Paddle-type watercraft

Abstract

The invention relates to a paddle-type watercraft (1) comprising a propulsion system (Sys) with a blade (3), the blade-based propulsion system having a lever (2) connected by a joint to a structure of the watercraft (1). Towards a first end (21), the lever (2) is rigidly attached to a grip member (4), and towards a second end (22), the lever (2) is rigidly attached, beneath the hull (113) of the paddle-type watercraft (1), to the leading edge (31) of a blade (3). The lever (2) is made up of a first oscillating portion (2') that is articulated along an oscillation axis (Y-Y') arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the paddle-type watercraft (1). The lever (2) is also made up of a second, rotating portion (2'') that is rotatably articulated along a steering axis (Z-Z') located in the oscillation plane (Po) of the lever (2).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Paddle-type water vehicle

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a paddle-type aquatic vehicle on which a user takes a position and propels the paddle by the action of muscular force exerted by means of his hands on a gripping member connected to a lever, itself connected to a blade.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Particularly in this field, patent US2019308709 illustrates, in figure 32 of the patent, a paddle-type vehicle incorporating a mechanism (located opposite reference 3138 at the bottom of the illustration) formed by a sleeve surrounding the lever, a hole being made in the paddle to constitute a housing in which the sleeve is inserted. This configuration results in an oscillation of the blade 3139, oscillation represented between 3140 and 3141.

[0007] According to the general configuration represented by this figure 32, the turn of the paddle can be carried out only by an oscillation of the blade on one side or the other of the paddle, which makes it not very reactive in direction, while requiring a significant muscular effort on the part of the user. On the other hand, the lateral oscillation of the blade creates a lateral thrust which unbalances the user of the paddle. In addition, in the case of a flexible fin, it rises laterally when turning under the effect of the speed of the paddle, constituting a hydrofoil effect whose lateral thrust also causes an imbalance of the user.

[0008] Documents W02017 / 179888, DE102020131063 and US2367765 also constitute prior art of interest.

[0009] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Compared to this state of the art, the present invention proposes a paddle-type vehicle provided with a propulsion mechanism giving the lever a large amplitude oscillation associated with efficient guidance of the paddle when turning, without unbalancing the user. The invention uses simple elements making it possible to obtain an efficiently propelled paddle at a lower cost. In addition, the design of the invention allows for rapid assembly of the elements.

[0011] Thus, the present invention relates to a paddle-type aquatic vehicle on which a user positions himself and propels it by the action of muscular force exerted by his hands, comprising a propulsion mechanism and:

[0012] - the mechanism comprises a lever connected by a joint to a structure of the vehicle,

[0013] - the lever passes through the thickness of the vehicle,

[0014] - towards a first end, the lever is secured to a gripping member located above the vehicle deck and composed of two parts arranged opposite each other, on either side of this first end,

[0015] - the two parts of the gripping organ jointly receive the muscular force exerted by the user's hands, this force causing an oscillation of the lever,

[0016] - towards a second end, the lever is secured, under the hull of the vehicle, to an attachment zone of the leading edge of a blade whose oscillation is dependent on the oscillation of the lever,

[0017] - the blade in question has the propulsive characteristics of a fin, that is to say a blade applying, on its inertial rotation support, due to its oscillation and the pressure that it subsequently exerts on the water, a forward force on said inertial support, characterized in that:

[0018] - the lever is composed of a first oscillating part which is articulated along an oscillation axis connected to a structure of the vehicle and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the oscillation of this oscillating part being exclusively in an oscillation plane perpendicular to the flotation plane of the vehicle and which passes through the longitudinal axis of the vehicle,

[0019] - the lever is also composed of a second rotating part which is inserted into a bearing integrated into the oscillating part, this rotating part constituting a steering bar articulated in rotation in this bearing following a steering axis located in the oscillation plane,

[0020] - a first end of the steering bar is connected to the gripping member, while a second end of the steering bar is connected to a steering fin located below the waterline of the vehicle, - the steering bar passes inside a well of elongated configuration passing through the thickness of the vehicle, this well being arranged along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle,

[0021] - the mean plane of the rudder fin is perpendicular to the flotation plane of the vehicle and the assembly formed by the rudder bar, the gripping member and the rudder fin constitutes a rudder,

[0022] - seen in the oscillation plane, the steering axis is distant from the oscillation axis following a cantilever,

[0023] According to advantageous but non-limiting embodiment characteristics, taken alone or according to a technically compatible combination of at least two of them:

[0024] - the blade is connected to the oscillating part of the lever,

[0025] - the attachment area of ​​the leading edge of the blade is integral with the rudder bar,

[0026] - the rudder fin is located under the blade, itself located between the rudder fin and the hull of the vehicle.

