EP3456621B1 - Foldable watercraft - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a foldable watercraft according to the preamble of claim 1.

Technical area

Foldable watercraft are known in various ways. Also paddle boats such as kayaks and canoes are available on the market in foldable design. By foldable is meant that the boats know at least two states, a built-up condition which may also be referred to as deployed or unfolded, in which the vessel is deployable, and a folded condition, also referred to as collapsed or packaged could be, in which the vessel is reduced in size so that it can be transported better than when set up.

State of the art

In recent years, a new, inflatable material was increasingly used in the construction of watercraft, the so-called drop-stitch material. It is a kind of tissue. Between a top and a bottom layer threads run, more precisely a large number of threads. The upper and lower layers are joined together by these threads. At the outer edges, also referred to as narrow sides, this material is sealed airtight. After inflation, the threads ensure that the material is pressure and dimensionally stable. If the air is released, the material is rollable or foldable, similar to what is known by a dinghy. The drop-stitch material was made known by boards for paddling. It is a board, similar to a surfboard, but without sails, where the paddler stands on the board and usually with a single paddle moves the board over the water. This sport is better known as SUP, stand up paddling. Likewise, this material is used for surfboards, see, for. B. the German utility model application DE 20 2012 005 185 U1 ,

Also in kayaking, there have been and are approaches to processing this material due to the fact that it is a lightweight material that is still quite strong in the inflated state. Examples of such kayaks that use drop-stitch material are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,305,035 US Patent US 9,452,809 B2 in the European patent application EP 3 124 373 A1 as well as in the PCT application WO 2009/039516 A1 , In the aforementioned boats missing a keel. In order to improve driving characteristics such as tracking, a fin may be provided, see, eg. B. US 9,452,809 B2 , Disadvantage of a Finn, however, is that she alone because of their size already has a limited effect and lost or can break off, if you z. B. so that it rides on a rock.

Another kayak constructed using drop-stitch plates shows the Korean document KR 10-1577280 , The two drop-stitch panels form the side walls of the kayak and the floor is formed by the material connecting the two side walls. The floor must therefore have at least a width of 15-22 cm on the underside of the kayak, starting from a typical board thickness of at least 7-10 cm necessary for the boat stability of a kayak of this type. Since it can no longer be spoken in the kayaks of a pronounced keel with a corresponding keel effect, as a driving characteristics favorably influencing keel effect at such a width of the soil in kayaks will not occur. Therefore, a fin is also provided (see Fig. 7 ).

The document EP 0 693 420 A1 shows a watercraft with an inflatable floor in V shape from drop stitch.

task

Based on the above, the Applicant has set itself the task of creating a foldable watercraft, which compared to the known watercraft improved handling characteristics, in particular an improved course stability, has.

invention description

This object is achieved by a foldable watercraft according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The foldable vessel according to the invention has side walls and a floor. The side walls separate the hull of the vessel from the water. Together with the floor they form the shell of the vessel. Drop sides and floor are separate components, which are however connected to each other.

According to the invention, at least the bottom of the vessel has at least two drop-stitch plates. These drop-stitch plates are inflatable with air. In built-in location, d. H. when the foldable craft is constructed, the at least two drop-stitch plates are held shaping. As a result, the bottom and a keel of the watercraft are at least partially created. A keel is a component in a watercraft which extends in the manner of a projection amidships over a part or over the entire length of the watercraft. When assembled, consequently, the at least two drop-stitch plates are held and arranged to each other, that at the same time at least in areas of the watercraft, the soil is provided by them and at the same time a keel is created. Roughly speaking, the two drop-stitch plates take a V-shape.

An advantage of such a vessel is the fact that the shape of a keel is created, whereby the driving characteristics such as course stability of the vessel compared to those with a flat bottom are much cheaper. The vessel is tracked, i. directionally stable. The use of a fin is not necessary. Another advantage is that the Drop-Stitch panels create a solid floor, which is also sufficiently wide, so that the user can stand or sit well on it and also luggage ideally still finds place.

