Marine propulsion – Operator powered drive for propelling means – Having reciprocating pull cable
Patent
1989-03-20
1992-02-25
Sotelo, Jesus D.
Marine propulsion
Operator powered drive for propelling means
Having reciprocating pull cable
416140, B63H 1608
Patent
active
050909282
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a propulsion device which is powered by the movement of the arms or the legs of a human being. The propulsion device assumes many forms for attachment to different kinds of craft and can even be directly attached to the person supplying the operating power. In each case, however, the invention relates to a propeller device including a blade or blades which are movable to accommodate to the reciprocating motion of the shaft supporting the propeller. The invention is also directed to the craft to which a propulsion device may be attached in the sense that the craft is modified for use with such a device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Man-powered craft are available for hire in waterfront recreation areas and commonly are propelled by continuously rotating paddle wheels operated by various kinds of foot pedal devices. Commonly such craft are pontoon based with seats that allow the user to sit high above the water. In general, they are noted for a ponderous movement and relatively limited speed capabilities.
More recent developments have included fiberglass boats of various types with transmission devices allowing reciprocating motion to be transformed into rotational motion by some conventional means. By improving the hydrodynamic contour of the craft, greater speed may be achieved, but, to date, the limitations on speed have been such that boats that are paddled or rowed are ordinarily faster and more efficient than any such craft.
THE NATURE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention is concerned with a man-powered propulsion device which employs cables connected to pedals or other means permitting the man operator to produce reciprocating motion. The reciprocating motion is, in turn, transmitted to a shaft around which the cables are alternately wound in opposite directions onto separate sheave means. Flexible propeller blades are attached to the propeller shaft by means generally radially oriented with respect to that shaft and about which means each blade is permitted to rotate. Rotation, however, is confined to a very limited arc by stops supported relative to the shaft. The stops limit each blade to a predetermined limited amount of movement by pure rotation of the blade, then as each blade flexes, the stop allows blade sliding relative to the stop to define a final blade position and shape during the rest of the rotation in a particular direction. The yielding of the flexible material permits each blade to assume the advantageous curvature of a propeller screw by sliding along the stop means. Since the blade is flexible, the curvature occurs in the opposite direction when propeller rotation direction is reversed.
Two bladed propellers on propulsion devices affixed to the respective cable means of the propulsion device have been constructed and operated highly efficiently. BY fabricating a boat of lightweight materials with good hydrodynamic flow lines, it is possible for the boat to pass most conventionally operated hand propelled craft and maintain a competitive speed with boats propelled by light trolling motors. The device itself can be very lightly constructed and if the boat and propulsion device are both lightweight, they can be easily transported by passenger car and launched without difficulty in most bodies of water without special provision for launching of any sort.
More specifically, the present invention is directed to a man-powered propulsion device having a frame including means to mount to a boat or other craft, including direct mounting to the body of a swimmer, to manually propel the craft which, as used herein, may be interpreted to include a swimmer. It will be understood that "manually" includes foot power. Propeller means is provided on a shaft means rotatably supported on the frame and includes at least one flexible blade rotatably supported generally radially relative to the shaft and stop means supported on the shaft limiting movement of each blade. A pair of actuator means are coupled to the shaft to turn the propeller shaft, each of w
REFERENCES:
patent: 954718 (1910-04-01), Cutler
patent: 2158349 (1939-05-01), Allen
patent: 2198904 (1940-04-01), Christiansen
patent: 2633096 (1953-03-01), Rayfield
patent: 3349746 (1967-10-01), Sydoriak
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