US20190112013A1

US20190112013A1 - Paddle board

Info

Publication number: US20190112013A1
Application number: US15/899,125
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott Parker
Original assignee: Board Innovations LLC
Current assignee: Board Innovations LLC
Priority date: 2017-10-16
Filing date: 2018-02-19
Publication date: 2019-04-18

Abstract

Provided is a paddleboard comprising a nose wheel; an L-shaped steering control pedal; an outboard steering platen; a shrouded motor wire; a tail handle; and a double-wide hull.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/572,606, filed Oct. 16, 2017, the entirety of which is fully incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present subject matter is directed to small watercraft. More specifically, the present subject matter is directed to paddle boards components thereof.
Paddle boards are simple, light-weight, inexpensive, watercraft. Paddle boards may be provided with a motor, power source, and an operationally engaged mechanism for steering the motor. It is of interest that an operationally engaged mechanism for steering the motor be simple, light-weight, inexpensive, reliable, and safe. It is of further interest that other operationally engage components be simple, light-weight, inexpensive, reliable, and safe.
It remains desirable to provide mean for steering the motor of a paddle board that is suitably simple, light-weight, inexpensive, reliable, and safe. It remains desirable to provide means for handling a paddle board, transporting a paddle board, and providing stability for a paddle board.

SUMMARY

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present subject matter may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a drawing of a side view of paddle board with motor and steering apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of a side view of disengaged steering apparatus components with portions in cutaway.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of a side view of disengaged steering apparatus components with portions in cutaway.

FIG. 4 shows perspective view of the front of a paddle board and steering apparatus components.

FIG. 5 shows perspective view of the rear of a paddle board and steering apparatus components.

FIG. 6 shows close up perspective view of the rear of a paddle board and steering apparatus components.

FIG. 7 shows perspective view of the rear of a paddle board and steering apparatus components.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view from the rear of a paddle board.

FIG. 9a shows a cross section of a first embodiment of a paddle board body and a conduit.

FIG. 9b shows a cross section of a second embodiment of a paddle board body and a conduit.

FIG. 9c shows a cross section of a third embodiment of a paddle board body and a conduit.

FIG. 10A shows a second embodiment of a paddle board body with multiple optional components engaged thereto.

FIG. 10B shows another view of the second embodiment of a paddle board body with multiple optional components engaged thereto.

FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of a paddle board with a partially shrouded motor control cable.

FIG. 12 shows another view of the embodiment of a paddle board of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows another view of the embodiment of a paddle board of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 shows another view of the embodiment of a paddle board of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a paddle board with an optional associated dog.

FIG. 16 shows a paddle board.

FIG. 17 shows a paddle board.

FIG. 18 shows a paddle board.

FIG. 19 shows a paddle board.

FIG. 20 shows a paddle board.

FIG. 21 shows a paddle board.

FIG. 22 shows a paddle board.

FIG. 23 shows a paddle board.

