Description Background of the invention

The present invention refers to a pleasure boat moved with oars or with paddles and/or by means of an auxiliary electric motor and/or sail mast. More specifically, the present invention refers to a monocoque transparent pleasure boat, provided with a substantially triangular shape, if seen in top plan view, and made of rigid plastic material, preferably made of transparent polycarbonate.

In the present context, with boat it is intended a recreation item provided with a hull with length equal to or less than 10 meters.

The most widespread pleasure boats moved with oars or paddles are mainly the canoe, the kayak, the twin-hulled boat, and the so-called row boats, typically made with hull made of wood or fiberglass.

The twin-hull boat is a pleasure boat with oars constituted by two parallel floats, termed torpedo- shaped bulbs, gondolas, dinghies or peaks, joined together by crosspieces that support the seats. It is mainly used for rescue and for fun in the sea and is typically moved with a pair of oars. One of the disadvantages associated with the twin-hull boat is the poor transportability, mostly due to its structural geometry and considerable weight. In addition, its movement is not easy, in terms of maneuverability in water, given that it is necessary to suitably coordinate the movement of the oars, and that a considerable effort must often be carried out, mainly due to the weight itself of the twin-hull boat. During periods of non-use, moreover, in order to store the twin-hull boat it is necessary to arrange great spaces, suitable for the considerable size of such boat.

Also the common row boats have similar disadvantages in addition to those linked to the materials with which they are built. If made of wood, they in fact require a difficult and continuous maintenance, while if made of fiberglass, even if the required maintenance is relatively lower, they still often have high costs.

Canoes and kayaks are boats with paddle propulsion, respectively with single or double blade. Such crafts are typically made of plastic material and much lighter, easier to handle and maneuver than the common row boats and twin-hull boats. In particular, kayaks have a length typically comprised between 2.75 and 5.80 meters and are substantially constituted by a single hull that is wider in its central portion and progressively narrower towards the ends, i.e. stern and prow. Typically, the bottom of the hull is V-shaped or curved. The main disadvantage associated with the kayaks and canoes is their poor stability in water, in particular in terms of resistance to rolling, which often causes undesired overturning. There are also inflatable kayak types, which however are associated with further disadvantages, in particular relative to safety, in terms of buoyancy.

Brief description of the invention

In order to remedy the abovementioned disadvantages, surpassing the solutions offered by the prior art, an innovative monocoque transparent boat 1 is described and claimed herein, preferably moved with paddles, provided with high maneuverability, lightness and high stability in water, in particular in terms of resistance to rolling. This is provided both by the shape of its hull, ensuring the so-called form stability, and by the presence of at least two reserves of buoyancy constituted by at least two float elements 14, 15, preferably inflatable. Given that it is provided with a limited size volume, moreover, the boat 1, object of the present invention, can be easily stored during periods of non-use. Further advantages of the claimed boat 1 are its lightness, limited production costs and minimum need for maintenance, it being also constituted by a limited number of pieces.

The boat 1, object of the present invention, is characterized by a substantially triangular plan and comprises a shaped sheet made of rigid plastic material, preferably transparent polycarbonate, and at least one seat element 11, said sheet being shaped in a manner so as to have a central hull 7 and two angular lateral structures 2, 3. The seat element 11 is reversibly constrained to the central hull 7 by means of common connection bars 12, 13, preferably with three elements. The central hull 7 is also constrained, by means of a V-shaped angular bar 9, to a rear closure element 8, with triangular section, provided with a through hole through said section and reversibly capped by a cap 17. The central hull 7 has width and depth that are progressively decreasing from the stern towards the prow; the depth is decreasing until it is substantially reduced to zero, terminating at the upper vertex (20) of the stem. Each angular lateral structure 2, 3 is provided with an upper portion 4, 4' and with a lateral portion 5, 5' projecting downward, and tilted approximately perpendicularly with respect to said upper portion 4, 4' . The angular lateral structures 2, 3 are constrained to each other at the front part, i.e. at the prow, by means of an angular bar 10. The upper portions 4, 4' have a progressively decreasing width, in a manner such that each is wider on the rear part, i.e. at the stern, and narrower at the front part, i.e. at the prow. On top of each upper portion 4, 4', two handles 6, 6' are present.

The boat 1 is also provided with at least two floats 14, 15, i.e. two reserves of buoyancy, made of plastic material, which can be rigid or, preferably, inflatable. Said two floats 14, 15 are housed between the upper portion 4, 4' and the external lateral portion 5, 5' of a respective angular lateral structure 2, 3, given that they are fixed to a respective handle 6, 6' by means of common flexible fixing means, preferably laces.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of the boat 1, in which the V-shaped central hull 7 is observed along with the two angular lateral structures 2, 3 and the seat element 11, constrained to the central hull 7 by means of the connection bars 12, 13, and the rear closure element 8 with triangular section, constrained to the central hull 7 by means of the V-shaped angular bar 9, said rear closure element 8 being provided with a through hole through said rear closure element 8 and reversibly capped by means of the cap 17. It is also observed that the angular lateral structures 2, 3 are reversibly constrained at the front part by means of the angular bar 10 and that each are provided with a lateral portion 5, 5' projecting downward and with an upper portion 4, 4', the latter being provided with a handle 6, 6' . Also observed are two floats 14, 15, housed between the upper portion 4, 4' and the lateral portion 5, 5' of a respective angular lateral structure 2, 3.

