Watercraft Accessory

Generally, an apparatus including a base removably mountable to a vehicle or craft and configured to secure a cooler and/or a paddle. Specifically, a watercraft accessory including a base removably mountable to a watercraft and configured to secure a paddle and/or a cooler.

There are many types of watercraft adapted to travel on water. The design of watercraft often omit any structure to receive and hold accessory items associated with the use of the watercraft, such as: coolers, paddles, and food or beverage containers. The omission can result in the accessory items being placed in or on the watercraft in an unsecured manner allowing movement of the accessory items in or on the watercraft that can distract from or impede operation of the watercraft or can result in accessory items falling away from the watercraft requiring recovery of the accessory items from the water, or the loss of the accessory items.

There would be an advantage in a watercraft accessory that can be added to a watercraft adapted or configured to receive and/or secure accessory items.

Accordingly, a broad object of the invention can be to provide an apparatus that can be removably affixed to a vehicle, craft or watercraft including a base configured to retain and/or secure one or more of: a cooler, a paddle and food or beverage containers. The base can be configured to mount to the watercraft using existing deck rigging or with cords attachable to deck hardware. In particular embodiments, the base can be removably affixed to a paddleboard to afford a paddle holder to receive and hold a paddle shaft and a base sidewall configured to afford a base interior space to removably receive and hold a cooler.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide an apparatus comprising a cooler having a cooler interior space defined by a cooler sidewall upwardly extending from a cooler bottom wall to a cooler sidewall rim defining a cooler opening into the cooler interior space, and a cooler top wall coupled to the cooler sidewall, the cooler top wall adapted to close the cooler opening to enclose the interior space, the cooler sidewall defining a cooler exterior surface; a base having a base interior space defined by a base sidewall upwardly extending from a base bottom wall to a base sidewall rim defining a base opening to the base interior space, the base sidewall configured to receive the cooler exterior surface through the base opening into the base interior space, the base engages the cooler exterior surface to retain the cooler in the base.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a method of making the apparatus including one or more of: upwardly extending a cooler sidewall from a cooler bottom wall to a cooler sidewall rim defining a cooler opening to a cooler interior space of a cooler; coupling a cooler top wall to the cooler sidewall, the cooler top wall adapted to close the cooler opening to enclose the interior space; upwardly extending a base sidewall from a base bottom wall to a base sidewall rim defining a base opening to a base interior space of a base, the base sidewall configured to receive a cooler exterior surface through the base opening into the base interior space, the base engages the cooler exterior surface to retain the cooler in the base.

Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a method of using the invention including one or more of: obtaining a cooler having a cooler interior space defined by a cooler sidewall upwardly extending from a cooler bottom wall to a cooler sidewall rim defining a cooler opening to the cooler interior space and a cooler top wall coupled to the cooler sidewall, the cooler top wall adapted to close the cooler opening to enclose the interior space, the cooler sidewall defining a cooler exterior surface; obtaining a base having a base interior space defined by a base sidewall upwardly extending from a base bottom wall to a base sidewall rim defining a base opening to the base interior space, the base sidewall configured to receive the cooler exterior surface through the base opening into the base interior space; and engaging the cooler exterior surface with the base to retain the cooler in the base.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.

is a perspective drawing of a particular embodiment of the invention secured by the deck rigging of a watercraft.

is a top plan view of the particular embodiment of the invention depicted in.

is a perspective drawing of a particular embodiment of the invention secured by cords having cord ends attached to hardware affixed to the exterior surface of a watercraft.

is a top plan view of the particular embodiment of the invention depicted in.

is a perspective exploded view of a particular embodiment of the invention.

is a front elevation exploded view of the particular embodiment depicted in.

is a left side elevation view of a particular embodiment of the invention.

is a right side elevation view of a particular embodiment of the invention.

is a front left side perspective view of a particular embodiment of the invention.

is a front right side perspective view of a particular embodiment of the invention.

is a bottom left side perspective view of a particular embodiment of the invention.

is a bottom right side perspective view of a particular embodiment of the invention.

is a top plan view of a particular embodiment of the invention.

is a bottom plan view of a particular embodiment of the invention.

is a left side elevation view of a particular embodiment of the invention.

is a right side elevation view of a particular embodiment of the invention.

is a front elevation view of a particular embodiment of the invention.

is a rear elevation view of a particular embodiment of the invention.

