Multifunctional apparatus and method for light watercraft portaging, self-rescuing, and stabilizing

Abstract

A multifunctional apparatus and method for a light watercraft such as a kayak or canoe comprising multiple selectable configurations and multiple selectable corresponding modes for portaging, water self-rescue, and watercraft stabilization. Portaging modes include a flexible strap encircling the watercraft with one or more inflatables attached and positioned on the carrier for vast combinations of watercrafts, carriers, and terrains. Self-rescuing modes include inflatables attached selectably: to the self-rescuer; to and in combination with a buoyant object which is encircled with the watercraft by the strap; or to the strap which is positioned selectably about the watercraft, or under the self-rescuer. Mode selected at the self-rescue time under known physical, mental, and environmental conditions with backups available. Stabilizing modes include selectable strap positioning about the watercraft, and selectable number and positioning of attached inflatables, adaptable as conditions change.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multifunctional apparatus for a light watercraft such as a kayak or a canoe including a plurality of selectable configurations and plurality of selectable corresponding modes, comprising: (a) a primary strap having a predetermined length, a predetermined width, a predetermined strength, a means for length adjustment, and a means for releasably fastening opposite ends; (b) one or more buoyant inflatables each having a predetermined shape, a predetermined size, one or more separate fluid-impervious chambers, a strength sufficient to support at least in part the weight of the watercraft, and a means for removable attachment, and said chambers each having a means for inflating and deflating; (c) the plurality of selectable configurations include portaging, water self-rescue, and watercraft stabilization; (d) said primary strap transversely encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened about the watercraft; (e) said inflatables inflated and removably attached to said primary strap; (f) said inflatables positioned to provide sufficient support to the watercraft on the carrier for portaging, and on the water for self-rescuing utilizing a standard self-rescue maneuver, and stabilizing. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , further including self-rescue configuration modes comprising: said inflatables removably attached selectably to the self-rescuer, to and in combination with a buoyant object and said buoyant object encircled with the watercraft by said primary strap, or to said primary strap and said primary strap positioned selectably about the watercraft, or under the self-rescuer. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said inflatables are positioned on the shoulders of the carrier with the watercraft in a substantially horizontal position above said inflatables for the portaging configuration, and at about the waterline for the stabilization configuration; and the self-rescue configuration, further including: (a) said primary strap releasably fastened at the predetermined length, said inflatables inflated and removably attached to said primary strap, and said primary strap with attached said inflatables positioned under the self-rescuer to perform the light watercraft standard self-rescue maneuver; and (b) said inflatables inflated and utilized in combination with and removably attached to a buoyant object, and said primary strap encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened together the watercraft and said buoyant object with said inflatables attached. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 3 , further including a means for enhancing friction extending at least in part over the length of said primary strap, one or more removably attachable pockets for removably retaining supplies within easy reach of the carrier while portaging, and a means for removable attachment of said pockets to said primary strap. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 3 , further including a portaging balancing and steering line, a means for removable attachment of said line to said primary strap at about midline of the distal segment of the watercraft when said primary strap encircles the watercraft in the portaging position, a series of selectable means for gripping said line, and said line having a length to extend down each side of the watercraft for the carrier to grip, whereby said balancing and steering line is utilized for balancing the height of the forward portion of the watercraft, and balancing and steering the watercraft laterally, and said series of selectable means for gripping said line allows the carrier to vary the position of their hands and arms. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 3 , further including portaging configuration modes selected to the physical characteristics of the kayak, comprising: (a) the kayak having a cockpit with latitudinal diameter less than the shoulder width of the carrier, and a deck, comprising: (i) said primary strap transversely encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened about the kayak at the cockpit; and (ii) two said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap, and positioned one at each side of the cockpit on the deck, shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak such that when the kayak is inverted and in the portaging position the deck is positioned directly above and on said inflatables which in turn is positioned directly above and on the shoulders of the carrier; (b) the kayak having a cockpit with latitudinal diameter equal to the shoulder width of the carrier, comprising: (i) said primary strap transversely encircling the kayak at the cockpit, releasably fastened, and sufficiently tightened to support the weight of the kayak; (ii) two said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap at the cockpit, and positioned shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak; and (iii) one said inflatable removably attached to said primary strap at the cockpit and positioned at the midline of the kayak, whereby the weight of the inverted kayak in the portaging position is distributed to the three said inflatables positioned on the shoulders and base of the back of the neck of the carrier; (c) the kayak having a cockpit with latitudinal diameter greater than the shoulder width of the carrier, comprising: (i) said primary strap transversely encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened about the kayak at the cockpit; (ii) said primary strap utilized in combination with a means for reinforcing said