GB2188594A - Collapsible canoe - Google Patents

Abstract

A canoe adapted to be collapsed or disassembled for transportation but which, when assembled is capable of use in sea going applications, said canoe comprising a fore skeletal half frame 1 and an aft skeletal half frame 2 each comprising a number of separate frame members and releasably connected together at 24 by a plurality of overcentre locking devices, and a hull skin 25 adapted to sheath said half frames when connected together. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Collapsible canoe This invention relatestocollapsibleorfolding canoes and more particularly to a vessel of the kind which is able to be disassembled for packing into two or more "carry" bags when not in use.

So-called "folding canoes" have been known since before World War II but hitherto such have been confined to comparatively fragile craft quite unsuited to any use otherthan on bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, dams, sheltered inlets and the like, and certainly not on the open sea.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a large and robust sea-going canoe, suitable for heavy usage by such as the armed forces, yet which can easily and rapidly be disassembled and packed into two or more carry bags.

To this end, then, there is provided, according to one aspect of present invention, a folding canoe including a fore skeletal half-frame and an aft skeletal half-frame releasably connectable together by a plurality of over-centre locking devices, said fore skeletal half-frame comprising a stem post, a port bow keelson stringer connected thereto and hingedly connected to a port mid-forward keelson stringer, a starboard bow keelson stringer connected to said stem post and hingedly connected to a starboard mid-forward keelson stringer, a port bow gunwale stringer connected to said stem post and hingedly connected to a port mid-forward gunwale stringer, a starboard bow gunwale stringer connected to said stem post and hingedly connected to a starboard mid-forward gunwale stringer, a stem bulkhead and a mid-forward bulkhead, both releasably located within said fore skeletal half-frame;; said aft skeletal half-frame comprising a stern post, a port stern keelson a stringer connected thereto and hingedly connected to a port mid-aft keelson stringer, a starboard stern keelson stringer connected to said stern post and hingedly connected to a starboard mid-aft keelson stringer, a port stern gunwale stringer connected to said stern post and hingedlyconnectedtoa port mid-aft gunwale stringer, a starboard stern gunwale stringer connected to said stern post and hingedly connected to a starboard mid-aft gunwale stringer, a stern bulkhead and a spaced-apart pair of mid-aft bulkheads, all three releasably located within said aft skeletal halfframe; and a hull skin adapted to sheath said halfframes when connected together.

The inventive canoe may well further include a mast-supporting tabernacle disposed above the mid-forward gunwale stringers intermediate the stem and a mid-forward bulkheads and connected to the stem post via a foredeck centreline member, a port mid-forward coaming connected to thetab- ernacle and hingedly connected to a port mid-aft coaming and a starboard mid-forward coaming connected to the tabernacle and hingedly connected to a starboard mid-aft coaming; the after ends of these coamings being releasably attachable to the stern bulkhead.

Preferably, a pair of elongated inflatable sponsons may be disposed in respectivesponson pockets on the inside of the hull skin, one on each side ofthe canoe.

Ideally, the releasable fixings of bulkheads-to- keelson stringers, and of bulkheads-to-coamings, may be achieved by means of over-centre locking devices of the 'quick-release' kind, while the keelson stringers of the two skeletal half-frames may be joined by 'heavy duty' locking devices as will hereinafter be described.

In orderthatthe reader may gain a better understanding ofthe present invention, hereinafter will be described a preferred embodiment thereof, byway of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a two-man folding canoe according to the present invention; Figure2 is a typical transverse cross-section through the vessel; Figure 3 shows a bulkhead-to-coaming quick- release, over-centre locking device; Figure 4shows a bulkhead-to-keelson stringer quick release, over-centre locking device; Figure 5is a plan view of a heavy-duty, keelson stringer-to-keelson stringer locking device; and Figure 6is a corresponding side elevation.

The skeletal frame is composed oftwentynine primary components, namely stem and stern posts, eight keelson stringers, eight gunwale stringers, four coamings, five bulkheads and two deck centreline members. As will be seen in Figure 1 the frame of the canoe includes a fore skeletal half-frame, generally referenced 1, and an aft skeletal half-frame, generally referenced 2.

The stem post 3 is preferably moulded from polyurethanewhich is effective to absorb energy in the event of bow impact. Stern post 4 is generally similar but is fitted with a case aluminium rudder-post 5. External to the hull skin, and to the stem and the stern posts 3 and 4, are polyurethane-coated black rubber protection strips, as that referenced 6.

