Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a muscle-propulsion system for boats. In particular, the present invention relates to a propulsion system capable of being used by surfboards, therefore capable of allowing both the traditional use and the use as a floating body of the aforementioned muscle-propulsion boats.

Prior art

The possibilities for moving in the water are quite varied, with solutions ranging from small personal swimming aids, such as diving fins, to complex and expensive vessels, such as yachts and luxury boats in general.

Taking into consideration the boats without motor, where the movement is guaranteed by the muscular activity of the transported user, it is possible to identify classic boats, typically defined by rowing boats or canoes equipped with paddles in which the upper limbs of the user to ensure the movement of the vessel in the water.

To improve the transportability of a boat while maintaining a robustness such as to guarantee that it can withstand the weight of the user while floating, it is possible to employ surfboards whose use, in addition to the traditional one by exploiting the energy of a wave, can also be extended over substantially flat stretches of water using oars or paddles for propulsion. For this purpose, it is possible to use the "stand-up paddle " comprising a board similar to a surfboard in which the user can stay above in an upright position and ensuring propulsion by the aforementioned oars or paddles through the upper limbs.

Solutions have been developed that integrate muscle-type propulsion systems with vessels of the aforementioned type, i.e. traditional boats and surfboards, to extend the use of the aforementioned vessels in any condition and on any kind of water.

One of the known solutions consists in the installation of suitable propulsion means activated by the muscular force of the lower limbs of a user, for example bicycles or similar vehicles, on floating bodies such as to allow a greater speed or employment with respect to the use of oars or paddles. These solutions, however, considerably increase the weight of the vessel as well as the complexity and cost of production and installation.

Solutions have also been developed that integrate propulsion systems by means of upper or lower limbs that transform the continuous motion generated by these into an alternating motion of traditional oars or paddles, to allow a better propulsive capacity. These solutions are limited, however, to the mere improvement of handling without solving any problems regarding the weight of the system itself as well as the comfort for its operation by the user.

Patent Application No. US2004/035344 A1 discloses a pontoon-type foldable rowing boat that includes inflatable pontoons and a sectional frame. The frame structure includes metal tubes that snap into anchors integrally formed on the sides of the pontoons. A removable seat is provided for the boat which is supported by a series of straps that allow to adjust the bow and stern sections of the seating surface with respect to the pontoons. A plurality of mounting positions can be provided for removable cranks and paddle wheels so that their position can be adjusted relative to the seat. A rudder for the boat is connected to the frame via a friction connection and includes a pivot mechanism that allows it to be folded into a position where it extends parallel to the boat.

Patent Application No. CA2287594 A1 describes a propulsion system for a boat comprising a pair of paddles and a drive shaft which extends between the paddles to induce their joint rotation. A transmission mechanism is coupled to the transmission shaft and a pair of supports connects the transmission shaft to the boat on its opposite sides. The drive shaft is connected to the paddles by a releasable coupling to allow their ready disassembly. The paddles comprise a central hub and a plurality of small paddles coupled to the central hub and extending radially. The propulsion system can be separated into a plurality of individual sections and is therefore portable.

It would therefore be desirable to have a muscle-propulsion system for boats capable of minimizing the drawbacks described above. In particular, it would be desirable to have a muscle-propulsion system for boats capable of ensuring a reliable and comfortable positioning, while maintaining a low production and maintenance cost. It would be desirable to have a muscle-propulsion system for boats capable of ensuring facilitating coupling as well as facilitated transport.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a muscle-propulsion system for boats capable of minimizing the aforementioned problems.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a muscle- propulsion system for boats capable of considerably reducing production costs as well as installation and maintenance times for its use.

Furthermore, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a muscle- propulsion system for boats capable of ensuring high user comfort even for long- range handling and for a considerable time.

The above-mentioned objects are achieved by a muscle-propulsion system for boats in accordance with the present invention.

The muscle-propulsion system for boats comprises a frame and a muscle- actuation device coupled to the frame and able to be actuated by the legs of a user for the movement in the water of the boat, wherein the frame comprises a seat arranged in a position opposite to the muscle-actuation device, wherein the muscle-propulsion system comprises a pair of fixed bushing, which are aligned mutually spaced along an axis of rotation, between which the muscle- actuation device is interposed and coupled to the fixed bushing in such a way as to rotate with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein the muscle-actuation device comprises a pair of opposite cranks and a pair of pins of rotation coupling the opposite cranks to the fixed bushing, wherein a first oar and a second oar are respectively operatively coupled in a removable way to the pins of rotation at the portions which protrude from the fixed bushing, wherein the muscle-propulsion system is characterized in that it comprises a device for adjusting the spacing of the muscle-actuation device with respect to the seat, wherein the device for adjusting the spacing comprises a plurality of locking seats arranged in succession on the frame and a pair of locking elements of the muscle-actuation device to the frame, and wherein the locking elements are able to be arranged at one of the locking seats to define the spacing of the muscle-actuation device with respect to the seat.

