WO2002102658A1

WO2002102658A1 - Waterborne self-propelled vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2002102658A1
Application number: PCT/GB2002/002719
Authority: WO
Inventors: Douglas Boyd Buchanan
Original assignee: Douglas Boyd Buchanan
Priority date: 2001-06-14
Filing date: 2002-06-14
Publication date: 2002-12-27

Abstract

A waterborne self-propelled vehicle (10, 41) is provided. The waterborne vehicle (10, 41) is intended to be used in snorkeling activities. The vehicle (10, 41) is made up of a main longitudinal member (11, 11A) forming a keel member which is weighted at (12, 48) to provide the necessary ballast to maintain stability under the water. A number of lateral members (13, 14, 15; 42, 43, 44) attached to the keel member (11, 11A) form buoyancy members for the vehicle. One of the members (14, 43) forms a support for the chest and midriff area of the individual using the vehicle, another lateral member (13, 42) is arranged to swivel and rotate to form a steering and diving facility and a third member (15, 44) acts a shield for the crank drive (17, 54). Crank drive (17, 54) is pedal operated and is geared (21) to move the vehicle through the water at approximately walking pace. The longitudinal member (11, 11A) can be split into two or three sections for ease of transport by an individual and the position of lateral members (13, 14, 15; 42, 43, 44) can be adjusted to accommodate different sized individuals. If desired additional ballast weighting can be provided to provide neutral buoyancy so that the vehicle could used for scuba diving.

Description

WATERBORNE SELF-PROPELLED VEHICLE

This invention relates to a waterborne self-propelled vehicle. More particularly the invention is concerned with a waterborne self-propelled vehicle for the transportation of at least one individual where the limbs of the individual provide the motive power for the propulsion of the vehicle. A waterborne self propelled vehicle is disclosed in UK patent application No GB 2353252. This takes the form of a surfboard device provided with means for propelling the board in the form of flexible expandable chambers to which the operator applies appropriate force. As is well known surf board users normally operate in the upright position on the board. According to the present invention there is provided a waterborne selfφropelled I _Q vehicle for the transportation of at least one individual in the prone position comprising means to support the individual in the prone position and drive means enabling the individual to propel the vehicle whilst in the prone position. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a pedal pocket for a waterborne self-propelled vehicle comprising a tapered socket, a swivable connection 5 attached to the tapered socket and means to secure the pedal pocket around the foot of a user.

An advantage of the invention is that it can be used to facilitate underwater activities such as snorkeling. In the case of snorkeling the invention enables snorkeling to take place for longer periods of time and with less physical effort. The invention will now

20 be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 shows the waterborne self-propelled vehicle of the invention with an individual in the prone position- using- the invention as an aid to snorkeling. Figure 2 is a plan view of the self-propelled vehicle in accordance with the invention.

_{? r} Figure 3 is a part perspective view looking on lateral member 13 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is an end elevation looking on Arrow A of Figure 3. Figure 5 illustrates an alternative pedal operated mechanical drive means for the self-propelled vehicle. Figure 6 illustrates an improved pedal connection for use on the drive means for the self propelled vehicle.

Figure 7 shows an elevational view of a preferred alternative embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 7.

Figures 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate jointing arrangements for the embodiment of

Figure 7.

Figures 10A, 10B and IOC illustrate steering and diving arrangements for the embodiment of Figure 7. Figure 11 illustrates a clamp assembly used in the invention

In Figure 1 the reference numeral 10 depicts generally a waterborne self-propelled vehicle in accordance with the invention with an individual in the prone position using the invention to facilitate snorkeling. The waterborne self-propelled vehicle comprises a main longitudial central wooden support 11 of rectangular solid section which acts as a keel member to maintain the vehicle upright whilst submerged in the water. To this end a ballast weight or keel weight 12 of approximately 2.2 lbs ( 1 Kilo) is attached as near as possible on the centreline of the centre of gravity (CG) of the vehicle as illustrated in Figure 1. A number of lateral members 13, 14 and 15 are attached at intervals along the longitudinal member 11 in any suitable manner and have a number of different functions. The relatively flat member 14 provides the main support for the chest and midriff area of the individual using the vehicle whilst member 13 provides support for the arms in the outstretched or prone position and can rotate relative to the keel member 11 to provide a steering facility as indicated by the arrows in Figure 2. Lateral member 15 mainly acts as part of a protective shield for propeller 19 or a support for a protective cowl for the propeller 19. In addition to providing the functions just described these lateral members also have the important function of acting as buoyancy members. In a preferred embodiment of the invention each of the three lateral buoyancy members have approximate dimensions of 12" square ( approx 30.48 cms square) which has been found to give adequate buoyancy at the submerged depth of approximately 9" (approx 22.86 cms) below the waterline which is about the usual depth for snorkeling. This is using the material marine plywood for the buoyancy members. For other less dense materials, for example, polystyrene the dimensions would be altered accordingly.

