Drain Mechanism for Watercraft

This application is a continuation application of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 17/547,860, filed on Dec. 10, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

This specification relates to a drain mechanism for a watercraft.

A personal watercraft can include a hull for carrying one or more passengers. The hull of the watercraft floats when the watercraft is placed on a body of water. As the watercraft travels along the body of water, the hull of the watercraft may collect water. For example, water can splash onto the hull, or the watercraft can include features that enable water to flow into the hull, such as an opening exposed to the body of water. The collected water can be bailed out of the watercraft to prevent objects and people on the hull from getting wet and to prevent excessive water mass from being collected on the hull.

This disclosure features a watercraft that includes a drain mechanism that drains water from a hull of the watercraft as the watercraft travels across a body of water. In some examples in this disclosure, the hull can include an opening that can receive a modular device (e.g., a removable propulsion mechanism, a removable sensing device, an insert, or other device that can be mounted to and dismounted from the opening) that contacts the body of water. In examples in which the modular device is a removable propulsion mechanism, the removable propulsion mechanism can be operable to drive the watercraft across the water. The opening, however, is exposed to the body of water and can allow water to flow onto the hull, thus possibly inadvertently wetting objects on the hull. The likelihood of water flowing onto the hull can increase when the propulsion mechanism is removed from the opening, thus exposing an upper portion of the hull through an entirety of the opening to the body of water.

To prevent water from flowing onto the upper portion of the hull, an insert can be placed in the opening. This insert can include structures that discourage water from flowing onto the hull and, in particular, can include an aperture that limits exposure of the upper portion of the hull to the body of water as the watercraft travels across the body of water. In addition, as the watercraft travels across the body of water, the structures of the insert can interact with the water displaced by the watercraft in such a way that a low pressure zone is created near the aperture through the Venturi effect. In this low pressure zone, the pressure on one side of the aperture (e.g., the side within the body of water) can be lower than the pressure on the other side of the aperture (e.g., the side within the insert). As a result of the low pressure zone on the side of the aperture within the body of water, water collected in the insert (e.g., including water that flows through the aperture or water that is collected in the insert through other splashing or other mechanisms) can have a tendency to be pulled back through the aperture into the body of water, thus preventing the upper portion of the hull from collecting too much water.

In one aspect, a watercraft is featured. The watercraft includes a hull, an opening extending through the hull, the opening configured to receive a removable propulsion mechanism, and an insert removably insertable into the opening. The insert includes an inner cavity, an aperture configured to be at least partially submerged in a fluid when the watercraft is positioned on the fluid, the aperture being configured to provide fluid communication between the inner cavity of the insert and the fluid as the watercraft travels in a forward direction, and a surface shaped and dimensioned such that a first pressure within the inner cavity is greater than a second pressure at the aperture as the watercraft travels in the forward direction.

In another aspect, an insert is featured. The insert is configured to be received in an opening extending through a hull of a watercraft. The opening is configured to receive a removable pedal-driven propulsion system. The insert includes an inner cavity, an aperture configured to be at least partially submerged in a fluid when the watercraft is positioned on the fluid, the aperture being configured to provide fluid communication between the inner cavity of the insert and the fluid as the watercraft travels in a forward direction, and a surface shaped and dimensioned such that a first pressure within the inner cavity is greater than a second pressure at the aperture as the watercraft travels in the forward direction.

In some implementations, the opening is defined by the hull.

In some implementations, a support assembly within the opening. The support assembly can be configured to receive the removable propulsion mechanism. The insert can be removably insertable into the support assembly.

In some implementations, the aperture is located at a first location rearward a second location, and the surface is shaped and dimensioned such that a first fluid pressure at the first location is lower than a second fluid pressure at the second location along the insert as the watercraft travels in the forward direction. In some implementations, the first location is along a rear portion of the insert, and the second location is along a forward portion of the insert.

In some implementations, the surface is angled relative to the forward direction such that a forward portion of the surface is above a rearward portion of the surface. In some implementations, the surface is substantially planar.

In some implementations, the insert includes one or more lateral walls extending upwardly from the surface, the one or more lateral walls at least partially define the aperture and the inner cavity.