primary strap; (iii) said primary strap includes a means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap; (iv) two said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the cockpit, and positioned shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak; and (v) one said inflatable removably attached to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the cockpit and positioned at the midline of the kayak, whereby the weight of the inverted kayak in the portaging position is distributed to the three said inflatables positioned on the shoulders and base of the back of the neck of the carrier; (d) the kayak having a seating area without a cockpit, comprising: (i) said primary strap transversely encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened about the kayak at the seating area; (ii) said primary strap utilized in combination with said means for reinforcing said primary strap; (iii) said primary strap includes said means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap; (iv) two said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the seating area, and positioned shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak; and (v) one said inflatable removably attached to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the seating area and positioned at the midline of the kayak, whereby the weight of the inverted kayak in the portaging position is distributed to the three said inflatables positioned on the shoulders and base of the back of the neck of the carrier. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 3 , further including portaging configuration modes selected to the physical characteristics of the canoe, comprising: (a) the canoe having a bow and a stern seat, and portaged in an inverted position by two carriers, comprising: (i) said inflatables removably attached to each seat, and inflated to a height for each carrier to raise the front of the canoe higher than the back when in the portaging position to provide the carrier in front sufficient forward visibility to safely navigate the terrain; (b) the canoe having bow and stern seats, and a center thwart, and portaged in an inverted position by three carriers, comprising: (i) said inflatables removably attached to each seat and center thwart, and inflated to a height for each carrier to raise the front of the canoe higher than the back when in the portaging position to provide the carrier in front sufficient forward visibility to safely navigate the terrain; and (c) the canoe having bow and stern seats, and portaged in an inverted position by three carriers, comprising: (i) said inflatables removably attached to each seat; (ii) said primary strap transversely encircling the canoe at about equidistance between the bow and stern seats, releasably fastened, and tightened; (iii) said primary strap utilized in combination with a means for reinforcing said primary strap; (iv) said primary strap includes a means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap; (v) two said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap, and positioned shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the canoe; (vi) one said inflatable removably attached to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the midline of the canoe; and (vii) said inflatables are inflated to a height for each carrier to raise the front of the canoe higher than the back when in the portaging position to provide the carrier in front sufficient forward visibility to safely navigate the terrain. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 3 , further including self-rescue configuration mode comprising said inflatables removably attached to one or both lower extremities of the self-rescuer; and wherein said means for removable attachment of said inflatables is an inflatables strap having a predetermined length, a predetermined width, a predetermined strength, a means for enhancing friction extending at least in part over the length, and a means for releasably fastening opposite ends, whereby the lower extremities, back, and abdominal muscles are more effectively engaged when the standard self-rescue maneuver is performed to raise the body up, out of the water, and propelled onto the watercraft, for the self-rescuer without sufficient upper body capability to successfully perform the standard self-rescue maneuver. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 3 , further including self-rescue configuration modes selected to the region of the body to be supported, comprising: (a) said primary strap releasably fastened at a length approximately the width of the lower extremities positioned together, said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap, and said primary strap positioned under the lower extremities, whereby both lower extremities function together to aid the self-rescuer with one lower extremity more capable than the other; (b) said primary strap releasably fastened at a length approximately the width of the foot of the self-rescuer, said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap, and said primary strap positioned under the foot, whereby a boosting structure is provided to step on for the self-rescuer with insufficient upper and lower body capability to perform the standard self-rescue maneuver; (c) said primary strap releasably fastened at a length approximately the width of the hips of the self-rescuer, said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap, and said primary strap positioned under the hip region, whereby the hip region is raised and sustained at the surface of the water to aid the self-rescuer utilizing their upper body capability to get out of the water and onto the watercraft due to insufficient lower body capability; and (d) said primary strap encircling together the watercraft and self-rescuer, releasably fastened, and tightened, and said inflatables removably attached to said primary strap at about the waterline on the proximal side of the watercraft, whereby support is provided to the entire body until conditions are suitable to perform self-rescue. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 3  wherein the buoyant object of the self-rescue configuration comprises: a paddle having a shaft, said inflatables removably attached to the shaft, the paddle is positioned parallel to the proximal side of the righted watercraft; and said primary strap transversely encircling together the paddle shaft and watercraft, releasably fastened, and tightened, whereby the buoyancy of the proximal side of the watercraft is increased to prevent overturning while the self-rescuer performs the standard self-rescue maneuver to raise the body up, out of the water, and propelled onto the watercraft. 
     
