WO2022203924A1

WO2022203924A1 - Watercraft coupling system

Info

Publication number: WO2022203924A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/020629
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Shelby STEPHENS; Andrew Wilson LOGAN; Luke Thomas Peter BORDERS
Original assignee: Stephens James Shelby; Logan Andrew Wilson; Borders Luke Thomas Peter
Priority date: 2021-03-23
Filing date: 2022-03-16
Publication date: 2022-09-29
Also published as: US20230399080A1

Abstract

Systems for coupling two or more watercrafts, and assemblies comprised of systems and watercrafts. A watercraft coupling system includes a forward connector rod and an aft connector rod that are configured to be attached to forward and aft portions of adjacent first and second watercrafts, and may include additional components such as stabilization straps, nets, and rod cushions for safety and comfort. The system may be used to stably couple two or more watercrafts, such as recreational watercrafts, in a side-by-side arrangement to form a watercraft assembly that may be used by two or more users cooperatively.

Description

TITLE

WATERCRAFT COUPLING SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Under provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), the Applicant claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application no. 63/164,818, filed March 23, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference. It is intended that the referenced application may be applicable to the concepts and embodiments disclosed herein, even if such concepts and embodiments are disclosed in the referenced application with different limitations and configurations and described using different examples and terminology.

FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to watercraft systems, and more particularly, to systems for coupling multiple watercraft and assemblies comprised of such systems and watercrafts.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Watercrafts are used for transportation in water, both for recreational and non-recreational purposes. In the case of recreational watercrafts, various types of watercrafts exist for solo recreational activities in the water, such as paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, boards used for surfing and windsurfing, and various personal watercrafts (PWC) and personal boats. These watercrafts are generally enjoyed by one individual, and there may be few or no options for more than one person to be carried by or interact with such watercrafts at the same time. [0004] In addition, if multiple people enjoy these watercrafts at the same time individually, it may be difficult for these individuals to maintain a certain distance between watercrafts, which may cause problems with interpersonal communication and hinder enjoyment of the activity. For example, a trainer may go out on the water with a trainee with the intent of instructing the trainee how to use a watercraft, however, due to the trainee not yet having been trained in use of the watercraft, either or both individuals may struggle to control their watercraft in a manner that maintains communication or enjoyment. In addition, if two or more individuals attempt to steer their watercrafts nearer to each other, there is a risk that the watercrafts might collide, which may increase risk of injury or death to the individuals involved.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for devices and systems that enable multiple watercrafts to be controllably coupled together, in a safe manner, for enhanced use of the watercrafts by multiple individuals. The present invention addresses this unmet need.

SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, this disclosure provides improved systems for coupling a plurality of watercrafts. A system includes a forward connector rod that has a first forward strap that is connectable to a first portion thereof and a second forward strap that is connectable to a second portion thereof, as well as an aft connector rod that has a first aft strap that is connectable to a first portion thereof and a second aft strap that is connectable to a second portion thereof. When the forward connector rod is coupled to a forward portion of a first watercraft via the first forward strap and a forward portion of a second watercraft via the second forward strap, and the aft connector rod is coupled to an aft portion of the first watercraft via the first aft strap and an aft portion of the second watercraft via the second aft strap, the first and second watercrafts are stably coupled in a side-by-side arrangement. The resultant watercraft assembly may be operated and enjoyed, as a unit, by two or more individuals working cooperatively. [0007] The specific systems and techniques for accomplishing the advantages described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the appended drawings and claims.

[0008] The invention generally relates to watercraft systems and assemblies which may be manufactured with appropriate materials and processes, and which may be scaled as needed.

[0009] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Although the characteristic features of the invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manners in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

[0011] FIG. 1 A shows a perspective view of two individuals using individual watercrafts next to each other, without use of a system of this disclosure.

[0012] FIG. IB shows a perspective view of two individuals using individual watercrafts next to each other, with use of a system of this disclosure to stably couple the watercraft together to form a watercraft assembly.

[0013] FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a system for coupling a plurality of watercrafts, in an exploded configuration.

[0014] FIG. ID shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the system, in an assembled configuration and next to two adjacent individual watercrafts. [0015] FIG. IE shows a top view of the first embodiment of the system.

[0016] FIG. 2 A shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a system for coupling a plurality of watercrafts, in an exploded configuration.

