A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:
a a cross-sectional elevational view of a jet pump portion of the power system shown in
a is a cross-sectional elevational view of an exhaust valve of the power system shown in
c show a watercraft similar to the watercraft shown in
In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.
The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.
The above-mentioned requirements of operability and transportability are mutually contradicting and cannot be satisfied simultaneously in the case of conventional personal watercraft. However, it is rendered possible to simultaneously satisfy these requirements to a certain extent by employing a separable component hull in consideration of the fact that a user operates the personal watercraft in a prone position.
Personal watercraft systems and watercraft power systems are described herein. The personal watercraft systems preferably include a housing for supporting a water jet engine system. The housing preferably has a pickle fork shaped hull for operation enjoyment. A pair of sponsons is removably attachable to the housing to facilitate breakdown of the watercraft system assembly into more easily transportable components. The water jet engine system has a water jacket about the engine. A cowling with a support is attached to the housing to support a torso area of an operator. A seal is disposed between the cowling and the housing for sealing the interface therebetween and absorbing impacts. A steering mechanism is connected to the personal watercraft system for allowing an operator to control the personal watercraft systems direction of travel. The steering mechanism is located below the hull and cowling for preventing inadvertent operator contact therewith. The systems provide advantages in greater operator comfort and enjoyment from operation of personal watercraft.
The personal watercraft power systems include a housing for supporting a water jet pump and engine system. The housing is constructed to support the power system and removably engage a watercraft. An engine and a centrifugal pump are enclosed in the housing and operatively connected by an endless drive, such as a belt. A crankshaft of the engine is generally aligned and offset for a pump shaft of the centrifugal pump. An impeller is connected to the pump shaft and is constructed in rotate in plane generally aligned, and preferably offset, from a plane of a water surface. The orientation of the engine and the centrifugal pump provides a watercraft power system that has a reduced profile and is particularly applicable for watercraft constructed to support an operator in a prone position. The housing is constructed to removably engage a number of watercraft configurations and provides a watercraft power system that is easily serviceable, highly versatile and dynamic.
Therefore, one embodiment of the invention includes a watercraft power system having an engine, a centrifugal pump having an inlet and a discharge, and an endless drive for operatively connecting the centrifugal pump to the engine. A housing is constructed for removably engaging a hull of a watercraft and positioned about the engine and the centrifugal pump. The housing has a first opening for being positioned about the inlet and a second opening for being positioned about the discharge such that the power system can be operatively connected to a watercraft by simply positioning the housing in a hull of a watercraft.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a watercraft power pod having an engine, a pump, and an endless drive. The engine has a piston positioned in a cylinder and connected to a crankshaft. The pump has a centrifugal impeller connected to a pump shaft oriented generally parallel to, and offset from, the crankshaft. The endless drive connects the crankshaft to the pump shaft and is generally aligned and offset from a plane of rotation of the impeller. Such an orientation provides a compact, low-profile watercraft power system.
A further embodiment of the invention includes a removable watercraft power system having a centrifugal pump, an engine, and an endless drive. The pump includes an impeller that is generally aligned with a water surface and the engine includes a cylinder that is generally aligned with the impeller. The endless drive is connected between the engine and the centrifugal pump and is generally aligned and offset from the cylinder and the impeller. A pump shaft is connected to the impeller and the endless drive and extends in a crossing direction relative to the impeller. A crankshaft is connected to the engine and the endless drive and extends in a crossing direction relative to the cylinder and is offset from the pump shaft. Such a construction provides a watercraft power system that snuggly fits within a number of watercraft configurations.