It is envisaged that the vessel will have at least two drop-stitch plates. However, more drop-stitch plates may be provided. Thus, for example, four longitudinally juxtaposed, correspondingly narrow drop-stitch plates may be present and form the bottom and keel. It would also be conceivable to divide across the ship's length, i. For example, there are four plates available, two plates side by side bow and rear. However, particularly preferred is the presence of two drop-stitch plates, in particular two drop-stitch plates, which are so long as to extend substantially the entire length of the vessel, and each of which is so wide that it has almost half the width of the bottom of the vessel. The two drop-stitch plates behave, when they form the bottom of the vessel side by side, mirror images of each other, the mirror axis along the longitudinal extent and between the two plates.

Preferably, the plates in the installed state, ie when the watercraft is constructed, each twisted in itself. By that is meant that the drop-stitch plates are no longer flat and flat, but that they are tortuous, you could also say they are twisted or twisted. If cuts are made along the length of the entire vessel, so does As a result, the angle of the two legs of the V, which occupy the two drop-stitch plates to each other, changed over the boat length. At the bow and stern, the two drop-stitch plates are quite steep, so the angle is less than 90 degrees. The two plates occupy an acute angle to each other. In the middle of the vessel, the V is very wide open. The two legs are at an obtuse angle to each other. This twisted shape is created in particular by a force acting on each drop-stitch plate and each drop-stitch plate is supported on another component of the watercraft, so that the force acting on the plates bending the plate accordingly.

According to the invention, the at least two drop-stitch plates are held in a built-in position shaping. Preferably, they are held shaping over two of their narrow sides and substantially over their entire length. The narrow sides are the sides of a plate, which have the smaller surface dimensions. The present drop-stitch plates are roughly cuboid. Since these are plates, the height of the narrow sides corresponds to the plate thickness or is even lower. The larger area sides form the top and bottom of the plate.

In a preferred embodiment, two elongated drop-stitch plates are arranged side by side and longitudinally and parallel to each other, preferably over the entire boat length. Between the two plates, an elongated element is at least partially, one can say in a section, in particular at least in the area of the ship's center, inserted. Preferably, this is a tube, which is referred to as a keel tube. Another preferred embodiment is a rod, ie an elongate element made of a solid material. The elongated member may be made of any suitable materials. Particularly preferred is aluminum. But also fiberglass, plastics, carbon or wood are materials that can be used. As an elongate element is considered in the context of this invention, a component which is much longer compared to its thickness. As already mentioned, the tube and rod are examples of such an elongate element. It may be z. B. to act a pipe with a round cross section, but also those with other cross sections such as square tubes or triangular tubes are used. The elongated element supports the keel formation. The narrow sides of the drop stitch plates adjacent to the elongated element push against the elongate element after the plates have been inflated and press it downwards, towards the underside of the boat, thereby forming the keel. The elongated element, if present, is thus a component that holds one of the narrow sides shaping. It can also be referred to as a means for forming a keel, because shaping together with the two held drop-stitch plates, the elongated element forms the keel.

In a further preferred embodiment, the elongate element in the bow region and / or in the rear region merges into a stem. In general, a steven is understood to mean a component that limits a ship to the front (bow stem) or rear (stern stem) and that continues the keel upwards. In built-in position, the stem is clamped in the bow and / or tail area. As a result, the elongate element is pressed in the direction of an underside of the watercraft. In other words, the stem pushes the elongated element, so in particular the tube down. In cooperation with the two drop-stitch plates, a keel is formed on the underside of the vessel. The at least two drop-stitch plates form the bottom of the vessel and are in particular V-shaped, with the center of the V lying in the elongate element. The elongated element is pushed down. Thus, the vessel has a clearly defined and narrow keel which provides the desired characteristics such as directional and tipping stability.

The stem can be curved or straight. A curved stem goes from the keel in a curved way upwards, whereas a straight stem from the keel straight up, but usually not perpendicular to the keel but at an obtuse angle.

According to the invention, at least one bulkhead is provided. As a frame in shipbuilding a component is called, which braces the hull of a watercraft. They are often rib-shaped structures. As materials similar materials can be used as for the elongated element. Frame or frame and elongated element, especially keel tube, with stems together form the inner framework of a folding boat. As a rule, more than one frame are available. Preferably, between two and six frames are present. The number of frames to be used will also depend on the length of the vessel. As a rule of thumb, the longer a vessel, the more frames should be used to stabilize the hull. The or the ribs are attached to the vessel, whereby the frame or the ribs are held in position.