[0017] FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the system, in an assembled configuration and next to two adjacent individual watercrafts.

[0018] FIG. 2C shows a top view of the second embodiment of the system.

[0019] FIG. 3 A shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a system for coupling a plurality of watercrafts, in an exploded configuration.

[0020] FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the third embodiment of the system, in an assembled configuration and next to two adjacent individual watercrafts.

[0021] FIG. 3C shows a top view of the third embodiment of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals may be used in the drawings to indicate like or similar elements of the description. The figures are intended for representative purposes and should not be considered limiting.

[0023] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the present disclosure and the examples included therein.

[0024] Before the present articles, systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific implementations unless otherwise specified, or to particular approaches unless otherwise specified, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, example methods and materials are now described.

[0025] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

DEFINITIONS

[0026] It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” may include the aspects “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of.” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this present disclosure belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.

[0027] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms

“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an opening” may include two or more openings.

[0028] Ranges may be expressed herein as from one particular value, and/or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed. [0029] As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question may be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0030] The terms “first,” “second,” “first part,” “second part,” and the like, where used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, and are used to distinguish one element from another, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0031] As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase “optionally affixed to the surface” means that it may or may not be fixed to a surface.

[0032] As used herein, if an element is described or claimed as being

"connectable" or "adjustable", or is otherwise described or claimed as being capable of having a property, then that description or claim feature includes instances where the element has the property (e.g., "is connectable and is connected", "is adjustable and is adjusted") as well as instances where the element does not have the property (e.g., "is connectable and is not connected", "is adjustable and is not adjusted"), unless something else is specifically stated. [0033] Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0034] Disclosed are the components to be used to manufacture the disclosed devices, systems, and articles of the present disclosure as well as the devices themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these materials may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular material is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that may be made to the materials are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the material and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of materials A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of materials D, E, and F and an example of a combination material, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C- D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the articles and devices of the present disclosure. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that may be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps may be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the present disclosure. [0035] It is understood that the devices and systems disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that may perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.

DESCRIPTION

[0036] This disclosure provides improved systems for coupling two or more watercrafts, and assemblies comprised of such systems and watercrafts. A watercraft coupling system includes a forward connector rod and an aft connector rod. The forward and aft connector rods may be attached to forward and aft portions of adjacent first and second watercrafts and may be used with additional system components such as stabilization straps, water-permeable nets, and rod cushions to increase safety and comfort. The system may be used to stably couple two or more watercrafts, such as recreational watercrafts that may be ordinarily intended for use by one individual, in a side-by-side arrangement to form a watercraft assembly that may be used by two or more individuals cooperatively. The system may be useful for watercraft usage instructors, trainers and trainees, or other individuals who may want or need to couple two or more watercraft together in a side-by-side arrangement.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1 A, there is shown a perspective view of two individuals using individual watercrafts next to each other, without use of a system of this disclosure. Many recreational watercrafts may be suitable for use by a limited number of individuals; in particular, such watercrafts may be only suitable for use by no more than one individual (e.g., paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, surfboards, windsurfing boards, personal watercrafts (PWC), personal boats, etc.). As a result, these watercrafts tend to be enjoyed by one individual at a time, and there may be few or no options for more than one person to enjoy, be carried by, or otherwise interact with such watercrafts at the same time. In such instances, a first watercraft 102 may be operated by a first individual 202, and a second watercraft 104 may be operated by a second individual 204. The individuals 202, 204 may struggle to communicate or operate the watercrafts, or may simply desire to be closer together without impacting safety. [0038] To overcome the shortcomings associated with individual or limited- capacity watercrafts, and as shown at FIG. IB, individuals 202, 204 may use a system of this disclosure to stably couple a plurality of watercrafts 102, 104 together, at a certain distance, to form a watercraft assembly that is comprised of the system and the watercrafts 102, 104. The watercraft assembly may be used, as a unit, by one or more of individuals 202, 204 at a time, and the individuals may engage in recreational activities, training activities, or interpersonal communications as part of a watersport.

[0039] In various scenarios, for example, if a first individual needs to depart from the watercraft assembly (e.g., to dive, to swim, etc.), a second individual may control the watercraft assembly, as a unit, while the first individual is away from the assembly. Because the watercraft assembly is prevented by the second individual from drifting away from the first individual while the first individual is preoccupied, it is available to the first individual when they return to the assembly, thereby improving water safety. In addition, because the distance between the watercrafts 102, 104 is controlled or defined by the system, the risks of the watercrafts 102, 104 colliding or overturning in the water are significantly lowered.

