Lift-propulsion system for ship and ship having such lift-propulsion system

Abstract

The invention relates to a lifting-propulsion system for a ship and a ship having the lifting-propulsion system. A lift-propulsion assembly and a vessel, the vessel comprising: a buoyancy body having an upper surface and a lower surface on respective upper and lower sides of the buoyancy body; a lift-propulsion system includes a mast connected to a buoyant body, the mast having a proximal end and a distal end, the mast extending from an underside of the buoyant body, and a lift-propulsion assembly. The assembly includes: an assembly frame connected to the distal end of the mast; a propulsion unit for providing thrust to the vessel, the propulsion unit being connected to the assembly frame; a hydrofoil for providing lift to the vessel, the hydrofoil being selectively connected to the assembly frame; and a manually operable attachment system that connects the hydrofoil to the assembly frame.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 520,397, filed on August 18, 2023, entitled “Lift-Propulsion System for a Watercraft and Watercraft Having Same,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present technology relates to a lift-propulsion system for a vessel. Background Art

[0004] Surfboards are sometimes equipped with hydrofoils to provide lift to the surfboard, in particular to raise the running surface of the surfboard from the water to reduce drag. In addition to hydrofoils, surfboards may also be equipped with propulsion units that provide thrust to the surfboard and thereby reduce the user's workload during operation of the surfboard.

[0005] Hydrofoils of varying sizes and forms may be used with such surfboards, with different arrangements providing different results. For example, some hydrofoils may be shaped for stability, thereby providing easier use for new operators. Other hydrofoils may be formed to provide high speed and maneuverability for more advanced operators, while being less stable for new operators. To address this issue, some hydrofoil-equipped surfboards are designed to allow the user to replace one hydrofoil with another. Additionally, in some cases, hydrofoils may also be cumbersome during transportation. To address this issue, some hydrofoil-equipped surfboards are designed to be removable, such as by disconnecting the mast and hydrofoils from the board, for easier transportation.

[0006] However, the hydrofoil must be securely attached to the surfboard during use, even though the drag is high when maneuvering in the water. Therefore, even in boats designed to be detachable, such removal may be complicated and time consuming, require tools, and may also require additional preparation by the user to assemble or disassemble the hydrofoil before using the surfboard.

[0007] Although the above issues have been discussed with respect to surfboards, this also applies to different types of watercraft that may be equipped with hydrofoils and propulsion units.

[0008] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a vessel having a lift-propulsion system that addresses at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present technology aims to improve at least some of the inconveniences existing in the prior art.

[0010] According to aspects of the present technology, a vessel is provided, the vessel comprising: a buoyant body having an upper surface and a lower surface on respective upper and lower sides thereof; a lifting-propulsion system comprising a mast and a lifting-propulsion assembly, the mast being connected to the buoyant body, the mast having a proximal end and a distal end, the mast extending from the lower side of the buoyant body. The lifting-propulsion assembly comprises: an assembly frame connected to the distal end of the mast; a propulsion unit for providing thrust to the vessel, the propulsion unit being connected to the assembly frame; a hydrofoil for providing lift to the vessel, the hydrofoil being selectively connected to the assembly frame; and a manually operable attachment system connecting the hydrofoil to the assembly frame.

[0011] In some embodiments, the assembly frame includes one of a male tapered portion and a female tapered portion; the hydrofoil includes the other of the male tapered portion and the female tapered portion; and the male tapered portion engages in the female tapered portion when the hydrofoil is connected to the assembly frame.

[0012] In some embodiments, the convex tapered portion and the concave tapered portion extend and taper along the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

[0013] In some embodiments, for each of the convex tapered portion and the concave tapered portion, the top surface, the bottom surface, and the lateral side surfaces taper along the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

[0014] In some embodiments, the assembly frame includes a male tapered portion; and the hydrofoil includes a female tapered portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the attachment system includes a rigid connection member connected to one of the assembly frame and the hydrofoil; and the hydrofoil is selectively maintained at least partially connected to the assembly frame by engagement of the rigid connection member with the other of the assembly frame and the hydrofoil.

[0016] In some embodiments, the rigid connection member is connected to and extends from the assembly frame; and the hydrofoil is selectively maintained connected to the assembly frame by engagement of the rigid connection member with the hydrofoil.

[0017] In some embodiments, the rigid connection member includes a rod; and a distal end portion connected to the rod, the distal end portion having a greater width than the rod.

[0018] In some embodiments, the attachment system includes a locking element connected to one of the component frame and the hydrofoil; the locking element is capable of selectively rotating between a locked position and an unlocked position; and the hydrofoil is selectively maintained at least partially connected to the component frame by engagement of the locking element with the other of the component frame and the hydrofoil.