     
         11 . A multifunctional apparatus for a light watercraft such as a kayak or a canoe including a plurality of selectable configurations and plurality of selectable corresponding modes, comprising: (a) a primary strap having a predetermined length, a predetermined width, a predetermined strength, a side release buckle to adjust the length and releasably fasten opposite ends; (b) one or more buoyant inflatables each having a predetermined size, a predetermined shape, one or more separate fluid-impervious gas inflatable chambers each having a push-pull valve for inflating and deflating, a strength sufficient to support at least in part the weight of the watercraft, and for removably attaching said inflatables one or more straps each having a predetermined length, a predetermined width, a predetermined strength, a hook and loop fastening system, and a high coefficient of friction soft rubber extending at least in part over the length; (c) the plurality of selectable configurations including portaging, water self-rescue, and watercraft stabilization; (d) the portaging configuration and plurality of selectable corresponding modes for portaging the watercraft in a substantially horizontal position on the shoulders of the carrier, comprising: said primary strap transversely encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened about the watercraft; and said inflatables inflated, removably attached to said primary strap, and positioned on the shoulders of the carrier; (e) the self-rescue configuration and plurality of selectable corresponding modes, comprising: (i) said primary strap releasably fastened at the predetermined length, said inflatables inflated and removably attached to said primary strap, and said primary strap with attached said inflatables positioned under the self-rescuer to perform a light watercraft standard self-rescue maneuver; and (ii) said inflatables inflated and utilized in combination with and removably attached to a buoyant object, and said primary strap encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened together the watercraft and said buoyant object with said inflatables attached; and (f) the stabilization configuration and plurality of selectable corresponding modes, comprising: said primary strap encircling, releasably fastened, and tightened about the watercraft, and said inflatables inflated and removably attached to said primary strap at about the waterline. 
     
     
         12 . A method for a light watercraft such as a kayak or a canoe utilizing a multifunctional apparatus having a plurality of selectable configurations for portaging, water self-rescuing, and watercraft stabilizing, and a plurality of selectable corresponding modes, comprising: (a) providing a primary strap having a predetermined length, a predetermined width, a predetermined strength, a means for length adjustment, and a means for releasably fastening opposite ends; (b) providing one or more buoyant inflatables each having a predetermined shape, a predetermined size, one or more separate fluid-impervious chambers, a strength sufficient to support at least in part the weight of the watercraft, and a means for removable attachment, and said chambers each having a means for inflating and deflating; (c) encircling transversely, fastening releasably, and tightening said primary strap about the watercraft; (d) inflating said inflatables and attaching removably to said primary strap; (e) positioning said inflatables to provide sufficient support to the watercraft on the carrier for portaging, and on the water for self-rescuing performing a standard self-rescue maneuver, and stabilizing. 
     
     
         13 . The method as defined in  claim 12 , further including self-rescuing configuration modes comprising: attaching removably said inflatables selectably to the self-rescuer, to and in combination with a buoyant object and said primary strap encircling together said buoyant object and the watercraft, or to said primary strap and positioning said primary strap selectably about the watercraft or under the self-rescuer. 
     
     
         14 . The method as defined in  claim 12 , wherein positioning of said inflatables is on the shoulders of the carrier with the watercraft in a substantially horizontal position above said inflatables for the portaging configuration, and at about the waterline for the stabilizing configuration; and the self-rescuing configuration, further including: (a) fastening releasably said primary strap at the predetermined length, inflating said inflatables, attaching removably said inflatables to said primary strap, positioning said primary strap with attached said inflatables under the self-rescuer and performing the light watercraft standard self-rescue maneuver; and (b) inflating said inflatables, and attaching removably to and utilizing in combination with a buoyant object; and encircling, releasably fastening, and tightening together with said primary strap the watercraft and said buoyant object with said inflatables attached. 
     
