US20150321736A1 - Flotation device for use in water recreation - Google Patents
Flotation device for use in water recreation Download PDFInfo
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- US20150321736A1 US20150321736A1 US14/556,943 US201414556943A US2015321736A1 US 20150321736 A1 US20150321736 A1 US 20150321736A1 US 201414556943 A US201414556943 A US 201414556943A US 2015321736 A1 US2015321736 A1 US 2015321736A1
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- central body
- flotation device
- defining
- lateral element
- canted
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- 238000005188 flotation Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 56
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Images
Classifications
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- B63B35/731—
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B32/00—Water sports boards; Accessories therefor
- B63B32/10—Motor-propelled water sports boards
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a personalized recreational watercraft and method of use, and more particularly, to a watercraft offering stability and balance in both hydrostatic and hydrodynamic conditions.
- the present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the known art and the problems that remain unsolved by providing a watercraft that features stability and balance in both hydrostatic and hydrodynamic conditions, and supports the capability of a user to self-propel the watercraft even in hydrostatic conditions.
- the present disclosure is generally directed to a recreational water flotation device includes a central body defining an upper surface and a bottom surface and having a front and a rear.
- a left lateral element extends from a left end of the central body and defines a left canted surface canted toward the central body and further defines a left end of said flotation device.
- a right lateral element extends from a right end of the central body and defines a right canted surface canted toward the central body and further defining a right end of the flotation device.
- a propulsion unit is mounted to the bottom surface of the central body.
- the device is buoyant in water; for instance, the central body, the left lateral element, and the right lateral element are fabricated of a material buoyant in water.
- the central body, the left lateral element, and the right lateral element are formed of a single homogenous body.
- a left side of the left lateral element and a right side of the right lateral element define a width of the flotation device, and the front end and rear end of the central body define a length of the flotation device wherein the width is greater than the length.
- the left lateral side and the right lateral side have an arcuately convex peripheral shape
- the front end and the rear end have an arcuately convex peripheral shape
- the peripheral areas connecting in adjacent ones of the left lateral side, front and, right lateral side, and rear end are arcuately concave.
- the flotation device further includes a left rear fin and a right rear fin where in each fin is arcuately concave and protrudes from the bottom surface of the central body at a rear periphery thereof
- the flotation device further includes a front fin extending along a front edge of the central body and further extending between the left lateral element and the right lateral element.
- the front fin and the front edge defining surface angled toward the rear for providing a smooth flow of water thereover.
- the propulsion unit is at least partially rotatable with respect to the central body.
- the flotation device further includes a bottom mount affixed to the bottom surface of the central body and includes an outer tube in fixed relation to the central body and an inner tube within the fixed outer tube that is at least partially rotatable with respect to the outer tube.
- the propulsion unit is attached to the inner tube.
- the outer tube at least partially defines a forwardly oriented opening therethrough and the inner tube has attached thereto a transverse tube extending forwardly from the inner tube through the opening.
- a horizontal cross tube is attached to a distal forward end of the transverse tube.
- a bottom bracket is affixed to the cross tube.
- the propulsion unit includes a propeller mounted in a propeller mount, wherein the bottom bracket retains the propeller mount thereto.
- the flotation device further includes vertical stop bars affixed to the fixed outer tube.
- the vertical stop bars define the left and right boundaries of the opening for limiting the rotation of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube.
- the device further includes a weight, wherein the weight and the propulsion unit are interchangeably mountable to the central body.
- a recreational water flotation device in yet another aspect, includes a central body having an upper surface and a bottom surface and having a front and a rear.
- a left lateral element extends from a left end of the central body and defines a left canted surface which is canted toward the central body.
- the left lateral element defining a left end of the flotation device.
- a right lateral element extends from a right end of the central body and defines a right canted surface which is canted toward the central body.
- the right lateral element defines a right end of the flotation device.
- a propulsion unit is mounted to the bottom surface of the central body and is at least partially rotatable with respect to the central body.
- the device is buoyant in water; for instance, the central body, the left lateral element, and the right lateral element are fabricated of a single homogenous body of material buoyant in water.
- the left lateral side and the right lateral side have an arcuately convex peripheral shape and the front end and rear and have an arcuately convex peripheral shape.
- the peripheral areas connecting adjacent ones of the left lateral side the front end the right lateral side and the rear end are arcuately concave.
- the flotation device includes a left rear fin and a right rear fin, where in each fin is arcuately concave and protrudes from the bottom surface of the central body at a rear periphery thereof.
- the flotation device further includes a front fin extending along a front edge of the central body and further extending between the left lateral element and the right lateral element wherein the front fin and the front edge defining a surface angled toward the rear for providing a smooth flow of water thereover.
- the flotation device further includes a bottom mount affixed to the bottom surface of the central body.
- the bottom mount includes an outer tube in fixed relation to the central body and an inner tube within the fixed outer tube which is at least partially rotatable with respect to the outer tube.
- the propulsion unit is attached to the inner tube.
- a recreational water flotation device in another aspect, includes a central body defining an upper surface and a bottom surface and has an arcuately convex front end and an arcuately convex rear end.
- a left lateral element has a convexly arcuate left lateral side and extends from a left end of the central body. The left lateral element defines a left canted surface which is canted toward the central body.
- a right lateral element has a convexly arcuate right lateral side and extends from a right end of the central body. The right lateral element defines a right canted surface which is canted toward the central body and further defines a right end of the flotation device.
- the peripheral areas connecting adjacent ones of the left lateral side, front end, right lateral side, and rear end are arcuately concave.
- a front fin extends along at least a front edge of the central body. The front fin and the front edge define a surface which is angled toward the rear for providing a smooth flow of water thereover.
- a left rear fin and a right rear fin are arcuately concave and protrude from the bottom surface of the central body at a rear periphery thereof.
- a propulsion unit is mounted to the bottom surface of the central body and is at least partially rotatable with respect to the central body.
- the device is buoyant in water; for instance, the central body, the left lateral element, and the right lateral element are fabricated of a single homogenous body of material buoyant in water.
- the flotation device further includes a bottom mount affixed to the bottom surface of the central body and includes an outer tube in fixed relation to the central body and inner tube within the fixed outer tube.
- the inner tube is at least partially rotatable with respect to the outer tube and the propulsion unit is attached to the inner tube.
- the outer tube at least partially defines a forwardly oriented opening therethrough.
- the inner tube has attached thereto a transverse tube extending forwardly therefrom and through the opening.
- a horizontal cross tube is attached to a distal forward end of the transverse tube and a bottom bracket is affixed to the cross tube.
- the propulsion unit includes a propeller mounted in a propeller mount wherein the bottom bracket retains the propeller mount thereto.
- the device further includes left and right stops affixed to the fixed outer tube and defining the left and right boundaries of the opening for limiting the rotation of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube.
- FIG. 1 presents an isometric rear view of an exemplary water board, according to one implementation of the present invention
- FIG. 2 presents an isometric bottom view of the water board originally introduced in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 presents an exploded view of the water board originally introduced in FIG. 1 , demonstrating the individual layers that are stacked to form the composite assembly of the water board;
- FIG. 4 presents a top view of the water board originally introduced in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 presents a side view of the water board originally introduced in FIG. 1 , demonstrating a mode of operating the water board by a user;
- FIG. 6 presents an isometric front view of the operation of the water board as originally introduced in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 presents a top front isometric view of a water board, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 presents a top rear isometric view of the water board of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 presents a bottom rear isometric view of the water board of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 10 presents an exploded bottom front isometric view of the water board of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 11 presents a right side elevation view of the water board of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 12 presents a rear elevation view of the water board of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 13 presents a front elevation view of the water board of FIG. 7 in use and floating in a body of water and a user standing on the water board;
- FIG. 14 presents a front elevation view of the water board of FIG. 7 wherein the user has shifted his weight to his left foot;
- FIG. 15 presents a top plan view of the water board of FIG. 7 with a user's feet placed atop thereof;
- FIG. 16 presents a top plan view of the water board of FIG. 7 wherein the user is urging a left side of the water board forward and rotating the water board to the right;
- FIG. 17 presents a right side elevation view of the water board of FIG. 7 with a user standing on top thereof;
- FIG. 18 presents a side elevation view of a bottom connector assembly attachable to the bottom of the water board showing the mounting of a weight thereto;
- FIG. 19 presents a top plan view of the bottom connector assembly and weight of FIG. 18 ;
- FIG. 20 presents an isometric view of a portion of the bottom connector assembly of FIG. 18 partially rotated.
- FIG. 21 presents an isometric view of the portion of the bottom connector assembly of FIG. 20 in a non-rotated position.
- the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims.
- a water board 100 is presented in various configurations in the illustrations of FIGS. 1 through 4 .
- the operation of the water board 100 by a user in a stand-up position is presented in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- the water board 100 includes an assembly of individual layers that are attached together in a stacking arrangement to form a composite structure.
- the water board 100 includes an upper or top layer 102 , a main body layer 104 disposed below the upper layer 102 , a mid or intermediate layer 106 disposed below the main body layer 104 , and a lower or bottom layer 108 disposed below the mid layer 106 .
- the assembled form of water board 100 is depicted in the various views of FIGS. 1 , 2 and 4 .
- the water board 100 can generally be considered a watercraft or water vessel suitable for recreational purposes.
- water board 100 in its assembled form, water board 100 includes a dorsal or upper side 110 at upper layer 102 , a ventral or lower side 112 at lower layer 108 , a left lateral side 118 , and a right lateral side 120 .
- the dorsal side 110 defines a location where a user is situated in an operating position, such as a stand-up position while navigating the water board 100 through water.
- the user mounts and rides the water board 100 at the dorsal side 110 .
- the ventral side 112 defines a location where the water board 100 is placed on or contacts the water.
