WO2021048016A1

WO2021048016A1 - Water sport device, in particular kayak

Info

Publication number: WO2021048016A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/074757
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jörn LORENZ; Dieter JAKOBS; Michael Müller
Original assignee: Inuk Kajak Innovation Gmbh
Priority date: 2019-09-13
Filing date: 2020-09-04
Publication date: 2021-03-18
Also published as: LU101386B1; EP4028318A1; EP4028318B1; EP4028318C0

Abstract

The invention relates to a water sport device (1;1e), in particular a kayak, which has multiple buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e-4e, 53) which form the water sport device and at least one of which is designed to receive a person using the water sport device. Advantageously, the buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e-4e, 53) can be releasably connected together, and a modular water sport device is designed such that the modular water sport device can be easily disassembled and reassembled again. A particularly good flexural and torsional rigidity is achieved by using rigid buoyancy bodies which are preferably hollow.

Description

"Water sports equipment, especially kayak"

The invention relates to a water sports device, in particular a kayak, which has several buoyancy bodies forming the water sports device, at least one of which is set up to accommodate a person using the water sports device.

Inflatable boats are known from the prior art, which can be folded up after the air has been let out and are easy to transport. The disadvantage is that inflatable boats only have a low level of strength when inflated and are therefore unsuitable for professional use.

The present invention is based on the object of designing a particularly stable and yet easily transportable water sports device.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in that the buoyancy bodies can be detachably connected to one another.

A modular water sports device is advantageously designed, which can be dismantled and reassembled in a simple manner. By using rigid, preferably hollow, buoyancy bodies, particularly good flexural and torsional rigidity is also achieved. In particular in the case of a kayak that has a long, narrow hull, a flexurally and torsionally rigid connection is required for proper use, for example in competitive sports.

Because each individual buoyancy body encloses a space filled with air or another gas, each one is buoyant on its own and makes a contribution to the overall buoyancy.

The buoyancy bodies can expediently be connected to one another by means of a detachable plug connection. Such a plug connection can in particular be frictional and / or form-fitting, depending on the required strength of the connection. For example, at least two protruding projections from a first buoyancy body can be inserted into recesses of a second buoyancy body to be connected to the first in order to effect a torsionally rigid connection. A plurality of projections spaced apart from one another are preferably provided.

It is also conceivable that at least one, preferably hook-shaped projection protruding from a first buoyancy body is designed to engage behind an edge of a recess, for example a groove. A particularly rigid connection is advantageously achieved.

A combination of a frictional connection and an integral connection is also conceivable. To increase the strength of individual connecting means such as connecting projections, stiffening ribs can be provided, in particular in the case of hook-like connecting projections for stiffening a hook section.

In one embodiment of the invention, a pivoting movement of one of the buoyancy bodies is required to form a connection between two buoyancy bodies. A simple assembly of the water sports device by one person is advantageously possible. In addition, by a single pivoting movement, both at least one hook-like projection can engage in a groove and projections protruding from a buoyancy body in the direction of a buoyancy body to be connected thereto can also engage in associated receiving recesses. A connection that is particularly resistant to bending and torsion can be formed.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a device for fixing a connection between two adjacent buoyancy bodies is provided which comprises a fixing means which is preferably provided for engaging behind a connecting element. By engaging behind the connecting element, which is preferably made of a metallic material, for example steel, mechanical fixation can advantageously be brought about. A particularly stable water sports device is being developed. The fixing device stabilizes the connection between two buoyancy bodies connected to one another, which prevents a movement for loosening the connection and thus for dismantling the water sports device. A separation of buoyancy bodies is only possible when the fixing device is brought back into an initial position in which, for example, no connecting element is gripped from behind.

A device for fixing a connection between two adjacent buoyancy bodies expediently has an adjusting means which, when rotated, causes a linear movement Movement of two connected buoyancy bodies towards one another is effected. A fixing force, which can in particular be a force with which adjacent buoyancy bodies are pressed against one another, and a path by which the neighboring buoyancy bodies are moved towards one another, can advantageously be set. Preferably, a rotation by approximately corresponds to. 56 degrees of linear displacement of 6.5 mm. Other combinations of rotations and associated shifts are conceivable and device-dependent.

