FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to stern transom for a collapsible boat hull which can be readily installed when erecting the boat for use and removed for ease of transportation of the boat hull when collapsed.

[0002] The present invention further relates to removable seating or cross brace for a boat hull.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0003] it is known to provide collapsible boat hulls incorporating a pair of hinge interconnected bottom panels and a pair of side panels hinged to the bottom panels. Such boats can be collapsed and folded along the hinging edges of the panels into a substantially flat configuration.

[0004] Some collapsible boat hulls are provided with a prow at either end of the hull, avoiding having a stern transom member. However, more typically collapsible boat hulls are also provided with some form of stern member functioning as a transom, and seats removably mounted onto the boat hull when the boat hull is in an erected configuration.

[0005] Some collapsible boat hulls have rigid transoms, which ma be stem panels hinged to the sides panels, such that two transom panels hinge from the respective side panels to overlap and provide a transom at the stern of the boat.

[0006] Others collapsible boats are provided with diaphragms to prevent ingress of water past the transom panel(s). The diaphragm can accommodate rigid panels, which rigidify and stabilise the diaphragm when an outboard motor is mounted thereon. [0007] it has been realised that simply providing a rigid transom member, whilst forming a stern to the boat hull, does not aid rigidity of the hull unless effective mounting is provided that allows the transom to be readily mounted to the unfolded hull and readily removed to allow the hull to be collapsed for transport, and once mounted in position in the hull also provides support to the hull and has effective retention means.

[0008] Provision is generally also made to mount an outboard motor on the transom. It is necessary that the transom is sufficiently strong and mounted sufficiently well to the hull in order to transfer forces from the outboard motor in the hull for propulsion.

[0009] It is also known to provide removable seating that is installed into the boat hull to brace the sides of the boat as well as to provide seating.

[0010] Often a collapsible boat will need to be erected and put into the water by one person. Having a transom and seating that can be readily installed and removed by that one person would be of great practical benefit to the user.

[001 1] Seating for known collapsible boats often requires latch bolts or other catches that are relatively tricky to use, particularly singlehandedly. installing seats often requires bot sides of the seat to be latched at the same time.

Releasing seats from the hull can also require releasing latches/bolts at both sides of the boat before the seat can be lifted out of the hull. Known latches bolts arrangements have been found to be cumbersome and awkward to use, particularly for one person erecting/collapsing the boat on their own.

[0012] The present invention attempts to address at least in part some of the aforementioned disadvantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] With the aforementioned in mind, in one aspect the present invention provides a collapsible boat hull having at least one bottom panel and two side panels, and a removable transom member, the transom member including attachment means arranged to engage with the two sides of the boat hull, such that, during installation, the attachment means initially engages with the sides of the boat, and rotation of the transom member to an upright position in the boat hull retains the attachment means and the respective sides of the boat hull together.

[0014] in a further aspect of the present invention, a collapsible boat hull has at least one bottom panel and two side panels, and a removable transom member, the transom member including attachment means arranged to engage with the two sides of the boat hull, such that, during installation, the attachment means engages with the sides of the boat and rotation of at least a portion of the attachment means retains the transom member in an upright position at the ste n of the boat hull.

[0015] It will therefore be appreciated that the removable transom member may be inttially engaged with the side panels and the attachment means actuated by rotation of at least part of the attachment means to lock the transom member to its upright position, or the transom member may be initially engaged with the side panels throug the attachment means, and the transom member rotated to cause the attachment means to releasab!y lock the transom member to the side panels.

[0018] Release of the transom member from the sides of the boat hull may be achieved by rotating the transom member away from its installed upright position and releasing the attachment means from the sides of the boat hull, or by rotation of the part of the attachment means. [0017] Engagement of the attachment means to the sides of the boat may also draw the sides of the boat to the transom, which helps to brace the boat and provide rigidity.

[0018] Preferabl the boat hull includes diaphragm across a stern of the hull, which diaphragm is supported by the transom member when the transom member is installed in the boat hull. The transom member may be rotated into its upright installed position from within the boat hull to lie adjacent the diaphragm with the diaphragm external of the hull relative to the transom member.

