CA2596252A1 - Recreational floatation device with manual rotational propulsion system - Google Patents

Abstract

A recreational floatation device which allows a user to either stand, glide, sit or lay down above the surface of the water during propulsion, comprising in combination a buoyant hull, having a flat top, a flat bottom, a narrow front and a wide rear. Connecting means are provided onto the flat top to accept various ancillary devices within a sliding track. Attachment means are provided under the flat bottom to accept a detachable keel. Further means are provided onto both sides close to the front and rear of the apparatus to connect quick detachable stabilizing system. Further means are provided laterally to accept quick detachable rotational propulsion system, levers are connected to the propellers, by thrusting said levers forward and pull backward within a continuous sequence, this action engages the propellers for rotation which further propels the device which is easily steer able.

Description

(2) Recreational Floatation Device with Manual Rotational Propulsion System Background of the Invention Field of the Invention.
The present invention relates to recreational floatation devices and more particularly to an apparatus which allows a user to either stand, glide, sit or lay down above the surface of the water during propulsion.
Description of the Prior Art.
Recreational floatation devices of a wide variety of designs and configurations is known in the art. Side-wheeler paddle system is also known for more than a century mainly powered by steam engine. However, the combination of a recreational flotation device equipped with manual rotational propulsion system, which enables a user to either stand, glide, sit or lay down above the surface of the water while propelling has not being disclosed before. However, the following patents are considered related;
Patent no.6595813, inventor: Gregory Lekhtman, July 22, 2003.A feet- propelled water vehicle including a buoyant body having a user supporting platform attached to a rigid frame secured to a pair of pontoons. A pair of propelling paddle defines a corresponding effectuating section and a corresponding blade section, the supporting platform defines flexible foot contacting regions for transferring the weight shifting action of an intended user to the effectuating sections of a corresponding propelling paddle.
Patent no. 5702274, entitled, Flotation Device Propelled by Human Power Ski machine inventor; Robert D. White, Dec. 30, 1997.
Patent no. 5385497 Water Exerciser Inventor Jack S. Chu Jan, 31, 1995 apparatus for supporting a human in water includes floats for resting on the water and a structure for supporting the human Patent no. 5236381 Manually Powered Water Ski, Inventor: John Keogh Aug, 17,1993. Equipment for movement upon the surface of water comprised of stiff buoyant skis to support the user. Thrust is provided by one or more fins affixed to the bottom of the skis, Patent no. 4985006 Aquatic Recreational Equipment Inventor: Roberto I. Brunet Jan, 15, 1991.
Patent no. 3809003 Mechanically Propelled Water Craft Inventor: Janos Foldvari May, 7 1974 Patent no. 3487806 Water Jet Powered Vessel Inventor: Kuno M.Y. Chiu. Jan. 6, 1970. A see-saw type of pedal is provided.
Patent no. 3358636 Self Propelled Water Vehicle Inventor; A.J.Curtiss Etal March, 21, 1966.

(3) In this respect the new recreational floatation device according to the present invention substantially depart from the conventional concepts and designs of the 05 prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus which allows a full body exercise while on the device above the water surface.
Summary of the Invention The prior art disclosed various designs and configurations of recreational floatation devices and new means of propulsion system. However, most of these apparatus has never found good commercial success, as such, there is always a need for new and exciting recreational floatation device, the present invention fulfills these need. The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a new and improved recreational floatation apparatus and method which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages;
To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a new and improved floatation device which allows a user to either stand, glide, sit or lay down above the water surface while propelling the apparatus manually, comprising in combination a buoyant hull having a flat top, a flat bottom, a narrow bow and a wide stern, the inside of the hull is filled with Styrofoam or other similar material, the outside is made of plywood board then covered by fiber-glass or other similar material. A sliding track which is generally rectangular in shape having a pair of outer guiding rails and a middle double-sided guide rail all together welded by a cross support at one short end, while the opposite end remains open to accept various ancillary devices, the sliding track easily screwed down onto the top of the apparatus. A stabilizing keel having a front portion, a rear portion and a sliding and attachment portion with an automatic locking pin, the attachment portion is welded cross-way onto the upper portion of the keel, a receiver connector portion generally rectangular in shape, having a pair of outer guiding rails welded together by a cross support at one end, while the opposite end remains open to accept the connecting portion of the keel, the receiver connector portion will be permanently attached to the bottom of the apparatus. A plurality of detachable stabilizers having a female connector portion which is welded to the top of a round support, the connector has one end attached beyond the middle of the support, and the opposite end extend to a point of the circumference, a inside threaded material is inserted from the middle at bottom of the support and extend through the top of the female connector and is welded in place, a bolt with a wing at one end is used to advance a rim when connected through the threaded hole from the bottom of the round support, a round air tube is placed between the bottom of the support and locked in place by the upward advancement of the rim. A pair of quick detachable lateral rotational propellers are provided, a shaft with a hole in the middle is inserted through a one way rotational clutch bearing and protrude both sides, one protruded side short and the opposite side long, propellers are welded onto the long side along the same direction as the protrusion, the short side is locked by a round collar, a lever is welded onto the outer covering portion of the clutch bearing, the lever is equipped with a pivoting portion, and an upper telescopic portion with a handle on top.
An