In one embodiment of the invention, a device for fixing a connection between two adjacent buoyancy bodies has an adjusting means, which is preferably rotatable into a plurality of preferably discrete latching positions against a restoring force of a restoring means. A rotation of the adjusting means from a first to a further detent position causes a linear movement by a discrete path in order to move the adjacent, interconnected buoyancy bodies towards one another. The restoring means can also hold a holding means in a holding position in which it engages behind a latching tooth and advantageously prevents unintentional jumping back into another latching position.

In particular, nine locking positions can be provided which lead to a linear movement of approximately 6.5 mm. To do this, the adjusting means is rotated by> 50 degrees. Another number of locking positions or another linear shift is conceivable.

At least one of the buoyancy bodies expediently comprises a recess which preferably forms a luggage compartment and which can be closed by an in particular removable cover. Advantageously, a coverable, preferably waterproof, storage space is created in which objects can be carried dry. Because the recess forms a separate space, the buoyancy of the float is not impaired.

It is conceivable that the removable cover covers a fixing device and protects it from water. In a further embodiment of the invention, the cover is held in a closed position by a return means, which in particular comprises an elastic cord. A simple opening and closing without a key is advantageously possible. The elastic cord can be, for example, a rope made of rubber or a tensioning rope comprising rubber. It is also conceivable that objects such as luggage are clamped between the return means and the cover. In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the buoyancy bodies has an adjustable backrest, in particular a backrest, which is connected to the buoyancy body by at least one elastic cord. A comfortable sitting position can advantageously be set or the backrest can be adapted to users of different sizes of the water sports device. This is particularly advantageous in the case of water sports equipment that is intended for rental.

Expediently, at least three, in particular elongate, buoyancy bodies, which are preferably arranged one behind the other, form the water sports device. A modular water sports device that can be adapted in terms of its size is advantageously designed.

For example, the buoyancy bodies can each form a bow part and a stern part, between which central parts are arranged, which are intended to accommodate users and / or luggage. For example, a kayak for one person can have three floats, a kayak for two people four.

In one embodiment of the invention, the buoyancy bodies are formed from a plastic and manufactured by injection molding. The plastic is preferably a thermoplastic. Simple production is advantageously possible. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the buoyancy bodies are made of wood or a wood composite material. A renewable raw material is advantageously used. A wood composite material can have a plastic matrix into which pieces, particles or fibers of wood are introduced for reinforcement and optical enhancement. A particularly noble-looking and particularly stable, stiff water sports device is advantageously designed.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the attached drawings relating to the exemplary embodiments. 1 shows a first embodiment of a water sports device according to the invention in several views,

2 several side views of two floats to be connected to one another, FIG. 3 a detail of a water sports device according to the invention, FIG. 4 a further detail of a water sports device according to the invention, FIG. 5 a detail of a water sports device according to the invention, FIG. 6 a further embodiment of a water sports device according to the invention. A water sports device designed as a kayak (1), shown in an isometric view in FIG. 1 a, comprises three interconnected kayak modules (2, 3, 4), a bow module (2), a central module (3) in which a kayak user can sit, and a rear module (4). Each module (2-4) also has a luggage compartment (5) which can be closed by a removable cover (6) which is held in a closed position by an elastic strap (7). In order to enable the use of the kayak (1) for users of different heights, a height-adjustable backrest (8) is provided. Each kayak module (2-4) is made of a thermoplastic material.

In a kayak (1) shown in an isometric view in FIG. 1b, three kayak modules (2-4) forming the kayak are shown in a transport position in which they are not connected to one another. A bow module (2) can be connected to a middle module (3) and the middle module (3) can be connected to a stern module (4). For this purpose, the bow module (2) and the stern module (4) have identically designed connecting means on the sides (9) facing the central module (3), which include two receiving pockets (11) arranged in the area of the outer sides (10), the edge (12) of which can be engaged from behind by a hook-like connecting projection (13) of the central module (3). The connecting projection (13) also has a reinforcing web (14) shown in FIG. 1d, which can engage in a notch (15) made in a side wall of the receiving pocket (11), shown in detail in FIG. The kayak's flexural rigidity is particularly good due to the hook-like connecting projections (13) or several.

