GB2597485A

GB2597485A - Flipper propulsion attachment

Info

Publication number: GB2597485A
Application number: GB2011370.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adeyemi Olowu Jonathan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-07-22
Filing date: 2020-07-22
Publication date: 2022-02-02
Also published as: GB202011370D0

Abstract

A flipper propulsion mechanism for propelling a watercraft, comprising a pair of flippers 6L,R, a pair of handlebars 2L,R, a pair of handle grips 1L,R, a pair of flipper rods 5L,R, a pair of pivot joints 3L,R, and an attachment means 4 for attaching the mechanism to the watercraft. The mechanism may be fitted on either side of a watercraft. The pivot joint connecting the handlebars to the flipper rods may be horizontally offset, or horizontally aligned. Various features may be fixed or adjustable including: Horizontal distance between handlebars, handlebar length, vertical angle between handlebars and flipper rods. Forwards and backwards movement of the handlebars my be converted into up and down motion of the flippers. The attachment means may comprise attachment clamps, or some other means. The mechanism may be dismantlable and removeable from the craft.

Description

A twin flipper propulsion mechanism This invention relates to a flipper propulsion mechanism capable of propelling a watercraft which is carrying one or more persons on water. Watercraft are typically propeller driven or paddled, and sometimes motorised by engines which burn fossil fuels. Propellers in general can be dangerous to both people and sea creatures, as the spinning blades may cause severe injuries, which in some cases are fatal. This flipper propulsion device when attached to, or constructed as part of a watercraft, is relatively safe and environmentally friendly. It also provides an enjoyable means of combining play with physical exercise. Able to dismount and be dismantled into its main constituent parts by the user, the invention is portable and simple to maintain. Integral to the design is a pair of flippers which generate thrust. Included also is a pair of left and right handle grips, fitted one on either top end of a pair of handlebars. Manually operated by both arms of the user, the handlebars attach standing one either side of the watercraft. Moving the handlebars forwards and backwards, by pushing and pulling on the handle grips alternately, causes the flippers to move up and down in sync with the handlebars. There is also a pair of pivot joints which are multi-functional, their primary function is to connect the handlebars to a pair of flipper rods, such that both pivot in sync when the handlebars are moved forwards and backwards alternately. The pivot joints also convert the back and forth effort applied to the handlebars, to an up and down force which is transferred to the flippers through the flipper rods. The handlebars and flipper rods when assembled, are fitted into accommodating holes situated in the pivot joints, and are removed when dismantled. The pivot joint connects the handlebar to the flipper rod at a horizontally offset distance that cannot be altered by the user. The pivot joint may be constructed such that the offset distance between the handlebar and flipper rod is variable, enabling the distance between the two handlebars to be adjusted to suit the arm length of the user. The pivot joint may also be constructed such that the horizontal alignment of the handlebar and flipper rod line up straight with each other. The length of the handlebars and/or flipper rods may be of a fixed length, or variable. The craft is steered by creating an imbalance in the left and right thrust produced by the two flippers. A greater force applied to the flipper on the left hand side, will steer the craft to the right and vice versa. Also, pulling back just the left or right handlebar will steer the craft in that direction. The invention is attached to a watercraft by four attachment clamps which may be of a fixed size, or adjustable so that the invention can be fitted to watercrafts of various thicknesses. Other means of fastening the invention to a watercraft may be used provided that the attachment is secure. The handlebars, the flipper rods, the pivot joints and the flippers are fitted one either side of a watercraft, and the entire mechanism is operated manually by both arms of the user.