- Water board 100 further includes a front, forward or anterior end 114 and a back, rearward or posterior end 116 .
- the front end 114 serves as the nose section that defines the leading edge of water board 100 as the water board 100 travels through water.
- the rear end 116 serves as the tail section that defines the trailing edge of water board 100 as the water board 100 travels through the water.
- the user faces in the direction of the front end 114 .
- the front end 114 and the rear end 116 define a longitudinal axis of the water board 100
- the left lateral side 118 and the right lateral side 120 define a lateral axis of the water board 100 .
- the assembled form of water board 100 has a generally diamond-shaped construction in plan view, preferably modified to include rounded vertices and curved sides.
- the water board 100 includes generally convex corners and generally concave sides.
- the water board 100 is preferably asymmetric along its longitudinal and lateral axes, such that the water board 100 is wider along its lateral (side-to-side) axis than along its longitudinal (front-to-back) axis.
- This asymmetry produces a generally oblong shape to the water board 100 .
- One benefit of this axial asymmetry is that it produces a low turning moment about the longitudinal axis, resulting in a high resistance to rotation about the longitudinal axis.
- This asymmetry likewise produces a more stable platform or deck for the user to stand on and maneuver the water board 100 .
- the geometry of the water board 100 is suitably chosen to present an underside surface area contacting the water that is sufficient to sustain the weight of an individual in water, while also inhibiting any rotation about the longitudinal axis to provide stability, especially in a resting (non-moving) state.
- the water board 100 of the present embodiment has both hydrostatic and hydrodynamic flotation properties. At rest or in hydrostatic conditions, the water board 100 is very stable and permits the user to stand in an upright position without the risk of capsizing the water board 100 .
- the asymmetry of water board 100 creates a very small turning moment about the longitudinal (front-to-back) axis, making it very difficult for the water board 100 to rotate about the longitudinal axis and capsize the water board 100 .
- the water board 100 can readily move through water in a surfing-style travel that rides along the water surface.
- the exemplary shape and geometry of the water board 100 is implemented by a suitable construction of the individual layers 102 , 104 , 106 , and 108 .
- the exemplary upper layer 102 includes a front corner 130 disposed at the front end 114 of assembled water board 100 , a rear corner 132 disposed at the rear end 116 of assembled water board 100 , a left side corner 134 disposed at the left lateral side 118 of assembled water board 100 , and a right side corner 136 disposed at the right lateral side 120 of assembled water board 100 .
- the corners 130 , 132 , 134 , and 136 are preferably rounded or curved in a convex shape.
- This convex geometry promotes flotation of the water board 100 and offers favorable resistance properties to facilitate ease of movement of the water board 100 through water.
- the convex corners 130 , 132 , 134 , and 136 present reduced resistance and allow smooth water flow across the contours of the corners 130 , 132 , 134 , and 136 as the water board 100 advances through the water.
- the upper layer 102 further includes a front right edge or side 140 connecting the front corner 130 and the right side corner 136 ; a front left edge or side 142 connecting the front corner 130 and the left side corner 134 ; a right rear edge or side 144 connecting the rear corner 132 and the right side corner 136 ; and a left rear edge or side 146 connecting the rear corner 132 and the left side corner 134 .
- the sides 140 , 142 , 144 , and 146 are preferably curved in a concave shape. This concave geometry promotes smooth water flow along the periphery or boundary of water board 100 as the water board 100 travels through water.
- the geometry and shape of the main body layer 104 , the mid layer 106 , and the lower layer 108 are similar to that of upper layer 102 . Accordingly, once the upper layer 102 , the main body layer 104 , the mid layer 106 , and the lower layer 108 are integrated together into a stacked configuration to produce the final assembled form of water board 100 , the overall geometry of water board 100 is generally uniform throughout the layers 102 , 104 , 106 , and 108 . Various modifications to the geometry of the water board 100 can be made, however.
- the layers 102 , 104 , 106 , and 108 can be formed with progressively smaller sizes, while each still retains the same general shape.
- the upper layer 102 would have the largest size and the subsequent layers 104 , 106 , and 108 underneath it would be progressively smaller.
- the result would be a terraced-type profile.
- the scale factor used to create the different-sized layers 102 , 104 , 106 , and 108 can be suitably selected to promote desired hydrodynamic flow patterns along and around the water board 100 .
- the lateral dimension extending between the left side corner 134 and the right side corner 136 is longer than the longitudinal dimension extending between the front corner 130 and the rear corner 132 , producing an axial asymmetry that results in a generally oblong shape.
- the lateral and longitudinal dimensions can be adjusted to produce any type of oblong shape depending upon the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic properties that are desired.
- the combination of the front corner 130 , rear corner 132 , left side corner 134 , and right side corner 136 can be collectively regarded as a set of vertices that define a generally diamond-shaped configuration, modified to produce a selected type of axial asymmetry, if desired.
- Each of the layers 102 , 104 , 106 , and 108 is preferably formed of a rigid foam or heavy duty foam material conducive to flotation.
- An advantageous embodiment will have at least one layer manufactured using Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam or Polyurethane foam. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that any type of material can be used to construct layers 102 , 104 , 106 , and 108 that is compatible with maintaining a flotation capability for water board 100 .
- EPS Expanded polystyrene
- the water board 100 is constructed so that the upper layer 102 is made of a 1′′ (one inch) thick heavy duty EPS or Polyurethane foam layer; the main body layer 104 is made of a 2′′ (two inch) thick heavy duty EPS or Polyurethane foam layer; the mid layer 106 is made of a 2′′ (two inch) thick heavy duty EPS or Polyurethane foam layer; and the lower layer 108 is made of a 2′′ (two inch) thick heavy duty EPS or Polyurethane foam layer.
- These specific dimensions should not be considered in limitation of the invention but merely illustrative, as other dimensional values can be used to practice the invention.
- the assembled structure of water board 100 is preferably processed with a finishing exterior coat of waterproofing to protect the foam material from cracking or moisture.
- This exterior coat can be a water-resistant epoxy resin material or fiberglass, for example.
- the water board 100 further includes a fin 122 attached to the bottom layer 108 at the front end 114 of water board 100 , as best depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- the fin 122 promotes guidance and maneuverability of the water board 100 through water.
- the fin 122 also provides an “oar” effect when moving the water board 100 backwards. This “oar” effect is enhanced by having the bottom layer 108 include two cut-outs 128 on its outer surface area, contiguous to the fin 122 .
- the cut-outs 128 provide an increased total height of the rear wall of the fin 122 facing the cut-outs 128 , contributing to the “oar” effect.
- the upper layer 102 includes a trim or border 124 installed at the front or leading end 114 of water board 100 , in order to add rigidity and to improve the ability of the water board 100 to cut through water.
- the trim 124 extends along the forward or anterior half of the perimeter of upper layer 102 .
- the upper layer 102 includes a carved left footprint hole 150 and a carved right footprint hole 152 .
- the carved left footprint hole 150 and the carved right footprint hole 152 are appropriately sized to receive the left foot and the right foot, respectively, of a user situated in a standing position on water board 100 , as best depicted in FIG. 6 .
- the user places the left foot and the right foot in holes 150 and 152 respectively, resting the feet on the surface of main body layer 104 (underneath upper layer 102 ) that is exposed by the holes 150 and 152 .
- the combination of the upper layer 102 and the main body layer 104 serves as the deck or platform on which the user is positioned via the left footprint hole 150 and the right footprint hole 152 .
- the footprint holes 150 and 152 enhance the traction of the user during operation of the water board 100 .
- the water board 100 further includes a cable support tubing or conduit 160 as best depicted in FIG. 3 , in order to secure and locate a cable accessible to the user.
- a cable is threaded through the conduit 160 and made accessible to the user.
- the cable conduit 160 has a generally U-shaped structure including a horizontal section 162 , a first vertical section 164 disposed at one end of horizontal section 162 and having a top opening 165 , and a second vertical section 166 disposed at another end of horizontal section 162 and having a top opening 167 .
- the water board 100 is equipped such that the upper layer 102 includes a left cable hole 154 and a right cable hole 156 , and the main body layer 104 includes a left cable hole 155 aligned with the left cable hole 154 in upper layer 102 and a right cable hole 157 aligned with the right cable hole 156 in upper layer 102 .
- the first vertical section 164 of cable conduit 160 is inserted through the pair of aligned holes 156 and 157 formed in the upper layer 102 and the main body layer 104 , respectively, and the second vertical section 166 of cable conduit 160 is inserted through the pair of aligned holes 154 and 155 formed in the upper layer 102 and the main body layer 104 , respectively.
- the cable conduit 160 is positioned such that its horizontal section 162 lies between the main body layer 104 and the mid layer 106 .
- the top opening 165 of the first vertical conduit section 164 and the top opening 167 of the second vertical conduit section 166 lie above the upper surface of upper layer 102 , as best depicted in FIG. 1 .
- the cable holes 154 , 155 , 156 , and 157 can be placed at any selected locations depending upon the desired location of the cable.
- the water board 100 further includes a cable 170 that is threaded through cable conduit 160 and forms a loop accessible to the user 200 , as best depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- the cable 170 includes a left side 172 , a right side 174 , an upper end 176 , a lower end 178 threading through the cable conduit 160 , and a bridge, rung or connecting section 180 that spans between the left cable side 172 and the right cable side 174 .
- the cable 170 has a suitable length to permit the user or operator 200 to grasp the upper cable end 176 at a body height favorable to steering the water board 100 and maintaining balance, such as waist height when the user 200 is in a fully upright position.
- the water board 100 optionally includes a tether 182 having a connecting end attached to a fixture 184 located on the rear corner 132 of upper layer 102 , and a free end available for releasable attachment to the user ankle, as best depicted in FIGS. 1 , 3 and 6 .
