U.S. patent application number 11/572724 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-24 for watercraft structure, in particular an aquabike.
Invention is credited to Salvatore Proto.
Application Number | 20080173225 11/572724 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35311937 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080173225 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Proto; Salvatore |
July 24, 2008 |
Watercraft Structure, In Particular an Aquabike
Abstract
Watercraft structure, in particular an aquabike, comprising a
first elongated floating body (5) and a second elongated floating
body (6) connected to the first floating body and arranged parallel
to it spaced at a determined distance. Between two floating bodies
(5, 6), furthermore, a seat (16) is provided, which can be
associated to a footrest and is connected by a rod (26) to the
floating bodies (5, 6), on which one or more users can sit. For
increasing the lifting forces pushing against the floating bodies
(5, 6), a hydrodynamic lifting transversal element (30) is provided
arranged at the barycentre of the watercraft (101). The
hydrodynamic lifting transversal element (30) in use has an upper
surface (31) that faces the floating bodies (5, 6) and a lower
surface (32) opposite to the upper surface (31).
Inventors: |
Proto; Salvatore; (Lido di
Camaiore, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DENNISON, SCHULTZ & MACDONALD
1727 KING STREET, SUITE 105
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
35311937 |
Appl. No.: |
11/572724 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
July 25, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2005/008068 |
371 Date: |
December 4, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/55.54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63H 25/42 20130101;
B63B 34/00 20200201; B63B 1/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/55.54 |
International
Class: |
B63B 35/73 20060101
B63B035/73 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 29, 2004 |
IT |
PI2004A000056 |
Claims
1. Watercraft structure, in particular an aquabike, characterised
in that it comprises: at least a first and a second elongated
floating body, spaced apart from and connected to each other; a
propelling unit suitable for thrusting in a predetermined direction
the above described first and second floating bodies; at least one
seat for an user; a handlebar suitable for allowing the user to
steer the thrust of said propelling unit; at least one hydrodynamic
lifting transversal element integrally connected to said floating
bodies substantially under the barycentre of said watercraft and
suitable for increasing the lifting forces caused by a sailing
motion of said first and second floating bodies.
2. Watercraft structure, according to claim 1, wherein said
hydrodynamic lifting transversal element in use has an upper
surface that faces said floating bodies and a lower opposite
surface and is capable of generating a lifting force perpendicular
to said lower surface delivered by pressure difference between said
two surfaces when put in a flow.
3. Watercraft structure, according to claim 1, where in addition to
said first and second floating bodies, which in use are
substantially parallel and are arranged sideways, a third floating
body is provided arranged in a central and raised position.
4. Watercraft structure, according to claim 1, wherein said
propelling unit is selected from the group comprised of: an
outboard engine; an inboard engine.
5. Watercraft structure, according to claim 1, wherein said
propelling unit is selected from the group comprised of: a
propeller type unit; a water-jet type unit.
6. Watercraft structure, according to claim 3, wherein said side
floating bodies are engaged with said central floating body.
7. Watercraft structure, according to claim 6, wherein said side
floating bodies are engaged to said central floating body by at
least one strip of fabric having a portion constrained to a said
side floating body and a portion constrained to said central
floating body.
8. Watercraft structure, according to claim 7, wherein said strip
of fabric is constrained to each of said floating bodies by a
connecting means selected from the group comprised of: glue, seams,
mutual engagement elements or combination thereof.
9. Watercraft structure, according to claim 1, wherein said
floating bodies are selected from the group comprised of: stiff
floating bodies; inflatable floating bodies; a combination of stiff
and inflatable floating bodies.
10. Watercraft structure, according to claim 1, wherein said
floating bodies are of inflatable type and a frame is provided
comprising a plurality of stiffening longitudinal elements
constrained to said hydrodynamic lifting transversal element.
11. Watercraft structure, according to claim 7, wherein said
stiffening longitudinal elements are inserted in longitudinal
sheaths defined by said strips of fabric.
