EP2070814B1

EP2070814B1 - Assembly and coupling elements for single- or multiple-seat pedal-powered watercraft having paddle wheels

Info

Publication number: EP2070814B1
Application number: EP07822879.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: José Nieto León
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-08-01
Filing date: 2007-07-31
Publication date: 2016-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 2027-07-31
Also published as: ES2631153T3; ES1064408Y; EP2070814A1; ES1064408U; WO2008023083A1; EP2070814A4

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention here described is located in the field of small boats and watercrafts for aquatic leisure and recreational activities in relatively calm water. It describes a set of pieces in kit form for quick and easy assembly of small enlargeable customizable pedal boats provided with two or more parallel floats for one, two, or even more passengers.
In previous patent documents a lot of small boats and watercrafts propelled by pedals for aquatic leisure activities have been described, although only a few of them have been successful. This is due mainly to the difficulty or complication of the assembly system and to the relative unsafety and weakness of the assembled structures. Most of them have structures with not very much structural strength which consist in metal tube frames to screw composed of a lot of pieces to assemble and disassemble each time, and also having floats that in many occasions are inflatable, so they must be inflated and deflated and consuming a lot of time. Inflatable floats usually have a short life and are less safe than solid floats because they can be easily punctured, ripped, deflated and damaged by UV light. In addition, the most of patent documents often describe small single-seater boats than can not be converted or enlarged to two-seater boats at will, so their number of seats is often fixed and not customizable.
To the contrary, this invention does not describe any specific single pedal boat or watercraft, but describes a set of pieces in kit form, very simple, durable and strong, being the most of them manufactured in plastic materials for avoiding corrosion, that enables easy and quick assembly of several hull configurations of small pedal boats or watercrafts for aquatic leisure, which are enlargeable from two main floats to many by means of relatively few kit parts to assemble but achieving high structural strenght.
The elements described herein are only the needed parts for construction of main flotation structures for several hull configurations and the elements for adding propulsion and steering devices, leaving free a further design of seats and other elements and accesories to dock. Two-seater pedalos or larger ones are built by repetition sideways of the same basic and strong structural unit and its composing pieces, with exception of the two crossbars, which must be changed by other pair whose default lenght is multiplied by the number of seats to mount.
By this way, the more number of available pieces the user has, the larger size and the more number of floats and seats the watercraft he can assemble can have, as well as the more weight, cargo and number of coupled accesories such watercraft can support. Locking devices are multi-purpose and the more simple possible for enabling to attach and to detach easily different swappable elements, pieces and seats if they have the same or compatible locking system. For instance, users can dock in front of the default pedal boats two types of front floats at will for choosing to improve flotation or navigation performance against waves, or for adding cargo capacity to the default watercrafts. Uses can also change propulsion and steering systems, changing default pedals and paddlewheels by oars, paddles, electric propellers, or other accesories present in the market because the default propulsion system here described is very quick to dock and undock in the pedal boats but providing high safety and strenght. The invention also allows that the watercrafts could be sold in prepared packages having a complete detachable watercraft each, as well in the form of detached pieces for enlarging, specializing or customizing such watercrafts or going achieving them by gathering piece by piece.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The patent FR 1544093 describes a human-powered propulsion device for small pedalos for one or more passengers which is placed below the seat of each passenger. The invention is focused mainly in the propeller, not in the main floating structure needed for the watercraft. Steering devices are also not described. Its only similarity to the invention described herein is that it is the first patent document found which is referred to a two-seater pedal boat constructed with three main longitudinal floats, being each passenger and all elements for his accomodation placed between each pair of adjacent main floats, repeated as many times as number of passengers and seats. But it differentiates in not having any longitudinal U-shaped bar or plate for strenghtening floating structures as this invention has.
More similar is the patent document US 2004/0035344 , which describes a pedal boat concept which is enlargeable from a single-seater catamaran structure to a two-seater pedal boat with three parallel floats, being also each passenger and all elements for his accomodation placed between each pair of adjacent main floats, repeated as many times as number of passengers and seats. But it differenciates in that the basic structure is a mainframe constituted by intercrossed thin stainless steel tubes, and two or more inflatable floats.
Its structural pieces and assembly system are completely different from ours, and as commented before, despite it is a very packageable pedal boat, its main lacks are focused on its structural weakness that limits use to absolutely calm flat waters, despite that a lot of small pieces and tubes to assemble and to screw together must be used, and some of them could be easily lost if no care. The structural frame is constituted by thin tubes which are joined among them in right angles, with no oblique elements joined in non-right angles for shaping triangles along the structure to strenghten the boat against torsion and shearing stresses. The three crossbars are made also in thin stainless steel tubes and it seems they have not enough thickness or diameter as it should be. In addition, it uses inflatable floats which are easy to puncture, to rip and to deflate, and because their deformability the watercraft can not reach high speeds. The weight of the whole frame and passenger is concentrated on two metallic tube arcs for each float that embrace them from above, thanks to the own weight, over two zones on the top of each inflatable float, and due to their low diameter and low surface, such zones may suffer more pressure and stresses than if weight was distributed over higher surface. By these reasons, two-seater pedal boats assembled may be even weaker than single-seater ones.
The patent document that describes the closest prior invention to the one here described is US 6311632 , where a pontoon portable electric boat having two side floats is described. This invention has certain features that are common with ours but having a design of parts and assembly system completely different, being particularly relevant to our invention in having a removable frame composed of several detachable metal pieces which have a triple intercrossing among them for improving structural strenght and resistance in this type of small portable watercrafts in respect to previous inventions by means of a portable assembly system. However, such invention described in document US 6311632 still has certain limitations and shortcomings, primarily with regard to the assembly system and structural strength, which are overcomed or improved with the invention here described in this application as it is argued and discussed as follows.
US 6311632 describes an electric-powered watercraft propelled by a swivel rear propeller that can pivot around a vertical axis for steering control by means of a control lever. In the watercraft the frame, seat, drive and control elements rest their weight over two cylindrical identical floats whose extremes are finished in conical tip, being made of bent and welded aluminium sheet in convenient form. Between these two identical floats, arranged in the forward direction of the boat, three identical crossbars are arranged in the same horizontal plane and perpendicularly with respect to the floats they join by working as linking pieces, constituting the main structural frame of the watercraft.