     
         15 . The method as defined in  claim 14 , further including: (a) providing and utilizing a means for enhancing friction extending at least in part over the length of said primary strap; (b) providing and attaching removably one or more pockets for removably retaining supplies within easy reach of the carrier while portaging, providing and utilizing a means for removable attachment of said pockets to said primary strap; (c) providing and utilizing a portaging balancing and steering line, providing and utilizing a means for removable attachment of said line, attaching removably said line to said primary strap at about midline of the distal segment of the watercraft when said primary strap encircles the watercraft in the portaging position, positioning said line to extend down each side of the watercraft, and providing and holding one of a series of selectable means for gripping said line, whereby said balancing and steering line is utilized for balancing the height of the forward segment of the watercraft, and balancing and steering the watercraft laterally, and said series of selectable means for gripping said line allows the carrier to vary the position of their hands and arms. 
     
     
         16 . The method as defined in  claim 14 , further including selecting the portaging configuration mode to the physical characteristics of the kayak, and utilizing the selected mode, comprising: (a) providing the kayak having a cockpit and a deck, measuring the latitudinal diameter of the cockpit, measuring the shoulder width of the carrier, and comparing the shoulder measurement to the cockpit measurement: (i) discovering the cockpit diameter is less than the shoulder width of the carrier, encircling transversely, fastening releasably, and tightening said primary strap about the kayak at the cockpit; and inflating two said inflatables, attaching removably to said primary strap, positioning one said inflatables on each side of the cockpit on the deck, shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak such that when the kayak is inverted and in the portaging position said deck is positioned directly above and on said inflatables which in turn is positioned directly above and on the shoulders of the carrier; (ii) discovering the cockpit diameter is equal to the shoulder width of the carrier, encircling transversely about the kayak at the cockpit, fastening releasably, and tightening sufficiently said primary strap to support the weight of the kayak; inflating two said inflatables, attaching removably to said primary strap at the cockpit, and positioning shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak; inflating one said inflatable, attaching removably to said primary strap at the cockpit, and positioning at the midline of the kayak, whereby the weight of the inverted kayak in the portaging position is distributed to said inflatables on the shoulders and base of the back of the neck of the carrier; and (iii) discovering the cockpit diameter is greater than the shoulder width of the carrier, encircling transversely, fastening releasably, and tightening said primary strap about the kayak at the cockpit; providing and utilizing in combination a means for reinforcing said primary strap; providing a means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap; reinforcing said primary strap utilizing said means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap in combination with said means for reinforcing said primary strap; inflating two said inflatables, attaching removably to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the cockpit, and positioning shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak; inflating one said inflatable, attaching removably to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the cockpit, and positioning at the midline of the kayak, whereby the weight of the inverted kayak in the portaging position is distributed to said inflatables on the shoulders and base of the back of the neck of the carrier; (b) providing the kayak having a seating area without the cockpit, comprising: encircling transversely, fastening releasably, and tightening said primary strap about the kayak at the seating area; providing and utilizing in combination said means for reinforcing said primary strap; providing said means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap; reinforcing said primary strap utilizing said means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap in combination with said means for reinforcing said primary strap; inflating two said inflatables, attaching removably to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the seating area, and positioning shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the kayak; inflating one said inflatable, attaching removably to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the seating area, and positioning at the midline of the kayak, whereby the weight of the inverted kayak in the portaging position is distributed to said inflatables on the shoulders and base of the back of the neck of the carrier. 
     