[0019] In some embodiments, the locking element is pivotally connected to the hydrofoil; and the hydrofoil is selectively maintained connected to the assembly frame by engagement of the locking element with the assembly frame.

[0020] In some embodiments, the locking element includes an element body defining a slot therein and a handle portion connected to the element body; and the hydrofoil is selectively maintained connected to the assembly frame by an operator rotating the locking element to a locked position.

[0021] In some embodiments, a handle portion is accessible on the underside of the hydrofoil.

[0022] In some embodiments, the attachment system includes: a rigid connection member connected to the assembly frame and a locking element pivotably connected to the hydrofoil; and the hydrofoil is selectively maintained at least partially connected to the assembly frame by engagement of the locking element with the rigid connection member.

[0023] In some embodiments, the locking element includes: an element body defining a slot therein and a handle portion connected to the element body; and the rigid connection member includes a rod and a distal portion connected to the rod, the distal portion having a width greater than a width of the rod.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least a first portion of the slot is wider than a width of the distal portion, thereby allowing the distal portion to pass through the first portion; and at least a second portion of the slot opposite the first portion is wider than the diameter of the rod and narrower than the width of the distal portion, thereby preventing the distal portion from passing through the second portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the locking element is capable of selectively rotating between at least an unlocked position and a locked position; in the unlocked position, a first portion of the slot is aligned with the rigid connection member so that the hydrofoil can be selectively removed from the component frame; and in the locked position in which the rigid connection member is engaged with the locking element, a second portion of the slot is aligned with the rigid connection member, thereby preventing the hydrofoil from being removed from the component frame.

[0026] In some embodiments, a handle portion is accessible on the underside of the hydrofoil.

[0027] In some embodiments, the rod passes through the slot when the rigid connection member is inserted into the locking element.

[0028] In some embodiments, the locking element is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the bottom surface of the hydrofoil between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0029] In some embodiments, the lift-propulsion assembly is a retractable lift-propulsion assembly; the mast is capable of moving between a retracted position and a deployed position; in the deployed position, the mast extends from the lower side of the buoyant body; and the distance between the distal end of the mast and the lower surface of the buoyant body is greater in the deployed position than in the retracted position.

[0030] In some embodiments, the propulsion unit provides thrust to the vessel in both the retracted and deployed positions of the mast; and the hydrofoil provides lift to the vessel in at least the deployed position of the mast.

[0031] In some embodiments, the lift-propulsion assembly is connected to the distal end of the mast so that: in the deployed position of the mast, the lift-propulsion assembly is a certain distance away from the buoyant body of the vessel; and in the retracted position of the mast, the lift-propulsion assembly is close to the buoyant body of the vessel.

[0032] In some embodiments, the hydrofoil is a front hydrofoil; and the lift-propulsion assembly further comprises a rear hydrofoil connected to the assembly frame, the rear hydrofoil being disposed rearward of the front hydrofoil when the front hydrofoil is selectively connected to the assembly frame.

[0033] In some embodiments, the lift-propulsion assembly further comprises an electric motor for driving the propulsion unit.

[0034] In some embodiments, the lift-propulsion system further includes an electrical assembly supported by the buoyant body, the electrical assembly including a battery for providing power to the electric motor, and an inverter in electrical communication between the battery and the electric motor.

[0035] According to an aspect of the present technology, there is provided a propulsion unit including one of a propeller and an impeller.

[0036] In some embodiments, the vessel is a board.

[0037] In some embodiments, the buoyant body is a molded plastic buoyant body.

[0038] According to aspects of the present technology, a lifting-propulsion system for a vessel is provided, the lifting-propulsion system comprising a mast and a lifting-propulsion assembly, the mast being connected to a buoyancy body, the mast having a proximal end and a distal end, the mast extending from the lower side of the buoyancy body, the lifting-propulsion assembly comprising: an assembly frame connected to the distal end of the mast; a propulsion unit for providing thrust to the vessel, the propulsion unit being connected to the assembly frame; a hydrofoil for providing lift to the vessel, the hydrofoil being selectively connected to the assembly frame; and a manually operable attachment system connecting the hydrofoil to the assembly frame.

[0039] In some embodiments, the assembly frame includes one of a male tapered portion and a female tapered portion; the hydrofoil includes the other of the male tapered portion and the female tapered portion; and the male tapered portion engages in the female tapered portion when the hydrofoil is connected to the assembly frame.