In this way, it is possible to define a muscle-propulsion system for boats in which a high level of comfort is maintained for the user, while achieving economic and ecological handling.

The aforementioned spacing allows, therefore, to adapt the system object of the present invention with respect to the dimensions of any user.

In this way, the correct spacing operations can be performed quickly and by using elements that minimize the weight and the cost of the entire system.

Preferably, the locking elements comprise at least a locking device provided with an abutment element adapted to be arranged within the locking seats for maintaining the position of the device for adjusting the spacing, and wherein the locking elements comprise at least one pre-tensioned elastic device operatively connected with the abutment element to keep it in a working position in contact with the locking seat and able to move the abutment element in a rest position not in contact with the locking seat.

In this way, the positioning and modification of the same can be performed without the use of specific equipment and reducing the required time.

Preferably, the abutment element comprises a fixed pin and an abutment sleeve movable with respect to the fixed pin.

More preferably, the fixed pin has a diameter smaller than the locking seats, and wherein the abutment sleeve has a diameter greater than the locking seats.

This allows for an effective and light locking that does not affect the weight of the frame and of the entire system.

Preferably, the muscle-actuation device is made of a single tubular element which is folded in such a way as to define the opposite cranks having an “S” shape and the pins of rotation.

Alternatively, the muscle-actuation device is made of a plurality of tubular elements which are connected to each other in such a way as to define the opposite cranks having an “S” shape and the pins of rotation.

Therefore, the realization of the structure of the muscle-actuation device has a reduced production cost, as well as a reduced assembly time.

Preferably, the seat is provided with a backrest for the user.

This allows you to maximize user comfort during use, that is, during the movement of the boat.

Preferably, the backrest is rotatable with respect to the seat.

More preferably, the muscle-actuation device is rotatable with respect to the frame able to be arranged from an operative position spaced from the frame, wherein it can be operated by the user, to a non-operative position at the frame, wherein it cannot be operated by the user, and vice-versa.

In this way, it is possible to reduce the overall dimensions of the muscular propulsion system when in non-operative condition, for example during its transport.

Preferably, the frame is of the tubular type.

This allows to maintain a reduced weight and a reduced production cost for the entire muscle-propulsion system.

Preferably, the first oar and the second oar respectively have a length equal to or less than the extension of the frame perpendicular to the axis of rotation in such a way as to allow the arrangement within the perimeter of the frame when the first oar and the second oar are disassembled.

More preferably, the first oar and the second oar are able to be telescopically coupled to pins of rotation in such a way as to define a predetermined spacing from the frame.

The possibility of spacing the oars allows, therefore, to use the muscle- propulsion system on boats of any width, allowing the oars to be positioned outside the footprint.

Preferably, the first oar and the second oar respectively comprise a locking sleeve able to be telescopically coupled to the pins of rotation, and wherein the sleeves and the pins of rotation respectively have through openings made at a predetermined distance to allow mutual locking of the telescopic coupling.

In this way, the spacing of the oars for positioning outside the footprint of the boats is achieved in a simple and fast way.

Preferably, the muscle-propulsion system comprises a rudder hinged to the frame, and wherein the rudder is of the telescopic type so as to allow the arrangement within the perimeter of the frame when not in use.

The telescopic rudder therefore allows its simple use as well as the reduction of overall dimensions when not used. The aforementioned objects are further achieved by a muscle-powered boat in accordance with the present invention.

The muscle-powered boat comprises:

- a surfboard able to define a floating body of the muscle-powered boat;

- a muscle-propulsion system able to be actuated by the legs of a user for the movement of the surfboard in water;

- coupling means of the muscle-propulsion system to the surfboard; wherein the muscle-powered boat is characterized in that the muscle-propulsion system is according to the features of the present invention.

Description of the figures

These and further features and advantages of the present invention will become evident from the description of the preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the attached figures, wherein:

- Figure 1 is a side plan view of the preferred embodiment of the muscle- propulsion system for boats in accordance with the present invention, when arranged in operating conditions;

- - Figure 2 is a top plan view of the muscle-propulsion system for boats of Figure 1, when placed in operating conditions.

