Abstract:
The present invention relates to two configurations of structure for a compact, pedal-propelled boat, a recumbent configuration and a conventional configuration, and to two possible propulsion systems, one with rigid transmission system and other with flexible transmission system. Both configurations are used with hulls arranged in parallel, catamaran configuration, preferably inflatable, allowing the volume and size of the assembly to be reduced so as to fit in a car trunk, making it easier to transport and store. In the recumbent configuration, the boat driver is in a sitting position, with his back supported by the seat, and actuates the pedals located in the front part of the structure while maneuvers the boat by means of handlebars located on the sides of the structure. In the conventional configuration, the boat driver is in the same position as the rider of a conventional bicycle, and the seat, pedals and handlebar are arranged in the same positions as in a bicycle. The invention seeks to provide simple solutions and the greatest quantity possible of shared components between these configurations, such that a production plant can produce these configurations through as few production processes as possible and sharing as many production processes as possible.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefits of PCT/BR2015/050015, filed on Feb. 24, 2015, which is entitled “BARCOS COMPACTOS MOVIDOS A PEDAL” translated here to “COMPACT, PEDAL-PROPELLED BOATS”, and are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of small boats. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to two structure configurations for compact pedal-propelled boat, one recumbent and another conventional as well as two propulsion system possibilities, one rigid and the other flexible. Both configurations are used with hulls arranged in parallel, catamaran configuration, preferably inflatable, allowing the volume and size of the assembly to be reduced so as to fit in a car trunk, making it easier to transport and store. 
         [0004]    In the recumbent configuration, the driver assumes a sitting position with his back against the seat, and actuates the pedals located in the front of the structure while maneuvers the boat through handlebars located on the sides. In the conventional configuration, the driver assumes a position similar to a conventional bicycle, whereby the elements—seat, pedals and handlebars—are located as would be arranged on a bicycle. 
         [0005]    It was adopted simple solutions and the greatest possible amount of components shared between the two configurations, so that a production plant can produce such configurations, with minimal production processes, and with the maximum shared processes. 
         [0006]    There are several inventions designed to be used as a kind of aquatic bicycle with collapsible characteristics. The patent U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,239A, U.S. Pat. No. 4,092,945A and CA2069605C refers to devices that can be adapted to a conventional bicycle. The patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,706A discloses a compact boat which uses a pair of floats on a catamaran configuration. The patent U.S. Pat. No. 4,511,338A describes a device to be adapted on boards. All patent documents mentioned above, which are representative of the present state of the art, possess one or more of the following disadvantages solved by the present invention: production difficulty; assembly difficulties; low efficiency; operating difficulties; difficulty of maintenance. 
         [0007]    The present invention presents two ways of propulsion system, one rigid and the other flexible. Both systems shares the gearbox assembly, which accommodates the drive elements, thus allowing a gear to transfer the rotational movement of the pedals to a pinion disposed at 90 degrees. As it will be described, the gearbox assembly elements are mounted in a simple way, using only retaining rings, providing a clean and robust design. 
         [0008]    In the rigid transmission system, an outer tube is fixed to the gearbox and accommodates the drive elements that allow the pinion rotational movement to be transferred to the propeller shaft, located at the end of the outer tube and arranged 120 degrees relative to the pinion shaft. As it will be described, this system enables the transmission elements to be pre-assembled before being introduced into the outer tube, which facilitates assembly and disassembly. 