In some implementations, the insert includes a lower wall and one or more lateral walls, the lower wall at least partially defining the surface, and the lower wall and the one or more lateral walls at least partially defining the inner cavity. In some implementations, the one or more lateral walls are configured to extend along at least part of a perimeter of the opening when the insert is received within the opening.

In some implementations, the insert includes a shaft on a first side portion of the insert, the shaft engageable with a bearing surface within the opening. In some implementations, the watercraft further includes a locking assembly to releasably lock the shaft of the insert to the watercraft when the insert is received within the opening. In some implementations, the watercraft further includes a support assembly within the opening. The support assembly can be configured to receive the removable propulsion mechanism. The insert can be removably insertable into the support assembly. The support assembly can include the locking assembly. In some implementations, the hull includes the locking assembly. In some implementations, the shaft is a first shaft, the bearing surface is a first bearing surface, and the insert includes a second shaft on a second side portion of the insert, the second shaft engageable with a second bearing surface. In some implementations, the hull or a support assembly within the opening defines the first and second bearing surfaces. In some implementations, the insert includes a handle extending from the first shaft to the second shaft.

In some implementations, the insert includes a longitudinal support member positioned to engage with a bearing surface within the opening.

In some implementations, the aperture is configured to extend to a location below the opening when the insert is mounted within the opening.

In some implementations, the watercraft further includes the removable propulsion mechanism. The removable propulsion mechanism can be a pedal-driven system.

In some implementations, the surface is shaped and dimensioned such that the first pressure within the inner cavity is greater than the second pressure at the aperture when a speed of the watercraft as the watercraft travels in the forward direction is between 2.5 and 20 meters per second.

In some implementations, the surface is shaped and dimensioned such that a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is between 6,250 and 400,000 MPa.

In some implementations, the insert includes a flap adjacent to the aperture, the flap being movable between an open position and a closed position, and the flap configured to be in the open position as the watercraft travels in the forward direction and configured to be in the closed position as the watercraft travels in a rearward direction.

In some implementations, the insert further includes a lower wall defining the surface, and one or more lateral walls extending away from the lower wall. The one or more lateral walls and the aperture can extend along an entirety of a perimeter of the lower wall. The inner cavity can be at least partially defined by the lower wall and the one or more lateral walls. In some implementations, the surface is angled relative to the forward direction such that a forward portion of the surface is above a rearward portion of the surface.

In some implementations, the insert further includes a left shaft along a left side of the insert, the left shaft configured to bear against a left bearing surface in the opening of the watercraft when the insert is mounted to the watercraft, and a right shaft along a right side of the insert, the right shaft configured to bear against a right bearing surface in the opening of the watercraft when the insert is mounted to the watercraft. In some implementations, the insert further includes a forward support member along a forward portion of the insert, the forward support member configured to bear against a forward bearing surface in the opening of the watercraft when the insert is mounted to the watercraft, and a rearward support member along a rearward portion of the insert, the rearward support member configured to bear against a rearward bearing surface in the opening of the watercraft when the insert is mounted to the watercraft.

Advantages of the systems and methods described in this disclosure may include those described below and elsewhere in this disclosure. First, the insert can drain water from the watercraft in a passive manner and thus allows water to be removed from the watercraft without the use of heavy and costly pumps. Second, the insert can be easily and cheaply manufactured, for example, using injection molding techniques. Third, in examples in which the watercraft includes an opening for receiving a modular device, the insert can be easily exchanged with the modular device and can be easily locked to the hull, for example, using a locking mechanism within the opening.

The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other potential features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Referring to, a watercraftincludes a hulland an openingextending through the hull, e.g., vertically through the hull. The openingis configured to receive and support removable devices that, for example, enable a user of the watercraftto propel the watercraftacross a body of water.illustrates an example in which a removable propulsion mechanismis insertable into the opening, the removable propulsion mechanismbeing a manually operable propulsion mechanism with pedals that can be driven by the user to propel the watercraftacross the body of water. The removable propulsion mechanismcan be removed from the watercraft, thereby exposing an upper portionof the hullto the body of water on which the watercraftis positioned. As discussed in this disclosure, an insertcan be removably inserted into the openingto partially obstruct water from flowing or splashing onto the upper portionof the hull. In addition, the insertcan, as described in greater detail in this disclosure, include structure and geometry that uses the Venturi effect to encourage drainage of water on the watercraft into the body of water.