At least one float or sponson 20, 22 is removably attached to hull assembly 12. Preferably, a pair of sponsons 20, 22 form a first protrusion 24 and a second protrusion 26 on bottom side 18 of personal watercraft 10. As such, sponsons 20, 22 cooperatively form a unique shape 28 of bottom side 18. Preferably, this shape forms a generally V-shaped or a “pickle fork” shaped underside 23 of hull assembly 12. Sponsons 20, 22 are watertight and adjust the buoyancy of personal watercraft 10. Sponsons 20, 22 are preferably constructed with a lightweight waterproof construction to resist impact deterioration and water penetration thereof. Preferably, sponsons 20, 22 and hull assembly 12 are constructed of a thermoformed ABS sheet material with weatherable cap, thereby providing a lightweight and robust construction. A flotation foam is disposed within the thermoformed ABS material of sponsons 20, 22, thereby providing a lightweight sponson construction that is sufficiently rigid to withstand impacts thereof. Furthermore, pickle fork shape 28 provides user control and operation of personal watercraft 10 that is foreign to known personal watercraft. Furthermore, protrusions 24, 26 reduce operator impact associated with operation over rough water, such as wakes and/or waves. Pickle fork shape 28 formed by removable sponsons 20, 22 stabilizes operation of the personal watercraft 10 and provides a unique personal watercraft experience.
Seat 17 is preferably formed from a closed foam 30, which provides a first suspension feature 32 of the present invention. That is, seat 17 is constructed to absorb some of the impact associated with operator separation therefrom. Seat 17 is elevated a variable distance 34 above an upper surface 36 of sponsons 20, 22. A pad 38 is attached to upper surface 36 of each sponson 20, 22 and is configured to engage an operator's knees and shins or elbows and forearms providing for variable prone operator orientations.
A maneuvering system or steering mechanism 40 passes through hull assembly 12 proximate a forward portion 42 thereof. A control, e.g., a handle, or handlebar 44 is connected to personal watercraft 10 within distance 34 between topside 14 of hull assembly 12 and upper surface 36 of sponsons 20, 22. Handlebar 44 is offset from topside 14 of hull assembly 12. A throttle control 46 is preferably connected to handlebar 44 and is constructed to control an operating speed of an engine of personal watercraft 10. Rotation of handlebar 44 about a pivot 48 controls a direction of discharge of water from a water jet pump of personal watercraft 10 and thereby controls the direction of travel of personal watercraft 10 similar to a motorcycle and/or bicycle steering control. An operator can comfortably rest his or her chest upon seat 17 with their arms extended forward over sponsons 20, 22 and engaged with steering mechanism 40. As such, an operator can non-strenuously control the speed and direction of the operation of personal watercraft 10.
An optional pendant 50 is connected to personal watercraft 10 and extends above topside 14 thereof. A flag 52 is attached proximate an end 54 of optional pendant 50, thereby enhancing the visibility of personal watercraft 10 when operated upon a water surface. Hull assembly 12 also includes an optional storage compartment 56 pivotably connected thereto. Optional storage compartment 56 is pivotably connected to the hull assembly such that users thereof can conveniently store other recreational accessories, such as sunglasses and/or sunscreen. Storage compartment 56 is also constructed to retain an optional strap that is further discussed with respect to
A sleeve 84 snugly surrounds engine 60, and is constructed to have cooling water passed therebetween forming a watertight area or a water jacket 86 about engine 60. Preferably, sleeve 84 is lightweight and pliable, thereby allowing the weight of engine 60 to be reduced by removing the cooling function structure commonly associated therewith. More preferably, sleeve 84 is formed of a thermoplastic material formed around engine 60. Commonly such engines include a water jacket that is integrally formed in the engine or a plurality of fins that extend from the engine and are constructed to dissipate operational heat therefrom. Although such constructions provide a relatively robust engine, such constructions also substantially increase the weight of the watercraft. Referring back to
A securing means or pin 88, 90 is secured to each of sponsons 20, 22 and is removably engaged with personal watercraft 10. The head portion 92 of each pin 88, 90 passes through an opening 94 formed in hull assembly 12, extends into engine compartment 58, and is secured thereat. Understandably, any of the nut, hole and roll or cotter pin, or associated threaded engagement removably secures pins 88, 90 to hull assembly 12. Preferably, pins 88, 90 are toollessly attached and removed from personal watercraft 10. Head portions 92 extend through hull assembly 12 fore or aft of engine mounts 62, 64 such that an operator can conveniently and expeditiously remove sponsons 20, 22 from personal watercraft 10 when so desired.