[0040] In some embodiments, the male and female tapered portions extend and taper along a longitudinal direction defined by the system.

[0041] In some embodiments, for each of the convex tapered portion and the concave tapered portion, the top surface, the bottom surface, and the lateral side surfaces taper along the longitudinal direction.

[0042] In some embodiments, the assembly frame includes a male tapered portion; and the hydrofoil includes a female tapered portion.

[0043] In some embodiments, the attachment system includes a rigid connection member connected to one of the assembly frame and the hydrofoil; and the hydrofoil is selectively maintained at least partially connected to the assembly frame by engagement of the rigid connection member with the other of the assembly frame and the hydrofoil.

[0044] In some embodiments, the rigid connection member is connected to and extends from the assembly frame; and the hydrofoil is selectively maintained connected to the assembly frame by engagement of the rigid connection member with the hydrofoil.

[0045] In some embodiments, the rigid connection member includes a rod; and a distal end portion connected to the rod, the distal end portion having a width greater than a width of the rod.

[0046] In some embodiments, the attachment system includes a locking element connected to one of the component frame and the hydrofoil; the locking element is capable of selectively rotating between a locked position and an unlocked position; and the hydrofoil is selectively maintained at least partially connected to the component frame by engagement of the locking element with the other of the component frame and the hydrofoil.

[0047] In some embodiments, the locking element is pivotally connected to the hydrofoil; and the hydrofoil is selectively maintained connected to the assembly frame by engagement of the locking element with the assembly frame.

[0048] In some embodiments, the locking element includes an element body defining a slot therein and a handle portion connected to the element body; and the hydrofoil is selectively maintained connected to the assembly frame by an operator rotating the locking element to a locked position.

[0049] In some embodiments, a handle portion is accessible on the underside of the hydrofoil.

[0050] In some embodiments, the attachment system includes a rigid connection member connected to the assembly frame and a locking element pivotably connected to the hydrofoil; and the hydrofoil is selectively maintained at least partially connected to the assembly frame by engagement of the locking element with the rigid connection member.

[0051] In some embodiments, the locking element includes an element body having a slot defined therein and a handle portion connected to the element body; and the rigid connection member includes a rod and a distal portion connected to the rod, the distal portion having a width greater than a width of the rod.

[0052] In some embodiments, at least a first portion of the slot is wider than a width of the distal portion, thereby allowing the distal portion to pass through the first portion; and at least a second portion of the slot opposite the first portion is wider than the diameter of the rod and narrower than the width of the distal portion, thereby preventing the distal portion from passing through the second portion.

[0053] In some embodiments, the locking element is capable of selectively rotating between at least an unlocked position and a locked position; in the unlocked position, a first portion of the slot is aligned with the rigid connection member so that the hydrofoil can be selectively removed from the component frame; and in the locked position in which the rigid connection member is engaged with the locking element, a second portion of the slot is aligned with the rigid connection member, thereby preventing the hydrofoil from being removed from the component frame.

[0054] In some embodiments, a handle portion is accessible on the underside of the hydrofoil.

[0055] In some embodiments, the rod passes through the slot when the rigid connection member is inserted into the locking element.

[0056] In some embodiments, the locking element is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the bottom surface of the hydrofoil between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0057] In some embodiments, the lift-propulsion assembly is a retractable lift-propulsion assembly; and the mast is moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position.

[0058] In some embodiments, the hydrofoil is a front hydrofoil; and the lift-propulsion assembly further comprises a rear hydrofoil connected to the assembly frame, the rear hydrofoil being disposed rearward of the front hydrofoil when the front hydrofoil is selectively connected to the assembly frame.

[0059] In some embodiments, the lift-propulsion assembly further comprises an electric motor for driving the propulsion unit.

[0060] In some embodiments, the propulsion unit includes one of a propeller and an impeller.

[0061] The embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned purposes and / or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology obtained by attempting to achieve the above-mentioned purposes may not meet these purposes and / or may meet other purposes not specifically described herein.