illustrates an exemplary implementation of a watercraft including an insert. In particular, the watercraftshown inincludes the insertin the openingof the watercraft. In the example depicted in, the watercraftis a personal kayak that can sit one passenger. The hullof the watercraftincludes the upper portion, a lower portion, a forward portion, and a rearward portion. In addition to including the hulland the insert, the watercraftincludes a chairon the upper portionand the rearward portionof the hull, an outboard motor systemon the rearward portionof the hull, and a rudder mechanismon the rearward portionof the hull. As discussed above, the openingis also configured to receive the removable propulsion mechanism. In particular, the removable propulsion mechanismcan be exchanged with the insertto allow the user to manually drive the watercraftthrough the body of water. In the example shown in, the watercraftincludes a support assemblywithin the openingthat is configured to receive the removable propulsion mechanism, and is also configured to receive the insert.

The outboard motor systemis operable to propel the watercraftthrough the body of water. The outboard motor systemincludes a motor that, when driven, rotates a propeller. Rotation of the propellerthrough the body of water causes the watercraftto be propelled through the body of water in a forward direction of the watercraft. The motor can be operated in reverse to allow rotation of the propellerthrough the body of water such that the watercraft is propelled through the body of water in a rearward direction of the watercraft. The outboard motor systemcan be dismounted from the watercraft, thereby reducing the weight of the watercraft.

The rudder mechanismis operable to steer the watercraftas the watercraftis driven in the forward direction or in the rearward direction. The rudder mechanismcan be manually operable. For example, the rudder mechanismincludes a rudderthat is movably mounted to the watercraftand a handlemounted to the upper portionof the hullto allow the user to access and manipulate the handle. When manipulated, the handlecauses the rudderto rotate, thereby allowing the user to steer the watercraftas the watercraftis propelled through the body of water, e.g., via the removable propulsion mechanism(shown in) or via the outboard motor system. The handlecan be located adjacent to the chairsuch that the user can easily access the handlewhen the user is sitting in the chair. In addition, when sitting in the chair, the user can easily access the removable propulsion mechanismwhen the removable propulsion mechanismis inserted into the opening. Thus the user can simultaneously propel the watercraftthrough manual efforts and also steer the watercraftas the watercraftis being propelled.

illustrates the insertremovably inserted into the openingthrough the hull. The openingis defined by the hull. The openingis a through-opening that extends from the upper portionof the hull, through the hull, and to the lower portionof the hull. The support assemblyis located within the opening. The support assemblyincludes a locking assemblyto releasably lock a portion of a modular assembly, e.g., the removable propulsion mechanismor the insert, to the hull. The locking assembly, for example, can include one or more manually operable arms, e.g., a manually operable armshown in, that engages with part of the modular assembly to releasably lock the modular assembly to the hull. In the example shown in, the insertcorresponds to the modular assembly. The support assembly, in some implementations, is a separate component that is received within the opening. The support assemblyin turn is configured to receive the removable propulsion mechanismand is also configured to receive the insert. In other implementations, as described in greater detail in this disclosure, the support assemblyis at least in part integral with the hull.

illustrate an exemplary implementation of a drain mechanism for a watercraft. In particular, an example of the insertis depicted. The insertis a structure that can be mounted in the openingfor draining water from the hullof the watercraft. In the example shown, the insertincludes an inner cavityextending through an upper portionand a lower portionof the insertand an aperturealong a rearward portionand the lower portionof the insert. The insertfurther includes a lower wallextending from a forward portionto the rearward portionof the insertand along the lower portionof the insertand lateral wallsextending around an outer perimeter of the insert. The insertalso includes a handleon an upper portionof the insert. The insertalso includes mounting shaftson the upper portionof the insertand longitudinal support memberson the forward portionand the rearward portion.

