US20150209622A1

US20150209622A1 - Personal Aquatic Propulsion Device

Info

Publication number: US20150209622A1
Application number: US14/606,228
Authority: US
Inventors: Keith Guinyard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-01-27
Filing date: 2015-01-27
Publication date: 2015-07-30

Abstract

A personal aquatic propulsion device may provide propulsion through aquatic environments for wearers of the device. The personal aquatic propulsion device may be used to keep wearers of the device upright and buoyant in aquatic environments and allow wearers to be propelled through aquatic environments.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/931,820, entitled PERSONAL AQUATIC PROPULSION DEVICE, filed Jan. 27, 2014, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to aquatic propulsion and more specifically to personal buoyancy and propulsion.

BACKGROUND

Human interaction with natural and artificial aquatic environments has generated the need for devices and systems that make the use of the environment more efficient, enjoyable, and safe. Buoyancy and propulsion are two important attributes sought by those interacting with aquatic environments. The numerous uses that have been made of aquatic environments have prompted the development of a range of devices that seek to achieve these two attributes in different contexts.
Propulsion in aquatic environments may be achieved through the use of propellers to provide thrust. Propellers are operated through the use of engines of a variety of types, and can also be operated through human-powered mechanical action. Swimming may be used as a personal means of propulsion. However, many individuals lack the skills, athletic ability, and interest to swim or to learn how to swim, or may have a disability which hinders their ability to swim. Assisted personal means of propulsion, such as personal watercraft, may require significant physical exertion, risk of injury, a high monetary cost, and may not be sufficiently portable.
Buoyancy is used to keep vessels and people from being submerged in a marine environment or changing the relative depth at which one is located in the environment. Personal means of flotation are used for recreation, safety, and rescue. Personal means of flotation may be worn on a person's body, such as on his or her torso, arms, legs, waist, or a combination of those areas. Rescuers may use flotation devices to assist individuals who are drowning or in danger of drowning. However, personal means of flotation may be disregarded, despite the increases in safety, due to personal taste, perceived or actual inconvenience, and reliance on third parties for safety. Furthermore, rescuers who use flotation devices to aid individuals in distress may still need to drag or tow the individuals through the water to safety. This requires significant physical exertion, particularly where the individual in distress may not be able to assist in his or her own movement through the water.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are devices for personal aquatic propulsion.
In an embodiment, a device may comprise a housing that includes an outer casing, a power supply, a propeller assembly, and a jacket connected with the housing, the jacket comprising a vest and a shoulder strap connected with the vest.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to limitations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more detailed understanding may be had from the following description, given by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is an exemplary illustration of a personal aquatic propulsion device;

FIG. 1B is an exemplary illustration of a side view of the personal aquatic propulsion device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is an exemplary illustration of a personal aquatic propulsion device;

FIG. 2B is an exemplary illustration of a side view of the personal aquatic propulsion device of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is an exemplary illustration of a personal aquatic propulsion device;

FIG. 3B is an exemplary illustration of a side view of the personal aquatic propulsion device of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is an exemplary illustration of a personal aquatic propulsion device;

FIG. 4B is an exemplary illustration of a side view of the personal aquatic propulsion device of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary illustration of a cross-section of a personal aquatic propulsion device;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary illustration of a personal aquatic propulsion device jacket incorporating multiple personal aquatic propulsion devices;

FIG. 7A is an exemplary illustration of a personal aquatic propulsion device jacket;

FIG. 7B is an exemplary illustration of a side view of the personal aquatic propulsion device jacket of FIG. 7A with a personal aquatic propulsion device attached;

FIG. 7C is an exemplary illustration of a rear view of the personal aquatic propulsion device connected with the personal aquatic propulsion device jacket of FIG. 7B;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary illustration of a user wearing a personal aquatic propulsion device jacket in an aquatic environment;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary illustration of a cross-section of a personal aquatic propulsion device with a handle for manual operation of a propeller;

FIG. 10 is an exemplary illustration of a motor chamber and drive shaft of a personal aquatic propulsion device;

FIG. 11A is an exemplary illustration of a personal aquatic propulsion device with a latch for opening and closing a sealable top of a housing of the personal aquatic propulsion device;

FIG. 11B is an exemplary illustration of a side view of the latch of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12 is an exemplary illustration of a front view a personal aquatic propulsion device connected with a controller;

FIG. 13A is an exemplary illustration of a rear view of a user using a personal aquatic propulsion device with a propeller guard unconnected;

FIG. 13B is an exemplary illustration of a rear view of a user using a personal aquatic propulsion device with a propeller guard connected; and

FIG. 13C is an exemplary illustration of a side view of a user using a personal aquatic propulsion device.

