GB2461539A

GB2461539A - Human propelled boat powered by movement of a collapsible element within a submerged tube

Info

Publication number: GB2461539A
Application number: GB0812080A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond William Dent
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-02
Filing date: 2008-07-02
Publication date: 2010-01-06
Anticipated expiration: 2028-07-02
Also published as: GB0812080D0; GB2461539B

Abstract

A human powered propulsion system for a boat comprises a non-return parachute-type valve p, within a submerged tube t. Rearward thrust is given by a forward push of a users foot in a shoe heel h. The parachute-type valve collapses and is returned forward by the foot in the shoe heel, being pulled back. Preferably there are two sets on either side of the boat, one for each foot to operate. Other multiple configurations for four or eight users are also disclosed. A steering system may be used with a flexible rudder d at the end of each tube. During use the user may be forward facing in the boat.

Description

I

HUMAN PROPELLED BOAT

Background

In general human propelled boats use the strength of the arms, for instance in rowing or canoeing. In sculling the legs and body also are used but necessarily facing backwards as also in rowing. This invention uses the greater strength of the legs with a propulsion system in such a way that the boater is facing forwards.

The propulsion system also allows for a method of steering that provides greater control over the boat's direction than a conventional rudder.

Key Features This invention consists of a passage or tube leading from a forward region of the hull to a rear region of the hull with at least the forward end being below the normal surface of water level for intake of water, and piston means reciprocally displaceable within the tube (which thus forms the "cylinder" thereof) by means of tractive means entering the tube from the forward and rear ward ends and connected to drive means powered by at least one person within the boat, with said piston means itself forming or including a one-way valve means operating such as to enable water to pass around and/or through the piston during movement from a rear position to a forward position.

Preferably the tube is elongate and cylindrical and preferably two tubes are provided either side of the boat. Preferably a pulley and cable system will be provided for operating on the piston means in opposite direction of a tractive means with the cable entering at the forward and rear ward ends of the tube and be connected to the piston means. Preferably the cable system is driven by a foot or leg operated means, powered by the legs of the user. Preferably the piston is formed of a flexible sheet material such as "rip-stop nylon" and comprises a parachute-like or other cup-shaped member with the rearward pulling part of the tractive means being connected to the wider, open mouth periphery so the flexible fabric material opens and drives water towards the stern and the return forward pulling cable means being connected centrally of the piston I parachute so that the parachute means collapses to function as a one-way valve and enables the piston means to be returned, without driving water, to the forward end of the tube for subsequent water driving operation towards the stern.

The water thus being forced rearwards provides propulsion.

If only one of the preferable two tubes is opperated this will cause the boat to vere to the other side than that of the tube. (But see below concerning steering.) The invention facilitates a further development of a steering system using two flexible rudders attached to the inboard rear end of the tubes. The rudders are moved by a tractive means within the boat.

Introduction to Drawings

The drawing shows the Side Elevation, Plan, Bow and Stern Elevations of a boat equipped with the invention.

All features are symmetric about the centre line of the keel. But for simplicity not all are shown. Therefore where there is a feature on one side of the boat it may be assumed that, if it is not shown on the other side, it is indeed mirrored.

The drawing also shows how this boat is equipped with the steering system.

There is a second drawing of other configurations of the invention.

Detailed Description of Drawings

Ped Boat NB All elements of propulsion and steering are symmetrically replicated about the centre line of the boat. For simplicity not all are shown in the Plan, Bow and Stern Elevations.

The shoe heel, h, is pushed forward by the foot of the person. This pulls on the stern sheet (rope), rs, which action is transferred over the stern blocks (pulleys), ps, and stern vertical conduit, cs, into the tube, t, where it pulls back the parachute' pump, p. This opens and forces the water in the tube, t, rearwards giving thrust.

When full thrust has been given the shoe heel, h, is brought back. This pulls on the bow sheet (rope), rb. which action is transferred over the bow blocks (pulleys), pb, and bow vertical conduit, cb, into the tube, t, where it pulls back the parachute' pump, p. This collapses and is drawn forwards with minimal resistance ready for the next propulsion push.

Two tubes and related sheets, blocks, conduits, and shoes are envisaged, either side of the centre line of the boat. For a larger boat there could be further multiples, see drawing "Other Configurations".

Steering At the stern of the tube, t, vertically tangential with the inner quadrant is attached a flexible rudder, d, made of a number of segments. This is activated by a halyard, sh, attached to its end point passing horizontally along the outside of the tube, t, and then guided through a conduit, cd, and flexible coupling, pd, to be pulled inside the boat. As shown the boat would turn to port. It should be noted that this configuration at extreme stretch may allow for reverse thrust from the propulsion.

"Other Configurations" Other possible configurations of the use of the propulsion tubes are shown. Viz: A The tubes are placed close together immediately either side of the centre line enabling a slimmer hull.

B Two sets of tubes are placed wide apart one behind the other enabling two people sitting in tandem to propel the boat.

C Four sets of close tubes are set some distance apart within the hull enabling a party of four persons to travel together.

D Eight sets of tubes are placed one after the other but set apart such that the outflow from the one in front does not get pushed straight down the opening of the one behind. A simple rudder is provided for this where straight forward speed is the object.

Claims

Claims 1. A human powered propulsion system for a boat using at least one tube with a non-return parachute-type valve.
2. A steering system using a flexible partitioned rudder at the end of the tube as in Claim 1.