U.S. patent application number 14/629136 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-25 for bouy board.
The applicant listed for this patent is Manuel Brad Moses. Invention is credited to Manuel Brad Moses.
Application Number | 20160244131 14/629136 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56556289 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160244131 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moses; Manuel Brad |
August 25, 2016 |
Bouy Board
Abstract
An enclosed water jet craft allows a passenger to surf waves
while having multi directional control to tumble and to launch the
craft up into the air. Several valves contained within and under a
carriage of the craft are controlled by the manipulation of
handlebars containing bearing sensors that control opening and
closing jet ports. The water jet craft itself is reinforced for
passenger safety and the passenger is harnessed in while using the
craft to protect the passenger during launch and tumble while wave
surfing.
Inventors: |
Moses; Manuel Brad;
(Flushing, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Moses; Manuel Brad |
Flushing |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56556289 |
Appl. No.: |
14/629136 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 2029/043 20130101;
B63H 2025/024 20130101; B63H 2011/008 20130101; B63B 34/10
20200201; B63H 25/46 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B63B 35/73 20060101
B63B035/73; B63B 3/14 20060101 B63B003/14; B63H 25/46 20060101
B63H025/46; B63H 11/02 20060101 B63H011/02; B63H 25/02 20060101
B63H025/02 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. A water propelled craft comprising an enclosed body including
jet ports, a series of valves, and a control unit; wherein an
intake port being located at a bottom side of the body; wherein one
of the jet ports being located on a rear side of the body; wherein
another of the jet ports being located on the right side of the
body; wherein another of the jet ports being located on the left
side of the body; wherein the right side jet port and the left side
jet port being controlled by the series of valves activated by the
control unit; wherein the valves are connected to servo motors that
open and close the jets via solenoid switches; wherein the enclosed
body includes a steering mechanism comprising a ball-and-socket
joint between a pair of handlebars and a steering column; wherein
the ball-and-socket joint includes a ball, a socket, and ball
bearings embedded on the ball; and, wherein the ball bearings being
contactable with a series of circuit sensors embedded on the socket
connected to the control unit to control the servo motors.
4. The water propelled craft of claim 3, wherein the steering
mechanism has a piston slidable from the ball to contact the socket
for stabilizing the handlebars.
5. The water propelled craft of claim 3, the handlebars comprise a
U-shape bend that projects upwardly to provide ergonomic hand
control and safety grip in a tumble phase of the craft.
6. The water propelled craft of claim 3, the body further includes
a seat with an recessed, overhead, retractable, pull-down frame, a
body harness, and recessed feet holders containing removable
snap-in feet cushions.
7. The water propelled craft of claim 3, the enclosed body
comprises a stainless steel frame, a reinforced carbon fiber outer
shell, and polymer view shields for making the enclosed body shock
proof.
8. A water propelled craft comprising an enclosed body including
jet ports, a series of valves, and a control unit; wherein an
intake port being located at a bottom side of the body; wherein one
of the jet ports being located on a rear side of the body; wherein
another of the jet ports being located on the right side of the
body; wherein another of the jet ports being located on the left
side of the body; wherein the right side jet port and the left side
jet port being controlled by the series of valves activated by the
control unit; and, the enclosed body includes an air intake port
and a tumble sensor; wherein the air intake port being channeled to
a water check valve; wherein the tumble sensor comprising an opaque
filled transparent donut enclosing an air bubble; wherein the
tumble sensor further comprising a pair of laser beams and a pair
of beam detectors; and; wherein the beam detector is connected to
the air intake port to open or close during a tumble phase.
9. The water propelled craft of claim 8, wherein the laser beams
are respectively directed to the beam detectors to detect right
tilt or left tilt of the craft.
10. The water propelled craft of claim 8, wherein the enclosed body
including a pressurized air canister channeled to a carburetor of
an engine to prevent the engine from stalling during periods of
submersion.