FIG. 24 shows a paddle board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present subject matter only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components, provided is a paddle board and components thereof.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-24, shown is are a variety of non-limiting embodiments of a paddle board 100. The paddle board 100 comprises a body 110 with a motor 120 and a steering mechanism 130. The body 110 may have a first side 112, second side 114, front 116, rear 118, top 117, and bottom 119.
The steering mechanism 130 may comprise a steering column 140, steering column 140 may be elongated to define a first axis of elongation 144. A steering column 140 may have a first end 142 and a second end 146 opposite the first end 142 along the axis of elongation 144. The steering column 140 may adapted to transmit an applied torque about the axis of elongation 144 from the first end 142 of the steering column 140 to the second end 146 of the steering column 140. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7, the first end 142 may be operationally engaged with a wheel, lever, crank, or other torque input device 141 whereby an associated user may apply a torque to the steering column 140. In operation, rotating the first end 142, rotates the second end 146. The second end 146 of the steering column 140 may operationally engage further components of the steering mechanism 130. In certain non-limiting embodiments the steering column may comprise a shell material 242. Shell material 242 may have a specific gravity much lower than one so as to render the steering column as a whole less dense than water, able to float in water while supporting a load, and thereby serviceable as a floatation device. The steering column as a whole may have a specific gravity less than 1.0. The steering column may optionally comprise one or more distress signaling aids or attachment points for distress signaling aids, for example and not by way of limitation, a flashlight, strobe light, whistle, horn, siren, locator beacon (e.g., 406 MHz beacon), signal mirror, water marker dye, smoke flare, light flare, power sources for distress signaling aids, or combinations thereof. The shell material may provide padding to reduce, minimize, or prevent injury from impact to a user, other people, or property.
The second end 146 of the steering column 140 may operationally engage a universal joint 250, CV joint, or other union adapted to transmit torque and shaft work between two components rotatable at a changeable angle with respect to one another. The use of a union adapted to transmit torque and shaft work between two components rotatable at an angle with respect to one another may permit operational engagement of the steering column 140 to the other components of the steering mechanism 130 while still permitting some freedom to move the steering column 140. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7, the union adapted to transmit torque and shaft work between two components rotatable at an angle with respect to one another may be a universal joint 250 having a first end 252 and a second end 254 opposite the first end 252 along a transmission axis 306. The first end 252 of the universal joint 250 may be operationally engaged with the second end 146 of the steering column 140 to receive torque therefrom. Operational engagement of the first end 252 of the universal joint 250 with the second end 146 of the steering column 140 may be by welding, soldering, brazing, clipping, clamping, pinning, adhesives, or other means chosen with good engineering judgment. In operation, rotating the second end 146 of the steering column 140 rotates the first end 252 of the universal joint 250. In operation, rotating the first end 252 of the universal joint 250 rotates the second end 254 of the universal joint 250.
Operational engagement of the second end 254 of the universal joint 250 with further components of the steering mechanism 130 may be by welding, soldering, brazing, clipping, clamping, pinning, adhesives, or other means chosen with good engineering judgment. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7, the second end 254 of the universal joint 250 is operationally engageable with further components of the steering mechanism 130 through a conventional square drive with a ball detent. Operational engagement the second end 254 of the universal joint 250 with further components of the steering mechanism 130 through a conventional square drive 256 with a ball detent permits the steering column 140 to function normally to transmit torque to further components of the steering mechanism 130 under normal conditions but to replaceably disengage when a sufficient axial tension is applied. Such disengagement may be desirable for stowage or for use of the steering column for other purpose as set forth here below. The steering column 140 may optionally be tethered to the body 110 with a tether 202. Tether 202 may be a rope, a strap, a chain, elastic, or other form and material chosen with good engineering judgment.
