WO2010094045A1

WO2010094045A1 - Water vessel with propulsion system

Info

Publication number: WO2010094045A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/024328
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Bruce Cameron; Kenneth Jay Hall
Original assignee: Freedom Hawk Kayaks Llc
Priority date: 2009-02-16
Filing date: 2010-02-16
Publication date: 2010-08-19

Abstract

A propulsion system includes a drive housing, a drive sprocket rotatably mounted within the housing and a driven sprocket rotatably mounting within the housing and interconnected to the drive sprocket. The propulsion system further includes first and second pedals interconnected to the drive sprocket for rotating the drive sprocket. First and second drive shafts are interconnected to the driven sprocket. First and second propellers interconnected to the first and second drive shafts, respectively.

Description

WATER VESSEL WITH PROPULSION SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/152,884 filed on February 16, 2009. This related application is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a water vessel and more particularly relates to a water vessel with a propulsion system.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Fishing from small water vessels has become increasing popular. For example, fishing from a kayak presents many benefits, especially in small, shallow water locations. Kayaks and similar water vessels are maneuverable and by their nature can easily access remote areas. While the ability to easily maneuver kayaks and similar water craft may present benefits in certain environments, certain applications may benefit from a propulsion system for propelling the water craft.

SUMMARY

[0004] According to one particular application, the present teachings provide a propulsion system for a water vessel. The propulsion system includes a drive housing, a drive sprocket rotatably mounted within the housing and a driven sprocket rotatably mounting within the housing and interconnected to the drive sprocket. The propulsion system further includes first and second pedals interconnected to the drive sprocket for rotating the drive sprocket. First and second drive shafts are interconnected to the driven sprocket. First and second propellers are interconnected to the first and second drive shafts, respectively. [0005] According to another particular application, the present teachings provide a propulsion system for a water vessel. The propulsion system includes a drive arrangement for receiving a source of power to rotate an output shaft. First and second drive shafts are interconnected to the drive shaft for rotation therewith. First and second propellers are interconnected to the first and second drive shafts, respectively. A clutching arrangement selectively and mechanically decouples at least the first drive shaft from the output shaft of the drive arrangement.

[0006] According to yet another particular application, the present teachings provide a propulsion system for a water vessel. The propulsion system includes a drive housing and first and second electric motors mounted within the drive housing. First and second drive shafts are interconnected to the first and second drive motors, respectively. First and second propellers are interconnected to the first and second drive shafts, respectively. The first and second electric motors are independently controllable for steering the water vessel.

[0007] Further areas of applicability of the present teachings will become apparent from the detailed description and the appended claims provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description includes specific examples and various embodiments of the present teachings but it is not intended to limit the scope of the teachings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present teachings will become more fully understood from the detailed description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings in which the various elements are drawn to scale, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a water vessel including a propulsion system in accordance with the present teachings.

[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the propulsion system of Figure 1 shown removed from the water vessel for purposes of illustration.

[0011] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 1 illustrating attachment of the propulsion system to the water vessel. [0012] Figure 4 is an illustration of the pedal drive arrangement of the propulsion system of Figure 1. [0013] Figure 4B is an illustration of a portion of the pedal drive arrangement of Figure 4 illustrating another sprocket arrangement in accordance with the present teachings.

[0014] Figure 5 is an illustration of one of the propellers of the propulsion system of Figure 1.

[0015] Figure 6 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 , illustrating another propulsion system in accordance with the present teachings.

[0016] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the propulsion system of Figure 6 shown removed from the water vessel for purposes of illustration. [0017] Figure 8 is an illustration of the electric drive arrangement of the propulsion system of Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS ASPECTS [0018] The following description of the various embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present teachings, their application, or uses.

[0019] Turning generally to Figures 1 through 5 of the drawings, a drive arrangement for a water vessel constructed in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 10. As shown in the environmental view of Figure 1 , the drive arrangement 10 may be particularly adapted for a water vessel in the form of a kayak 12. The present teachings, however, will be understood to have application for other types of water vessels, including but not limited to, sea kayaks, river kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft. One suitable kayak is shown and described in further detail in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 7,124,702. U.S. Patent No. 7,124,702 is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0020] Prior to addressing the details of the propulsion system 10, a brief understanding of the exemplary water craft 10 illustrated in the drawings is warranted. Again, further detail concerning the water craft or kayak 12 is provided in U.S. Patent No. 7,124,702. The kayak 12 generally includes a hull 14. The hull 14 defines a cockpit 16 for a passenger or occupant (not shown). Within a rear part of the cockpit 16, a seat 18 is provided of the passenger. When the kayak 12 is in transit, the passenger or occupant will typically be seated on the seat 18 with his or her legs extending forwardly.

