Hands-free kayak steering system

A hands-free kayak steering system is a system that enables users to maneuver small watercrafts without requiring physical steering by the user. The system may include a bridging base, a first maneuvering mechanism, a second maneuvering mechanism, a user controller, and a portable power source. The bridging base supports the user controller for the user to steer the watercraft using the feet. The first maneuvering mechanism and the second maneuvering mechanism enable the system to adjust to fit on the watercraft. In addition, the first maneuvering mechanism and the second maneuvering mechanism generate thrust to propel the watercraft in the desired direction. The user controller enables the user to selectively engage the first maneuvering mechanism and the second maneuvering mechanism to steer the watercraft in the desired direction. Finally, the portable power source provides the voltage necessary to power both the first maneuvering mechanism and the second maneuvering mechanism.

The current application also claims a priority to a U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/977,638 filed on Feb. 17, 2020.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to aquatic vehicles and outdoor activities. More specifically, the present invention provides a handsfree steering system with autopilot capabilities for small watercrafts such as kayaks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Kayaking is one of the most popular outdoor activities performed nowadays. Kayaking is relatively accessible and serves as a vehicle for both exercising and recreation. However, having full control of the watercraft while performing other activities can be difficult and requires experience. For example, kayakers may want to do fishing while kayaking, but being able to keep control of the kayak while fishing can almost be impossible. Other watercraft are equipped to enable users to perform multiple activities at once such as motorboats or even small ships. However, these watercrafts can be too big or inadequate for smaller or turbulent bodies of water such as rivers. Other alternatives include customizing the kayak with propellers, but the installation can be time consuming and expensive for some.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a hands-free kayak steering system that facilitates unobstructed fishing or other aquatic activities without requiring manual steering. The present invention is self-contained, portable by weighting approximately 10 pounds, and is equipped with quick and easy attachment means that enables the attachment of the present invention to the desired kayak in less than 10 seconds. The attachment means of the present invention also accommodate various sizes and different types of kayaks. Further, the present invention provides autopilot means to help the user perform other activities while the present invention steers the kayak under predetermined settings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a portable and easy to use hands-free kayak steering system. The present invention provides a pair of maneuvering mechanisms that propels the kayak in the desired direction. Each maneuvering mechanism includes a high-efficiency brushless motor propeller mounted outboard that is height and yaw adjustable for better steering control of the kayak. Further, the propellers can be controlled via a pair of pedals that enable the user to steer the kayak in the desired direction. The pair of pedals preferably include a right pedal and left pedal which steers the kayak right or left, respectively. In addition, each pedal is designed for directional control of the corresponding propeller so that the propellers can generate trust forward or backward, thus allowing the user to even steer in reverse. Further, a portable power source, such as a rechargeable battery pack, is provided to power the present invention while keeping an overall light weight. An auxiliary waterproof charging port can be included that allows the user to plug in additional batteries or even a solar array to recharge the main battery pack or to provide additional power to the maneuvering mechanisms. The present invention can be also be adjusted to be utilized with other aquatic vehicles such as canoes, paddle boards, etc. Furthermore, the present invention includes autopilot means to enable the user to perform other activities without having to manually control the present invention. The autopilot means can also help maintain the kayak at a desired trajectory or keep the kayak off the shoreline. A microcontroller may also be included to enable the operation of the autopilot mechanism to further liberate the user to perform other activities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a hands-free kayak steering system that enables users to maneuver small watercrafts such as a kayak without requiring physical steering by the user. As can be seen inFIGS.1,2, and10, the present invention may comprise a bridging base1, a first maneuvering mechanism2, a second maneuvering mechanism3, a user controller22, and a portable power source25. The bridging base1supports the user controller22for the user to manually steer the watercraft29using the feet. The first maneuvering mechanism2and the second maneuvering mechanism3enable the adjustment of the present invention so that the present invention can fit onto the watercraft29. In addition, both the first maneuvering mechanism2and the second maneuvering mechanism3generate thrust to propel the watercraft29towards the desired direction. The user controller22enables the user to selectively actuate the first maneuvering mechanism2and the second maneuvering mechanism3to steer the watercraft29in the desired direction. Finally, the portable power source25provides the voltage necessary to power both the first maneuvering mechanism2and the second maneuvering mechanism3as necessary.