(4) automatic locking system which is enclosed having a hole in the middle, and a sliding clip with guides on both sides, the clip is a flat piece of material having a 05 narrow slot for locking position and a wide opening for releasing, the locking system is welded to the outer portion of the shaft with the hole of said shaft aligned with the hole of the locking system. The protruded shafts connected from the inside of the apparatus is retractable, comprising a pair of shafts with one end having ring groove around the circumference close to said end, the opposite end placed within a round tube with a common size of the locking nut which is attached to the opposite end of the shaft with the ring groove, a spring is placed at the end of the locking nut within the round tube with the end of said round tube locked off, the opposite end of the tube narrowed to prevent the shaft from coming out, the spring keeps the shaft within an extended position which is easily retractable manually, flat base is welded to the bottom of the round tube and provide holes to attach the system inside the apparatus.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, there are of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims.
In this respect, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.
The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and system for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide new and improved recreational floatation device with manual rotational propulsion system which have all the advantages of the prior art floatation devices of a wide variety of designs and configurations and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide new and exciting floatation device which allows a user to either stand, glide, sit or lay down above the water surface on the apparatus while propelling manually.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide new recreational floatation device which can be used on the Lake and Pond for fishing, exercising and sun bathing, and can also be used in a local swimming pool.
It is even a further object of the present invention to provide new recreational floatation device which are susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly are then susceptible of low

(5) prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such floatation device economically available to the buying public.
05 Still yet, an object of the present invention is to provide new and improved recreational floatation device which provide in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which allows a lateral rotational propulsion system, which allows a user to either stand, glide, sit or lay down during propulsion.
Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide new recreational floatation device with manual rotational propulsion system, to be used on the Lake, Pond and swimming pool. The present invention comprising a hull having a flat top and a flat bottom, a narrow bow and a wide stern. Connecting means are provided onto the flat top to accept various ancillary devices, attachment means are provided under the flat bottom to accept a detachable keel. Further means are provided onto both sides close to the front and rear of the apparatus to accept quick detachable stabilizing system. Further means are provided laterally to accept a quick detachable manual rotational propulsion system, levers are connected to the propellers, by thrusting said levers forward and pull backward within a continuous sequence, this action engages the propellers for rotation which further propels the device which is further easily steer able.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out particularly in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure, for a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, references should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matters in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the new invention, a recreational floatation device with manual rotational propulsion system.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the new apparatus in use, with a user in a gliding position above the surface of the water.
Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of the hull, with cut-away for description purposes.
Fig. 4 is a combination of parts which makes up the lateral stabilizers.
Fig. 5 is a combination of a keel and its attachment.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a sliding track to be attached onto the flat top of the new apparatus.
Fig. 7 is a shoe ancillary device to be attached to the sliding track for standing and gliding.