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the boat 1, object of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a top view of the boat 1, in which in particular it is observed that the boat 1 has a substantially triangular plan and that the central hull 7 is provided with length L and with rear width W. It is observed that the width of the central hull 7 progressively decreases towards the prow along the length L of the central hull 7. It is also observed that the width of the upper portions 5, 5' of the angular lateral structures 2, 3 progressively decreases towards the front part, i.e. towards the prow, of the boat 1. In this embodiment, the seat element 11 is provided with lower length with respect to the preceding Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the boat 1, obtained with the angular lateral structures 2, 3 made of transparent polycarbonate, in which in particular the floats 14, 15 are observed, housed in the respective angular lateral structures 2, 3.

Figure 5 is a side perspective view of the boat 1.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the boat 1 in which a third float 16 is observed, housed within the central hull 7.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention will now be described in detail by means of embodiments thereof. It is specified that the embodiments of the invention, and specifically the structural details thereof, have been described for exemplifying purposes and hence it is not at all intended to limit the range of the present invention with such structural details.

It is also specified that further structural variants, which will be evident to a man skilled in the art, do not lie outside the scope of the present invention.

The boat 1, object of the present invention, is characterized by a substantially triangular plan and comprises a shaped sheet made of rigid plastic material, preferably transparent polycarbonate with thickness preferably comprised between 10 and 2 mm, more preferably equal to about 4 mm, and at least one seat element 11, on which the user can comfortably stretch out. Said sheet is shaped in a manner so as to be provided with a central hull 7 and with two angular lateral structures 2, 3. Each angular lateral structure 2, 3 is provided with an upper portion 4, 4' and with a lateral portion 5, 5' projecting downward, and tilted approximately perpendicularly with respect to said upper portion 4, 4' . The angular lateral structures 2, 3 are constrained together at the front part, i.e. at the prow, by means of an angular bar 10, in order to provide further structural stability, even if said sheet with which the boat 1 is made is substantially self-supporting. The upper portions 4, 4' have a progressively decreasing width, in a manner such that each is wider on the rear part, i.e. at the stern, and narrower at the front part, i.e. at the prow. On top of each upper portion 4, 4', two handles 6, 6' are present. The seat element 11 is reversibly constrained to the central hull 7 by means of common connection bars 12, 13, preferably with three elements.

The central hull 7 of length L is provided with a substantially V-shaped bottom. The rear width W of the central hull 7, which is also its maximum width, progressively decreases along the length L of the central hull 7, as can be observed in the enclosed Figure 3. The central hull 7, therefore, is provided with greater width at the stern, i.e. at the rear part, and with width progressively decreasing towards the prow, i.e. towards the front part. Also the depth of the central hull 7 progressively decreases towards the prow. The central hull 7 is therefore provided with a greater depth at the stern and with lower depth at the prow. In particular, the depth decreases until it is substantially reduced to zero, terminating at the upper vertex (20) of the stem. A rear closure element 8 is reversibly fixed to the rear edge of the hull 7, preferably by means of a V-shaped angular bar 9 or alternatively by means of two straight angular bars. Said rear closure element 8 has triangular section, with an angle approximately equal to that of the V-shaped bottom of the central hull 7, and is provided with at least one through hole through said rear closure element 8, which is reversibly capped by means of a suitable common cap 17. The boat 1 is also provided with at least two floats 14, 15, i.e. two reserves of buoyancy, made of plastic material, which can be rigid, or, preferably, inflatable. Said two floats are housed between the upper portion 4, 4' and the external lateral portion 5, 5' of a respective angular lateral structure 2, 3, by means of common flexible fixing means, preferably laces. Such flexible fixing means are reversibly constrained to a respective handle 6, 6' .

It is observed that the angular bar 10 and the angular bar 9 shaped as a V are constrained to the respective components by means of common tightening means, such as screws and bolts. Consequently, the respective portions of the components to which said bars are constrained, i.e. of the central hull 7, of the seat element 11 and of the rear closure element 8, will be provided with a plurality of holes adapted for such purpose. In order to provide suitable water impermeability, suitable rubber seals can also be used, placed between the bars and the respective component(s) to be tightened, in particular between the angular bar 9, which constrains the central hull 7 together with the rear closure element 8. In this manner, undesired water infiltrations are prevented, in particular inside the central hull 7. Bars made of rigid rubber can also be used. Due to the hole reversibly capped by means of the cap 17, it is still possible to easily eliminate water infiltrations inside the central hull 7. The angular bars 12, 13, the angular bar 10 and the angular bar 9 shaped as a V can be made of any corrosion-resistant metal or alloy material or suitable plastic material.