[0027] - an area of ​​the oscillating part of the lever intended to pass inside the well is configured in the form of a plate whose thickness is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle,

[0028] - the lever comes to bear against a stop, this support corresponding to a position of the blade substantially parallel to the flotation plane of the vehicle,

[0029] - a "Sandow" - registered trademark - connects the lever to the vehicle's bridge, towards the front of the vehicle, the "Sandow" being removable at a point where one of its ends is attached to the lever,

[0030] - the blade is removably attached to the lever by means of two plates integral with the blade and arranged opposite each other at its leading edge, these two plates being tightened by screwing onto the lever at the blade attachment zone,

[0031] Furthermore, according to a particularly efficient embodiment of the invention:

[0032] - the lever is composed of a first oscillating part which is articulated along said oscillation axis and arranged perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis, the oscillation of this oscillating part being inscribed in an oscillation plane perpendicular to said flotation plane,

[0033] - the lever is also composed of a second rotating part which is inserted into a bearing integrated into the oscillating part, this rotating part constituting a steering bar articulated in rotation in this bearing following a steering axis located in the oscillation plane,

[0034] - the lever passes inside a well passing through the thickness of the vehicle, - towards a first end, the lever is secured to a gripping member located above said bridge and composed of two parts arranged opposite each other, on either side of this first end,

[0035] - the two parts of the gripping organ jointly receive the muscular force exerted by the user's hands, this force causing an oscillation of the lever,

[0036] - towards a second end, the lever is secured, under said shell, to a blade whose oscillation is dependent on the oscillation of the lever,

[0037] - the blade in question has the propulsive characteristics of a fin, that is to say a blade applying, on its inertial rotation support, due to its oscillation and the pressure that it subsequently exerts on the water, a thrust force on said inertial support, in which:

[0038] - towards the second end of the lever, the oscillation axis of the lever is located under said shell, at the level of an attachment zone connecting the oscillating part to the blade, and:

[0039] - a first end of the steering bar is connected to the gripping member, while a second end of the steering bar is connected to a steering fin located below said waterline,

[0040] - the mean plane of the rudder fin is perpendicular to said flotation plane and the assembly formed by the rudder bar, the gripping member and the rudder fin constitutes a rudder,

[0041] - the rudder fin is located under the blade, itself located between the rudder fin and the said hull.

[0042] - the lever rests against a stop, this rest corresponding to a position of the blade offering less resistance to penetration into the water.

[0043] - the lever comprises a member for fixing one end of a tension spring, the other end of which is connected to a fixing point secured to the vehicle axle.

[0044] - the tension spring is made in the form of an elastic tensioner.

[0045] - the oscillating part comprises a plate-shaped area whose thickness is perpendicular to the oscillation plane.

[0046] - the blade is removably attached to the oscillating part by means of two plates integral with the blade and arranged opposite each other above its leading edge, the two plates being tightened by screwing to the oscillating part, a space being created between the two plates in order to allow the insertion of the oscillating part between the two plates. - seen in a plane parallel to the oscillation plane, the control axis is distant from the oscillation axis following a cantilever.

[0047] - the steering bar is in contact with the inside of the well when the lever swings.

[0048] - the well has two plate-shaped extensions whose thickness is perpendicular to the oscillation plane and which extend below the flotation plane to constitute a clevis forming an articulation support for the rotation of the blade.

[0049] - at the level of the oscillation axis, between each extension and the oscillating part, a spacer with a hydrodynamic wing profile is arranged.

[0050] - A subassembly comprising the well, the oscillating part of the lever, the yoke, the steering bar and the steering fin is shaped so as to be able to be detached from said hull.

[0051] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0052] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description below, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, which must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples and in which:

[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention in which the rotation of the gripping member exclusively controls the rotation of the rudder aileron.