Generally, with reference to, illustrative embodiments are depicted of an apparatus (), methods of making an apparatus and methods of using an apparatus. Particular embodiments of the apparatus () can be secured to a watercraft () as a watercraft accessory () (as shown in the illustrative examples of); however, the illustrative examples depicted are not intended to preclude use of the apparatus () mounted, secured, or disposed on other types of vehicles, crafts or devices, or used separate from the vehicle, craft, watercraft or device.

For the purposes of this invention in which the apparatus () is secured to a watercraft (), the term “watercraft ()” means a vessel adapted to travel on water, and without sacrificing the breadth of the foregoing, illustrative examples of a watercraft include: uninflatable or inflatable yachts, boats, canoes, kayaks, dinghys, fishing boats, paddleboards, docks, and flotation devices.

Again, with general reference to, embodiments of the invention can include a base (). The base () can have a base interior space () defined by a base sidewall () upwardly extending from a base bottom wall () to a base sidewall rim () defining a base opening () to the base interior space (). In particular embodiments, a pair of slots () can be disposed in opposite base sidewalls () of the base (), each of the pair of slots () having a slot closed end () proximate the base bottom wall () and upwardly extending to a slot opening () in the base sidewall rim (). Each of the pair of slots () can be configured to receive a cord () through the slot opening (). The cord () received within the pair of slots () disposes a cord medial portion () across the base bottom wall () with opposite cord end portions () extending outside of the base ().

Now, with primary reference to, in particular embodiments the pair of slots () can comprise a pair right angle slots () each having a slot first portion () having a slot first portion end () proximate the base bottom wall () and upwardly extending to a slot first portion opening () in the base rim () and a slot second portion () extending from the slot first portion () adjacent the base bottom wall () to a slot second portion closed end (). The pair of right angle slots () can each be configured to receive a cord () in the slot first portion () and slidingly receive the cord () in the slot second portion (). The cord () received within the pair of right angle slots () disposes the cord medial portion () across the base bottom wall () with opposite cord end portions () extending outside of the base ().

Again, with primary reference to, a pair of slots (and) can be disposed in each one of the opposite base sidewalls () of the base (). Each of the pair of slots (and) disposed in each one of the opposite base sidewalls () of the base () can have a slot closed end () proximate the base bottom wall () and upwardly extending to a slot opening () in the base sidewall rim (). Each of the pair of slots (and) disposed in each one of the opposite base sidewalls () can be configured to receive a cord () having a cord medial portion () disposed across the base bottom wall () with opposite cord end portions () extending outside of said base ().

Again, with primary reference to, in particular embodiments, the pair of slots (and) disposed in each one of the opposite base sidewalls () of the base () can comprise a pair right angle slots (and) each having slot first portion () having a slot first portion end () proximate the base bottom wall () and upwardly extending to a slot first portion opening () in the base sidewall rim () and a slot second portion () extending from the slot first portion () adjacent the base bottom wall () to a slot second portion closed end ().

Each pair of right angle slots (and) can be configured to receive a cord () in the slot first portion () and slidingly receive the cord () in the slot second portion (). The cord () received within each pair of right angle slots (and) disposes a cord medial portion () across the base bottom wall () with opposite cord end portions () extending outside of the base (). In having a pair of slots (and) or a pair of right angle slots (and) disposed in each one of the opposite base sidewalls () of the base (), the cord () can be disposed orthogonally across the base bottom wall () or diagonally across the base bottom wall ().

For the purposes of this invention, the term “cord ()” means a flexible material having a medial portion disposed between at least a pair of opposite ends, and without sacrificing the breadth of the foregoing, illustrative examples of cords whether comprised of a single strand or fiber or several braided or woven strands or fibers whether of natural or synthetic origin include as examples: straps, string, rope, cable, bungee cord, shock cord, stretch cord, elastic cord, and rubber cord.

