U.S. patent application number 11/882628 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-13 for pedal powered kayak.
This patent application is currently assigned to WAVE WALKER INC.. Invention is credited to Harry Howard, David Wilcoxen.
Application Number | 20080060569 11/882628 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39168283 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080060569 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Howard; Harry ; et
al. |
March 13, 2008 |
Pedal powered kayak
Abstract
A pedal-powered kayak, the present invention offers a more
rounded keel and stem which operates in the water leaving no or
little wake in the front or the rear of the boat. Since little
water passes into the boat there no rough ride. The hull further
provides a pair of fullers integrally formed on hull and extending
along each side of the hull from said keel to said stem to provide
a greater wetting surface for the hull as kayak moves over a body
of water. The hull also provides a pair of strakes for lifting the
hull as the kayak increases speed over the water.
Inventors: |
Howard; Harry; (Bellingham,
WA) ; Wilcoxen; David; (Everson, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES R. THEIN
2231 CRYSTAL DRIVE
SUITE 105
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Assignee: |
WAVE WALKER INC.
|
Family ID: |
39168283 |
Appl. No.: |
11/882628 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60835426 |
Aug 4, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/347 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63H 25/10 20130101;
B63B 34/20 20200201; B63H 16/14 20130101; B63H 25/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/347 |
International
Class: |
B63B 35/71 20060101
B63B035/71 |
Claims
1. A pedal powered kayak, said pedaled powered kayak comprising, a
hull, said hull having a stem, a keel and a central body portion,
said keel having a pointed end and a rounded body area with a blade
for guiding said kayak, said stem having a bottom blade and a drive
assembly connected to a propeller for driving said kayak over a
body of water.
2. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 1, said hull
further comprising a right side fuller and a left side fuller, said
right side fuller integrally formed on said hull and extending
along said hull from said keel to said stem said left side fuller
integrally formed on said hull and extending along said hull from
said keel to said stern, said fullers extending the wetting surface
of said hull as said kayak moves over a body of water.
3. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 1, said hull
further comprising a right side stake and a left side stake, said
right side stake integrally formed on said hull and extending along
said hull from said keel to said stem said left side stake
integrally formed on said hull and extending along said hull from
said keel to said stem, said stakes causing a lifting of said hull
as said kayak moves over a body of water.
4. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 1, said kayak
further comprising means for retracting said drive assembly.
5. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 1, said kayak
further comprising a retractable rudder assembly.
6. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 1, said kayak
further comprising a trunk, said trunk formed in said central body
portion, said trunk housing said drive assembly in retracted
position.
7. A pedal powered kayak, said pedaled powered kayak comprising, a
hull, said hull having a stem, a keel and a central body portion,
said keel having a substantially round body portion ending in a
pointed tip and, a retractable drive assembly connected to a
propeller for driving said kayak over a body of water, said drive
assembly positioned over said central body portion and extending
through said bottom surface into and below said centrally formed
concave recess.
8. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 1, said hull
further comprising a right side fuller and a left side fuller, said
right side fuller integrally formed on said hull and extending
along said hull from said keel to said stem said left side fuller
integrally formed on said hull and extending along said hull from
said keel to said stern, said fullers extending the wetting surface
of said hull as said kayak moves over a body of water.
9. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 1, said hull
further comprising a right side stake and a left side stake, said
right side stake integrally formed on said hull and extending along
said hull from said keel to said stem said left side stake
integrally formed on said hull and extending along said hull from
said keel to said stern, said stakes causing a lifting of said hull
as said kayak moves over a body of water.
10. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 1, said kayak
further comprising cable means for retracting said drive
assembly.
11. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 1, said kayak
further comprising a retractable rudder assembly.
12. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 1, said kayak
further comprising a trunk, said trunk formed in said central body
portion, said trunk housing said drive assembly in retracted
position.
13. A pedal powered kayak, said pedaled powered kayak comprising, a
hull, said hull having a stern, a keel and a central body portion,
said keel having a substantially round body portion ending in a
pointed tip and,
14. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 13, said hull
further comprising a right side fuller and a left side fuller, said
right side fuller integrally formed on said hull and extending
along said hull from said keel to said stem said left side fuller
integrally formed on said hull and extending along said hull from
said keel to said stem, said fullers extending the wetting surface
of said hull as said kayak moves over a body of water.
15. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 13, said hull
further comprising a right side stake and a left side stake, said
right side strake integrally formed on said hull and extending
along said hull from said keel to said stern said left side stake
integrally formed on said hull and extending along said hull from
said keel to said stem, said stakes causing a lifting of said hull
as said kayak moves over a body of water.
16. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 13, said kayak
further comprising cable means for retracting said drive
assembly.
17. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 13, said kayak
further comprising a retractable rudder assembly.
18. The pedal powered kayak as recited into claim 13, said kayak
further comprising a trunk, said trunk formed in said central body
portion, said trunk housing said drive assembly in retracted
position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to watercraft, and more particularly
to occupant-powered watercraft.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Pedal-type watercraft have never been popular due the weight
and maintenance of the gearing assembly. However, in recent years,
popularity has increased due at least in part to participants
active in biking, swimming, canoeing and other types of water
sports for individuals who are the health-conscious. With new
recent legislation restricting the use of motorized watercraft such
as jet skis due to safety concerns, water bike have increased in
popularity. In addition, the pedal powered water vehicles have
great advantages for use in hunting and fishing as they run silent
and can be taken into rocky hazardous areas with the fear of
damaging the motor. Pedal powered watercraft can travel greater
distances faster than oar powered craft and can be quickly
stabilized without dropping a rod or a gun to pick up an oar to
maintain stability of the boat.
[0005] One type of pedal-powered watercraft is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,795,381 issued to Willems on Jan. 3, 1989. The
watercraft disclosed by Willems includes a floating body upon which
a pedal assembly and recumbent seat are mounted. The seat can be
adjusted toward or away from the pedal assembly to accommodate
different sizes of users. An endless drive chain, reduction
gearing, and a drive shaft connect the pedal assembly to a
propeller. In one embodiment of this patent, the propeller and
drive shaft extend downwardly and rearwardly from the floating
body. A tandem seating arrangement is also shown.
[0006] Beres U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,551 discloses a pedal-powered
watercraft shaped as a kayak with an integrally molded seat. A
pedal assembly is connected to a propeller through a transmission
and drive shaft arrangement. A front storage compartment as well as
a rear storage compartment are provided.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,242 further discloses a pedal powered
watercraft made with a unitary hull. The hull is made of a pair of
spaced sponsons located on each side of the hull. Each sponson has
a front wall that meets the water head on but becomes unstable as
the water enters the keel at the tip of the boat causing a rocking
motion. The rocking is caused during movement of the watercraft
when water enters into the tunnel at the bow portion and exit the
tunnel at the stem portion. Although the propeller is retractable,
a large portion remains in the water during storage in the tunnel
area.
[0008] Pedal-powered watercraft of the past also fail to present a
hull design for traveling in rough water. Most hulls for these
types of watercraft are designed for a one time user to get on and
off the boat without falling into the water from the boat tipping.
Such uses are in marinas or small ponds where the water is
generally calm and the boat does not have to generate speed for
long distance travel. There is a need in the recreational sports
field for a pedal powered watercraft which is designed for high
speed but stable enough for maneuvering in water around rocks and
debris in the water. There is a greater need for a pedal powered
kayak with a drive assembly and hull which is simple to operate and
designed for speed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a
watercraft with an aerodynamic hull designed to cut through water
at high speed.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a high
speed watercraft for outdoor sports.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
watercraft with a novel seating arrangement.
[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a pedal-powered watercraft having a retractable rudder
assembly.
[0013] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
pedal-powered watercraft which has a retractable drive assembly
with a novel bracket and pivot mechanism.
[0014] It is an even further object of the invention to provide a
pedal-powered watercraft with a means for lifting the hull during
movement in the water.