- Figure 3 is a front plan view of the muscle-propulsion system for boats of Figure 1, when arranged in operating conditions.

Detailed description of the invention

With reference to Figures 1-3, a preferred embodiment of the muscle-propulsion system 1 for boats is illustrated, in accordance with the present invention.

The muscle-propulsion system 1 for boats comprises a frame 11, a muscle- actuation device 21 and a seat (not shown to allow a better visualization of the muscle-propulsion system itself), as described in greater detail below. In particular, either the muscle-actuation device 21 and the seat are coupled to the aforementioned frame 11 arranged in opposite positions with respect to the latter.

In the embodiment therein described, the frame 11 has a substantially rectangular shape, the dimensions of which must ensure correct support for the boat to which it will be coupled. Noticeably, conformations different from the rectangular one can be used and fall within the inventive concept of the present invention.

Preferably, the frame 11 is of the tubular type, or made from a single bent tubular element, or a plurality of interconnected tubular elements, to obtain the desired conformation. As illustrated in the attached Figures, in the preferred embodiment, the frame 11 comprises four tubular elements interconnected in pairs at their respective ends so as to define the aforementioned rectangular conformation, wherein a pair of tubular elements has a shorter length than the respective remaining pair.

The seat is arranged at one of the ends of the frame 11 and, in particular, at one of the shorter length tubes. Preferably, the seat also has a tubular structure that guarantees the user's tightness, as well as a flexible element that guarantees seating comfort. In addition, the seat is equipped with a backrest 211 for the user, in any case not necessary for the technical functions of the invention. This allows to maximize user comfort during use, or during the movement of the boat. In the embodiment illustrated therein, the backrest 211 is fixed with respect to the seat but according to an alternative embodiment (not shown) the backrest could be rotatable with respect to the seat in such a way as to allow the arrangement of the backrest superimposed on the seat itself thus reducing the volume occupied during transport.

The muscle-actuation device 21, also coupled to the aforementioned frame 11, is adapted to be operated by the legs of a user for moving the boat in the water. The muscle-actuation device 21 comprises a pair of opposing pedal cranks 121, 221, designed to transmit the motion from the lower limbs to the entire muscle- actuation device 21, and a pair of pins 321, 421 of rotation which allows the coupling of the same muscle-actuation device 21 to the frame 11. In particular, the opposite pedal cranks 121, 221 are spaced apart in a fixed way and such as to define the maximum distance of one foot of the user from the seat when the other foot of the user is, at the same time, at the minimum spacing with respect to the same seat.

Preferably, the muscle-actuation device 21 is of the tubular type, i.e. made from a single bent tubular element, or a plurality of interconnected tubular elements, to obtain the desired conformation such as to define the opposite pedal cranks 121, 221 and the pins 321, 421 of rotation. As illustrated in the attached Figures, in the preferred embodiment, the muscle-actuation device 21 is made up of a plurality of tubular elements connected together in such a way as to define the opposite pedal cranks 121, 221 and the pins 321, 421 of rotation. In particular, the plurality of tubular elements is interconnected in pairs at the respective ends so as to define an "S" shape, i.e. an opposed double "U", as illustrated in Figures 1-3. The tubular elements used for the definition of the muscle- actuation device 21 therefore comprise a pair of elements of reduced length which define the pedal cranks 121, 221, each respectively coupled perpendicularly to one of the ends of a tubular element of greater length and which allows the opposite arrangement. The free ends of each pedal crank 121, 221 are, in turn, coupled perpendicularly to a further tubular element whose length determines the alignment of the rotation axis R of the muscle- actuation device 21. In correspondence with this axis R of rotation, the tubular elements that define the pins 321, 421 of rotation arranged outwards with respect to the portion occupied by the opposite cranks 121, 221 are coupled and aligned.

The coupling of the muscle- actuation device 21 to the frame 11 is achieved by means of suitable fixed bushings 31, 41 arranged in opposite positions and such as to allow the interposition of the aforementioned muscle-actuation device 21 between them. In particular, the pair of fixed bushings 31, 41 are aligned and mutually spaced along the rotation axis R, wherein the muscle-actuation device 21 between them is coupled to the fixed bushings 31, 41 so as to be able to rotate with respect to the aforementioned R axis of rotation. Each of the fixed bushings 31, 41 is arranged at the end of a pair of tubular elements whose opposite ends are coupled to the frame 11, in spaced positions in such a way as to allow the interposition of the muscle-actuation device 21 between them. In this regard, in fact, the pins 321, 421 of rotation are inserted in each of the fixed bushings 31, 41 in such a way as to allow the rotation of the opposed cranks 121, 221 with respect to the rotation axis R avoiding further movements of the frame 11.

