1. FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to apparatuses and methods for personal watercraft.

2. ART BACKGROUND

[0002] Personal watercraft, such as kayaks and canoes are paddled on lakes, oceans, and rivers by paddlers throughout the world. These watercrafts are less stable when water enters the cockpit making them more likely to overturn. Overturning can be dangerous and in some case life threatening. This risk is mitigated to some degree in kayaks with internal bulkheads. Internal bulkheads limit the amount of water can enter the kayak if capsized. In some kayaks, inflatable air bags are used to limit the amount of water that can enter the kayak. Even with these design features, stability is decreased when the kayak takes on water after a capsize and wet exit.

[0003] After the paddler wet exits, rights the kayak, and re-enters the cockpit the paddler pumps out the cockpit with a manual bilge pump. This requires the paddler to have the spray skirt removed from the cockpit coaming during manual pumping. Wave action can cause water to refill the cockpit as the paddler is pumping with the manual bilge pump. In some situations, it is not possible to pump the water out of the cockpit with the manual bilge pump because of the refilling caused by waves and the exhaustion that the paddler experiences during this process. This can present a problem.

l [0004] To prevent water from entering the cockpit of a decked kayak, the paddler wears a spray skirt. The spray skirt fits snuggly around the paddler's waist and attaches to the cockpit coaming with an elastic perimeter. During paddling on rivers, lakes, or on the ocean, water works its way into the cockpit through the interface between the spray skirt and the paddler and through the interface between the spray skirt and the coaming of the cockpit. Water in the kayak decreases stability and present a problem. Current methods of expelling this water are performed by hand by removing the spay skirt and using manual bilge pumps and sponges. Taking the spray skirt off exposes the paddler to the risk of more water entering the cockpit. This can present a problem.

[0005] When students are learning skills needed to kayak, such as rolling, bracing, and edging the kayak to turn they sometimes tip over and have to wet exit. Following a wet exit, students spend a long time pumping water out of the flooded cockpit by hand with a manual bilge pump, typically 4-6 minutes in a single person kayak with bulkheads. In a kayak without bulkheads or in multi- person kayaks the time to empty the cockpit by manual pumping is much longer. For this reason, some students avoid wet exiting and learn skills very slowly due to their fear of wet exiting. This can present a problem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The invention may best be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrate embodiments of the invention. The invention is illustrated by way of example in the

embodiments and is not limited in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

[0007] Figure 1A illustrates a block diagram of a system for expelling water from a personal watercraft electrically according to embodiments of the invention.

[0008] Figure 1B illustrates a sealed unit according to embodiments of the invention.

[0009] Figure 1 C illustrates an isometric view of a system for expelling water from a personal watercraft according to embodiments of the invention.

[0010] Figure 1D illustrates a system for expelling water from a personal watercraft according to embodiments of the invention.

[0011] Figure 2 illustrates personal watercraft cockpit fitted with a system for expelling water according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates a system for expelling water from a personal watercraft with a remote switch.

[0013] Figure 4A illustrates a power pod according to embodiments of the invention.

[0014] Figure 4B illustrates a molded switch unit according to

embodiments of the invention. [0015] Figure 5 illustrates a power pod according to embodiments of the invention.

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates another configuration of a power pod according to embodiments of the invention.

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates a method of making an apparatus to expel water from a personal watercraft.

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements and in which are shown by way of illustrations, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of skill in the art to practice the invention. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of this description. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims.

[0020] Figure 1A illustrates, generally at 100, a block diagram of a system for expelling water from a personal watercraft electrically according to

embodiments of the invention. With reference to Figure 1A, a sealed unit 102 is connected to a fluid movement device 104 via electrical conductor 106. A connector 108 is connected to an electrical cable 110. The electrical cable 110 is connected to the sealed unit 102.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the sealed unit 102 contains a source of electrical power and a switch. In one embodiment, the switch is a magnetic reed switch operated by a magnet 112. [0022] In various embodiments, the electrical connector 108 is a waterproof electrical-mechanical connector that provides a means of keeping water out of the electrical contacts while simultaneously providing mechanical locking between a mating connector body.

[0023] Figure 1 B illustrates, generally at 102, a sealed unit according to embodiments of the invention. With reference to Figure 1 B, the sealed unit 102 is shown in a cut-away view. The sealed unit 102 contains a solid body 124. The solid body 124 contains a source of electrical power 126 and a switch 128. In one or more embodiments, the solid body 124 is a block of material that contains the source of electrical power 126 and the switch 128.