[0015] According to the invention, a pedal powered kayak is
presented which has a deck and a hull with a stem and a keel
connected by a central body portion formed with a central concave
recess extending the length of the central body between said keel
and said stem. The keel has a substantially round body portion
ending in a pointed tip for a smooth frictionless motion through
the water. The drive assembly is connected to a propeller for
driving said kayak over a body of water with little resistance. The
drive assembly is positioned over said centrally formed concave
recess and extends through the bottom surface into and below said
centrally formed concave recess.
[0016] The hull further provides a pair of fullers integrally
formed on hull and extending along each side of the hull from said
keel to said stem to provide a greater wetting surface for the hull
as kayak moves over a body of water. The hull also provides a pair
of strakes for lifting the hull as the kayak increases speed over
the water.
[0017] A novel handle is provided for retracting the drive assembly
into storage for nonuse.
[0018] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent upon reading the following detailed description and
appended claims, and upon reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will
hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings,
wherein like designations denote like elements, and wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pedal powered kayak
according to the invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a left side perspective view of the pedal powered
kayak.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the pedal powered kayak of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the pedal powered kayak of
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a front bottom view of the pedal powered kayak of
the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a rear bottom view of the pedal powered kayak of
the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a front end--bottom view of the pedal powered
kayak of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a pedal powered tandem
kayak of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a front end view of the pedal powered kayak of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a right side perspective view of the pedal
powered kayak of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a rear view of a seat assembly for the pedal
powered kayak of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 12 is an exploded rear view of a seat assembly for the
pedal powered kayak of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a rear view of a seat assembly for the pedal
powered kayak of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a retraction and rudder
assembly of the pedal powered kayak of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a retraction and rudder
assembly of the pedal powered kayak of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a retraction and rudder
assembly of the pedal powered kayak of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a retraction assembly of
the pedal powered kayak of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a retraction and rudder
assembly of the pedal powered kayak of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a retraction and rudder
assembly of the pedal powered kayak of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a retraction handle of the
pedal powered kayak of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a retraction handle for the
pedal powered kayak of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] The present invention is directed to an improvement over
U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,242 which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0042] With reference to FIGS. 1, a pedal-powered watercraft or
kayak 10 according to the invention is illustrated. The watercraft
10 includes a hull 12, a pedal drive assembly 13, a deck 14, a keel
15, a stem 16 and a retractable rear rudder 17. The keel 15 is
closed within the hull 12 to move within the water without allowing
the water to pass through the watercraft from keel 15 to stern 16.
Unlike the watercraft described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,242, the
water is forced out of the way of the watercraft during travel. The
hull further includes a central body portion 18 having a bottom
surface 19 with a centrally formed concave recess 20 extending the
length of the central body portion 18 between the keel 15 and the
stem 16. The retractable rear rudder 17 is attached to the rear of
the stem 16 and is used for guiding the watercraft 10.
[0043] Turning to FIGS. 2-7, the watercraft 10 is illustrated
without the moving mechanical parts shown in FIG. 1. The watercraft
is less than 15 feet in length and less than two feet in width. The
hull 12 offers straight tracking due to the shape of the pointed
keel 15 and stern 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the keel 15 has a pointed
end 21 provided with an integrally formed blade 22 which extends
into the water to prevent rocking of the watercraft during movement
through the water. Likewise, the stem 16 also has a pointed tip 23
with a blade 24 which extends into the water to prevent rocking of
the watercraft during movement through the water. As the user
pedals the boat through the water wetting action is produced on
each bottom surface of the keel and stem to refine stability of the
watercraft during movement.
[0044] Extra stability and efficiency are further achieved by
recessing a center tunnel 30 in the central body portion 18. This
creates a hull 12 that has the stability of a wide v-type hull with
the efficiency of a longer narrower hull because the tunnel 30
formed in the central body portion 18 of the hull 12 reduces the
effective wetted area, and provides access to the water for the
pedal drive assembly 13. Unlike prior art kayaks, the present
invention offers a more rounded keel and stern which operates in
the water leaving no or little wake in the front or the rear of the
boat. Instead of the water passing through the boat the water
follows the outline of the hull with a frictionless glide through
the water. Since little water passes into the boat there no rough
ride. An elongated opening 30a is provided through the bottom
surface for positioning the drive assembly 13 over the central body
portion 18 through the concave recess 20 and into a body of water
below the hull 12. The elongated aperture 30a further permits a
user to remove debris from the drive assembly 13 positioned below
the hull 12. The width of the hull 12 from the opening 30a to each
side of the watercraft 12 is approximately 41/2 feet.