12. Watercraft structure, according to claim 1, wherein said frame
comprises said stiffening longitudinal elements in rows connected
by means of stiffening transversal elements.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a watercraft structure, in
particular an aquabike, for a recreational use or as means of
operation or of service.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] As well known, a variety exists of types of small sized
watercrafts, suitable for the above described uses in lakes, in the
sea or in rivers.
[0003] A kind of vessels, so-called aquabike, provides a personal
watercraft for carrying a person like a motor vehicle on a road.
The structural features of such vessels, and in particular the high
weight, have the drawback of requiring powerful engines for
sailing.
[0004] However, the use of a powerful engine, in addition to the
remarkable costs, affects also the overall weight of the watercraft
so that it can be laid up in a problematic way. Furthermore, the
high cost limits its spread in the market.
[0005] In order to limit as far as possible the power of the
engines and to reduce the overall weight of the watercraft, vessels
have been designed with strong hydrodynamic features that however
can only in part solve the above described drawbacks.
[0006] Also small watercrafts exist having devices that allow them
to plane on the water surface, i.e. to sail at a high speed with
the bottom the least possible dipped in water. Even these
watercrafts provide high costs since they have sophisticated bodies
and ultra-light material for reducing as far as possible the
resistance against high speed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore a feature of the invention to provide a
watercraft structure, in particular an aquabike, that is light,
structurally easy and cost effective.
[0008] It is another feature of the invention to provide a
watercraft structure, in particular an aquabike, that can be easily
disassembled in order to assist its transportation.
[0009] These and other features are accomplished with one exemplary
watercraft structure, in particular an aquabike, according to the
present invention, whose characteristic is that it comprises:
[0010] at least a first and a second elongated floating body,
spaced apart from and connected to each other; [0011] a propelling
unit suitable for thrusting in a predetermined direction the above
described first and second floating bodies; [0012] at least one
seat for an user; [0013] a handlebar suitable for allowing the user
to steer the thrust of said propelling unit; [0014] at least one
hydrodynamic lifting transversal element integrally connected to
said floating bodies substantially under the barycentre of said
watercraft and suitable for increasing the lifting forces caused by
a sailing motion of said first and second floating bodies.
[0015] In particular, the elongated floating bodies are hollow and
light bodies. For this reason, the presence of the hydrodynamic
lifting transversal element, allows to obtain a watercraft of
minimum weight and have relevant lifting features so that lighter
engines can be used.
[0016] The hydrodynamic lifting transversal element, which in use
has an upper surface that faces the floating bodies and a lower
opposite surface, is capable of generating a lift perpendicular to
the lower surface caused by pressure difference between the two
surfaces when sailing in a liquid medium.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in addition to
the above described first and second floating bodies that in use
are substantially parallel and are arranged sideways, a third
floating body is provided arranged in a central and raised
position.
[0018] In all the embodiments of the invention, the user can easily
manoeuvre the watercraft, both displacing its own weight, in order
to bear selectively on the first or on the second floating body for
changing the sailing direction, and steering the handlebar to
orient the thrust of the propelling unit.
[0019] Advantageously, the propelling unit provides a outboard
engine, for example of the propeller or water-jet type, mounted on
a rear cross bar arranged between the first and the second floating
body.
[0020] Alternatively, the propelling unit can be an inboard engine,
for example of the propeller or water-jet type, connected to a
frame integral to said floating bodies.
[0021] Advantageously, the first and second floating bodies are
joined to the third floating body. This can be achieved, for
example, by at least one strip of fabric, suitable for inflatable
watercrafts, connected for example with glue, seams, snap
fasteners, or the like.
[0022] In particular, the above described floating bodies are made
of a material selected from the group comprised of: [0023] stiff
material, for example in metal sheet, moulded plastic; [0024]
inflatable material, i.e. flexible and inflatable material of
tubular shape; [0025] material obtained from a combination of the
two above materials.