- the tether 182 functions to keep the user safely attached to the water board 100 in the event of a fall.
- the operation of water board 100 is best presented in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- the user 200 must first board or mount the water board 100 before engaging in water travel (i.e., riding water board 100 ). Initially, in order to mount or climb aboard the water board 100 , the user 200 will likely need to swim to waters at least deep enough to have half of the user body underwater in a standing position. To mount the water board 100 at upper layer 102 from a swimming position, the user 200 first approaches the water board 100 from its rear end 116 . The user 200 should then pull the lower cable rung 180 of cable 170 in order to slide the water board 100 under the user body, which enables the user to subsequently mount the water board 100 at upper layer 102 .
- the user 200 can then attempt to stand up by grasping the upper end 176 of cable 170 and pulling on it until it becomes taut, providing stability and balance. At this time the user 200 can also insert his/her feet into the recesses formed by the left footprint hole 150 and the right footprint hole 152 , which readies the user for water travel.
- the user 200 uses a side-to-side rocking motion in which the user 200 shifts his/her weight in an alternating sequence between the lateral sides of water board 100 .
- This rocking motion effectuates rapid turns in the water board 100 that act to propel the water board 100 in the forward direction.
- the water board 100 can thus be self-propelling if used in calm waters, or can use the assistance of wave motion to supplement the motion activity performed by the user.
- the user 200 shifts his/her weight onto one foot (e.g., the foot in recess 150 of FIG. 4 ), which loads or weighs down that side 118 of the water board 100 receiving the shifted weight, causing the loaded side to sink.
- the other (opposite) side 120 of the water board 100 from which the weight has been lifted correspondingly rises because it is now unloaded.
- the user While the water board 100 is in this rotated or pivoted position due to the weight shifting, with the unloaded side 120 higher than the loaded side 118 , the user initiates a forward kicking motion with the unloaded foot (i.e., the foot in recess 152 ), which causes the water board 100 to turn in the direction 300 .
- the user 200 then immediately switches the body weight to the other side, i.e., the weight shifts back to side 120 so that the now loaded foot in recess 152 sinks down and the now unloaded foot in recess 150 rises up with the unloaded side 118 .
- the user initiates a forward kicking motion with the unloaded foot in recess 150 , which causes the water board 100 to turn in the direction 302 opposite the previous turning direction 300 .
- the user continues this cycle of alternating weight shifts and alternating foot kicks.
- the user repeats this sequence of alternately shifting weight from one side to the next while simultaneously performing a forward kicking motion with the elevated foot at the currently unloaded side of the water board 100 .
- the net effect of this alternating shift in body weight, accompanied by the alternating kicking motions at the alternately unloaded sides, is to create a rapid sequence of small turns in water board 100 that collectively propel the water board 100 in the forward direction.
- the user can steer the water board 100 by appropriately changing the relative intensity of the forward kicking motions at the opposite sides of the water board 100 , creating more turning momentum in one direction than the other.
- the user can travel in a generally straight line by employing forward kicking motions of comparatively equal strength at the opposite sides of the water board 100 . Observed from above ( FIG.
- the water board 100 sits downward in the water in the forward direction, creating a forward tilted orientation 310 as depicted in FIG. 5 .
- An exemplary angle of tilt is 10 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.
- the water board 100 provides several advantages over the current art.
- Conventional types of personalized watercraft like surf boards require the presence of moving water to balance the surf board while standing.
- the surf board has a high tendency to rotate when a user stands on it in calm waters.
- Typical surf boards are designed to be moved by waves, so in calm waters the surf board will rotate when standing on it, leading to a loss of balance and an overturn of the surf board.
- the design of the water board 100 inhibits this side-to-side rotation, allowing a user to readily stand on the water board 100 in a fully balanced position in calm waters.
- the water board 100 is also effective in hydrodynamic conditions, i.e., wavy waters.
- the design of the water board 100 facilitates a side-to-side rocking motion that alternately loads and unloads opposite sides of the water board 100 , which in combination with alternating kicking motions at the unloaded sides enable the user to self-propel the water board 100 .
- the water board 100 features stability and balance in both hydrostatic (e.g., lake or pool) and hydrodynamic (e.g., river or ocean) conditions, and supports the capability of a user to self-propel the watercraft even in hydrostatic conditions.
- FIGS. 7 through 21 An alternative embodiment recreational water flotation device, also referred to as a water board, is illustrated in its various aspects in FIGS. 7 through 21 .
- the alternative embodiment water board 400 has a central body 404 which defines an upper side 410 , a bottom surface 412 ( FIG. 10 ), a front end 414 , and a rear end 416 .
- the rear end 416 extends farther to the rear than the front end 414 projects forward and thus acts as a tail to assist in rotational stabilization of the water board 400 .
- a left lateral element 405 and a right lateral element 407 are affixed to the left and right sides of the body 404 respectively.
- the body 404 , left lateral element 405 , and right lateral element 407 are formed of a hydrodynamic flotation material such as a rigid closed cell polymeric foam of sufficient buoyancy to support a human being on the surface of a body of water. Most preferably, the body 404 , left lateral element 405 , and right lateral element 407 are formed of a single homogenous body of polymeric foam which, in turn, is machined or cut to create its finished three-dimensional profile.
- the left lateral element 405 and the right lateral element 407 both include left and right canted surfaces 419 , 421 respectively wherein the left canted surface 419 and right canted surface 421 are sloped to the center of the body 404 and raised above upper side 410 as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 7 .
- the canted surfaces 419 , 421 are intended to function as footpads for a user 200 to stand thereupon as described in greater detail below.
- the canted surfaces 419 , 421 can optionally be textured or covered with a non-skid coating to provide secure footing for the user 200 .
- the left lateral element 405 defines an arcuately convex left lateral side 418 and the right lateral element 407 also defines a convexly arcuate right lateral side 420 .
- the front end 414 and the rear end 416 are also arcuately convex, and the peripheral areas connecting adjacent ones of the left lateral side 418 , the front end 414 , the right lateral side 420 , and the rear end 416 are generally arcuately concave such that the periphery as a whole is a series of alternating convexities and concavities.
- the water board 400 is thus shaped as a generally four-lobed body, the four lobes being provided by the left lateral side 418 , the right lateral side 420 , the front end 414 and the rear end 416 , and including the said two opposed sloped or canted surfaces 419 , 421 converging towards the upper side 410 . Further, the width of the water board 400 from the left lateral side 418 to the right lateral side 420 is greater than the length of the body 404 from the front end 414 to the rear end 416 .
- a tether 482 is affixed to the rear and 416 of the water board 400 .
- the tether 482 includes a loop 483 at a free end thereof.
- the size of the loop 483 is adjustable such that the user 200 is able to place the loop 483 around either the user's left or right ankle and adjust the loop 483 to a comfortable tightness.
- the use of the tether 482 keeps the water board 400 within reach of the user 200 in the event that the user 200 falls off the water board 400 while in the water.
- a front fin 423 includes a left front fin element 425 and a right front fin element 427 .
- the front fin 423 is affixed to the bottom surface 412 proximate to the front end 414 and extending from the left lateral side 418 to the right lateral side 420 .
- the fin elements 425 , 427 are arcuately concave to more closely match the front contour of the central body 404 .
- the left and right front fin elements 425 , 427 can have a trapezoidal shaped cross-section wherein the widest base is affixed to the bottom surface 412 .
- a front edge 413 of the central body 404 can be angled toward the rear at approximately the same angle as the trapezoidally shaped left and right front fin elements 425 , 427 to provide a smooth flow of water thereover as the water board 400 passes through the water.
- a left rear fin 430 and a right rear fin 432 are also formed as arcuately concave and are affixed to the bottom surface 412 at the rear periphery of the central body 404 .
- the concave curvature of the rear fins 430 , 432 proximately converge one with the other at the rear end 416 , to centrally direct the flow of water to towards an exit space 434 arranged between the rear fins 430 , 432 , to further directionally stabilize the water board 400 while moving through the water.
- a bottom mount 470 is mounted to the bottom surface 412 with four mounting bolts 472 .
- the central body 404 defines four holes 411 ( FIG. 10 ) arranged in a square pattern that is laterally centered and positioned more proximate to the rear and 416 than to the front end 414 .
- the bottom mount 470 includes a mounting plate 471 comprising four mounting holes 473 which engage the four mounting bolts 472 to secure the bottom mount 470 to the bottom surface 412 .
- a fixed outer tube 475 is perpendicular to and affixed to the mounting plate 471 .
- a longitudinal fin 474 is rigidly affixed to the rear of the fixed outer tube 475 and extends rearwardly from the fixed outer tube 475 to aid in longitudinal stability.
- An inner tube 476 is retained within the fixed outer tube 475 and is rotatable therein defining a rotation axis 480 , as best shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 .
- the outer tube 475 comprises upper and lower segments spaced apart one from the other in a fixed vertical relationship and connected one to the other with two vertical stop bars 477 affixed to the left outer surface and the right outer surface of the fixed segments of the outer tube 475 .
- the vertical stop bars 477 define the left and right boundaries of the opening.
- the upper and lower segments of the fixed outer tube 475 in combination with the two stop bars 477 define a forwardly oriented opening exposing a portion of the inner tube 476 .
- the fixed outer tube 475 can be a unitary tube (not shown) which defines a forward facing cutout thereby exposing the portion of the inner tube 476 .
- a transverse tube 478 is affixed to the inner tube 476 and extends forwardly from the inner tube 476 through the opening defined by the outer tube 475 and the vertical stop bars 477 .
- a cross tube 479 is horizontally oriented and affixed to the distal forward end of the transverse tube 478 such that the transverse tube 478 and the cross tube 479 together form a “T”.