[0021] In a manner to be discussed further below, the propulsion system 10 is shown removably mounted to the hull 14 of the water vessel 12. The propulsion system 10 is generally illustrated to include a sprocket assembly

20 for transferring torque from a pair of pedals 22 to a pair of drive shafts 24. In turn, the drive shafts 24 rotate a pair of propellers 25.

[0022] The sprocket assembly 20 includes a housing 26. The housing 26 may be defined by a pair of substantially identical housing portions 26A and 26B that are suitably secured to one another. Securement may be with fasteners, welding or any other manner well known in the art. The housing 26 may be a watertight housing.

[0023] Mounted within the housing 26 are a first or drive sprocket 28 and a second or driven sprocket 30. The first and second sprockets 28 and 30 are connected by a chain (schematically shown at reference character 32). In the embodiment illustrated, the first sprocket 28 is larger than the second sprocket 30, thereby providing greater output rotation relative to input rotation. In one particular application, the ratio of the drive sprocket 28 to the driven sprocket 30 is at least 2/1. In another particular application, the ratio of the drive sprocket 28 to the driven sprocket 30 is at least 3/1.

[0024] It will be understood that the particular sprocket arrangement may be varied within the scope of the present teachings. For example, a second sprocket arrangement is shown in Figure 4B. In this particular arrangement, in which like reference numbers are used to identify components similar to the arrangement of Figure 4, an intermediate sprocket set 33 is provided between the drive sprocket 28 and the driven sprocket 30. The intermediate sprocket set 33 includes a first intermediate sprocket 35 and a second intermediate sprocket 37 mounted for common rotation on a shaft 39. The first intermediate sprocket 35 is substantially smaller in size compared to the second intermediate sprocket 37. The first intermediate sprocket 35 is driven by the drive sprocket 28 by the chain 32. Similarly, second intermediate sprocket 37 drives the driven sprocket 30 by a chain 32. The intermediate sprocket set 33 further increases the drive ratio of the sprocket arrangement.

[0025] The first sprocket 28 is mounted to a first shaft 32 that is rotatably supported within the housing 26. Suitable bearings (not shown) may be provided between the housing and the first shaft 32. Pedal cranks 34 may be secured to opposite ends of the first shaft 32. The pedals 22 may be rotatably secured to the pedal cranks 34 in a conventional manner. The second sprocket

30 is similarly mounted to a second shaft 36 that is rotatably supported within the housing 26. Again, suitable bearings (not shown) may be provided between the housing and the second shaft 36. In a manner discussed below, the ends of the second shaft 36 may be coupled to the drive shafts 24 for driving the propellers

25.

[0026] Pedal cranks 34 may be secured to opposite ends of the first shaft 32. The pedals 22 may be rotatably secured to the pedal cranks 34 in a conventional manner. The propulsion system 10 may be driven by the pedals 22 either forward or reverse.

[0027] As illustrated, the housing 26 may have a relatively narrow profile in a lateral direction. As a result, there is sufficient room on opposite lateral sides of the housing 26 to accommodate the legs of the occupant. In one particular application, the housing 26 has a significantly greater length as compared to its width.

[0028] The drive shafts 24 may be flexible drive shafts 24. The flexible drive shafts 24 may be disposed in tubes 36. A first end of each tube 36 may be disposed proximate the housing 20 and a second end of each tube 36 may be disposed adjacent a respective propeller 25. The tubes 36 may be constructed of aluminum or other suitable material. In this manner, the rotating, flexible drive shafts 24 may be protected.

[0029] The second sprocket 30 may be interconnected to at least one of the drive shafts 24 through a clutching arrangement 40. The clutching arrangement is particularly shown in Figure 4. In the embodiment illustrated, only one of the drive shafts 24 is connected to the second sprocket 30 through the clutching arrangement 40. It will be understood, however, that both sides may be similarly interconnected with a clutching arrangement 40. Clutching of the two drive shafts 24 may be done independently.