11. The water propelled craft of claim 8, further comprising a
water reservoir in line with the air intake port; and, wherein a
sump pump is connected to the water reservoir to prevent
flooding.
12. A water propelled craft comprising an enclosed body including
jet ports, a series of valves, and a control unit; wherein an
intake port being located at a bottom side of the body; wherein one
of the jet ports being located on a rear side of the body; wherein
another of the jet ports being located on the right side of the
body; wherein another of the jet ports being located on the left
side of the body; wherein the right side jet port and the left side
jet port being controlled by the series of valves activated by the
control unit; further comprising a bottom jet port located at the
bottom of the body; wherein the intake port comprises a telescoping
bellows capped with a mesh grating; and, wherein the mesh grating
includes at least one telescoping extender activated by a sensor
which detects height level.
13. The water propelled craft of claim 3, wherein the steering
column further includes a cylindrical bearing and bearing shafts
projecting from the cylindrical bearing rotatable in ball bearings
having sensors.
14. The water propelled craft of claim 13, wherein the cylindrical
bearing includes a piston slidable from the cylindrical bearing to
contact a base mounted to a floor of the craft for locking the
steering column.
15. The water propelled craft of claim 12, wherein the jet port on
the left side and the jet port on the right side are connected from
a Y-channel.
16. The water propelled craft of claim 12, wherein the bottom jet
port also includes a valve to be activated by the control unit.
17. The water propelled craft of claim 16, wherein the valves
comprise butterfly valves that are pneumatic, hydraulic, or servo
motor operated.
18-20. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention is related to water propelled recreational
crafts known as jet skis. More specifically this invention is
related to an enclosed jet ski, and more distinctly as a passenger
enclosed wave surfing product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Jet skis are watercrafts that use water as a medium of
propulsion. This propulsion has in the prior art only taken
advantage of rear propulsion. This invention makes up for this lack
of physical advantage afforded by water in some several important
respects.
[0003] The advantage of a jet ski watercraft is that it operates in
a medium of water. Water can be used as a means of propulsion and
cushion (e.g. water beds), and for complex and sudden change in the
speed and direction of the vessel that is cushioned on impact. The
prior art has not taken full advantage of the physical medium in
which these crafts operate. In order to take advantage of the
water, as propulsion medium and by and through waveforms, the Buoy
Board specifications has now been designed.
[0004] A known flying watercraft is by De Masi, Sr., US
Publication, 20110056422. This craft utilizes a telescoping water
intake for the propulsion system. De Masi's craft is designed as
both an open body concept and closed body concept and mainly uses
one rear jet as commonly know with all jet skis. This craft uses an
air pump to feed air into the craft to help occupants breath and
feed the motor as well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The prior art includes enclosed Jet Skis, but not enclosed
Jet Skis that are shock proof to the extent of protecting a
passenger(s) in heavy surf and sudden speed and directional
changes; hence the name Buoy Board, which always rights itself and
is tough and durable.
[0006] The craft has durability not before seen in the prior art;
allowing the craft to take a 20-foot wave for a unique thrill ride,
and always right itself up and securing the passenger in a safe,
comfortable, and thrilling ride. The prior art primarily concerned
rear propulsion that limits the directional control of the craft to
a forward or circular path.
[0007] The craft has water exhaust side ports or jets, and at least
one port or jet underneath the carriage of the craft, which allows
it to thrust water out on the sides, and to tumble left or right.
The port underneath the craft allows the craft to launch--up into
the air, without losing thrust by reasons of an intake probe that
telescopes down into the water during the launch phase.
[0008] These ports and associated water thrusting pressures are
controlled by a series of valves under the carriage of the craft
that are also connected to a series of associated servo motors and
solenoids that open and close the valves as is indicated by the
pilot directional control steering mechanism. The pilot operates
the craft by using specially designed ergonomic handlebars that is
in one corresponding accord with the sitting position of the human
form. The form of the handlebars resemble curved ones found on an
English racing bike but uniquely novel in reverse.
