WO2009141673A1

WO2009141673A1 - Muscular propulsion watercraft with pedals retractable within the deck

Info

Publication number: WO2009141673A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/001300
Authority: WO
Inventors: Angela Lesen
Original assignee: Fun Caribe S.R.L.
Priority date: 2008-05-23
Filing date: 2008-05-23
Publication date: 2009-11-26

Abstract

Watercraft (1) having a hull (10) having a support plane (2) and a propelling unit (20), operated by a user by means of pedals (11, 12). The propelling unit (20) comprises, for example, a first flipper, or blade, (21) operated by a first pedal (11) and a second flipper, or blade, (22) operated by a second pedal (12). Each flipper (21, or 22), is connected to the respective pedal (11), or (12), by a respective pushing rod (31) connected to an arm (32) hinged at a point (33) to the watercraft (1). More in detail, the hinge (33) has a rotation axis (34) substantially parallel to the support plane of the watercraft (1). When a user (100) pushes on the pedals (11), (12), the pushing rod (31) rotates about rotation axis (34) keeping itself in a plane substantially orthogonal to the support plane of the watercraft (1). The pushing rod (31) can have circular shape with centre at the hinges (33). In particular, the flipper (21) or (22) can be located on the extension of the arm (32) opposite to the pivot point (33). Furthermore, the flipper (21) or (22) is directly next to pushing rod (31), to allow a fluid pushing movement on a pedal.

Description

TITLE MUSCULAR PROPULSION WATERCRAFT WITH PEDALS RETRACTABLE WITHIN THE DECK

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention The present invention relates to a watercraft whose propelling unit is operated by flippers through a user' s muscle power.

Background of the invention

As well known, a variety exists of types of watercrafts whose propelling system provides one or more blades operated by a user by means of pedals. For example, in US 3640239 a watercraft is described comprising a bicycle frame mounted on floating elements and using a blade propelling system. The blades are operated directly by a user, who acting on the pedals of the bicycle by a chain transmission causes the rotation of the blades about a horizontal axis. A rudder is also provided connected to the axis of the bicycle manoeuvred by the handlebar.

Another type of mechanism is disclosed in US 3039422. It provides a blade propelling system operated by a couple of pedals by a gearing transmission. Each pedal is connected to a rod parallel to the blade of the watercraft by a spring and operates a blade hinged to a rod orthogonal to the blade. Systems are also known where the propelling surfaces are flippers instead of blades, as described in US3695211, US6468118 and US4345903.

Other known watercrafts provide complex mechanisms that in any case require a high energy consumption by the user or a position not ergonomically good during the operation of the propelling system. Furthermore, none of the documents above cited describes a watercraft that allows a user to rest lying down on the watercraft.

A watercraft that provides this feature is disclosed in WO 2005054051. This document describes a watercraft having a propulsion operated by flippers by a user through pedals and have a seat and a handlebar for the user. In particular, in the patent the feature is described of tilting the handlebar and the seat for freeing the surface of the watercraft to let the user to rest lying down.

However, the solution described in the patent does not allow to exploit fully the surface of the watercraft, since at least one pedal remains in a position of encumbrance blocking the exploitation of the surface of the watercraft, and with a danger for the user for the protruding pedal.

Another aspect not provided in WO 2005054051 is the shape of the hull. The latter, in fact, has two floating bodies connected by one or more crosspieces that perform substantially a catamaran-like configuration.

This type of hull, however does not allow an appropriate space for receiving the pedals, the seat and the handlebar when tilted, and does not allow an appropriate steadiness during the navigation, keeping con that has a propulsion operated by flippers by a user by a movement similar to a sport equipment called "step".

A further problem is to pedal effectively, by a steady support on one handlebar for the user, and in the meantime allowing, by the handlebar, to steer the watercraft.

Summary of the invention

It is therefore a feature of the present invention to provide a watercraft with muscular propulsion with movements like a "step" sporting equipment for arranging the pedals in a position that frees the whole support plane of the watercraft as floating board or as sun deck for the user.

