Patent Publication Number: US-2015064994-A1

Title: Self propelled personal water craft

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is application is the convention filing of Provisional Application 50/437,511, filed Aug. 29, 2012 by the same inventive entity. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to the field of self-propelled, small water craft. More particularly, this invention relates such water craft which are lightweight and easily maneuverable by a single user both in and out of the water. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Personal water craft have been known for some time. There are surf boards, sail boards, canoes, row boats, small sail boats and the like. There have even been self-powered personal water craft. Such water craft are used for both recreation and emergencies. 
     Typically such self-powered small water craft are bulky, difficult to maneuver both in and out of the water. For example, a motor powered surf board is unwieldy and difficult for a small man or woman to maneuver so that it enters the water. Often the water craft, such as a self-powered surf board with a motor weigh as much or more than the user. The use of such water craft can lead to delays in getting emergency water craft to perilous situations. Sometimes even short delays in emergency situations can cost lives. Or put another way, a quick response time can save lives and prevent far more serious injuries. 
     Thus, it is a long felt need in the art to provide a self-propelled personal water craft, which easily maneuvered into the water and which includes self-propulsion so that the water craft can arrive in a timely manner. What is needed is a light weight, personal water craft that is easily maneuverable both in and out of the water. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The structure of the self-propelled water craft includes a parabolic hull made from lightweight materials. The hull includes an upper portion and a lower portion and a hollow space is defined there between. A motor member is located within the hollow space and extends toward the stern of the vehicle. Since the water craft is lightweight, a user can bring the craft to the water without the benefit of a tow vehicle or towing apparatus. For example, the water craft in accordance with this invention is placed in the back of a pick-up or tied to the roof of a vehicle, even a small vehicle such as a sub-compact in order to bring the craft to the water. The motor member includes propulsion means matched with hull. The propulsion means is similarly lightweight and keeps the overall weight of the water craft to a minimum. Thus, even with the propulsion means connected to the hull, the water craft is light enough to carry to the water and easily maneuverable both in and out of the water. 
     It is an object of this invention is to provide a self-propelled personal water craft that can easily be maneuvered by a single user. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide such a water craft where the hull has a parabolic shape. 
     In accordance with the objects set forth above and as will be described more fully below, the self-propelled personal water craft, in accordance with this invention, comprises: 
     a hull having a bow, mid-section and stern, the mid-section having substantially reduced diameter compared with the bow and stern defining a hull shape, the hull including an upper portion and a lower portion, a hollow space is created between the upper and lower portions and defines a central portion; 
     the lower portion including structure for manipulating water drag as the craft travels through the water; and 
     a motor member for propelling the craft through the water. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the hull shape defines a parabolic shape. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the motor member includes an axial flow jet pump defining the propulsion means. In this embodiment, the pump is powered by brushless electrical motor and a power supply. The power supply in another exemplary embodiment includes two 24 volt Lithium batteries. 
     Of course, various other exemplary embodiments are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention to achieve various objects of the invention. For example, an internal combustion engine may serve as the propulsion means within the spirit and scope of this invention. 
     It is an advantage of the water craft in accordance with this invention to provide a personal water craft, which can be put into the water easily and quickly. 
     It is an additional advantage of water craft in accordance with this invention to provide a personal water craft, which is both stable and highly maneuverable while in operation on the water. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the water craft in accordance with this invention in use. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a three-quarter perspective view of the water craft in accordance with this invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the bottom of the hull of the water craft in accordance with this invention, shown in perspective. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates is an enlarged view of a portion of the upper portion of the bow of the water craft housing in accordance with this invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates, in perspective, an exploded view of the hull of the water craft in accordance with this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to appreciate the invention herein, one must appreciate the need in the art as set forth in the Background. Most importantly, the structure herein for resolving the long felt need to provide a light weight, self-powered water craft for pleasure and rescue purposes. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 2 , there is shown an exemplary embodiment of the water craft in accordance with the invention denoted generally by the numeral  20 . The water craft includes a hull  22  having two portions, an upper portion  24  and a lower portion denoted generally by the numeral  26  ( FIG. 3 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the upper portion  24  includes a pair of handles  28 . In an exemplary embodiment, the handles  28  are integrated with the hull  22 . Located on the upper portion  24  between the handles  28  is a chest support  32 . 
     The chest support  32 , in one exemplary embodiment of the invention, is integrated with the upper portion  24  of the hull  22 . One way to integrate the chest support  32  with the hull  22  is to mold the chest support with the hull. In another exemplary embodiment, the chest support  32  is removably attached to the upper portion  24 . In this embodiment, the chest support  32  can be removed from the hull  22 . 