- the combination of the inner tube 476 , the transverse tube 478 , and the cross tube 479 can rotate within the outer tube 475 and is rotationally limited by the stop bars 477 .
- a bottom bracket 485 is affixed to the cross tube 479 and comprises a vertically oriented bracket plate 487 in the shape of the letter “H”, an upper bracket bar 488 in the shape of the letter “U”, and a lower bracket bar 489 in the shape of a transversely bent letter “U”.
- the upper bracket bar 488 is removably attached to an upper portion of the bracket plate 487
- the lower bracket bar 489 is removably attached to a lower portion of the bracket plate 487 .
- the bottom bracket 485 includes two vertical segments 489 a , two horizontal segments 489 b , and a top transverse segment 489 c .
- the top transverse segment 489 c is affixed to the cross tube 479 .
- the water board 400 further comprises a propulsion unit 490 including a battery-powered propeller 492 and a propeller mount 494 .
- the propeller 492 can aid in propelling the water board 400 across the surface of a body of water.
- the water board 400 can also comprise a weight unit 495 which, as shown in FIGS. 17 through 19 (showing the weight unit 495 in lieu of the propulsion unit 490 ).
- the weight unit 495 can include a weight 496 and a weight mount 498 , similarly to the propulsion unit 490 .
- the propeller mount 498 could interchangeably receive the propeller 492 and the weight 496 .
- the weight 496 can be a solid body or alternatively a hollow body that is filled with water, sand, or other dense material. The weight 496 aids in stabilization of the water board 400 floating on the water surface by lowering its center of gravity. Use of the weight 496 in lieu of using the propeller 492 provides a more strenuous workout for the user 200 to progress over the water surface.
- the water board 400 is configured so that the propeller 492 and the weight 496 can be interchangeably used.
- the propulsion unit 490 and the weight unit 495 of the present embodiment are interchangeably attached to the water board body 404 by having the propeller mount 494 or weight mount 498 hang from the horizontal segments 489 b of the lower bracket bar 489 .
- the vertically oriented bracket plate 487 , the upper bracket bar 488 , and the bottom bracket bar vertical segments 489 a and horizontal segments 489 b retain the propeller mount 494 or weight mount 498 therebetween.
- the propulsion unit 490 or weight unit 495 are rotatable with respect to the water board body 404 around rotation axis 480 .
- FIGS. 13 through 17 Operation of the water board 400 is demonstrated in FIGS. 13 through 17 .
- Use of the device is initiated by a user 200 placing the tether loop 483 about either his right or left ankle and standing on the water board 400 , placing his left foot 202 on the left canted surface 419 of left lateral element 405 and placing his right foot 204 on the right canted surface 421 of right lateral element 407 .
- the user 200 distributes his weight equally against the surfaces 419 , 421 to maintain a level stance of the water board 400 in the water as best illustrated in FIG. 13 .
- the propulsion unit 490 and particularly the propeller 492 , at this point is centered with its thrust acting along the longitudinal centerline between front end 414 and rear end 416 ( FIG. 15 ). Starting the propeller 492 causes the water board 400 to begin to move forward along the water.
- the user 200 shifts his weight to the left, as indicated by the larger arrow of FIG. 14 , thereby placing a greater force on the left canted surface 419 and effectively unloading a portion of his weight from right canted surface 421 .
- This causes the left lateral element 405 to sink into the water and the right lateral element 407 to rise higher in the water relative to the left lateral element 504 ; in consequence, the left lateral element 405 tends to be stopped by water causing the water board 400 to slightly turn left.
- the stepping force will cause the water board 400 to slightly tilt forward; in consequence, the water board 400 , and thus the rotation axis 480 , tilt sideways and forward as shown in FIG. 14 .
- the forward and sideways tilting of the rotation axis 480 causes the propulsion unit 490 to freely rotate in a clockwise direction, so that its front portion is rotated towards the right lateral element 407 and its rear portion is rotated towards the left lateral element 405 , as shown in FIG. 14 ; in consequence, the propeller 492 propels the water board 400 towards the right.
- the aforementioned leftward turning effect caused by stepping on the left canted surface 419 is counteracted by the propeller 492 pointing rightward and thus propel the water board 400 towards the right; such counteraction causes an overall effect of the water board 400 tending to maintain a forward movement, in the longitudinal directing extending from the water board rear end 416 towards the water board front end 414 .
- the non-turning longitudinal fin 474 further contributes to maintain the longitudinal forward movement of the water board 400 .
- the user 200 uses his right foot 204 to frictionally “kick” the right lateral element 407 forward and rotate the water board 400 forwardly and rotationally about the left lateral element 405 , as indicated in FIG. 16 .
- the user 200 After having kicked forward as shown in FIG. 16 , the user 200 will then shift his weight to his right foot 204 .
- the user 200 Utilizing his left foot 202 , the user 200 applies a forward force to the left canted surface 419 with his left foot 202 to rotate about the right lateral element 407 .
- the forward movements alternating the users left foot 202 and right foot 204 are continued until the user 200 on the water board 400 has traversed the surface of the water the desired distance.
- the battery powered propeller 492 provides an aided forward thrust to assist propelling the water board 400 in the forward direction.
- the longitudinal fin 474 will contribute to maintain a forward direction while the user 200 carries out the downward stepping, forward kicking motion.
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Abstract
A recreational water flotation device includes a central body defining an upper surface and a bottom surface and having a front and a rear. A left lateral element extends from a left end of the central body and defines a left canted surface canted toward the central body and further defines a left end of said flotation device. A right lateral element extends from a right end of the central body and defines a left canted surface canted toward the central body and further defining a right end of the flotation device. A propulsion unit is mounted to the bottom surface of the central body. The device is buoyant in water. Preferably, the central body, the left lateral element, the said right lateral element are fabricated of a material buoyant in water.
Description
- The present invention claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/931,119, filed Jan. 1, 2014, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
- The present invention relates to a personalized recreational watercraft and method of use, and more particularly, to a watercraft offering stability and balance in both hydrostatic and hydrodynamic conditions.
- Conventional types of personalized watercraft like surf boards require the presence of moving water to balance the surf board while a user stands on it. Typical surf boards are designed for movement by waves, requiring hydrodynamic conditions to support the surf board and inhibit rotation. The surf board has a high tendency to rotate when a user stands on it in calm waters. Accordingly, in calm waters, the surf board will rotate when standing on it, leading to a loss of balance and an overturn of the surf board.
- Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a watercraft that offers stability and user balance when deployed in hydrostatic conditions, without compromising the effectiveness of the watercraft in hydrodynamic conditions.
- The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the known art and the problems that remain unsolved by providing a watercraft that features stability and balance in both hydrostatic and hydrodynamic conditions, and supports the capability of a user to self-propel the watercraft even in hydrostatic conditions.
- The present disclosure is generally directed to a recreational water flotation device includes a central body defining an upper surface and a bottom surface and having a front and a rear. A left lateral element extends from a left end of the central body and defines a left canted surface canted toward the central body and further defines a left end of said flotation device. A right lateral element extends from a right end of the central body and defines a right canted surface canted toward the central body and further defining a right end of the flotation device. A propulsion unit is mounted to the bottom surface of the central body. The device is buoyant in water; for instance, the central body, the left lateral element, and the right lateral element are fabricated of a material buoyant in water.
- In another aspect, the central body, the left lateral element, and the right lateral element are formed of a single homogenous body.
- In still another aspect, a left side of the left lateral element and a right side of the right lateral element define a width of the flotation device, and the front end and rear end of the central body define a length of the flotation device wherein the width is greater than the length.
- In yet another aspect, the left lateral side and the right lateral side have an arcuately convex peripheral shape, the front end and the rear end have an arcuately convex peripheral shape, and the peripheral areas connecting in adjacent ones of the left lateral side, front and, right lateral side, and rear end are arcuately concave.
- In a still further aspect, the flotation device further includes a left rear fin and a right rear fin where in each fin is arcuately concave and protrudes from the bottom surface of the central body at a rear periphery thereof
- In another aspect, the flotation device further includes a front fin extending along a front edge of the central body and further extending between the left lateral element and the right lateral element. The front fin and the front edge defining surface angled toward the rear for providing a smooth flow of water thereover.
- In another aspect, the propulsion unit is at least partially rotatable with respect to the central body.
- In a still further aspect, the flotation device further includes a bottom mount affixed to the bottom surface of the central body and includes an outer tube in fixed relation to the central body and an inner tube within the fixed outer tube that is at least partially rotatable with respect to the outer tube. The propulsion unit is attached to the inner tube.
- In yet another aspect, the outer tube at least partially defines a forwardly oriented opening therethrough and the inner tube has attached thereto a transverse tube extending forwardly from the inner tube through the opening. A horizontal cross tube is attached to a distal forward end of the transverse tube. A bottom bracket is affixed to the cross tube. The propulsion unit includes a propeller mounted in a propeller mount, wherein the bottom bracket retains the propeller mount thereto.
- In another aspect, the flotation device further includes vertical stop bars affixed to the fixed outer tube. The vertical stop bars define the left and right boundaries of the opening for limiting the rotation of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube.
- In still another aspect, the device further includes a weight, wherein the weight and the propulsion unit are interchangeably mountable to the central body.
- In yet another aspect, a recreational water flotation device includes a central body having an upper surface and a bottom surface and having a front and a rear. A left lateral element extends from a left end of the central body and defines a left canted surface which is canted toward the central body. The left lateral element defining a left end of the flotation device. A right lateral element extends from a right end of the central body and defines a right canted surface which is canted toward the central body. The right lateral element defines a right end of the flotation device. A propulsion unit is mounted to the bottom surface of the central body and is at least partially rotatable with respect to the central body. The device is buoyant in water; for instance, the central body, the left lateral element, and the right lateral element are fabricated of a single homogenous body of material buoyant in water.