[0030] The clutching arrangement 40 may include a disconnect fitting 42. The disconnect fitting 42 may be normally coupled to an end 44 of the second shaft 36 for rotation therewith. In this regard, the end 44 may be hexagonal in shape and may be received within a hexagonal opening 46 at a first end 48 of the disconnect fitting 42. Of course, other geometries may be employed within the scope of the present teachings for purposes of non-rotatably coupling the end 44 and the fitting 42. [0031] A second end 50 of the disconnect fitting 42 may be coupled to the flexible shaft 24 for rotation therewith. In the embodiment illustrated, the second end 50 of the fitting 42 defines a flange 52 and a male extension 54. The male extension 54 may be telescopically received within the opening 46 of the first end 48. The first end 48 may include a flange 56. Travel of the first end 48 relative to the second end 50 is shown by double arrow A.

[0032] A biasing element 58 may be disposed between the flanges 52 and 56 and functions to normally bias the disconnect fitting 42 into engagement with the end 44 of the second shaft 36. The biasing member may be a coil spring 58 surrounding the male extension 54. In this manner, torque is normally transmitted from the second sprocket 30 to the flexible drive shaft 24. The second end 50 may be rotatably supported within an opening 60 of a bracket 62 fixed carried relative to the water vessel 12.

[0033] The disconnect fitting 42 may controlled by a cam member or cam arm 64. The cam arm 64 may include a first end 66 and a second end 68. The first end 66 may be rotatably coupled directly or indirectly to the water vessel 12. Movement of the cam arm 64 about the first end 66 for purposes of operating the disconnect fitting 42 is illustrated by double arrow B. The second end 68 may selectively engage the flange 56 of the disconnect fitting 42 for purposes of displacing the first end 42 from the end 44 of the second shaft 36. [0034] Movement of the cam arm 64 may be manually controlled. As illustrated, the cam arm 64 may be controlled by a lever 68. The lever 68 may include an end 70 mounted to the water vessel 12 for relative rotation. Movement of the lever 68 is illustrated by double arrow C. The lever 68 may be coupled to the cam arm 64 by a wire 72. Rotation of the lever 68 in a clockwise direction, for example, causes corresponding rotation of the cam arm 64 in a clockwise direction. With the clutching arrangement 40, the water vessel 12 may be controlled without the use of a traditional rudder.

[0035] With particular reference to Figure 5, the propellers 25 are normally coupled to the flexible drive shaft 24 through one or more O-rings 80. The O-rings 80 are under compression. As illustrated, the end of the flexible drive shaft 24 is received within an opening 82 defined by the propeller 25. A fastener 84 engages a fitting 86 that retains the O-rings 80 relative to the flexible drive shaft 24. The opening 82 is slightly undersized relative to the O-rings, thereby resulting in compression of the O-rings. In this manner, a friction coupling between the flexible drive shaft 24 and the propeller 25 is established. This connection provides sufficient friction to drive the propeller under normal propulsion mode. However, if the propeller 25 encounters an obstruction of some sort (log, lake bottom, etc..) the propeller 25 can stop turning and the flexible drive shaft 24 may still rotate without sheering any of the drive components.

[0036] With particular reference to Figure 3, an exemplary mounting of the propulsion system 10 to the water vessel 12 will be described. For purposes of removably mounting the system 10 to the water vessel 12, the system may include a mounting member or rod 88. The mounting rod 88 may extend laterally across the water vessel 12 and may be coupled to the tubes 36 through suitable brackets 90.

[0037] Mounting brackets 92 (one of which is shown in Figure 3) may be secured to opposite lateral sides of the water vessel 12. As illustrated, the mounting brackets 92 may be secured with fasteners 94. Each bracket 92 may include a base 98 and a cap 100. The base 98 and cap 100 may cooperate to define an opening 102 for receiving the rod 88. Threaded fasteners 104 may extend through openings 106 in the cap 100 and engage threaded holes 108 in the base. In this manner, the propulsion system 10 may be quickly and easily mounted to and removed from the water vessel 12. [0038] Turning to Figures 6 through 8, another propulsion system in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 200. The propulsion system will be understood to be a powered drive arrangement. It will be understood that the drive arrangement may be conventionally powered with one or more batteries (not particularly shown) carried in the water vessel 12. Like reference characters have been used to identify elements similar between the propulsion system 10 and the propulsion system 200.

[0039] The propulsion system 200 is generally illustrated to include a housing 202. The housing 202 may be defined by a pair of substantially identical housing portions 202A and 202B that are suitably secured to one another. Securement may be with fasteners (as illustrated), welding or any other manner well known in the art. The housing 202 may be a watertight housing.