[0019] The releasable attachment means may include bayonet or cam type releasable fasteners to attach the transom member to the respective side panels. For example, when installing the transom member into the boat hull, a bayonet or cam arrangement may engage each upper side of the transom member and respective side member of the boat hull such that, as the transom member is pivoted to an installed position, the bayonet or cam arrangement positively connects or locks the respective sides to the transom member. This arrangement can 'pull' the sides and the transom member together to create a positive tension and help rig idity the hull. It will be appreciated that, in preferred embodiments, the transom member cannot be released from the boat hull until it is

rotated/pivoted awa from its upright installed position to a release position.

[0020] The release position for the transom member may be horizontal or at an angle above or below horizontal, preferably no more than 30° above or below horizontal.

[0021 ] The sides or transom member may have the bayonet or cam arrangement, and the other of the transom member or sides may have a receiving arrangement for the bayonet or cam arrangement.

[0022] Preferably retaining means locks the transom member to the bottom of the boat. Thus, the transom member may be provided with retaining means to lock the transom member to tile bottom of the boat. The retaining means may have or cooperate with respective one or more retaining portions provided within or on the bottom of the boat. Thus, as or once the transom member is rotated into its installed position, the retaining means engages the transom member to the bottom of the boat to prevent the transom member from rotating back. The installed transom member supports the diaphragm against water pressure when the boat is in water. The retaining means prevents the transom member from rotating inwards with respect to the boat hull and thereb prevents loss of support for the diaphragm.

[0023] it will be appreciated that the boat hull need not have a diaphragm. One or more seals may be provided between the transom member and the bottom and sides of the boat hull to prevent ingress of water. Such one or more seals may be provided on the transom member, on the sides and/or bottom of the hull, or on the transom member and the sides and/or bottom of the boat hull. Thus, rotating the transom member into position can also effect sealing between the transom member and hull against ingress of water by use of the seal(s).

[0024] The retaining means may include a release arrangement, such as at least one release handle operatively connected to at least one respective retaining means release latch. The at least one release handle may be provided in or on the transom member, such as at least one recessed release handle in the body of the transom member. The at least one release handle may be arranged and configured for foot or hand operation. That is, the term 'handle' does not limit operation of the release handle(s) to hand operation, and a user may employ foot operation in one or more embodiments,

[0025] The at least one release handle may be operatively connected to the respective at least one release latch by a release actuator, which may include one or more elongate members, such as one or more rods or cables. The release actuator(s) may be provided within the material or body of the transom member or may be provided under a cover attached to an external surface of the transom member.

[0026] A further aspect of the present invention provides a boat huil cross brace or seat attachment system, the boat hull including two sides and a bottom, the attachment system including an inter co-operating releasable attachment arrangement between the cross brace or seat and the sides of the boat, wherein the brace or seat includes a f irst member of a said releasable attachment arrangement at one end thereof and a second member of a said releasable attachment arrangement at a second opposed end thereof, each of the first and second members engaging with a respective retainer on the respective side of the boat.

[0027] Preferably the boat hull is collapsible. More preferably, the boat hull and seat{s) may be stowed in one or more bags for read transportation once the seating is removed form the hull and the boat hull is collapsed. Thus, the collapsible boat hull may be a flat pack hull.

[0028] The releasable attachment arrangement preferabl includes a release catch on one or both of the ends of an elongate seat or brace. The release catch may be manually operated to release the respective end of the seat/brace from engagement with a retainer on the side panel. Alternatively, a said retainer may be provided at each end of the seat and a release catch provided on each side of the boat.

[0029] The release catch may hav a catch member biased to a catch position, whereby, operation of the catch member enables release of that end of the seat or brace from engagement with the retainer on the boat side.

[0030] The catch member may be biased by a biasing means, such as a spring or resilient member. The catch member may include a jaw that engages with a portion of the retainer to retain the seat or brace to the side panel. The jaw may be released by manual operation.

[0031] The first and second members may include an engaging portion to locate and engage with a respective portion on the respective retainer, it will be appreciated that the retainer is attached to the side panel, such as by bonding and/o one or more fasteners, such as bolts or rivets. Bonding, such as by an adhesive (e.g. a marine grade epoxy) is preferred, The retainer supports the seat or brace relative to the side panel.

[0032] it will also be appreciated that release of the seat or brace from the retainers on the side panels to remove the seat or brace from the boat hull may be achieved by operating the release catch on one end of the seat or brace, lifting that end of the seat or brace to a required angle with respect to the retainer at the other end, until the catch on the seat or brace at that other end reaches a release position, whereby the seat or brace can be lifted free from the boat hull.