[0026] All the embodiments of the watercraft, either of stiff type,
or of inflatable type, as well as a combination thereof, can
provide either stiff floating portions and inflatable central body
or vice-versa. In case of inflatable floating bodies, as known they
can be shrunk to a compact configuration, of minimum encumbrance in
order to assist their transport.
[0027] Advantageously, in particular in case of inflatable bodies,
a frame is provided comprising a plurality of stiffening
longitudinal elements and constrained to said hydrodynamic lifting
transversal element. The frame bears the thrust of the propelling
unit, fixed to a stern cross member. The stiffening longitudinal
elements can be inserted in longitudinal housings defined by the
above described strips of fabric.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the frame
comprises the above described stiffening longitudinal elements in
rows connected by means of stiffening transversal elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The invention will now disclosed with the following
description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, exemplifying but
not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings
wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of a possible exemplary
embodiment of stiff type for a watercraft structure, in particular
an aquabike, according to the invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the watercraft structure,
in particular an aquabike, of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view according to arrows
III-III of the watercraft structure, in particular an aquabike, of
FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of a possible exemplary
embodiment of inflatable type for the watercraft structure, in
particular an aquabike;
[0034] FIG. 5 shows in a rear view the watercraft structure, in
particular an aquabike, of FIG. 4;
[0035] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a possible exemplary
embodiment for a frame used for the watercraft structure, in
particular an aquabike, of FIG. 4;
[0036] FIG. 7 shows an elevational side view of the watercraft
structure, in particular an aquabike, of FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
[0037] In figures from 1 to 3 a first exemplary embodiment is shown
for a watercraft structure, in particular an aquabike, according to
the present invention. It provides essentially a first elongated
floating body 5 and a second elongated floating body 6 connected to
the first and arranged parallel to it spaced at a determined
distance. The two floating bodies 5 and 6 can be made of stiff
material, for example of metal sheet or plastic material, and are
thrust by a propelling unit, for example an outboard engine 50.
[0038] Between floating bodies 5 and 6, furthermore, a seat 16 is
provided, which can be associated to a footrest and can be
connected by a rod 26 to floating bodies 5 and 6, on which one or
more users can sit. Watercraft 101 can be steered by a handlebar
15, which is also connected to floating bodies 5 and 6 by a rod
25.
[0039] For increasing the lifting forces, which when sailing at
enough speed act against floating bodies 5 and 6, an hydrodynamic
lifting transversal element 30 is provided immersed under the
barycentre of watercraft 101. Transversal element 30 in use has an
upper surface 31 that faces floating bodies 5 and 6 and a lower
surface 32 opposite to the upper surface 31, both of suitable
profile, preferably with a wing-like cross section. When
hydrodynamic lifting transversal element 30 is put in a flow, it is
subject to a lifting force perpendicular to the lower surface 32
caused by a pressure difference between the two surfaces. By virtue
of this lifting force a watercraft can be designed that is light,
easily manoeuvrable and not requiring a powerful propelling means.
Owing to the lightness and the catamaran configuration, the
watercraft requires low powered engines and assures good
performances. In fact, when watercraft 101 speeds up on water, the
hydrodynamic forces allow reducing the ratio length/width of the
elongated floating bodies 5 and 6 and the resistance owing to this
ratio also decreases. Thus, a decrease of power demand derives,
owing to the presence of hydrodynamic lifting transversal element
30, which holds during the movement most of the weight of
watercraft 101. More in detail, the lift of transversal element 30
reduces the weight of watercraft 101 relative to water, and
therefore the resistance against movement.
[0040] The lower profile of floating bodies 5 and 6 can be
substantially V-shaped as in most of planing watercrafts.
Furthermore, one or more skids or steps can be provided to assist
the separation from water in phase of acceleration, causing the
watercraft 101 to plane much more quickly and at a lower speed.
