Abstract:
A propulsion drive system for boats that is operated by wind power is disclosed. Upon initial observation of a boat equipped with the invention, it looks like a conventional boat. However, after closer inspection, it can be seen that a mast located at the rear of the boat supports a windmill structure. The windmill operates in a horizontal manner, similar to that of an anemometer. The central drive shaft is routed down the mast where it terminates in a gear box which increases the revolutions per minute by a factor of approximately 20 to 1. The output of the gearbox, complete with a clutch, is then routed to a propellor on the rear of the boat which is then used in a conventional manner. The features of the invention provide all of the advantages of a wind-powered boat without any of the disadvantages.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document Number 537,681 filed on Sep. 2, 2003 under 35 U.S.C. §122 and 37 C.F.R. §1.14. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to propulsion systems for boats, and, more particularly, to a rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Wind power has been used to power boats since the beginning of mankind. Wind power for this application is powerful, abundant, and limitless, the perfect combination for a power source. However, to harness such energy, the use of sails is required. As anyone who has ever been on a sailboat quickly realizes, a good deal of knowledge and skill is required to operate and control such a boat. Also, the sails, mast, raising and lowering gear, and the like, take up valuable deck space whether or not they are in use. Additionally, much valuable time can be lost while “tacking” or sailing into the direction of the wind. Finally, the use of sails is only effective on large lakes and oceans, and thus cannot be used on rivers, small lakes, and the like. 
   Consequently, there exists a need for a means by which the benefits of sailing such as free energy, no pollution, no noise and the like can be realized without any of the disadvantages as listed above. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved propulsion systems for boats. 
   It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats. 
   Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, an air power drive for boats is a drive system for boats that is operated by wind power. Upon initial observation of a boat equipped with the invention, it looks like a conventional boat. However, after closer inspection, it can be seen that a mast located at the rear of the boat supports a windmill structure. The windmill operates in a horizontal manner, similar to that of an anemometer. The central drive shaft is routed down the mast where it terminates in a gear box, which increases the revolutions per minute by a factor of approximately 20 to 1. The output of the gearbox, complete with a clutch, is then routed via a flexible linkage such as a universal joint to a propeller on the rear of the boat, which is then used in a conventional manner. 
   The features of the invention provide all of the advantages of a wind-powered boat without any of the disadvantages. 
   The use of the Air Power Drive for Boats provides a means to take advantage of wind power on a boat in a manner, which is easy to use and control, economical, and environmentally friendly too. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10  installed upon a boat  15 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10  shown in a retracted or stowed state, upon the boat  15 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10  as seen along a line I—I shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of a three-arm embodiment of the swing arms; 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of a four-arm embodiment of the swing arms; 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of an alternate embodiment having a multi-shaft assembly; 
       FIG. 8  is a cut-away side view of the gearbox housing with hand crank; and 
       FIG. 9  is a cut-away side view of the gearbox housing and multi-shaft assembly that may be disassembled. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the  FIGS. 1 through 9 . 
   1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side view of the rotary wind-powered propulsion system or apparatus for a boat  10 , installed upon a boat  15 , is disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the size of the boat  15  is not a limiting factor of the present invention, and the rotary wind-powered propulsion system or apparatus  10  is suitable for use on boating vessels from the size of a small rowboat to a large military naval vessel by simply scaling the size of the components. At the rear of the boat  15  a main vertical shaft  20  is provided along the longitudinal center axis of the boat  15 . The bottom end or inferior terminus of the main vertical shaft  20  terminates in a gear box housing  25  on the interior of the boat  15  and thus shown via phantom lines for purposes of clarity. The gear box housing  25  will be disclosed in additional detail herein below. The upper end or superior terminus of the main vertical shaft  20  terminates in a central hub  30 . A series of four mast swing arms  35  emanates or radiates from the central hub  30  at an angle of 90 degrees to each other, thus permitting the viewing of three in this FIG. Each mast swing arm  35  includes a horizontal extension arm  40  and a wind cup  45  affixed at a distal end of the arm  40 . The horizontal extension arm  40  is located at an angle of 90 degrees to the main vertical shaft  20 . The wind cup  45  is located at the outward end of each horizontal extension arm  40 . It should be noted that a mounting height “d”  50  of the mast swing arms  35  above the boat  15  is such that it will not cause a danger to people who may be sitting or standing in the boat  15  regardless of its size. A propellor  55  is provided as the final drive component of the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10  which propels the boat  15  through the water in a conventional manner. 