FIG. 14A is an exemplary illustration of a rear view of a personal aquatic propulsion device;

FIG. 14B is an exemplary illustration of a front view of a personal aquatic propulsion device;

FIG. 14C is an exemplary illustration of a front view of a personal aquatic propulsion device with arm bands;

FIG. 15A is an exemplary illustration of a side view of a personal aquatic propulsion device with a detachable propeller assembly still attached;

FIG. 15B is an exemplary illustration of a side view of a personal aquatic propulsion device with a detachable propeller assembly detached;

FIG. 15C is an exemplary illustration of a front view of a personal aquatic propulsion device with a detachable propeller assembly still attached;

FIG. 16A is an exemplary illustration of a rear view of a personal aquatic propulsion device;

FIG. 16B is an exemplary illustration of a front view of a personal aquatic propulsion device;

FIG. 16C is an exemplary illustration of a rear-side view of a personal aquatic propulsion device;

FIG. 16D is an exemplary illustration of a front-side view of a personal aquatic propulsion device;

FIG. 17A is an exemplary illustration of a front-side view of a personal aquatic propulsion device with two detachable propeller assemblies still attached;

FIG. 17B is an exemplary illustration of a front-side view of a personal aquatic propulsion device with one of two detachable propeller assemblies not attached; and

FIG. 17C is an exemplary illustration of a detachable propeller assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1A is an exemplary illustration of a personal aquatic propulsion device 100. As shown in FIG. 1A, personal aquatic propulsion device 100 has housing 104 containing internal components of personal aquatic propulsion device 100. Personal aquatic propulsion device 100 has a propulsion assembly, such as propeller assembly 108 comprised of propeller blades, such as blade 112. A propulsion assembly may have other propulsion components, such as vacuum pumps and thrusters, in addition to or in place of propeller assembly 108. A thruster can be any type of engine that develops thrust by expelling a jet of fluid, such as a liquid (e.g., water) or gas (e.g., air). A vacuum pump can be any device or mechanism that takes in water. A vacuum pump and thruster would thus take in water with the vacuum pump and expel water with the thruster, thus creating propulsion. Propeller assembly 108 may have a single or multiple blades. In one embodiment, propeller assembly 108 has three propeller blades. In an alternative embodiment, propeller assembly 108 has four blades. Propeller blades, such as blade 112, may be cupped or un-cupped. Propeller assembly 108 may have positive, negative, or zero rake, and may utilize right-hand rotation, left-hand rotation, or both. Personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may have backing 116 and shoulder straps, such as shoulder strap 120. Although the term propeller assembly is used throughout, it is contemplated that other propulsion assemblies may be used.
FIG. 1B is a side view of an exemplary illustration of personal aquatic propulsion device 100. Propeller assembly 108 may have water intake opening 136 positioned along a vertical plane near backing 116, which may be near the rear facing portion of vest 124. Intake opening 136 may be in the form of slits. Personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may have vest 124 connected with backing 116. In another embodiment, vest 124 is connected with (e.g., coupled with) housing 104. Vest 124 may also be connected with both backing 116 and housing 104. Housing 104 may be sealed with a tamper-proof seal. Vest 124 may be attached to spoiler 125. Vest 124 may have adjustable straps, such as strap 120, which may be used to secure personal aquatic propulsion device 100 to a person's body. Vest 124, backing 116, and shoulder straps, such as shoulder strap 120, may form a shoulder opening, such as opening 132. In one embodiment, personal aquatic propulsion device 100 has one shoulder strap which passes over one shoulder of a wearer, diagonally across the wearer's torso, and around the wearer's side or waist. Shoulder straps, such as shoulder strap 120, may be used in conjunction with a belt (not shown) or other attachments for securing personal aquatic propulsion device 100 to a wearer.
In one embodiment, vest 124 and shoulder straps may be detachable from personal aquatic propulsion device 100. In addition, backing 116 may also be detachable. Personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may have a rail (not shown) or other provision for quickly attaching and quickly detaching vest 124, shoulder straps, and backing 116. In this embodiment, the provision for quick attachment/detachment may have a button, pull-tab, etc. for instantly separating the personal aquatic propulsion device from vest 124, shoulder straps, and backing 116. Personal aquatic propulsion device 100, detached from vest 124, shoulder straps, and backing 116, may be attached to other articles. In one embodiment, personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may be inserted into or connected with a life jacket (e.g., vest). The life jacket may have a molded space available for personal aquatic propulsion device 100. In another embodiment, personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may be worn by a wearer without using vest 124 or other article, such as the aforementioned life jacket. For example, the wearer may desire to use personal aquatic propulsion device 100 without a life jacket in order to dive and propel the user under water. In this scenario, as discussed with regard to FIG. 5, the propulsion angle of personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may be changed. The changed propulsion angle may accommodate diving under the surface of a body of water or ascending to the surface of a body of water.
Personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may come in a variety of dimensions to accommodate wearers of diverse body proportions. Vest 124, shoulder straps, and backing 116 may be comprised of a buoyant material. Vest 124, shoulder straps, and backing 116 may have an outer layer of fabric or plastic and may be filled with buoyant material, air, or a combination of a buoyant material and air. Vest 124, shoulder straps, and backing 116 may be inflatable. Inflation may be achieved through human exhalations forced into the parts, or may be inflated by pumps or other mechanical devices. Personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may keep the wearer upright (e.g., vertical) in relation to the horizontal plane of the aquatic environment. Thus, personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may keep the wearer's head and neck above the surface of a body of water. Personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may be adjusted in buoyancy and in position and configuration to allow a wearer to “sit” higher or lower in a body of water. This allows a wearer to have more of the wearer's body above water, such as the wearer's shoulders, or less. The wearer then may not need to rely on external sources for air, such as a snorkel device or air tanks and scuba equipment. Propeller assembly 108 may provide propulsion, allowing the wearer to move through the aquatic environment. Propeller assembly 108 may be perpendicular to housing 104 and thus also perpendicular to a wearer's back, allowing a wearer of personal aquatic propulsion device 100 to move horizontally through the water from the propulsion provided by propeller assembly 108.
Personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may have lights, a radio, a microphone, and speakers (not shown), which may be waterproof. In one embodiment, spoiler 125 may have lights capable of intermittent flashing. In another embodiment, spoiler 125 may have a radio, microphone, and speakers (not shown). Solar cells (not shown) may also be part of spoiler 125. Personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may have sensors (not shown), including temperature sensors, that may be used to detect conditions in the aquatic environment and of the user, such as body temperature. Personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may have a satellite navigation device, such as global position satellite (GPS) device or receiver. Personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may have a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag.
Personal aquatic propulsion device 100 may have a user attachment (e.g., vest 124) that includes a top portion having an opening for receiving the head and neck of a wearer of the vest with a forward facing front portion (e.g., opposite backing 116) and a rear facing rear portion (e.g., along backing 116) of the vest releasably securable to enclose an upper portion of the body of the vest wearer while forming an open bottom for receiving a lower portion of the vest wearer.
FIG. 2A is an exemplary illustration of personal aquatic propulsion device 200. As shown in FIG. 2A, personal aquatic propulsion device 200 has housing 204 containing internal components of personal aquatic propulsion device 200. Housing 204 may have groove 224 inlaid in its body. Groove 224 may have solar cells or solar panels which may be in the form of a strip. In one embodiment, the solar strip in groove 224 may charge a power supply (not shown). Personal aquatic propulsion device 200 has propeller assembly 208 comprised of propeller blades, such as propeller blade 212. Personal aquatic propulsion device 200 may have backing 220 and fins, such as fin 216, connected with housing 204. Fins, such as fin 216, may be capable of rotation, and may be locked into position at different angles or folded back against housing 204. Fins may have lights capable of intermittent flashing, and may also have sound emitting devices, such as sonar pulsating microphones.
FIG. 2B is a side view of an exemplary illustration of personal aquatic propulsion device 200. Propeller assembly 208 may have water intake opening 248. Personal aquatic propulsion device 200 may have vest 228 connected with backing 220. In another embodiment, personal aquatic propulsion device 200 is connected with housing 204. Personal aquatic propulsion device 200 may also be connected with both backing 220 and housing 204. Backing 220 may form or have a neck support (not shown). Vest 228 may have adjustable straps, such as strap 240, which may be used to secure personal aquatic propulsion device 200 to a person's body. Personal aquatic propulsion device 200 may have shoulder straps, such as shoulder strap 232. Shoulder strap 232 may be connected with backing 220 and vest 228, and may be adjustable. Vest 228, backing 220, and shoulder straps, such as shoulder strap 232, may form a shoulder opening, such as opening 236. Vest 228 may have water breaker 244. Water breaker 244 may break the surface tension of the water in front of a wearer of personal aquatic propulsion device 200 during operation and direct the turbulent water away from the wearer's body. Water breaker 244 may be adjustable, and may be moved to a lower or higher portion of vest 228. In another embodiment, water breaker 244 may be fixed in its location on vest 228. In another embodiment, multiple water breakers 244 may be situated on vest 228. Water breaker 244 may also be situated on shoulder straps.