[0024] One method of making the sealed unit 102 is to place the source of electrical power 126 and the switch 128 into a mold. Molding or potting material is then poured into the mold. The molding material engulfs the items placed within the mold, i.e., source of electrical power 126, switch 128, other

components (if any), and associated electrical connections. After the molding material dries, the sealed unit 102 provides a molded solid enclosure which keeps liquid away from the components contained within the volume of the solid body 124. Any molding material can be used such as urethane, epoxy, etc. It is generally desirable to use a molding material that functions as a good dielectric. Molding material with good dielectric properties permits bare wire connections to be molded while high resistance is maintained between electrical conductors that are in contact with the potting materials. [0025] As used in this description of embodiments, potting and molding are used interchangeably. The mold can be a single or multi-piece mold with an open top. The components are placed in the mold and the molding material is poured into the mold. In other embodiments, the mold has a closed top and the molding material is forced into the mold under pressure.

[0026] Depending on the molding material used and the material the elements are made from, which exit the molded shape, e.g., electrical conductors, etc. the surface can be primed to increase the adhesion between the molding/potting material and the elements. This is done to improve the water integrity of the finished unit.

[0027] The source of electrical power 126 is, in various embodiments, a battery or a battery pack made from a plurality of individual cells. Such a battery pack can be made with shrink-wrap applied over the outside of the individual cells. In such an embodiment, air might remain trapped under the shrink-wrap, between the shrink-wrap and the cells. In such a case, this air remains trapped within the solid body 124. Depending on the design of the system it can advantageous to pot a battery pack without shrink-wrap, thereby allowing the potting material to come into direct contact with the battery cells. Such a construction improves the transfer of heat between the battery cells and the exterior of the sealed unit. Additionally, or in place of removing the shrink wrap from a battery pack, additives can be mixed into the potting material to increase heat transfer through the potting material. [0028] The source of electrical power 126 is made in various embodiments from a battery or a battery pack comprised of a plurality of battery cells. The battery can be implemented with various chemistries such as a Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), Lithium Polymer (Lipo), Lithium Ferro (Iron) Phosphate (LiFeP04) or other battery chemistries yet to be developed. The battery chemistry does not limit embodiments of the invention.

[0029] In some embodiments, a battery control unit 130 is used to provide protection for the battery pack 26. The battery control circuit can be configured to perform one or more of the following functions: limit low end voltage, limit high end voltage during charging, and limit current supplied during charging.

[0030] The switch 128, is implemented with different technologies. In one or more embodiments, the switch 128 is a magnetic reed switch of the normally open type. When the switch 128 is in the presence of a magnetic field, the switch 128 closes, thereby completing the circuit and supplying power to the fluid movement device.

[0031] Switch 128 can be a magnetic reed switch, a toggle switch, a push button switch, or any other type of switch that is configured to switch the flow of electrical current on and off. One source of magnetic reed switches suitable for use herein are those made by AMSECO ^® and distributed by MOUSER ^®

Electronics, which can switch a level of current sufficient to run the fluid movement device 104 (Figure 1A). A switch capable of switching 3 amps of current at 11 to17 volts is adequate to run a fluid movement device capable of pumping water at a rate of 500 gallons per hour. A non-limiting example of a fluid movement device that can be used herein are bilge pumps made by Whale ^® and Rule ^® such as the Orca ^® 500 from Whale ^® or the Rule ^® 500. Different types of magnets can be used to actuate a magnetic reed switch, such as Alnico magnets, rare earth magnets such as Neodymium, etc.

[0032] Figure 1C illustrates, generally at Figure 1C, an isometric view of a system for expelling water from a personal watercraft according to embodiments of the invention. With reference to Figure 1C, a system is illustrated for expelling water from a personal watercraft generally at 140.

[0033] As used in this description of embodiments, the term personal watercraft is not limited to a single person but includes tandem and triple kayaks as well as multi-person canoes and other watercraft that can accommodate more than one person. All forms of watercraft are included in the term "personal watercraft" including but not limited to sea kayaks, recreational kayaks, touring kayaks, white water kayaks, K1 racing kayaks, racing canoes, recreational canoes, outrigger canoes, dragon boats, etc. No limitation is placed on the term personal watercraft. Embodiments of the invention are readily used in any watercraft that has a basin type of construction that can trap and hold a quantity of water therein.

