WO2018006081A1

WO2018006081A1 - Fluid pumping system for waterjet propelled apparatuses

Info

Publication number: WO2018006081A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/040531
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ryan LORENCE
Original assignee: Flydive, Inc.
Priority date: 2016-06-30
Filing date: 2017-06-30
Publication date: 2018-01-04

Abstract

A water pumping system for a personal mobility waterjet propelled flying apparatus has a water pressure source configured to produce a waterjet. A first hose has a first diameter and is connected downstream to the water pressure source. A second hose has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and is connected in series with and downstream to the first hose. A personal mobility waterjet propelled apparatus is connected downstream to the second hose, and configured to thrust a person into the air via a pressurized waterjet supplied by the second hose.

Description

Fluid Pumping System For Waterjet Propelled Apparatuses

Cross-References to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial Number 62/356,721 filed June 30, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a water pumping system for waterborne personal mobility waterjet propelled apparatuses.

Background of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a water pumping system for waterborne personal mobility water jet propelled apparatuses. The water jet apparatuses are powered by water pressure to make the users airborne, by forcing pressurized water up a flexible water channel to a device which inverts the direction of the water, and accelerates it out of jet nozzles. The resulting force of this water jet is used to lift a person, or "flyer" above the water's surface, and allows them maneuverability to maintain and control stable flight above the water, or dive below the water's surface.

[0003] In previous technology, the primary source of pressurized water has come from a powered watercraft (PWC), modified for waterborne personal mobility apparatuses. PWCs are expensive to own, and maintain, and are not a very efficient source of pressurized water. The present invention improves the efficiency and reduces the initial and recurring cost of a water pumping system, and makes the sport of personal waterborne waterjet flight accessible to a larger audience, whether or not they own a PWC.

Brief Summary of Embodiments of the Invention

[0004] A water pumping system for a personal mobility waterjet propelled flying apparatus has a water pressure source configured to produce a waterjet. A first hose has a first diameter and is connected downstream to the water pressure source. A second hose has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and is connected in series with and downstream to the first hose. A personal mobility waterjet propelled apparatus is connected downstream to the second hose, and configured to thrust a person into the air via a pressurized waterjet supplied by the second hose.

[0005] In a variant, the water pressure source is housed on a movable cart. The cart has a mechanism for locomotion, such as a wheel or is placed on a track. The pumping system has a swivel connector between the first and second hose, configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose. An anchoring system has an anchored point submerged in a body of water anchored to a bottom of the body of water. At least one line is connected from the anchored point to a point on the first hose and is configured to hold the first hose submerged at the point where the line meets the first hose.

[0006] In another variant of the pumping system, the anchored point comprises a loop, and the line passes through the loop and is connected to a stationary object. The loop is releasable from the bottom of the body of water so that the line can be pulled from the stationary object, which will pull the hose to the stationary object, such as a dock.

[0007] In a further variant, the mechanism for locomotion is a set of wheels or a track or rail.

[0008] In yet another variant, the water pressure source comprises an unsealed floating buoy that houses a water pump and motor. A swivel connector is disposed between the first and second hose and is configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose. An anchoring system has an anchored point submerged in a body of water anchored to a bottom of the body of water and is disposed on floor of the body of water. At least one line is connected from the anchored point to a point on the buoy to hold the buoy in position on the body of water.

[0009] In still a further variant, the anchored point comprises a loop and the at least one line passes through the loop and is connected to a stationary object. The loop is releasable from the bottom of the body of water so that the line can be pulled from the stationary object, which will pull the buoy to the stationary object.

[0010] In a variant of the pumping system, the at least one line is of sufficient length to permit the buoy to float on the surface of the body of water. [0011] In another variant, the water pressure source comprises a sealed and submerged buoy that houses a water pump and motor. A swivel connector is disposed between the first and second hose, configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose. An anchoring system, has an anchored point submerged in a body of water anchored to a bottom of the body of water, and at least one line connected from the anchored point to a point on the buoy to hold the buoy in position on the body of water.

[0012] In a further variant, the at least one line is of a length to prevent the buoy from floating to the surface of the body of water.

[0013] In yet another variant, the anchored point comprises a loop, and the at least one line passes through the loop and is connected to a stationary object. The loop is releasable from the bottom of the body of water so that the line can be pulled from the stationary object, which will pull the buoy to the stationary object.