[0040] Referring now to FIGs IB, 1C, ID, and IE, there are shown various views of a first embodiment of a system for coupling a plurality of watercrafts, in use (FIG. IB), in an exploded configuration (FIG. 1C), in an assembled configuration and next to two adjacent individual watercrafts (FIG. ID), and as seen from a top view (FIG. IE). As used herein, various portions of the watercrafts 102, 104 may be referenced using traditional nautical directions, such as forward, aft, starboard side, and port side, however, in instances where the traditional nautical terms are not used, it should be understood that these or similar or equivalent portions of the watercrafts 102, 104 are being referenced. In addition, as shown at FIGs 2 A, 2B, and 2C, there are shown various views of a second embodiment of a system for coupling a plurality of watercrafts, in an exploded configuration (FIG. 2A), in an assembled configuration and next to two adjacent individual watercrafts (FIG. 2B), and as seen from a top view (FIG. 2C), and FIGs 3A, 3B, and 3C show various views of a third embodiment of a system for coupling a plurality of watercrafts, in an exploded configuration (FIG. 3 A), in an assembled configuration and next to two adjacent individual watercrafts (FIG. 3B), and as seen from a top view (FIG. 3C).

[0041] In various instances, watercrafts 102, 104 may comprise suitable structures and functions to enable transport of individuals on water by keeping the individuals afloat on the water. Watercrafts 102, 104 may be provided, individually or collectively, as any type and size of watercraft; for instance, they may be paddleboards, kayaks, water tubes, canoes, or any combination thereof, etc. To stabilize movements of multiple connected watercrafts, the system 100 includes structural components including a forward connector rod 106, which may be a rod-type member configured to extend between the two watercrafts 102, 104 at forward regions 108, 110 of the respective watercrafts 102, 104, and an aft connector rod 112, which also may be a rod-type member configured to extend between the two watercrafts 102, 104 at aft regions 114, 116 of the respective watercrafts 102, 104.

[0042] In general, the system 100 includes the forward connector rod 106 that includes a first forward strap 118 that is connectable to a first portion of the forward connector rod 106 and a second forward strap 124 that is connectable to a second portion of the forward connector rod 106. As the first and second forward straps 118, 124 are connected to the forward connector rod 106, the forward connector rod 106 may be attached to forward portions 108, 110 of adjacent first 102 and second 104 watercrafts with the first 118 and second 124 forward straps. The system 100 also includes the aft connector rod 112 that includes a first aft strap 120 that is connectable to a first portion of the aft connector rod 112 and a second aft strap 120 that is connectable to a second portion of the aft connector rod 112. As the first and second aft straps 120, 122 are connected to the aft connector rod 112, the aft connector rod 112 may be attached to aft portions 114, 116 of adjacent first 102 and second 104 watercrafts with the first 120 and second 122 aft straps. In the shown embodiment, the first 118 and second 124 forward straps and the first 120 and second 122 aft straps may be looped around forward 108, 110 and aft 114, 116 portions of the watercrafts 102, 104, respectively, and tightened in place to secure the straps 118, 120, 122, 124 to the watercrafts 102, 104. The straps are at the comers and wrap around the nose or tail of the system and straps will connect to rods to prevent sliding. [0043] The connector rods 106, 112 may be comprised of rigid materials or include rigid features. For example, the rigid materials may comprise a metal, a wood, a plastic, a reinforced carbon composite, a composition of rigid materials, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, connector rods 106, 112 may each be a unitary member, however, in other embodiments, may each be comprised of multiple pieces configured to link together to form a single rod. Accordingly, the connector rods 106, 112 may comprise a solid cross-section along a length of the connector rods for increased rigidity. However, in other embodiments, the connector rods 106, 112 may have an annular cross-section along a length of the connector rods for decreased weight due to the connector rods being hollow. In instances in which the connector rods 106, 112 have the annular cross-section therein, the ends of the connector rods 106, 112 may have caps placed on the ends, which may help increase the flexibility and/or the buoyancy of the connector rods by trapping air in the annular cross-section. To maintain buoyancy during use in water, the caps may be sealed to the ends of hollow connector rods such that air does not escape from the interior of the connector rods. In embodiments, the connector rods 106, 112 may have a combination of solid cross sections and hollow cross sections along a length thereof, such that the connector rods have increased rigidity (e.g., due to solid cross-sectional portions) as well as increased flexibility and/or buoyancy (e.g., due to hollow cross-sectional portions).