Preferably, the sheet, composed of the central hull 7 and the angular lateral structures 2, 3, and the rear closure element 8 are made of transparent polycarbonate, preferably with thickness equal to 4 mm. Due to the use of the transparent polycarbonate, in addition to obtaining a particularly light boat that is more aesthetically pleasing, it is possible to constantly monitor the state of the floats 14, 15, providing greater safety during the use of the boat 1 in water, since the user can easily verify the floating suitability of the floats 14, 15. In addition, it will be possible to appreciate the sea bed beneath the boat 1.

As reported in Materials Handbook, McGraw Hill, by George S. Brady, polycarbonate is a linear thermoplastic polymer material, with a low degree of crystallinity, transparent and with high molecular weight, and is generally deemed one of the strongest plastic materials. In thin sections, up to 0.478 cm, its impact strength is equal to circa 22J, up to 30 times greater than that of the safety glasses. In addition, polycarbonate is one of the hardest plastic materials; it is characterized by an optimal mechanical strength (tensile strength comprised between about 70 and 80 N/mm ) and rigidity, and due to its high elasticity modulus, it is resistant to creep deformation. The aforesaid properties, together with the excellent electrical resistivity, remain in a temperature interval between about -170 and 121°C. It is substantially unaltered by water and atmospheric moisture, by oils, fats and acids. Polycarbonate can be easily processed via extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding and via vacuum forming. It also has a low degree of shrinkage, uniform with respect to the mold. Polycarbonate is therefore particularly advantageous and preferred in the present invention, in particular due to the aforesaid mechanical, optical and chemical-physical inertia properties with respect to water, moisture, oils and fats.

The innovative boat 1 is also particularly advantageous due to its high stability in water, in terms of rolling resistance, thus preventing the undesired overturning thereof. Such stability in water is ensured both by the substantially triangular shape in plan view of the boat 1, providing the so-called form stability, and by the presence of at least two reserves of buoyancy, constituted by the at least two floats 14, 15. The handles 6, 6' provide a useful grip point for the user, both when the boat is situated in water and when it is situated on the ground. In the latter case, the user can easily transport the boat 1 by gripping such handles 6, 6'. In addition, possible ropes may be fixed to the handles 6, 6'.

Preferably the innovative boat 1 has a length L of central hull 7, and hence a substantially overall length comprised between about 600 and 100 cm, preferably equal to about 300 cm. The maximum stern width is preferably comprised between about 250 and 60 cm, preferably it is equal to about 130 cm. The seat element 11 can also be transparent and has a length preferably comprised between 250 and 50 cm, preferably equal to about 150 cm. The overall weight of the innovative boat is preferably between 30 and 10 Kg, preferably it is equal to about 20 Kg.

According to one embodiment, the seat element 11 is convex, and is provided with a back, possibly transparent, in order to provide the user with greater comfort.

According to one embodiment, at least two seat elements are present, constrained to the connection bars 12, 13 and mounted in a manner so as to be spaced from each other. In this manner, two users can use the boat 1 with one seated behind the other.

According to one embodiment, the angular bar 10 is provided on the top with a common mooring bitt, or with a snap hook, so as to be able to constrain a rope thereto on the front part, thus being advantageous for hauling the boat 1, both when it is situated in water and when it is situated on the ground.

According to one embodiment, the upper portions 4, 4' of the angular lateral structures 2, 3, are each provided with a lock for oars. Alternatively, the upper portions 4, 4' of the angular lateral structures are each provided with a lock, adapted to house the handle of a paddle. In this manner, it is possible to advantageously support the paddle, by housing it in such locks, and by arranging it transverse to the length L of the central hull 7 of the boat 1.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the lateral structures 2, 3 are provided with further portions, in addition to the upper portions 4, 4' and lateral portions 5, 5', said lateral structures 2, 3 therefore being provided with a plurality of portions, or surfaces, that are tilted relative to each other. According to another embodiment, the boat 1 is provided with a support for an auxiliary outboard motor, preferably electric, placed centrally on the stern board.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the boat 1 is provided with a sail fixed to a common tiltable mast, possibly telescopic. Such mast is reversibly constrained to a base, fixed to the connection bars 12, 13. Said base can be made of any rigid plastic or metal material, and is provided with a cavity adapted to receive said mast, which is reversibly constrained in said cavity.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, the boat 1 is provided with a third float 16, housed inside of the central hull 7.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, the boat 1 can be reversibly assembled, since the central hull 7, and the two angular lateral structures 2, 3 are each distinct elements. The two angular lateral structures 2, 3 are reversibly constrained to the central hull 7 by means of the connection bars 12, 13 with three elements, preferably with screws and bolts.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the boat according to the present industrial invention application has the central hull 7 provided with length L and with V-shaped section and having the maximum rear width W which progressively decreases going towards the prow, characterized by possessing the central hull 7 with a depth, a draught, that remains substantially constant from the stern to the prow, given that said V-shaped section is characterized by an angle that progressively narrows when going from the stern to the prow. The V-shaped section of the forward central hull 7, in a further embodiment of the invention, has an angle so narrow that it comes to coincide with the stem itself.