NZ578747A

NZ578747A - Kayak outboard outrigger mount

Info

Publication number: NZ578747A
Application number: NZ578747A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Wayne Carter; Malcolm Mannagh
Original assignee: Michael Wayne Carter; Malcolm Mannagh
Priority date: 2009-07-30
Filing date: 2009-07-30
Publication date: 2011-05-27
Also published as: WO2011014081A1

Abstract

An outrigger assembly 20 for use with a vessel, comprises an elongate bar 121, two male members 122 engaged with the elongate bar 121 and capable of rotary movement in all directions with respect to it, and a float connected to the elongate bar 121 distal from the two mail members 122. The two male members 122 are adapted to co-operate with corresponding female members of the vessel. The float may be positioned to enhance vessel stabilisation on water.

Description

<div class="application article clearfix" id="description"> James & Wells Ref: 235653/83 REceived at IPONZ on 27 January 2011 PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 578747 Dated: 25 March 2010 Outrigger Assembly I Malcolm Mannagh of 109A Station Road, Kamo, Whangarei, New Zealand; and I Michael Wayne Carter of 18 Burling Ave, Whau Valley, Whangarei, Northland, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to me/us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 OUTRIGGER ASSEMBLY Field of Invention The invention relates to outrigger assemblies for vessels. Background to the Invention Increasing numbers of people are participating in water sports such as kayaking, canoeing and sailing. Although not generally regarded as high-risk activities, there are dangers associated with any water sport, especially where they occur on deep 10 or turbulent waters. Safety is therefore a key consideration for water sport equipment manufacturers so that as many people as possible can safely participate. One way to increase safety is to increase the stability of a vessel to lessen the risk of toppling or capsizing, which could cause a vessel occupant to be thrown from the 15 vessel into the water. An outrigger or similar stabilising device is a known way to increase stability. US 5,134,953 discloses a portable outrigger assembly for enhancing the stability of a sailboat. An inflatable hull is supported a distance apart from the sailboat. The assembly is attached in front of the seat or cockpit, which would make this 20 assembly inappropriate for use with a paddled vessel because its position hinders use of a paddle for locomotion. Being in a forward position also means the assembly is not suitable for attaching a motor thereto. Many known stabilising assemblies are designed to be permanently attached to a vessel. This makes it difficult to dismantle the assembly for transport and storage 25 purposes, and also means the stabilising device cannot be removed if the vessel is to be used by an individual not requiring it. Many known stabilising devices for vessels are designed solely for the purposes of providing stability when the vessel is stationary. For example one type of outrigger 1 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 has a float that is lifted out of the water when the vessel is moving. Such devices are typically not suitable for contacting the water when the boat is moving because of the amount of drag produced in the water. A further drawback with existing stabilising devices for vessels is that they can be 5 weak and do not provide stability in turbulent waters. They are also generally not suitable for mounting an outboard motor on. Many known assemblies are suitable only for use with a single type or a limited number of types of vessel. This limits their versatility and increases the costs of stabilising assemblies, especially for rare vessel types. 10 Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide an outrigger assembly for use with a vessel. Alternatively, it is an object to provide an improved outrigger assembly which 15 addresses at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art discussed above. Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice. Summary of the Invention 20 According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an outrigger assembly for use with a vessel comprising: an elongate bar; two male members, each engaged with the elongate bar and capable of rotary movement in all directions with respect thereto, the two male members being 25 adapted to co-operate with corresponding female members of the vessel; and a floating means connected to the elongate bar in spaced-apart relationship to the two male members, 2 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 wherein, in use, the floating means may be positioned to enhance stabilisation of the vessel on water. Preferably, the outrigger assembly is adapted to be removably connected to the vessel. 5 Preferably, the two male members are removably engaged with the elongate bar. Preferably, the two male members are moveable along the elongate bar. In a preferred embodiment, in use, a first male member is positioned proximate an end of the bar distal from the floating means and the second male member is positioned in spaced-apart relationship thereto. 