These three crossbars are characterized in that the extremes of every one of them finish in the same hook-shaped metal piece, thanks to which the crossbars can loop over and overlap the top of the cylindrical main floats, fitting over their outer top surfaces, being finally secured to them. All weight of the watercraft and passenger rest on the floats by means of such hook-shaped or U-shaped pieces that embrace the floats as they are bent in U shape according to a vertical plane. Since these three crossbars are positioned respectively in the front, rear and middle parts of the twin cylindrical floats, they distribute weight evenly along them. These U-shaped pieces may be removable from the main body of each crossbar (by using screws or pins) or be joined to these pieces, well by welding these hooks to the crossbars, well by bending the starting straight crossbars in hooked ends. In turn, such U-shaped pieces, which act as hooks for hanging the frame and passenger from the floats, are joined to the floats by an unspecified system, being suggested by the author welding as a possibility. This is the main lack of this invention for achieving structural strenght as discussed later.
Since all three crossbars are not enough for providing convenient structural strenght, above their horizontal plane in longitudinal direction, an intermediate rectangular flat mid frame made of metal tube is placed for strengthening. By being in coplanar contact above all three crossbars, it links them through an unspecified linkage system, being suggested welding, in which case the entire frame would be resistant but not removable in parts, or otherwise through a system of screws and / or U-shaped retaining clips in hook shape, in which case crossbars and mid frame would be removable in parts but are weaker. By either of such linkage ways this mid frame is linked coplanarly to the plain of all three crossbars, so thereby a perpendicular intercrossing is obtained between main crossbars (arranged in transverse direction) and mid frame (arranged in longitudinal direction, in parallel to main floats). Having six connecting clips (if choosing a linking system with clips or screws), with three ones aligned in longitudinal direction on one side and three ones on the other one, symmetrically disposed with respect to the vertical longitudinal symmetry plane of the boat, some more structural strength is achieved against twisting and shearing than having only four, since between six screws or clips in such rectangular arrangement there are six possible diagonals between clip pairs, while in the case of four clips there are only two diagonals, so this structure is stronger.
Since linking of these structural elements may not be sufficient, there are two additional identical longitudinal bars, arranged symmetrically at both sides of the vertical central longitudinal plane of symmetry of the watercraft, and joined longitudinally beneath all three crossbars and perpendicularly to them. Again, linkage system is unspecified for this third structural element, so by welding all the main frame would be stronger but bulky, and by screwing to the contrary.
Over these three different structural elements a foldable seat is finally linked, made also of aluminium tube, so its placement may slightly increase the structural strenght of the watercraft.
The main similarity between this invention and the one presented herein is the intercrossing and liking of several different pieces alternately in longitudinal and transverse directions, stacked one above the other in horizontal layers and firmly joined mutually, which enables to increase number of screwing or bonding positions, both in longitudinal, transverse and several diagonal directions, and to increase strength of the floating structure against bending, torque and shear because the water movements. From this point differences begin.
In U.S. 6311632 the three intersecting structural parts that cross and join among them in right angles are the three crossbars finished in hooked or U-shaped arms (arranged in transverse direction), and the rectangular mid frame and the longitudinal straight bars (arranged in longitudinal direction). Both twin floats have a very limited role in contributing to the structure strenght in this invention. Therefore, to assemble the floating structure four types of pieces mounted perpendicularly are required, three ones for structural duties and a single one for buoyancy duty, while the seat also hardly contributes to the structural strength. In the present invention, however, the floats are also active contributors to the structural strength, so at least two crossbars (arranged in transverse direction), at least two longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates and at least two floats (both pices arranged in longitudinal direction) are mounted, so when compared there are in this case three types of structural pieces, being one of them also the flotation element.
In the aforementioned previous invention, the floats are cylindrical, made of aluminum and their outer surfaces are smooth, so because of that the crossbars must be finished ending in U-shaped hooked pieces for being able of embracing the floats and resting all weight over them. The floats lack of any slot, hole or housing hollow inside of which the crossbars would be inserted or screwed, while in this invention presented here all crossbars are housed and assembled through grooves or holes which completely pass through from side to side the top surface of each of the floats. Therefore, such holes, grooves or slots add strength to the structure by opposing to torsion and shear movements, cooperating with the bolts, screws or studs that fix the floats to the crossbars, so that the floats have also a role from a structural standpoint, in contrast to US 6311632 in that the floats have no slots and are near to be passive from structural standpoint, being the link between floats and crossbars the weaker point of this invention, because all stresses must be supported only by the screws or welds, with no aid of vertical faces of any groove. In addition, due to such complete transverse grooves, the crossbars can cross completely the floats, so it is possible to assemble a two-seater pedal boat having three floats starting from a single-seater pedal boat having two floats by changing the crossbars by other ones having two times the original lenght, and coupling furtherly all additional pieces for completing the new seat. In the invention described in US 6311632 this is not possible, since the crossbars can not cross the floats, and even in case that some modified doubled crossbars with three U-shaped folds (on both sides and in the center for central float) would be made, with the elements described in that memory there is no additional intersecting element that could cross and be locked between the structural parts of a watercraft half to the same ones from the other one, so a double boat built with these parts may be surely structurally weak and could be splitted and collapsed in not completely flat waters, reason by which the invention is designed only for building and providing rigidity to single-seater watercrafts, but not for two-seater or multiple-seater as ours can do.
The comparative performance of the crossbars from the two inventions has already partially explained. In US 6311632 the ending U-shaped vertically bent pieces have been placed to embrace the floats, while the same pieces in the present invention are completely straight, so they are more easily storable and transportable, and may be used to construct watercrafts from one to several seats by changing its lenght and repeating the rest of the same pieces sidewards, in addition to that since they are straight and not bent, they can have more thickness wall and be stronger, and part of the weight efforts and deformations is suffered also by the transverse grooves on where they rest and where they are best confined.
The most notable differences between the two inventions are given by the pieces arranged in longitudinal direction. In US 6311632 two longitudinal types of pieces are arranged in parallel planes to the own horizontal plane of the three crossbars and are joined to them, a rectangular mid frame from above and two identical longitudinal bars from the bottom. The role of these two longitudinal bars is redundant with respect to the two longer straight segments of the rectangular mid frame, which only represent a reinforcement without providing any other additional practical advantage, plus it is not specified the connection system between these elements and the three crossbars, so if they were welded the structure may be bulky and resistant, but if they were screwed the structure may be detachable but weaker.
According to Claim 1 of this document, the two longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates are characterized in that they are arranged in a pair placed between each pair of adjacent floats, symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry passing through the center of the watercraft, or a similar one but belonging to each pair of adjacent main floats in multiple-seater watercrafts. They are placed in a horizontal plane, above the crossbars and floats, being joined both in a same plane parallel to the respective planes of the other two pieces and linked to both, that is, because its shape each one of these pieces cross perpendicularly the two other structural elements, resulting in an assembly of three layers, constituted, from bottom up, by floats, crossbars and longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates. This stacked intercrossed structure makes that all elements always remain in parallel planes joined mutually among them, making its breakage and collapse more difficult.