[0033] A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of releasing a seat or cross brace from a boat hull, the method including operating a release means at a first end of the seat or cross brace, lifting that end of the seat or brace to a required angle with respect to a retainer holding the opposite end of the seat or cross brace until the seat or cross brace at that opposite end reaches a release position, whereby the seat or cross brace is released to be removed from the boat hull,

[0034] A seat angle of between 10° and 50° relative to its installed position is envisaged as sufficient to allow automatic release of the distal end of the seat relative to the manually operated release at a [proximal end of the same seat. Thus, a user can manually release a seat retaining catch at one end of the seat, raise that end of the seat upwards until a required angle is reached, at which point the opposite {distal) end of the seat is released from retention and can be lifted away from the retainer at that distal end of the seat. [0035] The angle of automatic release of the distal end of the seat when the proximal end is lifted may be in the range, 15° to 45° , preferably 15° to 30° and more preferably within the range 20° to 30°. A preferred angle is about 25°.

[0036] Alternatively, manual release can be made at both ends of the seat by two users acting in harmony to remove the seat at about the same time, or a single user manually releasing one end of the seat from its retainer, moving to the opposite side of the boat hull and manuall releasing that opposite side of the seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figures 1 to 4 show stages of installing the pivot/rotat in place transom member into a collapsible boat hull according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a stern view the collapsible boat hull with pivot rotate in place transom member installed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figures 6 and 7 show respective attachment means to releasably attach the transom member to the sides of the boat hull. Figure 6 shows an attachment member on the transom member and Figure 7 shows a cooperating receiving member on the side panel to receive the attachment member,

[0041] Figure 8 shows a latch with release handle to be mounted to a transom member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0042] Figure 9 shows, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a cross section through part of the transom member revealing an embodiment of the workings of the latch release mechanism to hold the transom in its upright position against external water pressure when installed.

[0043] Figures 10 to 12 show, according to an embodiment of the present invention, various stages in releasing a seat clip (and therefore that end of the seat) from an attachment point on the interior face of the sid panel.

[0044] Figures 13 and 14, according to an embodiment of the present invention, show a tilt lift release of the seat clip from an opposite end of the seat compared to that shown in Figures 10 to 12,

[0045] Figures 15 to 17, according to an embodiment of the present invention, show, respectively, detail of the attachment point on the side panel, the seat clip and the seat clipped into place within the boat hull.

[0046] Figures 18 to 21 sho features of a transom-seat brace attachment arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0047] Referring to the accompanying figures, there is shown a collapsible boat hull 10 with side panels 12,14 and bottom panels 16,18. The side panels are each joined to a respective one of the bottom panels by a flexible hinge 20,22. The bottom panels are joined to each other by another flexible hinge 24,

[0048] A cross brace 26 helps to maintain rigidity towards the bow 28 of the erected boat. [0049] A diaphragm (or membrane) 30 closes the stern of the boat hull.

When the boat hull is opened out, the transom member 32 can be positioned into the stern of the boat hull.

[0050] In the embodiment shown, the transom member includes a rigid pane! 34 incorporating an attachment means in the form of a releasable pivot/rotation means having a releasable fastener portion 36 (36a,36b) on the upper edge of each end of the transom member and a respective cooperating fastener portion 38 (38a,38b) on the inner upper rear of each side panel.

[0051 ] With the boat hull opened out, as shown in figure 1 , the transom member 32 releasable fasteners are engaged into the respective cooperating fastener portions on the upper rear of each side panel.

[0052] As shown stepwise in figures 2 to 4, the transom member is then rotated downwards, pivoting about the fastener means, until the lower edge 40 of the transom member is adjacent the bottom of the boat hull.

[0053] The transom member 32 includes a mount 86 for an outboard motor (not shown). Removable seats 68,70 are provided within the boat. A cover 72 goes over the bow end of the bat between the cross brace and the bow cover.

[0054] As shown in figures 4 and 5, struts/braces 69,71 can be positioned between the rear seat 68 and the removable transom member 32. The term strut and brace will be used interchangeably in the following specification, and reference to one is reference to the other. These struts connect between the engine mounting plate arid the rear of the rear seat. The struts help to transfer forces and any vibration from an outboard motor to the rear seat and therefore into the sides of the boat hull.