(6) Fig. 8 is a flat ancillary device to be attach to the sliding track for sitting and lying down.
05 Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the attachment shaft, with cut-away showing the spring which keeps the shaft in an extended position.
Fig. 10 is a combination of anchor and stretchable material to performed exercise on the apparatus while in the water.
Fig. l 1 is a combination of a connecting rod and the cut-away view showing the operation of the locking pin.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a detached rotary propulsion system.
Fig.13 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the combination of parts which makes up the rotary propulsion system.
Fig.l4 is a perspective view of the inside of an automatic locking system to be attached on the outer end of the propulsion system, and Fig. 15 is a cut-away view of the fms attached to a shaft for description purposes.
Description of the preferred Embodiment With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to Fig. 1 thereof, the new and improved recreational floatation device with manual rotational propulsion system embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 77 will be described.
Specifically, It will be noted in the various figures that the device relates to a new and improved recreational floatation device, to be used on the Lake, Pond and swimming pool. In its broadest context, the device comprising a hul177 having a flat top, a flat bottom, a narrow front and a wide rear. Ancillary devices connected onto the top. Stabilizing component inserted through the side and protrude close to the front and back for connection thereon. Rotary propulsion system detachably connected to protruded shaft laterally, and a keel attached to the bottom of the device.
such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objective.
The central component of the present invention is the hull 77. The hull is preferably formed from wood covered by fiber glass material, the inside of the hull is sealed with Styrofoam material, the hull can also be made of a one piece of material within a mould with fiber glass or other rigid and water proof material.
The hull 77 FIG. 3 have a pair of sides 4 made of plywood, notches I 1 are formed close to the front and the rear, the notches on both sides are connected crossway by metallic square tube 37, cross brace 35 is spaced and screwed to the side to maintain shape, cross brace 35b is spaced and screwed to the side maintain shape and further allow clearance to mount a support 36 a thicker piece of board long way, the keel support FIG. 5 can attach to said support 36 by screws, connected to the bottom of the apparatus.
Cross brace 34 a thick piece of board is placed flat, then spaced and screwed to the side to maintain shape of the hull and further provide support to mount the shaft 31, the shaft is made from stainless steel or aluminum, a pair of shaft is used, each is attached separately onto the top of said cross brace 34 within guiding bearings 33 and

(7) anchor 73 using screws. FIG 9 a spring keeps the shaft within an extended position and is easily retractable manually. A piece of plywood board 76 is cut to the shape 05 of the hull then is placed on top 1 of the hull 77 and screwed down onto the corners and the cross brace, the hull can then be turned up side down and Styrofoam material 51 can be applied to seal the inside to provide buoyancy, fiberglass material can then cover the entire hull only leaving the notch 11 open, the hull is now complete at this point it can be used as a canoe.
Next provided is a rotary propulsion system FIG 12, 13 and 15 made from aluminum or stainless steel a clutch bearings 21 with a one way rotation is forced within a cover 93, a lever lower section 25 is welded to said cover 93, an outside shaft 20 is frictionally inserted through the opening of the clutch bearing 21 with protrusion on both sides, one side short and the opposite side long, fins 19 and the fin base 112 are welded long way at spaced position around the long protruded side. At the end of said long protruded side an automatic locking system FIG
13 and 14 is welded cross way the edge 97 of shaft 20 so as to partially enclosed the propeller fins, said automatic locking system enclosed within a round shape made from aluminum or stainless steel, and comprises a clip 99 supported by a pair of guides 100. The clip have a locking slot 102 to lock onto the shaft groove ring 32, a release opening 103 is at the bottom of locking slot 102, a keeper slot 104 have a stop pin 105 to allow the clip to move up and down within a measured distance, a pin 106 inserted through the upper portion of the clip and protrude the front and the back, the back protrusion connected to a spring 107 which keeps the clip in a down ward position to maintain locking. A finger can be used to move the front protrusion upward to provide release. Spacers 101 are placed close to the circumference of the circle, the cover 108 can enclosed the clip with the center hole 102b aligned with the insertion from shaft head 98 and hole 109 locked with stop pin 105, the cover can then be welded around its perimeter The opposite short protruded side of the shaft 20 is locked off with a collar 94 which is fastened by set screw 95. some of the propeller fins can be welded directly to the shaft and others can be attached to the base 112 welded to the shaft 20 and the fin 19 connected through hole 110 having a nut 74 attached over the hole at one side, a bolt can then insert through the hole on the fm and threaded through the nut onto the base 112.
The lever consisting a lower section 25 and an upper section 23 connected by a bolt 27 which extend and protrude the opposite side to form a stop bar 75 which will prevent the lever to rotate in the water when not in use. The lever upper section 23 further provides a telescopic position 113 at the upper end and uses a locking pin 24 to maintain and support adjustment. A handle 22 is welded to the top portion of the telescopic position. The propulsion system is now complete, and can easily attach to the protruded shaft. The shaft 31 inserted the hole of shaft 20 from the side with the collar attached, a finger is used to open the clip to allow the shaft groove 32 to be aligned with said clip locking slot 102 which will be automatically

