Marine propulsion – Paddle wheel
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-26
2001-06-19
Swinehart, Ed (Department: 3617)
Marine propulsion
Paddle wheel
C114S123000, C440S027000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247981
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to recreational watercrafts and, more particularly, to watercrafts suited for use by children.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Paddle wheel propelled watercrafts suited for use by children are well known in the art. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,297 issued on Feb. 19, 1985 to Boulva discloses a small watercraft comprising a main floating body propelled by floatable paddle wheels mounted on opposed sides of the main floatation body at the front end thereof. The paddle wheels are mounted on a common crank shaft which is removably mounted to the main floatation body. Each paddle wheel comprises a plurality of radially extending paddles integrally formed on the circumference of a generally cylindrical hollow hub portion. The opposed sides of each paddle wheel are substantially flat.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,554 issued on Jun. 27, 1995 to Foglia discloses a watercraft comprising a central floating body on opposed sides of which two paddle wheels are independently mounted to propel and steer the watercraft on a water surface. Each paddle wheel comprises a plurality of paddles circumferentially distributed on the outboard surface of a disc mounted to an axle journaled to a bearing secured to an outrigger float which, in turn, is connected to the central floating body.
Although the recreational watercrafts disclosed in the above mentioned patents are suited for use by children, there is still a need for a new and enjoyable watercraft which can be safely used by a child.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a recreational watercraft which is relatively safe for use by children.
It is also an aim of the present invention to provide a recreational watercraft having improved floating stability.
It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a recreational watercraft which is relatively simple and economical to manufacture.
It is still a further aim of the present invention to provide a watercraft which can be compactly stored.
It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a new paddle wheel design.
It is still a further aim of the present invention to provide a new paddle wheel which is adapted to produce audible sound effects while being operated in water.
Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a recreational watercraft comprising a hull and a propulsion unit for propelling said hull on a water surface, said propulsion unit comprising a pair of paddle wheels laterally mounted on opposed sides of said hull, each said paddle wheel including a plurality of vanes circumferentially distributed on a buoyant bulged hub structure projecting laterally outwardly of said hull, each said buoyant bulged hub structure acting as an outrigger float to provide additional lateral flotation stability.
Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a watercraft paddle wheel comprising a plurality of radially extending vanes circumferentially distributed on an outer semi-spherical surface of a hub structure.
Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a recreational watercraft comprising a floating hull having an outer surface, and at least one safety hand grip integrated in a recess formed in said outer surface at a location accessible to a user when said floating hull is overturned to an inverted position with a top surface thereof underneath, whereby a user can grasp said safety hand grip to pull himself out of the water in the event that said floating hull is overturned.
Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a recreational watercraft comprising a hull and a windshield detachably mounted to said hull so as to be automatically separated therefrom upon capsizing of said hull, said windshield being formed as a float to support a user on a water surface independently of said hull.
Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a paddle wheel for propelling a recreational watercraft through water, comprising a plurality of radially extending paddles circumferentially distributed on an outer surface of a hub structure, said outer surface cooperating with said paddles to constrictly channel bubbles trapped between submerged adjacent paddles upwardly to a water surface where the bubbles burst, thereby producing audible bursting sounds as said paddle wheel is operated in the water.
Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a kit for a recreational watercraft comprising a hull defining a cockpit adapted to receive a child, a propeller assembly including a pair of paddle wheels adapted to be connected to said hull for propelling the same on a surface of water, said propeller assembly being sized and configured to be completely received within said cockpit for compact storage, and a windshield adapted to be removably mounted at a front end of said cockpit, said windshield being sized and configured to be fitted in superposition upon an outer surface of said hull to allow said recreational watercraft to be stored and shipped in a minimum of space.
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Publication of “Paddle-Wheel Boat” by Dick Hixon inPopular Science, Aug. 1940, p. 139.
Publication of “Shallow Draft Bass Boat” by Hi Sibley inB O A T S, Aug. 1952, pp. 149-151.
Farley Nicolas
Farley Pierre
Farley Ice Technologies Inc.
Sofia Michel
Swabey Ogilvy Renault
Swinehart Ed
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