Apparatus for evaluating paddled watercraft

Abstract

An apparatus for use in evaluating paddled watercraft having an elongated hull with a longitudinal axis includes first and second carriages, each carriage having a vertically adjustable upper watercraft mount adapted to support a watercraft with its longitudinal axis transverse to the curved surface and an outwardly curved lower surface beneath the mount. Each carriage may also include stops preventing rotation of the carriage on the curved surface beyond a predetermined angle, and adjustable locking means adapted to secure a watercraft onto the mount. Carriage attachment rods secure the carriages in a spaced, parallel relationship. A carriage base having first and second tracks, and base attachment means for securing the first and second tracks in a spaced, parallel relationship beneath the lower surfaces of the carriages may also be used.

1 . An apparatus for use in evaluating a paddled watercraft having an elongated hull with a longitudinal axis, said apparatus comprising a carriage having a central part, an upper surface, a watercraft mount extending upwardly from said upper surface, and an outwardly curved lower surface beneath said mount and the central part of said carriage, said mount being adapted to support a watercraft with its longitudinal axis transverse to said curved surface, said apparatus further including a carriage base positionable beneath said carriage, said base including a track for receiving said curved lower surface.  
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus is comprised of two carriages positionable in spaced, parallel relationship along the longitudinal axis of said watercraft.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said watercraft mount is vertically adjustable.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said carriage includes adjustable locking means to secure a watercraft onto said mount.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including stops to prevent rotation of said carriage beyond a predetermined angle.  
   
   
       6 . (canceled)  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said watercraft is a kayak or a canoe.  
   
   
       8 . An apparatus for use in evaluating a paddled watercraft having an elongated hull with a longitudinal axis comprising: 
 a) first and second carriages, each of said first and second carriages having a central part, an upper surface, a vertically adjustable watercraft mount extending upwardly from said upper surface, and an outwardly curved lower surface beneath said mount and the central part of said carriage, said mount being adapted to support a watercraft with its longitudinal axis transverse to said curved surface, and adjustable locking means adapted to secure said watercraft onto said mount; and    b) attachment means extending between said first and second carriages to secure said first and second carriages in a spaced, parallel relationship.    
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further including stops preventing rotation of said carriage on said curved surface beyond a predetermined angle.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said locking means is comprised of opposed inwardly telescoping clamping faces.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said curved section extends over a curvature of from about 20° to about 30°, and has a radius of curvature of from about 1.5 ft. to about 2.5 ft.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further including an intermediate kayak support carried on said attachment means between said carriages, said support having an upper kayak supporting surface.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said watercraft is a kayak or a canoe.  
   
   
       14 . An apparatus for use in evaluating a paddled watercraft having an elongated hull with a longitudinal axis comprising: 
 a) first and second carriages, each of said first and second carriages having a central part, an upper surface, a vertically adjustable watercraft mount extending upwardly from said upper surface, and an outwardly curved lower surface beneath said mount and the central part of said carriage, said mount being adapted to support a watercraft with its longitudinal axis transverse to said curved surface, stops preventing rotation of said carriage on said curved surface beyond a predetermined angle, and adjustable locking means adapted to secure a watercraft onto said mount;    b) connecting rods extending between said carriages to secure said first and second carriages in a spaced, parallel relationship; and    c) a carriage base having first and second tracks, and connecting rods for securing said first and second tracks in a spaced, parallel relationship beneath said first and second surfaces.    
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said first and second curved lower surfaces include convex rails adapted to ride within said first and second tracks.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said watercraft mount is vertically telescoping.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said locking means is comprised of opposed inwardly telescoping clamping faces.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said curved section extends over a curvature of from about 200 to about 30°, and has a radius of curvature of from about 1.5 ft. to about 2.5 ft.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further including an intermediate kayak support carried on said attachment means between said carriages, said support having an upper kayak supporting surface.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said watercraft is a kayak or a canoe.  
   
   
       21 . (canceled)