It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a watercraft with muscular propulsion that is manoeuvred easily by a user.

It is also a feature of the present invention to provide such a watercraft that is highly steady during the navigation.

It is, furthermore, an a feature of the present invention to provide such a watercraft that allows an appropriate space for receiving the pedals, the seat and the handlebar when not used.

It is also a feature of the present invention to provide such a watercraft that has a mechanism of alternated movement of the pedals improved with respect to the existing techniques.

It is also a feature of the present invention to provide such a watercraft that has a propulsion mechanism that is most effective than in the prior art. It is then a feature of the present invention to provide such a watercraft that allows the user to pedal effectively, with a steady support on a handlebar, with possibility of steering easily the watercraft.

These and other features are accomplished with one exemplary watercraft, according to the invention, having a support plane and comprising a propelling unit operated by a user by means of pedals with movements like a "step" sporting equipment, said pedals being connected to said propelling unit by actuating means engaged to said watercraft, said actuating means moving in a plane orthogonal to said support plane, whose main feature is that said pedals are movable selectively between a operating position, in which they move alternately towards/away from the support plane, and a position of minimum encumbrance where it is located either below or at the same level of said support plane.

In particular, means are provided for handling said pedals adapted to arrange them selectively in the operating position or in the position of minimum encumbrance for the support plane.

Advantageously, means are provided for shifting the pedals adapted to allow an alternated movement of the pedals in a direction orthogonal to the support plane, said means for shifting the pedals comprising a pulley equipped with a groove in which a cable slidingly engages having an end constrained to a first pedal and the other end constrained to a second pedal.

Advantageously, said pulley is movable along a direction substantially orthogonal to said support plane between a first position, in which said pedals take said operating position, and a second position, in which said pedals take said position of minimum encumbrance with respect to said support plane. In particular, a support element can be also provided for the user' s arm capable of standing in a position rigidly integral to said watercraft, said support for the user's arms assisting the action of the user on the pedals. In particular, the support for the user's arms is hinged at an end thereof to the watercraft, said support for the user' s arms being capable of rotating with respect to said support plane for a full tilting. Furthermore, means are provided for stopping the hinge of the support for the user' s arms adapted to block the rotation once achieved a measured inclination with respect to the support plane.

Advantageously, a housing is provided in the support plane of the watercraft where the support for the user' s arms is housed when is completely tilted. More in detail, the support for the user' s arms is movable selectively between a position of use, where it is substantially orthogonal to the support plane of the watercraft, and a rest position, where it is arranged in a housing made in the hull.

Advantageously, means are associated to tilting the support for the user's arms to cause the movable pulley to move to the second position, whereby it is possible to free completely the support plane of the watercraft simply acting on the support for the user's arms.

In particular, the movable pulley is constrained at one end of an inextensible cable sliding on a fixed pulley, said cable having the other end fixed and a cable tensioner being provided adapted to tense/slacken said inextensible cable for causing the movement of said movable pulley from said first to said second position, or vice-versa .

Alternatively, the movable pulley is constrained at one end of a inextensible cable sliding on a first fixed pulley, said cable having the other end constrained to a point capable of moving, such that moving said end of said cable with respect to said axis causes the movement of said movable pulley from said first to said second position, or vice-versa. In particular, said cable has the other end constrained to a point capable of moving with respect to the axis of a second fixed pulley to which it engages with freedom of movement, said first and said second fixed pulley having rotation axis substantially parallel.

Advantageously, the support for the user's arms is operatively connected to means for orienting the pull generated by the propelling unit in response to action exerted on the pedals by the user. In particular, the means for orienting the pull generated by the propelling unit comprises:

- a handlebar having at least one handgrip capable of rotating with respect to it; — a cable having an end constrained to said handgrip and the other end constrained to the rudder of the watercraft, whereby it is possible to rotate the rudder in one direction, or in the opposite direction, rotating the handgrip in the corresponding way. Preferably, the means for orienting the pull generated by the propelling unit comprises:

- a handlebar having a handgrip for the right hand a handgrip for the left hand of the user, said handgrips being capable of rotating with respect to said handlebar;

- a first cable having an end constrained to said handgrip for the right hand and the other end constrained to a rudder;

- a second cable having an end constrained to the handgrip for the left hand and the other end constrained to said rudder; said user causing the rotation of said rudder in one direction, or in the opposite direction, by a rotation of said handgrips in the corresponding way with respect to said handlebar.