Now, with primary reference to, in regard to particular watercraft () or other craft or devices, the cord () may be integral to, already affixed to, or affixed by the user to a watercraft exterior surface () of the watercraft (), vehicle, craft or device. In the illustrative examples, a watercraft () in the form of a paddleboard () can be purchased having the cord () affixed as deck rigging () in which the cord () is or can be attached or drawn through hardware (), such as rings or hooks, affixed to the exterior surface () of the watercraft (), vehicle, craft, or device. The cord () can be disposed in or laced in or drawn through the hardware (). The cord () can be laced as diagonal or crisscross lacing as shown in the example of the Figures or in one or more of: crisscross lacing, bar lacing, double back lacing, diagonal lacing, hash lacing, ladder lacing, and combinations thereof.

Again, with primary reference to, in particular embodiments, the pair of slots () can be disposed in the base sidewalls () at locations that coordinate with the configuration of the deck rigging () affixed to a particular watercraft (), vehicle, craft or device. Thereby, the cords () of the deck rigging () can be drawn upward and the base () inserted under the cord(s) () which are then correspondingly received in the pair(s) of slots (). The cord(s) () then manually tensioned or by elastic tension of the cord (), secure the base () to the exterior surface () of the watercraft (), vehicle, craft or device.

Now, with primary reference to, as to particular watercraft (), vehicle, craft or device the deck rigging () may be entirely lacking or may only include hardware () without an affixed cord (). The hardware () may be obtained and affixed to the exterior surface of the watercraft (), vehicle, craft or device. The cord () may be obtained or made with a cord medial portion () with opposite end portions () configured to attach to the hardware () affixed to the exterior surface () of the watercraft (), vehicle, craft or device. The base () can be disposed on the exterior surface () of the watercraft (), vehicle, craft or device and the cord(s) () can be received in the pair(s) of slots () disposed in opposite base sidewalls () of the base () with the cord medial portions () disposed orthogonally or diagonally across the base bottom wall () with the cord end portions () extending outside of the base (). The cord end portions () can be attached to the hardware () affixed to the exterior surface () of the watercraft (), vehicle, craft or device. The cords () can be manually tensioned or can be elastically tensioned to secure the base () to the exterior surface () of the watercraft (), vehicle, craft, or device.

For the purposes of this invention, the term “configured to attach” means having a structure capable or adapted of being coupled, joined or mated directly or indirectly to the exterior surface () of a watercraft (), vehicle, craft or device, and without sacrificing the breadth of the foregoing includes: a cord end portion(s) () adapted to directly connect with the exterior surface () of a watercraft () using as illustrative examples: a suction device, threaded fastener, adhesive surface, and mateable hook and loop; or having the cord end portion(s) () adapted to tie or knot to hardware affixed to the exterior surface () of the watercraft (), vehicle, craft or device; or a cord end portion(s) () terminating in a fastener () which can removably attached to the hardware () affixed to the exterior surface () of the watercraft (), vehicle, craft or device, including as illustrative examples: a clasp, clip, buckle, twist lock, carabiner, hook, eyelet, trigger clip, crocodile clip, split ring, and combinations thereof.

Now, with primary reference to, in particular embodiments, one or a plurality of elastomer feet () can be coupled to the base bottom wall () and extending away from said base interior space (). The one or plurality of elastomer feet () can be configured to resiliently engage the exterior surface () of the watercraft (), vehicle, craft, or device. In particular embodiments, the one or the plurality of elastomer feet () can comprise a plurality of elastomer cups () configured to resiliently compress between the base bottom wall () and the exterior surface () of the watercraft (), vehicle, craft or device. As depicted, the plurality of elastomer cups () can each have a round concave surface () extending to generally circular flexible cup rim (). In particular embodiments, the plurality of elastomer cups () can comprise a plurality of suction cups ().

Now, with primary reference to, a paddle holder () can be coupled directly or indirectly to a base sidewall (). In particular embodiments, the base () and the paddle holder () can comprise an integrated structure molded in one piece. The paddle holder () can be configured or adapted to receive a paddle (). While the paddle holder () shown in the examples ofdepict a paddle holder () configured to receive a paddle shaft () of a paddle (), in particular embodiments, the paddle holder () may be adapted to or configured to receive one or more of the paddle shaft (), the paddle handle () or the paddle blade (), and combinations thereof.