Extending aft from stem post3 are two keelson stringers, the port side keelson stringer7 only being visible in Figure 1. It is to be understood that the star- board side ofthe skeletal frame of the inventivefolding canoe is a mirror-image ofthe port side described herein. Hingedly connected to these two bow keelson stringers at the points referenced at 8 are two mid-forward keelson stringers, as 9.

Also extending aft from stem post 3 are two gunwale stringers, the port side gunwale stringer 10 only being seen in Figure 1. Hingedly connected tothese two bow gunwale stringers at the points referenced 11 are two mid-forward gunwale stringers 12.

Aforward deck centreline member 13 additionally extends aft from stem post 3 to connect with a mastsupporting tabernacle 14. This tabernacle has, converged upon it, port and starboard mid-forward coamings, as referenced 15, hingedly connected as at 16to associated mid-aft coamings, as 17. The after ends ofthe port and starboard mid-aft coamings are releasably attachable to the stern bulkhead, as will be later set out. Thus, the plan ofthefourcoamingsis reminiscent of a gothic arch having its apex atthe tabernacle 14.

Spacing apart and bracing the various keelson and gunwale stringers are five bulkheads; a stem bulkhead 18, a stern bulkhead 19 and three intermediate bulkheads 20, 21 and 22.

Turning nowto Figure2,thisshowsatypical bulkhead and its essential spatial relationship to the associated skeletal frame members. In Figure 2, a bulkhead is disposed between keelson and gunwale stringers as have been previously described. The particular bulkhead shown is one of three intermediate bulkheads and is "open" while the stem and stern bulkheads, 18 and 19 on Figure 1, are "closed" as shown in chain-line at 23.

One longitudinal half ofthe skeletal frame has been described above; the other longitudinal half being substantially identical.

Each half-frame, that is to say, the fore skeletal half-frame and the aft skeletal half-frame, can be collapsed orsofolded up asto enable itto be packed in a "carry-bag"; the forward and aftdeckcentreline members are removed togetherwith the four coamings, andthe keelson and gunwale stringers folded at their hinge points so as to overlie each other.

As will be realised, the fore and aft skeletal halfframes can be releasably joined together at the mid- point 24, as will be described hereinafter and, in this regard, all the hinges, brackets, locking devices and the like yet to be described are fabricated from rustl corrosion resistant material such as stainless steel.

The keelson and gunwale stringers can be offibreglass "foam sandwich" construction, the bulkheads moulded from such as APT, the deck centreline members of such as fiberglass rod ortube, and the coamings of extruded aluminium.

Covering the assembled skeletal frame is a hull skin, a one-piece element generally referenced 25 in Figures 1,2and3.

To digress, it may here be said thatthe first step in the assembly ofthe inventive craft is to take the hull skin from its carry bag and to spread it out on a flat, preferably clean, surface. The fore and aft halfframes are then unfolded and pushed down into the respectivefore and aftends ofthe hull skin, and only then joined at the mid-point.

As regardsthejoining ofthefore and aft skeletal half-frames, in Figure3 isto be seen a bulkhead-tocoaming quick-release, over-centre locking device.

The coaming is extruded aluminium and has across- section as referenced 30. To enable hull skin 25to be firmly entrapped in the coaming section, the latter has a sharp land 31 which effectively immobilises hull skin 25 but enables itto be stretched oferthe skeletal frame. Further, to preventthe hull skin anchorfrom "wobbling" in the coaming g rooves, a profiled extruded saddle 32 is interposed between the bulkhead, as 20,21,22 and coaming 30. The quick-reiease, overcentre locking device includes a bracket 33 affixable to the bulkhead, a spring-clip member34 and a linking, finger-actuated integer 35.

Itwill be readily appreciated that appropriate manipulation ofinterger35will lockthe coaming to, or release it from, the bulkhead via the saddle.

Similarly, and having recourse nowto Figure 4, a bulkhead-to-keelson stringer is to be seen. To a keelson stringer, as 7,9 etc., is releasably affixed a bulkhead, as 13, 19,20,21,22 via a bracket 36 affixable to the keelson stringer, a vertical extension ofthis bracket abutting the lower web of the bulkhead. A spring-clipmember37anda linking,finger-actuated integer 38 together constitute an effective overcentre, quick-release locking device.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a heavy-duty, keelson stringer-to-keelson stringer locking device. Figure 5 is a top plan view showing a fragment of a mid-aft keelson stringer 39 and a juxtaposed fragment of a mid-forward keelson stringer 40. To mid-aft keelson stringer 39 a V-shaped member 41 is pivoted, the free ends ofthe limbs of member41 beingjournalled between a pairoftrunnions 42 and 43. The bightofVshaped member41 is engageable with a co-acting locating block44which is rigidly affixed to the midforward keelson stringer40. A groove 45 in the free edge of block 44 engages with a rod or spindle 46, so that the V-shaped member and the locating block together constitute an over-centre, quick-release locking device.

