GB2589871A

GB2589871A - Flipper propelled water craft

Info

Publication number: GB2589871A
Application number: GB1918066.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adeyemi Olowu Jonathan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-12-10
Filing date: 2019-12-10
Publication date: 2021-06-16
Also published as: GB201918066D0

Abstract

A flipper propelled watercraft comprising two flippers 10L,R, two foot pedals 4L,R, two handlebars 2L,R, two handle grips 1L,R, two rudders (11L,R, Fig. 2), two floats 7L,R and a frame (5, 6, 13). The flippers may move up and down counter to each other when driven by the foot pedals and/or handlebars. When one pedal/handlebar is pushed, the other may be pulled in the opposite direction. Pushing and pulling successively on the pedals/handlebars may generate propulsive thrust. The frame may have four arms held at a right angle to a central spine, the arms able to fold inwards to assume a closed position. A float may be on either side of the craft. The craft may be propelled by the arms/legs of the operator, and may include tow handlebars and two steering rudders.

Description

Flipper propelled water craft This invention relates to a flipper propelled water craft.

Water craft are typically propeller driven, and motorised by engines which burn fossil fuels. Nowadays electric powered propeller craft, which are presumably more environmentally friendly are available on the market. Propellers in general however, are quite dangerous to both people and sea creatures, as the spinning blades can cause severe injuries, which in some cases are fatal. This manually propelled flipper craft is not only safer and more environmentally friendly, but also powered by both arms and legs, which gives the rider a workout too. A craft of this nature provides a relatively safe, eco-friendly and enjoyable means of combining play with physical exercise.

This invention is quite simple and lightweight, which lends itself to speed, portability and easy maintenance. The flippers move up and down counter to each other in the water, when driven by the foot pedals and/or handlebars.

The frame of the craft is made up of five parts, and is able to fold into a compact portable unit. At the centre of the frame is a spine onto which four arms are attached, two on either side. The arms stretch out at a right angle to the spine when open, and are locked in place by brace clamps that sandwich the T-junctions formed at both ends of the frame. The primary purpose of the arms, is to hold the two floats, one on either side of the craft.

Also attached to the front arms are the left and right handlebars which are integral to both the steering and propulsion of the craft. They are able to pivot and swivel, and connect directly to the two steering rudders. The craft is steered by rotating both handle grips concurrently in the same direction, clockwise or anticlockwise. Moving the handlebars backwards and forwards, by pushing and pulling on the handle grips alternately and in succession propels the craft.

Clamped onto the spine of the frame, is a pedal mechanism which slides off easily when released to facilitate portability. Propulsive thrust is also generated when the left and right foot pedals are pushed down alternately in succession. Comprising means for manual propulsion by both the arms and legs, it is best propelled by using both together, concurrently and in sync.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a rear diagonal view of the flipper craft invention labelled by numbers and letters, wherein stands for left and 'R' for right, Figure 2 shows an overhead front diagonal view of the flipper craft invention including the propulsion mechanisms, and two floats situated either side of the craft, Figure 3 shows the frame of the invention when folded. The frame has four arms held out at a right angle to a central spine when in the open position, and fold inwards next to the spine when closed.

