EaZup

Description

An add-on or aftermarket strap created to aid in standing up and sitting down in sit-on-top (SOT) kayaks from various manufacturers by way of adding leverage to assist the user.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is in the field of sit-on-top recreational kayak accessories.

DISCUSSION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

In the recreational use of kayaks standing up to exit the kayak is often a struggle, causing the boater to be off balance when exiting the craft. Standing up to fish or sitting back down in modern sit-on-top kayaks present difficulties for older or less physically agile individuals regardless of the stability of the vessel. I found that sitting and standing in a kayak is made easier with the added leverage afforded by the aid of a rope or equivalent strap forward of the boater. The strap will be nylon webbing 1″ wide, sealed on each end and adjustable in length. Whether standing to fish or standing to exit the kayak, or to add stability when sitting in the kayak, the leverage provided by a strap forward of the boater makes a considerable difference in stability and thus safety. There are some manufacturers currently including such a strap to aid the boater with a source of leverage. There are also a few other after-market solutions available. However, all other available designs share a common problem, they require permanent and/or significant alterations to the vessel including screwing or drilling into the hull. The only other solutions are very temporary slip-on solutions. What is lac lacking in the market is a semi-permanent, easy to install, solution that would be available for anyone seeking to add such a device without special tools or skills and without altering the hull of the kayak.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1

Object 10: Object 10 illustrates a bottom view of a blow molded kayak hull example of modern kayak models currently on the market. This illustration represents any of a number of sit-on-top kayaks from various manufacturers, consisting of a plastic or Ram-X type material and having through holes or “scupper holes” molded into the hull.

Object 9: Object 9 Illustrates an example of the placement of the scupper holes.

FIG. 1a

Object 10: Object 10 in illustration FIG. 1a represents a side view of a blow molded kayak hull in a typical sit-on-top kayak, consisting of a plastic or Ram-X type material and having through holes or “scupper holes” molded into the hull.

Object 9: Object 9 in FIG. 1a illustrates an example of the placement of the scupper holes. Object 11: Object 11: Illustrates the placement of the EaZup device, in its proper position and ready for use. Utilizing the pre-molded “scupper hole” as an anchor point for the EaZup device forward of the users seated position. Consisting of all components to be broken down in illustration FIG. 2.

FIG. 2

Object 1: Consisting of a 1″ wide nylon strap extending from the EaZup anchoring hardware toward the user's seated position. This nylon strap having the ability to adjust via slide clasps, (object 2) making an adjustable hand loop on one end and additional length adjustment on the opposing end. Allowing for overall length adjustment accommodating current SOT kayaks. This adjustment allows for varying kayak formats and variations for user arm and torso length. Object 2: Represents slide clasps allowing for adjustments in the reach and comfort of the 1″ Nylon user strap.

Object 3: Hinged 1″ square metal loop attachment. The hardware consists of a square metal loop hinged through a flat bracket, having a hole in the flat bracket through which it is secured with a bolt extending through the anchoring device.

Object 4: Consisting of a stainless steel or equivalent rust resistant bolt or machine screw being 3.5″ in length and 5/16″ to ⅜″ diameter. Object 4 is the central element in the anchoring device.

Object 5: Consists of stainless steel or equivalent flat washers.

Object 6: Illustrates a side view of the solid compression plugs through which the anchoring bolt (object 4) passes. Upon installation the plugs compress into the “scupper hole” creating a firm anchor point. Consisting of a dense rubber or equivalent material with a 5/16″-⅜″ hole through the center. Being conical with measurements of ¾″ diameter on the small end ×1.5″ thick following the contour to the large end at 1⅝″ in diameter.

Object 7: Represents the retainer nut. Consisting of a stainless steel or equivalent rust resistant locking nut. Object 7 is to be paired with object 4 to allow for the compression of the anchoring system completing a semi-permanent installation that can be installed or removed as desired.

