FR2491399A1 - Amphibious float for human propulsion - has inflatable rings side by side with evenly distributed paddles around periphery - Google Patents

Abstract

The amphibious float for human propulsion has a central inflatable part (1) of large dia. Against this are placed other inflatable parts (2) of smaller dia. Each of these has, at regular intervals, semi rigid or rigid paddles (3) of dia. slightly greater than the central part. The circle through the paddle tops is slightly greater than that of the central parr and two side inflatable parts (4) and those carrying the paddles. It is of smallerdia. than the latter. There are also end parts (5,5'), one (5') being transparent and the other (5) in the inner space.

Description

 The present invention relates to the field of means of transport, in particular for leisure, and relates to an amphibious device with human propulsion.

 Currently, existing amphibious vehicles are generally provided with a means of propulsion by thermal or electric motor, and have a relatively large weight, as well as a high cost price, which are hardly compatible with leisure use. In addition, these known devices are of rigid construction and can not be disassembled after use for storage.

 The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

 It has, in fact, for its object an amphibious device with human propulsion essentially constituted by a central inflatable tube of large diameter, against which are joined, on either side, two other inflatable tubes of smaller diameter, each provided at intervals regular, semi-rigid or rigid pallets, passing through the top of these pallets being of a diameter slightly greater than that of the diameter of the central tube, by two lateral inflatable tubes, arranged on either side of the tubes carrying the pallets and of smaller diameter than the latter, and by two end tubes forming, one a closing wall, preferably transparent, and the other the entrance to the interior space of the device.

 The invention will be better understood thanks to the description below, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given by way of nonlimiting example, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawing, in which FIG. 1 is a view in front elevation of the device according to the invention, and FIG. 2 is a side elevation view in section along AA of FIG. 1.

 In accordance with the invention, and as shown more particularly in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the appended drawing, the amphibious device with human propulsion is essentially constituted by an inflatable central rod 1 of large diameter against which are attached, on either side , two other inflatable tubes 2 of smaller diameter, each provided at regular intervals with semi-rigid or rigid pallets 3, by two lateral inflatable tubes 4 arranged on either side of the tubes 2, and of smaller diameter than the latter, and by two end flanges 5 and 5 ', one of which 5 forms the inlet of the device, and the other 5' forms a closure wall, preferably transparent.

 The semi-rigid or rigid pallets 3 are mounted on the outer wall of the tubes 2 by means of studs 6, and their height is such that the circle passing through their top has a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the central tube 1. This the latter is advantageously made of a transparent material, and its internal diameter, as well as that of the tubes 2, is provided such that a tall person can easily stand inside said tubes 1 and 2.

 According to another characteristic of the invention, each pallet 3 is provided with a bore 7 allowing the fixing of pallets, not shown of larger dimension.

 The lateral tubes 4 are intended to achieve the balancing of the device and to improve its buoyancy during the aquatic evolutions, while the tubes 5 and 5 ′ are intended to prevent the entry of water into the device.

 By the movement of the passenger inside the tubes 1 and 2, in particular by resting on the tubes 2, the device according to the invention rotates around its horizontal axis, and the pallets 3, by their action in the water, allow a transformation of this rotational movement into a movement of translation, the transparent tube 1 allowing the user to monitor its trajectory. When traveling on firm ground, the propulsion principle remains the same, the paddles 3 then serving, in addition, to provide protection for the central flange 1.

 Thanks to the invention, it is possible, at lower cost, to move, for leisure purposes, by means of an amphibious device.

 Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawing. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements, or. by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (3)

-RENDENDATIONS-  1. Human-powered amphibious device, characterized in that it is essentially constituted by a central inflatable tube (1) of large diameter, against which are joined, on either side, two other inflatable tubes (2) of diameter lower, each provided, at regular intervals, with semi-rigid or rigid pallets (3), the circle passing through the top of these pallets (3) being of a diameter slightly greater than that of the diameter of the central rod (1), by two lateral inflatable tubes (4) arranged on either side of the tubes (2) carrying the pallets (3) and of smaller diameter than the latter, and by two end tubes (5, 5 ') forming, one (5 ') a closing wall, preferably transparent, and the other (5) the entrance to the interior space of the device.  2. Amphibious device according to claim 1, characterized in that the central tube (1) is advantageously made of a transparent material, and its internal diameter, as well as that of the tubes (2) carrying the pallets (3) is provided such that 'A tall person can easily stand inside said sausages.  3. Amphibious device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pallets are each provided with a hole allowing the fixing of larger pallets.