     By removing the chest support  32  from the hull  22 , the chest support  32  can be used as a rescue sled. Although not shown, it can easily be understood by those in the art that a suitable nautical line is connected to the sled and then to the craft  20 . Upon arriving at a rescue scene, the chest support  32  is removed from the hull  22  tethered to the hull and in some appropriate manner attached to the rescussee. The user can then take the rescussee to shore for emergency treatment. 
     Additionally, the upper portion includes a throttle control and a kill switch assembly  30 . Additionally, the upper portion  24  includes a rear hatch  34  located in the mid-section of the craft  20 . 
     With particularly reference to  FIGS. 3-5 , there is shown the remaining elements of the craft  20 . The craft  20  includes a lower portion  26  and a motor member generally denoted by the numeral  50 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the underside of the craft  20 , notably the lower portion  26 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the hull defines a parabolic shape. This means that the mid-section  40  of the hull  20  has a diameter substantially smaller than the diameters of either or both of the bow and stern sections. This further defines an hour-glass shape or sometimes known as a figure-8 shape, but herein referred to a parabolic shape. 
     Additionally, as best seen in  FIGS. 2 &amp; 5 , the cross-section of the hull rises in a manner not dissimilar from a V-shaped hull. The rate of rise of the hull is greater at the bow than the stern. 
     By providing a hull with a parabolic shape, the craft  20  at the mid-section  40  provides an area Of reduced surface area for manipulating water drag in relationship to the vehicle. Thus, the area of the craft  20  in contact with water surface while the craft travels through water is proportionately reduced. Additionally, as a result of the parabolic shape and the notable hull cross-sectional rise over the water, there is variable resistance as waves come into contact with the hull. This slows the rate of deceleration of the craft  20 , as the craft travels through waves on the water. 
     Between the upper portion  24  of the hull  22  and the lower portion  26  of the hull  22 , a hollow space is defined as is best illustrated by  FIG. 5 . Within the hollow space between the upper and lower portions is the motor member  50 . The motor member  50  includes a propulsion unit  52 , which includes an axial flow jet pump  54  ( FIGS. 3 &amp; 5 ). Axial flow jet pumps are known in the art there are several manufacturers of the same. For example, Rolls Royce and Wuxi Tianke Electromechanical Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd. are two manufacturers of these devices. More information about these devices is found at rollsroyce.com/marine/products/propulsors/waterjets/ and wxtianke.com/en6chanpinliebiao/art16.htm. Each of these websites is specifically incorporated herein to this specification and is to be used in all ways lawful and consistent with the patent law. 
     Additionally, a detailed description of such a jet pump is recited in U.S. Pat. No. 5,618,213, which describes a jet propulsion unit for a watercraft that employs a pair of counter rotating impellers disposed immediately adjacent each other so that the need for straightening vanes is eliminated. The above patent is specifically incorporated herein to this specification and is to be used in all ways lawful and consistent with the patent law. 
     The motor member additionally includes a power source. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the power source comprises a set of DC batteries  56  and a control box  58  and a motor  60  for powering the axial flow jet pump  54 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the power source comprises two 24 volt Lithium batteries having a capacity of 20 ah. It will be appreciated that other types of batteries are within the spirit and scope of the invention herein. 
     In an exemplary embodiment the motor  60  comprises a brushless electric motor rated at 180 kV at 6 kW. It will be appreciated that other types of batteries are within the spirit and scope of the invention herein. 
     The motor member  50  includes a power converter  62  to convert the DC power from the batteries to AC power for the brushless motor  60 . 
     The upper portion  24  of the hull  22 , in an exemplary embodiment includes a main hatch  43 . The main hatch  43  is located underneath the chest pad  32 . Once the chest pad  32  is removed, the hatch  43  becomes visible and access to the hollow area under the bow is available. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 4 , there is shown an enlarged view of the throttle control and kill switch assembly  30 . As illustrated, the assembly  30  includes a trigger throttle control  45  and kill switch  47 . The kill switch  47  is set in place using a spring assembly  49  and clip  51 . The trigger throttle control  45  is conveniently connected to the handle  28 . 
     In Use: 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the typical user  70  lies prone on the craft  20  as the craft  20  travels through the water. It will be appreciated that other operating positions within the spirit and scope of the invention are contemplated. For example, while not as efficient as the prone position, one can remain seated while operating the craft  20 . 
     As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various articles may be carried within the hollow space of the hull. For example, an emergency medical kit, a rescue ring, nautical lines and various floatation devices. 
     While the foregoing detailed description has described several exemplary embodiments of the water craft in accordance with this invention, it is to be understood that the above description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed invention. Thus, the invention is to be limited only by the claims as set forth below.