[0045] Provided on each side of the hull are lifting strakes or
ribs 31 and 32. The right side strake 31 is integrally formed on
hull 12 and extends along the hull 12 from just inside the keel 15
to just inside the stem 16. The left side strake 32 is integrally
formed on the hull 12 and extends along the hull 12 from the keel
15 to the stem 16. The strakes help the hull plane slightly under
increased power.
[0046] The hull 12 is further provided with hydrodynamic fullers 33
and 34. Fullers are recesses or grooves in the hull 12. The right
side fuller 33 is integrally formed on hull 12 and extends along
the hull 12 from the keel 15 to the stem 16. The left side fuller
32 is integrally formed on the hull 12 and extends along the hull
12 from the keel 15 to the stem 16. The fullers are designed to
channel air fore to aft,,decreasing hull surface tension and
drag.
[0047] In operation, a user sits in a chair 50 mounted in the hull
of the boat and pedals the drive assembly which turns propeller 51
causing the watercraft 10 to move through the water. The drive
assembly 13 when fully extended, besides providing propulsion, also
acts as a center board in the water. The center mounted drive
assembly 13 creates a stable hull 12 that resists the side to side
rocking motion created when raising and lowering the legs during
pedaling. The center position of the drive assembly 13 also gives
the watercraft 10 a sharp turning radius by providing a center
pivot point which the rear mounted rudder 17 can easily turn the
watercraft 10 around. Finally, the drive assembly 13, extended 22''
into the water provides a fulcrum that lowers the tipping moment of
the hull 12, dramatically increases the kayak's stability over
waves and in rough water.
[0048] The drive assembly 13 rests in two lower drive collars 60
that are firmly attached to the hull 12 at the trunk 110. The drive
assembly 83 is clamped in place with two upper drive collars 3 held
with four spacers 6 and bolts 7 and friction o-rings 9. The drive
assembly is centered and held firmly from side to side motion
within its' mounting by a lower drive mount 106 mounted in a recess
on the bottom of the hull & held with three machine screws
107.
[0049] The drive trunk 110 is surrounded by a cockpit 117. The
cockpit has a seat assy. 115 mounted on fore & aft moving seat
slides 163, 164 and a steering handle assy 114 controlling a rudder
assembly 113 which steers the boat. The deck has a hatch cover 112
providing access to the front cargo area and a rear storage deck
116. Also shown is a tandem version of the hull with two cockpits
118, 119 and two drive assemblies 83. All mechanical systems as
well as the hull's operate the same for the single and tandem boat.
In the tandem steering is controlled from rear cockpit 119 as a
steering handle 114 is located there.
[0050] Illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, and positioning the rider in the
optimum recumbent position for power and comfort is accomplished
through the use of a 2 way adjustment seat assembly 115. Fore and
aft adjustment is through seat slides 163, 164 attached to the seat
bottom with screws 163 fitted into inserts 168 molded into the seat
bottom 155. The right seat slide 163 has a handle operating a
locking mechanism 163a. Upper and lower seat hinges 158, 157, 156
are attached to seat back and bottom 154, 155 with machine screws
171 fitted into inserts 169, 170 molded into the seat back and
bottom 154, 155. The seat back 154 hinges fore/aft and lays flat
for transporting. The seat adjustment assembly 172 controls a seat
back adjustment 174. Adjustment ramps 162 provide four different
stops for the upper seat hinge edges 177 to rest on. Adjustment is
made by rotating seat adjustment knobs 159 on either side of the
seat assembly 115. The knobs 159 and seat adjustment ramps 162
rotate on metal collars 177a turning in corresponding holes 178 in
the lower seat hinges 158. The knobs 159 slip onto the seat
adjustment rod 166 with stops formed by roll pins 167 inserted in
the seat adjustment rod 166. This square seat adjustment rod 166
keeps the adjacent ramps 162 timed together to provide equal
adjustment on both sides. The knobs 159 and ramps 162 are held in
place against the roll pins 167 by screws threaded into the seat
adjacent rod 166 and through the knobs 159. Small caps 160 fit into
the knobs 159 and cover the screws 165.