The second end 254 of the universal joint 250 may be operationally engaged to transmit torque to a lever, pulley, gear, or crank rotatably engaged with the body 110. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7. The second end 254 of the universal joint 250 maybe operationally engaged to transmit torque to crank 260. In some non-limiting embodiments, crank 260 may be comprise a conventional female receiver 266 for the square drive 256 with a ball detent of the universal joint 250. Crank 260 is rotatably engaged with body 110 through bushing 262. Bushing 262 is intended to reduce, minimize, or eliminate resistance to rotation of crank 260 with respect to body 110 due to friction. A bearing chosen with good engineering judgment would be an acceptable substitute for bushing 262. In operation, rotating the second end 254 of the universal joint 250 rotates the crank 260 with which it is operationally engaged with the motor to turn it through some further mechanism 370.
The further mechanism 370 can take any of a great variety of forms. The further mechanism 370 can comprise a set of cables, a linkage, belts and pulleys, intermeshed gears, a shaft and worm screw drive, or otherwise as chosen with good engineering judgment.
In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7, further mechanism 370 comprises a set of ropes or cables having a first cable 572 attached to a first side 562 of the crank 260, looping around first pulley 574, crossing over the body 110 to the second side 114 of the body 110, being conveyed through a first conduit 682 to the rear 118 of the body 110, where it engages a first lever 692 operationally engaged to the actuating shaft 698 of the motor 120. In operation, this latter arrangement produces desired steering such that, when a user turns the first end 142 of the steering column 140 counterclockwise as viewed by a user seated facing the front 116 of the body 110, the steering column 140, universal joint 250, and crank 260 also turn counter clockwise putting tension on the first cable 572 and pulling the first lever 692 toward the front 116, thereby turning the motor 120 clockwise as viewed from the top 117 of the body 110 about the actuating shaft 698, thereby increasing the amount of output from motor directed to the second side 114. Such an operation transmits work from the crank 260 through the first cable 572 so that the first cable 572 does work on the first lever 692. In operation, increasing the amount of output from motor directed to the second side 114 will turn the paddle board 100 toward the second side 114.
In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7, further mechanism 370 comprises a set of ropes or cables having a second cable 576 attached to a second side 564 of the crank 260, looping around second pulley 578, crossing over the body 110 to the first side 112 of the body 110, being conveyed through a second conduit 684 to the rear 118 of the body 110, where it engages a second lever 694 operationally engaged to the actuating shaft 698 of the motor 120. In operation, this latter arrangement produces desired steering such that, when a user turns the first end 142 of the steering column 140 clockwise as viewed by a user seated facing the front 116 of the body 110, the steering column 140, universal joint 250, and crank 260 also turn clockwise putting tension on the second cable 576 and pulling the second lever 694 toward the front 116, thereby turning the motor 120 counter clockwise as viewed from the top 117 of the body 110 about the actuating shaft 698, thereby increasing the amount of output from motor directed to the first side 112. Such an operation transmits work from the crank 260 through the second cable 576 so that the second cable 576 does work on the second lever 694. In operation, increasing the amount of output from motor directed to the first side 112 will turn the paddle board 100 toward the first side 112.
It should be understood that the steering mechanism 130 may be adjusted to center the output from motor 120 between first side 112 and second side 114. When the motor is adjusted to center the output in this latter manner, a user may steer the paddle board 100 by shifting his weight between first side 112 and second side 114.
It should also be understood that the steering mechanism 130 may be adjusted to direct the motor 120 whether the motor 120 is powered and producing output or not. When the motor 120 is not producing output, motor 120 may still be used for steering purposes as it will behave passively as a fin.