[0062] Explanations and / or definitions of the terms provided in this application take precedence over those found in any document incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, drawings, and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features of the present technology, reference is made to the following description used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0065] Figure 1 is a top, rear, right side perspective view of a watercraft according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology, wherein a lift-propulsion system of the watercraft is in a retracted position;

[0066] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A bottom-up right front perspective view of the vessel with the lift-propulsion system in a retracted position;

[0067] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top plan view of a vessel with the lift-propulsion system in a retracted position;

[0068] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 a left side elevation view of the vessel with the lift-propulsion system in a retracted position;

[0069] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 a top right rear perspective view of the vessel of FIG. 1 with the lift-propulsion system in a deployed position;

[0070] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A bottom-up right front perspective view of the vessel with the lift-propulsion system in a deployed position;

[0071] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 a left side elevation view of the vessel with the lift-propulsion system in a deployed position;

[0072] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A bottom-up left front perspective view of a lift-propulsion system of a vessel, wherein the lift-propulsion system is in a retracted position;

[0073] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A top right rear perspective view of a lift-propulsion assembly of a lift-propulsion system;

[0074] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 a partially exploded top right rear perspective view of a lift-propulsion assembly;

[0075] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A left front perspective view of the lifting-propulsion assembly as viewed from above;

[0076] Fig.12 yes Fig. 9 A partially exploded bottom left front perspective view of a lift-propulsion assembly;

[0077] Fig.13 yes Fig. 9 A top plan view of a lifting-propulsion assembly;

[0078] Fig.14 yes Fig. 9 The lifting-propulsion component Fig.13 A cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14;

[0079] Fig.15 yes Fig. 9 The lifting-propulsion components are taken from Fig.14 Close-up cross-sectional view of the annotated portion of the

[0080] Fig.16 yes Fig. 9 A partially exploded top plan view of a lift-propulsion assembly;

[0081] Fig.17 yes Fig. 9 The lifting-propulsion component Fig.16 A cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of ;

[0082] Fig.18 yes Fig. 9A top right rear perspective view of the hydrofoil of the lift-propulsion assembly;

[0083] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A rear-view perspective view of a hydrofoil;

[0084] Fig. 20 yes Fig.18 A front elevation view of a hydrofoil;

[0085] Fig.21 yes Fig.18 A top plan view of the hydrofoil;

[0086] Fig. 22 yes Fig. 9 A top side perspective view of a locking element of a lift-advance assembly;

[0087] Fig.23 yes Fig. 22 A bottom side perspective view of the locking element; and

[0088] Figure 24 to Figure 27 yes Fig. 22 Front view of the locking element.

[0089] It should be noted that the drawings may not be drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] exist Figures 1 to 7 1 illustrates a watercraft 10 according to an embodiment of the present technology. As can be seen, in this embodiment, the watercraft 10 is a surfboard for riding by an operator, the surfboard having a lift-propulsion system 50, sometimes referred to as an "eFoil", attached and suspended below it. However, in other embodiments, the watercraft 10 may be any other suitable type of watercraft (e.g., a wakeboard, a personal watercraft (PWC)), etc.

[0091] The watercraft 10 has a buoyant body 12 having an upper surface 14 and a lower surface 16 on respective upper and lower sides 18, 20 of the buoyant body 12. In use, an operator of the watercraft 10 is positioned on the upper surface 14 (e.g., standing, kneeling, sitting, lying) to ride the watercraft 10, while the lower surface 16 is configured to engage the water surface when the watercraft 10 is underway (and the lift-propulsion system 50 is in a retracted state, as will be further described below). The buoyant body 12 has a front end 22 and a rear end 24, which define the length of the buoyant body 12 between the front end 22 and the rear end 24. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the longitudinal center axis 25 of the watercraft 10 extends longitudinally between the front end 22 and the rear end 24 and bisects the width of the buoyant body 12. The axis 25 defines the longitudinal direction of the watercraft 10.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the buoyancy body 12 is a molded plastic buoyancy body having a foam core (i.e., the buoyancy body 12 is molded from a plastic material). It is contemplated that the buoyancy body may be made from different materials and using different processes. For example, the buoyancy body may be made from a foam core laminated with glass fiber or carbon fiber. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the buoyancy body 12 has a generally elliptical shape. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the buoyancy body 12 may be different in other embodiments.

[0093] The buoyant body 12 defines a plurality of handles 26 at various locations to allow an operator to grasp the boat 10, such as for re-boarding the boat 10 or for holding the boat 10 during transport. The handles 26 may be located at various locations on the buoyant body 12 in different embodiments. In other embodiments, the handles 26 may be omitted. In this embodiment, the buoyant body 12 has a length of approximately 2 meters and a beam of approximately 1 meter.

[0094] In accordance with the present technology, the watercraft 10 includes a lift-propulsion system 50 that can selectively provide lift and propulsion to the watercraft 10. In the present embodiment, the lift-propulsion system 50 can be selectively retracted or deployed at will to accommodate the desired operating mode of the operator of the watercraft 10. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the lift-propulsion system 50 may not be retractable.