[0009] The handlebars serve a dual safety purpose. Built into the
handle bars steering columns is a hydraulic brake plunger that
provides appropriate tension to the handle bar steering allowing
the pilot to grip and hold the steering mechanism during the launch
or tumble phase or wipe out phase of the craft during high speed
operation or heavy or high surf. This brake mechanism is engaged
when pressing a button switch on top of the handlebar itself. The
brake mechanism also includes a safety feature that allows the
craft to be turned with the application of appropriate physical
force if the brake locks down and does not release, so that in
essence the pilot can still turn the craft back to shore in an
emergency should the brake lockdown and not release and
malfunction.
[0010] The steering system includes two distinct bearings sensor
control mechanisms. The upper most sensor is contained in the outer
casing or spherical socket of a ball joint. Out from the socket
extend out two arms of the steering mechanism or handlebars. The
bearings are housed in a bearing harness whose assembly is
accomplished by two plastic interlocking clips that secure the
bearing to the spherical socket. The bearings ride on a circuit
board racer whose circuitry is linked to a computer chip that sends
electronic signals to the solenoids that control the servo motors
and in turn control the various butterfly valves, which open and
close the flow control of water thrusters to the right or left
ports for tumbling the craft or rear port for ordinary forward
directional controls. There is also a lower bearing sensor located
at the base of the steering column that opens or closes that
undercarriage ports.
[0011] The steering bearing sensors operate this way. The pilot
holds both hands of the steering mechanism. Turing one of the
handle bars in towards the left side of your chest, while level,
turns the craft to the left. Turning one of the handlebars in
towards the right side of your chest, while level, turns the craft
to the right.
[0012] Pulling back on the handlebars engages the bearings on the
lower portion of the steering column, and consequently opens the
ports on the under carriage of the craft, launching the craft
up.
[0013] Tilting the handle bar down and left; opens the right side
port and tumbles the craft to the left. Tilting the handle bar down
and right opens the left side port and tumbles the craft to the
right.
[0014] There are two buttons on the tops of the grips of the handle
bar controls. The button on the left can be readily engaged by the
left thumb, and raises the RPM's of the motor into overdrive,
providing additional acceleration during the launch phase of the
vehicle. The button above the right hand can be readily engaged by
the right thumb, engages and disengages the hydraulic brake, to
stabilize the handle bar as a grip and hold safety feature during
the tumble phase of the craft.
[0015] An additional feature of the craft is the body steel
cushioned body harness that secures the chest and legs of the human
form; during tumble and severe shock during turbulent, tumble, and
wipe out we see contained in large waveforms. A unique feature of
this body harness is that it retracts into the roof of the vessel,
and is easily pulled down into place by the seated pilot.
[0016] A unique feature of human body protection is in two recessed
footrests. The two footrests are angled and recessed into the floor
of the vessel or placed on a pedestal. The heels can as well be
recessed into a lower portion of the craft, while the top half of
the feet protrude up. The pilot's bare feet are placed into a foam
fitted cushion that is sized to the passenger. Each of the foam
fitted shoe cushions snap in and out--of the floor recessed foot
compartments, for easy sizing and cleaning. They hold the feet in
place during tumble.
[0017] An additional unique aspect of this recessed and angular
footrest is that the passenger can press down onto both their feet
to help secure and stabilize them during a tumble and wipe out
phase of the ride. In essence, this provides an additional
securement to hold on--by pushing down on your feet and at the same
time holding when the steering mechanism becomes locked while being
harnessed into place as well.
[0018] An important feature of the vessel is the ability to operate
while submerged. This is a necessary feature and takes into account
that this vessel may operate in heavy surf. This ability to operate
submerged means that the air intake port on the top of the craft
has a small topside port hatch involved in air exchange: one for
air intake that opens and closes by virtue of an optical sensor
that detects a laser once the laser passes through a bubble moving
in a donut shaped container filled with opaque fluid. This optical
sensor is connected to the donut shaped container, which in turn is
fixed to the body of the craft. When the optical sensor senses, it
signals that the craft begins to tilt to one side during tumble.