Object 8: Represents an exploded and sliced side view of the hull of a blow molded sit-on-top kayak from various manufacturers.

FIG. 3

Object 1: Consisting of a 1″ wide nylon strap extending back to the boater from the EaZup anchoring hardware forward the seated boater position. The nylon webbing includes two slide clasps shown in two positions.

Object 2A: Comprised of the aforementioned slide clasps.

FIG. 4

Object 6: Comprising a dense rubber or equivalent material plug with a 5/16″-⅜″ hole through the center. Being of a conical (wedge) shape with measurements of ¾″ diameter on the small end ×1.5″ thick following the contour to the large end measuring ⅝″ in diameter.

Object 6A: Reflects an overhead view of the thicker end of the plug also showing the center hole where the anchoring software proceeds through the plug.

Object 6B: Represents a view of the bottom of the plug approximately ¾ of an inch in diameter again showing the center hole for the anchoring hardware.

FIG. 5

Object 3: Comprising a metal rectangular shaped ring passing through a flat metal plate which will be used to complete the anchoring system. The main anchoring bolt will pass through the plate securing the rectangular ring in place. The 1″ webbing/strap loops through this ring securing it to assist the boater.

Object 3A: Comprising an overhead view of the hinged metal retainer that completes the anchoring system.

SUMMARY

The invention herein is a simple yet affective solution to the above-mentioned need as it pertains to SOT Kayaks. To aid in accessibility and mobility this device, “EaZup” is an aid to assist in standing or sitting in a Sit-On-Top (SOT) kayak. It has an adjustable strap that extends back to the user from a forward position in the kayak that aids the user by adding a source of leverage. The unique advantage of this device is that it does not require any alteration to the boat or the integrity of the hull. The strap and handle is anchored to the vessel utilizing one of the existing scupper holes molded into the hull by the manufacturer. Taking advantage of the scupper hole the anchoring system comprising rubber plugs and stainless-steel or equivalent hardware secures the adjustable nylon strap and handle in a semi-permanent fashion without the need of specialty tools or skills and without altering the hull in any way. A kayak accessibility aid comprising a handle strap of 1″ nylon webbing with multiple adjustments for users of all sizes, extending to an anchoring point created with conical compression plugs and rust resistant hardware.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

As reflected in FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A EaZup utilizes the pre-existing “scupper” holes in SOT (sit-on-top) kayaks, commonly used for recreation to provides an easy to install aid to stand and sit, in sit-on-top kayaks by utilizing the manufacturer's molded through holes shown in FIG. 1. as a source of leverage. EaZup allows for flexibility in it's design as shown in FIG. 3 by allowing for multiple adjustment options. The anchoring component shown in FIG. 2 can be tried in various locations, added and removed at will, or even moved from boat to boat and the strap can be adjusted for various boaters as well. The anchoring component shown in FIG. 2 is also designed to be universal for sit-on-top kayaks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Designed for recreational, sit-on-top kayaks, this product was born from practicality to assist kayakers of all ages, sizes, and capabilities in standing up and sitting down in a kayak. EaZup is an adjustable strap designed to be mounted forward of the boater where it adds effective leverage to the user aiding in balance and stability on the water or on the shoreline. Whether boarding the boat or departing, even standing or sitting on the water, as one might stand to fish, is made significantly smoother with added stability. EaZup is not the first strap designed to aid kayakers, however it is the first that allows for semi-permanent instillation in just a few minutes. Designed specifically for sit-on-top kayaks, EaZup utilizes the existing scupper holes, molded into the boat's manufacturing, to secure EaZup. Requiring NO DRILLING HOLES IN THE KAYAK. Requiring NO SCREWS PIERCING THE HULL OF THE KAYAK. Requiring NO ADDED BULKY BRACKETS. EaZup installs and can be removed in just minutes. No specialty or power tools required. User friendly, user installed and completely flexible for all EaZup makes kayaking accessible for many who could not otherwise get in and out of a kayak with stability.