[0054] Figure 2 is a sectional view along AA of Figure 1 located in the oscillation plane of the lever, describing more precisely the mode of integration of the steering bar with the lever. Figure 3 is a partial sectional view along BB of Figure 1, describing more precisely an embodiment of the oscillation axis.

[0055] Figure 4 is a sectional view along AA of Figure 1 located in the oscillation plane of the lever, the user's hands holding the gripping member, the blade being shown parallel to the flotation plane of the vehicle.

[0056] Figure 5 is a view along the same section plane AA, with the user's hands pulling the gripping member towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0057] Figure 6 is a view along the same section plane AA, with the user's hands pushing the gripping member towards the front of the vehicle.

[0058] Figure 7 is a view along the same section plane AA, the blade being shown parallel to the vehicle's waterline, the vehicle moving forward on its own, the user's hands turning the gripping member to the right in order to steer the vehicle.

[0059] Figure 8 is a sectional view along CC of Figure 7, at the level of the connection between the rudder bar and the rudder aileron.

[0060] Figures 9 and 10 are enlarged views describing more precisely the connection mode between the lever and the blade. Figure 9 is an assembled perspective view, while Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view.

[0061] Figure 11 is a sectional view along AA of Figure 1 located in the oscillation plane of the lever and describing the entire vehicle, the blade being shown parallel to the flotation plane of the vehicle.

[0062] Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention in which the attachment zone of the leading edge of the blade is integral with the rudder bar, the rotation of the gripping member controlling both the rotation of the rudder fin and that of the blade.

[0063] Figure 13 is a sectional view along EE of Figure 12 located in the oscillation plane of the lever, describing more precisely the method of integrating the steering bar into the lever. Figure 14 is a view along the same sectional plane EE, the user's hands holding the gripping member, the blade being shown parallel to the flotation plane of the vehicle. Figure 15 is a sectional view along FF of Figure 14 describing more precisely the bearing of the oscillating part of the lever inserted into the well.

[0064] Figure 16 is a sectional view along EE of Figure 12 located in the oscillation plane of the lever, the blade being shown parallel to the flotation plane of the vehicle, the vehicle moving forward on its own, the user's hands turning the gripping member to the right in order to steer the vehicle.

[0065] Figure 17 is a sectional view along GG of Figure 16 depicting the joint rotation of the rudder aileron and the blade.

[0066] Figures 18 to 20 illustrate in a simplified manner an embodiment produced according to the prior art (for example according to the description given by patent US2019308709 or WO2017179888) and are views situated in a plane perpendicular to the flotation plane of the vehicle and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the hands of the user holding the gripping member.

[0067] In Figure 18, the blade offers less resistance to penetration into the water.

[0068] In Figure 19, the user's hands pull the gripping member toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0069] In Figure 20, the user's hands push the gripping member toward the front of the vehicle.

[0070] Figures 21 to 34 represent a propulsion and steering system of a paddle-type vehicle produced according to the invention.

[0071] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the system integrated into this vehicle.

[0072] Figure 22 is a sectional view along HH (figure 21) located in the oscillation plane of the lever.

[0073] Figure 23 is a partial sectional view along JJ (figure 21) at the level of the oscillation axis, along a plane perpendicular to the oscillation plane of the lever.

[0074] Figure 24 is a sectional view along HH (figure 21) located in the oscillation plane of the lever, the user's hands holding the gripping member, the blade offering less resistance to penetration into the water.

[0075] Figure 25 is a view along the same section plane HH, with the user's hands pulling the gripping member toward the rear of the vehicle. Figure 26 is a view along the same section plane HH, with the user's hands pushing the gripping member toward the front of the vehicle.

[0076] Figure 27 is a view along the same section plane HH, the blade offering less resistance to penetration into the water, the vehicle moving forward on its own, the user's hands turning the gripping member to the right in order to steer the vehicle.

[0077] Figure 28 is a sectional view along KK (Figure 27) at the connection between the rudder bar and the rudder aileron.

[0078] Figures 29 and 30 are views depicting the method of attaching the blade to the oscillating portion. Figure 29 is an exploded perspective view while Figure 30 is an assembled perspective view.

[0079] Figure 31 is an exploded perspective view of the system.

