Patent Application
20190152574
Personal watercrafts such as kayaks have long provided a means of transportation on the water and a stealth means of fishing. Kayak fishing has become quite popular for several reasons including its broad appeal as an environmentally friendly and healthy method of transportation. Kayak fishing is also popular due to its relatively low cost of entry compared to motorized fishing boats. Additional benefits of kayaks include the facts that kayaks have little maintenance cost and can be stored in small spaces and launched quickly. Thus, in recent years, sport fishing from kayaks has become popular in both fresh and salt water.
People use personal watercrafts such a kayaks and canoes for recreational activities including fishing, bird-watching, sightseeing, and the like. A traditional kayak or canoe, however, must be manually propelled using a paddle or oars. When a person is fishing in a kayak or canoe, handling a paddle or oars can prevent a person from simultaneously handling a fishing rod or other fishing gear. Similarly, when a person is bird-watching or sightseeing in a kayak or canoe, handling paddles or oars can prevent a person from simultaneously handling binoculars, maps, guidebooks, and the like. In addition, even when a paddle or oars are not being used by a paddler, having a paddle or oars onboard can sometimes interfere with the person's non-paddling activities.
Many kayak anglers have started customizing their kayaks for fishing. Kayak manufacturers offer special models that are designed and accessorized for fishing, including specially designed hatches, built-in coolers, built-in rod holders, gps receivers and equipment mounts. Specially designed fishing kayaks usually have designs which provide sufficient stability allowing for the angler to stand up and fish on the kayak. These specially designed kayaks often provide storage space inside their hulls which allow the angler to stow fishing accessories including rods, fishing gear, extra paddles and anchors.
Manufacturers now offer kayaks that provide the angler hands free fishing and all the benefits associated therewith. Several manufacturers are currently offering kayaks which offer hands free fishing. Such kayaks are equipped with a propeller drive systems which allow the angler to drive or maneuver the kayak by pedaling the system with one's feet. Personal watercrafts having pedal-operated propulsion devices installed overcome issues arising from having to handle a paddle or oars by converting force produced by a user's legs into a propulsion force to propel the watercraft. A pedal propulsion device enables a person to operate the watercraft with his/her feet while having one or both hands free. Pedal propulsion devices also offer a recreational alternative to traditional paddling methods.
For these propulsion devices to work efficiently, they must extend below the bottom of the personal watercraft such that an output of the propulsion device extends into the water. Unfortunately, if the propulsion device contracts with the bottom of the body of water when approaching shore or when operating in shallow water, the propulsion device may become damaged or hung up on the bottom of the body of water inhibiting motion of the watercraft.
Sample propeller driver systems exists in the prior art. A few existing propeller drive systems are retractable from the water when the drive system is not in use by the angler. When retracted, such existing propeller drive systems create safety issues as well as storage issues for the angler. When retracted, the drive system is often in the direct space of the angler and has the potential of injuring the angler.
Furthermore, existing drive systems suffer leakage in the pedaling assembly, as well as leakage at connection points between the pedal assembly and the boat propeller. One area that has been found to be susceptible to the ingress of water is where the crank arms of a pedal are installed onto the propulsion device housing. Thus, there is a need for preventing water from entering into pedal propulsion devices. Accordingly, there is a need for a recreational watercraft that is easy to operate and maneuver, does not require a paddle or oars, and can easily be stowed in a folded position that does not interfere with a user's activities. Preferably, such a watercraft can be operated by a person in a manner that permits the person to safely perform another activity with one or both hands. Accordingly, there is a need for a watercraft with an alternative propulsion device that can be operated with one hand or no hands. Such a propulsion device should be easy to operate, easy to stow and park, and selectively removable from a watercraft. Preferably, such a propulsion device should be capable of being stored onboard a watercraft when not in use such that the device does not interfere with a person's onboard activities, such as fishing, or the like.
A retractable propeller drive pedal system made for assembly to a personal watercraft such as a kayak is needed wherein the propeller drive pedal system is capable of being easily and safely retracted from the water and folded moving it to a location distant from the fisherman. A retractable propeller drive pedal system made for assembly to a personal watercraft such as a kayak is needed wherein the propeller drive pedal system is retracted, folded and stored leaving the fisherman ample fishing and storage space on the kayak.
A propeller driven pedal system for assembly to and use with a kayak is disclosed. The propeller driven pedal system comprises an articulation center which allow the fisherman or angler to easily position the propeller driven pedal system in at least two positions: (1) an open or operational position and (2) a retracted or folded position.