FIG. 3A is an exemplary illustration of personal aquatic propulsion device 300. As shown in FIG. 3A, personal aquatic propulsion device 300 has housing 304 containing internal components of personal aquatic propulsion device 300. Housing 304 may include propeller assembly 312 comprised of propeller blades, such as blade 316. Backing 308 may be connected with housing 304 and propeller assembly 312. Backing 308 may be molded to housing 304. Backing 308 may have lower extension 320. Lower extension 320 may be used for supporting a wearer's lower back or buttocks. Lower extension 320 may also be used as a handle or hook for carrying and storing personal aquatic propulsion device 300. Lower extension 320 may be adjustable in position and in length. In one embodiment, lower extension 320 is retractable and may be adjustable in length. In another embodiment, lower extension 320 is comprised of a collapsible, telescoping section, allowing lower extension 320 to lengthen and shorten. Fins, such as fin 324, may be attached to personal aquatic propulsion device 300.
FIG. 3B is a side view of an exemplary illustration of personal aquatic propulsion device 300. Personal aquatic propulsion device 300 may have vest 332 connected with backing 308. Vest 332 may also be connected with housing 304 instead of backing 308. In another embodiment, vest 332 may be connected with backing 308 in addition to housing 304. Vest 332 may be connected with adjustable shoulder strap 328, which may be connected with backing 308 and, alternatively or in addition, housing 304. Vest 332 may have adjustable straps, such as strap 336, for wearers to secure personal aquatic propulsion device 300 to themselves. Backing 308 may include water intake portion 340 comprised of water intake ports 344 connected with propeller assembly 312.
FIG. 4A is an exemplary illustration of personal aquatic propulsion device 400. Personal aquatic propulsion device 400 may have housing 404 containing internal components of personal aquatic propulsion device 400. Housing 404 may include groove 412. Groove 412 may have set in it propeller assembly 416 comprised of propeller blades, such as blade 420. Personal aquatic propulsion device 400 may have backing 408 connected with housing 404. Backing 408 may be molded to housing 404. Backing 408 may include lower extension 424. Backing 408 may be shaped to form fins, such as fin 406. Lower extension 424 may provide lower back or buttocks support for a wearer of personal aquatic propulsion device 400. Lower extension 424 may be connected with a joint, such as joint 460. Joint 460 may operate as a hinge to move lower extension 424 through a range of motion. For example, joint 460 may allow lower extension 424 to be retracted towards propeller assembly 416. In another example, joint 460 may allow lower extension 424 to be retracted towards backing 408. Backing 408 or propeller assembly 416 may be chiseled to a shape that will fit lower extension 424 securely and hide from view, for example. Lower extension 424 may be locked into position. Joint 460 may be spherical and may allow lower extension 424 to be rotated. Rotation of lower extension 424 may be accomplished in combination with a hinging action.
FIG. 4B is a side view of an exemplary illustration of personal aquatic propulsion device 400. Personal aquatic propulsion device 400 may have vest 440. Vest 440 may have one or more adjustable straps, such as strap 444, for wearers to secure personal aquatic propulsion device 400 to themselves. An adjustable strap, such as strap 444, may utilize a latching or hook-and-loop fastening mechanism. Vest 440 may be connected with shoulder strap 428, which may be adjustable. Shoulder strap 428 may have control panel 432 with one or more buttons, such as button 436, for controlling propeller assembly 416. Control panel 432 may include gauges and indicators, such as a battery charge level indicator and a clock. Control panel 432 may be detachable from shoulder strap 428. In an alternative embodiment, control panel 432 may be attached to vest 440. In another embodiment, control panel 434 may comprise a handheld device. Shoulder strap 428 may be connected with backing 408, housing 404, or a combination of backing 408 and housing 404, as well as vest 440. Propeller assembly 416 may include water intake shroud 452. The shoulder straps, such as shoulder strap 428, may have water breaker 456. Water breaker 456 may break the surface tension of the water in front of a wearer of personal aquatic propulsion device 400 during operation and direct the turbulent water away from the wearer's body.
FIG. 5 is an exemplary illustration of a cross-section of personal aquatic propulsion device 500. Personal aquatic propulsion device 500 may have outer casing 504 connected with first seal 520. First seal 520 may operate as a gasket. Outer casing 504 may contain power supply 508, buoyancy chamber 512, and motor 516. Motor 516 may drive shaft 540 which passes through first seal 520 to rotatable gear shaft 524. Rotatable gear shaft 524 may be housed in flexible housing 528 connected with outer casing 504, first seal 520, or both outer casing 504 and first seal 520. Flexible housing 528 may also be connected with second seal 556, propeller shroud 544, or both second seal 556 and propeller shroud 544. Shaft 540 passes from rotatable gear shaft 524 through second seal 556 into propeller shroud 544. Propeller assembly 532, comprised of blades, such as blade 536, may be connected with shaft 540 inside propeller shroud 544. Propeller assembly 532 may have shroud guard 548 which may have adjusting rod 552.
