WO2005054051A1

WO2005054051A1 - Watercraft with propulsion by muscle power

Info

Publication number: WO2005054051A1
Application number: PCT/IB2004/002200
Authority: WO
Inventors: Angela Lesen
Original assignee: Angela Lesen
Priority date: 2003-11-28
Filing date: 2004-07-02
Publication date: 2005-06-16
Also published as: ITPI20030098A1; WO2005054051A8

Abstract

The watercraft (1) is propelled by flippers (10) operated by a user (25) through pedals (3), with a step-like movement. It comprises a floating body (2) on which a support element is arranged, or handlebar (4), for the arms of user (25) in order to assist its action when thrusting pedals (3) for propelling watercraft (1). In particular, propelling flippers (10) are operatively connected to pedals (3) by means of substantially stiff arms (5) which move in a place orthogonal to the water plane of the watercraft. The resulting flipper operated watercraft is simple and easy to use and allows to thrust the pedals (3) with a step-like movement. The user can choose to arrange himself/herself between a standing/sitting position and a lying down position when using the watercraft same.

Description

TITLE WATERCRAFT WITH PROPULSION BY MUSCLE POWER

DESCRIPTION Field of the invention The present invention relates to a watercraft whose propelling means comprises flippers operated by muscle power of an user. Background of the invention As known, a variety exists of watercrafts whose propelling system provides one or more paddles operated by an user through pedals. For example, in US 3640239 a watercraft is described comprising a bicycle frame mounted on floats and a paddle propelling system. The paddles are operated directly by an user through the pedals of the bicycle by a chain transmission which causes paddles to rotate about a horizontal axis. A rudder connected to the wheel of the bicycle is provided manoeuvrable by a handlebar. Another type of mechanism is described in US 3039422. It provides a paddle propelling system operated by a couple of pedals through a gearing transmission. Each pedal is connected to an arm by a spring and operates a paddle hinged to a rod orthogonal to the water surface. Systems are also known where the propelling means are flippers instead of paddles, as described in US3695211, US6468118 and US4345903. Other known watercrafts provide complex mechanisms that in any case require a considerable consumption of muscle power or have the drawback of a not ergonomic position for the user. Summary of the invention It is therefore a first feature of the present invention to provide a flipper operated watercraft through pedals that is structurally easy and simple to use. It is another feature of the present invention to provide such a watercraft that allows to arrange the pedals' according to different angles with respect to the plane of the watercraft same. It is a further feature of the invention to provide such a watercraft where an user can choose to arrange himself/herself between a standing/sitting position and a lying down position when using the watercraft same. These and other features are accomplished with one exemplary watercraft having a water plane, comprising a flipper operated propelling system actuated by an user through pedals, whose main feature is that the pedals are connected to the flippers by means of respective stiff actuating arms pivotally engaged to said watercraft, said arms moving in a plane orthogonal to the water plane of the watercraft. Advantageously, the actuating arms have a flipper at one end and a pedal at the other end, each arm being pivotally connected to the watercraft in an intermediate point and about an axis parallel to the water plane. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention the actuating arm has a flipper at one end and is pivotally connected at the other end to the watercraft about an axis substantially parallel to the water plane, the pedal being connected to the arm in an intermediate point thereof for causing it to rotate. In a further embodiment of the invention each actuating arm has a flipper at one end and is fixed at the other end to the watercraft. In this case, the user causes the arm to bend resiliently thrusting on the pedal connected to the arm in an intermediate point thereof . In particular, the pedal is connected to the arm by a rod substantially orthogonal to the water plane of the watercraft. So, when the user applies enough force on a pedal in a predetermined direction, then the flipper moves along a direction substantially orthogonal to the movement, and said flipper elastically reacts changing selectively its angle with respect to water. When, instead, the user applies on the pedal a force in the opposite direction, then the flipper moves in a direction of back stroke. During its travel the flipper causes a certain mass of water to displace, opposite to the movement of the watercraft, thus causing the watercraft to move for the momentum saving principle. More in detail, if the user applies an alternated force on the two pedals the watercraft moves in a substantially rectilinear direction. The arm can be a single body or may have at least a first and a second portion rigidly connected to each other in a releasable way in order to be selectively either aligned or angled with respect to each other. Preferably, the reciprocation of the pedals is associated to returning means, in particular resilient means or flexible pulling means for carrying each pedal up to a position ready for starting a new thrust on a pedal. Advantageously, a support element for the arms of an user is provided integral to said watercraft. In particular, the support element for the arms of the user can be operatively connected to means for orienting the thrust generated by the flippers. In other words, the support element for the arms has also the function of handlebar for operating the rudder of the watercraft and orienting it in a desired direction. In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention the watercraft has at least one seat for assisting the user during its action. Advantageously, the seat is movable between a sitting position, where the support plane for the user is arranged substantially horizontal, to an inclined position where the support plane for the user is inclined with respect to the plane of the watercraft, allowing a lying or partially lying position to the user. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention the seat is mounted on a transversal member arranged between two uprights which can be inclined with respect to the plane of the watercraft. This allows the user to bring the seat from the sitting position to the lying position or to a desired intermediate position in a quick and simple way. Advantageously, said pedals can be inclined with respect to the plane of the watercraft. This way, the user can choose a desired inclination for applying the force necessary to operate the propelling elements. Similarly, the handlebar can comprise a first portion integral to the watercraft and a second portion pivotally connected to the first portion which can be inclined with respect to the plane of the watercraft to follow the position of the user. The whole handlebar can be also laid down for allowing the lying position of the user. Brief description of the drawings Further characteristics and the advantages of the watercraft according to the present invention will be made clearer with the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings wherein: — figure 1 shows in an elevational side view a first exemplary embodiment of a watercraft, according to the invention; - figure 2 shows a perspective view from the above of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the watercraft of figure 1; - figure 3 shows the watercraft of figure 2 in an elevational side view; - figure 4 shows an elevational side view of another alternative exemplary embodiment of the watercraft of figure