Figure 4 shows an up close left side view of the steering and pedal mechanisms, including the front left arm of the frame, the left hand fulcrum connection joint and front brace clamp, Figure 5 shows a rear view of the pedal mechanism including its sliding clamp, which is easily connected and released for portability, Figure 6 shows an overhead diagonal view of the foot pedals, handlebars and flipper rods, relating to how they are connected to each other, Figure 7 shows a bird's eye view of the front brace clamp wherein the top section has been removed to expose the point at which the front arms connect to the spine Figure 8 shows a rear view of the pedal mechanism including the six bearing hinges which enable it to pivot on a central fulcrum, Figure 9 shows an overhead diagonal view of the flipper craft frame, locked in the open position by the brace clamps front and back where the arms meet the spine Figure 10 shows an overhead diagonal view of the fulcrum clamp grips and the fulcrum connection joints which enable the handlebars and flipper rods to pivot, Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the pedal mechanism is locked in position by the pedal locking rods, and the pillow block bearings are not connected, limiting the craft to arm propulsion, Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment in which the craft is built such that it can only be propelled by the driver's legs, wherein an alternative pair of fulcrum clamp grips are used, which have a side section with a hole for the handlebar Figure 13 shows an up-close view of the fulcrum connection joint and alternative fulcrum clamp grip which is used as a substitute when the invention is built to be propelled by the driver's legs only, Figure 14 shows a view of the flipper craft in another embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the craft is built so that it can only be propelled by the driver's legs, Figure 15 shows a view of the flipper craft in another embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the craft is built so that it can carry more than one person, Figure 16 shows a view of the flipper craft in another embodiment provided by the present invention wherein more than one rider can propel the craft through connected pedal mechanisms, Figure 17 shows a view of the flipper craft in another embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the craft has just one rudder and a single handlebar which splits into two, Figure 18 shows a view of the flipper craft in another embodiment in which two handlebars are included, and the foot pedals are extended, enabling a second rider to contribute to the propulsion, Figure 19 shows a view of the flipper craft in another embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the craft is built to float on a single object, Figure 20 shows an alternative embodiment in which the left-hand float has been removed to make visible an included outboard motor, Figure 21 shows an alternative embodiment in which the spine of the frame is a different shape and in which the pedal mechanism is constructed differently, Figure 22 shows an alternative embodiment in which the spine of the frame is a different shape and in which the pedal mechanism is constructed differently, Figure 23 shows an alternative embodiment in which the spine of the frame is a different shape and in which the pedal mechanism is constructed differently, Figure 24 shows an alternative embodiment in which the spine of the frame is a different shape and in which the pedal mechanism is constructed differently, Figure 25 shows an alternative embodiment in which the spine of the frame is a different shape and in which the pedal mechanism is constructed differently, Figure 26 shows an alternative embodiment in which the handlebar and flipper rod are connected to each other, and to the frame differently, Figure 27 shows an alternative embodiment in which the handlebar and flipper rod are connected to each other, and to the frame differently, Figure 28 shows a safety cover which attaches to the top surface of the frame, designed to protect the driver from harm in the event of an accident, Figure 29 shows an alternative embodiment wherein a motor is connected to the craft, in order to provide all or part of the propulsive thrust required, Figure 30 shows an underside rear view of an alternative embodiment wherein a motor that is connected to the craft, provides all or part of the power required for propulsion, Figure 31 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the pedal mechanism is rotary, and includes a chain connecting the pedals with back sprocket, Figure 32 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the pedal mechanism is rotary, and the foot pedals turn the cranked shaft directly, without the need for a chain, In Figure 1, a flipper propelled water craft which includes a frame with a spine number 13 and four outstretched arms, two on the left numbers 5L, 6L and two on the right numbers 5R and 6R. The four arms are connected to the spine by hinges that enable it to fold into a compact portable unit. In the open position, the arms are held at a right angle to the spine by brace clamps numbers 8F, 8F2 at the front, and numbers 8B, 8B2 at the back. Connected to the left and right arms there are two floats numbers 7L, 7R, one on either side of the craft. Included are two flippers numbers 10L, lOR which move up and down counter to each other, when driven by the foot pedals numbers 4L, 4R and/or handlebars numbers 2L, 2R. The handlebars are connected to each other such that when either is pushed forwards or pulled backwards, the other moves counter to it concurrently. Shown also are the handlebar connector joints numbers 3L and 3R, these hold together the lower and upper sections of the handlebars. Moving the handlebars backwards and forwards, by pushing and pulling on the handle grips numbers 1L, 1R alternately and in succession generates propulsive thrust.

Figure 2, shows a diagonal view of the invention including two foot pedals numbers 4L, 4R which are connected to each other such that when either is pushed down, the other moves counter to it concurrently. Pushing down on the foot pedals alternately and in succession generates propulsive thrust.

Figure 3, shows the frame of the flipper craft when folded into a compact portable unit, wherein the four arms numbers 5L, 5R, 6L, 6R are fold inwards to a closed position next to the spine number 13. Shown also are the hinges numbers 17L, 17R, 18L and 18R that hold it together and also enable it to fold into a compact portable unit. Included also are a couple of the eight float hooks number 15.

