Abstract:
A motor driven personal watercraft, including a multi-portion hull, an internal combustion engine, and a fuel tank. The upper portion includes a recessed cockpit region configured to accommodate a seat for a user and a storage container/area. The lower portion includes a user interface configured to provide controllable steering for said personal watercraft. A second user interface is connected to the motor allows the user to control motor&#39;s output. The motor is a low profile internal combustion engine having a height of less than about seven inches, and fits within the volume defined by the upper and lower portion when in their operational configuration.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates in general to small boats propelled by the expulsion of water from a nozzle and particular to kayak-like boats using such means of propulsion.  
         [0003]     2. Related Art  
         [0004]     Personal watercraft provide recreational thrills and excitement to extreme boaters. Motorized personal watercraft are sold under a variety of trade-names including: Kawasaki&#39;s Jetski and Yamaha&#39;s Waverunner. These watercraft have several design disadvantages. Foremost neither can readily be paddled and neither can provide the versatility and handling required in whitewater river settings. Additionally the size and weight of many of the personal watercraft preclude transport without a trailer. Personal watercraft are discussed in several U.S. Patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,785 discloses a powered personal watercraft with a removable engine, and includes a foot operated engine control. U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,997 discloses a kayak having a kayak-style hull with one or more cockpits, and an inboard power device that accelerates water and directs it out a steerable stern nozzle. In the embodiment described, an internal combustion engine drives a water impeller that receives water from an intake communicating with a body of water on which the kayak is located. The stern nozzle laterally redirects the accelerated water from the impeller over an angular range centered on a long axis of the hull. The operator controls the angle of the stern nozzle by means of a foot pedal accessible to an operator in the cockpit. The kayak also has a foot pedal for controlling a throttle of the engine. U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,785 is comparable, except that it includes a removable engine, thereby facilitating transportation. All of these kayaks suffer from the problem that the engine is too far astern and the boats exhibit undesirable handling characteristics. Further, these kayaks are not “ocean going” kayaks. The present vessel is an ocean style kayak, which is more ergonomic and conducive to paddling in that the kayaker&#39;s arms are not impeded by the kayak&#39;s cockpit walls. U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,634 discloses a motorized surfboard device which can be ridden by a rider. The motorized surfboard includes a motive device mounted on the underside surface of the surfboard. The motive device comprises a motor and a rotatable propeller, in which the motor is connected to the rotatable propeller for rotating the same. The propeller comprises a cylindrical body with a surface configuration including at least one groove in a surface of the rotatable propeller body, wherein the at least one grove defines raised ridges between the at least one groove, the edges of the grooves being rounded, the at least one comprising a depth. The motorized surfboard device includes a control apparatus having at least one of a foot-controlled switch, a hand-operated and controlled steering column, and a hand controlled switch. The control apparatus controls at least one of on/off operation of the motor and speed of the motor. None of the prior art however discloses a personal watercraft with the handling and performance of an ocean style kayak and the speed and dependability of a 30 plus horsepower engine. The present invention allows a kayaker to quickly travel from a point on the mainland which is not conducive to kayaking to an island or other location suitable for exploration, thus greatly expanding the number of hours that may be spent exploring. The present invention, by virtue of its very low profile engine is exceedingly stable and the hermetically sealed compartment allows the kayaker to travel in even very rough seas.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0005]     The present invention provides a kayak-like personal watercraft with high performance hull and powerful, lightweight powerplant, thereby allowing kayak enthusiasts to quickly move from island to island without compromising the ability to use the kayak-like personal watercraft in a traditional manner. Similarly, the kayak-like personal watercraft of the present invention allows for extreme sport white-water river kayaking with the ability to quickly move to another set of rapids, to power back up through the rapids and to have greater control in going down the rapids. Additionally, the present invention finds application as a white water rescue vessel or as a safety patrol vessel which can be used in extremely harsh and unforgiving environments.  