Therefore, the realization of the structure of the muscle-actuation device 21 has a reduced production cost, as well as a reduced assembly time with respect to the frame 11.

As previously discussed for the backrest 211, it is possible to reduce the overall dimensions of the muscle-propulsion system 1 , for example during its transport, by placing the muscle-actuation device 21 in a non-operative position. In this regard, the muscle-actuation device 21 is rotatable with respect to the frame 11, this rotation being preferably possible by using suitable hinges (not shown) which define the coupling between the tubular elements which support the pins 321, 421 of rotation and the tubular elements that define the frame 11.

The movement of the boat in the water is carried out by means of a pair of oars or paddles, in particular a first oar 51 and a second oar 61 which transfer the energy generated by the lower limbs into the water. The aforesaid oars 51, 61 are respectively operatively coupled in a removable way to the pins 321, 421 of rotation at the portions of the same which protrude from the fixed bushings 31, 41. The integral coupling of the first oar 51 and of the second oar 61 respectively to the fixed bushings 31, 41, to be made following the insertion of the pins 321, 421 of rotation, allows an integral movement in continuous rotation of the aforementioned elements generated by the alternate movement of the user’ s lower limbs.

According to the embodiment illustrated therein, the first oar 51 and the second oar 61 respectively have a length equal to or less than the extension of the frame 11 perpendicular to the axis R of rotation so as to allow the arrangement within the perimeter of the frame 11 when the first oar 51 and the second oar 61 are disassembled.

In particular, the first oar 51 and the second oar 61 are adapted to be telescopically coupled to the pins 321, 421 of rotation in such a way as to define a predetermined spacing from the frame 11.

The possibility of spacing the oars 51, 61 allows, therefore, to use the muscle- propulsion system 1 on boats of any width, allowing the oars 51, 61 to be positioned outside the footprint of the boat.

Preferably, the first oar 51 and the second oar 61 respectively comprise a locking sleeve adapted to be telescopically coupled to the pins 321, 421 of rotation. In this regard, the sleeves and pins 321, 421 of rotation respectively have through openings made at a predetermined distance to allow the reciprocal locking of the telescopic coupling.

In this way, the spacing of the oars for positioning outside the footprint of the boats is achieved in a simple and fast way.

In this way, it is possible to define a muscle-propulsion system 1 for boats in which a high level of comfort is maintained for the user, or rather the driver, while achieving economic and ecological handling. The user, in fact, can place himself comfortably on the seat, and possibly on the backrest 211 if present, by activating the movement of the boat simply by the alternating movement of the lower limbs.

The inclination of the seat is fixed, but it could equally be variable, and preferably kept on an inclined plane with respect to that defined by the structure of the frame 11. In particular, the seat plane preferably has an inclination such as to allow the axis R of rotation to lie on it, or such as to be arranged between the aforementioned rotation axis R and the plane defined by the rectangular shape, or different shapes, of the frame 11.

The use of one or more tubular elements therefore allows to maintain a reduced weight and production cost for the entire muscle-propulsion system 1.

Furthermore, the possibility of inclination both of the backrest 211 and of the muscle-actuation device 21 allows to considerably reduce the overall dimensions, in particular in consideration of the volume occupied during the transport phase when the muscle-propulsion system 1 is in non-operative conditions.

To ensure the possibility of use by any user, or in consideration of the variable height and extension dimensions of the limbs of the users, the muscle-propulsion system 1 comprises a device for adjusting the spacing of the muscle- actuation device with respect to the seat, or to the positioning of the latter with respect to the frame 11.

The aforementioned spacing therefore allows to adapt the muscle-propulsion system 1 in accordance with the present invention with respect to the dimensions of any user.

Preferably, the device for adjusting the spacing comprises a plurality of locking seats (not shown) arranged in succession on the frame 11 and a pair of locking elements 71, 81 of the muscle-propulsion device 21 to the frame 11. For the same reasons expressed previously for the other elements of the system 1, also the locking elements 71, 81 are preferably of the tubular type. The locking elements 71, 81 are able to be arranged at one of the locking seats to define the spacing of the muscle-actuation device 21 with respect to the seat.