         [0009]    In the flexible transmission system, a flexible shaft is mounted inside a flexible tube, being connected to the pinion shaft and transmits the motion to the propeller shaft, which is positioned at the bottom of a support, which is embedded in the location where It would be installed the rudder. As the drive shaft is flexible, the propeller shaft may be directed to the left or right, allowing change the direction of the force generated by the propeller attached to it, allowing to maneuver the vessel, eliminating thus the use of the rudder. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples of the invention, with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is made up of figures that illustrate the manufacturing process of a gearbox for use in transmission systems according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is made up of figures that illustrate the main transmission elements in a gearbox for use in transmission systems according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view, in section, of a gear box assembled for use in transmission systems according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is made up of figures that illustrate the manufacturing process of an outer tube of a rigid transmission system according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is made up of figures that illustrate the assembly process of a rigid transmission system according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view, in section, showing the lower region of a rigid transmission system according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is made up of figures that illustrate the installation process of cranks and a propeller on a rigid transmission system according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is made up of figures that illustrate the manufacturing process of the propeller mount of a flexible transmission system according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the assembling sequence of main elements that comprise a flexible transmission system according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view, in section, of a flexible transmission system according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the coupling to the gearbox of a flexible transmission system according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is made up of figures that illustrate the process of installing a propeller and the coupling to the gearbox of a flexible transmission system according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”, as well as the installation of cranks; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the structure of a compact boat with recumbent configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”, assembled with rigid transmission system; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is made up of figures that illustrate the manufacturing process of a main frame of a compact boat with recumbent configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is made up of figures that illustrate the manufacturing process of a T structure of a compact boat with recumbent configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is made up of figures that illustrate the manufacturing process of a pivotable rudder tube of a compact boat according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is made up of figures that illustrate the process of assembling of a rudder assembly of a compact boat according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is made up of figures that illustrate the manufacturing process of a handlebar support of a boat with a compact recumbent configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is made up of figures that illustrate the manufacturing process of a seat for a boat with a compact recumbent configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is made up of figures that illustrate the assembly process of a T structure in the main frame of a compact boat according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is made up of figures that illustrate the assembly process of the pivotable rudder tube in a main frame of a compact boat according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is made up of figures that illustrate the assembling process of the rudder assembly on the pivotable rudder tube of a compact boat according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is made up of figures that illustrate the assembly process of the handlebar support on a main frame of a compact boat with recumbent configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is made up of figures that illustrate the process of assembling the rigid transmission system in a main frame of a compact boat with recumbent configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is made up of figures that illustrate the assembly process of the flexible cable in the structure of a compact boat with recumbent configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  is made up of figures that illustrate the assembly process of bushings and seat installation in the structure of a compact boat with recumbent configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a compact boat with recumbent configuration, in the operation form ready to use according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”, beside is the structure in the compact form ready for transport or storage; 
           [0038]      FIG. 28  is made up of figures that illustrate the folding process of the structure of a compact boat with recumbent configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0039]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the structure of a compact boat with recumbent configuration mounted with flexible transmission system according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”, beside is the structure in compact form; 
           [0040]      FIG. 30  is made up of figures that illustrate the manufacturing process of the hinge bracket and it&#39;s mounting in a square tube of a compact boat according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0041]      FIG. 31  is made up of figures that illustrate the propeller mount fitting process in the hinge bracket of a compact boat according to the invention “compact powered boats pedal”; 
           [0042]      FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the frame for compact boat with conventional configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”, mounted with rigid transmission system; 
           [0043]      FIG. 33  is made up of figures that illustrate the manufacturing process of a main frame of a compact boat with conventional configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0044]      FIG. 34  is made up of figures that illustrate the manufacturing process of a T structure of a compact boat with a conventional configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0045]      FIG. 35  is made up of figures that illustrate the manufacturing process of a handlebar mount of a compact boat with conventional configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0046]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a seat tube for a compact boat with conventional configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0047]      FIG. 37  is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly of the various components in a main frame of a compact boat with conventional configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0048]      FIG. 38  is made up of figures that illustrate the process of assembling the rigid transmission system in the main frame of a compact boat with conventional configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0049]      FIG. 39  is a perspective view illustrating the assembly process of the flexible cable in a structure of a compact boat with conventional configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0050]      FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a compact boat with a conventional configuration, in the operation form ready to use according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”, beside is the structure in the compact form ready for transport or storage; 
           [0051]      FIG. 41  is made up of figures that illustrate the folding process of the structure of a compact boat with conventional configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0052]      FIG. 42  is a side view of the structure of a compact boat with conventional configuration according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”, in the compact form ready for transport or storage; 
           [0053]      FIG. 43  is a perspective view of the structure of a compact boat with conventional configuration mounted with a flexible transmission system according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; 
           [0054]      FIG. 44  is made up of figures that illustrate the structure of a compact boat with conventional configuration in the compact form ready for transport or storage next to the flexible transmission system according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”; and 
           [0055]      FIG. 45  is made up of figures that illustrate the side view of all configurations of boats according to the invention “compact, pedal-propelled boats”, in operating condition ready to use. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0056]    To display the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the elements that compose it will be shown following an order of manufacturing or assembly, which facilitates understanding. 