Above and overlying the deck portion of the hull skin and extending aboutthe cockpit region may be a spray cover incorporating a chart pocket located between the cockpits; also between the cockpits may be a compass binnacle mounted centrally upon a transverse stainless steel bracket or support.

In addition to the above-mentioned components, the deck portion ofthe hull skin may also be provided with such items as a stern painter ring; anchor pocket and life-line storage pouch; stern paddleblade pockets; a vertical lifting ring; stern portage handlegrips; paddle-retaining straps; tow-rope pockets; drainage holes; cleats; forward portage handlegrips; paddle fittings; a bow vertical lifting ring; bow portage handlegrip; and a bow painter ring, etc., etc.

Attached to the stern of the spray cover may be a luminous patch or strip and, adapted to be attached to, and extend about, the peripheries ofthe two cockpits, held in position by such means as a "Velcro" fastening tape, there may be provided what are known as "spray vests", these cladding the body of a paddlerupto chest level and having crossedshoulder-straps.

Aswell as being well-adapted for progression by paddling, the two-man sea-going canoe ofthe present invention may be efficiently sailed. To this end there may be provided a mast 50 to which is bent a mainsail 51. Mainsail 51 is set via a boom 52 and a gaff 53, hoist by parrel 54; also provided may be a loose-footedforesail 55. Mainsail 51 and foresail 55 may be cut from anysuitablesailclothfabricand mainsail 51 may be provided with two or more bat tens, as referenced 56 and 57. Reef points 64, for shortening sail, are provided on mainsail 51.

Inside the hull, relative to the disposition of the tandem cockpits, are suitable seats with backrests, and footrests are also provided. The aft footrest incorporates steering pedals from which cables pass to a transverse member integral with a rudder pin tled on the rudder post 5, as is conventional. Buoy ancysafety bags are provided for stowage in the stem and stern ends ofthe canoe.

A most significantfeature of the present invention is the provision of a pair of elongated inflatable sponsons-referenced 60, 61 in Figure 2, these being confined in airsponson pockets 62, 63 respectively on the inside of the hull skin; the sponsons, when inflated, conferring not only buoyancy but ensuring that the hull skin is tightly stretched over the skeletal frame ofthe vessel. Inflatable sponsons 60, 61 extend from bow to stern of the vessel. Certain adverse sailing conditions may well be ameliorated by use of such aids as an outrigger and, in the present invention such is provided as optional equipment.An outrigger, cross-support member or boom is rigged athwartships, across the spray cover and just aft the front cockpit, the outrigger boom being located on appropriately-positioned chafing pads and attached to the coamings by such means as J-bolts. The outrigger itself is preferably an inflatable tube and may weil be provided with a leeboard, which, of course, functions as a drop-keel as and when necessary underthe prevailing weather conditions.

Thetwo-man seagoing canoeaccordingtothe pre- sent invention will not only fold so as to be transportable on, say, a motor vehicle roof-rack, boot or tray but can be disassembled and packed into asfew as two carry bags, each one of which is able to be easily carried by a fit adult male such as a serviceman. In fact, the production weight ofthe canoe is only in the region of about50kg,36kg ofthis being duetothe skeletal frame and 14kg tothe hull skin. Each main carry bag is made of a heavy duty fabric.

Since it is envisaged that the craft will be in the region of, say, 5 metres length over all, each main carry bag may well be no more than perhaps 1 1/2 metres long,thus being quite manageable by one person.

One of the main carry bags may have transported therein the fore skeletal half-frame; inflatablespon- son tubes; seats and backrests; bulkheads and foot- rest; paddles and steering equipment; and the coaming members. The other carry bag may contain the stern skeletal half-frame; hull skin and deckfabric; spray cover and spray vests; towing lines and life lines; spare paddles; folding anchor and sea anchor or killick; compass; foot pump; sponge and bailer; and a repair kit.Athird carry bag may contain the sailing gear, such as the mast assembly; mainsail; foresail; boom, gaff and fittings therefor; sidestays or shrouds; all necessary lines, cables etc; outrigger cross-support member and fittings therefor; inflatable outriggertubes with fibreglass battens; lee boards and fittings therefor; all blocks, shackles, etc.