   Referring next to  FIG. 2 , a top view of the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10  is disclosed. This FIG. clearly depicts the 90 degree relationship of each horizontal extension arm  40  and wind cup  45  to each other. The wind cup  45  are positioned as shown to allow the capture of wind power regardless of wind direction. The convex surface  60  surface of the wind cup  45  allows wind to flow over said surface with a minimum of resistance or turbulence. The concave surface  65  surface of the wind cup  45  captures the wind and causes the wind to push or move the wind cup  45  and subsequent horizontal extension arm  40  in the direction of the wind. Thus it can be seen that no matter which way the wind is blowing, a wind cup  45  will be positioned with its concave surface  65  exposed to it, and another wind cup  45  positioned 180 degrees away will be positioned with its convex surface  60  to it. In such a manner the central hub  30  will rotate in the direction of a direction arrow  70  as shown. Such rotation will occur regardless of the direction of the boat  15 , thus minimal skill to operate the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10  is required. The rotation of the wind cups  45  results in the rotation of the hub  30  and rotation of shaft  20  in the direction of the air flow. The rotational energy generated is transferred from shaft  20  through gearbox housing  25  and to the propellor  55 , thereby mobilizing the boat or vessel. The rotation is well-known in the art and is commonly used on anemometer-style wind measuring and wind mill type devices. The task of having to “tack” into the wind is no longer necessary, thus travel distance and travel time is reduced. Also, the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10  can be used on small lakes and even rivers which are locations that are not feasible or even possible for conventional styled sail boats. Additionally, the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10  does not produce environmental or noise pollution thus making it ideal for use in areas where there are restrictions on the use of fossil-fuel powered propulsion systems with regards to environmental or noise issues. Such operation is environmentally friendly and does not consume any non-renewable resources. Finally, the low-noise, or no-noise operation of the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10  makes it ideal for use in military situations where stealth operation is a concern such as when approaching enemy territory via a water-based access point. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a side view of the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10 , shown in a stowed or retracted state upon the boat  15  is disclosed. Said configuration would be used while anchored, docked or not moving. Each mast swing arms  35  folds downward as indicated by a travel path  75  from a raised position  80  (shown via phantom lines) to a lowered position  85 . It is also envisioned on smaller boats that the main vertical shaft  20 , the central hub  30 , and the mast swing arms  35  could be completely removed and set inside of the boat  15  in a horizontal fashion, by removing the main vertical shaft  20  from a coupling  90 . Due to the fact that the main vertical shaft  20 , the central hub  30  and the mast swing arms  35  are relatively small in nature compared to conventional fabric sails, the utilization of the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10  as an emergency propulsion system could also be entertained. Thus, the failure of a primary propulsion system such as a fossil-fuel powered engine could be remedied by the use of the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10 . 
