Patent Description:
Personal watercrafts, such as, for example, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are typically maneuvered by a user using a paddle. In these instances, a user uses the paddle to propel and steer the watercraft. Using a paddle to maneuver a watercraft can tire a user, making maneuvering a watercraft difficult over an extended period of time. In some instances, personal watercrafts can include a motorized propeller, which can increase maneuverability.

<CIT> discloses a motorized kayak comprising: a hull; a hatch; a motor; a pump; a controller; and one or more batteries; wherein the hull and hatch create a water and air tight seal and the position of the batteries is adjustable to change the center of gravity.

Using a motorized propeller on a personal watercraft can have several drawbacks. In some instances, a user has to purchase a personal watercraft which is designed and fabricated to include a motorized propeller. This situation could be a drawback for users who already own a personal watercraft, but the watercraft cannot be retrofitted with a motorized propeller. Thus, in these situations, a user would have to own and store two separate watercrafts. In some instances, the personal watercraft can be retrofitted with a motorized propeller. However, motorized propellers are often bulky, heavy, and burdensome to install. Furthermore, because the propeller extends below the hull of the watercraft, operators will need to be concerned with using a propeller system in shallow water or when removing the watercraft from the water as the propeller could contact the floor or other object. Additionally, in situations where a user would prefer to paddle, the user would have to paddle the personal watercraft while hauling a bulky and heavy motorized propeller, or take time to uninstall the propeller in advance. Another drawback involves the safety risks propellers pose to swimmers and aquatic life. Propellers are often exposed in the water, and as a result, could injure a nearby swimmer or animal who comes into contact with the propeller. Additionally, propellers are more prone to fouling when compared with other means of propulsion.

The pump systems described herein may have several advantages over motorized propellers. For example, in one embodiment, a self-propelling watercraft system is provided. The watercraft has a base with a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base to form a cockpit. The base also has a recess, where a pump can detachably connect to the hull within the recess. The pump has an intake valve on a first end and a nozzle on a second end that is opposite the first end. The intake valve is configured to intake water. The nozzle is configured to jettison water received in the pump from the intake valve and to agitate water surrounding the nozzle.

In another embodiment, a self-propelling watercraft system is provided. The watercraft has a base with a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base to form a cockpit. An opening extends from the base, the opening having an open top and bottom. A pump detachably connects to the hull within the opening. The pump has an intake valve on a first end and a nozzle on a second end that is opposite the first end. The intake valve is configured to intake water. The nozzle is configured to jettison water received in the pump from the intake valve and to agitate water surrounding the nozzle, which creates thrust in a first direction. A motor is mechanically connected to the pump and is configured to be placed within the opening. The motor is configured to adjust the amount of thrust.

In another embodiment, a self-propelling watercraft system is provided. The watercraft has a base with a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base to form a cockpit. The base also has a recess, where a pump can detachably connect to the hull within the recess. The connection between the pump and the hull forms an approximately flush surface. The pump has an intake valve on a first end and a nozzle on a second end that is opposite the first end. The intake valve is configured to intake water. The nozzle is configured to jettison water received in the pump from the intake valve and to agitate water surrounding the nozzle.

In another embodiment, a self-propelling watercraft system is provided. The watercraft has a base with a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base to form a cockpit. The base also has an opening, where a pump can detachably connect to the hull within the recess. The connection between the pump and the opening seals the hull. The pump has an intake valve on a first end and a nozzle on a second end that is opposite the first end. The intake valve is configured to intake water. The nozzle is configured to jettison water received in the pump from the intake valve and to agitate water surrounding the nozzle.

In another embodiment, a self-propelling watercraft system is provided. The watercraft has a base with a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base to form a cockpit. Connected to an end of the hull is a pump housing. The pump housing includes a steering mechanism connected to an upper end of the pump housing. The steering mechanism allows the pump housing to rotate. The pump housing also has a recess formed in a lower end of the pump housing. A pump is detachably connected to the pump housing within the recess. The pump has an intake valve on a first end and a nozzle on a second end that is opposite the first end. The intake valve is configured to intake water. The nozzle is configured to jettison water received in the pump from the intake valve and to agitate water surrounding the nozzle.

The abovementioned and other features disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings of the preferred embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the scope of protection which is defined by the appended claims. The drawings contain the following figures.

internal components of the pump system <NUM> in a dry environment. In broad terms, a drive system for the pump system may include an electric motor <NUM> coupled to a drive shaft <NUM> and impeller by a belt drive <NUM>. The enclosure <NUM> may house other components as well. For example, the enclosure <NUM> may further house a motor controller, one or more batteries, an air pump, a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, one or more motor control systems, battery control systems, and/or sensors (including water sensors), among other components. A motor control system, for example, as described in reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, may be configured to activate or deactivate the motor, control the speed of the motor and/or the amount of power supplied to the motor, and/or control other motor functions. By adjusting the power of the motor, a user can adjust the thrust a pump system produces.

<FIG> illustrates a control mechanism <NUM> for controlling a motorized personal watercraft. Control mechanism <NUM> has a processor <NUM> for coordinating the operation of the control mechanism <NUM>. The processor <NUM> is coupled to an accelerometer <NUM>. The accelerometer <NUM> measures acceleration. These measurements are communicated to processor <NUM>. Processor <NUM> may also communicate with accelerometer <NUM> for the purpose of initializing or calibrating accelerometer <NUM>. In one embodiment, accelerometer <NUM> is a <NUM>-axis accelerometer and can measure acceleration in any direction. Processor <NUM> is also coupled to memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> is used to store patterns or profiles of accelerometer readings which have been associated with particular motor control commands. The memory <NUM> stores a pattern of accelerometer readings which has been previously associated with a command to cause the motor controller to activate the motors. The processor <NUM> can compare the current accelerometer <NUM> outputs to the previously stored profiles to determine whether the current outputs should be interpreted as a motor command. Control mechanism <NUM> also has a radio transmitter <NUM> coupled to the processor <NUM>. In one embodiment, radio transmitter <NUM> transmits information received from processor <NUM>, such as motor commands, to a radio receiver.

<FIG> illustrates one implementation of a method <NUM> for using the control mechanism <NUM> of <FIG>. At step <NUM>, output is received from the accelerometer. In one embodiment, the output from the accelerometer may be an analog signal representative of the acceleration measured along each axis measured by the accelerometer. In another embodiment, an analog to digital converter may be used to convert the output to a digital representation of.