In an alternative embodiment the invention may be built as part of a watercraft, but as such will be permanently fixed to that craft. The invention may alternatively be built such that the distance between the two handlebars when fitted to a watercraft can be adjusted to suit the arm length of the user. The invention may alternatively be built such that the vertical angle between the handlebars and the flipper rods can be altered by the user.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein 'L' stands for left and 'R' for right and in which: Figure 1 shows an overhead view of the invention wherein the separate left and right constituent parts are assembled and ready to be fitted to a craft such as a paddle board, Figure 2 shows an up-close outer side view, of the left hand side pivot joint, included also is the left side pivot joint base, and the two left hand side attachment clamps, Figure 3 shows an up-close inner side view, of the left hand side pivot joint, included also are the left side pivot joint base, and attachment clamp pressure pads, Figure 4 shows a bird's eye view of the left hand side flipper connected to the left hand side flipper rod, included also is the left hand side flipper rod holding screw, Figure 5 shows the left and right hand side pivot joints in an alternative embodiment provided by the present invention, wherein the two pivot joints are constructed such that the distance between the left and right handlebars when assembled and fitted to a watercraft can be adjusted to suit the arm length of the user, Figure 6 shows the left hand side pivot joint in an alternative embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the vertical angle formed between the handlebar and the flipper rod may be altered by the user, Figure 7 shows the left and right handlebars in an alternative embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the length of the handlebars can be adjusted telescopically to suit the size of the user, Figure 8 shows the left and right flipper rods in an alternative embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the length of the flipper rods can be altered telescopically, In Figure 1, a flipper propulsion mechanism which includes a pair of handle grips numbers 1L, and 1R which are each fixed at the top of a pair of handlebars numbers 2L and 2R. Also shown are the handlebar section connectors numbers 2La and 2Ra, which hold together the upper and lower sections of the handlebars when assembled. The handle grips are used to drive the handlebars forwards and backwards. Shown also is a pair of flipper rods numbers 5L and 5R which are connected to the handlebars by a pair of pivot joints numbers 3L and 3R. As well as connecting the handlebars to the flipper rods, the pivot joints also enable the handlebars and flipper rods to pivot together in sync, thereby converting the forwards and backwards effort applied to the handlebars, to an up and down force which is transferred through the flipper rods to a pair of flippers numbers 6L and 6R. Shown also are four attachment clamps numbers 4L, 4Lb, 4R and 4Rb which provide the attachment means to fasten the pivot joints to a watercraft. Assembled, the handlebar and flipper rod are fitted into the pivot joint horizontally offset from each other.

The handlebars and flipper rods are removed from the pivot joints when the propulsion devise is dismounted and dismantled.

Figure 2, shows an up-close outer side view of the left hand side pivot joint number 3L. Included also are two attachment clamps numbers 4L and 4Lb which fasten the pivot joint to the left hand side of a watercraft. Also shown is the pivot joint base number 10 which is the lower section of the pivot joint. Downward pressure is applied to the pivot joint base, when the clamp tightening screws numbers 9 and 9b are turned clockwise. It is this clamping pressure that holds the pivot joint in place when attached to a craft. To dismount the invention, the attachment clamps must be removed. Shown also is the left hand side fulcrum cap number 13L. Included also are the handlebar holding screw number 11, and the flipper rod holding screw number 12. The handlebar holding screw fastens the handlebar number 2L in place when it is inserted into the pivot joint handlebar socket number 8L. The flipper rod holding screw fastens the flipper rod number 5L in place when it is inserted into the pivot joint flipper rod socket number 8Lb. Also shown is the pivot joint stabilizer number 10a, which forms part of the pivot joint base. It protrudes downward along the outer side of the pivot joint base and helps to keep the pivot joint securely in place when it is attached to a watercraft such as a paddle board.

Figure 3, shows an up-close inner side view, of the left hand side pivot joint number 3L. Also shown is the pivot joint base number 10. Downward pressure is applied directly to the pivot joint base by the attachment clamp pressure pads numbers 9a and 9c, when the clamp tightening screws numbers 9 and 9b are turned clockwise. Also shown is the fulcrum cap number 13La which hides a shaft that connects the pivot joint handlebar socket number 8L to the pivot joint flipper rod socket number 8Lb. It is this connecting shaft which enables both of these sockets to pivot together in sync. Shown also are the handlebar number 2L and flipper rod number 5L which are connected horizontally offset from one another by the pivot joint.

Figure 4, shows a bird's eye view of the left hand side flipper number 6L, which is connected to the left side flipper rod number 5L. The flipper rod inserts into a hole which runs through the centre of the flipper spine number 15L. Also shown is the flipper holding screw number 7L which holds the flipper connected to the flipper rod when assembled.

Figure5, shows an alternative embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the two pivot joints numbers 3L and 3R, are constructed such that when assembled and fitted to a watercraft such as a paddle board, the distance between the left and right handlebars numbers 2L and 2R respectively can be adjusted to suit the arm length of the user. Also shown are the pivot connection shafts numbers 17L and 17R, which facilitate the horizontal slide and lock action, of the handlebar distance apart adjustment mechanism. The maximum possible distance attainable between the left and right handlebars when they are assembled and fitted to a watercraft such as a paddle board, is achieved by sliding the pivot connection shaft as far into the pivot joint as it will go. The minimum possible distance attainable between the left and right handlebars when they are assembled and fitted to a watercraft such as a paddle board, is achieved by sliding the pivot connection shaft as far out of the pivot joint as it is able to go. Shown also are the left and right handlebar position lock and release knobs numbers 18L and 18R respectively, each of these must be turned anti-clockwise to release the lock on the position of the pivot connection shaft before the distance between the handlebars can be altered. To lock the handlebars in a newly desired position the lock and release knobs must be turned clockwise. Shown also is the fulcrum cap number 13Ra which has been removed from its normal position in order to expose the handlebar position lock and release knob of the right hand side pivot joint.