Figure 4, shows an up-close front left view of the craft including the fulcrum connection joints numbers 20L, 20R. These joints support, connect and facilitate controlled movement of the handlebars, rudders numbers 11L, 11R and Flipper rods numbers 22L, 22R. A hinge number 21L connection enables this joint to pivot. Also shown are the stop rings 26L, 26R attached to the lower end of the handlebars. These rings halt the drop of the handlebars at a given point. They also facilitate smooth swivel of the handlebars when steering the rudders. Shown also are the rudder grips and rudders numbers 27L, 27R and numbers 11L, 11R respectively. Attached at the bottom of the handlebars, is a pair rudders which steer the craft when both handle grips are rotated concurrently in the same direction, clockwise or anticlockwise. To slow the craft, both rudders are rotated inward towards each other. Also shown are the flipper rods numbers 22L and 22R. The two flipper rods situated left and right of the craft, connect to the flippers and can be of a fixed length, or vary in length telescopically.

Figure 5, shows a rear diagonal view of the sliding clamp numbers 16 and 16A which connects the pedal mechanism to the spine number 13 of the craft. This clamp also functions as the fulcrum upon which the foot pedals pivot. Shown also is the right side pillow block bearing number 14R connecting the pedal mechanism to the right side flipper rod number 22R. The Pillow block bearings facilitate movement in the connection between the pedal mechanism and flipper rods.

Figure 6 shows an overhead diagonal view of how the foot pedals numbers 4L and 4R, handlebars numbers 2L, 2R, and flipper rods 22L, 22R are connected to each other. Also partly shown are the hinges numbers 21L and 21R that connect the fulcrum clamp grips numbers 25L, 25R and the fulcrum connection joints numbers 20L, 20R. These hinges enable the handlebars and flipper rods to pivot. Also shown are the left and right pillow block bearings 14L and 14R which connect the pedal mechanism to the flipper rods.

Figure 7 shows a bird's eye view of the front brace clamp wherein the top section numbers 8F has been removed, exposing the point at which the two front arms numbers 5L, 5R meet the spine number 13. The front and back brace clamps give the joints of the frame strength and rigidity. Also shown at the exposed T-junction are the connecting hinges numbers 18L, 18R which enable the arms to fold inwards to meet the spine.

Figure 8 shows a rear view of the pedal mechanism, including the sliding clamp number 16 which also serves as a fulcrum, and the six bearing hinges numbers 23T, 23B, 24A, 24B, 24C and 24D that enable this mechanism to function when the foot pedals are pushed down alternately and succession.

Figure 9 shows an overhead view of the frame, locked in the open position by the front and back brace clamps numbers 8F, 8F2 and numbers 8B, 8B2 respectively. The four arms numbers 5L, 5R, 6L and 6R are outstretched, each at a right angle to the spine number 13. Also shown are the float connection hooks number 15, the brace clamp bolt holes number 28, and flipper rod stoppers numbers 9L and 9R.

Figure 10 shows an overhead view of the fulcrum clamp grips numbers 25L, 25R and the fulcrum connection joints numbers 20L, 20R which are connected together by hinges numbers 21L and 21R. It is this combined unit that enables the handlebars and flipper rods to pivot. The handlebar passes straight through the Fulcrum Connection Joint, enabling direct steering control of the rudders by rotating the handle grips.

Figure 11 Shows an alternative embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the flipper craft is built so that it can only be propelled by the driver's arms. The pedal mechanism is secured in place by the pedal locking rods numbers 30A and 30B, and the Pillow block bearings numbers 14L, 14R that should connect the pedal mechanism to the flipper rods are not installed, leaving the flipper rods free and able to move independent of the pedal mechanism. Though the flipper craft is potentially best propelled by the use of both the arms and legs, it may also be built to function limited to the use of one or the other.

Figure 12 Shows an alternative embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the flipper craft Is built so that it can only be propelled by the driver's legs. In order to do this, an alternative pair of fulcrum clamp grips numbers 25L, 25R are installed. These alternative fulcrum clamp grips have a side extension which provides an alternative hole numbers 25Lo, 25Ro for the handlebars to be inserted. With the handlebars inserted here instead, they are unable to pivot, but are still able to swivel to steer the rudders.

Figure 13 shows an up-close view of an alternative left side fulcrum clamp grip number 25L used wherein an alternative embodiment of the invention is built to be propelled by the driver's legs only. This alternative clamp has a side section with a hole number 25Lo for the handlebar to be inserted. Assembled with this fulcrum clamp grip the handlebars are unable to pivot limiting the craft to being propelled by the rider's legs only.