According to the invention, the bulkhead presses the elongated element towards the bottom of the watercraft. Similarly, as by a Steven thereby the elongated member is pressed down so that in cooperation with the at least two drop stitch plates a keel is formed.

It can be seen that Steven and Spant in the watercraft according to the invention, can occur together with the elongated element both together and individually. It is thus provided that a watercraft is provided which has an elongate element which is pressed down by in particular a plurality of ribs and thus forms the keel. However, it is also contemplated that the elongate member is provided together with the stern and bow stems, which in turn push the elongate member downwardly toward the ground and so in conjunction with the at least two drop stitch plates keel and bottom of the Train watercraft. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the watercraft in addition to the elongated element both at least one bulkhead, preferably two or more frames, and it also has bow and stern stem. As a result, a very good stiffening of the vessel is achieved and at the same time the bottom and keel of the vessel are formed, whereby the vessel has excellent handling characteristics.

For the formation of a keel is also provided that instead of an elongated element only frames are provided, which act on the shaping of the at least two drop-stitch plates. In other words, the ribs sit on the top of the plates at least partially and so that the at least two juxtaposed drop-stitch plates to each other and taken in cross-section take a V-shape. Seen over the entire length of the vessel, the shape of the boat can be simulated by the corresponding rib form. Consequently, ribs are used in the middle region of the vessel which hold the drop-stitch plates in a V-shape in which the two legs of the V are at an obtuse angle to one another. The further you approach the nose or the stern of the craft, the sharper the angle that the drop stitch plates make to each other to form the watercraft shape. The frames will accordingly have a shape which allows the formation of such a shape.

Preferably, the frame or the frames themselves have a V-shape. They are thus rib-shaped structures with two legs, which are arranged in the manner of a V.

In a further embodiment, the bulkhead may have a shape referred to herein as "extended V-shape". Here, a V is formed and the upper ends of the V, d. H. the ends, which are not connected to each other, are extended towards the top.

In a further alternative embodiment, it is provided that the at least two drop-stitch plates can be inserted as a shelf in a watercraft. It is thus provided an outer skin, which, taken in itself already completes the vessel down. On At least two drop-stitch plates are placed in the interior of the vessel on this outer skin floor. The drop stitch plates are placed side by side as previously described.

In a preferred embodiment, the side walls of the watercraft are formed by at least two air hoses. The at least two, the bottom forming drop stitch plates are connected to one of their narrow sides with these air hoses. In this embodiment, each drop stitch plate is thus held in the assembled state of the vessel on an air hose of the side wall. With the other narrow side, it is supported on another component, for example on the elongated element or on the second drop stitch plate. Each drop-stitch plate is thus clamped between at least two components of the vessel, for example between the side wall and the elongated element or between the side wall and the second bottom-forming drop-stitch plate.

In an alternative embodiment, the side walls are formed from further drop-stitch plates. Again, the at least two forming the bottom drop-stitch plates are in turn connected to these Drop-Stitch plates forming the side walls, similar to previously explained with reference to the vessel with side walls of air hoses.

In terms of abstraction, a watercraft according to the invention has at least one means for forming a keel, which has a shaping effect on the at least two drop-stitch plates.

Such means may for example be an elongated element alone.

However, such means may also be an elongate element together with another component. The elongated element is hereby arranged between the drop-stitch plates. The other component acts on the elongated element by pushing that towards the bottom of the watercraft. This also acts on the drop stitch plates so that the drop stitch plates are moved towards each other and the narrow sides of the drop stitch plates, which are adjacent to the elongated element, are moved towards the bottom of the watercraft at the same time the opposite narrow sides of each plate remain in position, be raised or a shorter path length pulled down, resulting in a V-shape of the drop-stitch plates with the elongated element as the center and thus a keel shape of the bottom of the vessel , An example of another component that points to the elongated element is a frame connected to the elongated element that presses down. Also, a Steven is a possible further component, the bow side and / or rear side held the elongated element pushes down and fixed in this position. Finally, seats may also be considered, provided they have such a shape or corresponding devices, that they push the elongated element downwards, towards the ground.

Such means may also be a bulkhead which acts directly on the drop-stitch plates.

Also, a seat may be a means for forming a keel when it is directly shaping the drop stitch plates.