[0095] As in Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the buoyant body 12 further defines a chamber 87 between the upper surface 14 and the lower surface 16 of the buoyant body 12. The chamber 87 houses various components of the retractable lift-propulsion system 50 therein. A flexible panel 97 is connected to the buoyant body 12 on the lower side 20 of the buoyant body 12 to accommodate the retractable lift-propulsion system 50 when the retractable lift-propulsion system 50 is in the retracted position; see, for example, FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 4 . The flexible panel 97 defines a slit 98 extending generally longitudinally. The flexible panel 97 can be made of any suitable flexible material. For example, in the present embodiment, the flexible panel 97 is made of rubber, an elastomer, or other flexible and elastic material. For more details on embodiments of the retractable lift-propulsion system, see, for example, International Application Publication WO2022 / 091035 published on May 5, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0096] See also Figure 8, the retractable lift-propulsion system 50 includes a mast 52 and a lift-propulsion assembly 60 connected to the mast 52. The mast 52 connects the lift-propulsion assembly 60 to the buoyant body 12. The mast 52 has a proximal end 54 and a distal end 56 that are opposite to each other. In this embodiment, the proximal end 54 of the mast 52 is pivotally connected to the buoyant body 12 of the watercraft 10. The mast 52 is capable of being in a retracted position ( Figures 1 to 4 ) and deployment location( Figures 5 to 7 ) and one or more intermediate positions (not shown). The number of possible intermediate positions can vary in different embodiments, and in some cases there is no intermediate position.

[0097] In the retracted position, the mast 52 extends generally parallel to the longitudinal center axis 25 of the vessel 10, and a majority of the mast 52 is disposed between the upper surface 14 and the lower surface 16 of the buoyant body 12. In the deployed position, the mast 52 extends from the lower side 20 of the buoyant body 12, and the mast 52 extends through the slit 98 of the flexible panel 97. The distance between the distal end 56 of the mast 52 and the lower surface 16 of the buoyant body 12 is greater in the deployed position than in the retracted position. When the vessel 10 is traveling and the mast 52 is in the retracted position, the lift-propulsion assembly 60 does not provide any significant lift to the vessel 10, but can still provide thrust to the vessel 10. When the vessel 10 is traveling and the mast 52 is in the intermediate position or the deployed position, the lift-propulsion assembly 60 provides lift to the vessel 10 and can also provide thrust to the vessel 10.

[0098] See also Figures 9 to 17 The lift-propulsion assembly 60, also referred to herein as the assembly 60, includes the hydrofoil 100 and the propulsion unit 64. The assembly 60 also includes an assembly frame 80, also referred to herein as the frame 80, for supporting the components of the assembly 60. The assembly frame 80 is connected to the distal end 56 ( Figure 7 As will be described in greater detail below, the hydrofoil 100 is selectively connected to the assembly frame 80 to allow disassembly for movement and / or storage, and to allow replacement of the hydrofoil 100 with a different model of hydrofoil.

[0099] The hydrofoil 100 is configured to provide lift to the watercraft 10, while the propulsion unit 64 is configured to provide thrust to the watercraft 10. The lift-propulsion assembly 60 is connected to the distal end 56 of the mast 52, such that in the deployed position of the mast 52, the lift-propulsion assembly 60 is distal to the buoyant body 12, and in the retracted position of the mast 52, the lift-propulsion assembly 60 is proximate to the buoyant body 12. The proximity of the lift-propulsion assembly 60 to the buoyant body 12 in the retracted position of the mast 52 helps make the watercraft 10 compact and easily transportable, and capable of operating in shallower water.

[0100] The propulsion unit 64 includes a rotor 70 that is rotatable about an axis of rotation. In this embodiment, the rotor 70 is an impeller 70 having blades that converts rotational power into linear thrust by acting on water when rotating about the axis of rotation. The impeller 70 is surrounded by a duct 74. It is contemplated that the impeller 70 may be another type of rotor, such as a propeller, in other embodiments.

[0101] The lift-propulsion assembly 60 has an electric motor 76 ( Fig.14 ). As can be seen, in this embodiment, the electric motor 76 is connected to the frame 80. More specifically, the electric motor 76 is enclosed within the frame 80. Portions of the frame 80 are generally tubular and extend in the longitudinal direction of the watercraft 10 (i.e., extend generally parallel to the central axis 25). In this embodiment, the electric motor 76 is a 6 kW motor, but other types of electric motors are also contemplated.