5 As stated earlier the limbs of the individual are used to provide the motive power to propel the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment the legs are used to provide the motive power for a mechanical drive means 17 comprising a crank 18 driving a propeller 19. Propeller shaft 20 connects crank 18 with propeller 19 through a bevel gear assembly or arrangement 21. A spring operated mechanism 22 is provided operative on the

₁0 bevel gear assembly to allow separation of the gears to allow removal of silt or sand in the event of jamming. The gears and propeller are made of suitable non-rust material, such as the plastics material Delrin which is a mixture of nylon and PTFE or a suitable aluminium. The crank drive ratio depends on the choice of diameter for the propeller and its pitch. For example a 10 inch (25.4cms) dia. 3 bladed propeller

-1₅ can be arranged to give a preferred 4:1 ratio. A propeller with a variable rather than a fixed pitch could be used if desired. The preferred 4:1 crank drive ratio means that if the crank is driven at approximately 18 rpm, the vehicle will move forward or reverse in the water at approximately walking pace. This is thought to be about the usual speed of snorkeling.

20 Adopting the prone position as shown in figure 1 is useful in the practise of the invention. Not only does the downward head position and outstretched arms simulate the usual swimming mode in snorkeling the resistance generated between the outstretched arms and feet supplies the pedal power to operate the crank drive mechanism. To facilitate this, a front portion 39 of longitudinal member 11 extends

25 outwardly and downwardly away from lateral member 14 towards lateral member 13 whilst a rear portion 40 of longitudinal member 11 extends outwardly and tjpwnwardly away from lateral member 14 towards crank drive 17. Handle bars 23 are attached to the rotatable lateral support 13 to facilitate steering. As best seen Figure 4 lateral support 13 is rotatable relative to keel member 11 by means of a

■_jη bearing arrangement 24. By making the bearing arrangement 24 universal a swivelling up-and-down movement of lateral member 13 may also be provided for. This movement can assist ascending and descending of the vehicle. The curved sloping sides 25 of lateral support 13 best seen in Figure 3 are acted upon by water pressure and assist steering. Thus the effort that has to be extended by the user to this extent can be reduced. In figure 6 an alternative to the rectangular solid section of keel member 11 is shown. The alternative keel section 11 A is seen to be hollow. This can conveniently be used to house additional ballast weight or even water in the event that the vehicle is used for depths greater than the near surface activities of snorkeling approximately 9" (22.86cms) below water line 16. For example additional weight can be added to obtain neutral buoyancy of the vehicle at the greater depths experienced when scuba diving. Scuba divers can then safely leave their vehicle at depth without fear of it ascending to the surface.