[0034] A sealed unit 142 is, in various embodiments, a solid body which contains therein a source of electrical power 144 and a switch 146. A pump 156 is connected to the source of electrical power 144 via electrical conductors 158. In one embodiment, when the switch 146 is closed, by virtue of a magnetic field from a magnet 147, power flows from the source of electrical power 144 to the fluid movement device 156. In the on state, the fluid movement device 156 receives water 159 and expels water 161 through a port 160. [0035] The source of electrical power 144 is molded within the sealed unit 142. Molding provides isolation from water that the sealed unit is immersed in during operation of the system, thereby providing protection from water intrusion and system failure. Similarly, the switch 146 is protected from water intrusion due to the molding provided by the sealed unit 142. An electrical conductor 148 is fitted with and integrated electrical-mechanical connector 150. A sealing cap 152 is provided with a leash 154. The leash 154 keeps the sealing cap 152 from becoming separated or lost from the end of the electrical conductor 148. In various embodiments, the electrical conductor 148and electrical-mechanical connector 150 is referred to as a charging cable.

[0036] Figure 1D illustrates, generally at 170, a system for expelling water from a personal watercraft according to embodiments of the invention. With reference to Figure 1 D, a sealed unit 142 is connected to a fluid movement device 156 using an electrical cable 174, a waterproof electrical mechanical connector 172, and an electrical cable 176. The waterproof electrical mechanical connector 172 is separable into a first connector and a second connector, which permits the sealed unit 142 to be detached from the fluid movement device 156. In various embodiments, the sealed unit 142 functions as a removable power pod since it can be removed from the personal watercraft following disconnection at the waterproof electrical mechanical connector 172.

[0037] Figure 2 illustrates, generally at 200, a personal watercraft cockpit fitted with a system for expelling water according to an embodiment of the invention. With reference to Figure 2, a portion of a personal watercraft is shown in 200. A cockpit section 202 has a cockpit opening 204 therein. A deck surface is indicated at 203. In one or more embodiments, a system for removing water from the cockpit 202 is installed at a forward end of the cockpit 202 as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0038] In some personal watercraft, a cockpit compartment is bounded by a forward bulkhead 209 and a rear bulkhead 211. In other personal watercraft, the absence of bulkheads creates one long compartment. Embodiments of the present invention are installed in all manner of personal watercraft with or without bulkheads.

[0039] The system for expelling water 200 is mounted to the underside of the deck 203, wherein the components of the system are indicated with dashed lines, in one embodiment, a sealed unit 210 contains a switch and a source of electrical power, both of which are not shown, but are as previously described, molded within the sealed unit 210. The system includes a fluid movement device 212, the fluid movement device 212 receives electrical power from the sealed unit 210 via electrical conductors 213. When the switch is implemented as a magnetic reed switch, a magnet 206a closes the switch when moved to a closed position illustrated at 206b. In some embodiments, the magnet 206a slides along a deck bungee 208. In such an embodiments, the sealed unit 210 is installed under the deck 203 such that the deck bungee 208 permits the magnet 210 to travel within an "ON" region of the switch.

[0040] Components of the system, such as the sealed unit 210, the fluid movement device, etc. are attached with a releasable strip such as "Dual Lock" from 3M ^® or with a strip of foam such as mini-cell foam and cement, such as the product from 3M ^® referred to as 4693. Components of the system can also be used in conjunction with a plate or bracket for attachment to a surface of the personal watercraft. For example, in one embodiment, a plate is attached to the fluid movement device and the plate is attached to a surface of a personal watercraft. In various embodiments, a plate is made from a plastic such as polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a metal, or any other suitable material.

[0041] In various embodiments, a removable method of attaching electrical conductors to the inside surface of a personal watercraft utilizes a strip of mini- cell foam and an adhesive such as a strip of very high bond (VHB) tape from 3M ^® on one side and a strip of Dual Lock on the other side. Such a construction provides a removable flap, which can release the electrical conductor held between the strip of mini-cell foam and the surface of the personal watercraft once the flap is removed from the surface of the personal watercraft.

[0042] The fluid movement device 212 has a bilge hose 214 connected to a thru-hull fitting 216, thereby facilitating removal of water from the interior of the personal watercraft to the exterior of the personal watercraft.

[0043] A charge cable 218 exits the sealed unit 210 and has a waterproof electrical-mechanical connector 220 at its exposed end. To charge the sealed unit 210, a user connects a charging potential to the electrical-mechanical connector 220. The charging potential can be a charger that converts alternating current into direct current or it can be a source of direct current, from for example a solar panel, a battery, etc.

[0044] Figure 3 illustrates, generally at 300, a system for expelling water from a personal watercraft with a remote switch. With reference to Figure 3, a remote switch 304 is connected to a sealed unit 302 by an electrical conductor 306. The sealed unit 302 contains a source of electrical power 318. The source of electrical power 318 is in various embodiments a battery or a battery pack. In various embodiments, where the switch 304 is triggered by a magnetic field, an optional magnet 316 is illustrated.