         [0006]     One embodiment includes a powered personal watercraft comprising a multi portion, substantially rigid, hull. The hull can be made of any now known or later discovered material without departing from the spirit of this invention. This embodiment also includes an internal combustion engine a fuel containment component; and at least one electrical component. The substantially rigid hull includes an interfacing upper portion and lower portion. The interfacing portions each include an interfacial area. The upper portion includes a recessed cockpit region configured to accommodate at least one of: a seat for a user; an integral substantially hermetically sealable storage container; and an open topped storage recess. The bottom includes a first user interface configured to provide controllable steering for said personal watercraft and a second user interface operatively connected to said power source and configured to provide controllable power for said personal watercraft. The bottom also includes at least one aperture. The internal combustion engine includes an engine block, a compression chamber, an ignition system, a fuel delivery system; and an exhaust system. Additionally the internal combustion engine has a height of less than about seven inches, and said upper portion and said lower portion defining a volume sufficient to accommodate the internal combustion engine, fuel tank and at least one electrical component, and said lower portion including at least one aperture.  
         [0007]     In another embodiment the personal powered watercraft with the engine having a height of less than 7 inches provides sufficient power output such that the personal watercraft and a 180 pound user can travel at speeds in excess of 25 MPH on calm water. In another embodiment the 180 pound user can readily travel between 25 MPH and 40 MPH or faster, depending on surface conditions.  
         [0008]     In another embodiment the personal powered watercraft wherein said engine has a height of about 6.5 inches and produces about 325 PSI thrust. In another embodiment the personal watercraft&#39;s internal combustion engine has an output of at least 37 horsepower.  
         [0009]     In another embodiment the internal combustion engine has approximately a 330 cc displacement, has only one cylinder, is water cooled, has a weight of about 45 pounds and dimensions of approximately 6.5 inches in height by 10 inches in width.  
         [0010]     In another embodiment the hull of the personal watercraft is made of at least one or more of the following, depending on the desired properties of the watercraft. Rotationally molded plastic, fiberglass, Kevlar brand engineer elastomer, carbon fiber, a composite of fiberglass, carbon fiber, or Kevlar® brand engineered elastomer (hereinafter referred to engineered elastomer). The rotationally molded plastic version is fairly lightweight, very durable, and relatively inexpensive. Other materials are contemplated including metal, steel, aluminum, wood, or reinforced non-rigid material such as impregnated cloth on a lightweight rigid frame.  
         [0011]     In another embodiment the watercraft includes a seat allowing for the user to sit on top of the personal watercraft. The seat bottom will generally be integrally molded as part of the upper portion, the backrest/back support may similarly be integrally molded into the upper portion or the upper portion may be equipped with recesses to accommodate anchors which will support a backrest/back support.  
         [0012]     In another embodiment the personal watercraft includes hand controls which control at least the power and/or steering. These controls are situated within close proximity of the seat. The power or steering may also be controlled with the feet if so desired. In another embodiment both the power and the steering are controlled by either the hands or the feet or a combination of the hands and feet.  
         [0013]     In another embodiment the personal watercraft includes a plurality of different foot holds so as to optimally to accommodate different height riders, or more specifically riders with different length legs.  
         [0014]     In another embodiment the personal watercraft includes a hull bottom which has a “V” shaped hull bottom toward the front of the watercraft which tapers to a flatter bottom toward the back of the watercraft. The flatter rear portion of the hull may be augmented by fins which lend a degree of stability, add structure, and protect the bottom when the craft goes ashore. In another embodiment the personal watercraft is not inflatable. In another embodiment the personal watercraft includes a hull with a pointed bow and a substantially obtuse transom.  
         [0015]     In another embodiment the personal watercraft is equipped with a sensing switch configured to sense the absence of a rider and provide an appropriate response. One type of response would be to continue to circle or shut off the engine. Or use a remote control device which would allow the user to provide a degree of control of the personal watercraft. The remote control is understood to include remote but not disconnected.  