10 Preferably, the outrigger assembly comprises movement prevention means for substantially preventing movement of the two male members relative to the elongate bar. More preferably, the movement prevention means substantially prevents rotary movement of the two male members and/or movement of the two male members along the elongate bar. 15 Preferably, the two male members are generally angled towards each other. Preferably, the two male members are adapted to co-operate with rod holders in the vessel. For example, the two male members may be received by rear flush-mounted rod holders in a kayak. Preferably, the floating means is adapted to move with minimal drag across the 20 surface of water. Preferably, a forward portion of the floating means is angled upwards with respect to the direction of travel of the vessel. Preferably, the floating means is rotatable around an axis substantially parallel to the elongate bar and/or substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the 25 vessel. Preferably, the outrigger assembly comprises biasing means for biasing the floating means towards a preferred position. More preferably, the preferred position is an upwardly-angled position. More preferably, the biasing means comprises elastic means connecting the floating means and the elongate bar. More preferably, the 3 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 elastic means comprises a cord. More preferably, the cord is connected to the elongate bar by gripping means, for example clam cleats. Preferably, the floating means is connected to the elongate bar by an attachment means extending downwards substantially perpendicularly from the elongate bar. 5 Preferably, the attachment means is adjustable in height. That is, the distance between the floating means and the elongate bar can be varied by adjustment of the attachment means. Preferably, the floating means is a buoyant board. The floating means may alternatively be a foam pad, inflatable member, buoyant pod or any equivalent 10 device known to those of skill in the art. Preferably, the elongate bar is adapted to receive a motor such that the motor is positioned to provide locomotion to the vessel when in water. In one embodiment, the motor is an outboard motor. Preferably, the outrigger assembly comprises motor connection means for 15 mounting a motor on the elongate bar. In one embodiment, the motor connection means comprises suitably positioned holes in the elongate bar to which a motor may be connected. In another embodiment, the motor connection means comprises a bracket suitable for connecting to the elongate bar and suitable for mounting a motor thereon. 20 According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit set for an outrigger assembly according to the first aspect of the invention. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an outrigger assembly for use with a vessel, the method comprising: providing an elongate bar; 25 providing two male members, each engaged with the elongate bar and capable of rotary movement in all directions with respect thereto, the two male members being adapted to co-operate with corresponding female members of the vessel; and 4 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 providing a floating means adapted to be connected to the elongate bar in spaced-apart relationship to the two male members, wherein, in use, the floating means may be positioned to enhance stabilisation of the vessel on water. 5 Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention. 10 Brief Description of the Drawings One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an illustration of an outrigger assembly according to an 15 embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of an elongate bar according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a front view of the elongate bar shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a side and plan view of two connectors according to an 20 embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a plan view of parts of an outrigger assembly used to attach a floating means to an elongate bar according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a side view of the parts of an outrigger assembly illustrated in 25 Figure 5; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the parts of an outrigger assembly illustrated in Figure 5; 5 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 Figure 8 is a plan view of a floating means according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is a front view of a portion of an outrigger assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; 5 Figure 10 is a side view of the portion of an outrigger assembly illustrated in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a top view of an outrigger assembly in use with a kayak according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 is a perspective view of an outrigger assembly according to another 10 embodiment of the invention; Figure 13 is a front view of the outrigger assembly illustrated in Figure 12; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a part of an outrigger assembly according to one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 15 is a side view of one end of the outrigger assembly illustrated in 15 Figure 12. Brief Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention In general, the invention comprises an outrigger assembly for use with a vessel or craft to provide stabilisation when