In particular, the watercraft can be, furthermore, provide a seat for the user. Advantageously, the seat comprises a seat member movable selectively between a working position, where the seat is arranged substantially horizontal to the support plane of the watercraft, and an at an angle position, where the seat is at an angle with respect to the support plane of the watercraft, allowing a lying position, or semi-lying position, to the user. In particular, the seat comprises a support frame for sitting, said frame being pivotally connected at one end to said watercraft whereby the seat can be inclined at an angle with respect to the support plane. Advantageously, the hinge that allows the rotation of the seat is associated with means for stopping the rotation that allow its locking at a measured inclination with respect to the support plane. This allows the user of bring the seat from the sitting position to the lying position, or in a desired intermediate position in a quick and simple way.

Advantageously, the seat is slidingly arranged with respect to the support for the user' s arm in order to be approached/withdrawn with respect to the support plane of the watercraft. More in detail, the seat engages with a rod slidingly mounted in a housing determined in the frame, said rod being constrained in a predetermined position with respect to the frame by a stop member. Advantageously, the actuating means comprises: - a pushing rod connected to each pedal,

- an arm connected to said pushing rod at one end and having the other end pivotally connected to the watercraft, said arm causing the rotation of said pushing rod about a plane substantially perpendicular to said support plane,

— flippers propelling means extending from said arm. In particular, the flippers propelling means are directly adjacent to said pushing rod.

In particular, each pushing rod has a shape comprising a central portion substantially orthogonal to said connecting arm and a bent end at which said pedal is arranged.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the watercraft has a support plane and comprises a propelling unit operated by a user by means of pedals, said pedals being connected to said propelling unit by actuating means engaged to said watercraft, said actuating means moving in a plane orthogonal to said support plane, whose main feature is that said watercraft provides a hull comprising two side floating portions and a central lowered portion.

In particular, the central lowered portion is adapted to stabilize the watercraft during the navigation. In fact, it allows distributing the forces acting on the watercraft during the navigation and then assuring a high steadiness.

Advantageously, the central lowered portion is slotted and has a housing in which the actuating means are housed. Therefore, the central lowered portion works as protecting wrapper for the actuating means and avoids that they are directly into contact with the water. This way, it is avoided that the actuating means can be worn for corrosion of the water, in particular, in case of sea water .

Advantageously, the hull of the watercraft at the poppa has a substantially "E" - shaped cross section. In particular, the central portion has a distance lowered with respect to the support plane with respect to the side portions .

In particular, the reciprocation of the pedals is associated with returning means, in particular resilient means or flexible pulling means, for bringing each pedal up to a position ready to start a new thrust on a pedal.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristic 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 a rear view the watercraft, according to the invention;

- Figure 2 shows the watercraft of figure 1 in an elevational front view; - Figure 3 shows the watercraft of figures 1 and 2 in an elevational side view, in particular for highlighting the possibility of inclining the seat;

- Figures 4 and 5 show the watercraft of figure 1 in perspective elevational side views from different perspectives;

- Figures from 7 to 12 show, from different perspectives the mechanism of handling the pedals and actuating the propelling unit, according to the invention; - Figures from 13 to the 16 show in the detail some exemplary embodiments of the means for shifting the pedals;

- Figures 17 and 18 show respectively a cross sectional view and a perspective view of a possible exemplary embodiment of a seat for the watercraft, according to the invention.

Description of a preferred exemplary embodiment With reference to figures from 1 to 7, a watercraft 1, according to the present invention, has a hull 10 having a support plane 2 and a propelling unit 20, operated by a user by means of pedals 11 and 12.