[0080] Figure 32 is a three-dimensional view in which a large part of the propulsion means of the aquatic vehicle is arranged in the form of an assembly provided to be removable relative to the hull.

[0081] Figure 33 is a view similar to the previous one, said assembly being mounted on the hull. Figure 34 is a schematic view intended to illustrate an alternative mode of use of the aquatic vehicle.

[0082] Throughout the figures, similar elements have identical references.

[0083] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] According to Figures 1 to 17, a user U stands in a standing position on a vehicle 1 made in the form of a paddle 1 and propels this paddle 1 by the action of the muscular force Fm exerted by means of his hands Mu (see Figures 5 and 6). A propulsion mechanism M of the paddle 1 comprises a lever 2 composed of a first oscillating part 2' connected by an articulation to a structure of the paddle 1. This articulation is produced by an oscillation axis Y-Y' connected to this structure of the paddle 1 and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X' of the paddle 1.

[0085] The oscillation in the direction Os1 or Os2 of this oscillating part 2' is exclusively in an oscillation plane Po perpendicular to the flotation plane Pf of the paddle 1 and which passes through the longitudinal axis X-X' of the paddle 1.

[0086] The lever 2 passes through the thickness of the paddle 1 by passing inside a well 7, of elongated configuration, arranged in the shell 113 of the paddle 1 along the longitudinal axis X-X' of the paddle 1.

[0087] Towards a first end 21, the lever 2 is secured to a gripping member 4 located above the deck 11 of the paddle 1. The gripping member 4 is composed of two parts 41, 42 arranged opposite each other, on either side of this first end 21.

[0088] These two parts 41, 42 of the gripping member 4 jointly receive the muscular force Fm (figures 5 and 6) exerted by means of the hands Mu of the user U. This force Fm causes the oscillation in the direction Os1 or Os2 of the lever 2.

[0089] Towards a second end 22, the lever 2 is secured, under the shell 113 of the paddle 1, to an attachment zone Za of the leading edge 31 of a blade 3 whose oscillation Os'1 or Os'2 is dependent on the oscillation Os1 or Os2 of the lever 2.

[0090] The blade 3 has the propulsive characteristics of a flipper 3, that is to say a blade 3 applying, on its inertial rotation support 1, due to its oscillation Os'1 or Os'2 and the pressure that it subsequently exerts on the water E, a forward force Fa on said inertial support 1 (figures 5 and 6). The fin 3 comprises in a known manner a flexible blade made for example from glass fibers or flexible polypropylene, the forward force Fa being obtained, under the action of the muscular force Fm, by the pressure of the water E on the curvature of the blade.

[0091] Such propulsive characteristics specific to fins can also be obtained by the use of equivalent devices for implementing the invention, such as the articulated fin structures described, for example, by patents FR2931690, US5536190 or US4944703.

[0092] The lever 2 comprises a second rotating part 2” which is inserted into a bearing 25 arranged along the length of the oscillating part 2'. This rotating part 2” constitutes a rudder bar 2” articulated in rotation Rot (figures 1 and 12) in the bearing 25 following a rudder axis Z-Z' located in the oscillation plane Po.

[0093] Seen in the oscillation plane Po, the control axis Z-Z' is distant from the oscillation axis Y-Y' following a cantilever Paf (figures 2 and 13).

[0094] Together with the oscillating part 2' of the lever 2, the steering bar 2” passes inside the well 7.

[0095] A first end 21 of the rudder bar 2” is connected to the gripping member 4, while a second end 22 of the rudder bar 2” is connected to a rudder fin 8 located under the flotation plane Pf of the paddle 1.

[0096] The mean plane Pma of the rudder fin 8 is perpendicular to the flotation plane Pf of the paddle 1 (see figures 1 and 2, figures 5 to 8, figures 12 to 14, figures 16 and 17). The assembly formed by the rudder bar 2”, the gripping member 4 and the rudder fin 8 thus constitutes a rudder 2” - 4 - 8.

[0097] According to figures 1 to 11, the blade 3 is connected to the oscillating part 2' of the lever 2.

[0098] According to Figures 12 to 17, the attachment zone Za of the leading edge 31 of the blade 3 is integral with the rudder bar 2”. The attachment zone Za is in fact located at one end 81 of the rudder fin 8, itself integral with the rudder bar 2”. A part of the bearing 25 is inserted inside the well 7 delimited by the walls 48.

