Kayak Accessory System

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/730,054, which was filed on Dec. 10, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of kayaks. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for improving kayak stability through stabilizers with buoyant bodies, adjustable arms, and waterproof LED lights, while offering customizable storage solutions via track attachments like cupholders, rod holders, and waterproof compartments. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Individuals who engage in kayak fishing often face multiple challenges related to stability and storage. Kayaks, while lightweight and maneuverable, are prone to tipping, especially when users attempt to cast or retrieve fish. This instability is exacerbated by the uneven distribution of weight caused by fishing gear and accessories. Additionally, kayaks offer limited space, making it difficult to store essential fishing equipment in an organized and accessible manner. The lack of secure storage solutions often leads to clutter, which increases the likelihood of items being lost overboard. Furthermore, the absence of a customizable storage system restricts users from adjusting their gear placement based on their individual needs. This lack of adaptability not only impacts convenience but can also reduce efficiency and safety during fishing activities. Night fishing adds an additional layer of complexity due to the limited visibility in low-light conditions, making it challenging to manage gear or detect potential hazards. These combined factors contribute to a frustrating and, at times, hazardous experience for those who enjoy fishing from a kayak.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a fishing kit for kayaks that provides a reliable method for storing fishing gear and accessories. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a fishing kit for kayaks that enhances the overall stability of the kayak to ensure safer fishing conditions. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a fishing kit for kayaks that offers customizable storage solutions and improves visibility, particularly during night fishing.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a kayak accessory system. The system is designed to enhance kayak fishing by addressing stability, storage, and adaptability challenges. The system improves balance and reduces tipping risks through the use of stabilizers, which may feature buoyant bodies with adjustable arms and waterproof LED lights powered by solar-charged batteries. The system also offers customizable storage solutions via tracks and track attachments that can include cupholders, fishing rod holders, tie-off loops, storage trays, and waterproof compartments. These tracks can attach to various kayak surfaces using fasteners, providing flexible and organized gear placement. Additional storage areas within the kayak may feature pull-out drawers and recessed, non-slip compartments to secure small items. The kayak may incorporate various hull designs and seating configurations to suit different needs.

In this manner, the kayak accessory system of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a kayak accessory system featuring a customizable track system, versatile attachments, and stabilizing elements. The inclusion of the track allows users to attach and reposition various accessories such as cupholders, rod holders, tie-off loops, and storage trays, ensuring flexible and organized gear management. Waterproof storage compartments provide secure, watertight spaces for valuables, protecting them from water damage while fishing. Further, the stabilizer significantly enhances kayak stability, reducing the risk of tipping during casting or reeling. In addition, LED lights on the stabilizers improve visibility during night fishing, with dusk/dawn sensors and solar-powered batteries ensuring efficient illumination.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a kayak accessory system. The system provides solutions to challenges in kayak fishing, specifically enhancing stability, storage, and adaptability. The system improves balance, reduces tipping risk, and offers customizable storage options that organize gear efficiently, minimizing clutter and loss of items overboard. Safety features ensure secure gear placement and improved visibility during low-light conditions, enhancing the overall user experience.

In one embodiment, the system includes a kayak, which may be any style. The kayak features an interior space with at least one seat.

The system includes at least one track, constructed from durable plastic or corrosion-resistant metal, which attaches to the kayak's interior or exterior surface with fasteners like screws, bolts, rivets, or adhesives. The track features a male appendage, such as a T-shaped channel, providing a standardized connection point for accessories. A track attachment includes a fastener, such as a female groove, sliding clamp, cam lock, or quick-release mechanism, which engages the male appendage for secure, removable connections.

