GB2364672A

GB2364672A - Boat and vehicle storage box arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2364672A
Application number: GB0016964A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter John Strand
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-07-12
Filing date: 2000-07-12
Publication date: 2002-02-06
Also published as: GB0016964D0

Abstract

A boat is formed by two identical releasably connectable shell parts which can also be used together as a vehicle roof storage box. The shell parts may be used individually to form a pair of small boats or may be joined end to end by two hollow connecting tubes in combination with nuts and bolts to form a single larger boat. When the shell parts are used as a storage box they are connected together along the gunnels by means of sliding hinges and padlocks.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO BOATS This invention relates to a car roof luggage box which can also be used as a boat, or boats, in variable form. It is known that boats are used to carry items unrelated to boating because a boat is usually an empty space which can be used in such a way. Boats used in this way are usually towed behind the vehicle, though small boats such as open kayaks, also have this limited potential and may be carried on top of the vehicle. According to the present invention the shape of the boat is designed to be suitable for carrying luggage and other equipment (such as skis) on top of a vehicle either as a single unit or two units together. Use of a single boating unit for storage is not claimed to be a new idea, but the combination of two units provides a single secure box and also provides that these two may be used as two short boats or one long boat. Joined lengthways by a system of internal tubes and top catches, the size and capacity of one unit is'doubled for use as a boat which would not otherwise be readily transportable. The boats may also be joined laterally ad infinitum, by simple bolts to form a larger boat or substantial pontoon. A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:- Figure 1 shows the plan of one unit from the top Figure 2 shows the plan of one unit from the bottom Figure 3 shows the cross sections from front rear and centre Figure 4 shows one of two hinge sections Figure 5 shows the side elevations; lower boat(1) - port side; upper boat (2) - starboard side; in the transport position.

Figure 6 shows two units joined as one long boat Figure 7 shows the configuration of four units into one large boat. Referring to the drawings each of the two units comprise the principle box-boat structure made from either wood, aluminium or a polymer; two hinges made in steel and two solid tubes made in polyethylene.

To transport on a vehicle roof one unit is attached to any suitable roof rack (not shown). The second unit is placed approximately on the first unit and slid into place via the two hinges (1/10A or 1/10B) which should

be installed by the user on one side or the other. The units are then secured by padlock (not shown) through each end at the handholds (1/11 and 1/12) To use one unit as a boat nothing more is required than to detach at the hinges from the second unit.

To use as a unit doubled in length remove all four rubber bungs (1/15) from both boats and insert the two connecting tubes (1/13) supplied with each boat into the hollow tubes (1/14) in the rear of one boat. Align the second boat's hollow tubes and push on. Connect the top of the two boats using four bolts with nuts supplied (6/15) and tighten. Reverse these steps to return to portable state.

To use as a unit multiplied in width align boats and connect with bolts and nuts through holes provided.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 Alternatively, a roof storage and carrying box for vehicles and a boat or boats. 2 A boat as claimed in Claim 1 of differing size and functions, for use typically as a one or two man play or fishing boat and a three or four, man touring boat or by using additional units a substantial boat or pontoon of unlimited size. 3 A carrying box as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the top is identical in size and design to the bottom 4 A carrying box as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the hinged element of the two sections is provided by sliding together a male and female plug. 5 Alternatively a roof storage/carrying box and one or two boats or more when used in conjunction with additional units substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-7 of the accompanying drawings.