[0055] Figures 18 to 21 show features of a preferred embodiment of a connection arrangement between the strut/brace 69,71 and the transom 32, [0056] Figure 18 shows a section of the transom 32 with a projecting stud 116b with a rearward facing hook portion 118b. It will be appreciated that a similar projecting stud 1 18a will be mounted on the adjacent side of the transom.

[0057] Figure 19 shows a section in close up of the end portion 120 of the strut/brace 71 providing the port side brace/strut between the seat/thwart 70 and the transom 32. The end portion 120 hooks over the projecting stud 116b {and similarly 1.16a on the starboard side), Figures 20 and 21 show detail of the end portion 120. The end portion can plug into the end of the strut/brace via projection 124. The opening 122 has a lip 126 over which the hook portion 118a, 118b connects to positively engage with the end portion 120. The hook is therefore effectively housed in the opening of the end portion and allows the boat hull to be lifted via the strut(s)/brace(s) or seat/thwart for transport.

[0058] Preferably, the struts 69,71 can include means 120 to releasably connect with respective projections 116a, 1 16b on the upper edge of the transom, in one arrangement, openings 122 provided on respective end portions 1 0 of the struts ('thrust poles') hook over upright projections from the transom, such that gravity and the weight of a person would retain the brace(s) connected to the transom and thereby help to transfer thrust forces from the motor through the transom to the seat.

[0059] However, it has been realised that more positive engagement between the struts/braces and the transom can assist in providing one or more lifting points (effectively one or more handles) to aid transport and lifting of the boat hull when erected and assembled. This positive connection between the

struts/braces and the transom avoids users lifting the seat out in a less than optimal way and risk damaging the seat mounting points e.g. the seat clips and retainers,

[0060] Furthermore, positive engagement of the brace(s) and transom together beneficially improves structural integrity of the boat hull when erected. [0061] in a preferred embodiment, projections upward from the transom include hook portions 1 18a, 1 18b which engage into recesses ('eyes') 122 provided on the transom end(s) of the brace(s).

[0082] it will be appreciated that the end portions 120 can include a respective attachment portion 1 4, such as a plug or collar, to connect into (as a plug) or over (as a collar) an end to the strut brace. Attachment can be b bonding or rivet(s) or other fastener(s) or interference fit,

[0063] The projection^) f om the top of the transom preferably have a rearward facing hooked portion 1 18a, 118b. Each projection may be provided as a hooked pin inserted into the top edge of the transom 32 and bonded into place. It will be appreciated that the hooked portion may alternatively be provided o the end(s) of the brace(s) and the recess provided on the respective projection(s).

[0064] The recess at the end of each strut/brace has an internal lip 126 so that when the brace is rotated over the projection, the hook engages with the lip and the brace is releasably attached to the projection until the brace is counter- rotated to a release position. The counter rotation is prevented by the seat catches when the seat is locked into the side panels, and therefore the boat can be carried by the two strokes.

[0065] When in use as braces, the braces are aligned below the hinge line of the transom i.e. the pivot axis through the connectors 36a,36b, and secure the transom so it can not rotate even if it escapes from the catches 42,44 locking the bottom of the transom to the bottom of the boat hull.

[0066] The struts may be omitted if the boat is only needed for light use applications, such as rowing, paddling or towing, or when only a low power (e.g. trolling) motor is used. For higher power outboard motors, the struts are utilised in order to ensure the transom member is not overloaded with forces from the motor i.e. the struts provide bracing to transfer loads into the rear seat and theref ore to the sides of the boat.

[0087] The struts 69.71 can be discrete items that removably attach to the seat and transom, or can be pivotably/hingedly attached to the rear seat and releasably connected to the transom, or can be pivotably/hingedly attached to the transom and releasably connected to the seat.

[0068] As shown in figure 6, the transom member i the embodiment shown includes attachment means 36a to connect the upper end 74 to a respective retaining means 38a (see figure 7} at an upper inside face of the side panel. The attachment means includes bayonet lugs 76,78 which engage into respective bayonet lug receiving portions 80,82 as shown in figure 7, As the transom member is rotated from a near horizontal position to its upright installed position, the bayonet lugs are retained by lug retaining portions 84,86 in the retainer of the side panel, on each side of the boat hull. This also acts to draw the sides to the transom for additional rigidity in the hull and better force transfer from the outboard motor to the sides when the boat is in use.