The longitudinal segment of each one of the longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates touches and rests its weight on the two crossbars and is screwed on both of them, whereas the shorter transverse segments of each of the two longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates are attached to the floats and screwed in two widely separated sections thereof, at the stern and at the bow, fitting inside two transverse slots on the top surface of the floats which are practiced specifically in these positions for a complete immobilization of these transverse segments. Consequently, the longitudinal segments can be placed at a certain distance from the vertical center plane of symmetry of the watercraft, to be placed below the seat and to receive the vertical component of the weight from the passenger effectively and to distribute it better to the crossbars, but at the same time the transverse segments of the same pieces can be extended away from their positions transversely outwardly reaching to the floats, so part of the weight and forces and part of structural stresses are distributed not only to the crossbars, but also to four other points over the floats which may be really away from the two central main crossbars, so the structure is finally reinforced better than if adding a third additional crossbar.
Because the transverse segments are placed inside longitudinal slots or grooves practiced transversely at the top of the floats like the holes or slots that house inside the main crossbars, such slots or grooves oppose to deformation movements of torsion, torque and shearing in a much more effective way than if such longitudinal bars lack of such transverse segments. In addition to these slots or grooves, the screws that join the longitudinal segments of these U-shaped bars or plates to the main crossbars aare placed outside the straight lines that follow the lines of screws placed over the floats, and at the same time outside their corresponding perpendicular lines that follow the direction of the screws that join the transverse segments transversely to the floats. Therefore, many pairs of screws are arranged in diagonal directions, adding their strengthening tasks to the same one due to the grooves. Each two transverse segments that remain aligned in straight line and belong to each two of these U-shaped longitudinal bars or plates placed between each pair of adjacent floats work like an "incomplete or splitted crossbar" placed flanking the main crossbars in front and rear positions.
The transverse segments of the longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates prevent that their ends or the fixing screws of the pieces could be bent or broken if an excessive weight is placed over them outside the pair of main crossbars, as each extreme is joined to the float through its respective transverse segment. Thanks to these transverse segments the longitudinal segment of all these pieces can be provided with guideways or different coupling positions and devices along all its lenght for placing with safety the seat, displacing and adjusting the seat, or docking additional seats or other components or accessories along different longitudinal positions.
The two transverse segments of each longitudinal U-shaped bar or plate can have many selectable possible lenghts for adjusting the watercraft's width when assembled, in combination with a chosen length for the crossbars on each particular case. Among other possibilities, their longitudinal segments may be assembled mutually in touch each other flanking at both sides the vertical longitudinal plane of symmetry of the watercraft or pair of adjoining main floats, but usually it is preferable to leave in the center of the watercraft a gap of enough transverse separation distance between the longitdinal sections of both two U-shaped longitudinal bars or plates for accommodating legs for pedaling with no collisions and trippings with other elements. In all cases the seat is an element of active strengthening that maintains the parallelism between the two longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates.
Longitudinal U-shaped bars can be a bar whose extremes are symmetrically bent, being possible to cover it subsequently with a top hard plastic platform to put feet safely without danger or slip or to give an aesthetical or functional finish, or be directly U-shaped flat plates.
Finally, since the dimensions of the pieces and their hole positions for placement of screws in assembling are calculated for making that the transverse segments come exactly until the central vertical longitudinal plane of symmetry of each one of the main floats, when assembling watercrafts having two or more seats, two longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates share a middle float with no gaps between them, so said middle float works as a linking piece in middle, reinforcing multiple-seater watercrafts because their ends are in mutual touch.
In short, the presence of such transverse segments in one of the longitudinally-arranged elements, in concrete the longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates, together to the presence of four transverse grooves in the main floats, reinforces structures and enables very easily assemblies that are expandable sidewards with great effectiveness, simplicity and quick assembly, with a relatively small number of large pieces difficult to lose (except for the bolts and screws), enough for many small leisure watercrafts, and sure for enlargeable pedal boats.
While in US 6311632 the weight from the top structure and passenger is distributed to three separate points on each of the twin floats by using four types of pieces, in the present invention the weight is distributed to four points on each of the two or more floats, but by using only three types of pieces, being each one of these four points a transverse slot, groove or hole placed in the float, so that it is a more effective and efficient assembly system to achieve a strong structure by intercrossing fewer parts, which in addition can further be extended sidewards for placing more seats and floats. Furthermore, the present invention can be further even more reinforced by docking the crankshafts with paddlewheels, which maintain a link between the prow of each one of adjacent floats in the watercraft, as it happens by placing one of the optional dockable front floats, since each one also acts as a linking piece that joins the prows of two adjacent main floats.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 is a top view of the basic single-seater pedal boat that can be assembled with the parts and pieces described in the present invention. A detail in perspective view of the assembly system and stacking and arrangement order of the main structural pieces (crossbars, main floats and longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates) is added at the bottom.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the basic flotation structure (floats, crossbars and rudders) of the single-seater pedal boat that can be assembled with this invention, having one side without and the opposite side with one of the two U-shaped longitudinal bars or plates.
Figure 3 shows the process for docking the pedal propulsion group in the basic single-seater pedal boat in three steps (dropping of the stacked pedal propulsion group to inside its slots, sliding of the frontal sliding covers of the main floats until their stoppers, and fixation of them with screws). The figure shows a seat (with no backrest shown) placed over the guideways with which the two U-shaped longitudinal bars are provided, and confined in displacement between their ending stoppers.
Figure 4 shows the schematics and the stacking order of the different pieces and parts on each arm of the crankshafts for assembling a pedal-powered propulsion group for each seat. The ends of cranckshafts are machined in a squared cross-section which fit inside the central longitudinal inner squared hole of a cylindrical piece which fits and spins inside the cylindrical hole of an outer box-shaped piece that can be placed and locked inside the slot of the prow of each main float.
Figure 5 is a section of the sidewards connection way of two adjacent propulsion groups, where the adjacent ends of both crankshafts in touch share a float and the two pieces at each side and the center (the outer box-shaped and the inner cylindrical in shape) are disposed for enabling rotation of all the plugged crankshafts around a common fixed stable rotation axis.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the assembly way of pedal boats with two or more seats by repeating sidewards the same structure and pieces of the basic single-seater pedal boat by sharing a float each two adjacent passengers.
Figure 7 is a perspective view that shows the docking process of the front float to the single-seater pedal boat by introducing and sliding its longitudinal arms into the holes practiced longitudinally inside the sliding covers and locking it on its end position with screws.