[0099] According to figures 1 to 17, the rudder fin 8 is located under the blade 3, itself located between the rudder fin 8 and the shell 113 of the paddle 1.

[0100] Still with reference to the same figures, a zone 24 of the oscillating part 2' of the lever 2 intended to pass inside the well 7 is configured in the form of a plate 24 whose thickness e is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X' of the paddle 1. By the plate shape 24, the thickness e of the lever 2 is minimized at the level of the well 7, this in order to optimize the performance of the paddle 1, the turbulence of the water being thus reduced during the advancement of the paddle 1.

[0101] This plate-shaped configuration 24 also makes it possible to effectively guide the oscillation of the oscillating part 2' in the oscillation plane Po.

[0102] In this respect, according to Figure 3, the well 7 is constituted by side walls 48 arranged parallel to the oscillation plane Po. These side walls 48 are fixed in the thickness of the paddle 1 and secured to the structure of the paddle 1. Through the side walls 48 is inserted a cylindrical rod 45 whose axis Y-Y' corresponds to the oscillation axis Y-Y'. Between the inside of each wall 48 and each side of the plate 24 is arranged a washer 47 with a large external diameter. Each washer 47 being in contact, both against a side wall 48 and a side of the plate 24, the oscillating part 2' is effectively guided in the oscillation plane Po.

[0103] More particularly according to figures 2 and 13, the oscillating part 2' of the lever 2 incorporates a bearing 25 in which is inserted a spacer 13 secured to the steering bar 2” which is produced at this location by the cylindrical rod 212. A pin 35 passes through both the rod 212 and the spacer 13, thus ensuring their mechanical connection. The steering bar 2” extends above the pivoting part 2' by a tubular part 211 connecting the gripping member 4, the solid rod 212 penetrating inside the cylindrical tubular part 211. The solid rod 212 and the tubular part 211 are secured to each other by a pin 36 passing through both the rod 212 and the tubular part 211. According to other embodiments of the invention, the pin 36 can be replaced by any suitable device making it possible to removably connect the oscillating part 2' to the part of the steering bar 2” connecting the gripping member 4.Furthermore, the 2” rudder bar extends under the hull 113 of the paddle 1 by the rod 212 which connects the rudder fin 8.

[0104] According to figures 1 to 17, the plate-shaped zone 24 of the oscillating part 2' of the lever 2 comes to bear against a stop 9, this support corresponding to a position of the blade 3 substantially parallel to the flotation plane Pf of the paddle 1. This stop 9 is preferably made of rubber material so as to cushion the contact between the lever 2 and the stop 9.

[0105] In addition to this stop 9, a "Sandow" - registered trademark - 10 connects the lever 2 to the deck 11 of the paddle 1, towards the front of the paddle 1. The "Sandow" 10 is removable at a point 14 of attachment of one of its ends 101 with the lever 2, this end 101 being connected to a carabiner 15. The other end 102 of the "Sandow" 10 is also connected to a carabiner 16 ensuring a removable connection with a bridge 18 fixed on the deck 11 of the paddle 1. The "Sandow" 10 is in tension Te and forces the lever 2 to come to bear against the stop 9.

[0106] More particularly according to figures 9 and 10, the blade 3 is removably fixed to the lever 2 by means of two plates 301, 302 secured to the blade 3 and arranged opposite each other at its leading edge 31. These two plates 301 and 302 are tightened by screwing onto the lever 2 at the attachment zone Za using the screws 26 and the nuts 27, the screws 26 passing through the holes T1 made in the plates 301 and 302 and in the groove 311 made in the oscillating part 2'. The two plates 301 and 302 each comprise a perpendicular extension 3011 or 3021. A plywood 303 is arranged under the blade 3 opposite the extensions 3011 and 3021 and a rubber plate 304 is also arranged between the blade 3, the extensions 3011, 3021 and the plywood 303.The blade 3 is clamped on the one hand between the extensions 3011 and 3021 and a rubber plate 304 and on the other hand between the plywood 303 and another rubber plate 304. This clamping of the blade 3 is carried out by means of screws 261 and nuts 262 passing inside the holes T2 made in the extensions 3011 and 3021, the blade 3, the rubber plates 304 and the plywood 303.