The two-man sea-going canoe as has been descri bed hereinbefore has many advantages and novel features, as listed hereunder: The vessel is practically unsinkable even when filled with water plus 1 OOkg of equipment plus 12 stone crew members.

The vessel can be disassembled for packing into a minimum oftwo carry bags.

The skeletal frame has fqw components, thus re ducing risk of loss of parts.

Assembly can be carried out by untrained oper ators.

The craft is fully sea-going, and may be launched not onlyfrom the shore but from submarines, support ships, and the like.

All the primary construction components will float.

All locking and joining components are adapted for positive and rapid assembly ofthe members, and are rust-resistant.

The inflatable sponsons can be inflated by mouth if necessaryordesirable.

The twinned keelson stringers impartgreatstability in both calm and rough sea conditions.

The collapsible plastic rudder assists in safe operation in difficult tidal or windy conditions.

From the abovegoing, the readerwill readily appreciate that folding, two-man seagoing canoes con structed i n also rda nce with in accordancewiththepresentinvention will provide its users with a new or much-improved kind of craft or, at the very least, offerto them a most useful and undeniably attractive choice.

Claims (8)

1. Afolding canoe including aforeskeletal halfframe and an aft skeletal half-frame releasably con nectable together by a plurality of over-centre locking devices, said fore skeletal half-frame comprising a stem post, a port bow keelson stringer connected thereto and hingedly connected to a port midforward keelson stringer, a starboard bow keelson stringer connected to said stem post and hingedly connected to a starboard mid-forward keelson stringer, a port bow gunwale stringer connected to said stem post and hingedly connected to a port midforward gunwale stringer, a starboard bow gunwale stringer connected to said stem post and hingedly connected to a starboard mid-forward gunwale stringer, a stem bulkhead and a mid-forward bulkhead, both releasably located within said fore skeltal halfframe;; said aft skeletal half-frame comprising a stern post, a port stern keelson stringer connected thereto and hingedly connected to a port mid-aft keelson stringer, a starboard stern keelson stringerconnected to said stern post and hingedly connected to a starboard mid-aft keelson stringer, a port stern gunwale stringer connected to said stern post and hingedlyconnectedtoa port mid-aft gunwale stringer, a starboard stern gunwale stringer connected to said stern post and hingedly connected to a starboard mid-aft gunwale stringer, a stern bulkhead and a spaced-apart pair of mid-aft bulkheads, all three releasably located within said aft skeletal haifframe; and a hull skin adapted to sheath said halfframes when connected together.

2. The folding canoe as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said stem and stern posts, keelson stringers, gunwale stringers and bulkheads are fabricated from plastic materials.

3. Thefolding canoeasclaimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, further including a mast-supporting tabernacle disposed above said mid-forward gunwale stringers intermediate said stem and mid-forward bulkheads and connected to said stem post via aforedeck centreline member, a port mid-forward coam ing connected to said tabernacle and hingedly con- nected to a port mid-aft coaming, and a starboard mid-foward coaming connected to said tabernacle and hingedly connected to a starboard mid-aft coaming; and after ends of said port and starboard mid-aft coamings being releasably attachable to said stern bulkhead.

4. The folding canoe as claimed in any one ofthe preceding Claims, wherein there is provided a pair of elongated inflatable sponsons disposed in respective sponson pockets on the inside of said hull skin, one one each side of said canoe.

5. Thefolding canoe as claimed in any one ofthe preceding Claims, wherein said intermediate bulkheads are releasably affixable to the said coamings by means of over-centre locking devices of the 'quickrelease' kind.

6. The folding canoe as claimed in any one ofthe preceding Claims wherein said keelson stringers are releasably affixable to said bulkheads by means of over-centre locking devices of the 'quick-release' kind.

7. The folding canoe as claimed in any one ofthe preceding Claims, wherein said mid-forward and mid-aft keelson stringers are releasably connectable together by means of 'heavy duty' locking devices; each locking device including a V-shaped member the free ends of the limbs of which are pivoted to a mid-aft keelson stringer adjacent one end thereof, the bight of said V-shaped member being en gageablewith a co-acting locating block rigidly affixed to a mid-forward keelson stringer adjacent an end thereof adapted to abutthe said one end of said mid-aft keelson stringer.

8. Afolding canoe, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.