In the following, advantageous embodiments and developments are set forth, which in themselves, both individually and in combination, can also disclose inventive aspects.

The previously described combinations and exemplary embodiments can also be considered in numerous other connections and combinations.

Brief Description

• Figur 1 ein Wasserfahrzeug in Draufsicht zeigt;
• Figur 2 eine erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform in Draufsicht und zur besseren Darstellbarkeit schematisiert dargestellt zeigt;
• Figur 3 das Wasserfahrzeug der Figur 1 im Längsschnitt zeigt;
• Figur 4 das Wasserfahrzeug der Figur 3 im Längsschnitt zeigt;
• Figur 5 eine alternative Ausführungsform der Ausbildung eines Stevens des Bootes der
• Figur 1 im Längsschnitt zeigt;
• Figur 6 eine alternative Ausführungsform eines Stevens der Figur 3 im Längsschnitt zeigt;
• Figur 7 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts aus einem Wasserfahrzeug zeigt;
• Figur 8 einen Querschnitt durch ein Wasserfahrzeug nach Figur 1 zeigt;
• Figur 9 einen Querschnitt durch eine alternative Ausführungsform eines Wasserfahrzeugs zeigt;
• Figur 10 einen Querschnitt durch ein Wasserfahrzeug nach Figur 2 zeigt;
• Figur 11 einen Querschnitt durch eine alternative Ausführungsform eines Wasserfahrzeugs zeigt;
• Figur 12 einen Querschnitt durch noch eine weitere alternative Ausführungsform zeigt und
• Figur 13 einen Querschnitt durch noch eine weitere alternative Ausführungsform eines Wasserfahrzeugs der Erfindung zeigt.

The present invention may be better understood by reference to the accompanying figures, which set forth by way of example particularly advantageous design possibilities without restricting the present invention thereto

• FIG. 1 a watercraft in plan view shows;
• FIG. 2 an embodiment of the invention shown in plan view and for ease of illustration shown schematically;
• FIG. 3 the watercraft of the FIG. 1 in longitudinal section shows;
• FIG. 4 the watercraft of the FIG. 3 in longitudinal section shows;
• FIG. 5 an alternative embodiment of the formation of a Stevens the boat of
• FIG. 1 in longitudinal section shows;
• FIG. 6 an alternative embodiment of a Stevens of FIG. 3 in longitudinal section shows;
• FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a section of a watercraft;
• FIG. 8 a cross section through a watercraft after FIG. 1 shows;
• FIG. 9 shows a cross section through an alternative embodiment of a watercraft;
• FIG. 10 a cross section through a watercraft after FIG. 2 shows;
• FIG. 11 shows a cross section through an alternative embodiment of a watercraft;
• FIG. 12 shows a cross section through yet another alternative embodiment and
• FIG. 13 a cross-section through yet another alternative embodiment of a watercraft of the invention shows.

figure description

The design options shown in the individual figures can also be interconnected in any form.

It should be noted in advance that the drawings are highly schematic in order to demonstrate the basic principles of the invention. In particular, they are not true to scale and they are also not shown correctly in perspective. It has also been omitted for such vessels typical components such as seats and outer skins, etc., in order to better explain the invention can.

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a watercraft 1. It may be, for example, a kayak. The watercraft 1 has a nose 11 and a stern 9. There are provided on both port side B and on starboard side S side walls, the side walls 3 and 4. The side walls 3, 4 are formed by air hoses 25. The vessel 1 also has a floor 5, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed by two drop-stitch plates 19, 19 '. Furthermore, in the plan view of FIG. 1 to recognize an elongated element in the shape of a keel tube 13.

The Figures 3 and 8th show further, also highly schematic views of the watercraft 1 of FIG. 1 , FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section and FIG. 8 a cross section. The longitudinal section was taken along the center line M, ie along the elongated element, the keel tube 13 in FIG. 1 , and is seen from port side B out. The cross section of the FIG. 8 took place approximately amidships.