the vessel is on water, including when the vessel 20 is in motion. The assembly can be easily demounted from the vessel so that the vessel may be used without the outrigger assembly. The outrigger assembly is preferably adapted for use with small vessels, such as kayaks, canoes, dinghies and boards, as well as any other kind of vessel or craft. For the purposes of this description, the invention will be discussed in relation to its 25 use with kayaks. However, it will be understood that such an application is included by way of non-limiting example and that the invention may be used with other forms of vessels such as will be apparent to one of skill in the art. 6 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 In common with known outriggers, the outrigger assembly according to the invention generally enhances the stability of the vessel or craft when it is on water. The outrigger assembly according to the invention enhances the stability of the vessel when it is stationary and when it is moving, unlike some outriggers which 5 only have a stabilising influence when the vessel is stationary. Enhanced stability may be desirable in a number of circumstances as will be known to those skilled in the art. For example, use by inexperienced vessel-users (such as kayakers) or physically disadvantaged users, rough waters and deep waters are all situations in which enhanced stability may be required. The outrigger assembly of 10 the present invention is able to be demounted from the vessel such that the vessel can be used without the outrigger, thus avoiding the need for a separate specialist vessel when circumstances require enhanced stability. The outrigger assembly according to the invention is designed to be used with vessels having a range of shapes and sizes. This reduces costs because an 15 assembly does not generally need to be tailor-made to fit a specific vessel. Figure 1 is an illustration of an outrigger assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. Outrigger assembly 10 is shown in use with kayak 11. Outrigger assembly 10 comprises elongate bar 12, to which are connected two male members 13 and floating member 14. 20 Male members 13 are connected to elongate bar 12 by connectors 14 allowing rotary movement of the male members. Male members 13 are adapted to cooperate with corresponding female members 15 of kayak 11. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, male members 13 comprise rods that insert into rear flush-mounted rod holders of kayak 11. For example, hollow rods of 38mm in diameter 25 have been found to generally fit many kayak rod holders. By mounting outrigger assembly generally in line with rear flush-mounted rod holders of a kayak, there is little impedance of the kayaker's paddle strokes by the outrigger assembly. Male members 13 are preferably generally angled towards each other such that they can be inserted into the kayak's rod holders, which are typically angled 30 inwards. Thus, when male members 13 are both inserted into the rod holders and connectors 14 are substantially prevented from moving by suitable movement 7 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 prevention means, for example by tightening wing nuts as will be described in more detail below, outrigger assembly 10 is securely fastened to kayak 11 because neither male member can move out of the rod holders. Floating means 14 is connected to elongate bar 12 in spaced-apart relationship to 5 male members 13. Floating means 14 may comprise a buoyant board and may be connected to one end of elongate bar 12 by an attachment means, for example leg 16. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the floating means may be another buoyant member such as a foam pad, inflatable member, pod or any equivalent device. 10 Floating means 14 is positioned such that when outrigger assembly 10 is in use with kayak 11, floating means 14 enhances the stability of the kayak. For example, floating means 14 may extend below the level of elongate bar 12 such that it is generally level with the surface of the water and floats thereon. As will be described further below, leg 16 may be adjustable in height because the water's surface may 15 not always be at the same relative height to the level of the elongate bar in all circumstances, for example depending on the weight of the kayaker. Outrigger assembly 10 may comprise biasing means, which may comprise elastic cord 18, for biasing floating means 14 to a certain position. This will be described in more detail below. 20 Polyester cord 17, as is commonly found on kayaks, may be tied over the top of elongate bar 12 to reinforce the securing of outrigger assembly 10 to kayak 11. Other suitable means may be provided in a similar fashion as appropriate to the vessel. Elongate bar 12 of outrigger assembly 10 may be adapted to receive a motor, for 25 example outboard motor 19. Motor 19 may be able to be connected directly on to elongate bar 12 or motor 19 may be connected to elongate bar 12 using bracket 101. Bracket 101 may be required depending on the attachment fittings of the motor and depending on the height at which the motor needs to be mounted. Any appropriate means of mounting motor 19 on to outrigger assembly 10 may be used. 30 For example, motor 19 may be bolted to suitably positioned holes in elongate bar 12. In another example, bracket 101 may be bolted to the holes of the elongate bar Q o Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 and motor 19 may be bolted to bracket 101. In some embodiments, motor 19 may be pivotally mounted on elongate bar 12, for example to aid steering of the vessel. In embodiments in which the outrigger assembly is adapted to receive a motor, the motor is mountable in a position suitable for providing or assisting in locomotion of 5 the vessel. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, motor 19 is situated on elongate bar 12 between floating means 14 and kayak 11. The propeller of motor 19 extends below elongate bar 12 into the water and propels kayak 11 forward when activated. Figures 2 and 3 are plan and front views respectively of an elongate bar 20 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown in these figures, for example, elongate bar is a 1375mm length of 2mm thick aluminium tubing having a 50x50mm square cross-section. One end of elongate bar 20 comprises means for connecting the floating means thereto. For example, in one embodiment, elongate bar 20 has connected thereto a folded strap 21, creating a 15 square-shaped loop. Strap 21 may, for example, be welded to elongate bar 20. Strap 21 preferably comprises a hole 24. Strap 21 is adapted to receive the leg connecting the floating means to the elongate bar, as will be described in more detail below. The other end of elongate bar 20 may be sealed using a plastic end cap 22. In other embodiments, each end may be sealed differently, if at all. 20 Proximate to strap 21 may be positioned gripping means 25 for receiving elastic means for biasing the floating means in a certain position with respect to elongate bar 20. For example, gripping means 25 may comprise two clam cleats positioned on an upper side of elongate bar 20. The clam cleats are adapted to receive and grip an elastic means such as a cord that may attached to the floating means, as 25 will be described later. Two clam cleats are provided, oppositely oriented, so that the outrigger assembly may be fitted to the kayak with the floating means on either side. In other embodiments, an alternative form of reversible gripping means may be provided. To elongate bar 20 is connected a bracket in the form of a block 23 by means of 30 two nuts and bolts through holes in elongate bar 20. The holes and bracket block 23 are positioned suitably for use of an outboard motor when the outrigger assembly is mounted on a vessel. 9 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 Figure 4 illustrates two connectors 40 according to an embodiment of the invention. Connectors 40 comprise male members 42 connected to bar engagement means 43. The upper portion of Figure 4 illustrates connectors 40 in plan view and the lower portion of Figure 4 illustrates connectors 40 in side view. 5 Each connector 40 is adapted to engage the elongate bar described in relation to Figures 2 and 3 by sliding elongate bar 20 through aperture 41 in bar engagement means 43, preferably onto end 22 of elongate bar 20. Connectors 40, and hence male members 42, may therefore be positioned on and removed from the elongate bar. This is useful when mounting the outrigger assembly on a kayak and for 10 dismantling the outrigger assembly for storage or transport. The male members can also move along the elongate bar, which is useful to be able to fit the outrigger assembly to different types of vessels. In use, one of the male members 42 is positioned proximate to the end of elongate bar 20 distal from the floating means, i.e. proximate to end 22 of elongate bar 20. 15 The second male member is positioned along elongate bar 20 in spaced-apart relationship to the first male member at a distance corresponding to the distance between the corresponding female members on the vessel, for example between rear flush-mounted rod holders on a kayak. Male members 42 are adapted to move in a rotary fashion relative to elongate bar 20 20 when connected thereto. This rotary movement is enabled by bar engagement means 43. Bar engagement means 43 comprises a lower disk 46 and an upper disk 45 connected by two bolts 47. Bolts 47 pass through holes in lower disk 46. Bolts 47 each also pass through arc-shaped apertures 44 in upper disk 45. Arc-shaped apertures 44 allow bolts 47 to move relative to upper disk 45. When 25 elongate bar 20 is positioned through aperture 41, i.e. between upper disk 45 and lower disk 46, and between bolts 47, movement of bolts 47 in arc-shaped apertures 44 allows male members 42 rotary movement with respect to elongate bar 20. Rotary movement for the purposes of this specification includes rotational movement, for example around a pivot and/or with respect to a point. In the 30 embodiment discussed above, the movement of the male members is rotary in that male members 42 can move in all directions with respect to elongate bar 20, with 10 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 similar effect to a ball-and-socket joint. The extent of rotary movement of male members 42 is restricted, for example, by the length of arc-shaped apertures 44. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, male members 42 are generally angled with respect to lower disk 46. The angle assists in insertion of male members 42 into rod holders of a kayak, because rod holders typically comprise angled cavities. As discussed above, the opposed angle of the male members in rod holders of a kayak helps to maintain the engagement between the outrigger assembly and the kayak. When fitting the outrigger assembly to the kayak, the engagement between connectors 40 and elongate bar 20 is kept loose, such that connectors 40 are free to move with respect to elongate bar 20 and male members 40 can move rotationally (i.e. rotary movement as discussed above) with respect thereto. This allows the outrigger assembly to be easily slotted into the rod holders of the kayak. Once fitted, movement prevention means are used to prevent movement of the two male members relative to the elongate bar. That is, the movement prevention means prevent rotary movement of the two male members and/or movement of the two male members along the elongate bar. For example, connectors 40 comprise wing nuts 48 which can be tightened to substantially prevent both the above described movement(s). Other embodiments may have separate tighteners for each kind of movement of the male members with respect to the elongate bar. An alternative method of fitting the outrigger assembly to the kayak is to first insert the male members into the kayak's rod holders and subsequently slide the elongate bar through the connectors. When in position, the wing nuts can be tightened to hold the outrigger assembly in position. Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate parts of an outrigger assembly used to attach a floating means to an elongate bar according to an embodiment of the invention. Plate portions 51 and 52 are provided, which can be connected together through the floating means. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, plate portions 51 and 52 are bolted together through a buoyant board. Other forms of connection may also be used, such as rivets. Plate portions 51 and 52 and bolts 53 are preferably 11 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 made from stainless steel or other water resistant material because they are frequently in contact with water when in use. Pivotaily connected to top plate portion 52 by means of hinge connection 54 is an attachment means or leg comprising a length of hollow square tubing 55. Hinge 5 connection 54 is preferably located at a front edge of square tubing 55 and aligned substantially parallel to the elongate bar and/or substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vessel so that the floating means may be slanted upwards with respect to the direction of travel of the kayak. The pin used in hinge connection 54 may be secured within, for example by spot welding the ends of hinge 10 connection 54, Square tubing 55 preferably comprises a plurality of pairs of holes along its length. The holes are adapted to align with the hole in strap 21 on one end of elongate bar when square tubing 55 is positioned inside strap 21. Figure 8 is a plan view of a floating means 80 according to an embodiment of the 15 invention. Floating means 80 comprises, in the embodiment shown, a buoyant board. In other embodiments, the floating means may comprise a foam pad, inflatable member, buoyant pod or any equivalent device such as will be known to those of skill in the art. A floating means 80 comprising a buoyant board has been found to be particularly 20 advantageous because the flat profile of the board allows it to be easily attached to the elongate bar, for example by bolting plate portions 51 and 52 to the board and hingeably connecting square tubing 55 thereto, for attachment to the elongate bar. The floating means is preferably adapted to move with minimal drag across the surface of the water. For example, it has been found that a board with a scallop-25 shaped rear portion 81 is particularly advantageous for moving smoothly across water with little splashing. A buoyant board of between 50 and 100 cm in length was found to be particularly effective when the outrigger assembly is used with a one-person kayak. A smaller board was found to provide poor stability, whereas a larger board gave too much 30 buoyancy lift over water, which also reduced stability. Different situations of use for 12 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 an outrigger assembly will require different sizes, shapes and types of floating means and the invention is not limited to any particular floating means. Figure 9 illustrates a portion of an outrigger assembly 90 according to an embodiment of the invention. Board 91 is attached to elongate bar 92 by means of 5 square tubing 93. Square tubing 93 is inserted through strap 95 attached to one end of elongate bar 92 and held in place by inserting a locking pin 94 through the holes in strap 95 and one of the pairs of holes in square tubing 93 when aligned. As such, square tubing 93 extends downwards substantially perpendicularly from elongate bar 92. 10 The means for attaching board 91 to elongate bar 92 is adjustable in height, in that the distance between elongate bar 92 and board 91 can be varied by adjusting the position of the leg with respect to elongate bar 92. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, this adjustment comprises altering which hole in square tubing 93 locking pin 94 is inserted through. 