1; - figures 5 and 6 show elevational side views of a further exemplary embodiment of the watercraft of figure 1 in two different possible configurations; - figure 7 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the watercraft of figures 5 and 6; - figure 8 shows in a rear view a catamaran type watercraft according to the invention; - figures 9, 11, 16 and 17 show respectively in a top plan view, a perspective view from below, a perspective elevational side view and an elevational side view, another alternative exemplary embodiment of the watercraft of figure 1; - figure 10 shows in detail a perspective elevational side view of a possible system for blocking the handlebar in a predetermined position; - figure 12, 13 and 18 show perspective views of other exemplary embodiments of the watercraft alternative to that of figure 1; - figures 14 and 15 show diagrammatically two possible systems of orientation of the rudder for the watercraft of figure 1; - figure 19 shows in a rear view a possible system for a return movement of the pedals. Description of preferred exemplary embodiments With reference to figure 1, a watercraft 1, according to the present invention, is propelled by flippers 10. operated by a user 25 through pedals 3, for example open sandal-shaped pedals (figures 1-6, 12-13 and 18-19) or shoe-shaped partially closed pedals (figures 9- 11 and 16-17). It comprises a floating body 2 on which a support element, or handlebar 4, is arranged for the arms of user 25 in order to assist their action when thrusting pedals 3 for propelling watercraft 1. In particular, propelling flippers 10 are operatively connected to pedals 3 by means of substantially stiff arms 5. In the exemplary embodiments shown in figures from 1 to 8, each arm 5 has a flipper at one end 10 and a pedal at the other end 3. Each arm 5 is then pivotally connected to watercraft 1 about an axis parallel to the water plane in an intermediate point 35. In an alternative exemplary embodiment shown in figure 18, each actuating arm 5 has a flipper at one end 10 and is connected at the other end to watercraft 1 by a fixed joint 70. In this case, user 25 acting on pedal 3 connected to arm 5 in an intermediate point causes it to bend. In a further exemplary embodiment shown in figures 9, 11, 12, 16 and 17 arm 5 is hinged at an end 75 to watercraft 1 and has at the other end a flipper 10. In this case user 25 acting on pedal 3 connected to arm 5 at an intermediate point by a rod 8 causes it to rotate about hinge 75. Arm 5 can be a single part (figures 11, 12 and 18) , or can comprise portions 6 and 7 rigidly connected to each other that can be angled (figures 1-2 and 5-6) or aligned (figures 3-4) with respect to each other. In the case of figure 1, user 25 thrusts with enough force on pedals 3a and 3b in an alternated way thus causing the corresponding flippers 10a and 10b to them connected to swing. The latter span an arc 50 once along a thrusting direction and once along a direction of back stroke thus propelling watercraft 1. More in detail, each flipper 10 is movable between an upper dead point and a lower dead point and the water displaced during this travel, for the momentum saving principle, generates the motion of watercraft 1. As shown in detail in figure 19, the alternated movement causes the flipper 10a to reach the upper dead point when flipper 10b reaches the lower dead point and vice-versa. The back motion of pedals 3a and 3b to a position ready for a thrust on a pedal can be obtained by a transmission cable. In particular, the transmission cable is an inextensible cable 60 slidingly mounted on pulleys 55 and constrained to arms 5a and 5b of flippers 10a and 10b. Alternative returning means, for example spring means, can be provided in a way obvious to a person skilled in the art. It is possible to change the angle between the portions 6 and 7 of arm 5 in order to assist the user when thrusting flippers 10. In a first case, the portions 6 and 7 of each arm 5 can be aligned, so that flippers 10 and pedals 3 move from a position farthest to a position nearest from the plane of watercraft 1 in a concordant way. In a second case, portion 6 can be arranged angled, with respect to portion 7 so that flippers 