A conical guide element (16) is also provided between the receiving pockets (11), the guide surfaces (17) of which rest against contact surfaces (18) of the central module (3) when two kayak modules (2-3, 3-4) are connected. The receiving pockets (11) and the guide element (16) are preferably formed in one piece on the kayak module (2, 4).

In addition, the central module (3) has two connecting pins (20) arranged in the area of an upper side (19) and outer sides (10), which when the kayak modules (2-4) are connected in receiving openings (21) of the bow (2) and Engage the rear module (4). This results in particularly good torsional rigidity.

Connecting means (12, 20) on the sides of the central module (3) facing the bow (2) and the stern module (4) are of identical design.

So that the connection of neighboring kayak modules (2-3, 3-4) is secured against unintentional loosening, the bow module (2) and the stern module (4) have a fixing device (22) through which a metallic bracket (23) shown in detail in Fig. Id protruding from a side (9) of the central module (3) facing the kayak modules (2, 4) and through an angled mounting plate (24) to the Middle module (3) is attached, can be reached from behind.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, where parts that are the same or have the same effect are designated by the same reference number as in FIG. 1 and the letter a is added to the relevant reference number. A middle module (2a) shown in a side view in FIGS. 2a-d and a rear module (3a) can be connected to one another by lifting the middle module (2a) as shown in FIG. 2b and over from the position shown in FIG. 2b a locking position shown in Fig. 2c is pivoted into a connection position shown in Fig. 2d about a pivot axis (25). As a result of the pivoting movement, connecting pins (not visible in FIG. 2 and denoted by (20)) in FIG. 1 as well as hook-shaped connecting projections (13a) can engage in associated receiving recesses (11a, 21a).

In the connection position shown in FIG. 2d, a fixing device, which is designated by (22) in FIG. 1, can be actuated in order to secure the connection against unintentional loosening.

It goes without saying that a bow module (not shown in FIG. 2) can be connected in the same way to a central module (3; 3a).

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, where parts that are the same or function in the same way are denoted by the same reference numbers as in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the letter b is added to the relevant reference number.

A fixing device (22b) shown in an isometric view in FIGS. 3a-c comprises a housing (26) which can be screwed onto a bow or stern module and the one against a spring force of a spiral spring (27) in the direction of an arrow (28 ) has a rotatable setting plate (29) with a hook-shaped section (30) which can engage behind a bracket (23b) attached to an angled mounting plate (24b). The mounting plate (24b) is intended to be attached to a central module of a kayak. By actuating a lever (31) connected to the setting plate (29), the setting plate (29), which is provided with locking teeth (32), can be rotated in the direction of the arrow (28). On Retaining bracket (34) pivotable against a restoring force of a spring (33) rests against one of the locking teeth (32) and holds the adjusting plate (29) in a locking position shown in FIGS. 3b and 3c.

Because an opening width of the hook-shaped section (30) decreases from a hook tip (35) to a hook end (36), a rotary movement of the adjusting plate (29) results in a linear movement of the connecting bracket (23b) and thus a movement of adjacent, interconnected ones Causes kayak modules towards each other. Advantageously, it is ensured that connecting pins of the center module are fixed when engaging in associated receiving openings in a bow or stern part in such a way that a particularly flexurally and torsionally rigid connection can be formed and held.

To release the fixation, a lever (37) formed on the retaining bracket (34) is actuated so that the adjusting plate (29) is moved back by the restoring force of the spiral spring (27) into a position shown in FIG. 3a, in which the hook-shaped section (30) no longer engages behind the bracket (23b).

An initial fixing position in which the hook tip (35) engages behind the connecting bracket (23b) is shown in FIG. 3b in an isometric view. An end position in which the connecting bracket (23b) is engaged from behind in the area of a hook end (36) is shown in FIG. 3c.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, where parts that are the same or function in the same way are denoted by the same reference numbers as in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and the letter c is added to the relevant reference number.

In a section of a bow (2c) and middle module (3c) of a kayak (1c) shown in an isometric view in FIG. 4a, a removable cover (6c) is lifted off a luggage compartment (5c). The luggage compartment (5c) is a separate cavity in the central module (3c).

