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US 8,939,805 B2Granted
Air-propelled watercraft having an inflatable hull
OwnerBilly D. Millerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A watercraft has a fan propeller, a motor coupled to the fan propeller, an inflatable hull including a first inflatable member and a second inflatable member, and a platform, which is positioned between the first and second inflatable members and coupled to a base of the fan propeller. The motor powers the fan propeller and thereby propels the inflatable hull in a forward direction. The watercraft is suitable for use in varying water environments including white water, open sea water, ice, snow, and shallow water.
Claims18
A watercraft comprising:
- a fan propeller;
- a motor coupled to the fan propeller;
- an inflatable hull comprising a first inflatable member and a second inflatable member, each inflatable member having a substantially cylindrical shape with tapered front and rear ends, the first inflatable member spaced from and substantially parallel to the second inflatable member;
- and
- a platform, mounted to a top portion of and positioned between the first and second inflatable members and coupled to a base of the fan propeller;
- wherein the motor powers the fan propeller, and wherein the fan propeller is supported on a rear portion of the platform and positioned proximate the rear ends of the inflatable members, the fan propeller configured to propel the inflatable hull in a forward direction.
3 more elements
An air-propelled watercraft comprising:
- an at least partially inflatable hull including a first inflatable member and a second inflatable member, each inflatable member having a substantially cylindrical shape with tapered front and rear ends, the first inflatable member spaced from and substantially parallel to the second inflatable member;
- a platform, mounted to a top portion of and positioned between the first and second inflatable members;
- a metal frame supporting the platform and connecting the first and second inflatable members, the metal frame including a portion extending above the platform and connected to the first and second inflatable members;
- a fan propeller mounted to the metal frame in a generally rearward portion of the watercraft and supported proximate the rear ends of the inflatable members, the fan propeller at least partially enclosed by a metal cage affixed to the metal frame;
- a rudder positioned rearward of the fan propeller and positioned to assist in steering the watercraft;
- and
- a motor coupled to the fan propeller and configured to, during operation, power the fan propeller, thereby propelling the watercraft in a forward direction.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.