15 Outrigger assembly 90 comprises biasing means for biasing the floating means towards a preferred position, for example a position in which the floating means is most suitably adapted for moving over water. One preferred embodiment of the biasing means is described below in relation to Figure 9 and Figure 10, which is a side view of outrigger assembly 90. 20 The biasing means of outrigger assembly 90 illustrated in the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10 comprises means to displace board 91 from the horizontal, for example button 97. Button 97 prevents board 91 from rotating on hinge 98 to a position where it is perpendicular with square tubing 93. Therefore board 91 is biased to the preferred position of a slight upwardly-angled position. That is, the 25 board is angled upwards in the direction of travel of the kayak. This has been found to allow the board to more easily move over water, for example by bouncing and providing some buoyancy lift over waves, for example to reduce drag and increase stability. The biasing means of outrigger assembly 90 also comprises elastic means, for 30 example elastic cord 96. Elastic cord 96 is fixed at one end to board 91 at a point spaced apart in a rearwards direction from hinge 98 and at the other end is inserted 13 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 into a clam cleat 99 on elongate bar 92. Elastic cord 96 ensures board 91 springs back into its preferred position after any displacement caused by movement over water. In one embodiment, button 97 is preferably adapted to reduce noise caused by 5 board 91 impacting against the bottom of square tubing 93 when in use. For example, button 97 may be made of rubber. Figure 11 is a top view of an outrigger assembly 110 in use with a kayak 111 according to an embodiment of the invention. Elongate bar 112 extends to the left of the kayaker in the embodiment shown. Outrigger assembly 110 can also be 10 positioned to extend to the right of the kayaker by turning it around and inserting the male members in the opposite rod holder of the kayak. The floating board may also be reversed by turning the square tubing around in the strap on the end of elongate bar 112, and by inserting the elastic cord into the oppositely facing clam cleat on the elongate bar. Finally, outboard motor 113 may be mounted on elongate 15 bar 113 the other way around. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, outboard motor 113 is pivotally mounted on elongate bar 112 in any appropriate manner. Outboard motor 113 comprises a tiller 114 which can be used to pivot outboard motor 113 on its mounting. This provides one way for the kayaker to steer the kayak. 20 In other embodiments, in which the outboard motor has no tiller, or in which there is no outboard motor, other forms of steerage may be used. For example, the kayaker can steer the kayak by appropriate paddling. In another example, the kayak comprises a rudder which can be used for steering. Figures 12 and 13 are perspective and front views respectively of an outrigger 25 assembly 120 according to another embodiment of the invention. The principle differences between outrigger assembly 120 and embodiments of the invention already described will now be discussed with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is a perspective view of a part of outrigger assembly 120 according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 14 illustrates one end of an elongate bar 30 121, the end furthest from that to which is connected a floating means. Male member 122, extending below elongate bar 121, is connected to elongate bar 121 14 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 by means of connector 123. Connector 123 comprises a plate portion 124 to which is connected a loop portion 125. Loop portion 125 is sized for receiving elongate bar 121 with minimal room for movement. A first end of loop portion 125 is pivotally connected to plate portion 124. A second end of loop portion 125 co-operates with an arc-shaped aperture 126 in plate portion 124. This allows male member 122 to pivot with respect to loop portion 125 and, in use, with respect to elongate bar 122, for example to allow insertion of male member 122 into a rod holder of a kayak. When in position, tightening bolt 127 holds male member 122 securely. Figure 15 is a side view illustrations of one end of outrigger assembly 120 according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 12. Floating means, in this example a board 151, is attached to elongate bar 121 by means of square tubing 152. To board 151 are connected vertical struts, which are pivotally connected to square tubing 152 at hinge 152. This allows board 151 to pivot in a forwards direction with respect to elongate bar 121. Some components of an outrigger assembly according to an embodiment of the invention are preferably made of aluminium. In other embodiments, stainless steel, plastics materials, glass fibre or composites are used. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference. Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world. The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features. 15 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred 5 embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention. 16 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011 </div>