[0040] The propulsion system 200 may further include a pair of twin electric motors 204 disposed in the housing 202. Each motor 204 may be dedicated to direct drive one of the pair of flexible shaft drives 24 that control the respective propellers 25. The twin motors 204 enable a right and a left propeller 25 to rotate in opposite direction, if desired, and thereby turn the water vessel 12 on axis. Alternatively, one motor 204 may be powered while the other motor 204 may be briefly "off" to change direction of water vessel 12. This arrangement may provide an ability to steer the water vessel 12 without use of a traditional rudder. In certain applications, however, a traditional rudder may additionally be incorporated.

[0041] The motors 204 may be controlled through a remote control unit 206. The remote control unit 206 may be mounted to the water vessel 12 in any position accessible by the occupant when the occupant is seated in the cockpit 16. The remote control unit 206 may conventionally include controls for independently controlling the motors 204 in the manner discussed above. In this regard, the remote control unit 206 may be operated to independently turn the motors 204 on and off and also to operate both motors 204 in both forward and reverse. [0042] Accordingly, the present teachings provide embodiments of a propulsion system that may be quickly and easily mounted to a water vessel 12.

The embodiments 10 and 200 may be original equipment with the water vessel

12 or the water vessel 12 may be easily retrofitted. The embodiments 10 and 200 may be light weight.

[0043] Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings may be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while the present teachings have been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the present teachings should not be so limited because other modifications will become apparent to the practitioner upon a study of the drawings and the specification.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A propulsion system for a water vessel, the propulsion system comprising: a drive housing; a drive sprocket rotatably mounted within the housing; a driven sprocket rotatably mounting within the housing and interconnected to the drive sprocket; first and second pedals interconnected to the drive sprocket for rotating the drive sprocket. first and second drive shafts interconnected to the driven sprocket; and first and second propellers interconnected to the first and second drive shafts, respectively.

2. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 1 , further comprising a clutching arrangement for selectively decoupling the driven sprocket from at least one of the drive shafts.

3. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 1 , in combination with the water vessel.

4. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 3, in which the propulsion system is removably coupled to the water vessel.

5. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 4, further comprising a mounting arrangement, the mounting arrangement including a mounting rod laterally extending across the water vessel and secured to the water vessel with a pair of mounting brackets.

6. A propulsion system for a water vessel comprising: a drive arrangement for receiving a source of power to rotate an output shaft; first and second drive shafts interconnected to the drive shaft for rotation therewith; first and second propellers interconnected to the first and second drive shafts, respectively; and a clutching arrangement for selectively and mechanically decoupling at least the first drive shaft from the output shaft of the drive arrangement.

7. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 6, wherein the drive arrangement further includes a drive housing, a drive sprocket rotatably mounted within the housing, a driven sprocket rotatably mounting within the housing and interconnected to the drive sprocket, the driven sprocket coupled for rotation with the output shaft, and first and second pedals interconnected to the drive sprocket for rotating the drive sprocket.

8. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 6, wherein the clutching arrangement includes a disconnect fitting normally coupling the output shaft and the first drive shaft.

9. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 8, wherein the disconnect fitting includes a biasing member for normally maintaining coupling between the output shaft and the first drive shaft.

10. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 8, wherein the disconnect fitting includes a first end attached to the output shaft and a second end attached to the first drive shaft.

1 1. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 8, wherein the first and second ends of the disconnect fitting are telescopically associated.

12. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 8, wherein the output shaft is configured to non-rotatably engage the first end of the disconnect fitting.

13. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 10, wherein the first end is linearly moveable relative to the second end.

14. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 10, further comprising a cam arm mountable to the water vessel for pivotal movement, the cam arm including a cam arm end engaging the first end of the disconnect fitting to displace the disconnect fitting from normally engagement with the output shaft.

15. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 14, further comprising a lever mounted to the water vessel for controlling the cam arm.

16. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 6, in combination with the water vessel.

17. A propulsion system for a water vessel comprising: a drive housing; first and second electric motors mounted within the drive housing; first and second drive shafts interconnected to the first and second drive motors, respectively; first and second propellers interconnected to the first and second drive shafts, respectively; whereby the first and second electric motors are independently controllable for steering the water vessel.

18. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 17, wherein the first and second drive shafts are flexible drive shafts.

19. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 17, in combination with the water vessel.

20. The propulsion system for a water vessel of claim 19, further comprising a mounting arrangement, the mounting arrangement including a mounting rod laterally extending across the water vessel and secured to the water vessel with a pair of mounting brackets.