- In another aspect, the left lateral side and the right lateral side have an arcuately convex peripheral shape and the front end and rear and have an arcuately convex peripheral shape. The peripheral areas connecting adjacent ones of the left lateral side the front end the right lateral side and the rear end are arcuately concave.
- In still another aspect, the flotation device includes a left rear fin and a right rear fin, where in each fin is arcuately concave and protrudes from the bottom surface of the central body at a rear periphery thereof.
- In yet another aspect, the flotation device further includes a front fin extending along a front edge of the central body and further extending between the left lateral element and the right lateral element wherein the front fin and the front edge defining a surface angled toward the rear for providing a smooth flow of water thereover.
- In a still further aspect, the flotation device further includes a bottom mount affixed to the bottom surface of the central body. The bottom mount includes an outer tube in fixed relation to the central body and an inner tube within the fixed outer tube which is at least partially rotatable with respect to the outer tube. The propulsion unit is attached to the inner tube.
- In another aspect, a recreational water flotation device includes a central body defining an upper surface and a bottom surface and has an arcuately convex front end and an arcuately convex rear end. A left lateral element has a convexly arcuate left lateral side and extends from a left end of the central body. The left lateral element defines a left canted surface which is canted toward the central body. A right lateral element has a convexly arcuate right lateral side and extends from a right end of the central body. The right lateral element defines a right canted surface which is canted toward the central body and further defines a right end of the flotation device. The peripheral areas connecting adjacent ones of the left lateral side, front end, right lateral side, and rear end are arcuately concave. A front fin extends along at least a front edge of the central body. The front fin and the front edge define a surface which is angled toward the rear for providing a smooth flow of water thereover. A left rear fin and a right rear fin are arcuately concave and protrude from the bottom surface of the central body at a rear periphery thereof. A propulsion unit is mounted to the bottom surface of the central body and is at least partially rotatable with respect to the central body. The device is buoyant in water; for instance, the central body, the left lateral element, and the right lateral element are fabricated of a single homogenous body of material buoyant in water.
- In another aspect, the flotation device further includes a bottom mount affixed to the bottom surface of the central body and includes an outer tube in fixed relation to the central body and inner tube within the fixed outer tube. The inner tube is at least partially rotatable with respect to the outer tube and the propulsion unit is attached to the inner tube.
- In a still further aspect, the outer tube at least partially defines a forwardly oriented opening therethrough. The inner tube has attached thereto a transverse tube extending forwardly therefrom and through the opening. A horizontal cross tube is attached to a distal forward end of the transverse tube and a bottom bracket is affixed to the cross tube. The propulsion unit includes a propeller mounted in a propeller mount wherein the bottom bracket retains the propeller mount thereto.
- In yet another aspect, the device further includes left and right stops affixed to the fixed outer tube and defining the left and right boundaries of the opening for limiting the rotation of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube.
- These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.
- The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which:
-
FIG. 1 presents an isometric rear view of an exemplary water board, according to one implementation of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 presents an isometric bottom view of the water board originally introduced inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 presents an exploded view of the water board originally introduced inFIG. 1 , demonstrating the individual layers that are stacked to form the composite assembly of the water board; -
FIG. 4 presents a top view of the water board originally introduced inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 presents a side view of the water board originally introduced inFIG. 1 , demonstrating a mode of operating the water board by a user; -
FIG. 6 presents an isometric front view of the operation of the water board as originally introduced inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 presents a top front isometric view of a water board, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 presents a top rear isometric view of the water board ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 presents a bottom rear isometric view of the water board ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 10 presents an exploded bottom front isometric view of the water board ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 11 presents a right side elevation view of the water board ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 12 presents a rear elevation view of the water board ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 13 presents a front elevation view of the water board ofFIG. 7 in use and floating in a body of water and a user standing on the water board; -
FIG. 14 presents a front elevation view of the water board ofFIG. 7 wherein the user has shifted his weight to his left foot; -
FIG. 15 presents a top plan view of the water board ofFIG. 7 with a user's feet placed atop thereof; -
FIG. 16 presents a top plan view of the water board ofFIG. 7 wherein the user is urging a left side of the water board forward and rotating the water board to the right; and -
FIG. 17 presents a right side elevation view of the water board ofFIG. 7 with a user standing on top thereof; -
FIG. 18 presents a side elevation view of a bottom connector assembly attachable to the bottom of the water board showing the mounting of a weight thereto; -
FIG. 19 presents a top plan view of the bottom connector assembly and weight ofFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 20 presents an isometric view of a portion of the bottom connector assembly ofFIG. 18 partially rotated; and -
FIG. 21 presents an isometric view of the portion of the bottom connector assembly ofFIG. 20 in a non-rotated position. - Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
- The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe the invention in accordance with their common meaning. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
- A
water board 100 is presented in various configurations in the illustrations ofFIGS. 1 through 4 . The operation of thewater board 100 by a user in a stand-up position is presented inFIGS. 5 and 6 . Thewater board 100 includes an assembly of individual layers that are attached together in a stacking arrangement to form a composite structure. In particular, as depicted inFIG. 3 , thewater board 100 includes an upper ortop layer 102, amain body layer 104 disposed below theupper layer 102, a mid orintermediate layer 106 disposed below themain body layer 104, and a lower orbottom layer 108 disposed below themid layer 106. The assembled form ofwater board 100 is depicted in the various views ofFIGS. 1 , 2 and 4. Thewater board 100 can generally be considered a watercraft or water vessel suitable for recreational purposes. - In its assembled form,
water board 100 includes a dorsal orupper side 110 atupper layer 102, a ventral orlower side 112 atlower layer 108, a leftlateral side 118, and a rightlateral side 120. Thedorsal side 110 defines a location where a user is situated in an operating position, such as a stand-up position while navigating thewater board 100 through water. The user mounts and rides thewater board 100 at thedorsal side 110. Theventral side 112 defines a location where thewater board 100 is placed on or contacts the water.Water board 100 further includes a front, forward oranterior end 114 and a back, rearward orposterior end 116. Thefront end 114 serves as the nose section that defines the leading edge ofwater board 100 as thewater board 100 travels through water. Therear end 116 serves as the tail section that defines the trailing edge ofwater board 100 as thewater board 100 travels through the water. During operation, the user faces in the direction of thefront end 114. Thefront end 114 and therear end 116 define a longitudinal axis of thewater board 100, while the leftlateral side 118 and the rightlateral side 120 define a lateral axis of thewater board 100. - The assembled form of
water board 100 has a generally diamond-shaped construction in plan view, preferably modified to include rounded vertices and curved sides. In an exemplary form, thewater board 100 includes generally convex corners and generally concave sides. Thewater board 100 is preferably asymmetric along its longitudinal and lateral axes, such that thewater board 100 is wider along its lateral (side-to-side) axis than along its longitudinal (front-to-back) axis. This asymmetry produces a generally oblong shape to thewater board 100. One benefit of this axial asymmetry is that it produces a low turning moment about the longitudinal axis, resulting in a high resistance to rotation about the longitudinal axis. This asymmetry likewise produces a more stable platform or deck for the user to stand on and maneuver thewater board 100. The geometry of thewater board 100 is suitably chosen to present an underside surface area contacting the water that is sufficient to sustain the weight of an individual in water, while also inhibiting any rotation about the longitudinal axis to provide stability, especially in a resting (non-moving) state. - The
water board 100 of the present embodiment has both hydrostatic and hydrodynamic flotation properties. At rest or in hydrostatic conditions, thewater board 100 is very stable and permits the user to stand in an upright position without the risk of capsizing thewater board 100. The asymmetry ofwater board 100 creates a very small turning moment about the longitudinal (front-to-back) axis, making it very difficult for thewater board 100 to rotate about the longitudinal axis and capsize thewater board 100. In hydrodynamic conditions, thewater board 100 can readily move through water in a surfing-style travel that rides along the water surface. - The exemplary shape and geometry of the
water board 100 is implemented by a suitable construction of theindividual layers FIG. 3 , the exemplaryupper layer 102 includes afront corner 130 disposed at thefront end 114 of assembledwater board 100, arear corner 132 disposed at therear end 116 of assembledwater board 100, aleft side corner 134 disposed at the leftlateral side 118 of assembledwater board 100, and aright side corner 136 disposed at the rightlateral side 120 of assembledwater board 100. Thecorners water board 100 and offers favorable resistance properties to facilitate ease of movement of thewater board 100 through water. Theconvex corners corners water board 100 advances through the water. - The
upper layer 102 further includes a front right edge orside 140 connecting thefront corner 130 and theright side corner 136; a front left edge orside 142 connecting thefront corner 130 and theleft side corner 134; a right rear edge orside 144 connecting therear corner 132 and theright side corner 136; and a left rear edge orside 146 connecting therear corner 132 and theleft side corner 134. Thesides water board 100 as thewater board 100 travels through water. - The geometry and shape of the
main body layer 104, themid layer 106, and thelower layer 108 are similar to that ofupper layer 102. Accordingly, once theupper layer 102, themain body layer 104, themid layer 106, and thelower layer 108 are integrated together into a stacked configuration to produce the final assembled form ofwater board 100, the overall geometry ofwater board 100 is generally uniform throughout thelayers water board 100 can be made, however. For example, in order to promote greater hydrodynamic water flow at thefront end 114 ofwater board 100, thelayers upper layer 102 would have the largest size and thesubsequent layers sized layers water board 100. - In an exemplary form, the lateral dimension extending between the