The inner cavityserves as a reservoir for collecting water that is drained into the body of water through the insert. Referring to, the inner cavityis defined by outer walls of the insert, e.g., the lower walland the lateral walls. The inner cavityextends through at least 75% of a length of the insert, e.g., at least 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the length of the insert. In implementations, the length of the insertis between 20 and 40 centimeters (e.g., between 20 and 30 centimeters, between 25 and 35 centimeters, between 30 and 40 centimeters, about 25 centimeters, about 30 centimeters, about 35 centimeters, etc.). The insertand its outer walls are shaped to fit within the openingof the watercraft. Thus in the example of the watercraftshown inin which the openinghas a substantially elliptical shape, the outer walls of the insertand the inner cavityform elongate shapes that allow the insertto fit within the openingof the watercraftand that allow the inner cavityto provide sufficient volume for the inner cavityto serve as a reservoir for water.

The inner cavityis directly connected to the aperture, thus allowing fluid flow through the apertureinto the inner cavityand fluid flow from the inner cavitythrough the apertureand out of the insert. The inner cavityalso occupies a sufficient volume to serve as a reservoir for fluid that flows through the aperture. For example, the volume occupied by the inner cavityis between 0.5 and 2.5 liters (e.g., between 0.5 and 1.5 liters, between 1 and 2 liters, between 1.5 and 2.5 liters, about 1 liter, about 1.5 liters, about 2 liters, etc.). Indeed, in the example shown in, the aperturecorresponds to the only fluid conduit into the inner cavitythrough the lower portionof the insert.

In addition, the inner cavityis exposed from above, e.g., exposed to the atmosphere, during use of the watercraft. The inner cavitythus is exposed to fluid from both above and below. Typically, during use of the watercraft, the inner cavityis exposed to water from below, e.g., through the aperture, and is exposed to atmosphere or air from above, e.g., through the upper portionof the insert.

Referring to, the apertureis located along the lower portionof the insertand on the rearward portionof the insert. The apertureextends through a lateral wallof the insertin a longitudinal direction and spans a substantial part of the lower portion, e.g., at least 80% of the height of the lower portion. The aperturehas an overall height between 1 and 4 centimeters (e.g., between 1 and 2 centimeters, between 2 and 3 centimeters, between 3 and 4 centimeters, about 2 centimeters, about 3 centimeters, etc.). In the example shown in, the apertureextends vertically from the lower wallto a portion of a lateral wallof the insert, e.g., the rearmost lateral wall of the lateral walls. The apertureextends over an area, e.g., an area of a vertical cross-section of the aperture, of about 1.5 and 12 square centimeters (e.g., between 1.5 and 6 square centimeters, between 4 and 9 square centimeters, between 7 and 12 square centimeters, about 3 square centimeters, about 5 square centimeters, about 7 square centimeters, about 9 square centimeters, etc.).

The apertureis connected to the inner cavity, as discussed above. The apertureextends horizontally through the rearmost lateral wall of the lateral wallsto bridge the inner cavityand a space outside of the insert. The apertureprovides fluid communication between the inner cavityof the insertand the water on which the watercraftis located. Further, when the insertis mounted within the openingof the watercraft, the apertureis configured to extend to a location below the openingof the watercraft.

Referring to, the lower wallextends from the forward portionto the rearward portionof the insert. The lower wallat least partially defines the inner cavity, e.g., with the lateral walls. The lower walldefines a lower surfacethat similarly extends from the forward portionto the rearward portionof the insert. The surfaceis angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the insert, e.g., relative to a longitudinal axis of and a forward direction of the watercraft, such that a forward portion of the surfaceis above a rearward portion of the surface. An angle of the surfacerelative to the longitudinal axis of the insertis between 5 and 45 degrees (between 5 and 20 degrees, between 15 and 30 degrees, between 25 and 40 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 40 degrees, etc.). In the example depicted in, the surfaceis substantially planar such that the surfaceextends linearly from the forward portion of the surfaceto the rearward portion of the surface, although in other implementations, the surfacecan be curved. As shown in, the surfaceextends longitudinally to the aperture.