<FIG> and <FIG> show perspective views of the pump system <NUM>. <FIG> shows a top perspective view and <FIG> shows a bottom perspective view. The pump system <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include a removable top cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be removable to allow access to the interior of the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may form a watertight enclosure <NUM> or "dry box. " The housing <NUM> may also define (or partially define, as will be explained below) a flow path extending <NUM> there through. The housing may include a water intake port or valve <NUM> and a water exhaust port or nozzle <NUM>. The water intake port <NUM> is configured to draw water into the housing <NUM> and the water exhaust port <NUM> expels it, providing thrust for a watercraft incorporating the pump system. As will be shown below, the pump system may include one or more electric motors coupled to one or more drive shafts and impellers configured to accelerate the water through the flow path <NUM>. The impeller may be positioned within the flow path <NUM>. As seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may include a removable pump body <NUM> partially defining the flow path. The removable pump body <NUM> may include a water exhaust port <NUM>. In some embodiments, the removable pump body <NUM> may be omitted and the housing <NUM> may fully define the flow path <NUM>. The water intake port <NUM> may be covered by a grate <NUM>. The grate <NUM> protects the user from contact with the impeller, while still allowing water to be drawn into the flow path <NUM>. The grate <NUM> may be removable. In some embodiments, the grate <NUM> is omitted. In some embodiments, one or more ports <NUM> may extend through the housing <NUM>. The ports <NUM> may be watertight ports that allow electrical connection (for example, for connecting the internal components of the pump system <NUM> to a power source, for charging, or for control). The housing <NUM> may be configured in size and shape to be received into an opening in a watercraft, for example, an opening in a kayak (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, below). The housing includes a flange or securement plate <NUM> extending at least partially around the bottom edge of the housing <NUM>. The securement plate <NUM> may include features (for example, openings for receiving screws or other fastening methods, or surfaces for applying adhesives) that can be used to secure the pump system <NUM> to a watercraft.

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, some of the internal components of the pump system <NUM> are shown. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is illustrated as transparent, thus allowing a view of some of the internal components of the pump system <NUM>. As mentioned above, the housing <NUM> defines a water-tight enclosure <NUM>, which may safely house the internal components of the pump system <NUM> in a dry environment. In broad terms, a drive system for the pump system may include an electric motor <NUM> coupled to a drive shaft <NUM> and impeller by a belt drive <NUM>. The enclosure <NUM> may house other components as well. For example, the enclosure <NUM> may further house a motor controller, one or more batteries, an air pump, a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, one or more motor control systems, battery control systems, and/or sensors (including water sensors), among other components. A motor control system, for example, as described in reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, may be configured to activate or deactivate the motor, control the speed of the motor and/or the amount of power supplied to the motor, and/or control other motor functions. By adjusting the power of the motor, a user can adjust the thrust a pump system produces.

<FIG> illustrates a control mechanism <NUM> for controlling a motorized personal watercraft. Control mechanism <NUM> has a processor <NUM> for coordinating the operation of the control mechanism <NUM>. The processor <NUM> is coupled to an accelerometer <NUM>. The accelerometer <NUM> measures acceleration. These measurements are communicated to processor <NUM>. Processor <NUM> may also communicate with accelerometer <NUM> for the purpose of initializing or calibrating accelerometer <NUM>. In one embodiment, accelerometer <NUM> is a <NUM>-axis accelerometer and can measure acceleration in any direction. Processor <NUM> is also coupled to memory <NUM>. In one example, memory <NUM> is used to store patterns or profiles of accelerometer readings which have been associated with particular motor control commands. For example, memory <NUM> may store a pattern of accelerometer readings which has been previously associated with a command to cause the motor controller to activate the motors. The processor <NUM> can compare the current accelerometer <NUM> outputs to the previously stored profiles to determine whether the current outputs should be interpreted as a motor command. Control mechanism <NUM> also has a radio transmitter <NUM> coupled to the processor <NUM>. In one embodiment, radio transmitter <NUM> transmits information received from processor <NUM>, such as motor commands, to a radio receiver.

<FIG> illustrates one implementation of a method <NUM> for using the control mechanism <NUM> of <FIG>. At step <NUM>, output is received from the accelerometer. In one embodiment, the output from the accelerometer may be an analog signal representative of the acceleration measured along each axis measured by the accelerometer. In another embodiment, an analog to digital converter may be used to convert the output to a digital representation of the analog signal. Alternatively, the accelerometer may be configured to output digital signals. For example, the accelerometer itself may be configured to output a digital pulse when the acceleration detected on each axis exceeds some threshold amount.

After the output from the accelerometer is received, the control mechanism compares the output to pre-determined command profiles as shown in step <NUM>. These command profiles may also be referred to as accelerometer output patterns or simply as patterns. For example, the control mechanism may store a pattern corresponding to a repeated positive and negative acceleration substantially along a particular axis. Another pattern may correspond to an isolated positive acceleration along a particular axis. The patterns of accelerometer outputs may be associated with particular commands for the motor controllers. For example, one pattern may correspond to a command to activate a subset of the available motors. Another pattern may correspond to a command to activate one or more available motors with a particular duty cycle or at a particular percentage of maximum operation potential.

The comparison of the current accelerometer output to the command profile results in a determination of whether the output matches a particular command profile, as shown in step <NUM>. In one embodiment, if the current output does not match a command profile, the output from the accelerometer is discarded and the method concludes, leaving the control mechanism to wait for more output from the accelerometer. However, if the current output does match a command profile, the control mechanism transmits the corresponding command to the motor controllers, as shown in step <NUM>. After the transmission, the command mechanism may again wait for additional output from the accelerometer.

In alternative embodiments, the control mechanism may operate without the need for pattern comparison. For example, in one embodiment, the control mechanism may be configured to interpret accelerometer readings as a proxy for throttle control. In one embodiment, the magnitude and duration of the accelerometer output may be directly translated into magnitude and duration signals for the motor controllers. For example, an acceleration reading above a particular threshold may be interpreted as a command to activate the motors. The duration of the command may be a proportional to the duration for which the acceleration reading is received.

<FIG> illustrates one possible embodiment for the control mechanism <NUM>. In this embodiment the control mechanism is encapsulated in a package <NUM> which is integrated into a paddle <NUM>. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the term integrated into the paddle may comprise being attached to the surface or within the structure of paddle <NUM>. In one embodiment the package <NUM> is a watertight package. In one embodiment, package <NUM> comprises a plastic box. In another embodiment, package <NUM> comprises layers of other materials. Advantageously, this embodiment facilitates control of the kayak while maintaining the ability of the user to use her hands for normal paddling activity. For example, rather than positioning one hand on a throttle to control the pump system <NUM>, the normal motion of the user's paddle can be used to control the pump system <NUM>. For example, it may be desirable for the motor controller to activate the motors while the user would normally be paddling. Accordingly, when the control mechanism is embedded in a paddle <NUM>, the control mechanism according to the invention is configured to recognize the acceleration experienced by a user's paddle during the paddling motion as a command to engage the motors. Alternatively, the control mechanism may be configured to activate the motors in response to patterns which, though not necessarily paddling related, require less effort or distraction than involved in manually manipulating a throttle. For example, while paddling, rather than adjusting a throttle, the user might simply shake her paddle <NUM> to engage or disengage the motor. Accordingly, the user is able to control the motors of the kayak with less effort and coordination than would be required to manipulate the throttle embedded in body of a kayak. In an alternative embodiment, the packaged control mechanism <NUM> may also be attached to or integrated into a wrist strap, glove, or other clothing or accessory.

The electric motor <NUM> may be mounted to plate <NUM> at an angle with respect to the horizontal. In some embodiments, the angle may be any angle less than <NUM>° from the horizontal. For example, the angle may be about <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, and/or about <NUM>° from horizontal. The electric motor <NUM> may include an electric motor drive <NUM> that is coupled to a motor-side pulley <NUM>. The motor-side pulley <NUM> may be coupled to a drive shaft-side pulley <NUM> with a belt <NUM>. The drive shaft-side pulley <NUM> may be coupled to a drive shaft <NUM>. The drive shaft <NUM> may pass through a water-tight passageway such that water cannot pass from the flow path <NUM> into the watertight enclosure <NUM>. A similar construction is shown in <FIG> and described above.