left side corner 134 and theright side corner 136 is longer than the longitudinal dimension extending between thefront corner 130 and therear corner 132, producing an axial asymmetry that results in a generally oblong shape. The lateral and longitudinal dimensions can be adjusted to produce any type of oblong shape depending upon the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic properties that are desired. The combination of thefront corner 130,rear corner 132,left side corner 134, andright side corner 136 can be collectively regarded as a set of vertices that define a generally diamond-shaped configuration, modified to produce a selected type of axial asymmetry, if desired. - Each of the
layers layers water board 100. In an exemplary form, thewater board 100 is constructed so that theupper layer 102 is made of a 1″ (one inch) thick heavy duty EPS or Polyurethane foam layer; themain body layer 104 is made of a 2″ (two inch) thick heavy duty EPS or Polyurethane foam layer; themid layer 106 is made of a 2″ (two inch) thick heavy duty EPS or Polyurethane foam layer; and thelower layer 108 is made of a 2″ (two inch) thick heavy duty EPS or Polyurethane foam layer. These specific dimensions should not be considered in limitation of the invention but merely illustrative, as other dimensional values can be used to practice the invention. All of thelayers water board 100. However, other bonding techniques are possible to attach thelayers water board 100 is preferably processed with a finishing exterior coat of waterproofing to protect the foam material from cracking or moisture. This exterior coat can be a water-resistant epoxy resin material or fiberglass, for example. - The
water board 100 further includes afin 122 attached to thebottom layer 108 at thefront end 114 ofwater board 100, as best depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3 . Thefin 122 promotes guidance and maneuverability of thewater board 100 through water. In addition, thefin 122 also provides an “oar” effect when moving thewater board 100 backwards. This “oar” effect is enhanced by having thebottom layer 108 include two cut-outs 128 on its outer surface area, contiguous to thefin 122. The cut-outs 128 provide an increased total height of the rear wall of thefin 122 facing the cut-outs 128, contributing to the “oar” effect. - As best shown in
FIG. 3 , theupper layer 102 includes a trim orborder 124 installed at the front orleading end 114 ofwater board 100, in order to add rigidity and to improve the ability of thewater board 100 to cut through water. In an exemplary form, thetrim 124 extends along the forward or anterior half of the perimeter ofupper layer 102. - The
upper layer 102 includes a carvedleft footprint hole 150 and a carvedright footprint hole 152. The carved leftfootprint hole 150 and the carvedright footprint hole 152 are appropriately sized to receive the left foot and the right foot, respectively, of a user situated in a standing position onwater board 100, as best depicted inFIG. 6 . In this standing position, the user places the left foot and the right foot inholes holes left footprint hole 150 and theright footprint hole 152, along with the corresponding surfaces ofmain body layer 104 exposed byholes water board 100. The combination of theupper layer 102 and themain body layer 104 serves as the deck or platform on which the user is positioned via theleft footprint hole 150 and theright footprint hole 152. The footprint holes 150 and 152 enhance the traction of the user during operation of thewater board 100. - The
water board 100 further includes a cable support tubing orconduit 160 as best depicted inFIG. 3 , in order to secure and locate a cable accessible to the user. A cable is threaded through theconduit 160 and made accessible to the user. In an exemplary form, thecable conduit 160 has a generally U-shaped structure including ahorizontal section 162, a firstvertical section 164 disposed at one end ofhorizontal section 162 and having atop opening 165, and a secondvertical section 166 disposed at another end ofhorizontal section 162 and having atop opening 167. In order to receive and accommodate the installation ofcable conduit 160, thewater board 100 is equipped such that theupper layer 102 includes aleft cable hole 154 and aright cable hole 156, and themain body layer 104 includes aleft cable hole 155 aligned with theleft cable hole 154 inupper layer 102 and aright cable hole 157 aligned with theright cable hole 156 inupper layer 102. - During installation of
cable conduit 160, the firstvertical section 164 ofcable conduit 160 is inserted through the pair of alignedholes upper layer 102 and themain body layer 104, respectively, and the secondvertical section 166 ofcable conduit 160 is inserted through the pair of alignedholes upper layer 102 and themain body layer 104, respectively. In this installed position, thecable conduit 160 is positioned such that itshorizontal section 162 lies between themain body layer 104 and themid layer 106. Additionally, thetop opening 165 of the firstvertical conduit section 164 and thetop opening 167 of the secondvertical conduit section 166 lie above the upper surface ofupper layer 102, as best depicted inFIG. 1 . The cable holes 154, 155, 156, and 157 can be placed at any selected locations depending upon the desired location of the cable. - The
water board 100 further includes acable 170 that is threaded throughcable conduit 160 and forms a loop accessible to theuser 200, as best depicted inFIGS. 5 and 6 . Thecable 170 includes aleft side 172, aright side 174, anupper end 176, alower end 178 threading through thecable conduit 160, and a bridge, rung or connectingsection 180 that spans between theleft cable side 172 and theright cable side 174. Thecable 170 has a suitable length to permit the user oroperator 200 to grasp theupper cable end 176 at a body height favorable to steering thewater board 100 and maintaining balance, such as waist height when theuser 200 is in a fully upright position. Thewater board 100 optionally includes atether 182 having a connecting end attached to afixture 184 located on therear corner 132 ofupper layer 102, and a free end available for releasable attachment to the user ankle, as best depicted inFIGS. 1 , 3 and 6. Thetether 182 functions to keep the user safely attached to thewater board 100 in the event of a fall. - The operation of
water board 100 is best presented inFIGS. 5 and 6 . Theuser 200 must first board or mount thewater board 100 before engaging in water travel (i.e., riding water board 100). Initially, in order to mount or climb aboard thewater board 100, theuser 200 will likely need to swim to waters at least deep enough to have half of the user body underwater in a standing position. To mount thewater board 100 atupper layer 102 from a swimming position, theuser 200 first approaches thewater board 100 from itsrear end 116. Theuser 200 should then pull thelower cable rung 180 ofcable 170 in order to slide thewater board 100 under the user body, which enables the user to subsequently mount thewater board 100 atupper layer 102. Theuser 200 can then attempt to stand up by grasping theupper end 176 ofcable 170 and pulling on it until it becomes taut, providing stability and balance. At this time theuser 200 can also insert his/her feet into the recesses formed by theleft footprint hole 150 and theright footprint hole 152, which readies the user for water travel. - In order to start traveling from the crouched or standing position, the
user 200 uses a side-to-side rocking motion in which theuser 200 shifts his/her weight in an alternating sequence between the lateral sides ofwater board 100. This rocking motion effectuates rapid turns in thewater board 100 that act to propel thewater board 100 in the forward direction. Thewater board 100 can thus be self-propelling if used in calm waters, or can use the assistance of wave motion to supplement the motion activity performed by the user. - In particular, during operation, the
user 200 shifts his/her weight onto one foot (e.g., the foot inrecess 150 ofFIG. 4 ), which loads or weighs down thatside 118 of thewater board 100 receiving the shifted weight, causing the loaded side to sink. In response, the other (opposite)side 120 of thewater board 100 from which the weight has been lifted correspondingly rises because it is now unloaded. While thewater board 100 is in this rotated or pivoted position due to the weight shifting, with the unloadedside 120 higher than the loadedside 118, the user initiates a forward kicking motion with the unloaded foot (i.e., the foot in recess 152), which causes thewater board 100 to turn in thedirection 300. This turn also advances thewater board 100 forward due to the forward direction of the kicking motion. Following this forward kicking motion, theuser 200 then immediately switches the body weight to the other side, i.e., the weight shifts back toside 120 so that the now loaded foot inrecess 152 sinks down and the now unloaded foot inrecess 150 rises up with the unloadedside 118. In this position, the user initiates a forward kicking motion with the unloaded foot inrecess 150, which causes thewater board 100 to turn in thedirection 302 opposite theprevious turning direction 300. The user continues this cycle of alternating weight shifts and alternating foot kicks. - The user repeats this sequence of alternately shifting weight from one side to the next while simultaneously performing a forward kicking motion with the elevated foot at the currently unloaded side of the
water board 100. The net effect of this alternating shift in body weight, accompanied by the alternating kicking motions at the alternately unloaded sides, is to create a rapid sequence of small turns inwater board 100 that collectively propel thewater board 100 in the forward direction. The user can steer thewater board 100 by appropriately changing the relative intensity of the forward kicking motions at the opposite sides of thewater board 100, creating more turning momentum in one direction than the other. The user can travel in a generally straight line by employing forward kicking motions of comparatively equal strength at the opposite sides of thewater board 100. Observed from above (FIG. 4 ), there is a succession of turning motions that alternate from one side to the next (e.g., left-to-right then right-to-left). The elevated or raised foot at the unloaded side (i.e., the side where the weight has been shifted away) is the foot used to implement the forward kicking motion and advance thewater board 100 in a turning motion. - In the standing operating position, the
water board 100 sits downward in the water in the forward direction, creating a forward tiltedorientation 310 as depicted inFIG. 5 . An exemplary angle of tilt is 10 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. - The
water board 100 provides several advantages over the current art. Conventional types of personalized watercraft like surf boards require the presence of moving water to balance the surf board while standing. The surf board has a high tendency to rotate when a user stands on it in calm waters. Typical surf boards are designed to be moved by waves, so in calm waters the surf board will rotate when standing on it, leading to a loss of balance and an overturn of the surf board. However, the design of thewater board 100 inhibits this side-to-side rotation, allowing a user to readily stand on thewater board 100 in a fully balanced position in calm waters. Thewater board 100 is also effective in hydrodynamic conditions, i.e., wavy waters. The design of thewater board 100 facilitates a side-to-side rocking motion that alternately loads and unloads opposite sides of thewater board 100, which in combination with alternating kicking motions at the unloaded sides enable the user to self-propel thewater board 100. Thewater board 100 features stability and balance in both hydrostatic (e.g., lake or pool) and hydrodynamic (e.g., river or ocean) conditions, and supports the capability of a user to self-propel the watercraft even in hydrostatic conditions. - An alternative embodiment recreational water flotation device, also referred to as a water board, is illustrated in its various aspects in
FIGS. 7 through 21 . As best shown inFIGS. 7 through 12 , the alternativeembodiment water board 400 has acentral body 404 which defines anupper side 410, a bottom surface 412 (FIG. 10 ), afront end 414, and arear end 416. Therear end 416 extends farther to the rear than thefront end 414 projects forward and thus acts as a tail to assist in rotational stabilization of thewater board 400. A leftlateral element 405 and a rightlateral element 407 are affixed to the left and right sides of thebody 404 respectively. Thebody 404, leftlateral element 405, and rightlateral element 407 are formed of a hydrodynamic flotation material such as a rigid closed cell polymeric foam of sufficient buoyancy to support a human being on the surface of a body of water. Most preferably, thebody 404, leftlateral element 405, and rightlateral element 407 are formed of a single homogenous body of polymeric foam which, in turn, is machined or cut to create its finished three-dimensional profile. In particular, the leftlateral element 405 and the rightlateral element 407 both include left and rightcanted surfaces canted surface 419 and rightcanted surface 421 are sloped to the center of thebody 404 and raised aboveupper side 410 as most clearly illustrated inFIG. 7 . The canted surfaces 419, 421 are intended to function as footpads for auser 200 to stand thereupon as described in greater detail below. The canted surfaces 419, 421 can optionally be textured or covered with a non-skid coating to provide secure footing for theuser 200. - In plan form, and as most clearly seen in