Personal aquatic propulsion device 500 may be rotated using rotatable gear shaft 524 to different angles. Rotatable gear shaft 524 may be locked into position at a desired angle and unlocked when a different propulsion angle is desired or for storing personal aquatic propulsion device 500. Power supply 508 may be rechargeable. Outer casing 504 may have a latch allowing outer casing 504 to be opened. When closed, outer casing 504 forms a watertight seal along first seal 520 keeping internal components of personal aquatic propulsion device 500 from being exposed to the aquatic environment. Motor 516 may be an electric motor and may use power supply 508 as a power source. Motor 516 may be controlled using controls (not shown) on outer casing 504, controls (not shown) wired to motor 516, or controls (not shown) in wireless communication with personal aquatic propulsion device 500. Motor 516 may be remotely activated and deactivated.
FIG. 6 is an exemplary illustration of personal aquatic propulsion device jacket 600. Personal aquatic propulsion device jacket 600 may have vest 624. Jacket 600 may include strap, such as strap 608, for securing aquatic propulsion devices, such as personal aquatic propulsion device 604, to vest 624. Vest 624 may allow for multiple personal aquatic propulsion devices, such as personal aquatic propulsion device 604 and personal aquatic propulsion device 628, simultaneously. Personal aquatic propulsion devices may be secured to each other using a rod or tubing, such as rod 620. Rod 620 may contain wiring, and may connect personal aquatic propulsion devices to a controller. Personal aquatic propulsion devices of jacket 600 may also share power through wiring in rod 620. Personal aquatic propulsion devices may be configured to provide thrust independent of one another to enable finer control of personal aquatic propulsion device jacket 600 as well as to provide redundancy.
FIG. 7A is a front view of an exemplary illustration of a personal aquatic propulsion device. The illustration depicts personal aquatic propulsion device jacket 700 with shoulder straps, control panel 724 and buttons, such as button 728, adjustable front clasp 716 for vest 712, and zippered pockets, such as pocket 708. Pocket 708, may serve as insertion points for buoyancy devices, or may have buoyancy aids inside them connected to personal aquatic propulsion device jacket 700. Pockets may be used for storage and may include items such as whistles, first aid kits, multimedia devices, and so forth. Pockets may include clasps, loops, interior pockets, etc., for securing items. Pockets may allow for the insertion of mobile devices, such as smartphones, and may protect the smartphones from aquatic environments while allowing a user of the personal aquatic propulsion device jacket 700 to interact with the mobile device. For example, a user may attach waterproof headphones or a waterproof headset to the smartphone through the pocket while keeping the smartphone protected from the aquatic environment.
Shoulder straps are depicted in harness form 704 with the shoulder straps connected across the front of personal aquatic propulsion device jacket 700 forming a head opening. The front of harness 704 may latch onto the front of vest 712. Personal aquatic propulsion device jacket 700 may be connected with backing 732 having lower extension 720. Personal aquatic propulsion device 700 may be decorated, painted, or treated with hydrophobic seals or coatings. In one embodiment, personal aquatic propulsion device may have a dye release container (not shown).
FIG. 7B is a side view of personal aquatic propulsion device jacket 700 illustrated in FIG. 7A, and personal aquatic propulsion device 736. Personal aquatic propulsion device 736 may be connected with backing 740 which may be connected with jacket 700. Backing 740 may be connected with housing 748 of personal aquatic propulsion device 736. Water breaker 744 may be mounted on harness 704. In one embodiment, a small harness or lanyard may be attached to harness 704 for carrying young children or infants.
FIG. 7C is a rear view of personal aquatic propulsion device jacket 700 illustrated in FIG. 7A and personal aquatic propulsion device 736 depicted in FIG. 7B. Personal aquatic propulsion device 736 may have groove 752 inlaid in housing 748. Propeller assembly 756 may be set in groove 752.
FIG. 8 is an exemplary illustration of a front view of user 804 wearing an exemplary embodiment of personal aquatic propulsion device 800. User 804 may have his or her body kept buoyant in an aquatic environment 808 by personal aquatic propulsion device 800 such that user's 804 head, neck, and shoulders are above the plane of the water level. Dotted line 801 is an estimated water line.
FIG. 9 is an exemplary illustration of a cross-section of personal aquatic propulsion device 900. Personal aquatic propulsion device 900 may have handle 904 connected with shaft 908 inside personal aquatic propulsion device 900 housing 912. Shaft 908 may drive propeller 916. In one embodiment, handle 904 may be turned by hand, allowing wearers to power propeller 916 through physical action. In another embodiment, handle 904 may be connected with a hand-cycle or pedal cycle assembly, allowing a person to power propeller 916 by using the hand-bike, cycle assembly, or both. In another embodiment, personal aquatic propulsion device 900 has a back-up motor to drive shaft 908.
FIG. 10 is an exemplary illustration of motor chamber 1004 and drive shaft 1008 of a personal aquatic propulsion device. Drive shaft 1008 may be driven by a motor. A motor may be contained in motor chamber 1004. Drive shaft 1008 may be contained in an extendable/collapsible rod. Drive shaft 1008 may be connected with gear 1012, which may be capable of being rotated to different angles relative to drive shaft 1008 from the motor in motor housing 1004. In one exemplary embodiment, gear 1012 may be rotated to a right angle. Gear 1012 may be one or more bevel gears or the like which can allow the drive shaft and the propeller to operate in conjunction at different angles along a vertical or horizontal plane.