Figure 14 shows a view of the flipper craft in another embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the flipper craft is built so that it can only be propelled by the driver's legs. It includes an alternative pair of fulcrum clamp grips numbers 21Lo and 21Ro which hold the handlebars 2L, 2R in place at a fixed angle to the frame, but are still able to swivel in order for the handle grips to steer the rudders.

Figure 15 Shows an alternative embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the flipper craft can be ridden by more than one person. It includes an additional pair of foot pedals numbers 4LB, 4RB. The additional rider is able to assist with the proportion of the craft, or ride as carried passenger. This embodiment of the craft can be propelled by both the arms and legs of the driver.

Figure 16 shows a view of the flipper craft in another embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the craft is built so that it can carry an additional person whom is able to assist with the proportion of the craft. It has two pairs of foot pedals connected by propulsion transmission rods numbers 39L and 39R. This embodiment of the craft can only be propelled by the foot pedals.

Figure 17 shows alternative embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the steering mechanism includes only one rudder number 11, a single handlebar which splits into two number 32, and a front brace clamp with a hole number 33 through which the handlebar passes and is supported.

Figure 18 shows a view of the flipper craft in another embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the craft is built so that it can carry more than one person by having extended foot pedals numbers 37L,37R, and another handlebar number 38. The additional rider is able to assist with the proportion of the craft, or ride as carried passenger. This embodiment of the craft can only be propelled by the foot pedals.

Figure 19 shows a view of the flipper craft in another embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the craft has a single float number 7. This instance of the craft demonstrates how it can be implemented floating on a single object such as a float, board, hull, raft or ski, etc. The flipper craft may also be built to ride on skis.

Figure 20 shows an alternative embodiment of the craft wherein the left-hand side float has been removed to make visible the included outboard motor number 40, which is attached to the rear arm of the frame. The thrust produced by the propeller number 41 of the outboard motor assists or replaces any or all of the existing propulsion methods.

Figure 21 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the spine number 13, the pedal crossbars numbers 47A, 47B and the pedal support bars numbers 46L, 46R are in a different shape, and in which the pedal mechanism is constructed differently. The main difference in construction is in the fulcrum wherein swivel joints numbers 42A, 42B replace the top and bottom bearing hinges. A pedal mechanism support bar number 45 attached to the underside of the spine replaces the sliding clamp. And the bearing hinges situated at the corners of the parallelogram formed by the pedal mechanism, are replaced by a swivel joints.

Figure 22 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the spine number 13, the pedal crossbars numbers 47A, 47B and the pedal support bars numbers 46L, 46R are in a different shape, and in which the pedal mechanism is constructed differently. The main difference in construction is in the fulcrum wherein a pedal mechanism support bar number 45 is connected to the underside of the spine and replaces the sliding clamp. Swivel joints numbers 42A, 42B replace the top and bottom bearing hinges of the fulcrum, and the four bearing hinges situated at the corners of the parallelogram formation of the pedal mechanism, are replaced by swivel joints. Also constructed differently are the pedal support bars numbers 46L, 46R which are designed to be penetrated by the pedal crossbars numbers 47A, 47B at the point where they are connected by swivel joints.

Figure 23 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the spine number 13, the pedal crossbars numbers 47A, 47B and the pedal support bars numbers 46L, 46R are in a different shape, and in which the pedal mechanism is constructed differently. The main difference is in the construction of the fulcrum wherein swivel joints numbers 42A, 42B replace the top and bottom bearing hinges. Also included is a pedal mechanism support bar number 45, 45T which is connected in a loop around both the underside and upper side of the spine. Also the four bearing hinges situated at the corners of the parallelogram formation of the pedal mechanism, are replaced by swivel joints.

Figure 24 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the spine number 13, the pedal crossbars numbers 47A, 47B and the pedal support bars numbers 46L, 46R are in a different shape, and in which the pedal mechanism is constructed differently. The main difference in construction is in the fulcrum wherein swivel joints numbers 42A, 42B replace the top and bottom bearing hinges. Also included is a pedal mechanism support bar numbers 45, 451 which is connected in a loop around both the underside and upper side of the spine. Also the four bearing hinges situated at the corners of the parallelogram formation of the pedal mechanism, are replaced by swivel joints. Also constructed differently are the pedal support bars numbers 46L, 46R which are designed to be penetrated by the pedal crossbars numbers 47A, 47B at the point where they are connected by swivel joints.