[0045] A fluid movement device 308 is connected to the source of electrical power 318 with an electrical conductor 310. The electrical conductor 310 is in various embodiments, a pair of insulated conductors, a cable containing a pair of insulated conductors, a plurality of insulated conductors, etc.

[0046] A charge cable 312 has a waterproof electrical-mechanical connector 314 which is used to charge the source of electrical power 318.

[0047] As used in this description of embodiments, waterproof and weatherproof are used interchangeably to refer to exclusion of water. In some embodiments, a weather-proof connection is desired and other embodiments a waterproof connection is desired. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the environment for the systems described herein limits the water pressure applied to the system to several pounds per square inch.

[0048] Figure 4A illustrates, generally at 400, a power pod according to embodiments of the invention. With reference to Figure 4A, a sealed unit 402 contains a source of electrical power 404. An electrical conductor 408 has an electrical-mechanical connector 410 affixed thereto. Within the sealed unit 402, the electrical conductor 408 is attached to the source of electrical power 404. The electrical conductor 408 is typically a cable carrying two insulated conductors providing direct current. [0049] A sealed switch unit 406 has an electrical cable 412 connected thereto. The electrical cable 412 has a mechanical-electrical connector 414 which mates with the connector 410. When the connector 410 is mated to the connector 414 a waterproof connection is provided between the sealed unit 402 and the sealed switch unit 406. The sealed switch unit is a switch that has a normally open position and closed position. The sealed switch unit 406 provides a pass through for one of the electrical conductors, in some embodiments, to the fluid movement device 418.

[0050] Closing the switch provides a source of electrical power to the fluid movement device 418 via an electrical cable 416. In embodiments that utilize a switch that is closed by the presence of a magnetic field an optional magnet 420 is used as described above in conjunction with the preceding figures.

[0051] An optional charging cable 422 has a waterproof mechanical- electrical connector 424 which is used to recharge the source of electrical power 404. The sealed unit 402 can be removed by disconnecting connector 410 from the connector 412 thereby permitting the sealed unit 402 to be removed from the personal watercraft and brought to a convenient place where the source of electrical power 404 can be recharged.

[0052] Figure 4B illustrates, generally at 450, a molded switch unit according to embodiments of the invention. With reference to Figure 4B, a detailed view of the sealed switch unit 406 is shown therein. The sealed switch unit 406 contains a switch 452. Electrical conductors 412 enter the sealed switch unit 406 and electrical conductors 416 leave the sealed switch unit 406. An electrical conductor 456 passes through the sealed switch unit 406 and an electrical conductor 454 is switched between open and closed via the switch 452. As described above, the switch can be a switch that closes in the presence of a magnetic field such as a magnetic reed switch.

[0053] Figure 5 illustrates, generally at 500, a power pod according to embodiments of the invention. With reference to Figure 5, a power pod 522 is illustrated in conjunction with a system for removing water from a personal watercraft.

[0054] A cockpit 502 of a personal watercraft contains a sealed switch unit 510. The sealed switch unit 510 is connected to a sealed unit 508 by electrical conductor 512. The sealed switch unit provides power to a pump 516 via electrical conductors 514. The pump output is connected to a thru-hull fitting 520 via bilge hose 518. In the view provided by Figure 5, the upper deck is not shown for ease of illustration and to prevent excessive use of dashed lines.

[0055] The cockpit 502 can be defined by a forward bulkhead 504 and an aft bulkhead 506. In other embodiments, the personal watercraft does not have . bulkheads, instead it is defined by one large compartment.

[0056] The power pod 522 is connected to the source of electrical power 508 via electrical-mechanical connector 524. The power pod 522 can be removed from the personal watercraft by disconnecting electrical mechanical connector 524.

[0057] Figure 6 illustrates, generally at 600, another configuration of a power pod according to embodiments of the invention. With reference to Figure 6, a top view of a personal watercraft is shown with an outer surface of the personal watercraft indicated at 602. An interior volume of the personal watercraft is indicated at 608. The interior volume 608 can be an open area or an area closed by a top deck (not shown) with cockpit opening defined by a coaming (not shown).

[0058] The interior volume 608 can be defined by a forward bulkhead 604 and an aft bulkhead 606. In other embodiments, the personal watercraft does not have bulkheads, instead it is defined by one large compartment.

[0059] A sealed unit 628 is coupled to a surface of the personal watercraft 602. As described above, the sealed unit 628 contains a source of electrical power and a switch. The sealed unit is connected to a fluid movement device 616 with an electrical cable 626, a waterproof electrical mechanical connector 622, and an electrical cable 624. An output of the fluid movement device 616 is connected to a thru-hull fitting 620 using a hose 618.

