Solar Float (SF) as Hard-Top (HT) on an Electric Motor Boat (EMB) and visa versa

Abstract

Disclosed are new uses to an SF and to a HT. Novelty is first the new use to launch the HT into the water, becoming the SF and to increase desired weather influence on the EMB and increase balance of the combination of the EMB and the SF. Novelty is second the new use of the SF by introduction of elevation out of the water and onto the EMB becoming the HT and closing the EMB or providing shield against weather influence for passengers or reducing the mooring space needed for the combination of SF and the EMB.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0001] Electric propulsion offers key features in the maritime sector like noise reduction and absence of toxic exhaust. Usage improves with reduction of range anxiety. Solar panels combined with battery storage increases range and reduces need for docking for charging. This invention provides a solution to benefit from solar panels and avoid that these cover off the boat when not desired and avoid long structures of boat and solar float tow when needed.Description of the Related Art

[0002] An EMB may need more solar panel surface than surface available on an EMB. Related art offers floats and hard tops with solar panels (photovoltaic). Each helps to provide necessary energy. It brings disadvantages however. A solar float may increase the length of the total structure limiting its use and generate more mooring costs. A hard top puts boat passengers in permanent shadow and may bring the structure out of balance in certain weather conditions.Publication PublicationDateTitleCN216443766UMay 6, 2022Double-body type rapid navigation device for water and underwater hybrid operationJP2011138997AJul. 14, 2011Photovoltaic power generation deviceES1297958 / Mar. 10, 2023Awning for boats202232183KR 20170118552 Oct. 25, 2017Electric submarine A 20171025or ship or carU.S. 2022-0281557 A1Sep. 8, 2022Marine craftSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A solution is a float filled with solar panels, a Solar Float (SF) that can be used as a Hard Top (HT) and visa versa. New use is to first launch the HT into the water, becoming the SF and to increase desired weather influence on the EMB and increase balance of the combination of the EMB and the SF. New use is also to elevate the SF out of the water and onto the EMB becoming the HT and closing the EMB or providing shield against weather influence for passengers or reducing the mooring space needed for the combination of SF and the EMB.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0004] The SF in FIG. 1. 1, is designed in such a way that it may fit to function either as a float in close formation with the EMB in FIG. 1. 5, or as a HT in FIG. 4. 10, at the EMB. The SF may be pushed, kept aside or towed during sailing. Electricity generated by the SF may be transported via a connected cable to a battery on board of the EMB or even directly in the electric motor of the EMB. When in need of reducing sailing or mooring space the SF can be elevated out of the water and positioned on board of the EMB as the HT. This position may provide cover from the weather and at the same time the HT may continue to provide electricity.

[0005] A technique to bring the SF on board of the EMB may be pulling it up with a strong rope 8 that is spooled on a winch 7. For avoiding friction between the EMB and the SF during pulling rollers 6 may be positioned on several adjustable struts on the EMB. These adjustable struts may increase the space for passengers to move freely under the lifted SF that may functions as the HT. In reverse launch the HT off the EMB and into desired formation with the EMB. See also attached sketch with 3 steps in FIG. 2., FIG. 3, and FIG. 4.

[0006] A spring veer 4 may connect the SF with the EMB and together with two sets of two tires 3 absorb friction due to waves.

[0007] The SF may be built from light buoys and be covered with solar panels 2.

[0008] The electricity generated by the SF may be transported to the EMB by an electric cable 9.

[0009] The weight of the SF stays within limits of a safe center of gravity of the EMB in HT position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] With solar panels attached on the HT the SF serves to provide solar energy to the boat.

[0011] With either solar panels or any other covering material attached the HT serves to reduce weather influences on the boat or the opposite of increasing (desired) weather influence on the boat when desired either way.

[0012] The weight of the SF stays within limits of a safe center of gravity of the EMB in HT position.

[0013] The created flexibility on where to position the SF:

[0014] extends solar energy generating surface;

[0015] uncovers the EMB and makes it an open boat again;

[0016] allows the weather influence for the passengers in the EMB;

[0017] Increases sailing stability by avoiding a too heavy top load of the boat threating to capsize the EMB in due weather and sailing circumstances.

[0018] The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practices and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0019] While this version of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modification that come within the spirit of the version of the invention are desired to be protected. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A process transforming a Hard Top into a Float, which may comprise the steps of:a. having the HT flexibly positioned horizontally on a boat like it may rest upon rollers fixed to flexible struts on a boat,b. securing a line of a winch to the HT or any other device supporting controlled launching of the HT into the water,c. releasing the fixation of the HT to the boat,d. manually or mechanically pushing the HT of the boat,e. bringing the floating HT in desired position.

2. The inversion of the process of claim 1 which may comprise the steps of:a. having the Float released from its floating position,b. securing a line of a winch to the Float or any other device supporting controlled elevation out of the water,c. bringing the Float into its position as a HT and fixing its position.

Images