The general configuration of the aforementioned components enables the user to comfortably perform other activities such as fishing without having to physically steer the watercraft29. As can be seen inFIG.1through5, the first maneuvering mechanism2and the second maneuvering mechanism3each comprises a propeller assembly4, a variable-depth post7, and a quick-connect bracket10. The propeller assembly4provides the thrust necessary for propulsion and maneuvering. The variable-depth post7enables the adjustment of the depth of the propeller assembly4to accommodate for different thrust levels. The quick-connect bracket10connects the variable-depth post7to the bridging base1. In addition, the quick-connect bracket10facilitates the connection of the present invention to the watercraft29. The propeller assembly4is terminally connected to the variable-depth post7so that any other portion of the present invention does not interfere with the directional thrust generated by the propeller assembly4. The quick-connect bracket10is laterally positioned to the variable-depth post7, offset from the propeller assembly4, to support the variable-depth post7. In addition, the quick-connect bracket10is movably mounted along the variable-depth post7to adjust the depth of the variable-depth post7. The quick-connect bracket10of the first maneuvering mechanism2and the quick-connect bracket10of the second maneuvering mechanism3are positioned opposite to each other along the bridging base1, which allows the variable-depth post7of the first maneuvering mechanism2to be positioned on one side of a kayak and allows the variable-depth post7of the second maneuvering mechanism3to be positioned on the other side of the kayak. Further, the quick-connect bracket10of the first maneuvering mechanism2and the quick-connect bracket10of the second maneuvering mechanism3are laterally mounted to the bridging base1so that the variable-depth post7and the propeller assembly4can be easily positioned into the water. Furthermore, in order to provide the voltage necessary for the operation of the propeller assembly4, the portable power source25is electrically connected to the propeller assembly4of the first maneuvering mechanism2and the propeller assembly4of the second maneuvering mechanism3, as can be seen inFIG.10. Similarly, in order to enable the user to control the desired propeller assembly4, the user controller22is communicably coupled to the propeller assembly4of the first maneuvering mechanism2and the propeller assembly4of the second maneuvering mechanism3. In some embodiments, the user controller22can be hard-wired to the corresponding propeller assembly4using waterproof wiring.

As can be seen inFIGS.2,8, and10, in order to enable the user to interact with the user controller22, the user controller22is mounted onto the bridging base1so that the user controller22is reachable by the user. The portable power source25is also electrically connected to the user controller22to transmit the voltage necessary for the operation of the user controller22. The user controller22is preferably designed to enable the user to control the desired propeller assembly4using the feet. To do so, the user controller22may comprise a first pedal23and a second pedal24. The first pedal23is positioned adjacent to the first maneuvering mechanism2to provide an easy association to the positioning of the propeller assembly4of the first maneuvering mechanism2. On the other hand, the second pedal24is positioned adjacent to the second maneuvering mechanism3to similarly provide an easy association to the positioning of the propeller assembly4of the second maneuvering mechanism3. The first pedal23and the second pedal24are laterally positioned to the bridging base1so that the first pedal23and the second pedal24can be reached by the feet of the user. In addition, the first pedal23is pivotally mounted to the bridging base1so that the user can selectively engage the first pedal23with one foot. Likewise, the second pedal24is pivotally mounted to the bridging base1so that the second pedal24could also be engaged with the other foot. The first pedal23and the second pedal24each preferably has a central fulcrum, enabling both to be pivoted clockwise and counterclockwise. In addition, the first pedal23is electronically connected to the propeller assembly4of the first maneuvering mechanism2. Likewise, the second pedal24is electronically connected to the propeller assembly4of the second maneuvering mechanism3. Therefore, the user can selectively actuate the propeller assembly4of the first maneuvering mechanism2and the propeller assembly4of the second maneuvering mechanism3.

In addition to the selective operation of the propeller assembly4of both the first maneuvering mechanism2and the second maneuvering mechanism3, the present invention enables greater freedom of operation to generate thrust forward or backward as necessary. As can be seen inFIG.5through7, the variable-depth post7of the first maneuvering mechanism2is positioned perpendicular to the bridging base1so that the propeller assembly4does not cause undesired torque on the bridging base1. Likewise, the variable-depth post7of the second maneuvering mechanism3is positioned perpendicular to the bridging base1. Further, a first rotation axis5of the propeller assembly4of the first maneuvering mechanism2is positioned orthogonal to the variable-depth post7of the first maneuvering mechanism2and the bridging base1so that the thrust generated is able to propel a kayak with proper maneuvering. Likewise, a second rotation axis6of the propeller assembly4of the second maneuvering mechanism3is positioned orthogonal to the variable-depth post7of the second maneuvering mechanism3and the bridging base1. Thus, the user can selectively engage the first pedal23and/or the second pedal24as desired to actuate the appropriate propeller assembly4to generate thrust in the desired direction, enabling the steering of the watercraft29forward, backward, left, or right. In other embodiments, the propeller assembly4may be adjusted to have a rotation axis that can be angled for better steering control.