         [0016]     In another embodiment the personal watercraft includes a primer bulb accessible by a user on the personal watercraft. While the term accessible does not limit the location, in one embodiment the bulb would not be mounted on the upper portion but rather on the lower portion. In one embodiment the bulb may be in a recessed area so as to reduce the likelihood of unintentional pumping/priming.  
         [0017]     In another embodiment the personal watercraft the bottom hull portion includes an aperture wherein the aperture is a bilge pump outlet. The bilge pump serves to remove water from the bottom hull portion and may be activated by either the user, a fluid sensor, a timer, or another sensor. The pump intake ideally will be at a low-point in the bottom hull portion. The lower portion may have such a low point specifically built for just such a purpose.  
         [0018]     In another embodiment the top and lower portions of the personal watercraft each include a sealing component applied at least to the interfacial area of the top and lower portions. The sealing agent may be an EPDM/Neoprene rubber closed cell tape with an adhesive back. The primary objective is to form watertight seal at the interface. In another embodiment the personal watercraft the upper portion is secured to the lower portion with a plurality of latches. Ideally the latches serve to bias the top and lower portions together so as to compress the sealing agent and thereby create a superior seal.  
         [0019]     In another embodiment the upper portion of the personal watercraft includes a front portion and said front portion includes a plurality of apertures, said apertures are sized to accommodate threaded bolts, when the threads are engaged with a threaded receiver the resulting bias serves to create a seal between the upper and lower portions, the threaded bolt and receiver combination also serves as a securing means for a front fairing which deflects water from the cockpit. While the fairing may be integrally molded with either the top or lower portions, the fairing my further be a separate component. Making the fairing out of a separate component has the advantage allowing for the use of material which might not advantageously be molded to the watercraft&#39;s top or lower portions.  
         [0020]     In another embodiment the personal watercraft fuel containment component is aluminum and includes a plurality of baffles. This has the advantage of minimizing sloshing and associated vessel instability. Further it is contemplated that in one embodiment the fuel containment component is mounted near the bow of the kayak and said fuel containment component includes a fuel delivery conduit which passes through the top of said hull proximal to the bow. Thus allowing for refueling without removing the upper portion.  
         [0021]     In another embodiment the personal watercraft includes a rudder and said rudder is operable using a steering control. Generally, the steering will be accomplished by directing the engine output. The rudder will serve to augment the steering while the engine is on and will aid in steering when the engine is off. In one embodiment the rubber protrudes below the bottom of the watercraft, but is spring loaded so as to retract if the rudder should strike an object. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]     The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Of the drawings:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is an embodiment of the present invention in its assembled state;  
         [0024]      FIG. 2 , is a cutaway side view showing the engine&#39;s position in relation to the upper and lower portions;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a detail of the controls and primer bulb;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is a cut away top view showing the position of the engine and various ancillary components; and  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is the upper and lower portions of the personal watercraft in a separated configuration. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]     While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.  
         [0029]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an ocean-kayak style personal watercraft  100  is presented. The watercraft  100  is characterized in the rider is seated in an accommodation region  102 . The accommodation region  102  includes a seat area  104  and optionally a plurality of traction elements  106  configured to accommodate users having different leg lengths. The accommodation region  102  includes a storage region  108  where the rider can secure items which will accompany the rider. The accommodation region  102  has gunwales surrounding the accommodation region  102  and the gunwales are equipped with a plurality of hooks, loops and/or cleats, collectively fastening areas. The fastening areas allow for the attachment of a seat backrest if the same is not integral with the upper portion, and allow for the securing of webbing for covering the storage region  108 . The accommodation region  102  may further include a scupper which allows the accommodation region  102  to drain when flooded. The accommodation region  102  may include a plurality of loop portions which will support a broad belt, such as a hook and loop belt, such that a divers&#39; air tank and/or buoyancy control device may be may be secured in the storage region  108 . The personal watercraft  100  optionally includes a rudder which is operable using the steering control  130 . Generally, the steering will be accomplished by directing the engine output. The rudder serves to augment the steering while the engine is running and provides a degree of steering when the engine is off. In one embodiment the rubber protrudes below the bottom of the watercraft, but is spring loaded so as to retract if the rudder should strike a substantially immovable object.  