     
         17 . The method as defined in  claim 14 , further including selecting the portaging configuration mode to the physical characteristics of the canoe, and utilizing two or more carriers, comprising: (a) providing the canoe having a bow and a stern seat for portaging the canoe in an inverted position by two carriers, attaching removably said inflatables to each canoe seat, and inflating said inflatables to a height for each carrier to raise the front of the canoe higher than the back when in the portaging position to provide the carrier in front sufficient forward visibility to safely navigate the terrain; (b) providing the canoe having bow and stern seats and a center thwart for portaging the canoe in an inverted position by three carriers, attaching removably said inflatables to each canoe seat and center thwart, and inflating said inflatables to a height for each carrier to raise the front of the canoe higher than the back when in the portaging position to provide the carrier in front sufficient forward visibility to safely navigate the terrain; and (c) providing the canoe having bow and stern seats for portaging the canoe in an inverted position by three carriers: (i) attaching removably said inflatables to each canoe seat, (ii) encircling transversely, fastening releasably, and tightening said primary strap about the canoe at approximately equidistance between the bow and stern seats, (iii) providing and utilizing in combination a means for reinforcing said primary strap, providing a means for removable attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap, and reinforcing said primary strap utilizing said means for removably attaching said means for reinforcing said primary strap in combination with said means for reinforcing said primary strap, (iv) attaching removably two said inflatables to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap, and positioning said inflatables shoulder width apart and equidistance from the midline of the canoe, (vi) attaching removably one said inflatable to said primary strap and said means for reinforcing said primary strap at the midline of the canoe, and (vii) inflating said inflatables to a height for each carrier to raise the front of the canoe higher than the back when in the portaging position to provide the carrier in front sufficient forward visibility to safely navigate the terrain. 
     
     
         18 . The method as defined in  claim 14  wherein said means for removable attachment of said inflatables is an inflatables strap having a predetermined length, a predetermined width, a predetermined strength, a means for enhancing friction extending at least in part over the length, and a means for releasably fastening opposite ends; and further including self-rescuing configuration mode comprising attaching removably said inflatables to one or both lower extremities of the self-rescuer, and performing the standard self-rescue maneuver to more effectively engage the lower extremities, back, and abdominal muscles for raising the body up, out of the water, and propelling onto the watercraft, whereby the self-rescuer without sufficient upper body capability to successfully perform the standard self-rescue maneuver is assisted. 
     
     
         19 . The method as defined in  claim 14 , further including selecting and utilizing one or more self-rescuing configuration modes to the region of the body to be supported, comprising: (a) adjusting the length of said primary strap and fastening releasably to approximately the width of the lower extremities positioned together, inflating said inflatables and attaching removably to said primary strap, positioning said primary strap under the lower extremities, performing the standard self-rescuing maneuver for raising the body up, out of the water, and propelling onto the watercraft, whereby both lower extremities function together to aid the self-rescuer with one lower extremity more capable than the other; (b) adjusting the length of said primary strap and fastening releasably to approximately the width of the foot of the self-rescuer, inflating said inflatables and attaching removably to said primary strap, positioning said primary strap under the foot, and performing a step-up motion, whereby a boosting structure is provided to step on for the self-rescuer with insufficient upper and lower body capability to perform the standard self-rescue maneuver; (c) adjusting the length of said primary strap and fastening releasably to approximately the width of the hips of the self-rescuer, inflating said inflatables and attaching removably to said primary strap, positioning said primary strap under the hip region of the self-rescuer, and utilizing the upper body capability to get out of the water and onto the watercraft, whereby the hip region is raised and sustained at the surface of the water to aid the self-rescuer with insufficient lower body capability to perform the standard self-rescue maneuver; and (d) encircling together the watercraft and self-rescuer with said primary strap and fastening releasably, inflating said inflatables, attaching removably said inflatables to said primary strap at about the waterline on the proximal side of the watercraft, and tightening said primary strap, whereby support is provided to the entire body until conditions are suitable to perform self-rescue. 
     
     
         20 . The method as defined in  claim 14  wherein the buoyant object of the self-rescuing configuration mode comprises: providing a paddle having a shaft; inflating said inflatables; attaching removably said inflatables to the paddle shaft; positioning the paddle parallel to the proximal side of the righted watercraft; encircling transversely the paddle shaft and watercraft together with said primary strap, fastening releasably, and tightening; and performing the standard self-rescuing maneuver to raise the body up, out of the water and propelling onto the watercraft, whereby the self-rescuer who causes the watercraft to overturn while performing the standard self-rescue maneuver due to insufficient capability is assisted by the increased buoyancy and stability of the proximal side of the kayak.