FIG. 11A is an exemplary illustration of a side view of a partial cross-section of personal aquatic propulsion device 1100. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1100 may include latch 1108. Latch 1108 may be attached to lid 1104 of personal aquatic propulsion device 1100. Latch 1108 may include a locking mechanism which connects latch 1108 with body 1124 of personal aquatic propulsion device 1100. Latch 1108 may form a water-tight seal along when in a closed position. Latch 1108 may connect lid 1104 with interface 1112 which connects with body 1124. Interface 1112 may comprise a gasket.
FIG. 11B is an exemplary illustration of a side view of latch 1108 for personal aquatic propulsion device 1100. Latch 1108 may have handle 1128 and may have a locking mechanism 1132.
FIG. 12 is an exemplary illustration of a side view of a partial cross-section of personal aquatic propulsion device 1200. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1200 may be connected with controller 1204. Controller 1204 may include buttons, knobs, switches, dials, or other input components, such as input component 1208. Controller 1204 may be connected with the housing of personal aquatic propulsion 1200 device via wiring. The wiring may be encased in a water-proof tube, such as tube 1212. Controller 1204 may be in communication with a motor, battery, propeller, or some combination of the aforementioned components of personal aquatic propulsion device 1200. Controller 1204 may communicate wirelessly.
FIG. 13A is an exemplary illustration of a rear view of personal aquatic propulsion device 1308 being by worn by user 1304. A personal aquatic propulsion device, such as personal aquatic propulsion device 1308, may have a propeller guard, such as propeller guard 1312.
FIG. 13B is an exemplary illustration of propeller guard 1312 connected with personal aquatic propulsion device 1308. In one embodiment, a propeller guard attaches to the propeller assembly of a personal aquatic propulsion device. A propeller guard, such as propeller guard 1312, may be permanently connected with a personal aquatic propulsion device or may be removable. Furthermore, a propeller guard may be used in embodiments of a personal aquatic propulsion device that do not include a propeller. For example, a propeller guard may be connected with a personal aquatic propulsion device that includes only vacuum pumps and thrusters and no propellers.
FIG. 13C is an exemplary illustration of a side-view of personal aquatic propulsion device 1308 being worn by user 1304.
FIG. 14A is an exemplary illustration of a rear view of personal aquatic propulsion device 1400. As shown in FIG. 14A-FIG. 14C, personal aquatic propulsion device 1400 can have housing 1404 containing internal components of personal aquatic propulsion device 1400. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1400 can have a vest 1428 to which housing 1404 attaches. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1400 can have a propeller assembly 1408. Propeller assembly 1408 can comprise intake opening 1448 and propeller 1412. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1400 can also have flexible bands 1430 along a crevice that would be normally positioned along the middle of the back of a user. Flexible bands 1430 can be used to help increase comfort to the user, for operational purposes, or for other purposes. For example, flexible bands 1430 may be elastic and help personal aquatic propulsion device 1400 fit user better. Flexible bands 1430 may contract or expand to fit the user shape. There may be one or more flexible bands 1430 and can be used to help fit housing 1404 onto a user without need for a vest, such as vest 1428. Flexible bands 1430 can be composed of an elastic material, such as rubber, foam, latex, or any other material that functions in this particular manner.
FIG. 14B is an exemplary illustration of a front view of personal aquatic device 1400. Vest 1428 may have buckles 1408 that can be used for size adjustment. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1400 can also have LED indicators 1420. LED indicators 1420 can be used to indicate a variety of things, including battery level, whether the propeller is on or off, and whether the personal aquatic propulsion device 1400 is powered on. LED indicators 1420 can be button as well as LED indicators. When pressed, LED indicators/buttons 1420 can perform various functions, such as turning the propeller assembly on or off or controlling the direction of the user in the water. LED indicators/buttons 1420 can also light up or change colors when pressed. It is contemplated that the LED indicators/buttons 1420 can perform a number of functions beyond what is described in the disclosure.
Personal aquatic propulsion device 1400 can also have arm bands 1440, which can be used to stabilize the user while in the water. Arm bands 1440 can be inflated using Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) canisters (not shown) for quick inflation. Arm bands 1440 can also be used to aid the user in navigating in the water or controlling operation. It is contemplated that arm bands 1440 can be used for other purposes beyond what is described herein. Arm bands 1440 can also have buttons (not shown) that aid in the operation of the personal aquatic propulsion device 1400. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1400 can also have handles 1416 that the user can hold for support or for other purposes such as carrying personal aquatic propulsion device 1400 while it is not being worn.
