GB2331235A

GB2331235A - Back-rest for a kayak

Info

Publication number: GB2331235A
Application number: GB9819120A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham John Mackereth
Original assignee: PYRANHA MOULDINGS Ltd
Current assignee: PYRANHA MOULDINGS Ltd
Priority date: 1997-09-03
Filing date: 1998-09-03
Publication date: 1999-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 2018-09-03
Also published as: GB9819120D0; GB9718589D0; GB2331235B

Abstract

A back-rest or back-strap for a kayak or other canoe comprises a flexible back supporting panel 1 displaceably mounted in a kayak, at least one position adjustment means 2, eg a strap, extending from the panel forwardly towards the front of the cockpit and securing means 4, eg a buckle, for securing the adjustment means in a desired position. Alternatively, the back-rest may be inflatable or expandable to allow adjustment.

Description

1 1; It - 1 ROVED BACXREST FOR KAYAK 2331235 The present invention relates

to an improved backrest for a canoe and in particular for a kayak.

A kayak is a particular type of canoe and is selfpropelled by a paddler by means of a double bladed paddle. There is an opening called a cockpit in the shell of the kayak in which the paddler sits. Usually by means of contact with a footrest and with hip, thigh and back contact, the paddler also transmits power through the craft to control it. The seat, thigh grip, backrest and footrest are usuaLly separate parts which are fixed into the shell after the shell has been manufactured. Each part needs to be adjusted before the paddler sits in the cockpit by mechanical means or by means of bonding in padding before the paddler is able to achieve optimum control of his kayak.

According to the present invention there is provided a backrest or backstrap for a kayak or other canoe comprising a back supporting panel (1) displaceably mountable in a kayak to be located in the region of the back of a paddler, at least one position adjustment means (2) such as a cord, webbing or other traction/tie means acting as operating means, extending from the back panel (1) and, in use, forwardly towards the front of the cockpit of the kayak, and securing means for securing said adjustment means in any desired position of adjustment cfsaid back panel (1) to enable adjustment by a paddler seated in the canoe. Alternatively, the backrest may be inflatable or expandable to various sizes of adjustment by operating means extending therefrom and locatable to extend to'a forward part of the cockpit or canoe so as, in use, to be adjustable in position from a forward part of the cockpit by the paddler seated in the canoe.

1 2 Also according to the present invention, there is provided an-improved kayak or other canoe incorporating a displaceable backrest or backstrap as defined above.

Thus according to the present invention there is a link between the thigh grip or the cockpit edge or the edge of the deck of the canoe and the backrest which enables the paddler to get into the craft with the backrest slack or deflated or unexpanded and then, after seating himself, is able to tighten the backrest whose tightening mechanism (or inflation/deflation means) is located forward of or extends to forward of the paddler's body, such as on top of the thigh grip or the cockpit edge or deck edge, to thereby or secure himself into the craft. This substantially facilitates the paddler getting into the craft, or in the event of an accident in getting out more easily and quickly, or to be able to loosen it or deflate or contract the back rest to relax.

tiahten It is envisaged for the tightening mechanism to be provided either side of the cockpit/paddler and be joined to be in effect continuous.

In a development of the invention, the operating means of the back rest is connected to or interlinked or otherwise associated with the spray cover, of the canoe, such that on opening of the spray cover the operating means is released or operated so as to release the back rest or deflate such or contract such to permit ease of exit of the paddler from the canoe.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is a schematic perspective view from above of the central part of a kayak including the cockpit with adjustable backrest.

1 1 In the cockpit a flexible backrest 1 is positioned and displaceable by straps 2 which slide through a top part of a thigh grip 3 and are securable by a buckle system 4. Preferably one strap 2 is provided extending through the backrest 1 with two buckles 4 on each thigh grip as such pull together better than with one buckle.

The seat 5, hip pad 6, the thigh grip 3 and the backrest 1 are shown in position, though are separate parts, fastened together.

In certain situations two or more of these parts might be manufactured as a single unit, if desired.

To adjust the backrest 1, the top strap 21 slides through the top part of the thigh grip 3, top hip rail to the buckle system 4 which is placed on top of the thigh grip. This can either be run single sided through one thigh grip or double sided, though both thigh grips. The paddler then pulls on the strap, to tighten, or adjusts the mechanism to slacken the strap and thus allow the backrest to move back.

The separate parts are usually made of thermoform. mouldings or thermoplastics, but could alternatIvely be made of thermoset materials (thermosetting plastics), or of metal or of wood and such can be made of foam material, or improved by the addition of foam materials to increase comfort and fit and can be bonded or mechanically fastened Logether.

It will be appreciated that when the back rest is inflatable, the operating means will include a tube and preferably a flexible tube, communicating therewith and either connected to pneumatic pump means or pressurisable by mouth, and suitable valve means provided to prevent undesired deflation.

1

Claims

CLAIM

1. A backrest or backstrap for a kayak or other canoe comprising a back supporting panel (1) displaceably mountable in a kayak to be located in the region of the back of a paddler, at least one position adjustment means k2) such as a cord, webbing or other traction/t-ie means acting as operating means, extending from the back panel (1) and, in use, forwardly towards the front of the cockpit of the kayak, and securing means for secur-Ing said adjustment means in any desired position of adjustment of said back panel (1) to enable adjustment by a paddler seated in the canoe.

2. A backrest or backstrap for a kayak or other canoe comprising a back supporting panel (1) displaceably mountable in a kayak to be located in the reijion of the back of a paddler, and inflatable or expandable to various sizes of adjustment by operating means extending therefrom a, to enable, in use, adjustment of the inflation or extension of the panel from a forward part of zhe cockpit by a paddler seated in the canoe.

3. A backrest as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the adjustment means are continuous or two side portions joined together.

4. A kayak or other canoe whenever incorporating a displaceable backrest or backstrap as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

5. A kayak or canoe as claimed in claim 4 or in which the operating means of the back rest is connected or or otherwise associated with the spray cover of the canoe, such that on opening of the spray cover. the operating means is released or operated so as to release the back rest or deflate such or contract such to permit f 1 1 ease of exit of the paddler from the canoe.

6. A kayak or canoe as claimed in claim, in which the means extending forwardly from the back rest provides a link between the thigh grip or the cockpit edge or the edge of the deck of the vessel and the backrest, and is such as to enable the paddler to get into the crafz with the backrest slack or uninf lated and/or unexpanded and then, after seating himself, is able to tighten or inflate or expand the backrest whose extending tightening mechanism or adjustment means is located laterally or forward of the paddler 1 s body and so as to enable the user to thereby tighten himself into the craft and as to enable release or deflation or collapse.

7. A kayak or canoe substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.