The watercraft of the FIGS. 1 . 3 and 8th each has an elongated element 13 with rear Steven 15 and bow-sided Steven 16 on. As can be seen from the sections, a keel 7 is formed. The keel 7 is formed by the two drop-stitch plates 19, 19 '. These are roughly speaking arranged V-shaped to each other. The amount of the angle α, the two legs of the V, ie, the two drop-stitch plates 19, 19 ', to each other, depends on where the cut is made. In the illustrated cut amidships, the angle α is an obtuse angle and is roughly 135 °, in particular from about 120 ° to 160 °. The further you move in the direction of the tail 9 or bow 11, the steeper the angle will be α. In the bow or tail area, he will be pointed, ie less than 90 degrees. A "V" reflects the mutual arrangement of the two drop-stitch plates to each other well. They run, viewed in cross-section, to each other in an inclined manner. The slope varies depending on which area of the vessel you look at the V. Furthermore, they run towards each other pointedly. Looking at each individual cross section, the tip of the V concentrates more or less in one point, at most in a rounding or in a short straight line.

In FIG. 8 It can be seen that each drop-stitch plate 19, 19 'is held with at least two of its narrow sides 31, 31' and 32, 32 ', more precisely held on a component of the watercraft 1. The narrow side 31 and 31 'is held on a side wall 3, 4 forming air hose 25. The narrow side 32 and 32 ', however, is held on the elongated element, which is a keel tube 13 in the selected embodiment. In the assembled state, as shown in the figures, the two drop-stitch plates 19, 19 'between at least two components, here the air tube 25 and the keel tube 13, held and held so that the shape of the watercraft. 1 formed and both bottom 5 and keel 7 are formed. The stem 15, 16 presses the keel tube 13 down toward the bottom 29 of the watercraft. 1

Like that FIGS. 1 and 8th it can be seen, the inside 30 of the watercraft 1 is quite spacious. The bottom 5, which is formed by the two drop-stitch plates 19, 19 'is due to the flat inclination of the two drop-stitch plates to each other comfortable for the user and offers plenty of stand and possibly seat and storage area. At the same time, the driving characteristics are optimized due to the trained keel 7.

The watercraft 1 is sealed on its surface with its outer skin 24. This may be mounted as a separate coating completely over the entire vessel 1 or may be formed by the individual components of the vessel, such as the outer skin of the drop-stitch plates 19, 19 'and outer skin of the air hoses 25th In the interior of each drop-stitch plate 19, 19 ', a multiplicity of threads 21 are present, which connect upper side 22, 22' and underside 23, 23 'of the drop-stitch plate 19 or 19' to one another.

In FIG. 8 are highly schematic individual threads 21 shown. However, as is known, a large variety of threads 21 are present between top 22, 22 'and bottom 23, 23' in drop stitch plates. At the narrow sides 31, 31 'and 32, 32', the drop-stitch plate 19, 19 'is closed, so that in total every drop-stitch plate 19, 19' is airtight in itself and can be inflated with air. After inflation, the drop-stitch plates 19, 19 'are relatively rigid and form a comparatively firm bottom upon entering. Unlike known boats, where the bottom 5 consists only of outer skin 24 and is perceived as shaky, the two drop-stitch plates 19, 19 'provide a consistently relatively solid ground, which felt by the user as pleasant and security mediating becomes.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the drop-stitch plates 19, 19 'have a thickness of about 3 cm, i. H. they are relatively thin drop-stitch plates compared to corresponding prior art boats. For the purposes of the present invention, however, these drop-stitch plates 19, 19 'proved to be very favorable. Due to the lower thickness they are sufficiently twistable, so that the drop-stitch plates 19, 19 'can be used shaping. At the same time, sufficient stability and strength is provided to maintain the boat shape. However, the object of the invention can also be achieved with drop-stitch plates in thicknesses greater or lesser than 30 mm. The outer material of the drop-stitch plates 19, 19 'is either PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PU (polyurethane) or PVC-PU as a mixed form. Also conceivable are coatings of other suitable plastics.

In the Figures 2 . 4 and 10 an embodiment is provided in which the elongate member is a keel tube 113 and the ribs 117, 117 'has. It should be noted in advance that the Figures 2 and 4 perspective are not shown correctly. The ribs 117, 117 'have been drawn obliquely for better representability. The remaining elements are comparable to the elements and components of the FIGS. 1 . 3 and 8th described embodiment, so that the description thereof is correspondingly transferable.