Figure 8 is a section of the vertical column that supports the movable steering wheel.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of a float that holds the column of the steering wheel, showing the connection of the two strings from it to the rudder's top piece in pulley shape.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At least two equal transverse crossbars (1) (preferably two), whose cross-section is square or rectangular for enabling best assembly, are fixed to at least two equal parallel longitudinal main floats (2). Between each adjacent pair of such longitudinal main floats (2) there are two equal longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates (3), symmetrically disposed in relation to the central vertical symmetry plane of each pair of adjacent longitudinal main floats (2) in a way that each one is arranged having its longitudinal middle longer straight segment placed longitudinally in relation to the direction of advance of the watercraft, and its two shorter straight transverse segments are arranged starting each one from one end of this previous middle segment and reaching transversely to the main floats (2), to which each one of such transverse segments, arms or ends is joined by screws. These three elements are mutually joined among them in pairs by means of screws or pins for obtaining a strong floating structure as described as follows.
In all watercrafts each passenger is placed between two adjacent main floats (2) and sits on a seat (8) docked in middle of them, being such number of main floats (2), passengers and seats (8) selectable at will, starting from one seat and one passenger assembled over two main floats (2) to a number of n passengers and n seats assembled over main floats (2) a number of n plus one, so in multiple-seater watercrafts each two adjacent passengers share a common main float (2). For getting standardized assembly positions along the different crossbars (1) to use, and making possible to enlarge the different watercrafts by using the same other pieces with their own assembly positions and devices achieving compatible positions for fitting exactly among them, each pair of adjacent main floats (2) in all posible constructible watercrafts, from single-seater to multiple-seater ones, are separated between them always the same distance in transverse direction in relation to the direction of advance of the watercraft, being such distance constant an invariable. So depending on the number of desired passengers, seats and main floats (2) on each watercraft to assemble, at least a pair of identical crossbars (1) of different possible lenghts must be selected before assembling the rest of elements and parts over them. The possible length values of such crossbars (1) for multiple-seater watercrafts is best understood once the structure of single-seater watercrafts is explained below.
The crossbars (1) are joined to the two or more longitudinal main floats (2), being placed passing through holes, slots or grooves (4) which are practiced transversely in relation to the direction of advance of the boat in the top of the longitudinal main floats (2) crossing them completely. The crossbars (1) have vertical holes (5) practiced in calculated preset positions that are coincident, when the structure is assembled, with the same number of other vertical holes (6) practiced vertically and perpendicullarly into the holes, slots or grooves (4) of the longitudinal main floats (2). A same number of screws or pins (7) join the crossbars (1) and the longitudinal main floats (2) when screwed by them, each one passing through a vertical hole (5) and a vertical hole (6) consecutively.
The two longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates (3) that each pair of longitudinal main floats (2) has, are responsible for supporting a further seat (8) and / or other elements for accommodation of passengers over them. They are disposed between and having its longer dimension in parallel to the longitudinal main floats (2), and each one of their two perpendicular transverse ends (9) can be placed inside one of two transverse complete slots or grooves (10) practiced at the top surface of each longitudinal main float (2). All transverse holes, slots or grooves (4) for placing the crossbars (1) are practiced in the main floats (2) between the two transverse slots or grooves (10) for placing the longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates (3).
By that reason and because the length of the longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates (3) is higher than the separation distance between the crossbars (1) or between the most distant ones of them, the two longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates (3) are always placed and screwed symmetrically above the longitudinal main floats (2) and the crossbars (1), so weights and structural stresses due to the passenger or cargo are transmitted and distributed from the longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates (3) both to the crossbars (1) and to the longitudinal main floats (2) at the same time.
The crossbars (1) have another group of vertical holes (11) practiced in calculated preset positions which are coincident, also in assembly arrangement, with other group of the same number of vertical holes (12), which are practiced also vertically and perpendicullarly in the same coincident positions of assembly in the longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates (3). A screw or pin (13) for each vertical hole (11) and each vertical hole (12) crosses trough two consecutive ones of them and joins a crossbar (1) to a longitudinal U-shaped bar or plate (3).
The longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates (3) have also other group of vertical holes (14) practiced in calculated preset positions for correct assembly that are coincident with other group of vertical holes (15) practiced vertically and perpendicullarly into the bottom flat horizontal surface of the transverse slots or grooves (10) in the longitudinal main floats (2). A screw or pin (16) for each vertical hole (14) and each vertical hole (16) joins a transverse extreme of one of the two U-shaped bars or plates (3) to a main float (2) when screwed passing through both consecutive vertical holes belonging to both different pieces.
All groups of vertical holes (5) and (6), (11) and (12), and (14) and (15), as their screws, are obviously arranged also in symmetrical positions in relation to the vertical central plane of symmetry of each two adjacent main floats (2) for enabling standardized assembly.
With all these vertical holes practiced in calculated coincident preset positions for assembly in all the three pieces, all of them become mutually joined firmly in pairs when placed in assembly positions and screwed, obtaining a strong structure if the number of such practiced vertical holes (5), (6), (11), (12), (14), (15) and their screws (7), (13), (16) from each group is enough on each type of piece to obtain a good structural strenght once the watercraft is assembled. Once the crossbars (1) and longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates (3) are placed and secured to the longitudinal main floats (2) in their assembly positions, the holes, slots or grooves (4) and (10) are filled, obtaining a continuous horizontal flat top surface with the top of main floats (2) without discontinuities or hollows. The transverse slots or grooves (10) and the transverse holes, slots or grooves (4) aid to make easier assembling, sliding and screwing operations of structural elements and further pieces.
All transverse segments (9) of the identical longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates (3) are enough and exactly long to complete, in all watercraft assemblies, the distance between the desired or convenient transversal position of the main longer longitudinal segment (for supporting better the weight from the seat) and the nearest transverse slot or groove (10) belonging to the nearest float (2) when said standardized longitudinal U-shaped bar or plate (3) is placed in final assembly position, being specially important for enlargement capability and watercraft strengthening that such transverse segments reach exactly to the central vertical symmetry plane of the float (2) to which the longitudinal U-shaped bar or plate (3) is joined, so each one of the vertical holes (14) must be practiced coincidently with its correspondent coincident vertical hole (15). Thanks to this feature, in case of the assembly of pedal boats with two or more seats (8) where one or several main floats (2) can be shared, the transverse segments (9) of a longitudinal U-shaped bar or plate (3) joined to a shared main float (2) are in mutual consecutive contact with the transverse segments (9) of other equal symmetrical longitudinal U-shaped bar or plate (3) belonging to the adjacent seat (8) and adjacent pair of main floats (2). This contact strengthens multiple-seater watercraft structures very much than in case of no contact between them, because such transverse segments (9) can cooperate by being in touch and oppose to structure deformations.