         [0057]      FIG. 1  shows the gearbox  1 , made from a tube  2  and a cylindrical housing  3  which are joined by welding.  FIG. 2  shows the main elements that make up the transmission assembly.  FIG. 3  shows the transmission gearbox assembled. The transmission elements are assembled in the following order: First the bearings are positioned in seats inside the cylindrical housing  3 . Subsequently pinion shaft  4 , which is a pinion integrated to a shaft, is inserted in the bearings located inside the cylindrical housing  3 , from the interior of the gearbox  1 . In sequence, the right bushing  5  is inserted on the right side of the gearbox  1 . At this stage, the right bushing  5  should already be with your bearing housed and with your o-ring installed. Now the gear shaft  6 , which is a gear integrated to a shaft, can be inserted from the left side of the gearbox  1 , until the gear is engaged in the pinion. At this point the left bushing  7  is inserted into the left side of the gearbox  1 . At this stage, the left bushing  7  should already be with your bearing housed and with your o-ring installed. Now two retaining rings  27  are installed on the gear shaft  6 , one on the right and other on the left, preventing any relative axial movement between the gear shaft  6  and the gearbox  1 . For example, a force F acting on the gear shaft  6  on the right side, will be transmitted to the retaining ring  27  installed on the right side, which in turn transmits it to the bearing in the right bushing  5 , which in turn transmits it to the right bushing  5  which in turn transmits it to the right side of the gearbox  1  which generates a resistive force Rf, equal and opposite to the force F (friction forces were excluded to facilitate understanding). The same reasoning can be applied to the left side. Note that these two retaining rings  27  are responsible for keeping the elements positioned, without the need of any additional fixing element. The seals are then installed to maintain the interior of the gearbox  1  sealed. For this purpose, it is first installed a retaining ring in the right bushing  5  hole, which has the sole function, to serve as a stop for the retainer that is installed in sequence this retaining ring can be replaced by a spacer ring or by a recess in the right bushing  5  hole, in which case it would be necessary to use a seal with larger outer diameter than the outer diameter of the bearing. After inserting the seal, a second retaining ring is used in the bushing hole to prevent the seal from coming loose. At this time the gearbox is assembled. It is important to note that the right bushing  5  and left bushing  7  are identical, except for one hole in the right bushing  5 , which lets you apply grease on the gears. This hole is sealed by a screw and o-ring. The right bushing  5  and left bushing  7  have a shoulder  8  on the outside, whose importance will be explained forward. 
         [0058]    The gearbox  1 , with all the transmission elements according to  FIG. 3  can be used in different propulsive systems for pedal boats. This invention will comprise two types, a rigid transmission system  9  ( FIG. 7 ) and a flexible transmission system  10  ( FIG. 12 ). 
         [0059]    The rigid transmission system  9  has an outer tube  11  which is fixed to the gearbox  1 . The outer tube  11  is made from two tubes, a long tube  12  and a short tube  13  which are welded together at an angle of about 120 degrees, as shown in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 5  illustrates the assembling of the rigid transmission system  9 . First the torque tube  14  is fixed to the end of the pinion shaft  4  via a spring pin. At the other end of the torque tube  14  is fixed an intermediate shaft  15  via a spring pin. Then the intermediate shaft  15  is inserted in the bearing housed within the intermediate bushing  16  and is then attached to a double universal joint  17  by an elastic pin. Finally, the other end of the double universal joint  17  is fixed to the propeller shaft  18  via a spring pin. All these assembled components are then inserted into the outer tube  11  until the moment when the upper end of the outer tube  11  is engaged in the gearbox  1 . The upper end of the outer tube  11  has a longitudinal slot enabling the grip through a clamp previously positioned outside the outer tube  11 . At this point the propeller shaft  18  is positioned inside the short tube  13 . The next step is to install the propeller bushing  19 , which has two previously housed bearings and one o-ring installed on the outside. For this, the propeller bushing  19  is positioned at the end of the short tube  13  so that the propeller shaft  18  is inserted in the bearings housed in its interior, at the same time that its outer part is inserted into short tube  13 . At the end of this operation, it must be installed a retaining ring to the propeller shaft  18 , which together with the end of the double universal joint  17  restrict any axial movement of the propeller shaft  18  relative to the propeller bushing  19 . Screws may be used to fix the propeller bushing  19  in the short tube  13 . To prevent water from entering, a seal is installed at the end of propeller bushing  19  and then a retaining ring is applied to prevent the seal from coming loose.  FIG. 6  shows how the components are arranged. The system is completely sealed, having a sealing o-ring installed to the outside of the cylindrical housing  3  as well as the outside of the propeller bushing  19 . On the outside of the outer tube  11 , a support  20  is installed whose importance will be explained forward. As shown in  FIG. 7 , a propeller  21  can be installed in the propeller shaft  18  through screw and nut and cranks can be installed at the ends of the gear shaft  6 . When turning the pedals, the gear shaft  6  rotates driving the pinion shaft  4  which in turn transmits the movement through the torque tube  14  to the double universal joint  17 , which in turn allows a homokinetic transmission of motion to the propeller shaft  18 . 
