WO2005108201A1

WO2005108201A1 - Non-motorized watercraft propelled by a pedaled impeller

Info

Publication number: WO2005108201A1
Application number: PCT/CA2004/000702
Authority: WO
Inventors: André VERNIER
Original assignee: Vernier Andre
Priority date: 2004-05-12
Filing date: 2004-05-12
Publication date: 2005-11-17

Abstract

The invention relates to a non-motorized means of transport for pleasure primarily for use by vacationers for navigating calm waters in lakes and streams as well as along the sea coast. The pedal-boat and the canoe (kayak), which have both had success for numerous years, are combined in this innovation for producing the means of transport. This means of transport is propelled with the aid of a mechanical element comprising at least one propeller or impeller that is placed in rotation in a stepped down manner by the action of pedals. The features of the pedal-boat are combined with the maneuverability of the canoe (kayak). The propeller can be hidden in a nozzle situated in the hull of the means of transport for providing a suction effect and producing a water jet that provides an increased propulsion. This pedaled impeller with which the means of transport can be equipped is of the same type used in personal watercraft, however, without a motor, whereby the impeller or propeller are placed in rotation by the action of pedals. It is possible to maneuver the watercraft by using a handlebar or a hand lever that can be moved toward the right or toward the left or by simply using an oar. The means of transport can be provided in a monohulled version similar to a conventional canoe (kayak) but can also be provided in a multihulled version. The seated position of the vacationer(s) using said watercraft as well as the assembly are studied in order to improve the comfort, stability, maneuverability, aerodynamics and ergonometrics. The means of transport can exist, primarily, in a single-seater or two-seater version.

Description

DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY

"VELOCANO; Non-motorized boat powered by a pedal turbine »

1) General character of the invention

The present invention relates to a non-motorized means of transport for navigating in calm water on lakes and streams and also by the sea. This type of boat is intended mainly for the use of vacationers who love sports. nautical pleasure.

2) Nature of previously known items that are expected to be improved

Have you ever rowed the canoe in the nose for hours on end while drifting in the wrong direction, only to have to abandon your boat by the lake and return on foot?

Have you ever rented a pedal boat to go around a magnificent lake and traveled long distances admiring all the recesses of the banks, without fatigue and did you return at least on time?

If you are sailing; dinghy or windsurfing, have you ever capsized and how many times have you fallen in the water? Or perhaps you stayed in the middle of the lake while waiting for the wind to rise.

Have you seen and heard buzzing watercraft near beaches where people swim?

The motor boat or what we commonly call the motorized pontoon are still a pleasure for fishing enthusiasts, but what about these engines that make noise and pollute. 3) Creative idea implemented to overcome the disadvantages

Here is the "VELOCANO". an invention that will delight sporty holidaymakers who like to sail in calm water on lakes and streams or by the sea and who favor respect for nature and the environment.

The "VELOCANO" combines the merits of the pedal boat with the maneuverability of the canoe (kayak). It is powered by a mechanical element comprising at least one propeller or turbine which is rotated in a geared down manner under the action of the pedals. The whole is studied in order to improve comfort, stability, handling, aerodynamics and ergonomics.

The "VELOCANO" can exist in a single-seat and two-seat version mainly.

4) Description of the creative idea implemented

(General) Figure 1 shows a view of said embodiment, the central part of which reveals certain elements through the cross section. The “VELOCANO” is a non-motorized means of transport for pleasure to navigate in calm water on lakes and streams and also by the sea. It combines the merits of the pedal boat with the maneuverability of the canoe (kayak) . It is propelled using a mechanical element comprising at least one propeller or turbine which is rotated in a geared down manner under the action of the pedals. The "VELOCANO" is designed to improve comfort, stability, handling, aerodynamics and ergonomics. It is possible to maneuver the "VELOCANO" by means of a handlebar or a joystick which can be actuated to the right or to the left or by simply using an oar. The “VELOCANO” can be offered in a monohull version to be similar to the current canoe (kayak), but it can also be offered in a multihull version. In both cases, the “VELOCANO” can exist mainly in the single-seat and two-seat version.