[0060] The sealed unit 628 can have an optional charging cable 630, which permits a source of electrical power contained within the sealed unit to be charged by connection of a charging device thereto. In various embodiments, a charging device can be a charging adapter such as an alternating current (AC) adapter that converts 110 volts or 220 volts alternating current into direct current sufficient to charge the source of electrical power. In other embodiments, the charging device can be a solar panel, which converts sunlight into electrical energy adapted to charge the source of electrical power contained within the sealed unit 628. In other embodiments, the charging device is a battery.

Alternatively, the waterproof electrical mechanical connector 622, when disconnected, can provide a port with which to charge the source of electrical power contained within the sealed unit 628. [0061] In some circumstances, it might be desirable to remove the sealed unit 628 from the personal watercraft in order charge the source of electrical power. The sealed unit 628 can be removed from the waterproof electrical mechanical connector 622 can be used to disconnect the sealed unit 628 from the fluid movement device 616.

[0062] Figure 7 illustrates, generally at 700, a method of making an apparatus to expel water from a personal watercraft. With reference to Figure 7, a process starts at a block 702. At a block 704 a source of electrical power and at least one electrical cable are combined within a volume. At a block 706, a solid body is formed with the components previously combined together. At a block 708 the process stops. The solid body is made by encapsulating the components in urethane or rubber so that the components are sealed from intrusion by water.

[0063] Note that one or more components of the systems previously described can be located in other compartments within a personal watercraft. For example, some sea kayaks have a series of three bulkheads which define four separate compartments. A cockpit is the compartment in which the user sits. A forward compartment shares a forward bulkhead with the cockpit. Behind or aft of the cockpit, is a "day compartment." Aft of the day compartment is an aft compartment.

[0064] In some embodiments, a sealed unit containing a source of electrical power and a switch are placed in a day compartment. An electrical conductor(s) comes through a bulkhead in order to supply electrical power to a fluid movement device located in the cockpit. Electrical conductors for a switch can also be passed through a bulkhead to place portions of the system in either a day compartment, aft compartment or forward compartment. It is typically the case that it is the cockpit that the user desires to empty water from. The other compartments are typically fitted with water tight hatches. However, additional fluid movement devices are fitted in one or more of the forward compartment, day compartment, or rear compartment.

[0065] In some embodiments, one or more of the system components is installed in a compartment just forward of the cockpit. This small forward compartment is referred to by various names such as glove box, etc.

[0066] Some magnetic reed switches have multiple "ON" areas, e.g., an oval flanked by a circle on one side and then a circle on the other. In some embodiments, a magnetic reed switch is mounted approximately 0.5 inch below the surface of the deck on which the magnet slides. Mounting the magnetic reed switch 0.5 inch below deck eliminates the "ON" areas presented by the circles, retains the "ON" areas presented by the oval. Doing this provides a single ON area that is simpler for the user. Other magnetic reed switches require a different separation distance from the magnet however.

[0067] As used in this description of embodiments, the term personal watercraft is not limited to a single person but includes tandem and triple kayaks as well as multi-person canoes and other watercraft that can accommodate more than one person. As used in this description of embodiments, a fluid movement device is an electric bilge pump.

[0068] The systems described above that remove fluid from personal watercraft electrically; enable a user to expel the water that enters a typical 18- foot sea kayak following a wet exit in approximately 1 minute. In one

embodiment, such a system consists of a nominally 500 gallon per hour pump powered by a 14.8 volt 2200 mAh Lithium Ion battery or 12.8 volt 1500 mAh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery. This is accomplished with the spray skirt on with two hands on the paddle and two feet on the foot-pegs. The systems described herein are extendable to dual cockpit and triple cockpit kayaks by placing a pump in each compartment and by running wires for power. In other embodiments, larger capacity pumps are used such as 900 gallon per hour, 1250 gallon per hour, etc. Larger capacity sources of electrical power can also be used such as 3000 mAh battery packs with either the 500 gallon per hour pumps or the larger capacity pumps.

[0069] For purposes of discussing and understanding embodiments of the invention described herein, it is to be understood that various terms are used by those knowledgeable in the art to describe techniques and approaches.

Furthermore, in this description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention presented. It will be evident, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention,

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and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the invention described.

[0070] As used in this description, "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or similar phrases mean that the feature(s) being described is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. References to "one embodiment" in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment; however, neither are such embodiments mutually exclusive. Nor does "one embodiment" imply that there is but a single embodiment of the invention. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in "one embodiment" may also be included in other embodiments. Thus, the invention may include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

[0071] While the invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, those of skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative instead of limiting.