[0014] In still a further variant, the water pressure source is disposed inside a drivable platform having a steering component and a drive component for maneuvering the platform in a body of water. The pumping system has a third hose having a third diameter, larger than the first diameter. The third hose is connected downstream to the water pressure source and upstream to the first hose and feeding the first hose. A first swivel connector is connected between the third hose and the first hose and is configured to permit rotation of the first hose independent to the third hose. A second swivel connector is disposed between the first and second hose, and is configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose.

[0015] In a variant of the pumping system, a stationary platform is fixed to the floor of the body of water. A third hose is connected to the platform and has a third diameter, larger than the first diameter. The third hose is connected downstream to the water pressure source and upstream to the first hose and feeding the second hose. A first swivel connector is connected between the third hose and the first hose and is configured to permit rotation of the first hose independent to the third hose. A second swivel connector is disposed between the first and second hose, and is configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose.

[0016] In another variant of the pumping system, the water pressure source is disposed inside the platform. In a further variant, the water pressure source is disposed offsite to the platform, and pressurized water is delivered to the platform via an inlet.

[0017] In still a further variant, the water pressure source comprises an unsealed floating buoy that houses a water pump and motor, not tethered to anything.

[0018] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims attached hereto.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] The present invention, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the invention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

[0020] Some of the figures included herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention from different viewing angles. Although the accompanying descriptive text may refer to such views as "top," "bottom" or "side" views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply or require that the invention be implemented or used in a particular spatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a diagram of fluid pumping system.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a diagram of fluid pumping system with an anchoring system and the water pressure source disposed on a cart. [0023] Fig. 3 is a diagram of the cart.

[0024] Fig. 4 is a diagram of fluid pumping system with a tethered surface floating buoy housing the water pressure source.

[0025] Fig. 5 is a diagram of fluid pumping system with a submerged floating buoy housing the water pressure source.

[0026] Fig. 6 is a diagram of fluid pumping system with an untethered surface floating buoy housing the water pressure source.

[0027] Fig. 7 is a diagram of fluid pumping system on a movable platform.

[0028] Fig. 8 is a diagram of fluid pumping system on a stationary platform.

[0029] The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments of the Invention

[0030] The following reference numerals are used throughout this document:

5 waterjet propelled flying apparatus

10 Small diameter rotational hose bearing and quick release connector 15 Small Flight Hose (smaller diameter, 4-5 inches diameter, 40-80 feet length)

25 Optional strain relief wrap

30 Hose coupler and pivot with propulsion nozzle on opposite side from flight hose

35 Medium Extension Hose (5-8inches diameter, 30-100 feet in length) 40 Swiveling coupler from fixed source

45 Specialized water pumping system, designed to be used with many power delivery sources in the following variants

50 Power Source which may be fuel based or electric

55 Rolling cart to transport water pump and power source

60 Anchoring System

70 Unsealed floating buoy housing pump and motor

75 Sealed and submerged buoy housing pump and motor

80 Custom boat with integrated motor and pump

85 Multi-user water splitting connector with flow control valves on each branch, and blowoff valve at center

90 Large Supply Hose (8 inch-18inch diameter 60-500 feet length) 95 Collapsible platform for entering and exiting water 100 viewing/control platform 105 intake hose

[0031] The present invention relates to a water pumping system for waterborne personal mobility water jet propelled apparatuses. The water jet apparatus are powered by water pressure to make the users airborne.

[0032] In variant, referring to Fig. 1, a water pumping system for a personal mobility waterjet propelled flying apparatus 5 has a water pressure source 45 configured to produce a waterjet. A medium extension hose (first hose) 35 has a diameter of optionally between 5-8 inches for example (first diameter) and is 30-100 feet in length for example and is connected downstream to the water pressure source 45. A small diameter hose 15 (second hose) has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, for example between 4-5 inches and is 40-80 feet in length, and is connected in series with and downstream to the first hose 35. A personal mobility waterjet propelled apparatus 5 is connected downstream to the second hose 35 at a small diameter rotational hose bearing and quick release connector 10. The waterjet propelled apparatus is configured to thrust a person into the air via a pressurized waterjet supplied to it by the second hose 35.