FIGS. 15 and 16 , the leftlateral element 405 defines an arcuately convex leftlateral side 418 and the rightlateral element 407 also defines a convexly arcuate rightlateral side 420. Thefront end 414 and therear end 416 are also arcuately convex, and the peripheral areas connecting adjacent ones of the leftlateral side 418, thefront end 414, the rightlateral side 420, and therear end 416 are generally arcuately concave such that the periphery as a whole is a series of alternating convexities and concavities. Thewater board 400 is thus shaped as a generally four-lobed body, the four lobes being provided by the leftlateral side 418, the rightlateral side 420, thefront end 414 and therear end 416, and including the said two opposed sloped or cantedsurfaces upper side 410. Further, the width of thewater board 400 from the leftlateral side 418 to the rightlateral side 420 is greater than the length of thebody 404 from thefront end 414 to therear end 416. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , atether 482 is affixed to the rear and 416 of thewater board 400. Thetether 482 includes aloop 483 at a free end thereof. The size of theloop 483 is adjustable such that theuser 200 is able to place theloop 483 around either the user's left or right ankle and adjust theloop 483 to a comfortable tightness. The use of thetether 482 keeps thewater board 400 within reach of theuser 200 in the event that theuser 200 falls off thewater board 400 while in the water. - As most clearly seen in
FIGS. 9 and 10 , the leftlateral side 418 of the leftlateral element 405 and the rightlateral side 420 of the rightlateral element 407 extend below thebottom surface 412 of thecentral body 404. Afront fin 423 includes a leftfront fin element 425 and a rightfront fin element 427. Thefront fin 423 is affixed to thebottom surface 412 proximate to thefront end 414 and extending from the leftlateral side 418 to the rightlateral side 420. Thefin elements central body 404. The left and rightfront fin elements bottom surface 412. Afront edge 413 of thecentral body 404 can be angled toward the rear at approximately the same angle as the trapezoidally shaped left and rightfront fin elements water board 400 passes through the water. Additionally, a leftrear fin 430 and a rightrear fin 432 are also formed as arcuately concave and are affixed to thebottom surface 412 at the rear periphery of thecentral body 404. Further, the concave curvature of therear fins rear end 416, to centrally direct the flow of water to towards anexit space 434 arranged between therear fins water board 400 while moving through the water. - Referring now to
FIGS. 8 through 10 , and 18 through 21, abottom mount 470 is mounted to thebottom surface 412 with four mountingbolts 472. Thecentral body 404 defines four holes 411 (FIG. 10 ) arranged in a square pattern that is laterally centered and positioned more proximate to the rear and 416 than to thefront end 414. Thebottom mount 470 includes a mountingplate 471 comprising four mountingholes 473 which engage the four mountingbolts 472 to secure thebottom mount 470 to thebottom surface 412. A fixedouter tube 475 is perpendicular to and affixed to the mountingplate 471. Alongitudinal fin 474 is rigidly affixed to the rear of the fixedouter tube 475 and extends rearwardly from the fixedouter tube 475 to aid in longitudinal stability. Aninner tube 476 is retained within the fixedouter tube 475 and is rotatable therein defining arotation axis 480, as best shown inFIGS. 20 and 21 . Theouter tube 475 comprises upper and lower segments spaced apart one from the other in a fixed vertical relationship and connected one to the other with two vertical stop bars 477 affixed to the left outer surface and the right outer surface of the fixed segments of theouter tube 475. The vertical stop bars 477 define the left and right boundaries of the opening. The upper and lower segments of the fixedouter tube 475 in combination with the twostop bars 477 define a forwardly oriented opening exposing a portion of theinner tube 476. Alternatively, the fixedouter tube 475 can be a unitary tube (not shown) which defines a forward facing cutout thereby exposing the portion of theinner tube 476. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 20 and 21 , atransverse tube 478 is affixed to theinner tube 476 and extends forwardly from theinner tube 476 through the opening defined by theouter tube 475 and the vertical stop bars 477. Across tube 479 is horizontally oriented and affixed to the distal forward end of thetransverse tube 478 such that thetransverse tube 478 and thecross tube 479 together form a “T”. The combination of theinner tube 476, thetransverse tube 478, and thecross tube 479 can rotate within theouter tube 475 and is rotationally limited by the stop bars 477. - As shown in
FIGS. 10 and 18 , abottom bracket 485 is affixed to thecross tube 479 and comprises a vertically orientedbracket plate 487 in the shape of the letter “H”, anupper bracket bar 488 in the shape of the letter “U”, and alower bracket bar 489 in the shape of a transversely bent letter “U”. Theupper bracket bar 488 is removably attached to an upper portion of thebracket plate 487, and thelower bracket bar 489 is removably attached to a lower portion of thebracket plate 487. As best shown inFIG. 18 , thebottom bracket 485 includes twovertical segments 489 a, twohorizontal segments 489 b, and a toptransverse segment 489 c. The toptransverse segment 489 c is affixed to thecross tube 479. - The
water board 400 further comprises apropulsion unit 490 including a battery-poweredpropeller 492 and apropeller mount 494. When activated, thepropeller 492 can aid in propelling thewater board 400 across the surface of a body of water. - The
water board 400 can also comprise aweight unit 495 which, as shown inFIGS. 17 through 19 (showing theweight unit 495 in lieu of the propulsion unit 490). Theweight unit 495 can include aweight 496 and aweight mount 498, similarly to thepropulsion unit 490. In alternative embodiments, thepropeller mount 498 could interchangeably receive thepropeller 492 and theweight 496. Theweight 496 can be a solid body or alternatively a hollow body that is filled with water, sand, or other dense material. Theweight 496 aids in stabilization of thewater board 400 floating on the water surface by lowering its center of gravity. Use of theweight 496 in lieu of using thepropeller 492 provides a more strenuous workout for theuser 200 to progress over the water surface. Preferably, thewater board 400 is configured so that thepropeller 492 and theweight 496 can be interchangeably used. - The
propulsion unit 490 and theweight unit 495 of the present embodiment are interchangeably attached to thewater board body 404 by having thepropeller mount 494 orweight mount 498 hang from thehorizontal segments 489 b of thelower bracket bar 489. As best shown inFIG. 18 , the vertically orientedbracket plate 487, theupper bracket bar 488, and the bottom bracket barvertical segments 489 a andhorizontal segments 489 b retain thepropeller mount 494 orweight mount 498 therebetween. Thepropulsion unit 490 orweight unit 495 are rotatable with respect to thewater board body 404 aroundrotation axis 480. - Operation of the
water board 400 is demonstrated inFIGS. 13 through 17 . Use of the device is initiated by auser 200 placing thetether loop 483 about either his right or left ankle and standing on thewater board 400, placing hisleft foot 202 on the leftcanted surface 419 of leftlateral element 405 and placing hisright foot 204 on the rightcanted surface 421 of rightlateral element 407. Theuser 200 distributes his weight equally against thesurfaces water board 400 in the water as best illustrated inFIG. 13 . Thepropulsion unit 490, and particularly thepropeller 492, at this point is centered with its thrust acting along the longitudinal centerline betweenfront end 414 and rear end 416 (FIG. 15 ). Starting thepropeller 492 causes thewater board 400 to begin to move forward along the water. - To further move the
water board 400 across the surface of the water, and enjoy the full riding and exercising experience, theuser 200 shifts his weight to the left, as indicated by the larger arrow ofFIG. 14 , thereby placing a greater force on the leftcanted surface 419 and effectively unloading a portion of his weight from rightcanted surface 421. This causes the leftlateral element 405 to sink into the water and the rightlateral element 407 to rise higher in the water relative to the left lateral element 504; in consequence, the leftlateral element 405 tends to be stopped by water causing thewater board 400 to slightly turn left. In addition, if the user's stepping force is slightly oriented forward in a sort of “crawling” or circular fashion, the stepping force will cause thewater board 400 to slightly tilt forward; in consequence, thewater board 400, and thus therotation axis 480, tilt sideways and forward as shown inFIG. 14 . The forward and sideways tilting of therotation axis 480 causes thepropulsion unit 490 to freely rotate in a clockwise direction, so that its front portion is rotated towards the rightlateral element 407 and its rear portion is rotated towards the leftlateral element 405, as shown inFIG. 14 ; in consequence, thepropeller 492 propels thewater board 400 towards the right. The aforementioned leftward turning effect caused by stepping on the leftcanted surface 419 is counteracted by thepropeller 492 pointing rightward and thus propel thewater board 400 towards the right; such counteraction causes an overall effect of thewater board 400 tending to maintain a forward movement, in the longitudinal directing extending from the water boardrear end 416 towards the water boardfront end 414. The non-turninglongitudinal fin 474 further contributes to maintain the longitudinal forward movement of thewater board 400. In addition, stepping on the leftcanted surface 419 and rising of the rightcanted surface 421 as shown inFIG. 14 enables theuser 200 to apply a forward frictional force with hisright foot 204 against the rightcanted surface 421 to further contribute to rotate thewater board 400 leftward, about the leftlateral element 405. In other words, theuser 200 uses hisright foot 204 to frictionally “kick” the rightlateral element 407 forward and rotate thewater board 400 forwardly and rotationally about the leftlateral element 405, as indicated inFIG. 16 . - After having kicked forward as shown in
FIG. 16 , theuser 200 will then shift his weight to hisright foot 204. Utilizing hisleft foot 202, theuser 200 applies a forward force to the leftcanted surface 419 with hisleft foot 202 to rotate about the rightlateral element 407. The forward movements alternating the users leftfoot 202 andright foot 204 are continued until theuser 200 on thewater board 400 has traversed the surface of the water the desired distance. The battery poweredpropeller 492 provides an aided forward thrust to assist propelling thewater board 400 in the forward direction. In the event of replacing thepropeller 492 with aweight 496, thelongitudinal fin 474 will contribute to maintain a forward direction while theuser 200 carries out the downward stepping, forward kicking motion. - The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications or equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all the embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A recreational water flotation device comprising:
a central body defining an upper surface and a bottom surface and having a front and a rear;
a left lateral element extending from a left end of said central body, said left lateral element defining a left canted surface, said left canted surface canted toward said central body, and further defining a left end of said flotation device;
a right lateral element extending from a right end of said central body, said right lateral element defining a right canted surface, said right canted surface canted toward said central body, and further defining a right end of said flotation device; and
a propulsion unit mounted to said bottom surface of said central body; wherein:
said device is buoyant in water.
2. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 1 , wherein said central body, said left lateral element, and said right lateral element are formed of a single homogenous body.
3. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 1 , wherein a left side of said left lateral element and a right side of said right lateral element define a width of said flotation device, and the front end and rear end of said central body define a length of said flotation device, and further wherein said width is greater than said length.
4. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 3 , wherein said left lateral side and said right lateral side have an arcuately convex peripheral shape, wherein said front end and said rear end have an arcuately convex peripheral shape, and further wherein peripheral areas connecting adjacent ones of said left lateral side, said front end, said right lateral side, and said rear end are arcuately concave.
5. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 4 , further including a left rear fin and a right rear fin, wherein said left and right rear fins are arcuately concave and protrude from said bottom surface of said central body at a rear periphery thereof.
6. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 1 , further including a front fin extending along a front edge of said central body and further extending between said left lateral element and said right lateral element, said front fin and said front edge defining a surface angled toward said rear for providing a smooth flow of water thereover.
7. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 1 , wherein said propulsion unit is at least partially rotatable with respect to said central body.
8. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 1 , further including a bottom mount affixed to said bottom surface of said central body, said bottom mount including an outer tube in fixed relation to said central body and an inner tube within said fixed outer tube, said inner at least partially rotatable with respect to said outer tube, and wherein said propulsion unit is attached to said inner tube.
9. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 8 , wherein said outer tube at least partially defines a forwardly oriented opening therethrough and wherein said inner tube has attached thereto a transverse tube extending forwardly from said inner tube through said opening and a horizontal cross tube attached to a distal forward end of said transverse tube, and a bottom bracket affixed to said cross tube, said propulsion unit including a propeller mounted in a propeller mount, said bottom bracket retaining said propeller mount thereto.
10. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 9 , further including vertical stop bars affixed to said fixed outer tube, said vertical stop bars defining the left and right boundaries of said opening for limiting the rotation of said inner tube with respect to said outer tube.
11. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 10 , further comprising a weight, wherein the propulsion unit and the weight are interchangeably mountable to said central body.
12. A recreational water flotation device comprising:
a central body defining an upper surface and a bottom surface and having a front and a rear;
a left lateral element extending from a left end of said central body, said left lateral element defining a left canted surface, said left canted surface canted toward said central body, and further defining a left end of said flotation device;
a right lateral element extending from a right end of said central body, said right lateral element defining a right canted surface, said right canted surface canted toward said central body, and further defining a right end of said flotation device; and
a propulsion unit mounted to said bottom surface of said central body, said propulsion unit at least partially rotatable with respect to said central body; wherein:
said device is buoyant in water.
13. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 12 , wherein said left lateral side and said right lateral side have an arcuately convex peripheral shape, wherein said front end and said rear end have an arcuately convex peripheral shape, and further wherein peripheral areas connecting adjacent ones of said left lateral side, said front end, said right lateral side, and said rear end are arcuately concave.
14. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 13 , further including a left rear fin and a right rear fin, wherein said left and right rear fins are arcuately concave and protrude from said bottom surface of said central body at a rear periphery thereof.
15. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 13 , further including a front fin extending along a front edge of said central body and further extending between said left lateral element and said right lateral element, said front fin and said front edge defining a surface angled toward said rear for providing a smooth flow of water thereover.
16. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 12 , further including a bottom mount affixed to said bottom surface of said central body, said bottom mount including an outer tube in fixed relation to said central body and an inner tube within said fixed outer tube, said inner tube at least partially rotatable with respect to said outer tube, and wherein said propulsion unit is attached to said inner tube.
17. A recreational water flotation device comprising:
a central body defining an upper surface and a bottom surface and having an arcuately convex front end and an arcuately convex rear end;
a left lateral element having a convexly arcuate left lateral side and extending from a left end of said central body, said left lateral element defining a left canted surface, said left canted surface canted toward said central body, and further defining a left end of said flotation device;
a right lateral element having a convexly arcuate right lateral side and extending from a right end of said central body, said right lateral element defining a right canted surface, said right canted surface canted toward said central body, and further defining a right end of said flotation device, wherein
peripheral areas connecting adjacent ones of said left lateral side, said front end, said right lateral side, and said rear end are arcuately concave;
a front fin extending along at least a front edge of said central body, said front fin and said front edge defining a surface angled toward said rear for providing a smooth flow of water thereover;
a left rear fin and a right rear fin, said left and right rear fins being arcuately concave and protruding from said bottom surface of said central body at a rear periphery thereof; and
a propulsion unit mounted to said bottom surface of said central body, said propulsion unit at least partially rotatable with respect to said central body; wherein
said device is buoyant in water.
18. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 17 , further including a bottom mount affixed to said bottom surface of said central body, said bottom mount including an outer tube in fixed relation to said central body and an inner tube within said fixed outer tube, said inner tube at least partially rotatable with respect to said outer tube, and wherein said propulsion unit is attached to said inner tube.
19. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 18 , wherein said outer tube at least partially defines a forwardly oriented opening therethrough and wherein said inner tube has attached thereto a transverse tube extending forwardly from said inner tube through said opening and a horizontal cross tube attached to a distal forward end of said transverse tube, and a bottom bracket affixed to said cross tube, said propulsion unit including a propeller mounted in a propeller mount, said bottom bracket retaining said propeller mount thereto.
20. The recreational water flotation device according to claim 19 , further including left and right stops affixed to said fixed outer tube, said stops defining the left and right boundaries of said opening for limiting the rotation of said inner tube with respect to said outer tube.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/556,943 US20150321736A1 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2014-12-01 | Flotation device for use in water recreation |
EP15173244.3A EP3028938A1 (en) | 2014-12-01 | 2015-06-23 | Flotation device for use in water recreation |
US14/749,444 US9399502B1 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2015-06-24 | Flotation device for use in water recreation |
US15/176,125 US9714070B2 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2016-06-07 | Floatation device for use in water recreation |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201461931119P | 2014-01-24 | 2014-01-24 | |
US14/556,943 US20150321736A1 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2014-12-01 | Flotation device for use in water recreation |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/749,444 Continuation-In-Part US9399502B1 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2015-06-24 | Flotation device for use in water recreation |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20150321736A1 true US20150321736A1 (en) | 2015-11-12 |
Family
ID=54367139
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/556,943 Abandoned US20150321736A1 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2014-12-01 | Flotation device for use in water recreation |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20150321736A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2018221768A1 (en) * | 2017-05-31 | 2018-12-06 | 주식회사 아이엠에스그룹 | Detachable two-part structure, of water board, having power device |
USD838794S1 (en) * | 2014-11-18 | 2019-01-22 | Scott William Smiles | Emergency flotation device |
-
2014
- 2014-12-01 US US14/556,943 patent/US20150321736A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD838794S1 (en) * | 2014-11-18 | 2019-01-22 | Scott William Smiles | Emergency flotation device |
WO2018221768A1 (en) * | 2017-05-31 | 2018-12-06 | 주식회사 아이엠에스그룹 | Detachable two-part structure, of water board, having power device |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WATERBLADE, LLC, NEVADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CRUZ RICARDEZ, GAMELI E.;REEL/FRAME:038110/0307 Effective date: 20151212 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WATERBLADE L.L.C., NEVADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CRUZ RICARDEZ, GAMELI E.;REEL/FRAME:038127/0027 Effective date: 20151212 |