In one embodiment, the track attachment is comprised of a cupholder capable of accommodating different beverage containers. Another embodiment of the track attachment includes a rigid tie-off loop made of stainless steel, aluminum, or reinforced polymer for securing ropes or lines. The attachment may also include a fishing rod holder designed to accommodate spinning rods, baitcasting rods, or fly rods, with features such as angle adjustability, locking mechanisms, or rotation capability. Additionally, the attachment may include a storage tray with recessed areas designed for holding small items like lures, hooks, or tools. The tray is constructed from impact-resistant plastic and features a non-slip interior surface for secure storage. Another embodiment includes a waterproof storage compartment featuring a hinged lid, waterproof seals, and a locking mechanism to secure valuables such as electronics, wallets, or keys.

The kayak may also feature an attachable storage area within the interior space. This storage area may include pull-out drawers and recessed areas for storing small items. The drawers can be secured closed with locks such as latches, clasps, or push-button locks. The recessed areas may feature non-slip surfaces for added stability.

In one embodiment, the kayak is equipped with at least one stabilizer featuring a hollow, buoyant body. The stabilizer body may be cylindrical, spherical, or pontoon-shaped, constructed from materials like rotomolded plastic, fiberglass, or inflatable PVC. The stabilizer may include a waterproof LED light powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The battery is charged by a solar panel, and a dusk/dawn light sensor activates or deactivates the light based on ambient light levels.

In the preferred embodiment, two stabilizers are connected by a telescopic arm with adjustable length. The arm is secured at the desired length using a locking mechanism such as a spring pin, twist-lock, or cam lock. The arm attaches to the kayak with a mounting bracket or fastener to ensure a secure, removable connection.

Accordingly, the kayak accessory system of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a kayak accessory system featuring a customizable track system, versatile attachments, and stabilizing elements. The inclusion of the track allows users to attach and reposition various accessories such as cupholders, rod holders, tie-off loops, and storage trays, ensuring flexible and organized gear management. Waterproof storage compartments provide secure, watertight spaces for valuables, protecting them from water damage while fishing. Further, the stabilizer significantly enhances kayak stability, reducing the risk of tipping during casting or reeling. In addition, LED lights on the stabilizers improve visibility during night fishing, with dusk/dawn sensors and solar-powered batteries ensuring efficient illumination. In this manner, the kayak accessory system overcomes the limitations of existing kayaks known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of one potential embodiment of a kayak accessory system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of a track and a cupholder track attachment of one potential embodiment of a kayak accessory system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of a storage compartment track attachment of one potential embodiment of a kayak accessory system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of an attachable storage area of one potential embodiment of a kayak accessory system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a fishing kit for kayaks that provides a reliable method for storing fishing gear and accessories. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a fishing kit for kayaks that enhances the overall stability of the kayak to ensure safer fishing conditions. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a fishing kit for kayaks that offers customizable storage solutions and improves visibility, particularly during night fishing.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a kayak accessory system. The system addresses challenges associated with kayak fishing by enhancing stability, storage, and adaptability. It improves balance, reduces tipping risk, and offers customizable storage solutions to organize gear efficiently, minimizing clutter and preventing items from being lost overboard. Safety features ensure secure gear placement and improve visibility in low-light conditions, enhancing the overall user experience.

In one embodiment, the system includes a kayak, which may be any type, wherein the interior space features at least one seat.

The system includes at least one track made of durable plastic or corrosion-resistant metal. This track attaches to the kayak's interior or exterior surface with fasteners such as screws, bolts, rivets, or adhesives. The track features a male appendage, such as a T-shaped channel, providing a standardized connection point for accessories. A track attachment includes a fastener, such as a female groove, sliding clamp, cam lock, or quick-release mechanism, that engages the male appendage for secure, removable connections.

In one embodiment, the track attachment includes a cupholder capable of holding various beverage containers. Another embodiment features a rigid tie-off loop made of stainless steel, aluminum, or reinforced polymer for securing ropes or lines. The attachment may also incorporate a fishing rod holder designed for spinning rods, baitcasting rods, or fly rods, with options for angle adjustability, locking mechanisms, or rotation capability. Additionally, the attachment may include a storage tray with recessed areas for holding small items such as lures, hooks, or tools. This tray is constructed from impact-resistant plastic and features a non-slip interior surface for secure storage. Another embodiment includes a waterproof storage compartment with a hinged lid, waterproof seals, and a locking mechanism to protect valuables like electronics, wallets, or keys.