[0069] Latches 42, 44 are shown at the lower edge of the transom member in figures 1 to 5. Each latch is arranged to be recessed into the transom member so that the operating mechanism for each latch and the handle 46 for each latch is discrete and the latch is relatively flush with the surface of the transom member,

[0070] As shown in figure 8, each latch has a release handle 48 (e.g. in the form of a finger grip or trigger) to release the respective latch to allow the transom member to be pivoted up for subsequent release and removal from the boat hull. Each said latch also has a latch member 48 arranged to engage with a retaining member 54 on the bottom panel 16,18 of the boat hull (see Figure 9).

[0071] The latch is released by lifting the release handle to operate and disengage the release latch from the retaining member. [0072] As shown in the cross section in Figure 9, the latch 42,44 is recessed into the lower portion of the transom member 32. The latch has a spring 50 biased combined handle and latch member, whereby lifting the latch member using the finger grip 46 disengages the latch member from the retaining member 54 on the bottom panel 56.

[0073] It will be appreciated that the latches are relatively wide and engage across a significant width with the retaining member on the bottom of the boat, This avoids point loads for integrity of the transom and adds strength to that connection. The wide connection also ensures good transfer of forces through the transom to the bottom of the boat.

[0074] The latch member has a bevelled face 58 that contacts the retaining member 54 as the transom is pivoted into place and automatically causes the latch member 48 to lift against the spring bias when sufficient closing force is applied.

[0075] The transom member has a stop member SO at its bottom face. The stop member contacts a stop 62 mounted to the bottom panel. In the

embodiment shown, the stop 62 is integral to the retaining member on the bottom panel. This contact also hooks the stop member under a portion of the stop to help prevent o restrict downward movement of the bottom panei(s) relative to the transom. Essentially helping to lock the transom and bottom panel{s) together until released.

[0076] As shown in figure 9, the transom member abuts and supports a diaphragm 30 that is attached to the bottom panel {and to the side panels not shown in figure 9). An edge portion 90 of the diaphragm is retained in a recess 9 by a wedge or filet member 94 by an interference fit and/or sealing/adhesive agent for waterproofing [0077] Releasing the transom member involves lifting the release latch(es), pivoting the transom member inward with respect to the boat hull until the releasable fasteners at the upper edges of the transom can be released from the respective cooperating retainer on each side panel.

[0078] It will be appreciated that installing the transom using the features apparatus described and shown not only supports the diaphragm, but also adds rigidity to the hull by positively yet releasably attaching the side panels to brace the stern of the boat. The transom attachment means can positively pull the transom and side panels to each other to add rigidity to the hull.

[0079] Figures 10 to 12 show stages in releasing a seat 68,70 or cross brac 26 from a side 12,14 of the boat. In figure 10, a release clip 100 of a catch 104 on the underside of the seat is engaged under a retainer 102 on the interior face of the side of the boat. A lip 106 of the catch engages into a hook shaped recess 1 8 on the retainer. The release clip is biased by a biasing means, such as a spring 10, to ensure the clip engages positively under the retainer to retain that end of the seat in place.

[0080] As shown in figu e 11 , the clip 100 is operated to a release position by rotation about a pivot 1 12. This releases the clip from engagement with the underside of the retainer and provides sufficient clearance to allow the seat/brace to be lifted away from the retainer.

[0081 ] Figures 13 and 14 show the end of the seat 88,70 or brac 26 distal from the end shown in figures 10 to 12 i.e. figures 13 and 14 show the distal end of the seat 68, 70 or brace 26 opposite to the end that has been released and lifted shown in steps in figures 10-12.

[0082] As can be seen in figures 13 and 14, the clip 100 is not refracted for release, rather, as the seat or brace angles upwards, the jaw 1 14 of the clip rides under the retainer until it is clear of the retainer. This allows the lip 106 to lift out of the retainer. Thus, the seat or brace can advantageously be removed by a single user from one side of the boat hull.

[0083] Figure 15 shows the retainer 102 mounted to the interior surface of the boat side 12,14. The retainer has two recesses 108. The clip 00 is shown in figure 16. The clip has two lips 106 and two corresponding jaw portions 1 14, and a central spring biasing means 1 10. Figure 17 shows the seat 68,70 locked into position with the clip engaged with the retainer to hold the seat end in place until released as described above.