Self-righting RC boat
AssigneeHorizon Hobby, LLC
InventorsRafael Lopez, Jukka Steenari, Scott Hughes
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A remote control boat that includes a self-righting apparatus adapted to right the boat after it has capsized. In some embodiments, a weighted coupler is attached to the motor output shaft and the drive shaft to prevent the drive shaft from moving for a period of time after the motor is turned on. In some embodiments, one or more components may be attached to the weighted coupler by a set screw configuration. In some embodiments, one or more components may be attached to the weighted coupler by a collet-type configuration.
Claims20
A self-righting apparatus for a RC boat comprising:
- a motor coupled to a motor output shaft,
- a weighted coupler coupled to the motor output shaft;
- a driveshaft coupled to the weighted coupler;
- and
- a propeller coupled to the drive shaft,
- wherein, when the RC boat has been capsized, the weighted coupler is configured to prevent the rotation of the driveshaft for a period of time such that the RC boat rights itself.
A RC boat configured to self-right after capsizing comprising:
- an electronic speed controller and a receiver, wherein the receiver is communicatively connected to a transmitter;
- a motor coupled to a motor output shaft,
- a weighted coupler coupled to the motor output shaft;
- a driveshaft coupled to the weighted coupler;
- and
- a propeller coupled to the drive shaft;
- wherein the electronic speed controller is configured to receive a command from the transmitter via the receiver and, based on the command, operate the motor;
- and
- wherein, when the boat has been capsized, the weighted coupler is configured to prevent rotation of the driveshaft for a period of time such that the RC boat rights itself.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.