         [0030]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a cross-section of the watercraft  200  has an engine  220  having a height of less than 7 inches provides sufficient power output such that the personal watercraft  200  and a 180 pound user can travel at speeds in excess of 25 MPH on calm water. In another embodiment the 180 pound user can readily travel between 25 MPH and 40 MPH or faster, depending on surface conditions. In yet another embodiment a lighter user can travel in excess of 45 MPH. The engine  220  is described in terms of its characteristics. Such an engine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,712, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all that it discloses, just as if it were identically set forth herein. In one embodiment the engine is mounted on integrally formed mounts  230 , which optionally include vibration dampers.  
         [0031]     In another embodiment the personal powered watercraft said engine  220  has a height of about 6.5 inches and produces about 250 to 350 PSI thrust, in another embodiment the engine generates about 325 PSI thrust. In another embodiment the personal watercraft&#39;s internal combustion engine has an output of at between 25 and 55 horsepower, in another embodiment the out put is at least 37 horsepower.  
         [0032]     In another embodiment the internal combustion engine has approximately a 330 cc displacement, has only one cylinder, is water cooled, has a weight of about 45 pounds and dimensions of approximately 6.5 inches in height by 10 inches in width. In another embodiment the total weight of the watercraft, including the engine and peripherals, is between 65 and 200 pounds. The watercraft itself may have a range of weights depending on the materials used in construction and the size. These weights can be optimized based on factors including cost, consumer preferences, and intended use.  
         [0033]     In another embodiment the hull of the personal watercraft is made of at least one or more of the following, depending on the desired properties of the watercraft. Rotationally molded plastic, fiberglass, Kevlar brand engineer elastomer, carbon fiber, a composite of fiberglass, carbon fiber, or Kevlar® brand engineered elastomer (hereinafter referred to engineered elastomer). The rotationally molded plastic version is fairly lightweight, very durable, and relatively inexpensive. Other materials are contemplated including metal, steel, aluminum, wood, or reinforced non-rigid material such as impregnated cloth on a lightweight rigid frame.  
         [0034]     In another embodiment the watercraft  200  includes a seat  204  allowing for the user to sit on top of the personal watercraft  200 . The seat bottom  204  will generally be integrally molded as part of the upper portion  228 , the backrest/back support may similarly be integrally molded into the upper portion  228  or the upper portion may be equipped with recesses or anchors  232 . The anchors  232  will support string, rope, or line which will support a backrest/back support. It is contemplated that the upper portion is removable, but a hingable connection is also contemplated. One objective is an watertight seal, and as such there would need to be a seal between the upper and lower portions that is substantially waterproof.  
         [0035]     Referring now to  FIG. 3  the personal watercraft  300  includes hand controls  330  which control at least the power and/or steering. These controls are situated within close proximity of the seat. The power or steering may also be controlled with the feet if so desired. In another embodiment both the power and the steering are controlled by either the hands or the feet or a combination of the hands and feet. In another embodiment all of the controllers are mounted on the lower portion and the upper portion is removable. Additionally a primer bulb  332  and key start  334  may be present. The key start  224  may be integrated with a kill switch which would cause the engine of personal watercraft  300  to be shut down if the rider should become separated from the craft. In one embodiment the primer bulb  332  is accessible by a user on the personal watercraft from a seated position. While the term accessible does not limit the location, in one embodiment the bulb  332  would not be mounted on the upper portion but rather on the lower portion. In one embodiment the bulb  332  may be in a recessed area so as to reduce the likelihood of unintentional pumping/priming.  