When this happens, the top port closes preventing water from
flooding the passenger compartment. The optical sensor is
bidirectional and dependent on the direction of tumble. Associated
with this conduit airway are positive air vent fans taking air from
the top into the enclosed passenger compartment and back out the
rear of the craft. Within this vent conduit is a sump and
associated pump to rid the air conduit of water. The air is
exchanged and exited from the enclosed compartment via a conduit
that has a rear craft port check valve to prevent water from
flooding back into the craft during times of submersion.
[0019] The engine or engines can also operate submerged without
stalling, as the engine has an air canister that has an associated
air pump to feed the carburetor and motor. This distinction is a
necessary feature, as the vessel may be submerged for an extended
period of time, and maintaining operational control for example in
the collapsed tube of a wave lends to the thrill and aids in
effective operation. It should be noted that the craft can include
a two passenger model that is useful for pilot training or
certification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the buoy board.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the buoy board.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the buoy board.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the buoy board.
[0024] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of the bottom half of the
buoy board.
[0025] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the bottom half of the buoy
board.
[0026] FIG. 7 shows cross-sectional view 7-7 shown in FIG. 6.
[0027] FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of the propelling system.
[0028] FIG. 9 shows a front view of a foot restrainer.
[0029] FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of a floor used in the buoy
board.
[0030] FIG. 11 shows cross-sectional view 11-11 shown in FIG.
6.
[0031] FIG. 12 shows a seat restrainer used in the buoy board.
[0032] FIG. 13 shows a front view of a tumble sensor.
[0033] FIG. 14 shows a side view of the tumble sensor.
[0034] FIG. 15 shows a front view of the tumble sensor when the
craft is in a tilted position.
[0035] FIG. 16 shows a lower bearing sensor system as part of a
steering mechanism.
[0036] FIG. 17 shows a top view of the lower bearing sensor
system.
[0037] FIG. 18 shows cross-sectional view 18-18 shown in FIG.
17.
[0038] FIG. 19 shows an isometric view of a steering mechanism.
[0039] FIG. 20 shows a side view of the steering mechanism.
[0040] FIG. 21 shows a top view of the steering mechanism shown in
FIG. 19.
[0041] FIG. 22 shows cross-sectional view 22-22 shown in FIG.
21.
[0042] FIG. 23 shows blown-up cross-sectional view 23-23 shown in
FIG. 21.
[0043] FIG. 24 shows a side view of a ball-bearing retaining
system.
[0044] FIG. 25 shows a top view of the ball-bearing retaining
system.
[0045] FIG. 26 shows cross-sectional view 26-26 shown in FIG.
25.
[0046] FIG. 27 shows a close up view of the socket used in the
steering mechanism.
[0047] FIG. 28 shows cross-sectional view 28-28 showing the
internals of the socket in FIG. 27.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] FIG. 1 shows an overall view of the buoy board or craft 1.
The craft 1 comprises a top shell 2 and a bottom shell 4. It should
be noted that the method of joining the two shells can be made with
many different processes or connections and will not be discussed.
One of ordinary skill in the art will know best how to join the two
shells 2, 4. In this design of craft, the top shell 2 includes
several front windows 2b, 2e 2f and rear windows 2c, 2d. The
windows 2b-2f are view shields made of polymer material and deep
recessed into the top shell 2. The design further includes a hatch
door 2a that hinges horizontally to the craft 1 as seen in FIG. 2.
As customary, the door 2a has a latch 2f. A dashboard 6 provides
the pilot with sensors and buttons to control aspects of the craft.
As customary, the craft includes a steering system 10.