Claims

<div class="application article clearfix printTableText" id="claims"> CLAIMS

1. An outrigger assembly for use with a vessel comprising: an elongate bar; two male members, each engaged with the elongate bar and capable of rotary movement in all directions with respect thereto, the two male members being adapted to co-operate with corresponding female members of the vessel; and a floating means connected to the elongate bar in spaced-apart relationship to the two male members, wherein, in use, the floating means may be positioned to enhance stabilisation of the vessel on water.

2. An outrigger assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outrigger assembly is adapted to be removably connected to the vessel.

3. An outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two male members are removably engaged with the elongate bar.

4. An outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two male members are moveable along the elongate bar.

5. An outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, a first male member is positioned proximate an end of the bar distal from the floating means and the second male member is positioned in spaced-apart relationship thereto.

6. An outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outrigger assembly comprises movement prevention means for substantially preventing movement of the two male members relative to the elongate bar. 17 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011

7. An outrigger assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the movement prevention means substantially prevents rotary movement of the two male members and/or movement of the two male members along the elongate bar.

8. An outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two male members are generally angled towards each other.

9. An outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two male members are adapted to co-operate with rod holders in the vessel.

10. An outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floating means is adapted to move with minimal drag across the surface of water.

11. An outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a forward portion of the floating means is angled upwards with respect to the direction of travel of the vessel.

12. An outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floating means is rotatable around an axis substantially parallel to the elongate bar and/or substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vessel.

13. An outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outrigger assembly comprises biasing means for biasing the floating means towards a preferred position.

14. An outrigger assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the preferred position is an upwardly-angled position.

15. An outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of the claims 13-14, wherein the biasing means comprises elastic means connecting the floating means and the elongate bar.

16. An outrigger assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the elastic means comprises a cord. 18 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011

17. An outrigger assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the cord is connected to the elongate bar by gripping means, for example clam cleats,

18. An outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floating means is connected to the elongate bar by an attachment means extending downwards substantially perpendicularly from the elongate bar.

19. An outrigger assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the attachment means is adjustable in height.

20. An outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floating means is a buoyant board, foam pad, inflatable member or buoyant pod.

21. An outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate bar is adapted to receive a motor such that the motor is positioned to provide locomotion to the vessel when in water.

22. An outrigger assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein the outrigger assembly comprises motor connection means for mounting a motor on the elongate bar.

23. An outrigger assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the motor connection means comprises suitably positioned holes in the elongate bar to which a motor may be connected.

24. An outrigger assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the motor connection means comprises a bracket suitable for connecting to the elongate bar and suitable for mounting a motor thereon.

25. A kit set for an outrigger assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1-24.

26. A method of manufacturing an outrigger assembly for use with a vessel, the method comprising: providing an elongate bar; providing two male members, each engaged with the elongate bar and capable of rotary movement in all directions with respect thereto, the two male 19 Received at IPONZ on 4 May 2011

27.

28.

29. members being adapted to co-operate with corresponding female members of the vessel; and providing a floating means adapted to be connected to the elongate bar in spaced-apart relationship to the two male members, wherein, in use, the floating means may be positioned to enhance stabilisation of the vessel on water. An outrigger assembly for use with a vessel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one the embodiments illustrated in the figures. A kit set for an outrigger assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one the embodiments illustrated in the figures. A method of manufacturing an outrigger assembly for use with a vessel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one the embodiments illustrated in the figures. Malcolm Mannagh & Michael Wayne Carter By their Attorneys James & Wells Intellectual Property 20 </div>