In order to enable the recharging of the portable power source25, the present invention may further comprise a waterproof charging port26, as can be seen inFIGS.3and10. The waterproof charging port26enables the recharging of the portable power source25by connecting the portable power source25to an external power source via the waterproof charging port26. The waterproof charging port26is hermetically integrated into the bridging base1to prevent water from entering the bridging base1. The portable power source25is mounted within the bridging base1to keep the portable power source isolated from the surroundings. Finally, the portable power source25is electrically connected to the waterproof charging port26to transmit the power from the external power source to the portable power source25. In some embodiments, the present invention may further include one or more solar arrays electrically connected to the waterproof charging port26to recharge the portable power source25or to provide additional power to the present invention. In other embodiments, additional portable power sources can be carried along the present invention to complement the portable power source25within the bridging base1.

As previously mentioned, the quick-connect bracket10enables the mounting of the present invention to the desired watercraft29. In addition, as can be seen inFIGS.1and2, the quick-connect bracket10enables the present invention to fit on the watercraft29. As can be seen inFIGS.4and5, the quick-connect bracket10may comprise a support rail11and a post guide12. The support rail11enables the mounting of the present invention to the watercraft29, while the post guide12enables the depth adjustment of the variable-depth post7. The support rail11is positioned parallel to the bridging base1to keep the quick-connect bracket10parallel to the bridging base1. The support rail11is also movably connected to the bridging base1so that the present invention can be adjusted to fit on the watercraft29. The support rail11can be moved closer to the center of the bridging base1to accommodate a thinner watercraft29or the support rail11can be moved closer to the ends of the bridging base1to accommodate a wider watercraft29. On the other hand, the post guide12is terminally mounted to the support rail11to maintain the variable-depth post7separate from the bridging base1. The post guide12is also movably mounted along the variable-depth post7so that the variable-depth post7can be raised or lowered as necessary.

As previously mentioned, the present invention can be quickly adjusted to the desired watercraft29without requiring major installation. As can be seen inFIGS.5and9, the first maneuvering mechanism2and the second maneuvering mechanism3may each further comprise a forward L-shaped bracket13and a clampable carriage16. The forward L-shaped bracket13and the clampable carriage16work together to easily adjust the overall width of the present invention to the width of the watercraft29. The forward L-shaped bracket13comprises a first forward leg14and a second forward leg15arranged to form the L-shape of the bracket. The first forward leg14is laterally connected to the bridging base1, which positions the forward L-shaped bracket13to easily secure the bridging base1to the quick-connect bracket10. The second forward leg15is connected perpendicular to the first forward leg14to maintain the clampable carriage16perpendicular to the bridging base1. The clampable carriage16is mounted through the second forward leg15to secure the clampable carriage16to the forward L-shaped bracket13. In addition, the clampable carriage16is slidably engaged along the support rail11to facilitate the movement of the support rail11along the bridging base1. Thus, the user can adjust the positions of the first maneuvering mechanism2and the second maneuvering mechanism3to match the width of the watercraft29.

In some embodiments, in order to secure the variable-depth post7to the post guide12, the first maneuvering mechanism2and the second maneuvering mechanism3may each further comprise a clamp30that enables the user to manually adjust the depth of the variable-depth post7. The clamp30is preferably a pressure clamp with T-nut slide that can be engaged to press the variable-depth post7against the post guide12. Thus, the variable-depth post7is secured to the post guide12by friction. As can be seen inFIG.11, the post guide12is movably mounted along the variable-depth post7by the clamp so that the user can easily adjust the depth of the variable-depth post7. Thus, in order to adjust the depth of the variable-depth post7, the user loosens the clamp30, raises or lowers the variable-depth post7as necessary, and tightens the clamp30to lock the variable-depth post7in position. Alternatively, the present invention may utilize different mechanisms to secure the variable-depth post7to the post guide12while enabling depth adjustment of the same.

In some other embodiments, the first maneuvering mechanism2and the second maneuvering mechanism3may each further comprise a plurality of orifices8and a hand fastener9. As can be seen inFIGS.3and8, the plurality of orifices8and the hand fastener9enable users to manually secure the variable-depth post7at a desired depth along the post guide12. The plurality of orifices8is distributed along the variable-depth post7so that the variable-depth post7can be raised and lowered to different depths. The plurality of orifices8is positioned normal to the post guide12to orient the plurality of orifices8in such a way that the hand fastener9can easily engage one of the plurality of orifices8. The hand fastener9is rotatably connected through the post guide12so that the user can manually fasten the hand fastener9. Finally, the hand fastener9is engaged with a selected orifice from the plurality of orifices8to secure the variable-depth post7to the post guide12. The user can easily adjust the depth of the variable-depth post7by disengaging the hand fastener9and lowering, or raising, the variable-depth post7as desired, and reengaging the hand fastener9to a new orifice matching the desired depth of the variable-depth post7.