[0107] According to Figure 5, the user U being standing on the paddle 1, he pulls with his hands Mu the gripping member 4 towards the rear of the paddle 1 by exerting a muscular force Fm. He thus causes the oscillation of the lever 2 in the direction Os1 as well as that of the blade 3 in the direction Os'1. This oscillation Os'1 causes, by elastic deformation of the blade 3, a forward force Fa of the paddle 1. The “Bandow” 10 then lengthens under the constraint of the muscular force Fm by accumulating energy expended for its lengthening.

[0108] According to Figure 6, the user U pushes with his hands Mu the gripping member 4 towards the front of the paddle 1 by exerting a muscular force Fm. He thus causes the oscillation of the lever 2 in the direction Os2 as well as that of the blade 3 in the direction Os'2. This oscillation Os'2 also causes, by elastic deformation of the blade 3, a forward force Fa of the paddle 1. The "Bandow" 10 relaxes accordingly and restores the energy accumulated during its elongation.

[0109] According to figures 7, 8, 16 and 17, the blade 3 is parallel to the flotation plane Pf of the paddle 1, the paddle 1 moving forward on its way. Using the gripping member 4, the hands Mu of the user U turn the steering bar 2” in rotation Rot1 to the right in order to orient the paddle 1. The steering fin 8 turns accordingly according to any angle 0 (see figures 8 and 17) which orients the paddle 1.

[0110] The embodiments described above are initially intended to be satisfactory. However, during simulations and confidential tests, the present applicant noticed that the present vehicle could be considerably improved in terms of the efficiency of the thrust force exerted by the blade for the advancement of the paddle.

[0111] This is precisely what will be described below.

[0112] In Figure 18 (prior art), a user U, standing on a paddle 1, holds with his hands Mu a gripping member 4 connected to a first end 21 of a lever 2. The oscillation axis Y-Y' of the lever 2 is located in the shell 113 of the paddle 1, inside a well 7. Towards a second end 22, the lever 2 is secured, under the shell 113 of the paddle 1, to a blade 3 whose oscillation is dependent on the oscillation of the lever 2. The blade 3 is obtained in the form of a fin with a flexible blade and is shown in a position offering less resistance to penetration into the water E.

[0113] A distance D separates the oscillation axis Y-Y' from the top of an attachment zone Za connecting the lever 2 to the leading edge 31 of the blade 3. Consequently, this distance D creates a lever arm BL.

[0114] In Figure 19 (prior art), the user U pulls the gripping member 4 towards the rear of the paddle 1 with his hands Mu by exerting a muscular force Fm. He thus causes the oscillation of the lever 2 in the direction Os1 as well as that of the blade 3 in the direction Os'1. This oscillation Os'1 causes, by elastic deformation of the blade 3, a thrust force Fp. However, under the effect of the lever arm BL, the shell 113 of the paddle 1 undergoes a sliding Gl opposite to the thrust force Fp, this sliding Gl being consecutive to a distance d created by the movement of the lever arm BL, this distance d being measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the paddle 1 between the oscillation axis Y-Y' and the end Ex of the attachment zone Za constituting the leading edge 31 of the blade 3. The thrust force Fp therefore does not participate effectively in the advancement of the paddle 1.The fulcrum formed by the oscillation axis Y-Y' leaks instead of fully transmitting the effect of the thrust force Fp.

[0115] In Figure 20 (prior art), the user U pushes with his hands Mu the gripping member 4 towards the front of the paddle 1 by exerting a muscular force Fm. He thus causes the oscillation of the lever 2 in the direction Os2 as well as that of the blade 3 in the direction Os'2. This oscillation Os'2 also causes, by elastic deformation of the blade 3, a thrust force Fp. However, the thrust force Fp is absorbed, in a consistent manner, by the compensation of the distance d previously created, the effect of the thrust force thus being reduced mainly to a sliding Gl of the shell 113 of the paddle 1, sliding Gl located in the direction of the thrust force Fp which thus achieves a small stroke for the advancement of the paddle 1. Here again, the support point constituted by the oscillation axis Y- Y' leaks instead of fully transmitting the effect of the thrust force Fp.

[0116] Compared to this known embodiment, the following one makes it possible to obtain maximum efficiency of the thrust force of the blade for the advancement of the paddle.