Referring to
Drive system 100 is generally located forward of a seating area where the user will generally be seated during operation of the watercraft. The hull includes an opening 200 extending there through from a top side to a bottom side forward of the seating area through which the drive system extends when the drive system is in an operational or open position (see
The watercraft includes an articulation center 136 also referred to as a drive system pivot assembly for transitioning the drive system 100 between the operational position and a folded position. In the operational position, the propeller unit 108 (i.e. output of the drive system) will be vertically lower than in the folded position. Preferably, the propeller unit 108 having a propeller 126 is positioned vertically below the bottom of the hull 150 in the operational position so as to allow for maximum propulsion of the watercraft. At a minimum, the propeller unit 108 will be positioned vertically lower in the operational position than in the folded position. Additionally, the propeller unit 108 is positioned generally toward the front portion of the opening 200 in the bottom of the hull 150. This arrangement in combination with the elongated opening provides the maximum amount of distance between the propeller unit 108 and the keel. This greater spatial distance allows more propulsed water to flow from the propeller unit without additional parts of the watercraft interfering with the propulsed water, thus contributing to a smoother ride wherein the user is not required to pedal more diligently to achieve the same thrust.
Preferably, the drive system 100 is raised vertically above a top most extent of the hull 150 in the folded position. This configuration prevents the drive system 100 from contacting: 1) the body of water in which the watercraft is being used; and 2) the hull itself. This prevents damage to the drive system 100 and, more importantly, allows for easier storage of the drive system 100 as well as easier removal from the watercraft entirely. In one embodiment, it is desirous for the user to have access to the propeller unit 108 to allow for cleaning debris from the drive system 100 as well as to allow for maintenance in the event of damage to the drive system such as breakage of the propeller 126. Thus, in one embodiment, the drive system 100 can be pivoted into a third, or semi-folded position, wherein the propeller unit 108 is easily accessed by the user, but the drive system 100 is not in a complete, folded position. Such semi-folded position is shown in
The drive system pivot assembly includes a drive unit 102 that operably carries the propeller for rotation about an output axis of rotation. The drive unit 102 is operably pivotably coupled to a propeller arm 128 at a first pivot 202 defining a first pivot axis about which the drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 rotate relative to one another when transitioning between the operational, folded, and semi-folded positions.
The propeller arm 128 is operably pivotably coupled to hull 150 at a second pivot 204 defining a second pivot axis about which the second arm rotates relative to the hull. The first and second pivots and, consequently, the first and second pivot axes are spaced apart from one another. In one embodiment, the first and second pivots are located generally at opposite ends of the propeller arm 128. Additionally, the first and second pivot axes extend parallel to one another and perpendicular to a centerline of the watercraft.
The second pivot is provided by a pivot member in the form of a laterally extending rod 134 attached proximate a distal end of the propeller arm 128 and right and left pivot groove track 162 and 164 formed in the hull. The pivot groove tracks 162 and 164 pivotably receive the pivot member or rod 134 to provide the pivotable coupling between the hull and the arm 128. The pivot groove tracks 162 and 164 and the rod 134 generally extend longitudinally in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the centerline of the watercraft. Preferably, one of the surfaces defining the groove tracks 162 and 164 or the rod 134 received therein includes a curved profile to provide a smooth sliding interface there between. The smooth interface facilitates rotation about the second pivot axis when transitioning the drive system pivot assembly 136 between the operational and folded positions. In one embodiment, each end of the elongated rod 134 is secured within its respective slot or groove by a securing mechanism 154, 156. In one embodiment, securing mechanism 154, 156 permits the free rotation of the elongated rod 134 about its axis but does not permit the elongated rod 134 ends to be vertically lifted out of each groove track 162 and 164. In other embodiments, the securing mechanism 154, 156 may be provided by a mouth of pivot groove tracks 162 and 164. More particularly, the mouth of the pivot groove tracks 162 and 164 may be sized slightly smaller than the diameter of rod 134 such that the pivot groove tracks 162 and 164 generally has a C-shaped profile and the rod 134 snaps into the pivot groove tracks 162 and 164 to help secure the rod 134 therein.
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the propeller arm 128 is pivotally coupled to the elongated rod 134 so that the arm 128 can freely rotate around the elongated rod 134. In another embodiment, both the arm 128 and elongated rod 134 can freely rotate independent of the other. In another embodiment, only the elongated rod 134 can rotate when coupled to the arm 128. In yet another embodiment, the arm 128 is capable of freely rotating about the elongated rod 134, but the elongated rod 134 is stationary and does not rotate. In one embodiment, the arm 128 is capable of moving along the elongated rod 134 from right to left, or from port to starboard.
Referring to
In one embodiment, a latch 138 is provided on the propeller arm 128 at the first pivot point 202 to secure the articulation center or drive system pivot assembly 136 in either the operational or the folded position. The latch 138 operates to prohibit the drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 from rotating at the first pivot point 202. Thus, the latch 138 can be engaged when the drive system 100 is in the operational position to ensure that the drive unit 102 remains stationary with respect to the propeller arm 128 so that there is no unwanted movement between the drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 while in use. The latch 138 can also be engaged when the drive system 100 is in the folded position to ensure that the drive unit 102 remains stationary with respect to the propeller arm 128 to prevent unwanted folding of the drive system 100. In one embodiment, the latch 138 is integrally formed from the first pivot point. In another embodiment, the latch 138 is a separate piece and attached to the first pivot point. In another embodiment, the latch 138 is integrally formed from the propeller arm 128. In another embodiment, the latch is a separate piece and attached to the propeller arm 128.