As shown in <FIG>, the motor shaft or output shaft may be positioned on axis B and the drive shaft may be positioned on axis A. The two axes may be substantially parallel. In addition, the electric motor <NUM> may be positioned above and overlap at least a portion of the drive shaft <NUM>. Thus, when looking down into the housing <NUM> in the direction of arrow C, the motor is at least partially superimposed over the drive shaft. In some embodiments, the two axes need not be parallel. In some embodiments, the electric motor <NUM> may be mounted below the drive shaft <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electric motor <NUM> and the drive shaft <NUM> may be mounted side by side. The drive shaft <NUM> may be coupled to an impeller positioned within the flow path <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the impeller and the electric motor <NUM> are both mounted on the same side of the plate <NUM>. In this configuration, the electric motor <NUM> and impeller are both located rearward from the belt <NUM>, that is, closer to the rear water exhaust port <NUM>. In some embodiments, the motor shaft and drive shaft <NUM> can be configured in a linear arrangement (for example both the motor shaft and the drive shaft <NUM> are on the same axis). In other embodiments, the motor shaft is installed in a direct drive orientation (for example the motor shaft connects directly to the impeller). In some embodiments, a belt <NUM> and drive shaft <NUM> are eliminated in a direct drive orientation. In other embodiments, the impeller and motor shaft are connected through common mechanical connectors (for example shaft couplers and bearings) when in a direct drive orientation. A larger electric motor drive <NUM> can be used with the electric motor <NUM> when the electric motor <NUM> is installed in a direct drive or linear orientation. A larger electric motor drive <NUM> can increase the efficiency of the pump system <NUM>, as the pump system <NUM> can move the similar amounts of water as other pump system arrangements with less amp draw.

As described above and shown again in <FIG>, the flow path <NUM> includes a water intake port <NUM> and a water exhaust port <NUM>. The flow path may be formed by the removable pump body <NUM> coupled to a flow housing <NUM> at interface <NUM>. In this embodiment, the removable pump body <NUM> includes water exhaust port <NUM>. The flow housing <NUM> may include the intake port <NUM>. The intake port <NUM> may face in a generally downward direction and may draw water up through the intake port <NUM> and into the flow path. The intake port <NUM> may be at least partially covered by one or more grates. An impeller, positioned in the flow path <NUM>, may be rotated causing water to be drawn up though the intake port <NUM> and directed through the flow housing <NUM> towards the water exhaust port <NUM>. Water can then flow past the impeller and out of the water exhaust port <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> is powered with compressed air. In some of these embodiments, the pump system <NUM> includes a pneumatic motor within the drive system. The pneumatic motor can replace the electric motor <NUM> within the drive system and can be linked and coupled to other pump system <NUM> components in a similar way as the electric motor <NUM>. Compressed air can be supplied to the pneumatic motor, which is the fuel source for the pneumatic motor. The power from the pneumatic motor drives the drive shaft <NUM>, either through a direct drive arrangement or through an indirect arrangement, which in turn powers the impeller and causes water to be drawn and expelled through the flow path <NUM>. In some of these embodiments, canisters holding compressed air can be stored within the kayak <NUM>. These canisters can be made from carbon fiber or other lightweight material. The canisters can couple to the pneumatic motor through an air hose, which links a valve from the canister to a valve within the pneumatic motor. In some embodiments, a user can replace a depleted canister with a new canister by disconnecting the air hose from the depleted canister and connecting the hose to the new canister. In some embodiments, the canister can form a stress member of the kayak <NUM>. In some of these embodiments, the canister can be utilized as a container for compressed air and form a part of the kayak <NUM> body. For example, the canister can take the shape of a side of the kayak <NUM>. When assembled, the canister can be installed as the side of kayak <NUM>. The canister can take the shape of other parts of the kayak <NUM> besides a side of the kayak <NUM>, such as, for example, the hull, bow, and stern. In some embodiments, the canisters can replace the need for the pump system <NUM> to house batteries. In some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> may include both an electric motor <NUM> and pneumatic motor. In some of these embodiments, both the electric motor <NUM> and pneumatic motor can be used to operate the same impeller. In other embodiments, the electric motor <NUM> is used in one pump system <NUM> while the pneumatic motor is used in a second pump system <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the pump system <NUM> shown with the cover <NUM> removed, partially showing the interior of the housing <NUM>. The plate <NUM> and electric motor <NUM> can be seen.

<FIG> illustrates a pump system <NUM> installed within an opening in the kayak <NUM>. In <FIG>, only a portion of the kayak <NUM> is shown, the bow and stern of the kayak are omitted. The kayak <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be substantially similar to the kayak <NUM> of <FIG>, where a complete view of the kayak <NUM> is provided. As discussed above, many commercially available kayaks have one or more openings formed there through. The openings may be used to bail water from the kayak and/or to gain access to the water. For example, fishing equipment and/or fish finding equipment may be inserted into and secured within such openings.

In the partial view of <FIG>, the pump system <NUM> is removed from the opening <NUM> in the kayak <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be formed in the body of the kayak <NUM> and configured in size and shape to receive the pump system <NUM>. In other words, the pump system <NUM> is configured to be inserted into the opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, the opening <NUM> extends entirely through kayak <NUM>, while in other embodiments, the opening <NUM> is merely a recess, extending only partially through the kayak <NUM>. In some embodiments, the opening <NUM> may be a pre-fabricated opening formed in commercially available kayaks. In some embodiments, the opening <NUM> may be cut into an existing kayak in a shape that is configured to receive the pump system <NUM>.

As shown, the intake port <NUM> is facing in a downward direction (in other words, away from the bottom surface of the kayak <NUM>). In some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> includes an underside having a substantially planar surface and the intake port <NUM> is positioned on the substantially planar surface. One or more grates <NUM> may be positioned over the intake port <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the underside of the pump system <NUM> also includes the securement plate <NUM>. The securement plate <NUM> may be sized such that the securement plate <NUM> extends out from the opening <NUM> in the kayak <NUM>. That is, the securement plate <NUM> at least partially overlaps the bottom surface of the kayak <NUM> when the pump system is inserted into the opening <NUM>. The securement plate <NUM> may be secured to the underside of the kayak <NUM> to hold the pump system <NUM> in place. In this way, the pump system <NUM> may be inserted into the opening <NUM> in the kayak <NUM> from below. However, in other embodiments, the pump system <NUM> may be sized and shaped such that it is insertable from above. In other embodiments, the pump system <NUM> may be sized and shaped such that it is insertable from above and below. The pump system <NUM> may be secured to the kayak <NUM> at the top side and/or the bottom side of the kayak <NUM>. In some embodiments, the water intake port <NUM> may be configured to extend perpendicular (or at some other angle less than perpendicular) to the bottom side of the kayak <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the flow path <NUM> may comprise a substantially straight tube extending below the kayak <NUM> and parallel to the bottom side of the kayak <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial perspective top-side view of the kayak <NUM> having an opening <NUM> there through. Again, the kayak <NUM> may be substantially similar to the kayak <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, various recesses and other features formed in the body of the kayak <NUM> are illustrated. However, these features need not be present in all embodiments. Moreover, the stern and the bow of the kayak <NUM> are not shown. The portion of the kayak <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may represent a portion of the kayak towards the bow of the kayak, in the middle of the kayak, or towards the stern of a kayak, or any other portion there between. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the opening <NUM> for receiving the pump system <NUM> may be located at various positions along the length of the kayak. In some embodiments, the opening may be centered over the keel of the kayak, that is, centered across the kayak's width. However, this need not be the case in all embodiments. As shown, the opening <NUM> extends through the kayak <NUM> and is surrounded by sidewalls. The sidewalls may prevent the egress of water into other areas of the kayak <NUM>. The pump system <NUM> may be configured to be easily inserted and removed from the opening <NUM>. In this way, the opening <NUM> may be used for multiple purposes. For example, a user can insert the pump system <NUM> into the opening <NUM> to integrate a propulsion source into the kayak, or the user may remove the pump system <NUM> from the opening <NUM> and use the opening <NUM> for another purpose, for example, with a fish finder or to drain water from the kayak <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> may be easily removed for service. In some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> may include one or more rechargeable batteries. The pump system <NUM> may include a charging port (for example port <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) and/or a battery management system. In some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> may be removed from the kayak <NUM> in order for the batteries to be charged using a wall outlet. In some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> can be separated from the battery management system. For example, a user can remove the battery management system while leaving the remaining pump system <NUM> intact and connected with kayak <NUM>. The user could charge the battery management system while the battery management system is disconnected from the pump system <NUM> and/or replace the removed battery management system with a second battery management system.