[0117] Thus, according to figures 21 to 34, a propulsion and steering system Sys of a paddle 1 comprises a lever 2 composed of a first oscillating part 2' connected by an articulation to a structure of the paddle 1.

[0118] Typically, the paddle 1 incorporates a fixed stabilizing fin 28 in its rear part (figure 21).

[0119] According to Figures 24 to 27, a user U stands in a standing position on the paddle 1 and propels the paddle 1 by the action of the muscular force Fm exerted by means of his hands Mu at the end of the lever 2.

[0120] The articulation of the lever 2 is achieved by an oscillation axis Y-Y', connected to said structure of the paddle 1 and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X' of the paddle 1.

[0121] The oscillation in the direction Os1 or Os2 of the oscillating part 2' is exclusively inscribed in an oscillation plane Po perpendicular to the flotation plane Pf of the paddle 1 and which passes through the longitudinal axis X-X' of the paddle 1.

[0122] The lever 2 passes through the thickness of the paddle 1 by passing inside a well 7, of elongated configuration, and arranged in the shell 113 along the longitudinal axis X-X' of the paddle 1.

[0123] Towards a first end 21, the lever 2 is secured to a gripping member 4 located above the deck 11 of the paddle 1. The gripping member 4 is composed of two parts 41, 42 arranged opposite each other, on either side of this first end 21.

[0124] These two parts 41, 42 of the gripping member 4 jointly receive the muscular force Fm (Figures 25 and 26) exerted by means of the hands Mu of the user U. This force Fm causes the oscillation in the direction Os1 or Os2 of the lever 2.

[0125] Towards a second end 22, the lever 2 is secured, under the shell 113 of the paddle 1, to the leading edge 31 of a blade 3 whose oscillation Os'1, Os'2 is dependent on the oscillation 0s1, 0s2 of the lever 2. Also, towards this second end 22 of the lever 2, the oscillation axis Y-Y' of the lever 2 is located under the shell 113 of the paddle 1, at the level of an attachment zone Za connecting the oscillating part 2' to the leading edge 31 of the blade 3.

[0126] The blade 3 has the propulsive characteristics of a fin 3, that is to say a blade 3 applying, on its inertial rotation support 1, due to its oscillation Os'1 or Os'2 and the pressure that it subsequently exerts on the water E, a thrust force Fp on said inertial support 1 (figures 25 and 26). The fin 3 comprises in a known manner a flexible blade made for example from glass or carbon fibers, or from flexible polypropylene, the thrust force Fp being obtained, under the action of the muscular force Fm, by the pressure of the water E on the curvature of the blade.

[0127] Such propulsive characteristics specific to fins can also be obtained by the use of equivalent devices for implementing the invention, such as the articulated fin structures described, for example, by patent FR2931690 or similar devices.

[0128] The lever 2 comprises a second rotating part 2” which is inserted into a bearing 221 integrated into the oscillating part 2'. This rotating part 2” constitutes a rudder bar 2” articulated in rotation Rot (figures 21 and 22) in the bearing 221 following a rudder axis Z-Z' located in the oscillation plane Po.

[0129] A first end 21 of the rudder bar 2” is connected to the gripping member 4, while a second end 22 of the rudder bar 2” is connected to a rudder fin 8 located under the flotation plane Pf of the paddle 1.

[0130] The mean plane Pma of the rudder fin 8 is perpendicular to the flotation plane Pf of the paddle 1 (figures 21, 22, 24 to 28). The assembly formed by the rudder bar 2”, the gripping member 4 and the rudder fin 8 thus constitutes a rudder 2” - 4 - 8.

[0131] According to Figure 27, the blade 3 is shown in a position offering less resistance to penetration into the water, the paddle 1 moving forward on its own. Using the gripping member 4, the hands Mu of the user U turn the steering bar 2” in rotation Rot1 to the right in order to orient the paddle 1. The steering fin 8 rotates accordingly by any angle 0 (Figure 28), thus orienting the paddle 1. Furthermore, the steering fin 8 can also rotate during the oscillation of the blade 3.

[0132] The rudder fin 8 is located under the blade 3, itself located between the rudder fin 8 and the hull 113 of the paddle 1.

