US20090305585A1

US20090305585A1 - Self engaging paddle track

Info

Publication number: US20090305585A1
Application number: US12/454,855
Authority: US
Inventors: Linda Ann Chippas Reilly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-09
Filing date: 2009-07-27
Publication date: 2009-12-10

Abstract

The present invention relates to amphibian vehicles, more particularly to track paddling propulsion. The present application is a copy of drawings submitted as a provisional patent title name paddle track; application no. 61/131,473 filing date Jun. 9, 2008, confirmation no. 7119.

The object of the invention is to provide a novel means of amphibian locomotion via self-engaging paddles. The self engaging paddle track apparatus can be utilized on a single floater for use as a water cycle or a vessel floater having paddle tracks on opposite sides (port and starboard) for any amphibian use desired. Locomotion power is either pedaling or motor. In essence this apparatus is to provide a means of locomotion for any type of amphibian or water bound locomotion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to amphibian vehicles, more particularly to track paddling propulsion. The present application is a copy of drawings submitted as a provisional patent title name paddle track; application No. 61/131,473 filing date Jun. 9, 2008, confirmation no. 7119.
The object of the invention is to provide a novel means of amphibian locomotion via self-engaging paddles. The self engaging paddle track apparatus can be utilized on a single floater for use as a water cycle or a vessel floater having paddle tracks on opposite sides (port and starboard) for any amphibian use desired. Locomotion power is either pedaling or motor. In essence this apparatus is to provide a means of locomotion for any type of amphibian or water bound locomotion.
2. Related Art
Numerous devices/vehicles are known for use of water-land locomotion. These devices commonly use some type of paddles or tracks for locomotion. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,843 to Yun discloses a depiction of an amphibian cycle, which the rear wheel has a series of paddles for locomotion mounted on floaters.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,511,338 to Fanelli discloses a depiction of a cycle configuration on a floater and paddles on port and starboard for locomotion.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,416,128 to Swennes discloses a depiction of an amphibian track vehicle which depends on a series of treads for locomotion.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,916,006 to Crandall discloses a depiction of an amphibian with a series of wheels for locomotion.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,878,883 to France discloses a depiction of a track mounted on two wheels and the track having a series of treads propelled by a propeller.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,065 to Hall discloses a depiction of a paddle configuration mounted to a boat.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,353,618 to Fisher discloses a depiction of an amphibian having a track revolving on two wheels and the track having a series of treads for locomotion Many of these devices/vehicle, such as those of Yun, Fanelli, Swennes et al., Crandall et al., France et al., Hall and Fisher are all intended of some sort of amphibian or amphibian to land locomotion's, however none of which relates to the present invention therefore, it is primary object of the invention to provide a device for water-land locomotion that operates uniquely.
It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Paddle track for powering amphibian vehicles: The self engaging paddle track has five basic components, an elongated frame, two drum gear sprockets front and rear, a chain sprocket attached to the front drum gear sprocket that receives the power source, a flexible or hinged track that revolves around the drum gear sprockets and self-engaging paddles which mount on the track.
This apparatus mounted on a single floater with a cycle type body becomes a water cycle and may be powered by a pedaling or motor. The paddle track can also be mounted on a floater such as a vessel having paddle tracks on either side (port or starboard). In essence this invention is a means when coupled with power for amphibian locomotion.


Reference Cited
U.S. Patent Documents

5,226,843	Jul. 13, 1993	Yun
4,511,338	Apr. 16, 1985	Fanelli
2,416,128	Feb. 18, 1947	Borg-Warner Corp.
2,916,006	Dec. 08, 1959	Crandall
2,8t8,883	Mar. 24, 1959	France etc
3,353,618	Nov. 21, 1965	Fisher
6,083,065	Jul. 04, 2000	Hall

After searching the U.S. Patent Office data these inventors found nothing remotely related to this paddle track now before the U.S. Patent Office Examiner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The intent of the invention will become clear by the following description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Dwg. 1 Side view of the paddle track.

Dwg. 2 Top view of the paddle track.

Dwg. 3 Front view of the paddle track.

Dwg. 4 Wire frame illustration of the paddle track.

Dwg. 5 Wire frame.

Dwg. 6 Omitting the track for clarity.

Dwg. 7 Isometric view of the track.

Dwg. 8 Isometric view of the paddle.