For bulding watercrafts having more than a single passenger and seat, other different longer crossbars (1) must be chosen from the beginning, being their lenght increasable by as many equal length steps as number of passengers, but using the same other types of pieces that used for building single-seater watercrafts, repeated and assembled sidewards as many times as passengers, with exception of main floats (2), which a single one per additional passenger is added because each two adjacent passengers share a common main float (2) between them.
Once the value of adequate separation distance between the symmetry planes of both main floats (2) in the single-seater watercraft is determined for achieving good ergonomics and enough space for placing a passenger between, and also once determined the adequate lenght of each one of holes, slots or grooves (4) having the holes (6) for achieving best structural strenght, the overall lenght of the twin crossbars (1) for building single-seater watercrafts is the sum of both lenghts, protruding their extremes from the middle of main floats (2) half the lenght of a hole, slot or groove (4). Each crossbar (1) for single-seater watercrafts is divided in three segments, two symmetrical ending ones, having each half the lenght of the hole, slot or groove (4) each for a good coupling inside them by having the holes (5), and a middle segment having the rest of the crossbar (1) overall lenght, where the seat (8) and the U-shaped longitudinal bars or plates (3) are joined thanks to the holes (11).
The crossbars (1) required for building two-seater watercrafts are similar to the crossbars (1) used for assembly of single-seater ones, having sets of holes (5) and (11) placed in the same relative positions with no changes, but differing in having an additional length and additional identical cloned distributions of holes (5) and (11) displaced towards a side a certain length. Such additional length is extended starting from one end in two additional consecutive different segments along the same crossbar (1) piece. First one is exactly identical in length and relative distributions, positions, number and diameters of holes (5) to the middle central segment of the crossbar (1) for single-seater watercrafts. Second one is terminal, and is exactly identical to the terminal segment of the crossbar (1) for single-seater watercrafts in length and relative distributions, positions, number and diameters of holes (11).
The longer crossbars (1) for construction of watercrafts for n passengers are obtained in a similar way starting from crossbars (1) used for building single-seater watercrafts, but in the direction of one of their ends the length is extended n times a middle segment plus a terminal segment from each crossbar (1) for single-seater watercrafts, with the particularity that alternatively the same distributions of holes (5) and (11) are practiced and drilled, performed with the same relative distribution, number, hole diameter and relative displacement in direction of the crossbar (1) always in an alternate disposition. By that, there are always, in any crossbar (1), two ending shorter segments having holes (5) for joining to a main float (2) being housed inside a hole, slot or groove (4), and between them always there are at least a middle longer segment having holes (11) flanked by both sides by two shorter ending segments having holes (5), being on each one of the first ones where each pair of adjacent U-shaped bars or plates (3), the seat (8) and the passenger are placed, matching with the gaps between every two adjacent main floats (2).
The longitudinal main floats (2) become wider in transverse direction from the top flat surface toward its bottom nearly flat surface, improving by this way a good sliding above water and making easier displacement by human power by minimizing the submerged surface and decreasing friction with water. Each longitudinal main float (2) have a prow that gets narrow in relation to its main body for cutting water better, and also for leaving more transverse distance between each two of them for placing propulsion devices and an optional front float (17), as for compensating additional buoyancy of this front float (17). Each longitudinal main float (2) has also a keel (18) disposed on its central vertical symmetry plane for directing the water flow toward the rudders (19), increasing maneuverability of the boat or pedal boat.
In order to increase strength and endurance of the boat structure against lateral compression movements of water, it is possible to insert several chocks or supplementary pieces (20) between the crossbars (1) and the longitudinal main floats (2). They can be secured with pins or screws if necessary to the crossbars (1) by adding more holes and screws.
Each crankshaft (21) of the pedal boat skewers or impales simmetrically by each one of its both sides a paddlewheel (22) until a stopper (23) placed on each crankshaft arm (24) for separating them from the pedals (25) a small distance. Each crankshaft (21) has their two side crankshaft arms (24) finishing in ends which are coincident with the rotation axis and are modified to make a very easy and quick assembly step of paddlewheels (22) in the crankshaft (21). To do that, the ends of both crankshaft arms (24) are finished or machined in a rod end (26) whose cross-section is square or polygonal. The central hole (27) of the paddlewheels (22) has exactly the same inner cross-section, enabling them to be skewered or impaled by the rod ends (26) and rotate together as a whole without the need of screws or pins. But if it is desirable a better resistance of the paddlewheels (22) against torsion, several pins (28) can be placed into the holes (29) that cross perpendicullarly the axis of the paddlewheels (22) and the rod ends (26) of crankshafts (21) to secure them firmly.
The length of all identical crankshafts (21), measured between the ends of their rod ends (26) of square or polygonal cross-section, is the same or a little less than the separation distance between the central vertical symmetry planes of each two adjacent longitudinal main floats (2), so two or more adjacent crankshafts (21) can be placed sidewards in mutual contact or very close to this arrangement. As these rod ends (26) of square or polygonal cross-section are not cylindrical in shape and the crankshafts (21) can not roll if joined to main floats (2) by them, two identical plastic bearings or rolling pieces with cylindrical symmetry (30) (preferably cylindrical in shape) for each crankshaft (21) are added.
They consist each in a tube with an inner hole along its symmetry axis with the same inner cross-section that the square or polygonal cross-section of the rod ends (26), so two of these tubes can be plugged or skewered laterally in the crankshafts (21), being used as side bearings for rolling. Each bearing or rolling piece of cylindrical symmetry (30) rolls fitting perfectly into a box-shaped locking piece (31), that has a cylindrical hole along its major axis with the same inner diameter that the bearing or rolling piece (30). Both these rolling and locking pieces (30) and (31) can be manufacturad in a plastic material with low friction and high resistance to abrasion to prevent corrosion and bimetallic contacts that could boost corrosion even more.