FIG. 15A is an exemplary illustration of a side view of personal aquatic propulsion device 1500. As shown in FIG. 15A-FIG. 15C, personal aquatic propulsion device 1500 can have a housing 1504 containing internal components of personal aquatic propulsion device 1500. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1500 can have a vest 1528 to which housing 1504 attaches. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1500 can also have propeller assembly 1510, which can detach entirely from housing 1504. Propeller assembly 1510 can have handles 1516 that the user can use to controller direction and speed while in the water. Propeller assembly 1510 can also have a locking mechanism that allows propeller assembly 1510 to attach to housing 1504. Propeller assembly 1510 can have release 1518 that will release that locking mechanism attaching propeller assembly 1510 to housing 1504. Propeller assembly 1510 can also have intake opening 1548.
Propeller assembly 1510 and housing 1504 can have alignment fasteners 1519. Alignment fasteners 1519 can be used to ensure that when propeller assembly 1510 is attached to housing 1504 that they are correctly aligned. Alignment fasteners 1519 can be any material or device that could perform the described function, such as magnets, hook and loop fasteners, clasp buttons, and others. Propeller assembly 1510 can fit around a user torso or vest 1528 in a semicircular shape. Propeller assembly 1510 can also fit on the back side of the user attaching to housing 1504 or vest 1510.
FIG. 15B is an exemplary illustration of a side view of personal aquatic propulsion device 1500 with propeller assembly 1520 detached. Propeller assembly 1510 can have intake opening 1548. When propeller assembly 1510 is detached the direction of propulsion can be reversed. When this occurs, intake opening 1548 can become an exhaust.
FIG. 15C is an exemplary illustration of a front view of personal aquatic propulsion device 1500 with propeller assembly 1510 attached. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1500 can have buttons 1508 that can perform different functions when pressed, such as activating propeller assembly 1510.
FIG. 16A is an exemplary illustration of a rear view of personal aquatic propulsion device 1600. As shown in FIG. 16A-FIG. 16D, personal aquatic propulsion device 1600 can have a housing 1604 containing internal components of personal aquatic propulsion device 1600. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1600 can have vest 1628 to which housing 1604 attaches. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1600 can have propeller assembly 1610. Propeller assembly 1610 can have propeller 1614, intake opening 1648, and components to initiate propeller 1614 (not shown). Personal aquatic propulsion device 1600 can have solar panels 1630 that can be used to power propeller assembly 1610.
FIG. 16B is an exemplary illustration of a front view of personal aquatic propulsion device 1600. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1600 can have buckle 1607 that can be adjustable. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1600 can have kill-switch 1609 that can instantly turn off propeller assembly 1610. Kill-switch 1609 can be a button, lever, switch, or any other device that will instantly turn off propeller assembly 1610. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1600 can have control buttons 1650 that can be used to control the personal aquatic propulsion device 1600. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1600 can have power button 1660 that can be used to turn personal aquatic propulsion device 1600 on or off.
FIG. 16C is an exemplary illustration of a rear-side view of personal aquatic propulsion device 1600.
FIG. 16D is an exemplary illustration of a front-side view of personal aquatic propulsion device 1600.
Personal aquatic propulsion device 1600 can have a gyroscope (not shown). Personal aquatic propulsion device 1600 can have water level sensor (not shown) that can determine how deep the user is submerged in the water. Propeller assembly 1610 can have auto adjusting propeller 1616 that uses the gyroscope (not shown) and water level sensor (not shown) to auto orient the user in the water using the auto adjusting propeller 1616. For example, if the user begins to lean to one side, personal aquatic device 1600 can use the gyroscope to determine the user angle and send instructions to the auto adjusting propeller 1616 of what angle to propel the user to make the user sit upright in the water. The water level sensor can determine how deeply submerged the user is in the water. The water level sensor can be a part of vest 1628, housing 1604, zipper 1672, or any other part of personal aquatic propulsion device 1600.
FIG. 17A is an exemplary illustration of a side view of personal aquatic propulsion device 1700. As shown in FIG. 17-FIG. 17C, personal aquatic propulsion device 1700 can have a housing 1704 containing internal components of personal aquatic propulsion device 1700. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1700 can have a vest 1728 to which housing 1704 attaches. Personal aquatic propulsion device 1700 can also have propulsion assemblies 1710, which can detach entirely from housing 1704. Propulsion assemblies 1710 can be individually attached to housing 1704 via locking mechanism 1714, and can be released by activating release mechanism 1716. Each propeller assembly 1710 can have handle 1720 that the user can use to orient propeller assemblies 1710. Propeller assemblies 1710 can have button 1717 that can initiate the propulsion. Propeller assembly 1710 can attach to housing 1704 in a variety of ways. For example, Propeller assembly 1710 can attach to housing 1704 in crevice 1780. Crevice 1780 can be a shape that is substantially similar to the shape of propeller assembly 1710. In another example, propeller assemblies 1710 may attach to any portion to the side or rear of housing 1704.