         [0060]    The flexible transmission system  10  uses the propeller mount  25 , which is attached to the rear of the boat structure. According to  FIG. 8 , the propeller mount  25  can be manufactured by joining by welding of the rod  26  and propeller bushing  28 . The rod  26  is manufactured from a tube that is deformed mechanically on the side to reduce drag. In the upper region of the rod  26  there is a hole for placing a locking pin  29 .  FIG. 9  shows the order of assembly of the main components of the flexible transmission system  10 . The flexible transmission system  10  utilizes a flexible shaft  22  for torque transmission. The flexible shaft  22  is mounted inside a flexible tube  23 . The flexible tube  23  has threaded terminals  24  fixed at their extremities via the pressing process. The propeller bushing  28  has an internal thread at one end for fixing the threaded terminals  24  and seats for bearings and seals in its interior, as can be seen in  FIG. 10 . For assembling of the elements, primarily a bearing is inserted into the propeller bushing  28 , followed by a spacer tube  30  and a second bearing. After placement of the second bearing a retaining ring is applied to the propeller bushing  28  hole to prevent axial displacement of the bearings. Then the propeller shaft  31  is introduced through the threaded end, until the moment in which the cam contacts the bearing. Then a retaining ring is applied to the propeller shaft  31 , restricting its axial movement, which can be seen in  FIG. 10 . Finally, to prevent water from entering, a seal is applied, followed by a retaining ring that prevents the seal from loosening. The threaded terminals  24  can then be screwed onto the end of the propeller bushing  28 , being necessary the use of a rubber seal  32  to prevent water ingress. The end of the propeller shaft  31  has a square section hole for fitting the end of the flexible shaft  22 , whose section is also square, allowing transmission of rotational movement according to  FIG. 10 . The other end of flexible tube  23 , which also has a threaded terminal  24 , is fixed to a coupling  33  which has the function to fit the outside of the cylindrical housing  3 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . The pinion shaft  4  in this case needs to have a square section hole for fitting the end of the flexible shaft  22  and having a retaining ring which limits its axial movement. This function of restricting the axial movement is performed by the torque tube  14  on the rigid transmission system  9 , which eliminates the need for retaining ring. Thus, by engaging the coupling  33  to the cylindrical housing  3 , the end of the flexible shaft  22  engages the pinion shaft  4  square hole allowing transmission of rotational motion. To keep the coupling  33  in their position, and to allow their rapid removal, it has a knob  34  with thread, as shown in  FIG. 11 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , a propeller  21  can be installed in the propeller shaft  31  by means of bolt and nut. Cranks can be installed at the ends of the gear shaft  6 . When turning the pedals, the gear shaft  6  rotates driving the pinion shaft  4  which in turn transmits the movement through to the flexible shaft  22  which in turn transmits the movement to the propeller shaft  31 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 13  shows a structure for compact boat with recumbent configuration to be used with rigid transmission system  9 . The main component parts of said structure are: main frame  36  T structure  37 , pivotable rudder tube  38 , rudder assembly  39 , seat  40 , handlebar support  41 , and mounting plates  42 . According to  FIG. 14 , the main structure  36  is made up with a long square tube  43 , plug tube  44  and two outer hinge plates  45  which are joined by welding. According to  FIG. 15 , the T structure  37  is made up with a short square tube  46  and a plug tube  44 , which are joined by welding. According to  FIG. 16 , the pivotable rudder tube  38  is made up with a square tube  47 , two inner hinge plates  48  and the rudder mount  49 , which are joined by welding. According to  FIG. 17 , the rudder assembly  39  is formed by two side supports  50 , joint block  51 , two spacer washers  52  and the rudder plate  53 . The side supports  50  are attached to the joint block  51  via two bolts and nuts. Subsequently the two spacer washers  52 , with the rudder plate  53  in the center, are positioned between the two side supports  50 , so that overlap holes to allow entry of a screw which receives a nut on the other side, whose grip regulates the torque required to articulate the rudder plate  53 . According to  FIG. 18 , the handlebar support  41  is formed by the support tube  60  and the handlebar axis  61 , which are joined by welding. According to  FIG. 19 , the seat  40  is formed by the base tube  54 , the backrest tube  55 , brace tube  56 , two fitting plates  57 , two alignment plates  58  and the seat plate  59 . All items are joined by welding. Alternatively, the seat plate  59  can be riveted. According to  FIG. 20 , the T structure  37  is