjustable buoyancy

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR971560A (fr) * 1948-09-11 1951-01-18 Appareil à flotteurs latéraux formant dérives stabilisatrices pour embarcations
FR2662658B1 (fr) * 1990-06-01 1994-12-30 Bernard Jacquet Voilier de plaisance.
DE19833140C2 (de) * 1998-07-23 2002-11-21 Rolf Mayer Segelboot
DE20115276U1 (de) * 2001-09-15 2001-12-20 Frieske, Bodo, 16556 Borgsdorf Kanustützträger
WO2003024774A2 (fr) * 2001-09-15 2003-03-27 Bodo Frieske Console d'appui pour la stabilisation de bateaux

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3537417A (en) * 1968-12-23 1970-11-03 Emmett D Beckner Stabilizer unit for canoes or the like
US4807551A (en) * 1986-03-18 1989-02-28 Ace Gwyn C Portable outrigger
US6050210A (en) * 1998-01-30 2000-04-18 Grzybowski; Joseph Michael Universal clamping system
US6928949B1 (en) * 2004-03-19 2005-08-16 Gerald M. Simon Canoe stabilizer having vertically adjustable buoyancy

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8943986B2 (en) 2010-10-14 2015-02-03 Brian MAUER Retractable stabilizer for watercraft
CN114655373A (zh) * 2022-04-24 2022-06-24 中国海洋石油集团有限公司 一种海洋平台安装船
FI131409B1 (fi) * 2023-02-06 2025-04-07 Autorobot Finland Veneen lisävaruste ja vene

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2007038269A2 (fr) 2007-04-05
WO2007038269A3 (fr) 2007-05-31

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