Proximate topside 14 of personal watercraft 10, a deflector, e.g., gasket or seal 96 is disposed between seat 17 and cowling 16 and hull assembly 12. This seals a joint 97 therebetween. Seal 96 is deformable and/or deflectable such that, during operation of personal watercraft 10, seat 17 deflects in a direction, indicated by arrow 98, responsive to operator impacts therewith. Another deflector, e.g., seal 100 engages sponsons 20, 22 and functions substantially similar to seal 96. That is, seal 100 both seals the connection between hull assembly 12 and sponsons 20, 22 and absorbs a portion of the shock associated with operator impact with seat 17. Accordingly, in conjunction with first suspension feature 32, seals 96, 100 of personal watercraft 10 are constructed to provide a second suspension feature 101 for further reducing any operational impacts that may be communicated to an operator.
An oil tank or oil reservoir 124 is disposed within hull assembly 12 and includes a fill neck 126, which extends therethrough. A gas or fuel tank 128 is also disposed within housing or hull assembly 12, and also includes a fill neck 130 that extends therethrough. Oil reservoir 124 and fuel tank 128 each include a level indicator 132, 134, respectively, such as a sight tube, to indicate the fluid level contained therein. Additionally, it is further understood that hull assembly 12 includes an optional transparent portion (not shown) such that the level of oil reservoir 124 and fuel tank 128 can be assessed without disassembly or movement of any components of personal watercraft 10. Oil reservoir 124 and fuel tank 128 are operatively connected to engine 60 via a mixing valve assembly 136. Understandably, for those engine constructions wherein engine oil is contained within a reservoir of crankcase 66, mixing of engine oil with fuel is unnecessary. Mixing valve assembly 136 fluidly isolates oil reservoir 124, fuel tank 128, and engine 60 when valve assembly 136 is oriented in a “closed” position. Such a construction allows oil reservoir 124 and fuel tank 128 to be removed from personal watercraft 10 without emptying the reservoir and tank via separation of connection line 138. Accordingly, for servicing of personal watercraft 10, sponsons 20 and 22 along with the cowling 16 and seat 17 can be removed from the body or power pod 12, as well as oil reservoir 124 and fuel tank 128, thereby providing a comparatively lightweight subassembly, which can be conveniently shipped for servicing thereof.
Proximate the venturi section 118 of jet pump assembly 102; a fluid line 140 fluidly connects a water flow through jet pump assembly 102 with water jacket 86. Alternatively, an optional pump 142 could be connected to fluid line 140 and constructed to extend through body or hull assembly 12, thereby fluidly connecting with the water jacket 86 of the operating environment. Accordingly, during non-operation of the personal watercraft 10, the engine cooling fluid is completely removed from personal watercraft 10, thereby reducing the non-operating transportation weight of personal watercraft 10.
Due to the compact construction of personal watercraft 10, the removable nature of sponsons 20, 22, and drainable engine cooling system, personal watercraft 10 is envisioned to be easily and conveniently transported by a single operator. That is, personal watercraft 10 preferably weighs less than approximately 80 pounds, and can be easily transported by a single operator. Furthermore, the removal of oil reservoir 124, fuel tank 128, cowling 16, and seat 17 facilitates even further weight reduction of the transportable portions of personal watercraft 10. That is, where an operator is incapable of individually transporting the approximately 80-pound assembly, the oil reservoir and the fuel tank can be removed therefrom and transported via a second user. The removable nature of the engine fluid containers also facilitates convenient shipping of personal watercraft 10 for remote servicing or more than portage transportation of personal watercraft 10.
As shown in
As shown in
In one embodiment, the hull assembly 12 may be made from a frame that is preferably constructed of hollow tubes formed in triangular configurations. The tubes are preferably made of aluminum, titanium, or some other rigid, strong and lightweight material. Such a tubular space frame is known in the Formula One racecar arena as well as in the construction of Bucatti motorcycles. Instead of a tubular frame, the frame may be made out of a honeycomb material. The frame may be also covered or skinned with fiberglass, rolled aluminum, or some other strong and lightweight material. In one embodiment, the tubular frame may actually protrude out from the skin and be visible to the eye.