assembled on the main frame  36  through the use of two hinge plates  62 , which are previously fixed to the main frame  36  via two bolts and nuts. The T structure  37  has a longitudinal slot  63  in which is mounted a hexagonal lock  64 . For assembling the hexagonal lock  64 , two spacers cylinders  65  and a coupling plate  66  are positioned inside the T structure  37 , so that the holes overlap, allowing the introduction of the hexagonal lock  64 . Then the tension spring  67  is assembled, and one side fits through the hole in the coupling plate  66  and the other side in the hole on the end of the T structure  37 . As the coupling plate  66  is positioned in the central position, it fits in the groove at the central position of the hexagonal lock  64 , restricting its axial movement. Now the T structure  37  is positioned between the hinge plates  62 , so that the holes overlap, allowing the introduction of the pivot pin  68  which is fixed with retaining rings in each of its extremities. The hinge plates  62  have two notch  69  for engaging the hexagonal lock  64  allowing the T structure  37  to be locked in two positions, operating position extended and the retracted position. 
         [0062]    To assemble the pivotable rudder tube  38  according to  FIG. 21 , it is positioned so that the holes present in the inner hinge plates  48  coincide with the holes present in the outer hinge plates  45 , allowing introducing the pivot pin  70 . After two cylinder guide  71  are inserted into each end of the pivot pin  70  which is fixed with retaining rings in each of the extremities. The outer hinge plates  45  have a slot  72  which is inserted a cylindrical latch  73 . A washer  74  is placed in each of the extremities of the cylindrical latch  73  to facilitate sliding, followed by a retaining ring restricting the axial movement of the cylindrical latch  73 . A tension spring  75  is assembled, and one side fits in the groove in the central part of the pivot pin  70  and the other in the groove present in the central part of the cylindrical latch  73 . The inner hinge plates  48  have a notch  76  for engaging the cylindrical latch  73  according enlarged detail of  FIG. 22 , allowing the pivotable rudder tube  38  being locked in the operating position extended. 
         [0063]    For mounting the rudder assembly  39  according to  FIG. 22 , it is positioned so that this hole in the joint block  51  coincide with the holes present on the rudder mount  49 , allowing the introduction of the pivot pin  77  which is fixed with retaining rings in each one of the ends. 
         [0064]    For mounting the handlebar support  41 , as shown in  FIG. 23 , first two bushings are inserted into the main frame  36 . Subsequently the handlebar axis  61  is introduced into the bottom of the main frame  36 . A washer is used in the handlebar axis  61  base to facilitate the rotation. Subsequently a screw and a washer are used at the top to restrict axial movement of the handlebar axis  61 . 
         [0065]    To mount the rigid transmission system  9  in the main frame  36 , as shown in  FIG. 24 , first each mounting plate  42  is positioned so that its circular hole  78  fits into the shoulder  8  present in right bushing  5  and left  7 . Subsequently, the two mounting plates  42  are positioned so that their holes coincide with the holes on the front end of the main frame  36  allowing the passage of two bolts which secure the assembly after tightening the two nuts. After mounting the rigid transmission system  9  on the main frame  36 , cranks can be installed. At this time the rigid transmission system  9  is mounted on the main frame  36  having all its movements restricted, except for rotational movement about the imaginary line joining the center of the two circular holes  78 . According to  FIG. 24 , a bolt  79  is inserted through the hole  80  present on the mounting plate  42  on the right side, passing through the hole  80  present on the mounting plate  42  of the left side, and subsequently tightened by a nut. Tightening this nut regulates the torque required to articulate the rigid transmission system  9 . To keep the rigid transmission system  9  in the correct position during operation, a flexible cable  81  having a hook  82  at one end is fixed in the hole  83  present in the T structure  37  as shown in  FIG. 24 . The fixing occurs through a simple knot in the end of the flexible cable  81  which is trapped inside the plug tube  44  due to the fact that the size of the knot is greater than the dimension of hole  83 . The hook  82  is fitted in this hole in the support  20 . In normal operation, the propeller  21  generates a force Fh that tends to rotate the rigid transmission system  9 . The flexible cable  81  prevents rotation of the rigid transmission system  9  keeping it in the correct operating position. By reversing the direction of rotation of propeller  21 , pedaling in reverse, the Fh force also changes its direction. In this situation, what prevents rotation it&#39;s the friction between right bushing  5  and left  7  and the mounting plates  42  which is adjustable by tightening bolt  79 . 