Each box-shaped locking piece (31) fits exactly inside a top slot or groove (32) that cross from side to side transversely each longitudinal main float (2) near its prow, so that both ends of each stacked propulsion device (composed each by a crankshaft (21), two skewered paddlewheels (22), and the also skewered twin lateral rolling (30) and locking (31) pieces) can be firmly docked and fixed transversely in relation to the direction of advance of the watercraft by simply dropping it from above and fitting each one of their both side locking pieces (31) inside the slot or groove (32) at the prow of each one of the two adjacent main floats (2). A front sliding cover (33) for each longitudinal main float (2) slides inside several longitudinal guideways or flanges (34) for locking and securing each stacked propulsion device to its respective pair of longitudinal main floats (2) with several pins or screws (35). The rolling (30) and locking (31) pieces have the same length, or near this value, that the prow thickness of each longitudinal main float (2), but all the square or polygonal cross-section rod ends (26) of the crankshafts (21) that are introduced into the longitudinal main floats (2) through these slots or grooves (32) only have the half of such prow thickness as much. This fact allows to connect or to plug sidewards serially two or more crankshafts (21) with all their respective paddlewheels (22), sharing each two adjacent crankshafts (21) a middle rolling piece (30) and a middle locking piece (31) on each shared main float (2), for obtaining a pedal boat with two or more seats.
As the rolling piece (30) could be displaced transversely and being finally lost when pedaling, it has a little cylindrical enlargement or stopper that limits this movement. In a single-seat pedal boat, both rolling pieces (30) are mounted with their stoppers looking inside of the boat, and in a pedal boat of more seats, they are mounted with both enlargements or stoppers looking inside of each pair of adjacent longitudinal main floats (2).
Between each two longitudinal main floats (2) it is possible to dock a front float (17) with a little smooth prow, that gives additional flotation and protects the passenger's feet from water, waves and splashes, as well as from possible floating objects.
This front float (17) has a little draught, so that it allows it to slide above water and make easier the displacement by human power. It can be coupled by horizontal sliding from the front of the pedal boat and between each pair of adjacent main longitudinal floats (2), passing exactly under the plane of the crankshafts (21) and pedals (25), without any touch or collision with these parts. This front float (17) has on its rear a hollow or cavity that houses inside it the pedals (25), crankshafts (21) and passenger's feet in all their turning around their rotation axis with no collisions, frictions or bumps with other elements.
Another version of this front float (36) is open to water by its rear and / or sides. Instead of the cavity, it has optionally one or two symmetrical horizontal surfaces, foils or boards for sliding above the water but allowing to the passenger to have a rest for his o her feet and refreshing them with water. The front float (17) is good for use when the wheather is cold, or the water is cold or dirty, because such watercrafts can be used with wear and shoes, and the front float (36) is good for use in beaches, pools or lakes in summer because there are no inner cavity that could be filled with water due to waves although feet get wet.
The front floats (17) and (36) are anchored to the flotation structure with a front horizontal curved bar (37) and two rear Z-shaped bent bars (38). The front horizontal curved bar (37) is firmly joined to the front float (17) or (36) by its prow or middle part, and their two parallel arms are bent or curved an amount of 180°, giving it a C-shaped or an U-shaped look. Both arms can be introduced at the same time by horizontal displacement of the front float (17) or (36) with which are linked, into two horizontal longitudinal holes practiced or drilled in the sliding covers (26) and / or in the main floats (2) which have the same inner cross-section that the arms of the front horizontal curved bar (37), being fixed these both previous pieces with fixing screws (35).
To allow the assembly of several front floats (17) or (36) in a pedal boat with two or more seats, the sliding covers (33) have a pair of equal horizontal holes, symmetrically practiced in relation of its own vertical symmetry plane. When coupling a front float (17) or (36), each arm of the front horizontal curved bar (37) is introduced into the inner hole of each one of both sliding covers (33) placed at both sides (in relation to the considered seat), while the outer hole of each sliding cover (33) remains free for coupling other adjacent front float (17) or (36) in front of one of the two possible adjacent seats. Once placed the front float (17) or (36) on its position and anchored by means of the front horizontal curved bar (37) to the longitudinal main floats (2), it must be secured on its rear part with two rear Z-shaped bent bars (38) made of cylindrical tube.
To do that, when the front float (17) or (36) is docked, each one of these Z-shaped bent bars (38) is introduced transversely by one of their arms into a transverse symmetrical tube placed or drilled over the sliding covers (33), the longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates (3) or the longitudinal main floats (2), crossing them partially or completely. Then, each one of both Z-shaped bent bars (38) can pivot inside this tube or hole to introduce its other free arm into at least a locking device placed at the rear of the front float (17) or (36) from bottom, so part of the weight and buoyancy forces due to these flotational elements are supported by both Z-shaped bent bars (38) and the other one by the C-shaped curved bar (37), which anchor the front float (17) or (36) firmly and avoid that it could be released or loosen even if the passenger puts the feet over it.
Each longitudinal main float (2) has on its own stern a vertical tube or hole (39) for supporting a rudder (19) by means of several washers (40) and fixation pins (41). Each rudder (19) ends in a top piece with shape in horizontal twin pulley (42) that can be locked or anchored with it. All rudders (19) have on their top the same horizontal twin pulley piece (42) that can be easlily manufactured in plastic in a single piece. It has several hooks or rings (43) symmetrically disposed around it for tying several ropes, cables or strings, and also top stoppers (44) for restricting the rotation angle of the rudders (19) and enable the turn only between two extreme positions with an angle between them of or lesser than 180°. As all rudders (19) and these pieces with horizontal twin pulleys (42) are disposed in the same horizontal planes in the watercrafts assembled, all of them are finally tied or hooked with an horizontal synchronization common string (45) that passes guided trough all the top or bottom pulleys to make possible that all rudders (19) have the same angle at any moment for a good control of the watercraft.
The pedal boats have a single little column (46) screwed with several screws (47) in any chosen longitudinal main float (2) for supporting a movable lever or steering wheel (48) for control of the boats. There are two strings (49), each one placed to drag the rudders (19) in one direction. They pass through a narrow slot or groove (50) practiced longitudinally in the middle of the top surface of the longitudinal main floats (2) that protects them, and they climb inside the column (46) towards the steering wheel (48). The ends of both of them are connected by hooks, knots or rings to the piece with a horizontal twin pulley (42) of the same main float (2) and to the rod (51) of the steering wheel (48). The vertical column (46) has two top aligned tubes (52), placed longitudinally in relation to the watercraft. Inside of each one a rolling cylindrical bearing or washer (53) is inserted, which has a longitudinal coaxial inner hole whose cross-section is square or polygonal (not circular).
The rod (51) of the steering wheel (48) has the same cross-section and skewers them, dragging them when it tums. By this way, the steering wheel (48) can rotate freely rolling around the two bearings (53) and be displaced longitudinally along its central rod (51) for being adjusted to the passenger, with a pin placed at the end of its rod (51) to avoid to be released and lost.