In some non-limiting embodiments the first conduit 682 or the second conduit 684 or both conduits 682, 684 may be fully or partially embedded or shrouded. Fully or partially embedding or shrouding a conduit 682, 684 may reduce, minimize or eliminate snagging or entanglement with the conduit by the user, articles in use by the user, or other articles. As shown in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 8, the conduit 684 may transit the majority of the paddle board body 110 embedded within the body 110. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIGURE 8, the majority of the path followed by the conduit 684 is embedded within the body 110 and shrouded by a substantially flush veneer 892. A user climbing onto the paddle board 100, or falling off of it, is unlikely to come into contact with or become snagged or entangled with conduit 684 because it is almost entirely shrouded. The shrouding veneer 892 is further made substantially flush with the surrounding surface 894 of the body 110 in order to reduce, minimize or eliminate further edges, comers, or other geometry that present a risk of snagging or entanglement. As shown in FIGS. 9a-9c there are a number of acceptable embodiments for embedding or shrouding a conduit 682, 684. In FIG. 9a a channel 914 is formed in body 110. The conduit 682 runs through channel 914 and is shrouded by veneer 892. Veneer 892 and body 110 form a smooth surface 916. Smooth surface 916 may reduce, minimize or eliminate further edges,comers, or other geometry that present a risk of snagging or entanglement. Optionally, channel 1914 may be partially filled with an adhesive agent 918 adapted to bond the conduit 682 and the veneer to the body 110. Optionally, adhesive agent 918 may a silicone adhesive. In FIG. 9b , the conduit 684 is embedded within an overlay 922 formed over body 110 or engaged over body 110, overlay 922 is formed to be smooth and to conform to the body 110 at its edges (not shown) to form a smooth surface 926. In FIG. 9c , the conduit 682 is embedded within a channel 934 formed in body 110, channel 934 and conduit 682 are formed to conform to one another and, when joined, to form a smooth surface 936. Channel 934 and conduit 682 may be bonded to one another with a silicone adhesive.
As used herein any cable, wire, rope, that is passed through a shrouded conduit as shown in shown in FIGS. 9a-9c may be referred to as being shrouded. A steering control cable, such as first cable 572 or second cable 574, that passes through a shrouded conduit as shown in shown in FIGS. 9a-9c may be referred to as a shrouded steering control cable. A motor wire 1182 adapted to carry power or a signal to the motor 120 may be passed through a shrouded conduit as shown in shown in FIGS. 9a-9c . Where a motor wire 1182 adapted to carry power or a signal to the motor 120 passes through a shrouded conduit as shown in shown in FIGS. 9a-9c , the motor wire may be referred to as a shrouded motor wire 1182. The shrouded portion of a steering control cable or a motor wire may extend over 30% of the length of the paddle board 100 as measured from the front 116 to rear 118, or may extend over 40% of the length of the paddleboard 100, may extend over 50% of the length of the paddle board 100, or may extend over 60% of the length of the paddle board 100, or may extend over 70% of the length of the paddle board 100, or may extend over 80% of the length of the paddle board 100.
In some embodiments a paddleboard 100 may comprise one or more of a nose wheel; an L-shaped steering control pedal; an outboard steering platen; a shrouded motor wire 1182; a tail handle; a double-wide hull; or some combination thereof.
A nose wheel 1420 is a wheel operationally engaged with the nose of the paddle board. A nose wheel 1420 may roll to facilitate rolling transport of the board along a beach or other surface. A nose wheel may be operationally engaged to the paddle board 110 through an axle 1440. The nose wheel 1420 may be operationally engaged to the paddle board 110 through one or more optional bearings or bushings (not shown) adapted to reduce rolling friction during operation. A nose wheel 1420 may comprise a tire.
An L-shaped steering control pedal 2310 is a control lever operationally engaged with a pivot 2370 to pivot about a pivot axis 2330 passing through the pivot 2370 and having a peg 2340 extending along a peg axis 2320 parallel to and offset from the pivot axis 2330. The offset of the peg axis 2320 from the pivot axis 2330 may be defined by a pedal frame 2350 having one or more peg engagement points 2352 along the pedal frame 2350 and offset from the pivot axis 2330. The L-shaped steering control pedal 2310 may be operated by a user by foot either by pushing on the peg 2340 or pulling on the peg 2340. In some embodiments, the paddleboard 100 may comprise one L-shaped steering control pedal 2310, two L-shaped steering control pedals 2310, or more L-shaped steering control pedals 2310. In some embodiments comprising multiple L-shaped steering control pedals 2310 the pedals 2310 may be operationally linked with a cable 2360 or other mechanical engagement adapted to coordinate operation of the pedals such that operatively moving one pedal causes the other pedals to move simultaneously. An L-shaped steering control pedal 2310 may be adapted to be operated to steer a paddle board 100 by engagement with a motor 120 by way of one or more steering cables 572, 576