         [0066]    To allow maneuvering the boat, two flexible cables  84  are installed.  FIG. 25  shows installation details of one of the flexible cables  84 . For installation, one end of the flexible cable  84  is tied in the eye of the joint  85 . The joint  85  is then positioned on the handlebar support  41  so that its holes coincide with the holes located on the right side of the handlebar support  41 , and subsequently fixed by a bolt  86  and nut, getting free to rotate around the bolt  86 . The other end passes through the hole  87  present in the cylinder guide  71  at the right side and then is tied in the eye of turnbuckle screw  88  in a position suitable to hold the flexible cable  84  stretched. The turnbuckle support  89  is fixed at the end of the left lever of the rudder assembly  39  by bolt and nut being free to rotate around this bolt. Subsequently, the turnbuckle screw  88  is screwed into the threaded hole present on turnbuckle support  89  to provide an adequate tension. The same process is repeated for the other side. As the flexible cables  84  pass through cylinder guide  71  which are located on the pivot pin  70  when the pivotable rudder tube  38  rotates about the pivot pin  70 , flexible cables  84  remains tensioned. For operation, handlebars  91  are installed at each end of the handlebar support  41 , as shown in  FIG. 25 . For installation, the locking pin  29  present on the handlebar  91  is pressed with the thumb, while the end of the handlebar  91  is inserted into the end of the handlebar support  41 . There are two holes  92  present on the handlebar support  41  allowing two positions for engagement of the locking pin  29  and consequently two positions to the handlebar  91 . The user chooses what is most appropriate for their height. The screw  86  also serves as a stop for the end of the handlebar  91 , which facilitates installation. 
         [0067]    For operation, the seat  40  is installed on the main frame  36 , as shown in  FIG. 26 . For installation, the seat  40  is positioned so that the holes  93  present in the fitting plates  57  is aligned with one of the holes  94  in the main frame  36 . The user chooses what is most appropriate for their height. After alignment of the holes  93  and  94 , a pin  95  can be introduced, completing the installation. 
         [0068]    According to  FIG. 26 , four bushings  96  are installed at the ends of the plug tubes  44  and fixed by bolts and nuts. These bushings  96  allow fast fitting of the connecting bars  97 , which connect the structure to the inflatable hulls  98 , as can be seen in  FIG. 27 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 27  shows the boat with recumbent configuration, assembled with the rigid transmission system  9  in the form of operation, ready for use. It takes a compact shape for storage or transport situations, as can also be seen in  FIG. 27 . To disassemble the boat, first inflatable hulls  98  are emptied and the four connecting bars  97  are removed. In sequence the seat  40  and handlebars  91  may be removed. All of these items already removed can be packed in a backpack. The structure can be folded as shown in  FIG. 28 , assuming the compact form. The backpack can be loaded in the back while the compact structure can be carried in the hand. The compact structure and backpack fit together in the trunk of most passenger cars. 
         [0070]      FIG. 29  shows a structure for compact boat with recumbent configuration, assembled with a flexible transmission system  10 . In  FIG. 29  it can be seen the structure in the compact form. This structure shares many of the elements of the other structure, assembled with rigid transmission system  9 , so that only the differences will be presented. 
         [0071]    As can be seen in the enlarged detail of  FIG. 29 , the inner hinge plates  99  welded to the square tube  100  has a slight modification in the drawing for the slot  101  to allow disengagement of the cylindrical latch  73  in case of impact of propeller  21  or propeller mount  25  with the ground, preserving the components. According to  FIG. 30 , a hinge bracket  102  is assembled on the rear end of the square tube  100 . The hinge bracket  102  is manufactured from the welding joining of the lever plate  103 , the lower plate  104  and tube  105 . To assemble the hinge bracket  102 , first bushings are installed in the holes on the square tube  100 , after the hinge bracket  102  is positioned so that the holes are aligned, allowing the introduction of a pin  106 , which receives retaining rings at the ends for fixing it. 