Propelling unit 20 comprises, for example, a first flipper, or blade, 21 operated by a first pedal 11 and a second flipper, or blade, 22 operated by a second pedal 12. Each flipper 21, or 22, is connected to the respective pedal 11, or 12, by a respective pushing rod 31 connected to an arm 32 hinged at a point 33 to watercraft 1. More in detail, the hinge 33 has an rotation axis 34 (figure 12) substantially parallel to the support plane of watercraft 1. When a user 100 pushes on pedals 11 and 12, pushing rod 31 rotates about rotation axis 34 in a plane substantially orthogonal to the support plane of watercraft 1. Advantageously, pushing rod 31 has a circular shape with centre at hinges 33.

In particular, flipper 21, or 22, is located on an extension of arm 32 opposite to hinge 33. In particular, flipper 21, or 22, is close to pushing rod 31, to allow a fluid pushing movement on a pedal . Alternatively, in a way not shown, flipper 21, or 22, is not close to pushing rod 31, but is located on an extension of arm 32 in a position more distant from the pushing rod, for pedaling in a stronger way.

Hull 10 comprises, in a possible exemplary embodiment, two side floating portions 10a and 10b and a central portion 10c bent downwards with respect to support plane 2. More in detail, the central portion 10c bent downwards has the function of balancing the forces acting on watercraft 1 in order to ensure a higher steadiness during the navigation. The central portion 10c is advantageously equipped with a recess in which are housed the means for transmitting the movement by pedals 11 and 12 to. Then, the central portion 10c acts as a protecting wrapper for the actuating means and avoids that they are directly into contact with the water, avoiding that they can be worn for corrosion by the water, in particular in case of sea water. Portion 10c, furthermore, houses the support of a rudder 25, whose operation is disclosed in detail hereinafter. As shown in detail in figures from 8 to 10, a device is provided for returning pedals 11 and 12, attracting pedals 11 and 12 back from the position at the end of the pushing stroke of a user, or lower dead point, in the position of starting a thrust on a pedal, or upper dead point.

This device comprises, in particular, a pulley 41 equipped with a groove 42 in which a cable 45 engages with freedom of sliding. Cable 45 has an end 45a constrained to the right pedal 11 and the other end 45b constrained to the left pedal 12 (figure 13) . Therefore, when a user 100 pushes on pedal 11 bringing it from the upper dead point to the lower dead point, inextensible cable 45 causes the stroke of the pedal 12 to occur in an opposite direction, i.e. from the corresponding lower dead point to the upper dead point and so on. This easy the stress of the user is reduced and the exercise is fluid.

According to the invention, furthermore, means are provided for handling pedals 11 and 12 that allow their locating in an operating position (figures 3 and 4) in which pedals 11 and 12 are raised alternatively, above the support plane 2 of watercraft 1, but also in a position of minimum encumbrance in which, for example, they are not raised above support plane 2.

In particular, pulley 41 is movable (see also figures 15 or 16) along a direction substantially orthogonal to the support plane 2 of watercraft 1, between a first position, in which pedals 11 and 12 are in an operating position, and a second position, indicated as a dotted line, in which pedals 11 and 12 are arranged below, or coplanarly to, the support plane, i.e. in a position of minimum encumbrance for it, in order to allow the user lying down in the support plane like a sun deck and assisting the watercraft to be carried as an simple board.

More in detail, (figure 13) , movable pulley 41 is constrained at one end 71 of an inextensible cable 70, slidingly mounted on a first fixed pulley 43. Cable 70 has, moreover, the other end 72 constrained to a point capable of rotating about axis 148 of a second fixed pulley 48, with which it engages with freedom of movement. The two fixed pulleys 43 and 48 are arranged with the respective rotational axes substantially parallel to each other, whereby the rotation of the end 72 of cable 70 causes the movement of movable pulley 42 from the first to the second position, or vice-versa (figures from 13 to 15) .

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, shown in figure 16, cable 70 has an end 72 fixed and is equipped with a cable tensioner 48' adapted to tense/slacken cable 70, for causing the movement of the movable pulley 42 from the first to the second position, or vice-versa.