Dwg. 9 For the purpose of illustrating the utility of the paddle track but not limited to said design.

- 1. Track
- 2. Paddle
- 3. Halter
- 4. Torque springs
- 5. Circular treads
- 6. Circular gear track teeth
- 7. Hinge hole
- 8. Front drum gear sprocket
- 9. Rear drum gear sprocket
- 10. Circular pitch diameter
- 11. Chain sprocket
- 12. Axles
- 13. Frame
- 14. Hinge shaft
- 15. Cut-outs
- 16. Inlets
- 17. Spacings

Track 1 being elongated along the horizontal axes and having XYZ dimensions and fabricated from flexible or hinged material being capable of rotating around the drum gear sprockets 8 and 9. The paddle track 1 has a series of circular terrain treads 5 traversing the outer perimeter of the paddle track 1 at a given distance apart and a given number of the terrain treads 5 have a cutout configuration 15 to secure the paddle 2 (see drawing 5). The inside perimeter of the paddle track 1 has a series of circular gear teeth 6 having the same pitch diameter as the drum gear sprockets 8 and 9 (see drawings 1 and 6).
Paddle 2 having XYZ axes and the paddle 2 lying along the X axes and the halter 3 of the paddle 2 lying along the negative Y axes and the hinging element 15 lying along the Z axes (see drawing 7). The paddle 2 having three inlets 16 on its topside to initiate the paddle by water pressure to engage for paddling (see drawing 8).
Halter 3 is along the Y axes of the paddle and its purpose is to stop the paddle 2 from hinging beyond ninety degrees which is required for paddling (see drawing 1, 4 and 5).
Torque springs 4 being on the same axes of the paddle 2 and molded within the structure of the paddle 2 for the purpose of maintaining the paddle 2 parallel to the track 1. The torque springs 4 having the necessary torque to maintain the paddle 2 parallel to the track 1 and to allow it to engage when paddling.
Circular treads 5 being transverse to the track 1 for the purpose of traction and a given number of said circular treads 5 are utilized for hinging the paddle 2 to the track 1. Circular gear track teeth 6 transverse to the track 1 for the purpose of rotating the track and having the same pitch diameter as the drum gear sprockets 8 and 9 (see drawing 1).
Hinge hole 7 receives a hinge shaft for securing the paddle 2 to the track 1.
Front drum gear sprocket 8 is hermetically sealed for buoyancy. The drum gear sprocket 8 is configured with a series of circular pitch diameter 10 transverse the circumference of the drum gear sprocket. The drum gear sprocket 8 is also configured with two inner spacings 17 along the Y axes of the drum gear sprocket 8 and a width along the Z axes to accommodate the halter 3. The drum gear sprocket spacings 17 provide the means for the halter 3 to rotate within the spacings 17 and maintain the paddle 2 parallel to the track 1. The front drum gear sprocket 8 having a chain sprocket 11 attached to said drum gear sprocket for rotation and an axle 12 transverse to the center axes of the drum gear sprocket 8 chair sprocket 11 and frame 13 (see drawings 1, 5 and 6).
Rear drum gear sprocket having the same configuration as the front gear sprocket 8 omitting the chain sprocket 11.
circular pitch diameter 10 transverse the circumference of the drum gear sprockets 8 and 9.
Chain sprocket 11 being attached to the front drum gear sprocket 8 for the purpose of rotating the drum gear sprocket 8 and receiving the power source.
Axles 12 being transverse to the drum gear sprockets 8 and 9 and the frame 13.
Frame 13 is horizontally elongated frame having XYZ axes of a given dimensions housing the paddle track components.
Hinge shaft 14 for the purpose of securing the paddle 2 to the track 1.
Cut out 15 configuration receives the paddle 2 for hinging (see drawing 7).
Inlets 16 are for the purpose to initiate the paddle 2 to engage for water locomotion.
Spacings 17 are two vertical spacings of a given width and depth in the drum gear sprocket 8 and 9 for the purpose of maintaining the paddle parallel to the track.

Claims

1. What we claim as our invention is there is no other engaging mechanical mechanism required, the self-engaging paddle engages via water pressure. As the leading edge of the track rotates and engages the water, the paddle is forced to a perpendicular position for water locomotion. After researching the related art described herein, we are not able to see any other self-engaging paddle track system of the same operation from either the drawings or written claim of reviewed inventions.