         [0072]    To allow maneuvering the vessel, two flexible cables  84  are installed in the same way as explained for the previous case. The gearbox  1  is installed on the main frame  36  in the same manner as the installation is made for the rigid transmission system  9 , as already explained. 
         [0073]    For the installation of the flexible transmission system  10 , simply press with the thumb the locking pin  29  and insert the end of the propeller mount  25  in the tube of hinge bracket  102  until the locking pin  29  engages in the hole in the wall of tube of hinge bracket  102  according to  FIG. 31 . Then the coupling  33  is embedded in the cylindrical housing  3  being fixed by the knob  34 . 
         [0074]    The remaining elements are mounted as in the previous case, as explained before. 
         [0075]      FIG. 32  shows a structure for a compact boat with conventional configuration, assembled with a rigid transmission system  9 . The main component parts of said structure are: main frame  108 , T structure  109 , pivotable rudder tube  38 , rudder assembly  39 , seat tube  111 , handlebar mount  112  and mounting plates  113 . This structure uses some elements already explained above. According to  FIG. 33 , main frame  108  is formed by the long square tube  114 , plug tube  44  handlebar housing  115 , the seat base  116  and two outer hinge plates  45 , which are joined by welding. According to  FIG. 34 , the T structure  109  is formed by a short square tube  117  and a plug tube  44 , which are joined by welding. According to  FIG. 35 , the handlebar mount  112  is formed by the mount tube  118  and the lever  119 , which are joined by welding.  FIG. 36  shows the seat tube  111 , where can be seen the detail of the slots  125  and  126 . According to  FIG. 37 , the T structure  109  is mounted to the main frame  108  through the use of two hinge plates  62 , in the same way as explained for the case of recumbent configuration, allowing the T structure  109  to be locked in two positions, operating position extended and the retracted position. The only difference is that in the conventional configuration the T structure  109  retracts forward while in recumbent it retracts backwards. 
         [0076]    According to  FIG. 37 , for mounting the handlebar mount  112 , first a bushing  120  is inserted into the handlebar housing  115 . Subsequently the handlebar mount  112  is introduced from the bottom. A bolt  121  is then screwed onto the front of the handlebar housing  115  through the bushing  120  and through the radial slot  122  located in the support tube  1   18 . This bolt  121  restricts rotation of the mount tube  118 , functioning as a stopper. At the top of the handlebar mount  112 , a washer  107  is mounted to support the axial force on the handlebar mount  112  being secured with a bolt and nut. For use, a handlebar  123  of the type used in bicycles, is installed at the end of the mount tube  118  and can be removed for transport and storage situations. 
         [0077]    According to  FIG. 37 , a seat with seat post  124  of the type used in bicycles is assembled on the upper end of the seat tube  111 , and fixed with the aid of a clamp. The resulting assembly, seat with seat post  124  and the seat tube  111  is installed on the seat base  116  and secured with the aid of a clamp. This assembly can be removed for transport and storage situations. A nut and bolt are permanently fixed at the lower end of the seat base  116 , which serves as stop and guide for the installation since it fit in the two slots  125  in the lower end of the seat tube  111  which have an angle of  90  degrees with the slot  126  present at the other end. According to  FIG. 37 , four bushings  96  are installed at the ends of the plug tubes  44  and fixed by bolts and nuts. These bushings  96  allow quick fitting of the connecting bars  97 , which connects the structure to the inflatable hulls  98 . 
         [0078]    According to  FIG. 38 , for fixing the rigid transmission system  9  on the main frame  108 , first each mounting plates  113  is positioned so that its circular hole  127  engages the shoulder  8  present the right bushing  5  and left  7 . Subsequently, the two mounting plates  113  are positioned on two spacer blocks  128  that are positioned on either side of the central region of the main frame  108 , so that all the holes are aligned allowing the passage of two through bolts which secure the assembly after tightening with two nuts. After mounting the rigid transmission system  9  on the main frame  108  cranks can be installed. At this time the rigid transmission system  9  is mounted on the main frame  108  having all its movements restricted, except for rotational movement about the imaginary line joining the center of the two circular holes  127 . A bolt  129  is inserted through the hole  130  present in the mounting plates  113  to the right, passing through the hole  130  present in the mounting plates  113  of the left side, and subsequently tightened by a nut. Tightening this nut regulates the torque required to articulate the rigid transmission system  9 . To keep the rigid transmission system  9  in the correct position during operation, a flexible cable  81  having a hook  82  at one end is fixed in the hole  131  present in the central position of the plug tube  44  of the main frame  108 , as shown in  FIG. 38 . The fixing is through a simple knot at the end of the flexible cable  81 , which is trapped inside the plug tube  44  due to the fact dimension the knot is greater than the dimension of the hole  131 . The hook  82  is fitted in this hole in the support  20 . In normal operation, the propeller  21  generates a force Fh which tends to rotate the rigid transmission system  9 . The flexible cable  81  prevents rotation of the rigid transmission system  9  keeping it in the correct operating position. By reversing the rotation direction of propeller  21 , pedaling in reverse, the Fh force also changes its direction. In this situation what prevents rotation is the friction between right bushing  5  and left  7  and the mounting plates  113  which is regulated by the tightening of bolt  129 . 