[0102] An electrical assembly 82 (such as Figure 7 Schematically shown) to work in conjunction with the electric motor 76. The electrical component 82 is supported by the buoyancy body 12. In particular, the electrical component 82 is housed inside the buoyancy body 12. In particular, in this embodiment, the electrical component 82 has a battery 84 (schematically shown) and an inverter 86 (schematically shown), the battery 84 stores energy to provide power to the electric motor 72, and the inverter 86 is electrically connected between the battery 84 and the electric motor 72. In this embodiment, the battery 84 has a nominal voltage of approximately 48V and a capacity of approximately 2.5kWh, but batteries with other nominal voltages and power capacities are also conceivable. The inverter 86 converts the direct current (DC) of the battery 84 into an alternating current (AC) that provides power to the electric motor 76. As Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , wires 93 extend within the mast 52 to electrically connect the electric motor 76 to the electrical assembly 82. It is contemplated that more than one battery 84 may be provided. In at least some embodiments, a charging plug (not shown) may be disposed in the buoyant body 12 and electrically connected to the battery 84. Thus, the charging plug may be electrically connected to a power source (e.g., an electrical outlet) to charge the battery 84.

[0103] According to the present technology, the assembly 60 includes a selectively connected front hydrofoil 100, and a rear wing 92 disposed behind the front wing 100. When the mast 52 is in the deployed or intermediate position and the watercraft 10 is moving forward at a certain speed, the hydrofoils 100, 92 lift the buoyant body 12 completely out of the water, thereby reducing drag and allowing the watercraft 10 to achieve higher speeds. The front wing 100 has a larger lateral span than the rear wing 92.

[0104] The rear wing 92 has two wing portions 94, each wing portion extending laterally in opposite directions from a respective lateral side of the propulsion unit 64. The hydrofoils 100, 92 and the propulsion unit 64 are connected to the assembly frame 80 of the lift-propulsion assembly 60. In this embodiment, the rear wing 92 is integrally connected to the assembly frame 80. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the rear wing 92 can be fastened to the assembly frame 80. It is contemplated that the hydrofoils 100, 92 can be configured differently in other embodiments. Although there are certain fluid dynamic advantages to providing two wings 100, 92, it is contemplated that a single wing can be used in place of the front wing 100 and the rear wing 92 in some embodiments.

[0105] exist Figures 18 to 21 60, the hydrofoil 100 is illustrated in a separate, removed form from the rest of the assembly 60. The hydrofoil 100 is formed from a continuous wing body 102. The body 102 includes two wing portions 103, each wing portion extending laterally in opposite directions from a respective lateral side of a central portion 104. The exact form of the wing portions 103 may vary in different embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the central portion 104 and the wing portions 103 are formed in an integral manner.

[0106] The central portion 104 of the hydrofoil 100 facilitates selectively connecting the hydrofoil 100 to the assembly frame 80 and facilitates maintaining the connection between the hydrofoil 100 and the assembly frame 80 during use. Specifically, the central portion 104 defines a female tapered portion 106 therein. The tapered portion 106 receives a portion of the assembly frame 80 therein, specifically the male tapered portion 180 (see Fig.10 , Fig.12 as well as Figures 14 to 17 ). The male tapered portion 180 engages in the female tapered portion 106 when the hydrofoil 100 is connected to the assembly frame 80. Both tapered portions 10 extend and taper in the longitudinal direction of the watercraft 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the top, bottom and lateral side surfaces of each tapered portion 106, 180 taper in the longitudinal direction of the watercraft 10. The mating tapered portions 106, 180 allow the hydrofoil 100 to be easily translated onto and removed from the assembly frame 80 (when not otherwise secured in place, as described below) while providing some stability during use. When the female tapered portion 106 opens rearwardly from the rear side of the hydrofoil 100, forces acting on the hydrofoil 100 during use strengthen the connection of the hydrofoil 100 to the assembly frame 80 via the mating tapered portions 106, 180. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the hydrofoil 100 may include a male tapered portion and the assembly frame 80 may include a mating female tapered portion.

[0107] Back to Figures 9 to 17, the assembly 60 also includes a manually operable attachment system 130 for selectively connecting the hydrofoil 100 to the assembly frame 80. More specifically, the attachment system 130 selectively secures the hydrofoil 100 to the assembly frame 80 when the tapered portions 106, 180 are connected so as to hold the hydrofoil 100 in place. As will be described in more detail below, the attachment system 130 is manually operable so that an operator can selectively connect and disconnect the hydrofoil 100 without the use of tools.