[0051] With regards to FIGS. 14-21, the retractable rudder assembly
113 is connected to a steering handle assy 114 by a push-pull
teleflex cable, provides simple and precise steering for the hull.
The rudder assy 113 is attached to the hull by the rudder bracket
assy 138 which includes a rudder bracket hinge 128 and a rudder
bracket strap 129.
[0052] An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 8 in the form of
a pedal powered tandem kayak 90 which has two seats 91,92 and two
drive assemblies 93,94 along with a body 95 a keel 96 and a stern
97. The pedal powered tandem kayak shown in the drawing is
identical to the single drive boat except it is designed for two
passengers.
[0053] The rudder assy 113 has positive stops 152 as a part of the
rudder housing 140 which limits the side to side rotation by only
rotating until the stops 152 reach the sides of the rudder bracket
153. This limits the rudder assembly 113 from over rotating to the
point of damage or past being effective as a rudder. The rudder
assy 113 rotates on a clevis pin 137 and washer 132 held in place
by a lock ring 131. The rudder housing 140 consists of a hinge tube
181, right side housing 182, left side housing 183 and a steering
bracket 180 all welded together and bolted with screw posts 133
machine screws 179 & spacers 134. The rudder blade 139 rotates
on and is held in the rudder housing 140 by a tension knob 142
passing through holes 184 in the rudder housings 182,183 and a hole
186 in the rudder blade 139. The rudder blade 139 is spring loaded
to remain down, as well as kick-up and return when striking an
object, by a torsion spring attached to the rudder blade 139. This
spring 141 is engaged by the tension knob 142. The knob 142 can be
rotated until the correct tension is achieved. The knob 142 is then
pushed in to engage in holes 185 located in the left rudder housing
183. The tension knob 142 is then held in the position by a hitch
pin 143.
[0054] The rudder blade 139 is retracted out of the water by
rotating it 180 degrees on the tension knob 142. The blade is
rotated remotely from the cockpit by a rudder retract cord 123
passing through a housing 124 and locked in the up position by a
jam cleat 122 mounted on the steering handle cover 187. The retract
cord 123 is able to pull the spring loaded rudder blade upward by
extending the cord outward past the pivot point by the lift rod 136
which hinges on a roll pin 135. The lift rod follows the cord 123
to the up position with the cord 123 threaded through the retract
cord eye 130 into the cord housing 124. When the cord 123 is
released from the jam cleat 122, the spring loaded rudder blade 139
returns to the down position pulling the retract cord 123 and lift
rod 136 back into its extended position.
[0055] The steering handle 188 with non-slip grip 144 has a plastic
bearing 150 which rotates on a shoulder bolt 146. A tension spring
149 rests against the steering handle cover 187 and plastic washer
145 to hold the steering handle 188 in place. The shoulder bolt 146
is threaded into an insert molded into the hull. The head of the
shoulder bolt passes through a hole 191 in the steering cover 187
providing a shoulder bolt 146 firmly mounted at both ends for the
steering handle and bearing 188, 150 to rotate about.
[0056] The hull and deck are preferably constructed of a strong,
light-weight and waterproof material, such as fiberglass, aluminum,
composites, laminates, and the like. A multi-layer laminate known
as rotomolded polyethylene or vacuum formed polyethylene. The
latter is better known as twin sheet technology and is especially
suitable for the-hull and deck.
[0057] It is to be understood that the terms inner, outer, upper,
lower, horizontal, vertical, and their respective derivatives, as
used throughout the specification refer to relative, rather than
absolute orientations and/or positions.
[0058] Thus, the described embodiments are to be considered in all
respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the
invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather
than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced
within their scope.
* * * * *