A further alternative, not shown, can provide an eccentric fixed pulley 48 that, with the rotation of the handlebar, it tenses or slackens cable 70, cause ing movable pulley 41 to move up or down.

As shown in figures from 1 to 10, watercraft 1 comprises, furthermore, a support for the arms 50 of a user 100 to assist its action on pedals 11 and 12. In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, the support for the user's arms 50 is associated with means for orienting the pull generated by propelling unit 20 in response to the action exerted on pedals 11 and 12 by user 100.

For example, the means for orienting the pushing direction comprises support 50 for the user's arms, having a handgrip 58a for the left hand of user 100 and a handgrip 58b for the right hand. Each handgrip 58a, 58b, is, in particular, mounted rotatable with respect to handlebar 50 and is constrained at one end 81a, 82a, of a corresponding returning cable 81, 82 having the other end 81b, 82b, constrained to the rudder 25 of a watercraft 1. Therefore, rotating the handles 58a and 58b in a determined way, for example clockwise (figure 12) , the user causes the rotation of rudder 25 towards the right, whereas rotating the handles 58a and 58b in the opposite direction, for example towards counterclockwise, the user causes the rotation of the rudder 25 towards left.

Handlebar 50, furthermore, is provided adjustable in height, for example obtaining a telescopic matching between a frame 54, integral to support 55 of handlebars 58a and 58b, and a support structure for arms 53 constrained to watercraft 1.

Handlebar 50, at base 53, has a hinge 300, for example of self-locking type, which allows to it the rotation about an axis 201 with respect to watercraft 1 (figure 11) . In particular, the base 53 can be arranged at a desired angle desired with respect to the support plane 2 or completely tilted. In this case, handlebar 50 is arranged in a housing 150 determined in the support plane 2, in order to arrange it in a position of not encumbrance . Watercraft 1 can be, furthermore, provide a seat 60 comprising a seat member 61 for user 100 (figure 3) . As shown in figures 17 and 18, seat member 61 can be for example mounted on a frame 62 movable selectively between a first position, in which seat member 61 is arranged substantially horizontal to the support plane 2 of watercraft 1, and a second position, in which seat member 61 is arranged at an angle with respect to the support plane 2 of watercraft 1, in order to cause user 100 to arrange itself in a lying position, or partially lying. The rotation of the frame 62 with respect to watercraft 1 can be, for example, made by a hinge 65 of self-locking type. Seat member 61 can be, furthermore, provided movable with respect to the support for the user' s arm 62 in order to be raised/lowered with respect to the support plane 2 of watercraft 1. More in detail, the seat 62 can be connected to a rod 63 slidingly mounted in a housing 64 determined in the frame 62.

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 support plane and comprising a propelling unit operated by a user by means of pedals with movements like a "step" sporting equipment, said pedals being connected to said propelling unit by actuating means engaged to said watercraft, said actuating means moving in a plane orthogonal to said support plane, characterised in that said pedals are movable selectively between an operating position, in which they move alternately towards/away from this support plane, and a position of minimum encumbrance, where it is located either below or at the same level of said support plane, housed within said plabe, and a position of minimum encumbrance with respect to said support plane.

2. Watercraft, according to claim 1, wherein means are provided for handling said pedals adapted to arrange them selectively in the operating position or in the position of minimum encumbrance for the support plane.

3. Watercraft, according to claim 1, wherein means are provided for shifting the pedals adapted to allow an alternated movement of the pedals in a direction orthogonal to the support plane, said means for shifting the pedals comprising a pulley equipped with a groove in which a cable engages having an end constrained to a first pedal and the other end constrained to a second pedal.

4. Watercraft, according to claim 3, wherein said pulley is movable along a direction substantially orthogonal to said support plane between a first position, in which said pedals take said operating position, and a second position, in which said pedals take said position of minimum encumbrance with respect to said support plane.

5. Watercraft, according to claim 1, wherein n support element is provided for the user' s arm, capable of standing in a position rigidly integral to said watercraft, said support for the user's arms assisting the action of the user on the pedals.