Figure 6, shows an up close view of the left hand side pivot joint number 3L in an alternative embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the vertical angle formed between the handlebar numbers 2L and the flipper rod number 5L may be altered by the user. Shown also is the left hand side angle lock and release knob number 19L. Before the vertical angle formed between the handlebar and the flipper rod can be altered, the angle lock and release knob must be turned anti-clockwise to release the lock on the current vertical angle setting. To retain a new vertical angle setting, the angle lock and release knob must be turned clockwise to the locked position.

Figure 7, shows an alternative embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the length of both the right and left handlebars numbers 2R and 2L respectively can be adjusted telescopically to suit the size of the user. Shown also are the right and left handlebar telescopic lock and release revolvers numbers 2Rb and 2Lb respectively, which must be revolved anti-clockwise to release the lock on the telescoping action of the handlebars before the length can be altered. To lock the handlebars at the newly desired length the telescopic lock and release revolvers must then be revolved clockwise. The maximum possible length attainable on a handlebar is achieved by pulling the upper section of the handlebar as far out of the lower section of the handlebar as it will go. The minimum possible length attainable on a handlebar is achieved by pushing the upper section of the handlebar as far into the lower section of the handlebar as it will go.

Figure 8, shows an alternative embodiment provided by the present invention wherein the length of both the right and left flipper rods numbers 5R and 5L respectively can be adjusted telescopically. Shown also are the right and left flipper rod telescopic lock and release revolvers numbers 20R and 20L respectively, which must be revolved anticlockwise to release the lock on the telescoping action of the flipper rods before the length can be altered. To lock the flipper rods at the newly desired length the telescopic lock and release revolvers must be revolved clockwise. The maximum possible length attainable on a flipper rod is achieved by pulling the upper section of the flipper rod as far out of the lower section of the flipper rod as it will go. The minimum possible length attainable on a flipper rod is achieved by pushing the upper section of the flipper rod as far into the lower section of the flipper rod as it is able to go.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A flipper propulsion mechanism capable of propelling a watercraft which is carrying one or more persons on water, comprising; a pair of flippers, a pair of handlebars, a pair of handle grips, a pair of flipper rods, a pair of pivot joints, and attachment means for attaching the propulsion mechanism to a watercraft.
2. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, in which the handlebars, the flipper rods, the pivot joints and the flippers are fitted one either side of a watercraft.
3. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the pivot joint connects the handlebar to the flipper rod in a horizontally offset position.
4. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal alignment of the handlebar and flipper rod line up straight with each other.
5. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal distance between the two handlebars when fitted to a watercraft can be adjusted by the user.
6. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal distance between the two handlebars when fitted to a watercraft cannot be adjusted by the user.
7. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the length of the handlebars and flipper rods can be altered by the user.
8. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the handlebars and flipper rods are of a fixed length, and as such cannot be altered by the user.
9. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the vertical angle formed between the handlebars and the flipper rods can be altered by the user.
10. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the vertical angle formed between the handlebars and the flipper rods cannot be altered by the user.
11. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the forwards and backwards effort applied to the handlebars, is converted to an up and down force which is transferred to the flippers.
12. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the means to attach the propulsion mechanism to a watercraft is provided by attachment clamps.
13. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the means to attach the propulsion mechanism to a watercraft is provided other than by attachment clamps.
14. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, in which the flipper propulsion mechanism is able to be dismantled into its main constituent parts by the user.
15. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, in which the handlebars pivot forwards and backwards, and are fitted to a watercraft standing one on either side.
16. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein moving the handlebars forwards and backwards, by pushing and pulling on the handle grips alternately, causes the flippers to move up and down in sync with the handlebars.
17. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising; two handlebar section connectors which hold together an upper and lower section of the handlebars when assembled and fitted to a watercraft.
18. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, in which the propulsion mechanism can be temporarily fastened to a watercraft by attachment means that enable the entire mechanism to be removed from the craft when not in use.
19. A flipper propulsion mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flipper propulsion mechanism is operated by the arms of the user.
20. A flipper propulsion mechanism substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.