(8) rebound by the spring connected from the back which lock the system in place.
whenever a user thrust the levers forward and pull backward with both hands 05 repetitively in any manner, example while standing, gliding, sitting or lying down the propellers will rotate only in one direction, repetitively thrusting only one lever the apparatus will steer to the opposite side. To detach the propulsion system from device pull the clip upward and slide the system horizontally outward.
Next provided, the stabilizer comprising a round support 16 made of aluminum or plywood board covered with fiberglass material, a round air tube 17 is provided also a rim.
Next provided, the sliding track made of aluminum or stainless steel to be connected on the top of the device.
Next provided, the keel attached beneath the bottom of the device and is easily detachable.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the parts of the invention, to include variation in size, material, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationship to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

l 10 ) Numbers and Description 01. Top 41. Keel connector 82. Hole 02. Bow (front) 42. Keel connector front 83. Elastic 03. Stern (back) 43. Locking pin 84. Attachment 04. Side 44. Release ring 85. Handle 05. Bottom 45. Pin housing 86. Spring 06. Guide rail 46. Keel slot 87. Channel (top) 07. Guide rail 47. Guide 88. Channel (bottom) 08. Track 48. Keel rail 89. Stop bar 09. Foot holder 49. Stop bar 90. Pin head 10. Foot posititioning 50. Keel bottom 91. Weld seam 11. Inside slot 51. Styrofoam 92. Weld seam 12. Female slot 52. Tube stem 93. Cover (bearing) 13. Male slot 53. Hole 94. Collar 14. Locking pin 54. Rim 95. Set screw 15. Hole threaded 55. Stem outlet 96. Edge (bearing) 16. Stabilizer support 56. Thumb screw 97. Edge (shaft) 17. Air tube 57. Threading 98. Shaft head 18. Stop bar 58. Wing 99. Clip 19. Propeller fin 59. Rim 100. Guide 20. Outside shaft 60. Rim bottom 101. Spacer 21. Clutch bearing 61. Screw 102. Hole 22. Lever handle 62. Connector 103. Opening 23. Lever upper portion 63. Direction 104. Slot 24. Locking pin 64. Connector 105. Stop pin 25. Lever lower position 65. Opening 106. Pin 26. Keel 66. Back 107. Spring 27. Bolt 67. Front 108. Cover 28. Opening 68. Guide 109. Hole 29. Life vest 69. Stop Nut 110. Hole 30. Foot 70. Spring 112. Base for Fin 31. Inside shaft 71. Round Tube 113. Telescopic 32. Groove ring 72. Stop Bar 114. Anchor support 33. Anchor 73. Anchor 34. Anchor support 74. Nut 35. Cross support 75. Stop pin 35b. Cross support 76. Plywood board 36. Keel support 77. Hull 37. Inside slot body 78. Detached fin (not shown) 38. Hole 79. Bolt for detached fin (not shown) 39. Keel front 80. "D" ring 40. Keel rear 81. Bearings

Claims (13)

(9) THE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS;

1. A recreational floatation device, which allows a user to stand, glide, sit or lay down on the water top while propelling the device manually, comprising a buoyant hull having a flat top, a flat bottom, a narrow front and a wide rear.
Connecting means are provided onto the flat top to support a sliding track, Attachment means are provided under the flat bottom to mount a stabilizing keel, further means are provided close to the front and the rear to connect lateral stabilizer, and a pair of retractable shafts are provided to connect the quick detachable lateral rotational propulsion system.

2. A recreational floatation device as defined in claim 1 in which the device can be made of plywood board frame, having Styrofoam material inside and having fiberglass material on the exterior.

3. A recreational floatation device as defined in claim 2 in which the device can be molded in a mold from a single piece of material.

4. A recreational floatation device as defined in claim 2 in which the apparatus provides connecting slots close to the front and rear to attach the stabilizer.

5. A recreational floatation device as defined in claim 1 in which the stabilizers are easily detachable, to allow the apparatus to be used as a canoe.

6. A recreational floatation device as defined in claim 5 in which the detachable portion comprising a round air tube with air, partially enclosed by a rim and secured in place by a bolt under a round support.

7. A recreational floatation device as defined in claim 1 in which the rotational propulsion system is made from metal or aluminum.

8. A propulsion system as defined in claim 1 in which the lever is attached close to the propeller.

9. A propulsion system as defined in claim 8 in which a clutch bearing is used to support one way rotation, the bearing is enclosed with a secondary cover in which the lever is welded thereon.

10. A propulsion system as defined in claim 1 in which a pair of shafts protrude laterally the apparatus close to the middle, the shafts have a ring groove around its body close to said protruded ends.

11. A propulsion system as defined in claim 10 in which a spring keeps the shafts in an extended position, the inside portion of the shaft is placed frictionally within guides and having a stop bar which prevents detachment, the spring is placed at the inside end of the shaft and advanceses it to the protruded position, the shaft can be easily retracted manually.

12. A propulsion system as defined in claim 1 in which the rotational propulsion system is easily detachable from the protruded shafts.

13. A propulsion system as defined in claim 12 in which an automatic locking system, using a clip with a locking and releasing position, advance by a spring, and having a guide.