[0033] Optionally, a hose coupler 30 and pivot is disposed between the first and second hose with a propulsion nozzle on an opposite side from the second hose. Optionally, the coupler 30 is a static bend locked at an angle between 70 and 110 degrees. Optionally, the coupler 30 is a flexible pivot with a range of 0-90 degrees about either 1 or 2 axes. Optionally, a strain relief wrap 25 is disposed on the on the second hose near the coupler 30.

[0034] In a variant, referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the water pressure source 45 is a specialized water pumping system, designed to be used with many power delivery sources and is housed on a movable cart 55 having a power source and an inlet hose 105 for intaking water to the pump from a body of water. The cart 55 has a mechanism for locomotion, such as wheel or is placed on a track. The pumping system has a swivel connector 30 between the first 35 and second hose 15, configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose. An anchoring system 60 has an anchored point submerged in a body of water anchored to a bottom 68 of the body of water. At least one line 58 is connected from the anchored point 62 to a point on the first hose and is configured to hold the first hose submerged at the point where the line meets the first hose.

[0035] In another variant of the pumping system, the anchored point 62 comprises a loop, and the line 58 passes through the loop and is connected to a stationary object, such as s dock. The loop is releasable from the bottom 68 of the body of water so that the line can be pulled from the stationary object, which will pull the hose to the stationary object, such as a dock. Optionally, the mechanism for locomotion is a set of wheels or a track or a rail. [0036] In yet another variant, referring to Fig. 4, the water pressure source 45 comprises an unsealed floating buoy 70 that houses a water pump and motor 50 which may be a power source that is either fuel or electric based. A swivel connector 30 is disposed between the first 35 and second hose 15 and is configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose. An anchoring system 60 has an anchored point 62 submerged in a body of water 64 anchored to a bottom 68 of the body of water and is disposed on floor 68 of the body of water. A line 58 is connected from the anchored point to a point on the buoy to hold the buoy 70 in position on the body of water.

[0037] In still a further variant, the anchored point comprises a loop 62 and the line passes through the loop and is connected to a stationary object. The loop is releasable from the bottom of the body of water so that the line can be pulled from the stationary object, which will pull the buoy to the stationary object.

[0038] In a variant of the pumping system, the line 58 is of sufficient length to permit the buoy to float on the surface 66 of the body of water 64.

[0039] In another variant, referring to Fig. 5, the water pressure source comprises a sealed and submerged buoy 75 that houses a water pump and motor. A swivel connector is disposed between the first and second hose, configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose. An anchoring system, has an anchored point submerged in a body of water anchored to a bottom of the body of water, and at least one line connected from the anchored point to a point on the buoy to hold the buoy in position on the body of water. In a further variant, the at least one line is of a length to prevent the buoy from floating to the surface of the body of water.

[0040] In yet another variant, the anchored point comprises a loop, and the at least one line passes through the loop and is connected to a stationary object. The loop is releasable from the bottom of the body of water so that the line can be pulled from the stationary object, which will pull the buoy to the stationary object.

[0041] In still a further variant, referring to Fig. 7, the water pressure source is disposed inside a drivable platform 80 or boat having a steering component and a drive component for maneuvering the platform in a body of water. A pump may be configured to send water to either the steering and thrust nozzle, or to a hose connector outlet connect to first 35 and second hoses 15. The pumping system has a large supply hose 90 (third hose) having for example a 8 inch-18inch diameter and 60-500 foot length, and having a third diameter, larger than the first diameter of the first hose. The third hose is connected downstream to the water pressure source and upstream to the first hose and feeding the first hose. A first swivel connector is connected between the third hose and the first hose and is configured to permit rotation of the first hose independent to the third hose. A second swivel connector is disposed between the first and second hose, and is configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose. [0042] In a variant of the pumping system, referring to Fig. 8, a stationary platform is fixed to the floor of the body of water. The platform 95 is collapsible and is for entering and exiting water and has viewing and control platform 100. A third hose 90 is connected to the platform and has a third diameter, larger than the first diameter. The third hose is connected downstream to the water pressure source and upstream to the first hose and feeding the second hose. A first swivel connector is connected between the third hose and the first hose and is configured to permit rotation of the first hose independent to the third hose. A second swivel connector is disposed between the first and second hose, and is configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose.

[0043] In another variant of the pumping system, the water pressure source is disposed inside the platform. In a further variant, the water pressure source is disposed offsite to the platform, and pressurized water is delivered to the platform via an inlet.