[0041] An inflatable exemplary embodiment of the watercraft can
also be provided, as shown in figures from 4 to 7, where a third
elongated body 7, which is also inflatable, is arranged in a
central position and raised with respect to floating bodies 5 and
6, that are located sideways. Even in this exemplary embodiment of
the invention, the user can easily manoeuvre the watercraft 1
simply displacing its weight in order to allocate more weight
either on the first or on the second floating body for adjusting
the sailing direction; of course, the thrust of engine 50 can be
steered as desired.
[0042] If floating bodies 5, 6 and 7 are of the inflatable type, a
plurality of elongated stiffening longitudinal elements 21 and 23
is provided bearing the thrust of propelling unit 50 and also
supporting hydrodynamic lifting transversal element 30 (FIG.
5).
[0043] For increasing the stiffness of watercraft 1, side floating
bodies 5 and 6 can be connected integrally to central floating body
7, for example by means of glue, seams, etc. Furthermore, each side
floating body 5, or 6 can be constrained to elongated central body
7, for example, by at least one strip of fabric 26, of material
suitable for inflatable vessels, having a portion constrained to a
side floating body 5, or 6, and a portion constrained to central
floating body 7. The strip of fabric 26 can be provided with mutual
engagement elements, for example snap fasteners 35 or other,
associated to corresponding engagement elements 36 provided on the
two floating bodies. The strips of fabric 26 can also act as sheath
for stiffening longitudinal elements 21 and 23.
[0044] In this inflatable exemplary embodiment a frame 20 is
provided shown in FIG. 6 and comprising stiffening longitudinal
elements 21-23 as described hereafter. In particular, stiffening
longitudinal elements 21 are linked by a shaped front element 22
arranged on a first plane parallel to the water plane of watercraft
1. Similarly, stiffening longitudinal elements 23 are linked by a
shaped front element 24. Elements 22 and 24 are interconnected by
means of rods 56.
[0045] In this case, the third floating elongated bodies 7 has a
seat 16 and handlebar 15 can be mounted on a cross support member
25 that engages the frame 20 of watercraft 1. Handlebar 15 can, in
particular, being connected, for example, by a transmission cable
27 to propelling unit 50 for steering the thrust in a desired
direction. Thanks to the structural features above described, the
user can easily manoeuvre watercraft 1, either displacing the
weight allocating it more on first floating body 5 or on second
floating body 6, or steering the thrust.
[0046] Approximately, static side steadiness is responsive to the
distance from the barycentre of two elongated floating bodies 5 and
6 and is zeroed only for sudden leaning beyond 30.degree.. An
inclination of the user in an opposite direction, in a way similar
to a motorcycle, restores quickly the steadiness of the watercraft
and avoids tilting even for stronger leanings. This allows the use
of the watercraft also for sport and acrobatics.
[0047] The embodiment shown in particular in FIG. 5 provides
floating bodies 5-7 of inflatable that can be easily deflated up to
a shrunk configuration, of minimum encumbrance and easily
transportable. Furthermore, the presence of hydrodynamic lifting
transversal element 30 allows increasing remarkably the lifting
features of the watercraft 1 and, therefore, using engines 50 of
limited power. This determines an overall weight and cost of
watercraft 1 remarkably less than in the prior art.
[0048] A watercraft 101, or 1, as above described allows quick and
easy movements in water with very contained costs and size. The
structural features of watercraft 1, or 101, according to the
invention, are particularly suitable for recreational use, but also
as transportation means in inner or coastal waters, or as tender
for larger watercrafts, as well as for use as means for patrolling
or for emergency in seaside resorts.
[0049] The foregoing description of a specific embodiment will so
fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of
view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able
to modify and/or adapt for various applications such an embodiment
without further research and without parting from the invention,
and it is therefore to be understood that such adaptations and
modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the
specific embodiment. The means and the materials to realise the
different functions described herein could have a different nature
without, for this reason, departing from the field of the
invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or
terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and
not of limitation.
* * * * *