[0044] Because the connector rods 106, 112 may be comprised of rigid materials or include relatively rigid features, the connector rods 106, 112 may effectively stabilize the watercraft assembly and the watercrafts 102, 104 on the water, and reduce or prevent uncontrolled or erratic movements and rotations of the watercrafts 102, 104 relative to each other during use of the assembly by one or more individuals. The increased stability of the watercraft assembly relative to the individual watercrafts enables the assembly to be more easily and effectively used by multiple individuals for recreational watersports, teaching or instruction, and other situations in which control of a plurality of watercrafts may be delegated (e.g., temporarily delegated) to a single individual or a subset of a plurality of individuals. [0045] The forward and aft straps 118, 120, 122, 124 may be comprised of a material or feature that is configured to be wrapped or tied around surfaces or structures. For example, the forward and aft straps 118, 120, 122, 124 may be comprised of a braided or woven material. In embodiments, the forward and aft straps 118, 120, 122, 124 may be comprised of an elastic material that stretches when pulled and returns to an original length when the pulling force is removed. In embodiments, the forward and aft straps 118, 120, 122, 124 may be comprised of a material that is braided and/or woven and is also elastic. Further, depending on the configuration, the forward and aft straps 118, 120, 122, 124, may all be the same material or structure, or may be comprised of the same or similar features. In embodiments, the forward and aft straps 118, 120, 122, and 124 may be comprised of different materials or features. For example, the first forward strap 118 and the second forward strap 120 may each comprise a braided material, while the first aft strap 122 and the second aft strap 124 may each comprise an elastic material. Any of these or other combinations of the strap material, as well as various placements within the system, are contemplated.

[0046] Terminal ends of the forward and aft straps 118, 120, 122, 124 may comprise mating fasteners 140 that are configured to engage respective opposite ends of the forward and aft straps 118, 120, 122, 124. The mating fasteners 140 may be clasps, hooks, carabiners, hook-and-loop, or another suitable fastener, or any combination thereof, to secure the forward and aft straps 118, 120, 122, 124 to the forward and aft regions 108, 114, 110, 116 of the watercrafts 102, 104. In a further aspect, a tension or a tightness of the forward and aft straps 118, 120, 122, 124 may be adjusted by tension couplings 142, which may include a suitable adjustment mechanism, such as a buckle. The forward and aft straps 118, 120, 122, 124 are engaged by the tension coupling 142. The tension coupling 142 may be any structure that allows a user to adjust tensions of the straps. When the ends of the straps are restrained, a movement of the straps is defined by adjustments of lengths of the straps 118, 120, 122, 124. The strap materials may engage structures of tension couplings 142, such that the user may apply a force to adjust the length of the strap material. Examples of tension couplings 142 include, but are not limited to, a hook-and4oop fastener and a buckle. The buckle types of tension couplings 142 may include a plate style, a frame style, a box frame box out, a snap buckles, an o-ring, a d-ring, or any combination thereof.

[0047] In various embodiments, the stabilization of the system 100 may be improved with stabilization straps 126, 128. The stabilization straps 126, 128 may fully occupy a segment and fully span a length between the forward connector rod 106 and the aft connector rod 112 when the system 100 is installed to the watercrafts 102, 104. The segment occupied by the stabilization straps 126, 128 may be perpendicular to the connector rods 106, 112, or, alternatively, may be non-perpendicular to the connector rods 106, 112. As shown at FIGs IB, 1C, ID, and IE, the stabilization straps 126, 128 are perpendicular to the connector rods 106,

112, and the first stabilization strap 126 is oriented on the starboard side of the first watercraft 102 and the second stabilization strap 128 is oriented on the port side of the second watercraft 104. However, in other embodiments and as shown at FIGs 2A, 2B, and 2C, the stabilization straps 126, 128 are perpendicular to the connector rods 106, 112, and the first stabilization strap 126 is oriented on the port side of the first watercraft 102 and the second stabilization strap 128 is oriented on the starboard side of the second watercraft 104. In yet other embodiments, and as shown at FIGs 3 A, 3B, and 3C, the stabilization straps 126, 128 are not perpendicular to the connector rods 106, 112, and are oriented in a cross-type orientation. In the cross-type orientation the first stabilization strap 126 may be positioned over the second stabilization strap 128 or, alternatively, the first stabilization strap 126 may be positioned under the second stabilization strap 128. Regardless of orientation or configuration, the opposite ends of the stabilization straps may be securely coupled with the connector rods 106, 112 to improve and maintain stability.