FIG. 17B is an exemplary illustration of a side view of personal aquatic propulsion device 1700 with propeller assembly 1710 detached. Propeller assemblies 1710 can be attached to a power supply (not shown) in the vest via wire 1730. Wire 1730 may include an electrical wire to relay power between propeller assemblies 1710 and housing 1704. The power supply may also be located within propeller assemblies 1710. Wire 1730 may be any flexible rope, string, or the like made of out of any material such as cotton, rubber, and metal, among other things.
FIG. 17C is an exemplary illustration of a propeller assembly 1710.
In describing preferred embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the Figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The claimed subject matter, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is contemplated herein that different portions of embodiments of the personal aquatic propulsion device as discussed herein may be combined. For example, the personal aquatic propulsion device powered using physical activity, as discussed with regard to FIG. 9, may be utilized with any personal aquatic propulsion device embodiment. The personal aquatic propulsion device can be worn by a user without the use of a vest. A vest is one type of user attachment mechanism. Lack of an inflated or otherwise substantially buoyant vest may be desired in order to have a user submerge under water with the personal aquatic propulsion device. Other user attachment mechanisms include one or more straps or other bands that allow for attachment of a personal aquatic propulsion device to a user. For example housing 1404 may be attached to the user without underlying vest 1428. Straps may be used to keep the device on the user. Housing 1404 (or other housing herein) may loop over the shoulders of a user and rest securely as shown in FIG. 16D. Housing 1404 may apply a securing force on a user without a need for vest 1428.
Propulsion assembly (e.g., propeller assembly 108), housing (e.g., housing 104), or other components of a propulsion device (e.g., propulsion device 100) may include communicatively connected computer components. Computer components may include ROM, RAM, processors, power supplies, and memory in order to make one or more components of the propulsion device to automatically adjust, move, or otherwise execute instructions. For example, gyroscopes and water sensors may communicate to automatically control one or more components of the propulsion device. Computer readable media may be used in connection with a processor to execute instructions to one or more components of the propulsion device. Drives and their associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer. As described herein, computer-readable media is a tangible, physical, and concrete article of manufacture and thus not a signal per se.
A propulsion assembly connected with the rear facing portion as shown in FIG.'s (e.g., FIG. 1A, FIG. 15A, and throughout) may exert a forward horizontal propelling force on a wearer of the propulsion assembly, which may include a vest. The propelling force may be applied when the backing, user attachment, housing, or the like is in a substantially vertical orientation.
The written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A system for aquatic propulsion, comprising:

a user attachment securable to enclose a torso of the body of a wearer of the user attachment, the user attachment having a front facing portion and a rear facing portion; and

a propulsion assembly connected with the rear facing portion, the propulsion assembly oriented to exert a forward horizontal propelling force on the user attachment wearer when the user attachment is in a substantially vertical orientation.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the propulsion assembly comprises bevel gears;

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the propulsion assembly further comprises a vacuum pump and thrusters.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the propulsion assembly is detachable from the user attachment.

5. The system of claim 1, comprising a second propulsion assembly, the propulsion assembly and the second propulsion assembly detachable from the user attachment.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a control panel, comprising:

control buttons;

gauges; and

indicators.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the user attachment comprises:

flotation material.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the orientation of the propulsion assembly is adjustable along a horizontal or vertical plane.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising solar cells providing power for the propulsion assembly.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor connected with the propulsion assembly.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a gyroscope connected with the propulsion assembly.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a kill-switch connected with the propulsion assembly.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a water level sensor connected with the propulsion assembly.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the user attachment is a vest.

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising a lower extension connected with the propulsion assembly, the lower extension supports a lower body of the wearer.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the lower extension is telescoping.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the lower extension is collapsible.