<FIG> is a partial perspective top-side view of a kayak <NUM> having a pump system <NUM> inserted through the opening <NUM> in the kayak <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the portion of the kayak <NUM> shown is the same as that shown in <FIG>. As shown, the cover <NUM> of the housing <NUM> has been removed and the electric motor <NUM> and belt drive <NUM> can be seen. As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments a plurality of batteries <NUM> may be positioned on top of the pump system <NUM>. The batteries <NUM> may be held in place by the sidewalls surrounding the opening <NUM> in the kayak <NUM>. The batteries <NUM> may include a separate housing and/or may be located anywhere on or within the kayak <NUM>, including within the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, batteries <NUM> may be located at a distance away from the where the pump system <NUM> is installed within the kayak <NUM>. As such, a length wiring may be needed to connect the batteries <NUM> to the pump system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the wiring may extend down through an opening or scupper hole within the kayak <NUM> and along the underside of the kayak <NUM> and connected to an underside of the pump system <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a second pump system <NUM> can be positioned next to a first pump system <NUM>. In these embodiments, the second pump system <NUM> is identical to the first pump system <NUM> and is positioned within the same opening <NUM>. In these embodiments, both the first and second pump systems <NUM> can operate independently of each other. Thus, the first pump system <NUM> can operate while the second pump system <NUM> is disabled and vice versa. Additionally, both pump systems <NUM> can operate simultaneously. In some embodiments, the dual pump system <NUM> can utilize a single exhaust port. In these embodiments, water received from either intake value <NUM> of the first and second pump system <NUM> is expelled out a single exhaust port <NUM>.

The pump system <NUM> described herein can be scaled in size to meet the requirements of larger and smaller watercraft. For example, when installed in a larger watercraft (for example yacht), the pump system <NUM> can include larger components, such as a larger motor <NUM>, pump body <NUM>, intake port <NUM>, and exhaust port <NUM>, so as to allow the pump system <NUM> to move more water through the pump system <NUM>. The pump system can also be powered with different power sources when the size of the pump system is changed. For example, in a smaller watercraft (for example pool toy), the pump system <NUM> can be powered from common household batteries (for example AA batteries), whereas in a larger watercraft, the pump system can be powered off of a large external power source (for example the yacht's battery or power source). Other modifications can be made to the pump system <NUM> so the pump system <NUM> can accommodate different sized watercraft. For example, the pump system <NUM> can be installed in multiple locations along the underside of a watercraft. In some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> can be installed near both the bow and stern of the watercraft. In other embodiments, the pump system <NUM> can be installed near both the port and starboard sides of the watercraft. Installing the pump system <NUM> at different locations on a watercraft can improve maneuverability. For example, installing a pump system <NUM> on the starboard side of the watercraft can allow an operator to (<NUM>) propel the watercraft forward and (<NUM>) turn the watercraft to the left. In other embodiments, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> pump systems <NUM> can be installed in the watercraft. Other modifications can include installing a diverter (for example diverter plate) at the end of the exhaust port <NUM> so that thrust from the pump system <NUM> can be directed in a new direction (for example left, right, or rearward of the exhaust port <NUM>). In some embodiments, the exhaust port <NUM> can be connected to a joint or hinge, which allows the pump system to change the direction of the thrust by pivoting the exhaust port <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> can be used to stabilize a watercraft. For example, the exhaust port <NUM> can be installed in a vertical orientation, allowing the pump system <NUM> to direct thrust in a downward or upward direction. Directing thrust downwards or upwards can stabilize a watercraft by preventing the watercraft from rocking.

<FIG>, <FIG> depict a pump system <NUM> connected to the bottom of kayak. The pump system <NUM> depicted in <FIG>, <FIG> is substantially similar to the pump system depicted in <FIG> above. Both pump systems can have the same components and can operate in the same manner. However, the pump system <NUM> can be positioned within the kayak in a different manner.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the pump system <NUM> is installed within a recess <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>. The recess <NUM> is an indent or space in the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>. In some embodiments, the recess <NUM> conforms to the general shape of the pump system <NUM>. For example, the recess <NUM> can have an about rectangular shape to conform to the shape of the pump housing <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. In other embodiments, the recess <NUM> forms a space that allows a pump system <NUM> to be positioned and installed within. The recess <NUM>'' can be formed when the kayak <NUM> is manufactured. In some embodiments, the recess <NUM> is formed during a molding process. For example, the mold for a kayak can have the shape of the recess <NUM> carved within the mold such that when the mold is used to manufacture a kayak, the recess <NUM> will be formed into the kayak automatically. In other embodiments, the recess <NUM> can be machined into a preexisting kayak. In some embodiments, a combination of using a mold and machining is used to form a recess <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when installed, the pump system <NUM> may not extend substantially from the underside of the kayak <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> extends no more than <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM> inches) from the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>. In other embodiments, the pump system <NUM> extends no more than <NUM> (<NUM> inches) from the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>. In still other embodiments, the pump system <NUM> extends no more than <NUM>, <NUM> (<NUM> inch) from the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>. In still other embodiments, the pump system <NUM> is flush with the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>. In some embodiments, because the pump system <NUM> does not extend beyond the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>, the pump system can be operated anywhere that the kayak <NUM> can be, including in shallow water. As further shown in <FIG>, the mounting plate <NUM> is secured to the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> is used to secure the pump system <NUM> to the kayak <NUM> while the pump system <NUM> is positioned within the recess <NUM>. The mounting plate secures the pump system <NUM> to the kayak <NUM> through common fasteners (for example bolt and nut) or with a sealant (for example silicon). Additional views of portions of the underside of the kayak <NUM> with installed pump system <NUM> are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> depict a bottom view of the pump system <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the exhaust port <NUM> can be positioned within a recess <NUM>. The recess <NUM> has a base <NUM> with two sidewalls <NUM> extending out from the base. In some embodiment, the base <NUM> is about parallel with the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> can be angled upwards at about <NUM> degrees with respect to the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sidewalls <NUM> are about perpendicular with the base <NUM>. In other embodiments, the sidewalls <NUM> are angled outwards from perpendicular. The sidewalls can be angled outwards from about perpendicular to about <NUM> degrees with respect to the base <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the recess <NUM> can form a V-shape, or (j-shape, profile. This profile is formed due to the sidewalls <NUM> being wider towards the base of the exhaust port <NUM> and narrower towards the end of the recess <NUM>. This profile can increase thrust by constricting water as it exits the exhaust port <NUM>. In some embodiments, sidewalls <NUM> are narrower at the base of the exhaust port <NUM> and wider towards the end of the recess. In other embodiments, the sidewalls are about parallel with respect to each other. Positioning the exhaust port <NUM> within the recess <NUM> can increase the pump system's <NUM> efficiency by reducing drag. In some embodiments, water may be expelled from the exhaust port <NUM> towards the recessed portion <NUM> to create a Coanda Effect. As used herein, the term "Coanda Effect" refers to the tendency of a fluid jet to be attracted to a nearby surface, for example, the recessed portion <NUM>. During operation, bubbles can form on the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM> as the exhaust port <NUM> expels water. These bubbles create a slippery surface on the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>, which reduces drag. This slippery surface effect can be increased by positioning the exhaust port <NUM> toward the middle or the bow of the kayak <NUM>. Positioning the exhaust port towards the middle or bow of the kayak <NUM> reduces drag for more of the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>, as the bubbles will travel across more of the base <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the exhaust port <NUM> can have an oval-shaped end <NUM>. The oval-shaped end <NUM> can increase thrust from water expelled from the exhaust port <NUM>. The oval-shaped end <NUM> operates as a nonintrusive flow straightener. As a result, the water expelled from the exhaust port <NUM> forms a tight rope and maintains the tight rope shape over a long distance (for example, about <NUM> meters (<NUM> feet)). By creating a tight rope of water that holds its shape over long distances, the exhaust port <NUM> increases the thrust and efficiency from the pump system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the water exhaust port <NUM> has a constricted end. The constricted end can increase the acceleration of the water as it flows out of the water exhaust port <NUM>.