In particular, the locking elements 71, 81 are preferably coupled to the tubular elements which support the fixed bushings 31, 41 each by means of a hinge which only allows their movement in relative rotation. The rotation of the locking elements 71, 81 thus makes it possible to prevent the coupling of the latter with the frame 11 (when the muscle-actuation device 21 is in non-operating conditions), or to intercept one of the locking seats which define the locking position with respect to the frame 11, i.e. the inclination either of the locking elements 71, 81 and of the entire muscle- actuation device 21 with respect to the same frame 11. A lower inclination of the muscle-actuation device 21 will therefore correspond to a smaller distance of the same from the seat to accommodate users of smaller dimensions and, at the same time, a greater inclination will correspond to a greater distance of the muscle-actuation device 21 from the seat and therefore the possibility of accommodating users of larger dimensions.

In this way, the correct spacing operations can be performed quickly and using elements that minimize the weight and the cost of the entire system.

In any case, the device for adjusting the spacing may not be present or may be made in different ways from what is illustrated in Figures 1-3 and herewith described.

According to a further embodiment, the locking elements comprise at least one locking device provided with an abutment element adapted to be arranged within the locking seats for maintaining the position of the spacing adjustment device. In particular, the locking elements comprise at least one pre-tensioned elastic device operatively connected to the abutment element to keep it in a working position in contact with the locking seat and able to move the abutment element into a rest position not in contact with the locking seat.

In this way, the positioning and modification of the same can be performed without the use of specific equipment and reducing the time required.

Furthermore, the abutment element includes a fixed pin and a movable abutment sleeve with respect to the fixed pin. Even more preferably, the fixed pin has a smaller diameter than the locking seats, and the sleeve has a greater diameter than the locking seats. This allows for an effective and light locking that does not affect the weight of the frame and the entire system.

Furthermore, even if not illustrated in the attached Figures, the muscle- propulsion system can comprise a rudder hinged to the frame, to allow the boat to rotate in the water. In particular, it is possible to have the rudder of the telescopic type in such a way that it can be arranged within the perimeter of the frame when not in use.

The telescopic rudder therefore allows its simple use as well as the reduction of overall dimensions when not in use.

The purposes of the present invention are further achieved by a muscle- propelled boat, not illustrated in the attached Figures but in accordance with the present invention.

The muscle-propelled vessel may comprise a surfboard (not shown), a muscle- propulsion system 1 , according to the present invention, as well as coupling means (not shown) of the muscle-propulsion system 1 to the surfboard.

The surfboard is a boat used for surfing which is relatively light in weight but strong enough to withstand the weight of a user during the surfing of a wave. A modern surfboard is made of polyurethane or polystyrene foam, covered with fiberglass sheets mixed with epoxy or polyester resin. The result is a light board, with excellent floatation and maneuverability. It is possible, although less common, to build surfboards using carbon fiber or titanium fiber. The possible shapes and sizes are very varied but can divide the boards into two large branches, the longboards, usually at least 9 feet long with a rounded tip and very thick, and the shortboards, with a length of less than 7 feet very pointed tip and weight reduced. Regardless of the size or shape of the surfboard used, in the present invention this is suitable for defining the floating body of the muscle-propelled boat to be made, i.e. the body on which the muscle-propulsion system 1 will be arranged in accordance with the present invention. Therefore, when the muscle-propelled boat is in non- operational conditions, the muscle-propulsion system 1 is not coupled to the surfboard since the latter can be used according to normal uses as a means by which to ride a wave or as a “stand up paddle”. In this case, the foldable elements of the muscle-propulsion system 1 could occupy a very small volume to ensure a simple and immediate transport.

To arrange the muscle-propelled boat in operating conditions, it will therefore be necessary to couple the muscle-propulsion system 1 to the surfboard, ensuring coupling by means of the aforementioned coupling means, and arranging the foldable elements in the correct position, possibly adjusting the spacing between the seat and the muscle- actuation device 21.

In this case, the muscle-propulsion system 1 is adapted to be operated by the legs of a user for moving the surfboard, or of the vessel which defines the floating body, in the water.

The muscle-propulsion system for boats according to the present invention is therefore capable of considerably reducing the production costs as well as the installation and maintenance times for its use.

Furthermore, the muscle-propulsion system according to the present invention is able to guarantee a high level of comfort for the user even for long-range movement for a considerable time, maintaining a high ease of operation with minimum energy expenditure.