   Referring finally to  FIG. 4 , a sectional view of the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10 , as seen along a line I—I, as shown in  FIG. 2  is depicted. The main vertical shaft  20  enters the coupling  90 , envisioned to be a slip joint-type coupling. A small shaft  95  then enters the gear box housing  25  via a first bearing seal  100 , which is designed to support the small shaft  95  and subsequent main vertical shaft  20  along with the central hub  30  (not shown in this FIG.) and the associated mast swing arms  35  (not shown in this FIG.) The first bearing seal  100  also seals in lubricating medium  105  such as grease or oil, while sealing out water that may splash in the boat  15 . The small shaft  95  then continues onto a speed reduction mechanism  110  such as a clutch which allows the user to reduce the speed of the boat  15  in relation to the wind speed. Various speed reduction mechanisms  110  such as a mechanical clutch, a magnetic clutch, a friction-based clutch or the like could be used, and is not intended as a limiting factor of the present invention. The adjustment range of the speed reduction mechanism  110  is governed by a speed adjustment lever  115  operating through a second bearing seal  120 . The output of the speed reduction mechanism  110  is transmitted by a speed controlled output  125  which rests upon the bottom of the gear box housing  25  and boat  15  with the use of a support bearing  130 . The support bearing  130  supports the weight of all components located above it, such as the speed controlled output  125 , the speed reduction mechanism  110 , the small shaft  95 , and the main vertical shaft  20 . Additionally, the weight of the central hub  30 , and the mast swing arms  35  (as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 ) is supported as well. A large diameter gear  135  is located and in firm mechanical contact with the speed controlled output  125 . Said large diameter gear  135  feeds a small diameter gear  140  at a 90 degree angle as shown. The size ratio of the large diameter gear  135  to the small diameter gear  140  is envisioned to be 20 to 1. Thus, for every rotation of the main vertical shaft  20 , not limited by the speed reduction mechanism  110 , a propellor shaft  145  will turn 20 times. The propellor shaft  145  is routed through a third bearing seal  150  and through a boat hull  155  with the use of fourth bearing seal  160  where it will turn the propellor  55 . It should be noted that the main purpose of the gear box housing  25  is to convert the rotational energy of the main vertical shaft  20  into a form of rotational energy that can be governed and used by the propellor  55 . Said conversion occurs with a minimum of moving parts thus keeping the design simple and dependable. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , alternate embodiments of the arms  40  are depicted. In  FIG. 5 , a three arm ( 40   a ,  40   b  and  40   c , respectively) embodiment is depicted, wherein each arm  40   a ,  40   b  or  40   c  is equidistant from adjacent arms and are set at an angle ∠α that is approximately 120°. The wind cups  45  of each respective arm are aligned facing in the same axial direction, as indicated by the directional arrows in  FIG. 5 . In this example, the wind cups  45  are aligned to face the counterclockwise direction (as viewed looking down onto the figure), but it is intended that the clockwise directional alignment is also desirable. In  FIG. 6 , a four arm ( 40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c  and  40   d , respectively) embodiment is depicted, wherein each arm  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c  or  40   d  is equidistant from adjacent arms and are set an angle ∠β that is approximately 90°. The wind cups  45  of each respective arm are aligned facing the same axial direction, as indicated by the directional arrows in  FIG. 6 . In this example, the wind cups  45  are aligned to face the counterclockwise direction as in  FIG. 5 . The first arm  40   a  and the third arm  40   c  are co-axially aligned about the hub  30 . The respective wind cups  45  are aligned facing opposing compass directions (the compass direction North provided for reference in  FIG. 6 ). Thus, the wind cup  45  of the first arm  40   a  is aligned facing the compass direction West, and the wind cup  45  of the third arm  40   c  is aligned facing the compass direction East. Likewise, the wind cup  45  of the second arm  40   b  is aligned facing the compass direction South, and the wind cup  45  of the fourth arm  40   d  is aligned facing the compass direction North. Obviously, the directional alignment provided in the figure is for illustrative purposes only, and the directional alignment may differ without departing from the intention and scope of the feature as it relates to the invention. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an alternate embodiment of the invention is depicted in which a single shaft is replaced by a multiple-shaft, vertical shaft assembly  165  is provided. The shaft assembly  165  comprises a superior shaft  170 , an intermediate shaft  175  and an inferior shaft  180 . The superior shaft  170  engages the intermediate shaft  175  by a coupling  90 . The intermediate shaft  175  engages the inferior shaft  180  by a first bearing seal  100 . The inferior shaft  180  is supported at the base of the gearbox housing  25  by a support bearing seal  130 . The inferior shaft  180  engages the mechanism  110 , and is controlled by lever  115  as described previously. The inferior shaft  180  also engages a large diameter gear  135  that engages a small diameter gear  140 . Thus, the inferior shaft  180  traverses the gearbox housing  25  from top to bottom, penetrating the mechanism  110  and the gear  135 . The small diameter gear  140  engages the propellor shaft  145 , the propellor shaft  145  penetrating the third bearing seal  150  of the gearbox and the fourth bearing seal  160  of the boat hull. The propellor shaft  145  depends from the propellor  55 . Rotational energy is transferred through the sequence to impart rotation on the propellor and provide mobility to the boat. As described in greater detail in relating to  FIG. 9 , the shaft assembly  165  may be disassembled so that the superior shaft  170  is removed from the intermediate shaft  175  for storage and safety. The lever  115  is coupled to the large gear  135  via a small diameter gear  122 . Therefore, the lever  115  may be used to supply power to the propellor by rotation of the lever  115  manually by the user. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , alternate embodiments are depicted, wherein  FIG. 5  discloses the lever  115  operating as a hand crank so as to generate rotational energy to power the propellor  55 . The lever/hand crank  115  is in mechanical communication with a small diameter gear  185 , the small diameter gear  185  feeds a large diameter gear  190  at a 90 degree angle as shown. Rotational energy generated by the gears  185  and  190  are transferred or imparted down the lower shaft  180  so as to transfer or impart the rotational energy to gears  135  and  140 , thereby rotating the propellor  55 . The use of the lever  115  as a hand crank permits the propulsion of the boat or vessel  10  when air current and/or wind are negligible for propulsion via the arms  40  and corresponding cups  45 . 
   In  FIG. 9 , another embodiment is depicted in which the lever or crank  115  is removable by release of a pin  195  inserted to impinge the crank  115  within the housing  25 . In addition, the superior shaft  170  is removable from the intermediate shaft  175 . The arms  40  are foldable so that the arms  40  lie parallel and adjacent with the superior shaft  170 . The superior shaft  170  and the intermediate shaft  175  are coupled so that rotation of the superior shaft  170  imparts rotation on the intermediate shaft  175 , thereby transferring or imparting rotational energy through to the inferior shaft  180  and through the sequence to the gears  135  and  140  and the propellor  55 . A cap  200  is provided to fit over the top of the intermediate shaft  175  for protecting the interior of the intermediate shaft  175  and for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
   It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
   The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After purchase or procurement of the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10 , it must be installed in a boat  15 , though it is envisioned that some boat  15  could be manufactured with the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10  as an integral component. As aforementioned, the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10  would be made available in multiple sizes, thus ensuring the proper utilization, weight considerations, operating parameters, would be addressed with regards to the type and size of boat it is used upon. Once installed in general accordance with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10  is ready for use. 
   To begin operation of the rotary wind-powered propulsion system for boats  10 , the user would raise all four of the mast swing arms  35  to a horizontal position as shown in  FIG. 1 . At this point, should any wind be blowing, one of the wind cup  45  will be in a position to capture the wind via its concave surface  65 , and the central hub  30  will be begin to rotate. This rotational power will be mechanically coupled to and transferred by the main vertical shaft  20  to the coupling  90 , then the small shaft  95 , and into the speed reduction mechanism  110  located inside the gear box housing  25 . The user will then have the option of reducing the rotational energy using the speed adjustment lever  115 . The resultant rotational power is transferred at a 20 to 1 ration through the large diameter gear  135  and the small diameter gear  140  where it powers the propellor  55  in a conventional manner. At this point in time, the boat  15  will begin to move forward in a direction governed by other control systems such as the rudder. It should be noted that a flexible coupling system or universal joint along the propellor shaft  145  would allow the direction of the boat  15  to be controlled as well. When docked or anchored, the above process is reduced for stowage purposes. 
   The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.