The pump housing <NUM> extends into the recess <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump housing <NUM> does not extend into the cockpit and is instead fully contained within the recess <NUM>. In some embodiments, when the pump system <NUM> is mounted to the kayak <NUM>, the pump system <NUM> forms a watertight seal with the kayak <NUM> at the recess to prevent water from entering into the recess. In some embodiments, a hood is placed over the part of the pump housing <NUM> that is positioned within the recess <NUM>. The hood will form a watertight seal with the pump components to prevent water from entering into the pump housing <NUM>. In other embodiments, the recess <NUM> has an opening to allow access to the cockpit. The opening can be positioned anywhere within the recess <NUM> and is sized allow for wiring to travel into the cockpit. The wiring can be used to connect controllers, external batteries, and other devices to the pump system <NUM>. In some embodiments, a post extends from the cockpit and through the opening. Wiring can be placed within the post. In some embodiments, a user can remove the external batteries while within the cockpit without having to uninstall the pump system <NUM>. The user can then charge the external batteries or replace the external batteries without having to uninstall the pump system <NUM>.

In some embodiments, grate <NUM> can be installed over the intake port <NUM>. Grate <NUM><NUM> can be sized and shaped to cover the intake port <NUM> and intake port recess <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, grate <NUM> is oval shaped and can cover both the intake port <NUM> and the intake port recess <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. Grate <NUM> can have several openings <NUM> formed on the face <NUM> of the grate <NUM> that extend through the grate <NUM>. The openings <NUM> can be arranged in a checkered pattern, as depicted in <FIG>, and can extend across the most of the grate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the openings <NUM> do not cover most of the grate <NUM>, and instead cover only a part of the grate <NUM>, such as, for example, about one-quarter, one-third, one-half, two-thirds, or three-quarters of the grate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the openings <NUM> are arranged in a different pattern, such as, for example, linear or swirl. The openings <NUM> are formed at an angle with respect to the face <NUM>. The openings <NUM> can be formed at an angle of about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the openings <NUM> are tapered. Forming the openings <NUM> at an angle or tapering the openings <NUM> improves the grate's <NUM> ability to prevent objects from blocking the intake port <NUM> while still allowing water to enter the intake port <NUM>. To further improve the intake port's <NUM> ability to intake water, the intake port <NUM> can be installed in a tilted position, as shown in <FIG> for example, so that the intake port <NUM> is substantially parallel with the openings <NUM>. In other embodiments, the grate <NUM> is installed in a tilted position so that the intake port <NUM> is substantially parallel with the openings <NUM>. Because the openings <NUM> are about parallel with intake port <NUM>, water can enter the intake port <NUM> unobstructed. In some embodiments, the intake port <NUM> is installed so the intake port <NUM> is not parallel with the openings <NUM> so as to further prevent debris from entering into the intake port <NUM>. The grate <NUM> can be formed from a number of materials, which can include, for instance, metal (for example, aluminum or steel), metal alloy (for example, aluminum alloys), carbon fiber reinforced plastic, or a plastic material. The grate <NUM> can be manufactured using a variety of different materials and methods. The grate may be made by any suitable process, such as, for instance, machining, milling, water jet cutting, laser cutting, stamping, pressing, sheet metal drawing, molding (for example, injection molding), casting, rapid prototyping using additive manufacturing techniques, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a user can remove the batteries from the pump system <NUM> without uninstalling the pump system <NUM> from the kayak <NUM> (for example, removing the pump system <NUM> from the recess <NUM>). In some of these embodiments, the batteries are located in a compartment within the pump housing <NUM>. The battery compartment is installed on the exterior of the pump housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the compartment is installed into the pump housing <NUM> by forming a threaded connection between the compartment and the pump housing <NUM>. In other embodiments, the battery compartment is installed through other methods, including, but not limited to, fasteners, key and pin, and latches. When installed, the compartment is partially exposed on the underside of the kayak <NUM>, allowing a user to access and uninstall the compartment without uninstalling the pump system <NUM>. In some of these embodiments, the user only needs to remove the battery compartment from the kayak <NUM> and can leave the rest of the pump system <NUM> installed. In some embodiments, a user can charge the batteries while the batteries remain in the pump system <NUM>. In some of these embodiments, the user charges the batteries through a charging port, similar to the charging ports described herein, on the pump system.

<FIG> depict a pump system <NUM> configured to be placed within a recess <NUM> of a kayak <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> depicted in <FIG> is substantially similar to the pump system <NUM> depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <NUM>-<NUM> above. These pump systems <NUM>, <NUM> can operate in the same or similar manner and produce the same or similar operational results. However, in some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> includes different components.