The lateral wallsare a series of interconnected walls defining lateral surfaces of the insert. One or more of the lateral wallsextend vertically from the lower wall. For example, the lateral wallscan include a forward lateral wall, a left lateral wall, a right lateral wall, and a rearward lateral wall, with the aperturebeing defined in the rearward lateral wall. The forward, left, and right lateral walls extend vertically from the lower portionof the insertto the upper portionof the insert, thereby preventing fluid communication across these lateral walls. In contrast, the apertureextends from the lower walland through a portion of the rearward lateral wall, thus providing fluid communication across the rearward lateral wall. In this regard, the aperturein combination with the forward, left, and right lateral walls extend along an entirety of a perimeter of the lower wall. The lateral wallsat least partially define the inner cavity, e.g., with the lower wall, and extend along an outer perimeter of the lower wall, e.g., an outer perimeter of the surface.

Referring to, the handleand the shaftsare located along a transverse central axis of the insert. The shaftscan be part of an elongate member extending along the transverse central axis, across a width of the portion of the insertdefined by the lateral wallsand the lower wall. This elongate member can be fixed to the handle, e.g., via fasteners. The handleis manually graspable by a user of the watercraft, thus providing an easy mechanism for the user to place the insertinto the openingof the watercraftand to remove the insertfrom the opening. The handlecan similarly extend along the transverse central axis of the insert. Further, the handleis positioned above the inner cavityto provide sufficient space for the user's hand to grasp around an entirety of the handle. The handlecan extend from the left shaft to the right shaft of the shafts. The left shaft is on a left side portion of the insert, while the right shaft is on a right side portion of the insert. In addition, the shaftsprotrude radially outwardly away from a center of the insert, and further protrude radially outwardly away from the lateral wallsof the insert.

illustrate an interface between the watercraftand the insert, specifically an interface between the support assemblyof the watercraftand bearing surfaces of the insert. When the insertis received within the openingof the watercraft, the lateral wallsextend along at least part of a perimeter of the openingof the watercraft. The insert, referring briefly back to, includes bearing surfaces on the shaftsand the longitudinal support members. The longitudinal support membersare positioned along a longitudinal central axis of the insert. The longitudinal support membersprovide downward facing bearing surfaces that rest on corresponding longitudinal support surfaces(forward and rearward bearing surfacesshown in) on the support assembly. The shaftsalso provide bearing surfaces that can rest on corresponding side support surfaces(left and right side support surfacesshown in) on the support assembly. The longitudinal support surfacesand the side support surfacesare located within the openingof the watercraft.

In implementations, the support assemblycan include the structure for defining the bearing and support surfaces,and the structure for the locking assembly. For example, in implementations in which the support assemblyis an assembly separate from the watercraft, the structure for defining the bearing and support surfaces,can be formed of one or more components that are then mounted to the watercraft, e.g., attached to the watercraft. In implementations in which the support assemblyis integral to the watercraft, the structure for defining the bearing and support surfaces,can be formed as part of the hullof the watercraft. For example, the hulland the structure for defining the bearing and the support surfaces,can be formed in a process that forms a monolithic component including the hulland this structure, e.g., a molding, inflatable, or thermoforming process.

As shown in, the locking assemblycan engage with the shaftsof the insertto lock the insertto the watercraft. In particular, the locking armsof the locking assemblycan engage the shaftsand prevent the shafts from being removed from the opening, e.g., in a vertical direction. The locking armscan be manually manipulated by a user to release the insertand thereby allow the user to pull the insertout of the opening.

illustrates a schematic example of the watercraftwhen the watercraftis positioned on a body of water having a waterline(e.g., an upper surface of the body of water). The watercraftis configured such that the waterlineis positioned above the apertureand above the inner cavitywhen the insertis removably inserted into the opening.

In use, the insertcan encourage drainage of water through the apertureout of the inner cavity. As discussed in this disclosure, when the watercraftis positioned on the body of water, the apertureis at least partially submerged in the water and can fluid communication between the inner cavityof the insertand the body of water. Particularly, as the watercrafttravels along the surface of the body of water, water can splash onto or otherwise flow through the aperture.