         [0036]     In another embodiment the personal watercraft is equipped with a sensing switch configured to sense the absence of a rider and provide an appropriate response. One type of response would be to continue to circle or shut off the engine. The switch may be based on the presence weight on the seat, the hand on the controls or other active indicator of the user&#39;s presence. In a preferred embodiment, the switch fails open, thus ensuring that the watercraft  300  will not continue on a course without its rider. In one embodiment the hand controls  330  are spring biased and, when released immediately revert to slow speed and a hard turn. In another embodiment there is a tether line, which is attached to the rider and, when pulled either kills the engine or causes the engine to go into slow forward and causes the steering to put the boat into a circling pattern. The tether may optionally be configured to fail upon a predetermined load threshold. In another embodiment the personal watercraft includes a plurality of different foot holds  306  so as to optimally to accommodate different height riders, or more specifically riders with different length legs.  
         [0037]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 a  cut away top view showing the position of the engine  420  and various ancillary components is provided. The personal watercraft  400  includes a hull bottom  440  which has a “V” shaped hull bottom toward the front  442  of the watercraft which tapers to a flatter bottom toward the back of the watercraft  400 . The flatter rear portion of the hull may be augmented by fins  450  which lend a degree of stability, add structure, and protect the bottom when the personal watercraft goes ashore. In another embodiment the personal watercraft is not inflatable. In another embodiment the personal watercraft includes a hull with a pointed bow and a substantially obtuse transom. In another embodiment the personal watercraft  400 , the bottom hull portion  444  includes an aperture  446  wherein the aperture  446  is a bilge pump outlet. The bilge pump  448  serves to remove water from the bottom hull portion  444  and may be activated either by the user, a fluid sensor, a timer, or another sensor. The pump intake ideally will be at a low-point in the lower hull portion  444 . Preferably near the rear of the bottom hull portion  444 . The lower hull portion  444  may have such a low point specifically built for just such a purpose. The engine  420  is positioned near the middle of the lower hull portion  444 . In one embodiment, the fuel containment component  466  is placed away from the various electrical components  488 . Another aperture is configured to accommodate a water inlet and a jet power outlet. The engine  420  drives a water impeller that receives water from a water intake which is in communicating with a body of water on which the craft is located. A stern nozzle laterally redirects the water jet from the impeller over an angular range centered on a long axis of the hull.  
         [0038]     Referring to  FIG. 5  the upper portion  558  and lower portion  554  of the personal watercraft  500  each include a sealing component applied at least to the interfacial area  560  of the top and lower portions. The sealing agent may be an EPDM/Neoprene rubber closed cell tape with an adhesive back. The primary objective is to form watertight seal at the interface. Any number of commercially available solutions in this regard can be made to serve the requisite purpose. The upper portion  558  is secured to the lower portion  554  with a plurality of latches  562 . Ideally the latches serve to bias the upper and lower portions together so as to compress a sealing component and thereby create a superior seal. In another embodiment the upper portion of the personal watercraft includes a front fairing  564  that includes a plurality of apertures  566 A-D, said apertures are sized to accommodate threaded bolts. When the threads are engaged with a threaded receiver the resulting bias serves to create a seal between upper portion  558  and the lower portion  554 , the threaded bolt and receiver combination also serves as a securing means for the front fairing  564  which deflects water from the cockpit. While the fairing  564  may be integrally molded with either the upper or lower portions, the fairing  564  my further be a separate component. Making the fairing  564  out of a separate component has the advantage allowing the use of material which might not advantageously be molded to the watercraft&#39;s upper or lower portions  558 ,  554 .  
         [0039]     It may be desirable to construct the personal watercraft  500  fuel containment component  566  out of aluminum with a plurality of baffles. This has the advantage of minimizing sloshing and associated personal watercraft  500  instability. Further it is contemplated that in one embodiment the fuel containment component includes a fuel delivery conduit which passes through the hull  554 , thus allowing for refueling without removing the upper portion  558 . The external refueling through hull fitting will preferably allow for ready access and ideally should be above the waterline, thus minimizing the likelihood of getting water mixed with the fuel.  
         [0040]     While the above provides a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the invention, various modifications, alternate constructions and equivalents may be employed without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the invention has been discussed with respect to single person personal watercraft, there is no reason why the invention cannot be applicable for use in multi-person, similarly configured watercrafts.  
         [0041]     Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.