In one embodiment, the drive system pivot assembly 136 is configured such that the transition from the operational position to the folded position can be performed using a single hand.
To transition the drive system 100 from the operational to the folded position, the drive unit 102 must first raise vertically against gravity through the opening in the hull. In one embodiment, the drive unit 102 is raised vertically through rotation only at the first pivot point 202 wherein there is no rotation at the second pivot point 204. The hull opening 200 is elongated so that there is sufficient clearance for the drive unit 102 to pass through and above the opening 200 while the second pivot point 204 remains static. In another embodiment, the drive unit 102 is raised vertically through the opening 200 through rotation only at the second pivot point 204, wherein there is no rotation at the first pivot point 202. The first and second pivot points are space sufficiently apart and the hull opening 200 is sufficiently elongated to provide enough clearance for the drive unit 102 to pass through and above the opening 200 while the first pivot point 202 remains static. In one embodiment, in transitioning from the operational position to the folded position, the arm 128 will pivot via both the first 202 and second 204 pivots and in a direction away from the seating area when transitioning from the operational position to the folded position as well as vertically upward as discussed previously. In another embodiment, both the drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 will pivot about both the first and second pivot points to transition the drive assembly 100 from the operational position to the folded position and vice versa.
Once the drive unit 102 has been raised vertically past the opening 200 and through the hull 150, the drive unit 102 should rotate about either the first 202 or second 204 pivot point further until it is generally parallel with the watercraft when viewed from a side. In one embodiment, at this position, called the semi-folded position, the drive unit 102 is entirely above and outside of the hull, wherein the arm 128 is generally perpendicular to the watercraft when viewed from a side. In another embodiment, at this position, the drive unit 102 extends only a portion above and outside of the hull 150. As a result, drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 form a generally 90 degree angle at the first pivot point. As mentioned above, this semi-folded position allows for cleaning of the propeller unit 108 or general maintenance without having to perform the necessary extra steps to place the drive assembly 136 in its fully folded position.
The semi-folded position also provides greater access to the drive unit 102 and propeller unit 108 without having to remove the drive system 100 from the watercraft entirely.
Once in the intermediate, semi-folded position, the drive assembly 100 can be transitioned into its fully folded position. By placing a directional force on the drive assembly toward the front of the watercraft and away from the seating area, both pivot points will continue to experience axis rotation. The propeller arm 128 will transition from a position generally perpendicular to the hull to a more parallel position as it moves away from the seating area. As the propeller arm 128 comes forward toward the front of the watercraft and away from the seating area, the drive unit 102 will rotate about the first pivot point 202, decreasing the angle between drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 at the first pivot point 202. In one embodiment in the folded position, both the drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 are generally parallel to the watercraft, and both drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 are vertically above and outside of the top surface of the hull. In another embodiment in the folded position, both drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 are generally parallel to the watercraft, and drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 are only a portion vertically above and outside of the top surface of the hull 150. In one embodiment, the propeller unit 108 rests on a top surface of the hull 150 when the drive assembly 136 is in the folded position. In another embodiment, a portion of the propeller arm 128 rests on a top surface of the hull in the folded position. In another embodiment, there are zero points of contact between the drive assembly 136 and the hull 150 when in the folded position.
In one embodiment, the drive unit 102 is generally an assembly of components that supports the input (pedals) and output (prop) of the drive system. The assembly of components includes a generally hollow member through which connection mechanisms, e.g. chains, belts, or shafts, that operably connect the input to the output extend.
Referring to
In one embodiment, the hatch 160 includes a handle for the user to grasp while transitioning between the operational and folded positions.
In one embodiment, the system 100 is made of aluminum casting, but other materials, such as metal, plastic or combinations of metal and plastic, may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. Referring now to
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Referring again to
In another example embodiment, fin 124 may extend perpendicular from about the center of the drive unit 102. Fin 124 prevents water from entering the kayak from opening 200. In one embodiment, handle 122 is attached to the drive unit 102. Handle 122 may be used for the transportation and manipulation of the propeller driven pedal system 100. In one embodiment, system 100 comprises a notch 140 which provides support to the drive unit 102 while the system 100 is in the retracted or folded position (best shown in
Referring again to
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A method of use for a retractable propeller driven system 100 is also disclosed. According to one example embodiment, the method comprises the steps: (a) assembling or attaching the system 100 to kayak 150; (b) rotating articulation center 136 of system 100 in order to desired positon; and (c) securing articulation latch 130 into head unit groove 112.
Other embodiments of the disclosed technology will be apparent to those of skill in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the technology disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and the example embodiments be considered as exemplary embodiments only, with a true scope and spirit of the technology being indicated by the disclosure herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62635231 | Feb 2018 | US | |
| 62628833 | Feb 2018 | US | |
| 62536737 | Jul 2017 | US |