         [0079]    The pivotable rudder tube  38  is pivotally mounted on the two outer hinge plates  45  in the rear of the main frame  108  in the same way as explained for the recumbent configuration. The locking mechanism in the operational position extended is also the same. The rudder assembly  39  is mounted on the rudder mount  49  as explained before. 
         [0080]    To allow maneuvering the boat, two flexible cables  84  are installed.  FIG. 39  shows one of the flexible cables  84  installed in the structure. For installation, one end of the flexible cable  84  is tied in the eye of the joint  132 . The joint  132  is then positioned on the lever  119  so that its holes coincide with the hole located on the right of lever  119  and is subsequently fixed by a bolt and nut being free to rotate around the bolt. The other end passes through the channel  133  of the spacer block  128  located on the right side and then through the hole  87  present in the cylinder guide  71  at the right side and then is tied in the eye of turnbuckle screw  88  in a position suitable to hold the flexible cable  84  stretched. The turnbuckle support  89  is fixed at the end of the left lever of the rudder assembly  39  by bolt and nut being free to rotate around this bolt. Subsequently the turnbuckle screw  88  is screwed into the threaded hole present on turnbuckle support  89  to provide an adequate tension. The same process is repeated for the other side. As the flexible cables  84  pass through cylinder guide  71  that is located on the pivot pin  70 , when the pivotable rudder tube  38  rotates relative to the pivot pin  70 , the flexible cables  84  remains tensioned. 
         [0081]      FIG. 40  shows the boat with a conventional configuration, assembled with the rigid transmission system  9  in the form of operation, ready for use. It takes a compact shape for storage or transport situations, as can also be seen in  FIG. 40 . To disassemble the boat, first inflatable hulls  98  are emptied and the four connecting bars  97  are removed. In sequence the seat with seat post  124  and the seat tube  111  is removed, as well as the handlebar  123 . All of those items already removed can be packed in a backpack. The structure can be folded as shown in  FIG. 41 , assuming the compact form, as shown in  FIG. 42 . The backpack can be loaded in the back while the compact structure can be carried in the hand. The compact structure and backpack fit together in the trunk of most passenger cars. 
         [0082]      FIG. 43  shows a structure for a boat with a conventional configuration for use with flexible transmission system  10 . This structure shares many of the elements of the other structure, assembled with rigid transmission system  9 , so that only the differences will be discussed. 
         [0083]    The inner hinge plates  99  welded to the square tube  100  has a slight modification in the drawing for the slot  101  to allow disengagement of the cylindrical latch  73  in case of impact of propeller  21  or propeller mount  25  with the ground. This modification is the same already addressed to the recumbent configuration. 
         [0084]    A hinge bracket  102  is assembled on the rear end of the square tube  100  as already explained. 
         [0085]    To allow maneuvering the boat, two flexible cable  84  are installed in the same way as explained for the previous case. The gearbox  1  is installed on the main frame  108  in the same manner as the installation is made for the rigid transmission system  9 , as already explained. 
         [0086]    For the installation of the flexible transmission system  10 , simply press with the thumb the locking pin  29  and insert the end of the propeller mount  25  in the tube of hinge bracket  102  until the locking pin  29  engages in the hole in the wall of tube of hinge bracket  102 . Then the coupling  33  is embedded in the cylindrical housing  3  being fixed by the knob  34 . 
         [0087]    The rest of the elements are assembled as in the previous case, as already explained. 
         [0088]      FIG. 44  shows the structure for a compact boat with a conventional configuration for use with flexible transmission system  10  in compact form for storage or transport situations. The flexible transmission system  10  removed is shown alongside. 
         [0089]      FIG. 45  shows all the configurations covered by the present invention, is in the form of operation, ready for use.