- 2 - (Details of the creative idea implemented) • The propeller can be hidden in a nozzle located in the hull of the "VELOCANO" to provide a suction effect and produce a jet of water which gives increased propulsion. Thus constituted, this mechanical element is called a “pedal turbine”. • The “pedal turbine” with which the “VELOCANO” can be fitted is an invention in itself. It may be of the same type as that which is used for watercraft, but however without an engine, the turbine or the propeller being put into rotation under the action of the pedals. • The "VELOCANO" can be fitted with a rudder and the vacationer can also simply use an oar to steer and carry out navigation maneuvers. • In order to adapt and respond to several scenarios, a certain number of versions and possibilities are proposed for implementing the invention. In this regard, the emphasis is all the more on the "pedal turbine", the propulsion element of the "VELOCANO" a) The "pedal turbine" can be steerable or non-steerable: In the case of the "turbine with steerable pedals, a mobile part located at the rear, the "nozzle", will be actuated by a handlebar or by a joystick to the right or to the left and will allow to modify the trajectory of the boat due to the propulsion procured the turbine in action. In the case of the non-steerable “pedal turbine”, the part located at the rear of the turbine will remain fixed. In this case, the "VELOCANO" is maneuvered without this element using the standard characteristics, either a rudder or simply a train. b) The variable speed “pedal turbine”: As on a bicycle, the “pedal turbine” can be fitted with a speed variator so as to balance the energy supplied by the user as a function of the speed of the vehicle. boat on the water. c) The “pedal turbine” with freewheeling effect: To simulate the freewheeling effect of the bicycle, the “pedal turbine” with freewheeling effect is provided with a freewheeling drive. At full speed, well launched, if the user stops pedaling, the turbine will continue to rotate for a certain time and thus propel the boat for this duration. Two ways are proposed to simulate the freewheeling effect: The desired effect is obtained thanks to a disc of a certain weight whose reduction in rotation makes it possible to accumulate energy to simulate the freewheeling effect. A dynamo coupled to a small battery will accumulate energy and, if necessary, activate a small electric motor. In both cases, a blocking device can be installed if necessary. However, this device will not necessarily brake the boat but will simply stop the turbine or propeller.

Claims

CLAIMS The embodiments of the invention, over which an exclusive right of property or privilege is claimed, are defined as follows:

1) "VELOCANO; Non-motorized boat powered by a pedal turbine »A non-motorized pleasure transport to navigate in calm water on lakes and streams and also by the sea, consists of a monohull or multihull boat, a non-motorized mechanical propulsion element comprising at least one propeller or turbine which is rotated in a multiplied manner under the action of the pedals. The set is designed to improve comfort, stability, maneuverability, aerodynamics and ergonomics and can exist mainly in the single-seat and two-seat version.

2) "VELOCANO" equipped with the mechanical element "PEDAL TURBINE" A means of non-motorized pleasure transport to navigate in calm water a priori as defined in claim 1, including the mechanical propulsion element non-motorized comprises at least one propeller, which is hidden in a nozzle located in the hull of the "VELOCANO" to provide a suction effect and produce a jet of water which gives increased propulsion. Thus constituted, this mechanical element is called a "pedal turbine". The "pedal turbine" with which the "VELOCANO" can be fitted is of the same type as what is used for motorbikes but without a motor, the turbine or the propeller being rotated by the action of the pedals.

3) “VELOCANO” maneuverability A means of non-motorized pleasure transport to navigate in calm water a priori as defined in claim 1 or in claim 2, comprising the following: a) the vacationer can simply use an oar to steer. b) a handlebar or a joystick can be actuated to the right or to the left to carry out navigation maneuvers. b.1) the "VELOCANO" may be fitted with a rudder to carry out navigation maneuvers. b.2) if the "VELOCANO" is fitted with the mechanical element called the "pedal turbine" as defined in claim 2, a movable part located at the rear of the turbine, the "nozzle », Will be actuated by the handlebars or the joystick as defined in this claim (3b) and will make it possible to modify the trajectory of the boat due to the propulsion provided by the turbine in action. b.3) the "VELOCANO" has the mechanical element hereinafter called "pedal turbine" as defined in claim 2, and includes claims 3 of maneuverability as defined in b.1 and b .2 together. 4) Variable speed "VELOCANO" A means of non-motorized pleasure transport to navigate in calm water a priori as defined in claim 1 or in claim 2, comprising a speed variator (like on a bicycle ) so as to balance the energy supplied by the user according to the speed of the boat on the water.

5) “VELOCANO” freewheeling effect A means of non-motorized pleasure transport to navigate in calm water a priori as defined in claim 1 or in claim 2, comprising a mechanical element of a wheel drive -free (simulating the freewheeling effect of the bicycle). a) The desired effect is obtained thanks to a disc of a certain weight whose multiplied rotation makes it possible to accumulate energy to simulate the freewheeling effect. b) A dynamo coupled with a small battery will accumulate energy and, if necessary, activate a small electric motor. In both cases, a blocking device can be installed in order to stop the rotation of the mechanical propulsion element.

6) "PEDAL TURBINE" the mechanical element (as defined in claim 2)