An outboard steering platen 1210 is an elongated plate 1220 defining a first plate edge 1224 and a second plate edge 1226 opposite the first plate edge 1224. The first plate edge is fixedly engaged with either the first side 112 or the second side 114 of the paddle board 100 such that the second plate edge 1226 extends outboard of the paddle board 100. The outboard steering platen 1210 defines an extension of the paddle board 100 extending away from the centerline of the paddle board 100 and thereby provides an adaptation for a user to bear weight on the outboard steering platen 1210 in order to steer the paddleboard 100. An outboard steering platen 1210 may also be adapted to serve as an engagement point for cargo or carriage of the paddleboard 100.
A tail handle 1700 is a structural member fixedly engaged with the paddle board 100 proximate to paddle board rear 118. A tail handle 1700 has sufficient structural integrity to permit the paddle board to be lifted by the tail handle 1700 without structural failure. A tail handle 1700 may be dimensioned to permit an average sized adult user to firmly and ergonomically grasp the tail handle 1700 with one hand.
A double wide hull 1740 is the hull 1740 of a paddle board 100 substantially wider than the hull of a conventional paddle board. As the name implies a double wide hull 1740 may be approximately twice the width of the hull of a conventional paddle board, but some deviation in width is permissible. A double wide hull 1740 provides sufficient buoyancy in fresh water to safely support the paddleboard 100 and two 200 pound adult occupants. A double wide hull 1740 provides sufficient width for two 200 pound adult occupants to be seated in two adult chairs 1762 side by side.
In some embodiments, connections may comprise quick connects 604 so that the components may be stripped down readily, with tools necessary, reduced, minimized, or eliminated, for maintenance, repair or stowage, and readily re-assembled.
In some non-limiting embodiments, a paddle board 100 may optionally comprise one or more outriggers 792. In some non-limiting embodiments, a paddle board 100 may have no outriggers 792.
In an emergency or other situation as an associated user desires, a steering column 140 adapted to be serviceable as a floatation device may be disconnected from the other components of the steering mechanism 130 and be used to provide a floatation aid for the user, another person, pet, cargo, or otherwise. It is to be understood that the steering column 140 is the component with which a user's hands are anticipated to be in immediate and direct contact just prior to, during, or just after an emergency event in response to which a floatation aid would be useful. Having the steering column 140 act as a useful floatation aid is anticipated to reduce response time.
Further examples consistent with the present subject matter are set out in the following numbered clauses.
Clause 1. A paddleboard comprising a nose wheel; an L-shaped steering control pedal; an outboard steering platen; a shrouded motor wire; a tail handle; and a double-wide hull.
Clause 2. A paddleboard comprising a shrouded steering control cable.
Clause 3. A steering mechanism comprising: a steering column elongated to define a first axis of elongation, the steering column having a first end, a second end opposite the first end along the axis of elongation, and wherein said steering column is adapted to transmit an applied torque about the axis of elongation from the first end of the steering column to the second end of the steering column; a universal joint having a first end of the universal joint operationally engaged to the second end of the steering column to transmit torque and shaft work therebetween, a second end of the universal joint, opposite the first end of the universal joint along a transmission axis, rotatable at an angle with respect the first end of the universal joint about at least one axis perpendicular to the transmission axis, and operationally engaged to the first end of the universal joint to transmit torque and shaft work therebetween; a crank in selectable operational engagement with the second end of the universal joint; a motor turnable about an actuating shaft; a first lever operationally engaged with the actuating shaft, and adapted to turn the motor about the actuating shaft; a second lever operationally engaged with the actuating shaft, and adapted to turn the motor about the actuating shaft; a first cable operationally engaged between the crank and the first lever to transmits work from the crank to the second lever; and a second cable operationally engaged between the crank and the second lever to transmit work from the crank to the second lever.
Non-limiting embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of the present subject matter. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:

Claims

I/We claim:

1. A paddleboard comprising

a nose wheel;

an L-shaped steering control pedal;

an outboard steering platen;

a shrouded motor wire;

a tail handle; and

a double-wide hull.

2. The paddleboard of claim 1, wherein the paddleboard lacks any outriggers.

3. The paddleboard of claim 2, further comprising a shrouded steering control cable.

4. The paddleboard of claim 2, further comprising

a steering mechanism having

a steering column elongated to define a first axis of elongation, the steering column having

a first end,

a second end opposite the first end along the axis of elongation, and

wherein said steering column is adapted to transmit an applied torque about the axis of elongation from the first end of the steering column to the second end of the steering column;

a universal joint having

a first end of the universal joint operationally engaged to the second end of the steering column to transmit torque and shaft work therebetween,

a second end of the universal joint,

opposite the first end of the universal joint along a transmission axis, rotatable at an angle with respect the first end of the universal joint about at least one axis perpendicular to the transmission axis, and operationally engaged to the first end of the universal joint to transmit torque and shaft work therebetween;

a crank in selectable operational engagement with the second end of the universal joint;

a motor turnable about an actuating shaft;

a first lever

operationally engaged with the actuating shaft, and

adapted to turn the motor about the actuating shaft;

a second lever

operationally engaged with the actuating shaft, and

adapted to turn the motor about the actuating shaft;

a first cable operationally engaged between the crank and the first lever to transmits work from the crank to the second lever; and

a second cable operationally engaged between the crank and the second lever to transmit work from the crank to the second lever.

5. The paddleboard of claim 4, wherein the steering column has a specific gravity less than 1.0.

6. The paddleboard of claim 3, further comprising

a steering mechanism having

a first end,

a second end opposite the first end along the axis of elongation, and

a universal joint having

a second end of the universal joint,

a motor turnable about an actuating shaft;

a first lever

operationally engaged with the actuating shaft, and

adapted to turn the motor about the actuating shaft;

a second lever

operationally engaged with the actuating shaft, and

adapted to turn the motor about the actuating shaft;

7. The paddleboard of claim 6, wherein the steering column has a specific gravity less than 1. 0.

8. A paddleboard comprising a shrouded steering control cable.

9. The paddleboard of claim 8, wherein the paddleboard lacks any outriggers.

10. The paddleboard of claim 9, further comprising

a nose wheel;

an L-shaped steering control pedal;

an outboard steering platen;

a shrouded motor wire;

a tail handle; and

a double-wide hull.

11. The paddleboard of claim 9, further comprising

a steering mechanism having

a first end,

a second end opposite the first end along the axis of elongation, and

a universal joint having

a second end of the universal joint,

a motor turnable about an actuating shaft;

a first lever

operationally engaged with the actuating shaft, and

adapted to turn the motor about the actuating shaft;

a second lever

operationally engaged with the actuating shaft, and

adapted to turn the motor about the actuating shaft;

12. The paddleboard of claim 11, wherein the steering column has a specific gravity less than 1.0.

13. The paddleboard of claim 10, further comprising

a steering mechanism having

a first end,

a second end opposite the first end along the axis of elongation, and

a universal joint having

a second end of the universal joint,

a motor turnable about an actuating shaft;

a first lever

operationally engaged with the actuating shaft, and

adapted to turn the motor about the actuating shaft;

a second lever

operationally engaged with the actuating shaft, and

adapted to turn the motor about the actuating shaft;

14. The paddleboard of claim 13, wherein the steering column has a specific gravity less than 1.0.

15. A paddleboard comprising:

a steering mechanism having

a first end,

a second end opposite the first end along the axis of elongation, and

a universal joint having

a second end of the universal joint,

a motor turnable about an actuating shaft;

a first lever

operationally engaged with the actuating shaft, and

adapted to turn the motor about the actuating shaft;

a second lever

operationally engaged with the actuating shaft, and

adapted to turn the motor about the actuating shaft;

16. The paddle board of claim 15 wherein the steering column has a specific gravity less than 1.0.

17. The paddle board of claim 16 further comprising

a nose wheel;

an L-shaped steering control pedal;

an outboard steering platen;

a shrouded motor wire;

a tail handle; and

a double-wide hull.

18. The paddleboard of claim 17, wherein the paddleboard lacks any outriggers.

19. The paddleboard of claim 18, further comprising a shrouded steering control cable.

20. The paddleboard of claim 19 further comprising a jet engine.