Waterproof container having a waterproof electrical connector

Abstract

A watercraft and a waterproof electronics container are provided. The watercraft includes a flotation portion. A strut is removably affixed to a portion of the watercraft. A first connector portion is mounted to the upper end of the strut. A waterproof electronics container includes a second connector portion is disposed such that the second connector forms at least one electrically conductive pathway with the first connector portion when both are affixed to the watercraft. The waterproof electronics container is removably affixed to the said watercraft. In one aspect, the waterproof electronics container houses a power source capable of powering an electric motor that propels the watercraft.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A watercraft comprising:
 a board having a cavity;   a connector comprising a first connector portion and a second connector portion, the first connector removably connectable to the second connector portion;   a strut having an end portion mounted to the board, the first connector portion secured to the strut at the first end portion of the strut;   a propulsion system mounted to the strut, the propulsion system electrically coupled to the first connector portion via one or more electrical conductors extending through the strut;   a container removably insertable into the cavity of the board and having the second connector portion, wherein the second connector connects to the first connector as the container is inserted into the cavity; and   a battery disposed in the container and electrically coupled to the second connector portion such that connecting the second connector portion to the first connector portion electrically couples the battery to the propulsion system.   
     
     
         31 . The watercraft of  claim 30  wherein the first connector portion includes a plug insertable into a socket of the second connector portion. 
     
     
         32 . The watercraft of  claim 31  further comprising at least one seal extending about an outer surface of the plug, the at least one seal forming a fluid tight connection between the plug and the socket when the plug is inserted into the socket. 
     
     
         33 . The watercraft of  claim 32  wherein the at least one seal includes a first seal and a second seal, an outer dimension of the first seal being smaller than an outer dimension of the second seal. 
     
     
         34 . The watercraft of  claim 30  wherein the first connector portion includes a plug having a tapered portion to guide the plug into a socket of the second connector portion. 
     
     
         35 . The watercraft of  claim 30  wherein the first connector portion includes a plug having an annular groove in an outer surface of the plug. 
     
     
         36 . The watercraft of  claim 30  wherein the first connector portion includes a plug having one or more pins and a sidewall extending about the one or more pins, the sidewall including one or more drain holes. 
     
     
         37 . The watercraft of  claim 30  wherein the first connector portion is pivotally secured to the strut. 
     
     
         38 . The watercraft of  claim 30  wherein the first connector portion includes a conductive pin and the second connector includes a conductive pin socket to receive the pin when the first connector portion is connected to the second connector portion. 
     
     
         39 . The watercraft of  claim 38  wherein the first connector portion includes a seal member extending about the pin and the second connector includes a seal member extending about the pin socket, the seal member of the pin contacting the seal member of the pin socket when the first connector portion is connected to the second connector portion to fluidly isolate the pin and pin socket. 
     
     
         40 . The watercraft of  claim 30  wherein at least a portion of the board is sandwiched between the strut and the container when the first connector is connected to the second connector. 
     
     
         41 . A strut to be connected to a board of a hydrofoiling watercraft, the strut comprising:
 an upper portion mountable to a board;   a first connector portion attached to the upper portion of the strut, the first connector portion is connectable to a corresponding second connector portion of the watercraft;   a lower portion to which a hydrofoil and propulsion system are mountable; and   conductors extending from the first connector portion to the lower portion of the strut to electrically connect the first connector portion and the propulsion system.   
     
     
         42 . The strut of  claim 41  wherein the first connector portion is connectable to the second connector portion mounted to a container of the watercraft housing a battery of the watercraft. 
     
     
         43 . The strut of  claim 41  wherein the conductors extend within the strut from the upper portion to the lower portion. 
     
     
         44 . The strut of  claim 41  wherein the first connector portion includes a plug insertable into a socket of the second connector portion. 
     
     
         45 . The strut of  claim 44  further comprising at least one seal extending about an outer surface of the plug, the at least one seal for forming a fluid tight connection between the plug and the socket when the plug is inserted into the socket. 
     
     
         46 . The strut of  claim 45  wherein the at least one seal includes a first seal and a second seal, an outer dimension of the first seal being smaller than an outer dimension of the second seal. 
     
     
         47 . The strut of  claim 41  wherein the first connector portion includes a plug having a tapered portion to guide the plug into a socket of the second connector portion. 
     
     
         48 . The strut of  claim 41  wherein the first connector portion includes a plug having an annular groove in an outer surface of the plug. 
     
     
         49 . The strut of  claim 41  wherein the first connector portion includes a plug having one or more pins and a sidewall extending about the one or more pins, the sidewall including one or more drain holes. 
     
     
         50 . The strut of  claim 41  wherein the first connector portion is pivotally attached to the strut.