An elastic strap (7c) provided to hold the cover (6c) is passed through openings (38) of four holding elements (39) connected to the central module (3c) and also forms a loop (40) on a side facing a kayak user. In Fig. 4 not shown ends of the tension band, which can for example be a rubber rope, are knotted together. Furthermore, a hook element (41) with an eye (42) through which a tensioning strap section (43) is passed is provided. Opposing tension band sections (43) can be connected to one another by means of the hook and the eye (42). The cover (6c) can thereby be held in a closed position shown in an isometric view in FIG. 4b. In addition, other objects such as rucksacks or drinks bottles can be clamped and held between the tensioning strap (7c) and cover (6c).

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, where parts that are the same or have the same effect are denoted by the same reference numbers as in FIGS. 1 to 4 and the respective reference number is accompanied by the letter d.

An adjustable backrest (8d) of a kayak (1d) shown partially in an isometric view in FIG. 5a is connected to a central module (3d) by two rubber ropes (44) which extend vertically and parallel at the same distance from a backrest center. A position shown in Fig. 5a is an upper backrest position, which is shown in Fig. 5b in a sectional side view through a kayak (1d), and which is suitable for particularly tall people.

The rubber ropes (44) also act as guide ropes along which the backrest can be moved. A lower backrest position, in particular for small people, is shown in FIG. 5c in a sectional side view.

The backrest shown in a rear view in Fig. 5d has four elongated openings (47) for each rubber cord (44) which extend from a rear side (45) to a front side (46) and are arranged in pairs and separated by a web (48) . The rubber cord (44) forms a loop (50) around the web (49), by means of which the backrest (8d) is held in a set position with a friction fit. A loop (51) at one end of the rope is provided for connection to the central module (3d) by means of a screw-in connec tion element (52).

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, where parts that are the same or function in the same way are denoted by the same reference numbers as in FIGS. 1 to 5 and the letter e is added to the relevant reference number. A kayak (le), shown in an isometric view in FIGS. 6 a and b and formed from individual modules (2e-4e, 53) that can be detachably connected to one another, differs from that shown in FIG. 1 in that two middle modules (3e, 53 ) are provided, which are arranged between a bow (2e) and a stern module (4e) and which are both set up to accommodate one person each.

Claims

1. Water sports device (1; le), in particular a kayak, which has several buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e-4e, 53) forming the water sports device, of which at least one is used to hold a person using the water sports device is set up, characterized in that the buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e-4e, 53) can be detachably connected to one another.

2. Water sports device according to claim 1, characterized in that the buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e-4e, 53) can be connected to one another by a detachable plug connection.

3. Water sports device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a pivoting movement of one of the floats is required to form a connection between two buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e- 4e, 53).

4. Water sports device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a device (22; 22b) for fixing a connection between two adjacent buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e-4e, 53) is provided which comprises a fixing means (30) which is preferably provided for engaging behind a connecting element (23; 23b).

5. Water sports device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a device (22; 22b) for fixing a connection between two adjacent buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e-4e, 53) an adjusting means (29), the rotation of which causes a linear movement of two connected buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e-4e, 53) towards one another.

6. water sports device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that that a device (22; 22b) for fixing a connection between two adjacent buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e-4e, 53) has an adjusting means (29) which is preferably counter to a restoring force of a restoring means (27 ) is rotatable in several preferably discrete locking positions.

7. Water sports device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e-4e, 53) comprises a recess (5; 5c), which preferably has a Forms luggage compartment, and which can be closed by a particularly removable cover (6; 6c).

8. Water sports device according to claim 7, characterized in that the cover (6; 6c) is held in a closed position by a return means (7; 7c), which in particular comprises an elastic cord.

9. Water sports device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e-4e, 53) has an adjustable backrest (8; 8d), in particular a backrest , which is connected to the buoyancy body by at least one elastic cord (44).

10. Water sports device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least three, in particular elongate, buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e- 4e, 53), which are preferably arranged one behind the other, the water sports device (l ; le) form.

11. Water sports device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e-4e, 53) are formed from a plastic and are manufactured by injection molding.

12. Water sports device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the buoyancy bodies (2-4; 2a, 3a; 2c, 3c; 2e-4e, 53) are formed from wood or a wood composite material