6. Watercraft, according to claim 4, wherein said support for the user' s arms is hinged at an end thereof to said watercraft, said support for the user's arms being capable of rotating with respect to said support plane up to cause a full tilting and means being provided for stopping said hinge adapted to block the rotation once achieved a measured inclination of said support for the user' s arms with respect to said support plane.

7. Watercraft, according to claim 6, wherein a housing is provided determined in said support plane of said watercraft wherein said support for the user' s arms is housed when is completely tilted, said support for the user' s arms being movable selectively between a position of use, where it is substantially orthogonal to the support plane of said watercraft, and a rest position, where said support for the user's arms is housed in said housing.

8. Watercraft, according to claim 6, wherein said tilting step of said support for the user' s arms causes said movable pulley to move to said second position, whereby it is possible to release completely said support plane of said watercraft simply acting on said support for the user's arm.

9. Watercraft, according to claim 8, wherein said movable pulley is constrained at one end of a inextensible cable sliding on a fixed pulley, said cable having the other end fixed and a tensing cable being provided adapted to tense/slacken said inextensible cable for causing the movement of said movable pulley from said first to said second position, or vice-versa.

10. Watercraft, according to claim 9, wherein said movable pulley is constrained at one end of an inextensible cable sliding on a first fixed pulley, said cable having the other end constrained to a point capable of moving with respect to the axis of a second fixed pulley to which it engages with freedom of movement, said first and said second fixed pulley having rotation axes substantially parallel, such that moving said end of said cable with respect to said axis causes the movement of said movable pulley from said first to said second position, or vice-versa.

11. Watercraft, according to claim 3, wherein said support for the user' s arms is operatively connected to means for orienting the pull generated by said propelling unit in response to an action exerted on said pedals from said user.

12. Watercraft, according to claim 11, wherein said means for orienting the pushing direction of said propelling unit comprises: — a handlebar having at least one handgrip capable of rotating with respect to it;

- a cable having an end constrained to said handgrip and the other end constrained to the rudder of the watercraft, whereby it is possible to rotate the rudder in one direction, or in the opposite direction, rotating the handgrip in the corresponding way.

13. Watercraft, according to claim 11, wherein said means for orienting the pushing direction of said propelling unit comprises:

- a second cable having an end constrained to the handgrip for the left hand and the other end constrained to said rudder;

Said user causing the rotation of said rudder in one direction, or in the opposite direction, by a rotation of said handgrips in the corresponding way with respect to said handlebar.

14. Watercraft, according to claim 11, wherein is provided a seat for said user, wherein said seat comprises a seat member movable selectively between a working position, wherein said seat is arranged substantially horizontal to the support plane of the watercraft, and an at an angle position, wherein said seat is at an angle at an angle determined with respect to the support plane of the watercraft, allowing a lying position, or semi-lying to the user.

15. Watercraft, according to claim 14, wherein said seat comprises a support frame for said seat, said support frame being pivotally connected at one end to said watercraft, such that said seat can be inclined at said angle desired with respect to said support plane.

16. Watercraft, according to claim 7, wherein said seat is slidingly arranged with respect to the support for the user' s arm in order to be approached/withdrawn with respect to the support plane of the watercraft.

17. Watercraft, according to claim 1, wherein said actuating means comprises: - a pushing rod connected to each pedal,

- an arm connected to said pushing rod at one end and having the other end pivotally connected to the watercraft, said arm causing the rotation of said pushing rod about a plane substantially perpendicular to said support plane;

- flippers propelling means extending from said arm.

18. Watercraft, according to claim 18, wherein said flippers propelling means are directly adjacent to said pushing rod.

19. Watercraft, according to claim 15, wherein each pushing rod has a shape comprising a central portion substantially orthogonal to said connecting arm and a bent end at which said pedal is arranged.

20. Watercraft, according to claim 1, characterised in that it provides a hull comprising two side floating portions and a central lowered portion.

21. Watercraft, according to claim 21, wherein said central lowered portion is slotted and has a housing in which said actuating means are housed.