[0048] Similar to the forward and aft straps 118, 120, 122, 124, the stabilization straps 126, 128 may comprise a material or feature that is configured for wrapping or tying around surfaces and structures. For example, the stabilization straps 126, 128 may include a braided or woven feature or material. In embodiments, the stabilization straps 126, 128 may be comprised of an elastic material that stretches when pulled and returns to an original length when the pulling force is removed, and in various implementations, the stabilization straps 126, 128 may be comprised of a material or feature that is braided and/or woven and also elastic.

[0049] In addition, and similar to the forward and aft straps 118, 120, 122, 124, the stabilization straps 126, 128 may comprise mating fasteners 140 configured to engage respective opposite ends of the stabilization straps 126, 128. The mating fasteners 140 may be clasps, hooks, carabiners, hook-and-loop, or any combination thereof, to secure the stabilization straps 126, 128 to the forward connector rod 106 and the aft connector rod 112. The tightness or tension of stabilizations straps 126, 128 may be adjusted by adjustment of the tension couplings 142. The material of the stabilization strap 126, 128 is engaged by the tension coupling 142. The tension coupling 142 may be a structure that allows the user to increase or decrease the tension in the strap by using the structure to adjust the length of the stabilization strap 126, 128. Examples of the tension couplings may include, but may not be limited to: a hook-and-loop fastener, buckle, or both. The buckle-types of tension couplings may include but not be limited to: a plate style, a frame style, a box frame box out, a snap buckles, an o-rings or a d-rings style.

[0050] In various embodiments, the system 100 may comprise a net 132. The net

132 may comprise a material that may be water-permeable and, in general, may partially or fully span a space between the first watercraft 102 and the second watercraft 104. The net may be comprised of a material that is woven or stranded together to enable the net to support weight while also allowing water to flow therethrough. In embodiments, the net 132 may comprise a buoyant material, and/or may comprise mating fasteners 140 that enable a user to couple the net 132 to other components of the system 100, such as the forward and aft straps 118, 120, 122,

124, the stabilization straps 126, 128, or the connector rods 106, 112. The net 132 may also comprise tension couplings 142, which are structurally or functionally similar to those of the stabilization straps, that enable the user to adjust tightness or tension of the net 132. In various instances, the net 132 may define and provide a compartment 134, which may be a region of the net 132 that is configured to hold or store items during use of the system 100 or the net itself when the net 132 is not in use. The compartment 134 may be formed from the same material as the net 132, and in various aspects, may be comprised of a waterproof material. For example, the compartment may be made of a suitable material, such as a polymer or a plastic, to prevent the contents from being exposed to the elements.

[0051] In various embodiments, the system 100 may comprise cushions 130. The cushions 130 may be sized and configured to surround portions of the connector rods 106, 112 and provide comfort to the individuals during use. The cushions 130 may comprise a compressible material, such as a material that compresses when a force is applied and returns to its original shape when the force is removed. In another aspect, the cushions 130 may provide a buffer between connector rods 106, 112 and the watercrafts 102, 104. As a buffer, the cushions 130 may prevent the rods 106 and 112 from damaging watercrafts 102 and 104. The cushions 130 may, in various embodiments, comprise a compressive structure or buoyant material, and as such, the cushions 130 may provide additional buoyancy to the connector rods 106, 112 and the system 100 to increase stabilization of the system 100 during use.

[0052] While aspects of the present disclosure may be described and claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this is for convenience only and one of skill in the art will understand that each aspect of the present disclosure may be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way appreciably intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0053] Throughout this application, various publications may be referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this pertains. The references disclosed are also individually and specifically incorporated by reference herein for the material contained in them that is discussed in the sentence in which the reference is relied upon. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior present disclosure. Further, the dates of publication provided herein may be different from the actual publication dates, which may require independent confirmation.