This embodiment of a watercraft 100 in the form of a kayak is a particularly preferred embodiment. You could also call it a hybrid folding kayak. Different As a classic folding boat, it is not only made of collapsible inner rods and flexible outer shell, but is also partly inflatable with air. As a result, linkage can be saved and the boat is set up very quickly. As inner rods in this boat only keel tube 113 with Steven 115, 116 and compared with classical, non-inflatable folding kayaks comparatively few frames 117, 117 ', in this case two frames, available. Unlike in a known hybrid folding kayak in the present case, the bottom 105 is not only made of wrapping material, but is formed by two drop-stitch plates 119, 119 '. In the known folding kayak the floor made of wrapping material is quite flexible. Some users find such a ground when paddling on the water as a bit shaky. Also, in principle, "energy losses" are associated with paddling, since a moving ground theoretically requires more effort than a stiff ground to move forward. In the present case, a relatively firm and rigid base is formed by the drop-stitch plates 119, 119 ', which accommodates the sense of security of many users and is power-saving during paddling.

The watercraft 100 has two side walls 103, 104 and a bottom 105. The bottom 105 is formed by two drop-stitch plates 119, 119 'which are arranged adjacent to one another along the longitudinal sides 28, 28', 128, 128 '. Between them, a keel tube 113 is provided as an elongate element. The two side walls 103, 104 are formed by two air hoses 125. The keel tube 113 merges into a stem, stern Steven 115 and bow-sided stem 116.

As in particular from the representation of FIG. 10 can be seen, the frame 117 can be fastened to the vessel 100. The bulkhead 117 has a substantially V-shape. The central portion 118 of the frame 117 presses on the keel tube 113 and holds it down, towards the bottom 129 of the watercraft 100. As a result, a keel 107 is formed. It can be seen that the two frame ends 120 of the frame 117 are fastened to the vessel 100, in this case on the side walls 103, 104.

The FIGS. 5 and 6 show two further embodiments of watercraft 200 and 300. All components are in turn comparable to those of the vessels described above.

In FIG. 5 a version of a watercraft 200 with keel tube 213 as an elongate member and bow and stern Steven 215, 216 is shown. FIG. 6 shows a modification in which additionally frames 317, 317 'are present, as previously with reference to Figures 2 . 4 and 10 described. Unlike in the embodiments described above, the Steven 215, 216, 315, 316 but curved. It can be seen that the stem 215, 216, 315, 316 is rounded and not straight. It may also be referred to as a concave-shaped stem 215, 216, 315, 316.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a section of a watercraft 400. Shown is the bow side 411, but cover skin, structures, etc. are omitted. Shown is mainly a top view or perspective view of a floor 405. Off FIG. 7 It can be seen that the drop stitch plates 419, 419 'are respectively clamped in the watercraft 400 such that a twisting of the drop stitch plates 419, 419', which is shaping for the watercraft 400, takes place. The twisting, also referred to as twisting, is particularly clear from the view shown for the drop-stitch plate 419 '. Following the course of the crest line 434 'of the first narrow side 431' of the drop stitch plate 419 ', it can be seen that the drop stitch plate 419 is no longer flat, but bent. The upper side 422 'of the drop-stitch plate 419' (and also its lower side 423 ') thereby no longer runs flat and in one plane, but three-dimensionally in space. The same applies to the second drop-stitch plate 419.

In FIG. 7 It can be seen that the two drop stitch plates 419, 419 'are aligned along their longitudinal sides 428, 428' and parallel to each other. Between the drop stitch plates 419, 419 'there is an elongated element 413.

The bow-side end of the drop-stitch plate 433 is tapered, unlike in the central region of the plate. Towards the rear, the drop stitch plate 419, 419 ', similar to the bow side, in turn tapered, d. H. it tapers towards the ends of the watercraft 400.

Also in the execution of FIG. 7 the elongated element is tubular, designated by the reference numeral 413. It turns into a stem; It can be seen that the narrow sides 432, 432 'of the drop stitch plates 419, 419' facing the elongate element 413 bear partially against the elongated element 413. The opposite narrow sides 431, 431 'abut against the side walls or another component of the watercraft 400, which, however, are not shown here.