10 and pedals 3 move from a position farthest to a position nearest from the plane of watercraft 1 in a discordant way. To assist the thrust of user 25 when propelling watercraft 1 a seat 15 is provided that allows, furthermore, to adjust its position with respect to pedals 3. It is also possible that seat 15 is inclined as desired with respect to the plane of watercraft 1. In particular, it is possible to bring the seat 15 from a sitting position where the frame 16 is substantially orthogonal to the plane of watercraft 1 (figure 5) to an inclined position (figure 6) . This ^' allows user 25 to arrange himself/herself in the desired position ^l and thrusting the pedals with a force necessary to move watercraft 1. For example, the seat 15 can be mounted on a frame 16 which can be inclined with respect to the plane of watercraft 1. This allows the user to bring the seat 15 from a sitting position (figure 5) to a lying position or in a desired intermediate position (figure 6) in a quick and simple way. Similarly, also handlebar 4 which can be inclined to follow the position of user 25. In particular, as shown in figure 10, handlebar 4 can be releasably blocked in a predetermined position by a bolt 34. In an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention, as shown in figures 9, 16 and 17, the seat 15 can be inclined in order to cause the user 15 to arrange himself/herself from a sitting position to a lying position. In this case the propelling system provides pedals 3a and 3b fixed to stiff arms 5a and 5b by means of rods 8a and 8b substantially orthogonal to the plane of watercraft 1. Pedals 3a and 3b fixed to arms 5a and 5b are shown in figure 11 in a view from below of the watercraft. In this case, in the lying position user 25 can arranges himself/herself in a position of relax (figure 17). Watercraft 1 can be a board as shown in figure 2, with arms folded in order to arrange the flippers 3 externally. In an exemplary embodiment shown in figure 12 watercraft 1 provides a central floating portion 2 and two side floating portions, or "floats", 12 that can extend for all the length of watercraft 1 in order to increase the available wet surface and the stability in water (figure 13) . According to a further exemplary embodiment shown in figures 7 and 8, watercraft 1 comprises two floating bodies 2a and 2b connected by crosspieces 20, with substantially a catamaran configuration. Watercraft 1 has a steering system. It can comprise a rudder 30 operated directly by user 25 adjusting on a handle 14 connected to the rudder 30, located astern, by a cable system 36 (figure 14), or alternatively, adjusting directly handlebar 4 at one end of which rudder 30 is directly connected (figure 15) , under watercraft 1, provided it is in a position not under the barycentre. More in detail, the system shown in figure 14 provides a first cable 36a and a second cable 36b connected to the ends of respective plates 35 and 135 hinged to hubs 37 and 137 respectively located at handlebar 4 and rudder 30, about which plates 37 and 137 same can rotate. In particular, by adjusting handle 14 user 25 brings stretches either cable 36a or cable 36b and causes the rotation of corresponding plates 35 and 135 in order to set rudder 30 in a desired position. In the solution of figure 15, instead, handlebar 4 consists of a short tube 17 to which a shaft is connected brought into rotation about its own axis by user 25 same in order to orient the rudder 30 mounted at an end. Alternatively, it can be arranged as shown in figure 14. Watercraft 1, according to the invention, allows to operate directly flippers 10 by pedals 3 through a single element, i.e. each arm 5, without intermediate transmissions or gearings, allowing the maximum mechanical efficiency and the maximum resistance against wear. The foregoing description of a specific embodiment will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt for various applications such an embodiment without further research and without parting from the invention, and it is therefore to be understood that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiment. The means and the materials to realise the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Claims