Now, with primary reference to, in particular embodiments, the paddle holder () comprises a generally semicircular trough () coupled to a base sidewall (). The generally semicircular trough () adapted to or configured to receive the paddle shaft () of a paddle (). The generally semicircular trough () can have opposed longitudinally extending spaced apart trough edges (). The paddle holder () can be formed or molded to allow the trough edges (), upon forcible urging of the paddle shaft (), to spread apart to receive the paddle shaft () in the paddle holder (). In other embodiments, a snap-fit structure () can be coupled to one or both of the opposed longitudinally extending spaced apart trough edges (). The snap-fit structure () can be adapted to or configured to form a removable snap-fit connection between the paddle holder () and the paddle shaft () of the paddle ().

Now, with primary reference to, one or more carriers () can be coupled to the base sidewall (). In particular embodiments, the paddle holder () can be omitted, and the one or more carriers () can be coupled to the base sidewall (). In other particular embodiments, the carriers () can be coupled to the paddle holder () coupled to the base sidewall (). The base () and the one or more carriers (), or the base (), the paddle holder () and the carriers () can comprise an integrated structure formed or molded in one piece. The one or more carriers (), as shown in the illustrative examples of, define an open top cylinder () defining a generally cylindrical interior space () configured to receive generally cylindrical containers (), such as soda cans or drinking bottles; however, the carrier(s) () can be otherwise configured as a food carrier, a drink carrier, a cup carrier, a beverage carrier, a cell phone carrier which can be configured to hold square, rectangular, or other geometric structures of food or beverage containers (), or otherwise configured to receive accessories such as cell phones, wallets, keys.

Now, with primary reference to, particular embodiments can include a cooler () having a cooler interior space () defined by a cooler sidewall () upwardly extending from a cooler bottom wall () to a cooler sidewall rim () defining a cooler opening () into the cooler interior space (). In particular embodiments, a cooler top wall () can be coupled to the cooler sidewall (). The cooler top wall () can be adapted to or configured to close the cooler opening () to enclose the cooler interior space (). In particular embodiments, the cooler sidewall () and a cooler top wall peripheral margin can be coupled or joined by mated parts of a fastener (), such as: a zipper, a resealable sliding channel, Ziploc®, hook and loop, Velcro® and combinations thereof. The cooler sidewall () defines the configuration of a cooler exterior surface ().

For the purposes of this invention the term “cooler ()” means a container for holding or storing one or a plurality of objects, and without sacrificing the breadth of the foregoing, the cooler () can comprise an insulated container for keeping food or drinks cool, including as illustrative examples: foam coolers, soft-sided coolers, hard plastic coolers, injection molded or rotomolded coolers, metal coolers, or combinations thereof.

Now, with primary reference to, one or more pockets () can be affixed to the cooler sidewall () or cooler top wall (). The pocket () can be formed from a water impermeable material () with a resealable opening (). The pocket () can define a watertight interior space () in which objects can be kept. In other embodiments, the pocket () can be formed from a mesh material () characterized by mesh openings () that allow the pocket () to breathe, exchange or shed air, heat, moisture and water.

Now, with primary reference to, embodiments of the base sidewall () can define a base interior space () adapted or configured to receive the cooler (). The cooler exterior surface () can pass through the base opening () into the base interior space (). In particular embodiments, the base sidewall () and the cooler exterior surface () can be configured to mateably engage to retain the cooler () in the base ().

Again, with primary reference to, particular embodiments can include a first catch part () coupled to the base () and a second catch part () coupled to the cooler (). The first catch part () can mateably engage the second catch part () to secure the cooler () in the base (). The first catch part () can disengage from the second catch part () to release the first catch part () from the second catch part () to allow removal of the cooler () from the base (). In the examples shown in the Figures, the first catch part () can comprise a pair of first catch parts () coupled on opposite base sidewalls () of the base () and the second catch part () can comprise a pair of second catch parts () coupled on opposite cooler sidewalls () of the cooler (). The first pair of catch parts () can correspondingly mateably engage the second pair of catch parts () to secure the cooler () in the base (). The pair of first catch parts () can disengage from the pair of second catch parts () to release the cooler () from the base ().

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of an inventive watercraft accessory and methods of producing and using such inventive watercraft accessory.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “holder” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “holding”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “holding”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “holder” and even a “means for holding.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.