An alternative form of pedal operated mechanical drive means is illustrated in Figure 5. Figure 5 illustrates a turbine arrangement 26 having vanes 27 enclosed in a suitable ducting or shroud 28. As with the previous mechanical drive means the motive power to drive the turbine is a pedal operated crank mechanism operable by the wank mechanism through geared connection 29. The turbine drive arrangement if used will require a higher gear effect than the previously described drive arrangement. Swivable pedals 30 can be provided to operate the crank mechanism, see Figure 2. However because the vehicle is to be used submerged the uplift from the water pressure can tend to disengage the feet from the pedals. To overcome this problem a special pedal pocket seen generally at 31 in Figure 6 has been devised. Pedal pocket 31 comprises a tapered socket 32 designed to accommodate the foot with a Velcro attached strap 33 to secure the foot within the socket. The socket 32 is attached to a rigid pedal base 34 which is swivably mounted to crank structure 18 by means of swivel pin connection 35. The pedal pocket 31 ensures that i^ js easier for the user to maintain the feet in engagement with the pedal drive. Also because the crank drive mechanism is behind the user the pedal pocket 31 makes for easier location by the user. To further facilitate this a counter weight 37 is added to the crank pedal to maintain it in a vertical or near vertical position. The pedal pocket 31 is made from a flexible water impervious material, for example, Neoprene which is sufficiently stiff to maintain its shape and offer a permanent opening for the foot. Other materials could be used for the pedal pocket, for example porous materials such as netting to disperse the water from the pocket but this would have to be stiffened in order to maintain its shape in a similar fashion to Neoprene. An adult version of the vehicle will have to accommodate individuals of the order of 5 to 6 ft. (1.54 to 1.82m) in height and therefore the overall length of the vehicle will be of the order of 8ft. (2.54m), hence for convenience of transportation from site to site, a splint joint 36 between front and rear portions respectively 39, 40 can be provided. Moreover, in order to lighten the load for carrying , the keel member 11 may be made from lighter materials such a fibreglass or other suitable light metals such as titanium or aluminium. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a preferred alternative embodiment of the invention. In Figure 7 reference numeral 41 designates a preferred alternative waterborne self-propelled vehicle comprising a straight longitudinal keel member

11A . Longitudinal keel member 11A is hollow and may be filled with a closed cell foam. Keel member 11A comprises a 38mm O.D. fibreglass GRP tube which may additionally be reinforced with carbon or Kevlar. The tubular section will have a wall thickness of between 1.5 to 3mm depending on the aforesaid reinforcement. Longitudinal keel member 11 A has removably attached thereto lateral buoyancy members 42, 43 and 44 which have essentially the same function and effect as the lateral buoyancy members 13, 14 and 15 of Figure 1. Lateral buoyancy members are removably attached to keel member 11A by means of respective paιτs of clamp assemblies 45, 46 and 47. A representative example of a clamp assembly 46 is shown in part section in Figure 11. Clamp assembly 45 comprises two U-shaped clamp brackets 70 71 tightened¹ around" keel member 11A by screw connection. A gripping liner 72 is included in the assembly to improve the gripping property of the clamp assembly. The gripping liner may be a soft polyurethane (approx 60 Shore hardness) or a man made elastomer, for example, Alcryn. Likewise a ballast assembly 48 comprising a ballast tube 49 is removably attached by means of a pair of clamps 50 to a ballast support plate 51 which in turn is removably attached to keel member 11 A by a pair of clamps 52. Ballast tube 49 may contain any suitable weighting material, such as sand, stones or sundry metals , even water. Also removably attached to keel member 11 A by a pair of clamps 53 is a pedal operated crank drive means 54 driving propeller 55. Crank drive means 54 is similar to crank drive means 17 and no further description is believed necessary. Longitudinal keel member 1 1A may be split into three sections 56, 57 and 58 for ease of transportation by an individual. The sections are joined by means of plug joints 59, 60 described with reference to Figures 9A, 9B and 9C . As seen in Figure 9B plug joints 59, 60

-J O comprise an elongate member 61 of solid circular section having a central collar 62.

Central collar 62 has the same O.D. as the tubular member forming logitudinal keel member 11 A. Extending outwardly from the central collar 62 are two elongate end portions 63, 64 . End portions 63, 64 are arranged to be a push fit within the tube ends 56A and 57A and have bevelled ends 65, 66 for easy entry into tube ends 56A

15 and 57A. A stainless steel bridge piece 67 spans the central collar 62 and is tightened down onto the tube ends 56A and 57A by means of a screwed stud 68 set into collar 62. If desired the bridge piece 67 may be spring loaded. Sharp corners 69 are formed on bridge piece 67 and care should be taken not to unduly tighten bridge piece 67 otherwise the sharp corners 69 may unduly stress the fibreglass GRP tube 0 ends 56A and 57A.