[0108] Broadly speaking, the attachment system 130 includes a rigid connection member 190 connected to the assembly frame 80 and a locking element 150 pivotally connected to the hydrofoil 100. The hydrofoil 100 is selectively maintained partially connected to the assembly frame 80 by engagement of the locking element 150 with the rigid connection member 190. The locking element 150 and the rigid connection member 190 will be described in more detail below. In order to selectively connect and disconnect the hydrofoil 100 from the assembly frame 80, the locking element 150 can be selectively rotated between an unlocked position and a locked position. The operation of the locking element 150 is described in more detail below.

[0109] Reference Fig.10 , Fig.12 as well as Figures 14 to 17 , the rigid connection member 190 includes a rod 192 and a distal portion 194 connected to the rod 192. The distal portion 194 has a width greater than the width of the rod 192. In the present embodiment, the distal portion 194 is generally cylindrical, with a diameter greater than the diameter of the rod 192. Specifically, the member 190 is in the form of a bolt head. In different embodiments, a rigid member of a different form having a larger distal portion or having a T-shaped cross-section may be used. The rigid connection member 190 is connected to the front end of the male tapered portion 180 on the assembly frame 80, as will be further described below.

[0110] The locking element 150 is Figure 22 to Figure 27 The locking element 150 includes an element body 152 having a slot 154 defined therein. A handle portion 159 is integrally connected to the element body 152 to allow an operator to rotate the locking element 150 between an unlocked position and a locked position.

[0111] The slot 154 is shaped and arranged to selectively allow the rigid connection member 190 to pass through the slot 154 (in the unlocked position) and to selectively retain the rigid connection member 190 in the locking element 150 (in the locked position). Specifically, a first portion 155 of the slot 154 is wider than the width of the distal end portion 194, thereby allowing the distal end portion 194 to pass through the first portion 155. A second portion 157 of the slot 154, which is diametrically opposite to the first portion 155, is wider than the diameter of the rod 192 and narrower than the width of the distal end portion 194, thereby preventing the distal end portion 194 from passing through the second portion 157. The first (wider) portion 155 of the slot 154 is arranged at one end of the slot 154, wherein the second (narrower) portion 157 of the slot 154 is arranged at the opposite end. In the present embodiment, the slot 154 extends over approximately half of the circumference of the element body 152, such that the portions 155, 157 are separated by approximately 180 degrees around the center of the locking element 150. Connecting and disconnecting are described further below.

[0112] The locking element 150 is formed of hard plastic, but other materials are also contemplated, including but not limited to hard rubber. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 150 is an integrally formed component, but it is contemplated that the element 150 can be formed of multiple separately formed components connected together.

[0113] The locking element 150 is pivotally connected to the hydrofoil 100. Specifically, the hydrofoil body 102 defines a cavity 110 therein for receiving the locking element 150 (see Fig.12 , Fig.19 The locking element 150 further includes an elastic portion 153 for clamping into a socket 109 formed in the hydrofoil body 102 ( Fig.21 ) for retaining the locking element 150 in the chamber 110. It is contemplated that the locking element 150 may be connected to the hydrofoil 100 in different ways. When installed in the hydrofoil 100, the locking element 150 is capable of rotating or pivoting between a locked position and an unlocked position about an axis 151 perpendicular to the bottom surface of the hydrofoil 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle portion 159 is accessible on the underside of the hydrofoil 100. In different embodiments, it is contemplated that the locking element 150 may be oriented and arranged in different ways.

[0114] The cavity 110 of the hydrofoil 100 opens into the female tapered portion 106 such that when the hydrofoil 100 is mounted on the assembly frame 80, the rigid connection member 190 passes through the female tapered portion 106 into the cavity 110. Specifically, with the locking element 150 in the unlocked position, the first portion 155 of the slot 154 is aligned with the rigid connection member 190 such that when the male tapered portion 180 is inserted into the female tapered portion 106, the rigid connection member 190 can be inserted through the slot 154 for selectively securing the hydrofoil 100 to the assembly frame 80. Similarly, with the locking element 150 in the unlocked position, the first portion 155 of the slot 154 is aligned with the rigid connection member 190 such that the rigid connection member 190 can be removed through the slot 154 for selectively disconnecting the hydrofoil 100 from the assembly frame 80 and then removing the male tapered portion 180 from the female tapered portion 106.