In some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> includes a hatch <NUM>, a power unit body <NUM>, a motor <NUM>, motor contacts <NUM>, a drive shaft <NUM>, a shaft cover <NUM>, an impeller <NUM>, a flow straightener <NUM>, and a pump nozzle <NUM>. The hatch <NUM> can connect to the power unit body <NUM> through a snap fit, friction fit, bonding, or other mechanical means. In some embodiments, the connection between the hatch <NUM> and the power unit body <NUM> forms a watertight seal that prevents water from entering inside the hatch <NUM> or power unit body <NUM>. Installed inside the power unit body <NUM> is the motor <NUM>. The motor may be sealed between the power unit body <NUM> and the hatch <NUM> when the hatch <NUM> is installed on the power unit body <NUM>. The shaft cover <NUM> may connect to the lower section of power unit body <NUM>. The shaft cover <NUM> can form a watertight seal with the power unit body <NUM> so as to prevent water from entering inside the power unit body <NUM>. The drive shaft <NUM> maybe configured to be installed within the shaft cover <NUM>. The drive shaft <NUM> connects to the motor <NUM>. In some embodiments, the drive shaft <NUM> connects to the motor <NUM> by being installed in a direct drive arrangement with the motor <NUM>. In other embodiments, the drive shaft <NUM> connects to the motor <NUM> through a gear box or belt system. In some embodiments, the drive shaft <NUM> can contain one or more O-ring or other sealant placed on the outer half of the drive shaft. The O-ring or sealant can prevent water from entering inside the power unit body <NUM><NUM> through the inside of the shaft cover <NUM>. Connected to the end of the drive shaft <NUM> is an impeller <NUM>. The impeller <NUM> can be installed on the end of the drive shaft <NUM> through several mechanical means, including, for example, threading onto the drive shaft, bonding, welding, snap fit, or friction fit. In some embodiments, the impeller <NUM>. is an axial impeller. In some embodiments, the impeller <NUM>,<NUM> has a symmetrical design, where the blades of the impeller <NUM> are symmetrical about the centerline. This symmetrical design allows the blades of the impeller <NUM> to create the same flow pattern no matter which side of the impeller <NUM> is mounted to the drive shaft <NUM>. The flow straightener <NUM> is installed on one end of the impeller <NUM>. In some embodiments, the flow straightener does not contact the impeller <NUM> when installed within the pump system <NUM>. In some of these embodiments, the flow straightener <NUM> is positioned within the power unit body <NUM>. In other embodiments, the flow straightener <NUM> is installed within the pump nozzle <NUM>. The pump nozzle <NUM> connects to the power unit body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump nozzle <NUM> is installed on a lower end of the power unit body <NUM>.

The pump system <NUM> may use other components as well. For example, the power unit body <NUM> can further house a motor controller, one or more batteries, an air pump, a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, one or more motor control systems, battery control systems, and/or sensors (including water sensors), among other components.

The pump system <NUM> can be installed inside a recess <NUM> of a kayak <NUM>, <NUM>. The recess <NUM> can be formed on the base <NUM> of a kayak <NUM>. A recess wall <NUM> can extend upward from the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>. The recess wall <NUM> is sized and shaped in a manner that allows for the pump system <NUM> to be placed within the recess <NUM> so that bottom section of the power body unit <NUM> is about flush with the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the recess <NUM> and recess wall <NUM> is substantially similar to the recess <NUM> described herein. Once positioned within the recess <NUM>, the pump system <NUM> can be held in place through various mechanical and chemical means, including, for example, clamps, fasteners, bonding, welding, friction fit, or snap fit. In some embodiments, a mounting plate is used to mount and hold the pump system <NUM> in place. Once installed, the pump system <NUM> can form a watertight seal with the recess wall <NUM> so as to prevent water from entering into the recess <NUM>. In some embodiments, a grate <NUM> can be placed over the front compartment <NUM>. The grate <NUM> can have one or more (for example, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more) bars extending across the front compartment <NUM>. The grate <NUM> can prevent or restrict debris from entering into the pump system <NUM> while still permitting water to enter into the pump system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the grate <NUM> can be replaced with the grate <NUM> described herein. The motor contacts <NUM> can contact and form a connection with the motor controller <NUM>. The motor controller <NUM> can be accessible to a user of the kayak <NUM> while the user is seated within the kayak <NUM>. In some embodiments, the user will need to remove an access hatch to access the motor controller <NUM>. In other embodiments, the motor controller <NUM> is readily accessible to the user without the user needing to remove or open any additional equipment. The motor controller <NUM> can be connected to an external battery through a set of cables <NUM>. Because the external battery is connected to the cables <NUM>, the external battery can be installed within the kayak <NUM> at multiple locations, including locations that allow the external battery to be easily accessible by the user. In some embodiments, a user can replace the external battery without having to uninstall any part of the pump system <NUM>. The external battery can be used to power the motor <NUM>. Once the external battery is installed, the motor controller <NUM> can distribute power to the motor <NUM>.