1. Watercraft having a water plane, comprising a flipper operated propelling system actuated by an user through pedals, characterised in that said pedals are connected to said flippers by means of respective stiff actuating arms pivotally engaged to said watercraft, said arms moving in a plane orthogonal to said water plane.

2. Watercraft according to claim 1, wherein said actuating arms have a flipper at one end and a pedal at the other end, each said arm being pivotally connected to said watercraft in an intermediate point and about an axis parallel to said water plane.

3. watercraft according to claim 1, wherein said actuating arm has a flipper at one end and is pivotally connected at the other end to said watercraft about an axis substantially parallel to said water plane, said arm rotating about said end when thrusting on said pedal, which is to it connected at an intermediate point.

4. Watercraft according to claim 1, wherein said actuating arm has a flipper at one end and is fixed at the other end to said watercraft, said arm being bent resiliently when thrusting on said pedal, which is to it connected at an intermediate point.

5. Watercraft according to claim 1, wherein said arm is a single body that extends respectively between said flipper and said pedal.

6. Watercraft according to claim 1, wherein said arm has at least a first and a second portion rigidly connected to each other in a releasable way in order to be selectively either aligned or angled.

7. Watercraft according to claim 1, wherein said rotation of said arms by said pedals is associated to returning means suitable for bringing said pedals up, to a position ready for starting a new thrust on a pedal.

8. Watercraft according to claim 1, wherein a support element for the arms of an user is provided integral to said watercraft.

9. Watercraft according to claim 8, where the support element for the arms of the user is operatively connected to means for orienting the thrust generated by the propelling elements, whereby the support of the arms has also the function of handlebar for operating the rudder of the watercraft and orienting it in a desired direction.

10. Watercraft according to claim 1, comprising at least one seat for assisting the user during its action, wherein said seat is movable between a sitting position, where the support plane for the user is arranged substantially horizontal, to an inclined position, where the support plane for the user is inclined with respect to the plane of the watercraft.

11. Watercraft according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said seat is mounted on a transversal member arranged between two uprights which can be inclined with respect to the plane of the watercraft whereby the user can bring the seat from the sitting position to the lying position or to a desired intermediate position.

12. Watercraft according to claim 1, wherein said pedals can be inclined with respect to the plane of the watercraft.

13. Watercraft according to claim 1, wherein said handlebar comprises a first portion integral to the watercraft and a second portion pivotally connected to the first portion which can be inclined with respect to the plane of the watercraft to follow the position of the user.