In the embodiment of the FIG. 7 an outer skin 424 is provided, which completely covers the bottom 405 of the watercraft 400 below. The drop-stitch plates 419, 419 'may be provided as insert plates in this embodiment. By this is meant that the drop-stitch plates 419, 419 'not fixed to the outer skin 424 or a other component of the watercraft 400 are connected, but that they can be removed from the watercraft 400 and used again for commissioning.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a watercraft 500. Only one cross section is shown, wherein the components are substantially comparable to the already described components of the other watercraft embodiments. The frame 517 shows in comparison with the in FIG. 10 described frame 117 a different shape. This frame is not strictly V-shaped; its shape is referred to in the context of the invention as "extended V-shape". It has, starting from the middle part 518, first a V-shaped area 527. This goes over in a more or less vertically upwardly facing portion, towards the frame ends 520, this section is referred to as extended frame ends 526. These elongated frame ends 526 may be formed approximately perpendicular to the ground. However, they preferably point slightly outwards, in the direction of the side walls 503, 504 of the watercraft 500 FIG. 9 shown Spant 517 is advantageous in terms of space, as people or animals can easily overcome it and also luggage can be better placed on the ground. At the same time he holds the drop-stitch plates 519, 519 'in shape, whereby they are pressed toward the bottom of the vessel 529 and form a keel 507, and this without the presence of an elongated element.

The FIGS. 11 to 13 again show embodiments of vessels 600, 700 and 800, which are similar in principle to the sectional views of the watercraft of FIGS. 8 to 10 are constructed. Instead of air hoses, however, drop-stitch plates 619, 619 ', 719, 719', 819, 819 'are provided as side walls.

Accordingly, in FIG. 11 the first narrow sides 631, 631 'of the drop-stitch plates 619, 619', which form the bottom 605, on the narrow sides 651 of the drop-stitch plates 650 forming the side walls 603, 604. Each drop-stitch plate 619, 619 'forming the bottom 605 is clamped between a drop-stitch plate 650 forming the side wall and the elongated element 613, here in the form of a keel tube.

In the embodiments of the FIGS. 12 and 13 next to the drop sides 703, 704, 603, 604 forming drop stitch plates 750, 850 frames 717 and 817 are provided. In the execution of FIG. 12 is the frame 717 shaping the bottom 605 and thus the keel 707 of the watercraft 700, as based on the FIG. 9 described.

In the execution of FIG. 13 is a rod instead of a tube as an elongated element Thus, the spine 817 presses on the rod 814, whereby the keel 807 is formed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 water craft 3, 103, 503, 603, 703, 803 Board on port side 4, 104, 204, 304, 504, 604, 704, 804 Hull on starboard side 5, 105, 405, 605 ground 7, 107, 207, 307, 607, 707, 807 keel 9, 109, 209, 309 Rear 11, 111, 211, 311, 411 bow 13, 113, 213, 313, 413, 613 elongated element or keel tube 814 Rod 15, 115, 215, 315 stern steven 16, 116, 216, 316, 416 bow-sided stem 117, 317, 317 ', 517, 717, 817 rib 118, 518, 718, 818 Spantmittelteil 19, 19 ', 119, 119', 219, 319, 419, 419 ', 519, 519', 619, 619 ', 719, 719', 819, 819 ' Drop-Stitch plate 120, 520, 720, 820 frame ends 21 threads 22, 22 ', 422, 422' Top of the drop stitch plate 23, 23 ', 423, 423' Bottom of the drop stitch plate 24, 424 shell 25, 125, 225, 325, 525 air hose 526, 726 extended frame ends 527, 727 V-shaped frame area 28, 28 ', 128, 128', 428, 428 ' Long side of the drop stitch plate 29, 129, 529 bottom 30 inside 31, 31 ', 131, 131', 431, 431 ', 631, 631', 731, 731 ', 831, 831' first narrow side 32, 32 ', 132, 132', 432, 432 ', 532, 532' second narrow side 433 bow-sided end of the drop stitch plate 434 ' crest line 650, 750, 850 Drop stitch plate as dropside 651, 751, 851 narrow side B port S starboard M center line α Angle that the two drop stitch plates occupy to each other

Claims (11)