The kayak may also include an attachable storage area within the interior space, which features pull-out drawers and recessed areas for small item storage. The drawers can be secured with locks such as latches, clasps, or push-button locks. The recessed areas may incorporate non-slip surfaces for added stability.

In one embodiment, the kayak features at least one stabilizer with a hollow, buoyant body. The stabilizer body may be cylindrical, spherical, or pontoon-shaped, constructed from materials such as rotomolded plastic, fiberglass, or inflatable PVC. The stabilizer may include a waterproof LED light powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The battery is charged by a solar panel, and a dusk/dawn light sensor controls the light based on ambient light levels.

In the preferred embodiment, two stabilizers are connected by a telescopic arm with adjustable length. The arm is secured at the desired length with a locking mechanism such as a spring pin, twist-lock, or cam lock. The arm attaches to the kayak using a mounting bracket or fastener to ensure a secure, removable connection.

The kayak accessory system offers a customizable track system, versatile attachments, and stabilizing elements. The track allows users to attach and reposition accessories such as cupholders, rod holders, tie-off loops, and storage trays for organized gear management. Waterproof storage compartments provide secure, watertight spaces for valuables, protecting them from water damage while fishing. The stabilizers enhance kayak stability, reducing the risk of tipping during casting or reeling. Additionally, LED lights on the stabilizers improve visibility during night fishing, with dusk/dawn sensors and solar-powered batteries ensuring efficient illumination. This system effectively overcomes the limitations of existing kayaks known in the art.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of one potential embodiment of a kayak accessory system 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The system 100 is intended to provide solutions for the unique challenges associated with kayak fishing, specifically related to stability, storage, and adaptability. The system 100 improves balance and reduces the risk of tipping. The system 100 also enhances the functionality of kayaks by offering customizable storage solutions that organize gear and accessories efficiently, thereby minimizing clutter and reducing the likelihood of items being lost overboard. Additionally, the system 100 addresses safety concerns by providing secure gear placement and incorporating features that improve visibility during low-light conditions, such as night fishing. By addressing these challenges, the system 100 facilitates a safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable kayak experience for users.

In one embodiment, the system 100 is comprised of a kayak 110. The kayak 110 may be any style of kayak, including, but not limited to, sit-on-top, sit-inside, touring, recreational, whitewater, or fishing kayak. The kayak 110 may feature various hull 111 shapes, such as, but not limited to, flat-bottomed hulls, rounded hulls, V-shaped hulls, or pontoon hulls, depending on the intended use and stability requirements. The kayak 110 may be made of any material, including, but not limited to, rotomolded polyethylene, thermoformed ABS plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.

The kayak 110 is comprised of an interior space 112 that includes at least one seat 113. The seat 113 may be any style of seat commonly used in kayaks, including, but not limited to, molded-in seats, padded seats, high-back seats, low-profile seats, or adjustable frame seats. The seat 113 may be constructed from materials such as foam, mesh, nylon, or a combination thereof, providing comfort and breathability.

The system 100 is comprised of at least one track 120. The track 120 is preferably made from a durable plastic, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or a corrosion-resistant metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or anodized aluminum alloy. The track 120 may attach to the interior surface 114 and/or the exterior surface 116 of the kayak 110 using at least one fastener 122. The fastener 122 may be a mounting bracket, screw, bolt, rivet, or adhesive, ensuring a secure connection between the track 120 and the kayak 110.

The track 120 is comprised of a male appendage 124, which is preferably a T-shaped channel (as seen in FIG. 2) but may also be a J-channel, dovetail rail, or other interlocking profile. The male appendage 124 provides a standardized connection point for attaching accessories. At least one track attachment 130 is comprised of a fastener 131 that is preferably a female groove (as seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) but may also be a sliding clamp, cam lock, or quick-release mechanism. The fastener 131 engages the male appendage 124 to securely and removably attach the track attachment 130 to the track 120. The appendage 124 and fastener 131 may be of any reciprocating fastener types, including, but not limited to, tongue-and-groove connections, ball-and-socket joints, or friction-fit systems.