Figure 25 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the spine number 13, the pedal crossbars numbers 47A, 47B and the pedal support bars numbers 46L, 46R are in a different shape, and in which the pedal mechanism is constructed differently. The main difference in construction is in the fulcrum wherein swivel joints numbers 42A, 42B replace the top and bottom bearing hinges. Also the pedal crossbars numbers 47A and 47B, cross each other forming an "X" as opposed to a parallelogram. Also the four bearing hinges situated at the corners of the pedal mechanism, are replaced by swivel joints.

Figure 26 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the fulcrum clamp grips and fulcrum connection joints are replaced by a fulcrum which is a swivel joint number 44, and an elbow joint number 43 connects the handlebar number 2L and flipper rod number 22L. Also shown is the front left arm of the craft frame number 5L which is in a different shape.

Figure 27 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the fulcrum clamp grips and fulcrum connection joints are replaced by a fulcrum which is a dual pillow block swivel joint number 44A, set at the base of an elbow joint number 43 which connects the handlebar to the flipper rod. Also shown is the front left arm of the craft frame number 5L which is in a different shape.

Figure 28 shows a safety cover which attaches to the upper surface of the frame designed to protect the driver from harm in the event of an accident. Numbers 5LP, 5RP cover the left and right front arms of the craft. Numbers 6LP, 6RP cover the left and right back arms of the craft. Numbers 8FP, 8BP cover the front and back brace clamps respectively. And the middle section of the protector number 13P covers the spine of the craft.

Figure 29 shows an overhead rear view of an alternative embodiment wherein a motor number 50 that is connected to the craft, provides all or part of the power required for propulsion. Any type of motor capable of providing sufficient power may be used for this purpose. The motor turns a twin left and right cranked shaft numbers 491_, 49R respectively, which converts the rotary motion into reciprocating motion. The power is transferred to the flipper rods numbers 22L, 22R through the connecting rods numbers 48L, 48R which move up and down alternately. The motor may be connected at any fixed point along the flipper rods, or variable to create a gear mechanism.

Figure 30 shows an underside rear view of an alternative embodiment wherein a motor number 50 that is connected to the craft, provides all or part of the power required for propulsion.

Figure 31 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the left side float and back arms are not shown, so as to expose the rotary pedal mechanism which includes a chain number 51 connecting the pedal sprocket number 53 with back sprocket number 52. The back sprocket number 52 turns a left and right side cranked shaft numbers 491_, 49R respectively which converts the rotary motion into reciprocating motion. The power is transferred to the flipper rods numbers 22L, 22R which move up and down alternately, through the connecting rods numbers 48L, 48R.

Figure 32 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the left side float and back arms of the frame are not shown, so as to expose the rotary pedal mechanism. The foot pedals numbers 4L, 4R directly turn a left and right side cranked shaft numbers 49L, 49R respectively, which converts the rotary motion into reciprocating motion. The power is transferred to the flipper rods numbers 221_, 22R which move up and down alternately, through the connecting rods numbers 48L, 48R.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A flipper propelled water craft comprising; two flippers, two foot pedals, two handlebars, two handle grips, two rudders, two floats, and a frame.
2. A flipper propelled water craft according to claim 1, in which the flippers move up and down counter to each other, when driven by the foot pedals and/or handlebars.
3. A flipper propelled water craft according to claim 1, in which the two foot pedals are connected to each other such that when either is pushed down, the other moves counter to it concurrently.
4. A flipper propelled water craft according to claim 1, in which pushing down on the foot pedals alternately and in succession generates propulsive thrust.
5. A flipper propelled water craft according to claim 1, in which the handlebars are connected to each other such that when either is pushed forwards or pulled backwards, the other moves counter to it concurrently.
6. A flipper propelled water craft according to claim 1, in which moving the handlebars backwards and forwards, by pushing and pulling on the handle grips alternately and in succession generates propulsive thrust.
7. A flipper propelled water craft according to claim 1, in which the craft is steered by rotating both handle grips concurrently in the same direction, clockwise or anticlockwise.
8. A flipper propelled water craft according to claim 1, in which the frame has four arms held out at a right angle to a central spine when in the open position, and fold inwards next to the spine when closed.
9. A flipper propelled water craft according to claim 1, in which there are two floats, one on either side of the craft.
10. A flipper propelled water craft according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flipper craft also comprises integral means for manual propulsion by both the arms and/or legs of the driver, and includes two handlebars, and two steering rudders.
11. A flipper propelled water craft substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.