[0049] On top of the top shell 2 is an air inlet port 2f to feed
both the pilot and the engines 20, 22. It should be noted that any
type of engine can be used to provide power to shafts 4g which
propel impellers 4g in FIG. 7. At the bottom of the bottom shell 4
is a water intake port 4b as seen in FIG. 2. At the rear of the
bottom shell 4 is a rear jet 4a as commonly found in jet skis and
are pivotable to make the ski go left or right. The bottom shell 4
further includes side jets 4c, 4d, which can be seen in FIG. 5.
Adjacent to the water intake port 4b is a bottom jet 4e as seen in
FIGS. 4, 5, and 7.
[0050] As seen in FIGS. 3, 9, and 10 is a floor 5 which includes a
pedestal 5a keeping a foot restraining system comprising two
footrests 3a, 3b of which includes a housing and a padding that
custom fits the pilot's feet. The craft 1 employs a seat
restraining system 8 as commonly found in roller coasters. The seat
restraining system, as seen in FIG. 12 in detail, features a pair
of backbones 8c that keep a hinging chest rest 8b, which protects a
pilot when sitting on seat 8a.
[0051] FIGS. 5-8 show details of the propelling system. The water
intake port 4b includes a dome housing 4k that is sealed relative
to the bottom shell 4. A first channel 4n projects from the dome 4k
and houses an impeller 4h, which pushes water through jet port 4a.
A drive shaft 4g projects through the first channel 4n which then
connects to engine 20. At the end of the first channel 4n is
connected a flexible bellows 4i that is in continuous flow. The
flexible bellows 4i makes the intake port 4b to be telescoping by
the use of hydraulic cylinders 4q. A piston 4r of the hydraulic
cylinders 4q are connected to a grating 4j, which is connected to
the end of the flexible bellow 4i. The grating 4j prevents any
debris from entering through the water intake port 4b. As seen in
FIG. 6, a second channel 4m extends from the first channel 4n,
which contours and has a portion that is parallel to the first
channel 4n. Similar to the first channel 4n, the second channel 4m
houses another impeller 4h except that its shaft 4g extends through
the second channel 4m in an opposite direction to that impeller 4h
in the first channel 4n. The impeller 4h, in the second channel 4m,
is driven by a second engine 22. The craft will have two
independent engines 20, 22 to activate the jets. In particular, one
of the engines 20 will activate the back port and the other engine
22 will activate the side ports and bottom port.
[0052] The second channel 4m connects to a Y-channel 4p, which
divides the flow into the left jet 4c and right jet 4d. Between the
Y-channel 4p and the second channel 4m is a butterfly valve 4f to
block the flow path. It should be noted that the butterfly valve 4f
can be manipulated by hydraulics, pneumatics, servo motors, or
solenoids. The bottom jet 4e projects from the Y-channel 4p and is
similar controlled by another butterfly valve 4f. As seen in FIG.
6, the left jet 4d and the right jet 4c similar to the bottom jet
4e are blocked off by butterfly valves 4f. The butterfly valves 4f
are controlled based on the way the pilot handles the steering
system 8 as will be later discussed.
[0053] FIGS. 13-15 show a tumble sensor 24 that controls the
opening and closing of the air intake 2f. The tumble sensor 24
includes a hollow donut 24a made of glass or a strong clear plastic
that is fixed to the craft 1. The hollow donut 24a houses an opaque
fluid and a bubble 24f that moves freely when the craft 1 tilts.
Attached to the donut 24a is a pair of lasers 24b, 24c that when
projected and hit the opaque fluid scatters the laser beam 24g. At
the center of the donut 24a is a pair of beam detectors 24d, 24e
that is fixed to the craft 1. The operation of the tumble of the
sensor 24 is as follows. When the craft 1 has tilted to the left
side or right side, the donut 24a and detectors follow. The bubble
24f stays stationary to gravity and moves relative to the donut
24a. When the beam 24h, as shown in FIG. 15, hits the bubble 24f,
the beam 24h passes through the bubble 24f into the beam detector
24d. When that occurs, it registers a signal to control a hatch of
the air intake port.