Between the two rolling bearings or washers (53), and also skewered by the steering wheel's rod (51), another cylindrical or spool-shaped piece (54), with a middle longitudinal hole with the same inner cross-section that the outer cross-section of the steering wheel's rod (51), is inserted. This spool-shaped piece (54) is confined, so it can not be lost but can rotate when dragged by the steering wheel (48), and has two hooks or rings for tying or hooking the end of each one of the two strings (39) for control of the rudders (19).
When the steering wheel (48) turns, the spool-shaped piece (54) makes the same, rolling up a string (49) and unrolling the other one, dragging by this way the rudder (19) of the same longitudinal main float (2) to one side, while the other rudders (19) connected and synchronized to the first one in parallel make the same being dragged by the synchronization string (45).
For avoiding that any of the two strings (39) could get tight and rudders (19) could be blocked in middle of their turn, reducing watercraft's maneuverability, each one of the two control strings (39) are rolled in opposite directions the same number of several additional turns around the spool-shaped piece (54), then enabling by this additional length given to them that the steering wheel (48) could make freely the same number of turns symmetrically in both directions for making turn the rudders (19) freely, at least until a turning angle of 90° in both directions before one of the strings (39) get tight.

Claims

Assembly and coupling elements for single-seater or multiple-seater pedal-powered watercrafts having paddlewheels, constituted by at least a pair of identical crossbars (1), which are arranged in the same horizontal plane perpendicularly in relation to the direction of advance of the boat and having an adequate length for enabling that they may be fixed to a number of identical main longitudinal floats (2), all of them longitudinally arranged in relation to the direction of advance of the boat in the same horizontal plane and being all of them symmetrical in relation to their respective vertical longitudinal symmetry planes, being this number of main floats (2) equal to the number of desired passengers plus one, and there is enough width between each two adjacent longitudinal main floats (2) for placing here all the necessary pieces, accessories and elements for accommodation of passengers and for propulsion and control of the boat, with this floating structure obtaining rigidity with two equal U-shaped longitudinal bars or plates (3) for each seat, and then for each pair of longitudinal main floats (2), that are placed between each two adjacent longitudinale main floats (2) and symmetrically in relation to the vertical central symmetry plane of the same pair of main floats (2), with such three structural elements characterised in that they enable assembly of two-seater and multiple-seater pedal boats by using as many number of main floats (2) as number of desired passengers plus one in the watercraft to assemble, and later by repeating and joining sidewards all the necessary pieces, accessories and elements for accommodation of a single passenger and for propulsion of the boat as many times as the number of desired passengers, in a way that in two-seater and multiple-seater watercrafts each passenger shares a main longitudinal float (2) with the adjoining passenger, so that the longitudinal main floats (2) are fixed with screws or pins at equal distances between each two consecutive ones of them, further characterised in that from these three types of pieces, the crossbars (1) have different standardized selectable lengths for each number of passengers or seats in the watercraft to assemble, so by such feature they make possible the assembly of watercrafts for different number of passengers by enlargement sidewards, always assembling the main floats (2) with a constant transverse separation distance between each two adjacent ones of them, and also between their respective vertical longitudinal symmetry planes, further characterized in that the U-shaped longitudinal bars or plates (3) are joined and intercrossed in right angles with both main floats (2) and crossbars (1) for increasing strengthening with a triple union of these three elements arranged in three respective horizontal parallel planes, being arranged each pair of such U-shaped longitudinal bars or plates (3) over and between each pair of adjacent main longitudinal floats (2), each one at one of the sides and symmetrically in relation to the vertical longitudinal symmetry planes of both adjacent main floats (2), and over the crossbars (1) at the same time, resting in contact with and being joined to these two pieces, further characterized in that each U-shaped longitudinal bar or plate (3) has its own middle straight longer longitudinal segment arranged in longitudinal direction in contact and joined perpendicularly to all crossbars (1) in a selected chosen preset transverse position, and its twin transverse shorter segments connecting in transverse direction the previous longitudinal segment to the main floats (2) where they are joined to them, further characterised in that such three structural pieces are joined by three different groups of vertical screws or pins (7,13 and 16), each one of which joins mutually each two of such types of pieces between them, and are placed passing through coincident consecutive vertical holes (5, 6, 11, 12, 14 and 15) practiced in the common surfaces in contact.
Assembly elements according to Claim 1, characterised in that the crossbars (1) and the longitudinal U-shaped bars or plates (3) are fixed on or near the top surface of the longitudinal main floats (2) inserted into transverse holes, slots or grooves (4) and (10) that cross these longitudinal main floats (2) completely from side to side, with the feature that in all identical U-shaped bars or plates (3), once determined the adequate preset transversal position for coupling its main longer longitudinal segment, the length of their twin transverse segments is exactly enough for reaching until the central vertical symmetry plane of the main float (2) with which they are joined, so that in such main floats (2) that are shared between two adjoining passengers in multiple-seater watercrafts, two identical U-shaped bars or plates (3) share such shared main float (2) with exact fitting with no interprenetration of the pieces for allowing assembly, but at the same time in contact for allowing a cooperation between them in strengthening of the structure in multiple-seater watercrafts.
Assembly elements according to Claim 2, characterised in that there are a number of identical crankshafts (21) equal to the number of seats, each one with a pair of pedals (25) and with the same length between the ends of its arms (24) that the separation distance between the vertical central symmetry planes of two adjacent longitudinal main floats (2), with the feature that each crankshaft (21) has two identical paddlewheels (22) which are symmetrically inserted, impaled or threaded by their centres in the ending rod (26) of each crankshaft's arm (24) remaining confined in the free spaces that remain between the pedals (25) and each longitudinal main float (2) of the pedal boat.
Assembly elements according to Claim 1 and at least a Claim from Claims 2 to 3, characterised in that the crankshafts (21) have the ending rods (26) of their arms (24) finished in square or polygonal cross-section and the paddlewheels (22) at sides have a central hole (27) with the same inner cross-section, so that both crankshafts (21) and paddlewheels (22) can rotate joined with an easy assembly even if they are not secured mutually with pins or screws.
Assembly elements according to Claim 1 and at least a Claim from Claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the two ending rods (26) finished in square or polygonal cross-section that belong to each crankshaft (21) are inserted into two respective plastic bearings or pieces of cylindrical symmetry (30) through a coaxial central hole that cross each one completely and has the same inner cross-section that the two ending rods (26) finished in square or polygonal cross-section that belong to each crankshaft (21), so both pieces can adjust and fi t perfectly but their relative rotation is impeded, with the feature that the length of such bearings or pieces of cylindrical symmetry (30) is the same or a little less than the transverse horizontal thickness of the longitudinal main float (2) in the coupling position of the crankshafts (21).