In another embodiment, the water jet may include a barrel that encompasses the pump. The barrel may be inside the hull assembly or mounted under the space frame to the outside bottom portion of the space frame so that it is not actually inside the hull. Such a barrel may be mounted with fastening straps or bands directly to the hull assembly.
Housing 202 is preferably constructed to removably engage a housing or hull 203 of a watercraft such that the propulsion generating system can be removed from the watercraft while contained in housing 202. A bottom surface 205 of housing 202 is constructed to be generally aligned with the planing surface of hull 203 thereby providing a relatively continuous planing surface of a watercraft equipped with power system 200.
Power system 200 includes an engine 204 and a propulsion means or pump such as a centrifugal pump assembly 206. Engine 204 includes a block 208 having a head 210 connected thereto. A crankcase 212 is connected to block 208 generally opposite head 210. A crankshaft 214 extends from crankcase 212 and has a pulley 216 connected thereto such that operation of engine 204 rotates crankshaft 214 and pulley 216. An endless drive, such as a belt 218 extends between pulley 216 and a pump pulley 220 operatively connected to a pump shaft 222. Pump shaft 222 is connected to a centrifugal impeller (264 shown in
A first opening 228 is formed through housing 202 proximate inlet 224 such that housing 202 is sealingly connected about inlet 224. A screen or weed grate 230 is positioned over inlet 224 and is constructed to prevent the passage of weeds or other debris into inlet 224 of pump assembly 206. An optional channel 207 can be formed in bottom surface 205 of housing 202 to assist in the directing of water passing over bottom surface 205 to inlet 224. A second opening 232 is formed in housing 202 proximate discharge nozzle 226 and is sealingly connected thereabout. First opening 228 and second opening 232 are constructed to sealingly engage pump assembly 206 so that water from the operating environment cannot enter the cavity between housing 202 and engine 204 and pump assembly 206 from between the engagement of housing 202 and pump assembly 206. Housing 202 may also include an optional cover 233 sealingly connected to housing 202 and constructed to allow operator access to engine 204 and pump assembly 206.
A number of passages 234, 236, 238 are formed through housing 202 and are constructed to operatively connect power system 200 to fluid sources and control systems of a watercraft. That is, passages 234, 236, 238 are constructed to for example fluidly connect engine 204, via a number of connection lines 235, 237, 239 with an oil system, such as oil reservoir 124, a fuel tank, such as fuel tank 128, and a combustion gas source, such as atmosphere. It is appreciated that these connection lines can be any of a number of connection conduits including for example rigid pipes or flexible hoses and that the connection lines include a quick coupler constructed to allow tool-less connection of power system 200 to a watercraft and the control and fluid systems supported thereon. It is further appreciated that the number of connection lines may vary depending on the construction of the engine.
If engine 204 is a two-cycle engine, oil may be mixed with gas prior to delivery of the mixture to the engine. Alternatively, oil and fuel may be separately delivered to the engine and mixed thereat or proximate thereto. If engine 204 is a four cycle engine, no oil may be required to be communicated to the engine 204 through housing 202. It is appreciated that each of these engine types and configuration have their own respective advantages and engine 204 may be provided in any of these configuration depending upon a user's preference. Regardless of which engine configuration is selected, housing 202 is constructed to sealingly enclose engine 204 and pump assembly 206 such that the combined engine and pump assembly can be removed from a watercraft, such as watercraft 10, or from a hull of a watercraft. It is appreciated that any fluids required for operation of engine 204, regardless of the operational nature of the engine, be communicated to the engine via the appropriate size and number of connection lines 235, 237, 239. It is also appreciated that other connections may be required between housing 202 and a watercraft equipped therewith. For example, throttle controls, including associated wires and cables, whether mechanical or electrical, may be communicated through housing 202 to allow remote operation and control of the operation of engine 204 and pump assembly 206.