A steering and diving facility for this embodiment of the waterborne self-propelled vehicle is best explained with reference to Figures 10A, 10B and IOC. In the part sectional elevational view of Figure 10A, two hinge or swivel joints A and B are shown formed on tube length 56. Hinge point A provides for swivelling movement 5 of lateral member 42 to thereby provide a steering facility as shown by arrows C and

D in Figure 10B. H ge point B on the other hand allows lateral member 42 to swivel at right angles to the centre line CL as seen in Figure IOC. This facilitates diving and ascending of the vehicle. A suitable fxictional resistance is maintained on hinge points A and B by a lock nut and screw to thereby prevent undue free movement of D lateral member 42. The position of lateral members 42, 43 and 44 may be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of users by loosening of respective clamp assemblies 45, 46 and 47 and re-clamping. The complete vehicle is designed to weigh between 8 to 10 Kg and because its various parts are releasably attached together they can be conveniently carried by an individual in a specially designed case or carrier bag of the order of 33" X 4" ( 83.82 X 10.16 cms). Although the waterborne self- propelled vehicle of the invention is designed primarily for individual use two such vehicles could be coupled together for use in tandem. A flag indicator 38, see Figure 1, as described in my UK patent application No GB 0029822.4 may be used to facilitate safety when snorkeling.

Claims

1. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle for the transportation of at least one individual in the prone position comprising means to support the individual in the prone position and drive means enabling the individual to propel the vehicle whilst in the prone position.

2. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 1 comprising a longitudinal member forming a keel member.

3. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 2 including lateral members attached to the keel member, the lateral members forming buoyancy members for the waterborne self-propelled vehicle.

4. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 3 wherein a first lateral member forms a support for the chest and midriff areas of the individual using the vehicle.

5. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 3 wherein a second lateral member forms a protective shield for at least a part of the drive means.

6. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 5 wherein the at least part of the drive means comprises a propeller.

7. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 3 wherein a third lateral member is rotatable relative to the longitudinal member to form a steering facility for the waterborne vehicle.

8. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 7 wherein the lateral member forming the steering facility has curved sloping sides, the curved sloping sides assisting steering.

9. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 7 wherein the rotation of the lateral member is obtained by means of a universal bearing so that the lateral member may move up and down as well as rotate.

10. A waterborne self- propelled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the drive means comprises a pedal operated crank driven propeller.

11. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 10 wherein the crank drive includes a bevel gear arrangement.

12. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 10 wherein the crank drive includes a gear assembly and means for separating the gear assembly to prevent

5 jamming.

13. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 10 wherein the crank drive includes a gear assembly and the gear assembly is arranged to move the vehicle at a walking place through the water when the crank drive is rotated at approximately 18 rpm.

1₀ 14. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 10 and claim 11 wherein the crank drive and gear arrangement are made from non-rust material.

15. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the drive means comprises a pedal operated turbine arrangement.

16. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 2 wherein the keel ^5 member is split into two length portions

17. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 2 including a ballast weight attached to the keel member at approximately the CG of the vehicle.

18. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 2 wherein the keel member comprises three length portions .

_?n 19. A waterborne self- propelled vehicle according to claim 18 wherein the keel sections are joined together by a plug joint as defined herein.

20. A waterborne self- propelled vehicle according to claim 2 wherein the keel member cross section is rectangular.

21. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 2 wherein the 2 longitudinal keel member comprises a straight tubular member.

22. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 2 wherein the longitudinal keel member is made from fibreglass GRP, light metals or alloys.

23. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 21 wherein the keel member includes a ballast tube.

24. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 2 wherein lateral members, a ballast assembly and drive means are removably attached to the longitudinal keel member.

25. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 2 , claim 4 and claim 7 wherein the keel member slopes downwardly from the chest and midriff support towards the steering facility.

26. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 2, claim 4 and claim 6 wherein the keel member slopes downwardly from the chest and midriff support towards the propeller drive.

27. A waterborne- self propelled vehicle according to claim 2 wherein the lateral members are releasably attached to the longitudinal member.

28. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 27 wherein the attachment is by way of a clamp assembly wherein the clamp assembly includes a gripping liner

29. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 1 including a swivably mounted pedal pocket.

30. A waterborne self-propelled vehicle according to claim 29 wherein the pocket is counter weighted to return to the vertical position.

1 . A pedal pocket for a waterborne self-propelled vehicle comprising a tapered socket, a swivable connection attached to the tapered socket and means to secure the pedal pocket around the foot of a user. ^{2 •} A pedal pocket according to claim 31 including a counter weight to enable the pedal pocket to remain in a position accessible to the user when the vehicle is submerged during use.