In order to enable the user to quickly mount and dismount the present invention from the watercraft29, the user can utilize the existing structure of the watercraft29to quickly mount and dismount the present invention to/from the watercraft29. As can be seen inFIGS.2,3, and9, the first maneuvering mechanism2and the second maneuvering mechanism3may each further comprise a rearward L-shaped bracket17and a rail fastener20that can be connected to an accessory track mount. Like the forward L-shaped bracket13, the rearward L-shaped bracket17comprises a first rearward leg18and a second rearward leg19. The rearward L-shaped bracket17is positioned opposite to the quick-connect bracket10about the bridging base1to prevent the rearward L-shaped bracket17from interfering with the quick-connect bracket10. The first rearward leg18is laterally connected to the bridging base1, which positions the rearward L-shaped bracket17to easily secure the bridging base1to the watercraft29. The second rearward leg19is connected perpendicular to the first rearward leg18to form the L-shape of the rearward L-shaped bracket17and to maintain user controller22facing the body of the user. Further, the rail fastener20is mounted through the second rearward leg19so that the user can manually engage or disengage the rail fastener20without removing the rail fastener20from the rearward L-shaped bracket17. Thus, in order to mount the present invention to the desired watercraft29, the user inserts the free end of the rail fastener20into an opening of the accessory track mount, sliding the rail fastener20until locking position. Once in the locking position, the user can engage the rail fastener20to secure the rearward L-shaped bracket17to the accessory track mount. Consequently, the bridging base1and the rest of the invention are secured to the watercraft29. Alternatively, to dismount the present invention from the watercraft29, the user just disengages the rail fastener20which enables the user to remove the rearward L-shaped bracket17from the accessory track mount. Therefore, the user can easily mount or dismount the present invention from the watercraft29without tools.

In other embodiments, the present invention can include its own mount mechanism to easily mount and dismount the present invention. As can be seen inFIGS.2,3, and9, the first maneuvering mechanism2and the second maneuvering mechanism3may each further comprise a boat-accessory rail21that enables easy mounting and dismounting of the present invention. The boat-accessory rail21is positioned perpendicular to the bridging base1to match the L shape of the rearward L-shaped bracket17. Like the accessory track mount, the boat-accessory rail21is preferably designed to be fastened onto the sides of the watercraft29, adjacent to the bow of the watercraft29. In addition, the boat-accessory rail21provides one or more rail openings through which the free end of the rail fastener20can be inserted. Then, the rail fastener is engaged into the boat-accessory rail21to secure the rearward L-shaped bracket17to the boat-accessory rail21. Thus, like the accessory track mount, the present invention can be easily mounted or dismounted without use of tools.

Furthermore, in addition to the mounting capabilities of the present invention, the present invention also enables the user to set the user controller22to an autopilot configuration. In the autopilot configuration, the user configures the operation of the propeller assembly4of the first maneuvering mechanism2and the propeller assembly4of the second maneuvering mechanism3to an automatic setting where the watercraft29is steered in a preconfigured motion. For example, the user can configure the present invention to automatically steer the watercraft29at a set distance from the shore, stay in a straight route along a river, or maintain the watercraft29in position at a set location. To do so, the present invention may further comprise a microcontroller27and a global positioning system (GPS) module28, as can be seen inFIG.10. The microcontroller27is preferably designed to receive user input to configure the settings of the autopilot configuration. The GPS module28provides location data to enable the microcontroller27to adjust the operation of the propeller assembly4of the first maneuvering mechanism2and the propeller assembly4of the second maneuvering mechanism3automatically according to the preconfigured settings. The microcontroller27and the GPS module28are mounted within the bridging base1to keep both protected from water. In addition, the microcontroller27is electronically connected to the GPS module28, the propeller assembly4of the first maneuvering mechanism2, and the propeller assembly4of the second maneuvering mechanism3to transmit command signals to each other. The portable power source25is also electrically connected to the microcontroller27and the GPS module28to provide voltage to the microcontroller27and the GPS module28so that each may be able to operate as necessary. Further, the microcontroller27may be configured remotely via a hand controller or a mobile application on a wireless electronic device. Thus, the user can configure a desired path or motion that the watercraft29is set to be maintained on the microcontroller27. The GPS module28provides the location data to the microcontroller27that is used to automatically steer the watercraft29according to the preset path or motion. In other embodiments, other steering features can be provided that further facilitate the steering, manual or automatic, of the watercraft29by the user.