The pump system <NUM> operates by drawing water in through the front compartment <NUM> on the power unit body <NUM>. Water is drawn into the front compartment <NUM> due to the motor <NUM> driving the impeller <NUM>. In some embodiments, the impeller <NUM> reduces the pressure of the water, creating suction downstream of the impeller <NUM> (e.g. creates suction near the front compartment <NUM>). Reducing the water pressure draws the water through the front compartment <NUM> and into the power unit body <NUM>. The water drawn into the front compartment <NUM> travels over the impeller <NUM>, which assists with moving the water through the pump system <NUM>. After the water travels over the impeller <NUM>, the water travels over the flow straightener <NUM>, causing the water to form a laminar flow (e.g. the flow straightener reduces or removes the spin on the water created by the impeller). The water then exits the pump system <NUM> at the pump nozzle <NUM>, creating a jet of water that propels the kayak <NUM> forward. In some embodiments, water can be drawn in through the pump nozzle <NUM> and expelled out of the front compartment <NUM>. In some of these embodiments, the motor <NUM> can spin the impeller <NUM> in the opposite direction of normal operation. Spinning the impeller <NUM> in the opposite direction can lower the water pressure on the opposite side of the impeller <NUM> (e.g. on the side near the pump nozzle <NUM>), causing water to be drawn in through the pump nozzle <NUM> and directed to the front compartment <NUM>. This reverse flow creates thrust in the reverse direction, propelling the kayak <NUM> in the aft direction. The pump system <NUM> can be controlled through the motor controller <NUM>. In some embodiments, the motor controller <NUM> can be configured to control the pump system <NUM> in a manner as described with other embodiments herein. For example, the motor controller <NUM> may be configured to activate or deactivate the motor <NUM>, control the speed of the motor <NUM><NUM> and/or the amount of power supplied to the motor <NUM>, and/or control other motor <NUM> functions. By adjusting the power of the motor <NUM>, a user can adjust the thrust a pump system <NUM> produces. The motor <NUM> can receive power through an external power source, such as an external battery. The external battery can be connected to the pump system <NUM> through cables <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the recess <NUM> can have sidewalls and a base. These sidewalls and base can be shaped similarly to the sidewalls <NUM> and a base <NUM> described herein. For example, the recess <NUM> can form a V-shape or U-shape profile on the end near the pump nozzle <NUM>. This profile can increase thrust by constricting water as it exits the pump nozzle <NUM>. In some embodiments, water may be expelled from the pump nozzle <NUM> towards the sloped area of the recess <NUM> to create a Coanda Effect. During operation, bubbles can form on the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM> as the pump nozzle expels water. These bubbles create a slippery surface on the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>, which reduces drag. This slippery surface effect can be increased by positioning the pump nozzle <NUM> toward the middle or the bow of the kayak <NUM>. Positioning the pump nozzle <NUM> towards the middle or bow of the kayak <NUM> reduces drag for more of the base <NUM> of the kayak <NUM>, as the bubbles will travel across more of the base <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the pump nozzle <NUM> can have an oval-shaped end. The oval-shaped end can be similar to the oval-shaped end <NUM> described herein in both size and function. For example, the oval-shaped end can increase thrust from water expelled from the pump nozzle <NUM>. The oval-shaped end can operate as a nonintrusive flow straightener. As a result, the water expelled from the pump nozzle <NUM> forms a tight rope and maintains the tight rope shape over a long distance (for example, about <NUM>,<NUM> meters (<NUM> feet)). By creating a tight rope of water that holds its shape over long distances, the pump nozzle <NUM> can increase the thrust and efficiency from the pump system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump nozzle <NUM> has a constricted end (e.g. one end is narrower than the other end). The constricted end can increase the acceleration of the water as it flows out of the pump nozzle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> can powered by compressed air. In some of these embodiments, the motor <NUM> is a pneumatic motor which can be powered by air. The cables <NUM> can connect to an air tank and the motor controller <NUM> can assist with regulating air flow to the motor. In some embodiments, a second pump system <NUM> can be installed on base <NUM> of a kayak <NUM>. The second pump system <NUM> can function substantially similar to the first pump system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first and second pump systems <NUM> can operate and be constructed similarly to the dual pump system <NUM> described herein.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> depict a dual pump system <NUM> that can be placed within a recess <NUM> of a kayak <NUM>. The dual pump system <NUM> has a housing <NUM> which can hold two pump systems <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>, the pump systems <NUM> can share a sidewall <NUM>, which separates the pump systems into individual compartments. In some embodiments, the dual pump system does not have a sidewall <NUM> and the pump systems <NUM> share a single compartment. The dual pump system <NUM> can be placed within a dual recess <NUM>, such as, for example, the dual recess <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. The dual recess <NUM> can include two or more individual recess <NUM>, <NUM>, with those individual recesses <NUM>, <NUM> being sized, shaped, and functionally similar to recess <NUM> described herein. In some embodiments, the dual pump system <NUM> is generally the size of the dual recess <NUM>. In other embodiments, the dual recess <NUM> is slightly larger than the dual pump system so that the dual pump system <NUM> can be positioned within the dual recess <NUM> without contacting the walls of each individual recess <NUM>, <NUM>. In other embodiments, the dual recess <NUM> is a single, large space with no compartment wall <NUM> in-between the individual recesses <NUM>, <NUM>. Once installed within the dual recess <NUM>, the housing <NUM> forms a watertight seal with the base <NUM> so that the recess <NUM> is sealed. In other embodiments, a hood is placed over the part of the housing <NUM> that is positioned within the dual recess <NUM>. The hood will form a watertight seal with the pump components to prevent water from entering into the pump housing <NUM>. Both the first and second pump systems <NUM> can operate independently of each other. Thus, the first pump system <NUM> can operate while the second pump system <NUM> is disabled and vice versa. Additionally, both pump systems <NUM> can operate simultaneously. In some embodiments, the dual pump system <NUM> can utilize a single exhaust port <NUM>. In these embodiments, water received from either intake value <NUM> of the first and second pump system <NUM> is expelled out a single exhaust port <NUM>. The dual pump system can be secured to the recess <NUM> by using the mounting studs <NUM> located throughout the housing.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict a pump system <NUM>. When installed, the pump system <NUM> connects to the base of kayak while positioned within a recess <NUM>. In one embodiment, the recess <NUM> forms a tear-drop shaped aperture in the base <NUM>. The tear-drop shaped aperture may be complimentary to the shapes of the insert <NUM> and/or pump system <NUM> such that the insert <NUM> and/or pump system <NUM> can be oriented and/or positioned in a desired configuration within the recess <NUM>.

The insert <NUM> may comprise a solid or substantially ring-shaped sheet structure configured to cover at least a portion of the recess <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may be coupled to the recess <NUM> using various coupling means, for example, adhesives, bonding agents, and/or fasteners. In some embodiments, by virtue of the complimentary shapes of the insert <NUM> and the recess <NUM>, the insert <NUM> may be form fitted within the recess <NUM> such that the engagement there between inhibits longitudinal, lateral, and/or transverse motion of the insert <NUM> relative to the recess <NUM>. When disposed within the recess <NUM>, the insert <NUM> can define a receiving space <NUM> for receiving the pump system <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the insert <NUM> may include one or more protrusions <NUM> configured to be inserted into one or more indentations <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) on the pump system <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> and indentations <NUM> on the pump system <NUM> can have complimentary shapes such that the protrusions may be received by the indentations by sliding the pump system <NUM> forward longitudinally relative to the insert <NUM>. The engagement of the protrusions <NUM> and corresponding indentations can result in one or more abutments that act to arrest or inhibit longitudinal, lateral, and/or transverse movement of the pump system <NUM> relative to the insert <NUM> and body <NUM>.

The insert <NUM> may also include a latch element <NUM> that is cantilevered from a latch plate <NUM>. The latch element <NUM> may catch one or more surfaces within a receptacle <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) on the pump system <NUM> when the pump system <NUM> is received within the insert <NUM> to secure the pump system <NUM> in the longitudinal direction relative to the insert <NUM>. In this way, the pump system <NUM> may be slid forward into the insert <NUM> until the latch <NUM> releasably engages a notch or other feature on the insert <NUM> such that the pump system <NUM> is aligned and secured relative to the insert <NUM>. To remove the pump system <NUM> from the insert <NUM>, the latch element <NUM> may be depressed by applying a force to the cantilevered end of the latch element <NUM> to disengage the latch element from the notch or other feature. Disengaging the latch element <NUM> then will allow a user to slide the pump system <NUM> backward longitudinally relative to the insert <NUM> to release the protrusions <NUM> from the indentations <NUM>.

The base surface <NUM> of the pump system <NUM> may be configured to substantially match the adjacent base <NUM> of a kayak <NUM> to achieve a desired hydrodynamic profile of the personal watercraft. The base surface <NUM> may also include a charging port <NUM> and/or activation switch <NUM>. Thus, the pump system <NUM> may be charged when the system is coupled to the kayak <NUM> or when it is separate from the kayak <NUM>. In embodiments when these are provided, the charger port <NUM> can be disposed on an opposite side of the pump system <NUM> and the activation switch <NUM> can be disposed elsewhere as well if desired.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the pump system <NUM> may comprise a drive system including one or more motors <NUM>. In one embodiment, the drive system can be at least partially housed between a pump base <NUM> and a pump cover <NUM>. The one or more motors <NUM> can be powered by one or more batteries <NUM> and can be mounted to the pump base <NUM> by motor mounts <NUM>. In some embodiments, each motor <NUM> can be coupled to a motor shaft <NUM> by a shaft coupler <NUM>, shaft bearing <NUM>, bearing holder <NUM>, and spacer <NUM>. Each shaft <NUM> can be coupled to an impeller <NUM> that is disposed at least partially within a pump housing <NUM> and a bearing <NUM> can optionally be disposed between each shaft and the impeller <NUM>. In this way, the one or more motors <NUM> can drive each impeller <NUM> to draw water through the pump housing <NUM> to propel the pump system relative to a body of water.

In some embodiments, each shaft <NUM> can be disposed within a shaft housing <NUM> that is configured to limit the exposure of the shaft <NUM> to objects that are separate from the pump system <NUM>. Thus, the shaft housing <NUM> can protect a user from inadvertently contacting the shaft <NUM> during use and/or can protect the shaft <NUM> from contacting other objects, for example, sea grass. Additionally, the shaft housing <NUM> can improve performance of the pump system <NUM> by isolating each shaft <NUM> from the water that passes through the pump housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, each shaft <NUM> can be protected from exposure to the water by one or more shaft seals <NUM>.

