Eric H Knudsen

US Patent:

58759468, Mar 2, 1999

Filed:

Aug 13, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/910886

Inventors:

Eric H. Knudsen - Lee MA

International Classification:

A45F 308

US Classification:

224262

Abstract:

A portage system for supporting light watercraft such as a canoe or kayak includes a frame having opposed first and second upright arms, a plurality of cross-struts interconnecting the arms, a pair of shoulder straps secured to a cross strut and a hip belt secured adjacent bottom ends of the upright members to removably secure the frame to a user. First and second thwart cradles are adjustably secured to top ends of the first and second upright arms so that a center thwart of the watercraft may engage the first and second thwart cradles to support the watercraft at varying heights above the user. A balance strap is adjustably secured between a bottom end of an upright arm and a forward attachment point on the watercraft and tightened at a selected length by a slide buckle to prevent a rear end of the watercraft from descending below a selected height above a surface of the terrain the user is to portage in order to prevent the watercraft from banging into the obstructions on the surface and interrupting balance of the user, while enhancing forward visibility of the user. The thwart cradles can be adjusted to position the watercraft at one of a variety of heights above the user, the height being selected depending on the depth of the center thwart in the watercraft, and/or the length of the craft.