1. A foldable watercraft (1, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) with craft sides (3, 4, 103, 104, 204, 304, 603, 604, 703, 704, 803, 804) and a bottom (5, 105, 405, 605, 705, 805), in particular a kayak,
   wherein at least the bottom comprises at least two drop-stitch plates (19, 19', 119, 119', 219, 319, 419, 419', 519, 519', 619, 619', 719, 719', 819, 819') that can be inflated using air and that in a built-in position are held in a shape-giving manner, in particular clamped-in, as a result of which at least in areas the bottom and a keel (7, 107, 207, 307, 607, 707, 807) of the watercraft are created, wherein bottom and craft sides are separate, but interconnected components of the watercraft,
   and wherein the at least two drop-stitch plates are aligned along their longitudinal sides (28, 28', 128, 128', 428, 428') and parallel to each other,
   characterised in
   that between the at least two drop-stitch plates at least in areas an elongate element (13, 113, 213, 313, 413, 613, 814), in particular a tube or rod, is present as a keel shaper,
   that narrow sides, resting against the elongate element, of the at least two drop-stitch plates, after they have been inflated, press against the elongate element,
   and that at least one rib (117, 117', 317, 317', 517, 717, 817), in particular a plurality of ribs, are present that can be fastened to the watercraft, as a result of which the rib or the ribs are held in position,
   wherein the rib or the ribs press the elongate element in a direction of the underside of the watercraft.
2. The watercraft according to patent claim 1, characterised in that the at least two drop-stitch plates (19, 19', 119, 119', 219, 319, 419, 419', 519, 519', 619, 619', 719, 719', 819, 819') are held in a shape-giving manner by means of in each case two of their narrow sides (31, 31', 32, 32', 131, 131', 132, 132', 431, 431', 432, 432', 631, 631') essentially over their entire length.
3. The watercraft according to patent claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the elongate element (13, 113, 213, 313, 413, 613, 814) is a tube or rod from aluminium, glass-reinforced plastics, plastic, carbon or wood.
4. The watercraft according to one of patent claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the elongate element (13, 113, 213, 313, 413, 613, 814) transitions in a bow area (11, 111, 211, 311, 411) and/or stern area (9, 109, 209, 309) of the watercraft in each case into a post (15, 16, 115, 116, 215, 216, 315, 316, 416), wherein in a built-in position the post is clamped in the bow and/or stern area and so presses the elongate element in a direction of an underside (29, 129, 529) of the watercraft.
5. The watercraft according to patent claim 4, characterised in that the post (15, 16, 115, 116, 215, 216, 315, 316, 416) is formed in a bent or straight manner.
6. The watercraft according to patent claim 1, characterised in that the rib (117, 117', 317, 317', 517, 717, 817) or the ribs act in a shape-giving manner on the at least two drop-stitch plates (19, 19', 119, 119', 219, 319, 419, 419', 519, 519', 619, 619', 719, 719', 819, 819').
7. The watercraft according to patent claim 1 or 6, characterised in that the at least one rib (117, 117', 317, 317', 517, 717, 817) exhibits a V shape.
8. The watercraft according to patent claim 1 or 6, characterised in that the at least one rib (117, 117', 317, 317', 517, 717, 817) exhibits a widened V shape whose free ends are extended upwards parallel to each other in a vertical direction or at a slight inclination in a direction towards the craft sides (3, 4, 103, 104, 204, 304, 603, 604, 703, 704, 803, 804).
9. The watercraft according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterised in that the at least two drop-stitch plates (19, 19', 119, 119', 219, 319, 419, 419', 519, 519', 619, 619', 719, 719', 819, 819') can be placed in the watercraft, so that at least in areas of the watercraft an insertion floor can be formed.
10. The watercraft according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterised in that the watercraft exhibits at least two air hoses (25, 125, 225, 325, 525) forming craft sides (3, 4, 103, 104, 204, 304, 603, 604, 703, 704, 803, 804), to which tubes there are connected the at least two drop-stitch plates (19, 19', 119, 119', 219, 319, 419, 419', 519, 519', 619, 619', 719, 719', 819, 819') forming the bottom (5, 105, 405, 605, 705, 805) at least in areas.
11. The watercraft according to one of patent claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the watercraft exhibits at least two further drop-stitch plates (650, 750, 850) forming craft sides (3, 4, 103, 104, 204, 304, 603, 604, 703, 704, 803, 804), to which there are connected the at least two drop-stitch plates (19, 19', 119, 119', 219, 319, 419, 419', 519, 519', 619, 619', 719, 719', 819, 819') forming the bottom (5, 105, 405, 605, 705, 805) at least in areas.

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