[0044] In still a further variant, referring to Fig. 6, the water pressure source comprises an unsealed floating buoy that houses a water pump and motor, not tethered to anything.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A water pumping system, for a personal mobility waterjet propelled flying apparatus, comprising: a water pressure source configured to produce a waterjet; a first hose having a first diameter connected downstream to the water pressure source;

a second hose having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, connected in series with and downstream to the first hose;

a personal mobility waterjet propelled apparatus, connected downstream to the second hose, and configured to thrust a person into the air via a pressurized waterjet supplied by the second hose.

2. The pumping system of claim 1, wherein: the water pressure source is housed on a movable cart, the cart having a mechanism for locomotion;

the pumping system further comprises:

a swivel connector between the first and second hose, configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose;

an anchoring system, having an anchored point submerged in a body of water anchored to a bottom of the body of water, and at least one line connected from the anchored point to a point on the first hose configured to hold the first hose submerged at the point where the line meets the first hose.

3. The pumping system of claim 2, wherein the anchored point comprises a loop, and the at least one line passes through the loop and is connected to a stationary object; and wherein the loop is releasable from the bottom of the body of water so that the line can be pulled from the stationary object, which will pull the hose to the stationary object.

4. The pumping system of claim 2, wherein the mechanism for locomotion is a set of wheels.

5. The pumping system of claim 1, wherein the water pressure source comprises an unsealed floating buoy that houses a water pump and motor; wherein the pumping system further comprises: a swivel connector between the first and second hose, configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose; an anchoring system, having an anchored point submerged in a body of water anchored to a bottom of the body of water, and at least one line connected from the anchored point to a point on the buoy to hold the buoy in position on the body of water.

6. The pumping system of claim 5, wherein the anchored point comprises a loop, and the at least one line passes through the loop and is connected to a stationary object; and wherein the loop is releasable from the bottom of the body of water so that the line can be pulled from the stationary object, which will pull the buoy to the stationary object.

7. The pumping system of claim 5, wherein the at least one line is of sufficient length to permit the buoy to float on the surface of the body of water.

8. The pumping system of claim 1, wherein the water pressure source comprises a sealed and submerged buoy that houses a water pump and motor; wherein the pumping system further comprises: a swivel connector between the first and second hose, configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose; an anchoring system, having an anchored point submerged in a body of water anchored to a bottom of the body of water, and at least one line connected from the anchored point to a point on the buoy to hold the bouy in position on the body of water.

9. The pumping system of claim 8, wherein the at least one line is of a length to prevent the buoy from floating to the surface of the body of water.

10. The pumping system of claim 8, wherein the anchored point comprises a loop, and the at least one line passes through the loop and is connected to a stationary object; and wherein the loop is releasable from the bottom of the body of water so that the line can be pulled from the stationary object, which will pull the buoy to the stationary object.

11. The pumping system of claim 1, wherein the water pressure source is disposed inside a drivable platform having a steering component and a drive component for maneuvering the platform in a body of water, the platform comprising: a third hose having a third diameter, larger than the first diameter, the third hose connected downstream to the water pressure source and immediately upstream to the first hose and feeding the first hose; first hose configured to permit rotation of the first hose

independent to the third hose; a second swivel connector between the first and second hose, configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose.

12. The pumping system of claim 1, further comprising a stationary platform comprising: a third hose having a third diameter, larger than the first diameter, the third hose connected downstream to the water pressure source and upstream to the first hose and feeding the first hose; a first swivel connector connected between thefirst second hose independent to the third hose;

a second swivel connector between the first and second hose, configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose.

13. The pumping system of claim 12, wherein the water pressure source is disposed inside the platform.

14. The pumping system of claim 12, wherein the water pressure source is disposed offsite of the platform, and pressurized water is delivered to the platform via an inlet.

15. The pumping system of claim 1, further comprising a third hose having a third diameter, larger than the second diameter, the third hose connected downstream to the water pressure source and upstream to the second hose and feeding the second hose; a first swivel connector connected between the third hose and the second hose configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the third hose;

16. The pumping system of claim 1, wherein the water pressure source comprises an unsealed floating buoy that houses a water pump and motor; wherein the pumping system further comprises a swivel connector between the first and second hose, configured to permit rotation of the second hose independent to the first hose.