Assembly elements according to Claim 1 and at least a Claim from Claims 2 to 5, characterised in that each one of the bearings or pieces of cylindrical symmetry (30) is introduced through a cylindrical hole of its same own diameter which is practiced or drilled in another box-shaped piece (31), crossing it completely according to its main axis, being the length of this box-shaped piece (31) the same or a little smaller than the transverse horizontal thickness of the longitudinal main floats (2) in the coupling position of the crankshafts (21), so they fi t into slots or grooves (32), practiced transversely in the top front part of the longitudinal main floats (2), which because its shape impede their rotation as well as their displacement or possible loss in longitudinal and transverse directions but allow their introduction from above for coupling the entire propulsion device.
Assembly elements according to Claim 1 and at least a Claim from Claims 2 to 6, characterised in that each propulsion group, each one of them composed by a crankshaft (21), two paddlewheels (22), and two pieces of cylindrical symmetry (30) that roll freely inside its respective box-shaped holder pieces (31), is mounted by dropping from above placing its ends into their respective receptacle holder slots or grooves (32) practiced in the top front part of each longitudinal main float (2), and is finally locked with two sliding covers (33) that hold them and impede extraction or loss from the top, being inserted and slid such sliding covers (33) along lashes or guideways (34) practiced in the longitudinal main floats (2) and secured with at least a pin or screw (35) each one.
Assembly elements according to Claim 1 and at least a Claim from Claims 2 to 7, characterised in that all propulsion groups can be connected side by side sidewards serially, allowing their rotation as a whole because each pair of adjacent propulsion groups can share one of the bearing or rolling pieces of cylindrical symmetry (30) and one of the box-shaped receptacle holder pieces (31) on those main floats (2) that are shared in multiple-seater watercrafts,
Assembly elements according to Claim 1 and at least a Claim from Claims 2 to 8, characterised in that each longitudinal main float (2) has a rudder (19) placed on its own stern, fixed on a vertical rotation axis into a vertical tube or hole (39) by a pin or screw (41), with the feature that the rudder (19) has a top piece with shape of twin horizontal parallel pulleys (42) with several hooks or rings (43) and rotation stoppers (44), whose function is to connect all the rudders (19) of the pedal boat with strings or ropes (45) and synchronize them in parallel in the same rotation angle.
Assembly elements according to Claim 1 and at least a Claim from Claims 2 to 9, characterised in that each longitudinal main float (2) has several holes practiced on its top surface between the crossbars (1) and the front sliding covers (33), so that they enable to fix with screws (47) a single vertical column (46) on the top of a chosen longitudinal main float (2) of the pedal boat for supporting and enabling longitudinal displacement and rotation of a lever or a steering wheel (48) for control of the boat, placed passing through the inside of two upper aligned tubes (52) arranged in the direction of advance of the boat.
Assembly elements according to Claim 1 and at least a Claim from Claims 2 to 10, characterised in that there is a lever or steering wheel (48) linked to a straight rod or bar (51) whose cross-section is square or polygonal and can turn and move longitudinally in relation to the boat inside the two consecutive aligned tubes (52) that are disposed at the top of the vertical column (46), being supported and passing through two cylindrical tubes or bearings (53) with an inner hole whose inner cross-section is the same than the steering wheel's rod (51) for dragging them when it turns, with the feature that there is a gap between these two tubes or bearings (53) where a spool-shaped piece (54) of cylindrical symmetry is placed, having such spool-shaped piece (54) an inner coaxial hole of the same inner cross-section that the tubes or bearings (53) have, as two rings or hooks (49) for tying strings for dragging rudders (19).
Assembly elements according to Claim 1 and at least a Claim from Claims 2 to 11, characterised in that the strings (49) for control of the rudder (19) pass protected inside the vertical column (46) that supports the lever or steering wheel (48), as well as through longitudinal guideways, tubes or flanges (50) practiced in the longitudinal main floats (2), and they end beside or near the piece in twin horizontal pulleys (42) placed on top of the rudder (19) of the same longitudinal main float (2), being these strings (49) tied to this piece in twin horizontal pulleys (42) or to the rudder (19) by using knots, rings or hooks (43).
Assembly elements according to Claim 1 and at least a Claim from Claims 2 to 12, characterised in that it is possible to couple, between each pair of adjacent longitudinal main floats (2) and surrounding pedals (25) which are engaged to the crankshaft (21) but leaving outside the paddlewheels (22), a little front float (17) of little draught and a light prow shape, that slides above surface of water, giving additional flotation and protecting passenger's feet from water, waves and splashes, with the feature that such front float (17) can be coupled by horizontal displacement from the front of the pedal boat, sliding it under the axis of the crankshaft (21) without trip or collision.
Assembly elements according to Claim 1 and at least a Claim from Claims 2 to 13, characterised in that each front float (17) is fixed between each pair of adjacent longitudinal main floats (2) with a horizontal curved bar (37) whose arms are bent an amount of 180°, giving to it a C-shaped or U-shaped look, with the feature that each one of these arms are introduced into, slid and stopped inside a hole of the same inner cross-section which is practiced or drilled along the direction of advance of the boat on the sliding covers (33) placed on top of both two adjacent longitudinal main floats (2) at both sides of the front float (17) considered.
Assembly elements according to Claim 1 and at least a Claim from Claims 2 to 14 characterised in that the rear of the front float (17) is fixed with two Z-shaped bent bars (38) of cylindrical cross-section placed at both sides and symmetrically in relation to the longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of each pair of adjacent longitudinal main floats (2), being one of the arms or extremities of each Z-shaped bar (38) introduced into a tubular receptacle practiced or drilled transversely on each sliding cover (33), inside of which this Z-shaped bent bar (38) can pivot to introduce and secure its other free arm into a slot, groove or other locking device practiced in the rear of the front float (17) to anchor it to the main flotation structure of the pedal boat.
Assembly elements according to Claim 1 and at least a Claim from Claims 2 to 15, characterised in that at least one of the front floats (17) has on its rear an inner hollow or cavity of cylindrical symmetry or similar which is open on top with its main axis arranged horizontally and perpendicularly in relation to the direction of advance of the boat, with the feature that it allows free rotation of the crankshafts (21), pedals (25) and passenger's feet housed inside it without any trip or collision.
Assembly elements according to Claim 1 and at least a Claim from Claims 2 to 15, characterised in that at least one of the front floats (36) has its sides and / or its rear open to water, so passenger's feet can get inside water, and optionally has one or two symmetrical horizontal flat surfaces for sliding above water.