The forward travel of the watercraftcan create a zoneof low fluid pressure proximate to the aperturedue to the Venturi effect caused by the shape and dimension of the lower surfaceof the insert. The lower wallis shaped and dimensioned such that a first pressure within the inner cavity, e.g., a first fluid pressure within the inner cavity, is greater than a second pressure at the aperture, e.g., a second fluid pressure within the inner cavity, as the watercrafttravels in a forward direction. For example, with the angle of the lower surface, the forward portion of the lower surfaceis positioned above the rearward portion of the lower surface, thus reducing fluid pressure at the rearward portion as the watercrafttravels in the forward direction. If the apertureis located at a first location in the body of water along a longitudinal axis of the insert, or a longitudinal axis of the watercraft, a pressure at a second location proximate to the lower wallin the body of water is greater than a pressure at the first location. This first location is located along the rearward portion() of the insert, the second location is located along the forward portion() of the insert.

In examples in which some water from the body of water has intruded into the inner cavityas the watercraftis traveling in the forward direction, the movement of the watercraftin the forward direction can further limit accumulation of water in the inner cavityand can also drain the water accumulated within the inner cavity due to pressure differential between the fluid in the inner cavityand the fluid in the low-pressure zoneof the body of water proximate to the aperture. In implementations, the watercrafttravels in the forward direction at a speed between 2.5 and 20 meters per second (e.g., between 2.5 and 15 meters per second, between 5 and 17.5 meters per second, between 7.5 and 20 meters per second, about 5 meters per second, about 10 meters per second, about 15 meters per second, etc.). At least at such speeds, the lower surfaceof the insertcan reduce pressure in the low-pressure zonenear the aperturesufficiently to cause drainage of water from the inner cavityback into the body of water. Further, at such speeds, the lower surfacecreates a difference between pressure within the inner cavityand pressure in the low-pressure zonethat is 6,250 to 400,000 MPa.

The insertcan be useful in situations where the watercraftis being propelled with a propulsion mechanism that is separate from a removable propulsion mechanism (e.g., the removable propulsion mechanismshown in) that is received within the opening. In particular, this propulsion mechanism could correspond to the outboard motor system. The outboard motor systemcould be operated to propel the watercraftat speeds that could cause water to flow through the openingof the watercraftonto the hull, if the insertwere not present. With the insert, the forward movement of the watercraftcan drain water at a rate sufficient to ensure that water does not flow onto the hull. I

In another example, a user may wish to remove the removable propulsion mechanism and use the outboard motorfor propelling the watercraftacross the water. A user may prefer to use the removable propulsion mechanism for traveling across relatively short distances (e.g., less than 100 meters, less than 200 meters, less than 300 meters, less than 400 meters, less than 500 meters, etc.) while performing tasks in a particular area (e.g., recreation, fishing, or other task that could be limited to a small area). The user may prefer to use the outboard motor systemfor traveling longer distances (e.g., more than 100 meters, more than 200 meters, more than 300 meters, more than 400 meters, more than 500 meters, etc.) at higher speeds. The user may remove the removable propulsion mechanism to reduce drag on the watercraftas the watercrafttravels in the forward direction under the propulsion of the outboard motor system. If the removable propulsion mechanism were kept mounted within the opening, the movement of the watercraftcould result in water intruding onto the hullof the watercraftthrough the removable propulsion mechanism.

A number of implementations have been described. While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what is being claimed, which is defined by the claims themselves, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. It will be understood that various modifications may be made.

The support assemblyfor supporting modular assemblies and mounting modular assemblies to the watercraftcan vary in implementations as described herein. In some implementations, the support assemblyis integral to the watercraftwhile in other implementations, the support assemblyis separate from the watercraft.illustrates an example of a portion of a watercraftincluding a hull, an opening, and a support assemblythat is integral to the watercraft, and an insert. The bearing and support surfaces (e.g., similar to the bearing and support surfaces,discussed with respect to) are surfaces on the hull, rather than surfaces on a separate component mounted to the hull. Further, the bearing and support surfaces are located within the openingand are configured to support the insertwithin the openingof the watercraft.

Other implementations with variations in the structure and design of the support assemblyare possible. For example, a support assembly can be formed of multiple interconnected components. In implementations in which the support assembly is separate from the watercraft, the support assembly can be mounted to the hull of the watercraft in a number of ways, including via fasteners, adhesives, or other methods.