Collapsible Boat Hull Hinge Arrangement

Abstract

A collapsible boat hull 10 has a pair of bottom panels 12, 14 with a first continuous hinge along an inner edge thereof 16 and a second continuous hinge 17, 19 along each outer edge thereof connecting to respective side panels 18, 20. A flexible material 30 forms the hinge line, supported either side by a support material 36, 38. The flexible hinge accommodates curvature of the panels when the hull is erected to its boat shape. The support material can be glass fibre or polymeric material, such as polyethylene, PVC or polypropylene. The hinge can be ‘W’ shape in cross section and can form a ridge 40 into the boat, and can be bonded to the respective panels e.g. by glass fibre to the panels. Hinge strengtheners/protectors can be provided, such as additional ribs 52, 54 bonded to or integral to the hinge protective material.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.