It is further appreciated that the shape of housing 202 shown in
Referring to
An axis 244 of crankshaft 214 is generally perpendicular to an axis 246 of an engine cylinder of engine 204. Understandably, it is appreciated that preferably a piston is positioned in the engine cylinder and that engine 204 may include one or more such piston and cylinder associations. An axis 248 of pump shaft 222 is oriented generally parallel to crankshaft axis 244. Such a configuration generally aligns crankshaft pulley 216 and pump pulley 220 such that belt 218 is operationally supported therebetween. Engine cylinder axis 246 is generally aligned with a watercraft propulsion direction, indicated by arrow 254, or a water planing surface, whereas crankshaft 214 and pump shaft 222 are oriented in generally crossing directions with propulsion direction 254. Such a construction allows power system 200 to maintain a relatively low profile with respect to a planing elevation of a watercraft equipped with power system 200.
Referring now to
Pump assembly 206 includes a pump housing 260 having a fluid path 262 formed therein. Centrifugal impeller 264 is operatively connected to pump shaft 222 and disposed in fluid path 262. Operation of engine 204 rotates crankshaft pulley 216 which drives belt 218 and pump pulley 220. Rotation of pump pulley 220 rotates centrifugal impeller 264 within fluid path 262 and directs a propulsion discharge, indicated by arrow 266, which is directed through nozzle 226. Translation of nozzle 226 in directions, indicated by arrow 268 about a pivot pin 270 provides a lateral or directional thrust to a watercraft equipped with power system 200. It is further appreciated that pump assembly 206 be provided with a dump bucket to provide reverse propulsion to a watercraft equipped therewith. Understandably, such an option may not be required on all watercraft types, such as watercraft 10, where the weight of the watercraft allows convenient and non-strained movement of the watercraft. Furthermore, as compared to an axial flow pump commonly employed in personal watercraft power systems, centrifugal impeller 264 enhances the profile of power system 200 such that the power system is particularly useful for watercraft constructed to support an operator in a prone position, such as watercraft 10. The orientation of power system 200 further provides an inboard power system with a center of gravity that is closer to a water surface and positionable closer to a bow of a watercraft than many personal watercraft and most outboard power equipped watercraft.
As shown in
As shown in
As previously discussed with respect to
An optional handle 407 and wheel assembly 408 are connectable to watercraft 400 to assist in the simply and efficient transportation of watercraft 400 when removed from a water operating environment. A removable pin 409 secures wheel assembly 408 to watercraft 400 such that the wheels can quickly and easily be removed from the watercraft when portage is not required.
The watercraft and power systems aspects disclosed herein provide a uniquely configured vehicle system that can be efficiently manufactured, delivered, and serviced. The construction of the watercraft such that the watercraft can be broken down into respective systems provides a watercraft system that can be conveniently transported via common carrier as the combustible fuel materials and containers can be quickly and efficiently removed from the watercraft system. Alternatively, the crankcase of the power system has a sealed construction such that the power pod can be transported by common carrier without fear of fluid leakage. Not only can a manufacturer of such a system efficiently distribute product, but customers can conveniently return entire products, or only portions thereof, to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for service or repair. Accordingly, the OEM can avoid the capital expenditure associated with forming a distribution network, as well as efficiently maintain the integrity of the parts and services associated with any repairs. Such a distribution and service paradigm allows the OEM to also monitor product performance and mortality as well as direct control of warranty servicing or the like. Even though others, particularly in the computer device arena, have somewhat similar distribution and service network systems, those systems are generally inapplicable to engine powered devices. That is, whereas computers can be conveniently shipped via common carrier, the inclusion of combustible fluids in engine powered devices, generally prevents such a network in the area of engine powered vehicles.
Generally, such systems are manufactured by an OEM, distributed by a carrier system frequently associated solely with the OEM, and sold and serviced by a number of remotely located distribution locations or associated franchises. Maintaining such a business model requires considerable initial investment and continued cooperation between the respective participants in the stream of product. A watercraft or power system according to the present invention can be manufactured and maintained by an OEM whereas known systems are ill-configured and constructed for such distribution and maintenance. By tailoring the product to satisfy the business operating paradigm, considerations, such as product packaging can be addressed and considered during product production to satisfy the return to OEM feature of the product.
The present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the impending claims. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.
This application in a continuation-in-part and claims priority to U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/446,653 filed on Jun. 5, 2006 titled “Prone Operator Position Personal Watercraft”.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 11446653 | Jun 2006 | US |
Child | 11695360 | US |