[0054] The patentable scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0055] Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures is reserved.

[0056] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and its embodiments with modifications as suited to the use contemplated.

[0057] It is therefore submitted that the present invention has been shown and described in the most practical and exemplary embodiments. It should be recognized that departures may be made which fall within the scope of the invention. With respect to the description provided herein, it is submitted that the optimal features of the invention include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use. All structures, functions, and relationships equivalent or essentially equivalent to those disclosed are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

Hll FOLLOWING IS CLAIMED:

1. A system for coupling a plurality of watercrafts, the system comprising: a forward connector rod comprising a first forward strap connectable to a first portion thereof and a second forward strap connectable to a second portion thereof; and an aft connector rod comprising a first aft strap connectable to a first portion thereof and a second aft strap connectable to a second portion thereof; wherein the forward connector rod is coupled to a forward portion of a first watercraft via the first forward strap and a forward portion of a second watercraft via the second forward strap, and wherein the aft connector rod is coupled to an aft portion of the first watercraft via the first aft strap and an aft portion of the second watercraft via the second aft strap, the first and second watercrafts are coupled.

2. The system of claim 1, the system further comprising a first stabilization strap that is securable to the forward connector rod and the aft connector rod to occupy a first segment between the forward connector rod and the aft connector rod, and a second stabilization strap that is securable to the forward connector rod and the aft connector rod to occupy a second segment between the forward connector rod and the aft connector rod.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first stabilization strap, the second stabilization strap, or both, is adjustable.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first forward strap, the second forward strap, the first aft strap, the second aft strap, or any combination thereof, is adjustable.

5. The system of claim 1, the system further comprising a rod cushion that is configured to encompass an area of the forward connector rod or an area of the aft connector rod.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the area is positioned between the forward connector rod and the first watercraft, the forward connector rod and the second watercraft, the aft connector rod and the first watercraft, or the aft connector rod and the second watercraft.

7. The system of claim 1, the system further comprising a net that is couplable to the forward connector rod and the aft connector rod and spans a space between the first watercraft and the second watercraft when the first watercraft and the second watercraft are coupled by the system.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the net is couplable to the first forward strap, the second forward strap, the first aft strap, the second aft strap, or any combination thereof.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the net includes a storage compartment.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein a size or a shape of the net is adjustable.

11. The system of claim 2, wherein the first and second segments are perpendicular to the forward and aft connector rods.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first segment is adjacent to a port side of the first watercraft, and wherein the second segment is adjacent to a starboard side of the second watercraft.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the first segment is adjacent to a starboard side of the first watercraft, and wherein the second segment is adjacent to a port side of the second watercraft.

14. The system of claim 2, wherein the first and second segments are non perpendicular to the forward and aft connector rods and are configured as a cross-type arrangement.

15. A system for coupling a plurality of watercrafts, the system comprising: a forward connector rod comprising a first forward strap connectable to a first portion thereof and a second forward strap connectable to a second portion thereof, an aft connector rod comprising a first aft strap connectable to a first portion thereof and a second aft strap connectable to a second portion thereof, a first stabilization strap that is securable to the forward connector rod and the aft connector rod to span a first segment between the forward connector rod and the aft connector rod, and a second stabilization strap that is securable to the forward connector rod and the aft connector rod to span a second segment between the forward connector rod and the aft connector rod; wherein the forward connector rod is coupled to a forward portion of a first watercraft via the first forward strap and a forward portion of a second watercraft via the second forward strap, the aft connector rod is coupled to an aft portion of the first watercraft via the first aft strap and an aft portion of the second watercraft via the second aft strap, the first stabilization strap is secured to the forward connector rod at a first forward position and is secured to the aft connector rod at a first aft position, and the second stabilization strap is secured to the forward connector rod at a second forward position and is secured to the aft connector rod at a second aft position, the first and second watercrafts are stably coupled.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first and second segments are perpendicular to the forward and aft connector rods.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first segment is adjacent to a port side of the first watercraft, and wherein the second segment is adjacent to a starboard side of the second watercraft.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the first segment is adjacent to a starboard side of the first watercraft, and wherein the second segment is adjacent to a port side of the second watercraft.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the first and second segments are non perpendicular to the forward and aft connector rods.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the first and second segments are configured as a cross-type arrangement.