Electrically powered watercraft
AssigneeVolt Boats, LLC
InventorsRichard I. Brass, Ryan Ellis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Improvements to electrically powered watercraft including kayaks are disclosed. The watercraft comprises a hull defining a cavity and a battery powered retractable propulsion unit. The retractable propulsion unit can be retracted into the cavity with powered or unpowered means. Various retractable propulsion units are disclosed, including propulsion units that are steerable wherein the thrust can be selectively directed. Specific embodiments to improve the steerability of electrically powered watercraft are disclosed. Mechanisms for disengaging the steering controls from the retractable propulsion units are also disclosed. Locking mechanisms for locking the retractable propulsion unit in an extended or fully retracted position are also disclosed.
Claims21
An electrically powered kayak having an intended forward direction of travel, the kayak comprising:
- a seat formed in a cavity defined by a hull of the kayak;
- a propulsion unit cavity defined by the hull of the kayak, wherein the propulsion unit cavity is separate from the cavity with the seat, and wherein the propulsion unit cavity is formed forward of the seat with respect to the intended direction of travel;
- a retractable propulsion unit capable of being retracted into the propulsion unit cavity, the retractable propulsion unit comprising an assembly for steering control, a motor providing force to a propeller, and a shaft coupling the motor to the assembly, wherein the retractable propulsion unit can be steered by the assembly;
- one or more of a pivot point between the assembly and the motor, thereby allowing the motor to substantially retract into the cavity, and a shaft allowing the motor to be slidably extended for operation or retracted into the propulsion unit cavity for stowing;
- one or more of an electromagnet and a linear motion solenoid configured to selectively lock the motor into extended and fully retracted positions;
- and
- wherein the motor and the propeller substantially occupy the cavity in the fully retracted position.
An electrically powered kayak having an intended forward direction of travel, the kayak comprising:
- a seat formed in a cavity defined by a hull of the kayak;
- a propulsion unit cavity defined by the hull of the kayak, wherein the propulsion unit cavity is separate from the cavity with the seat, and wherein the propulsion unit cavity is formed forward of the seat with respect to the intended direction of travel;
- a steerable retractable propulsion unit comprising of a motor, a driveshaft and a propeller, wherein the driveshaft transfers force from the motor to the propeller;
- a plurality of batteries coupled to the propulsion unit, wherein the batteries are distributed between multiple locations within the cavity with the seat;
- a pivot point between the motor and the propeller, thereby allowing the driveshaft and the propeller to substantially retract into the cavity;
- wherein the propulsion unit can be selectively locked into an extended position;
- wherein the propulsion unit can be selectively locked into a fully retracted position;
- and
- wherein the driveshaft and the propeller substantially occupy the cavity in the fully retracted position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.