[0115] In the locked position, and with the hydrofoil 100 connected to the assembly frame 80, the second portion 157 of the slot 154 is aligned with the rigid connection member 190, thereby preventing the rigid connection member 190 from being removed from the locking element 150. Thus, by engaging the rigid connection member 190 with the locking element 150, the hydrofoil 100 is prevented from being removed from the assembly frame 80. In this embodiment, the operator rotates the locking element 150 half a turn (180 degrees) to move between the unlocked position and the locked position. It is contemplated that the locking element 150 may be constructed and arranged to have a greater or lesser rotation for moving between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0116] While the present technology has been discussed with respect to one hydrofoil 100 that is connected and disconnected from the assembly frame 80, it is contemplated that the selectively removable hydrofoil 100 may be a set of replaceable hydrofoils, each hydrofoil in the set having a concave tapered portion 108 and a locking element 150 configured to connect to the assembly frame 80 and the connecting member 190. Thus, the present technology provides a system for adapting a hydrofoil to the desired use of the watercraft 10 while maintaining ease of use through a manually operable attachment system 130.

[0117] Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Therefore, the scope of the present technology is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vessel, comprising: a buoyant body having an upper surface and a lower surface on respective upper and lower sides of the buoyant body; A lifting-propulsion system, the lifting-propulsion system comprising: a mast connected to the buoyant body, the mast having a proximal end and a distal end, the mast extending from the lower side of the buoyant body; and A lifting-propulsion assembly, the lifting-propulsion assembly comprising: an assembly frame connected to the distal end of the mast; a propulsion unit, the propulsion unit being used to provide thrust to the vessel, the propulsion unit being connected to the assembly frame; a hydrofoil for providing lift to the watercraft, the hydrofoil being selectively connected to the assembly frame; and A manually operable attachment system connects the hydrofoil to the assembly frame.

2. A vessel according to claim 1, wherein: The assembly frame includes one of a male tapered portion and a female tapered portion; The hydrofoil includes the other of the convex conical portion and the concave conical portion; and The male conical portion engages in the female conical portion when the hydrofoil is connected to the assembly frame.

3. The vessel according to claim 2, wherein: The convex tapered portion and the concave tapered portion extend and taper along a longitudinal direction of the vessel.

4. The vessel of claim 1, wherein: The attachment system includes a rigid connection member connected to one of the component frame and the hydrofoil; and The hydrofoil is selectively maintained at least partially connected to the assembly frame by engagement of the rigid connection member with the other of the assembly frame and the hydrofoil.

5. The vessel of claim 1, wherein: The attachment system includes a locking element connected to one of the component frame and the hydrofoil; The locking element is selectively rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position; and The hydrofoil is selectively maintained at least partially connected to the assembly frame by engagement of the locking element with the other of the assembly frame and the hydrofoil.

6. A vessel according to claim 5, wherein: The locking element is pivotably connected to the hydrofoil; and The hydrofoil is selectively retained connected to the assembly frame by engagement of the locking element with the assembly frame.

7. The vessel of claim 1, wherein: The attachment system comprises: a rigid connecting member connected to the assembly frame, and A locking element is pivotally connected to the hydrofoil; and the hydrofoil is selectively maintained at least partially connected to the assembly frame by engagement of the locking element with the rigid connection member.

8. A vessel according to claim 7, wherein: The locking element comprises: a component body defining a slot therein, and a handle portion connected to the element body; and The rigid connecting member comprises: rod, and A distal end portion is connected to the rod, the distal end portion having a width greater than a width of the rod.

9. A vessel according to claim 8, wherein: at least a first portion of the slot is wider than a width of the distal end portion to allow the distal end portion to pass through the first portion; and At least a second portion of the slot opposite the first portion is wider than the diameter of the rod and narrower than the width of the distal end portion, thereby preventing the distal end portion from passing through the second portion.

10. A vessel according to claim 9, wherein: The locking element is selectively rotatable between at least an unlocked position and a locked position; In the unlocked position, the first portion of the slot is aligned with the rigid connection member such that the hydrofoil can be selectively removed from the assembly frame; and In the locked position in which the rigid connection member engages the locking element, the second portion of the slot is aligned with the rigid connection member, thereby preventing the hydrofoil from being removed from the assembly frame.

11. The vessel of claim 8, wherein: The handle portion is accessible on the underside of the hydrofoil.

12. The vessel of claim 1, wherein: The hydrofoil is a front hydrofoil; and The lift-propulsion assembly also includes a rear hydrofoil connected to the assembly frame, and when the front hydrofoil is selectively connected to the assembly frame, the rear hydrofoil is arranged rearward of the front hydrofoil.

13. The vessel of claim 1, wherein: The lifting-propulsion assembly further comprises an electric motor for driving the propulsion unit.

14. The vessel of claim 1, wherein: The lift-propulsion system further includes an electrical assembly supported by the buoyant body, the electrical assembly comprising: a battery for providing power to the electric motor; and An inverter is in electrical communication between the battery and the electric motor.

15. A vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The propulsion unit includes one of a propeller and an impeller.

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