The pump system <NUM> can also include one or more grates <NUM> disposed over intake ports of the pump housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, a grate <NUM> is installed over the intake ports of the pump housing <NUM>. The grates <NUM> can limit access to the impeller <NUM> and shaft <NUM> to protect these components and/or to prevent a user from inadvertently contacting these components during use. In some embodiments, each pump housing <NUM> and/or grate <NUM> can be coupled to one or more magnetic switches (not shown) that can deactivate the motors <NUM> when the pump housing <NUM> and/or grate <NUM> are separated from the pump base <NUM>. Therefore, the one or more magnetic switches may prevent the cassette from operating without the optional grate <NUM> and/or pump housing in place.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the drive system may also include one or more motor controllers <NUM> for each motor <NUM>, one or more relays <NUM> configured to connect the one or more batteries <NUM> with the one or more motor controllers <NUM>, an antenna <NUM>, and a transceiver <NUM>. The one or more motor controllers <NUM>, one or more relays <NUM>, one or more batteries <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and transceiver <NUM>, can be electrically connected to each another by one or more wiring harnesses <NUM>. The transceiver <NUM> can include or be coupled to wireless transmission circuitry that is configured to transmit electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals underwater.

<FIG> depict a pump system <NUM> connected to the bottom of the kayak. The pump system <NUM> depicted in <FIG> is substantially similar to the pump system depicted in <FIG>, <FIG> above. These pump systems <NUM> can have the same components and can operate in the same manner. However, the pump system <NUM> depicted in <FIG> can be installed on the kayak in a different manner.

In <FIG>, the base <NUM> of kayak <NUM> has a several scupper holes. As used herein, the term "scupper hole" refers to an opening within a kayak that can be used to drain water from the kayak. When installed, the pump system <NUM> connects to the base <NUM> of kayak <NUM> by connecting the pump system to the scupper holes. The pump system <NUM> connects to the scupper holes through a rod (not pictured). The rod is attached to the pump system <NUM> such that the rod extends in an about vertical direction. When installed, the rod extends through a scupper hole and into the cockpit <NUM>. The rod is then secured in the cockpit and thereby connecting the pump system <NUM> to the kayak <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rod is secured by using a mounting plate, which secures the rod in place while fastening to the cockpit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rod is secured by tying the rod to a handle or other device within the cockpit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> can be mounted to the kayak <NUM> using a different number of scupper holes, including, for example, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> scupper holes. In some of these embodiments, multiple rods are connected to the pump system <NUM> and extend through multiple scupper holes. In some embodiments, the rod is detachable from the pump system <NUM> and can be connected to the pump system <NUM> at different points along the pump housing <NUM>, allowing a user to select where the rod is secured. In some of these embodiments, the rod can be adjusted to accommodate the scupper hole layout of different kayaks. In some embodiments, the rod prevents water from entering the cockpit <NUM> through the scupper holes. In some of these embodiments, the rod has a diameter that pressed against the inside of the scupper hole, which effectively seals the scupper hole. In other embodiments, a separate sealant, such as a gasket or cap, can be placed around the rod and into the scupper hole, which effectively seals the scupper hole.

The rod can include one or more motor controllers or interface for the pump motor. The rod can also include relays, batteries, antennas, and transceivers. The one or more relays can be configured to connect the one or more batteries with the one or more motor controllers an antenna and a transceiver. The one or more motor controllers, one or more relays, one or more batteries, antenna, and transceiver, can be electrically connected to each another by one or more wiring harnesses as discussed above with other figures. In some embodiments, the batteries can be removed from the rod without having to remove the rod from the pump system <NUM> or uninstall the pump system <NUM> from the kayak <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, it will be understood that in some embodiments, the pump system <NUM> may be coupled to the stern of a kayak <NUM>. For example, a motor mount 880a, 880b, and 880c may include a receiving space, or pump housing, in the bottom side of the motor mount. The receiving space may be shaped to receive the pump system <NUM> inserted from below. A mounting bracket <NUM> may be positioned over the transom of the stern of the kayak <NUM> and be configured to be coupled to the motor mount at location <NUM>. The motor mount 880a, 880b, 880c may be rotatable with respect to the mounting bracket <NUM>. A tiller (not shown) may be coupled to the motor mount 880a, 880b, 880c. In another embodiment, foot pedals may be installed in the kayak <NUM> such that manipulation of the foot pedals causes the rotation of the motor mount with respect to the mounting bracket. In <FIG>, batteries <NUM> that power the pump system <NUM> are located on the kayak <NUM>. However, as shown in <FIG>, motor mounts may include space for one or more batteries <NUM>. For example, <FIG> shows the arrangement of a pump system <NUM> and two batteries <NUM> within a motor mount (the motor mount itself is shown in <FIG>). <FIG> illustrates an additional embodiment of an arrangement of two batteries <NUM> and the pump system <NUM> (the corresponding motor mount is shown in <FIG>). <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of an arrangement of one battery <NUM> and pump system <NUM> (the corresponding motor mount is shown in <FIG>).

Any of the pump systems described herein may be configured to turn off when the pump system is flipped over and/or tossed about in the water. As such, in some embodiments, the pump system includes at least one sensor configured to detect the orientation and/or movement of the pump system. The sensor may comprise an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope. In other embodiments, the senor comprises a sensor configured to detect water in the flow path. When there is no water detected in the flow path, the sensor may cause the motor to stop. In some embodiments, the sensor is connected to a switch which disengages the power supply from the motor when the switch receives a signal from the sensor. In some embodiments, the power supply is disconnected from the motor when a gyroscope detects that the pump system's position is inverted and/or rotated. In some embodiments a circuit is coupled to one or more sensors and configured to disconnect the power source from the electric motor based at least in part on sensor detection of the orientation of the pump system.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith.

As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms "generally parallel" and "substantially parallel" and "about parallel" refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degree, or <NUM> degree.

Claim 1:
A self-propelling watercraft system, comprising:
a hull (<NUM>) comprising:
a base (<NUM>), the base having a recess, and
a plurality of sidewalls (<NUM>) extending from the base to form a cockpit (<NUM>); and
a pump system (<NUM>) detachably connected to the hull and positioned within the recess, the pump system comprising:
a water intake port (<NUM>) on a first face of the pump system;
a water exhaust port (<NUM>) on a second face of the pump system, the first face approximately perpendicular to the second face, the water intake port and the water exhaust port together part of a water flow path (<NUM>) through the pump system;
a grate (<NUM>) formed over the water intake port;
a drybox (<NUM>) housing an electric motor (<NUM>), an electric motor drive (<NUM>) with a plate (<NUM>) placed between the electric motor and the electric motor drive, a motor side pulley (<NUM>) mechanically connected to the electric motor
drive, a belt drive (<NUM>) and a drive shaft side pulley (<NUM>); and
a paddle (<NUM>) including a control mechanism (<NUM>) for electronically communicating with the pump system, wherein the control mechanism of the paddle comprises:
a processor (<NUM>);
an accelerometer (<NUM>) coupled to the processor; and
a memory (<NUM>) coupled to the processor, the memory storing a pattern of accelerometer readings that have been previously associated with a motor command to cause the motor controller to activate the motors.