[0054] FIGS. 19 and 20 show the steering system 10 including a
steering column 10c, a socket 10a, ball 10b, and a base 12. The
socket 10a and the ball 10b form part of a ball-and-socket joint,
which allows a pilot to control the craft. A pair of handlebars 10f
project from the socket 10a. The handlebars 10f comprises a section
10e that projects outwardly from the socket 10a and bends into a
backward U-shape 10d. At an end of the handlebars 10f is a push
button 10g that control the locking of both the steering column 10c
and the socket 10a. The steering column 10c has a cylindrical
bearing 10i and a pair of bearing shafts 10h projecting from the
bearing 10i, as seen in FIG. 23. The bearing shafts 10h ride on an
inner race 26b of a pair of ball bearings 26 with sensors 26c,
which are housed in part of an outer race 26a, as seen in FIGS.
16-18. This sensors 26c detect when a ball bearing 26d has passed
which detect the direction the steering column 10c has gone, which
controls any of the jets. A pair of brackets 12a fasten the two
sets of ball bearings 26. The brackets 12a are bolted to the base
12. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, the base 12 is fixed to a carriage
5b that is below the floor 5.
[0055] A button 10z on the left handlebar 11a is used to raise RPM
of the engines like a turbo. The right side handlebar 10f rotates
on its axis to throttle the engines by twisting the handlebar 11a
forward for faster and backward for slower.
[0056] FIG. 9 shows the pedestal 5a including an oval opening 5c
where the steering column 10c passes through, as seen in FIG. 3.
FIG. 23 shows the steering column 10c contains a hydraulic brake
system within the bearing 10i. A piston housing 10j is fastened to
an opening 10p inside the bearing 10i. A piston 10k projects from
the piston housing 10j which then creates braking against the base
12 when hydraulically activated. To retract the piston 10k, at
least one tension spring 10n is connected to the piston 10k and the
piston housing 10j. The ends of the tension springs 10n are wrapped
to a pair of pegs 10r, 10m that respectively project from the
piston housing 10j and piston 10k.
[0057] FIGS. 22 and 24-28 show a steering brake system being part
of the ball-and-socket joint similar to the hydraulic brake system
within the bearing 10i. While it envisioned that both brake systems
use hydraulics. The brake systems can be modified to use pneumatics
or solenoid mechanism instead of hydraulics. The ball 10b includes
spherically distributed openings 10x, which house sensing bearings
14. This reduces the friction normally created in ball-and-socket
joints as well provide sensors 10y signals as they touch the
sensors 10y. The advantage is that these sensing bearings 14 work
in conjunction with sensors 10y that are embedded in the socket 10a
to detect steering motion which then propels the craft 1 to the
left or right, or launch the craft up with the bottom jet 4e. The
sensor 10y are equally distributed as the openings 10x and are
flush with an inner surface of the socket 10a. As seen in FIG. 28,
the ball 10b is hollowed out and the brake system is located within
the hollow ball 10b. The piston 10k projects out of the ball 10b to
brake against the socket especially when button 10g is pressed
during a tumble phase.
[0058] FIGS. 24-26 show the details of the sensing bearings 14,
which are part of the socket 10a. The sensing bearings 14 comprise
of two ball bearing housings 14a, 14b, which are connected together
via a snap click connection 14d. Each of the ball bearing housings
14a, 14b contain a spherical opening 14e to keep a ball bearing 14c
in place. Both ball bearing housings 14a, 14b together form a
groove 14f that corresponds in shape to a spherical portion
surrounding the opening 10x. It is envisioned that the ball
bearings housing 14a, 14b are to be made of hard plastic or metal.
Alternatively, while no preferred reference is made to any
particular material, one skilled in the art can use any hard
material that can withstand impact since this craft is a high
velocity vehicle. It should be noted that the sensors 10y, 26c are
connected to a control unit 40 utilizing logic chips to activate
all the ports.
* * * * *