In one embodiment, the track attachment 130 is comprised of at least one cupholder 132 (as seen in FIG. 2) of any size, capable of accommodating different beverage containers, such as water bottles, cans, or insulated tumblers.

In another embodiment, the track attachment 130 is comprised of a rigid tie-off loop 133, as seen in FIG. 1. The tie-off loop 133 may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or reinforced polymer and is designed to secure ropes, lines, or other equipment.

In a further embodiment, the attachment 130 is comprised of a fishing rod holder 134, as seen in FIG. 1. The holder 134 may be designed to accommodate spinning rods, baitcasting rods, or fly rods. The holder 134 may be an angle adjustable holder, a locking holder, and/or a rotating holder.

In one embodiment, the attachment 130 is comprised of a storage tray 136 with at least one recessed area 138. The recessed area 138 may be designed to hold small items such as lures, hooks, tools, or personal belongings. The tray 136 may be constructed from impact-resistant plastic and may include a non-slip interior surface 137 made from a textured rubber.

In one embodiment, the attachment 130 is comprised of a waterproof storage compartment 140, as seen in FIG. 3. The storage compartment 140 is comprised of a lid 146 and a hinge 142. The lid 146 may be comprised of at least one waterproof seal 148, such as an O-ring gasket, rubber gasket, or silicone seal, ensuring a watertight closure. The lid 146 may be secured closed via at least one lock 144, such as a latch, buckle, or cam lock, providing security for stored items. The storage compartment 140 provides a waterproof interior space 150 for storing valuables, such as electronics, wallets, or keys.

The interior space 112 of the kayak 110 may also be comprised of at least one attachable storage area 160, as seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 1. The storage area 160 may attach to the interior space 112 via at least one fastener 162, such as a clip, clamp, mounting bracket, groove, or slide rail. The storage area 160 is comprised of at least one pull-out drawer 164. The drawer 164 can be secured closed via at least one lock 166, such as a latch, clasp, or push-button lock. The storage area 160 may also be comprised of at least one recessed area 170 for further storage of small items, wherein the necessary area 170 is comprised of a non-slip 171 surface such as, but not limited to, a textured rubber.

In one embodiment, the kayak 110 is comprised of at least one stabilizer 180, as seen in FIG. 1. The stabilizer 180 is preferably comprised of a hollow and buoyant body 190. The body 190 may be cylindrical, spherical, or pontoon-shaped, depending on the desired level of stability. The body 190 may be constructed from materials such as rotomolded plastic, fiberglass, or inflatable PVC.

The body 190 may be comprised of at least one light 196. The light 196 may be a waterproof LED light for durability and energy efficiency. The light 196 receives power from a battery 192, which may be a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The battery 192 is charged by at least one solar panel 194, which may be mounted on the body 190 or the arm 200. The light 196 is automatically activated and deactivated by at least one dusk/dawn light sensor 198 that detects the amount of ambient light around the light 196.

In the preferred embodiment, two stabilizers 180 are connected via at least one arm 200. The arm 200 is preferably telescopic, allowing for adjustable length. The arm 200 can be secured at a desired length via at least one locking mechanism 202, such as a spring pin, twist-lock, or cam lock. The arm 200 may attach to the kayak 110 via at least one mounting bracket 204 and/or fastener 206, such as a screw, bolt, or quick-release pin, ensuring a secure and removable connection.

It should be appreciated that the system 100 may include a kayak 100 or may not include a kayak 100. In the latter embodiment, the system 100 can be retrofitted to an existing kayak.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “kayak accessory system” and “system” are interchangeable and refer to the kayak accessory system 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the kayak accessory system 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the kayak accessory system 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the kayak accessory system 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the kayak accessory system 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the kayak accessory system 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.