[0133] More particularly according to figures 22, 24 and 27, the steering bar 2” constituting the lever 2 comes to bear against a stop 9, this support corresponding to a position of the blade 3 offering less resistance to penetration into the water E. This stop 9 is preferably made of rubber material so as to cushion the contact between the lever 2 and the stop 9.

[0134] In addition to this stop 9, the lever 2 comprises a fixing member Of of one end 101 of a tension spring 10, another end 102 of which is connected to a fixing point 18 secured to the deck 11 of the paddle 1. The tension spring 10 is produced in the form of an elastic tensioner 10. The elastic tensioner 10 is removably connected to the lever 2 and comprises at one of its ends 101 a carabiner 15 inserted inside a ring 14 connected to the lever 2. The other end 102 of the elastic tensioner 10 also comprises a carabiner 16 ensuring a removable connection with a bridge 18 fixed on the deck 11 of the paddle 1. The elastic tensioner 10 is under tension Te and forces the lever 2 to come to bear against the stop 9.

[0135] The oscillating part 2' comprises a plate-shaped zone 24 whose thickness e is perpendicular to the oscillation plane Po (figure 23). The thickness e of the oscillating part 2' is thus optimized in order to reduce its drag in the water E. Similarly, in order to reduce the drag in the water E, the well 7 comprises two plate-shaped extensions 711, 721 whose thickness e' is also perpendicular to the oscillation plane Po and which extend under the flotation plane Pf to constitute a yoke 711 - 721 forming an articulation support Y-Y' for the rotation of the blade 3.

[0136] In order to effectively guide the oscillating part 2' in the oscillation plane Po at the level of the oscillation axis Y-Y', a spacer 23 is arranged between each extension 711, 721 and the oscillating part 2'. To optimize this guidance, the rudder bar 2” is in contact with the interior 731 of the well 7 during the oscillation of the lever 2. Furthermore, each spacer 23 has a hydrodynamic wing profile in order to reduce the drag effect in the water E (figures 22 and 24).

[0137] The oscillation axis Y-Y' is produced by means of a screw 713 which is inserted inside holes 712 and 722 made in the yoke 711 - 721, holes 231 made in the spacers 23 and a hole 223 made in the plate 24 of the oscillating part 2' (figure 1). The lateral sides 732 of the well 7 comprise projections 73 which establish, with their face 731 located inside the well 7, contact with the rudder bar 2” during the oscillation of the lever 2 (figures 29 and 31). Furthermore, the hydrodynamic wing profile of the spacer 23 is held in position by means of the screw 713 and the pin 232 which is inserted inside holes 233 and 224 made respectively in the spacer 23 and in the plate 24 of the oscillating part 2' (figure 22).

[0138] Seen in a plane parallel to the oscillation plane Po (figure 22), the steering axis Z-Z' is distant from the oscillation axis Y-Y' following a cantilever Paf. The hole 223 is thus made possible in the plate 24 in order to effectively enclose the plate 24 and the spacers 23 between the extensions 711 and 721 of the yoke 711-721, these elements 24, 23 being held between the head of the screw 713 bearing against the extension 721 and a nut 714 bearing against the extension 711 (figure 31).

[0139] More particularly according to figures 22, 23 and 31, inside the bearing 221 constituting the oscillating part 2' of the lever 2 is inserted the rudder bar 2” produced at this location by a cylindrical rod 211. This cylindrical rod 211 is connected by a removable mechanical connection to a tubular part 212 connecting the gripping member 4, the solid rod 211 penetrating inside the tubular part 212. The rudder bar 2” extends under the hull 113 of the paddle 1, the rod 211 connecting the rudder fin 8. In addition, the rudder bar 2” is blocked in translation relative to the oscillating part 2' by two stops 25, integral with the solid rod 211, and which come to bear against the open ends of the bearing 221 constituting the oscillating part 2'.

[0140] More particularly according to figures 29 and 30, the blade 3 is removably fixed to the oscillating part 2' by means of two plates 301, 302 secured to the blade 3 and arranged opposite each other above its leading edge 31. A space 305 is created between the two plates 301, 302 in order to allow the insertion of the oscillating part 2' between the plates 301 and 302.

[0141] These two plates 301 and 302 are tightened by screwing against the oscillating part 2' using screws 26 and nuts 27, the screws 26 passing through holes T1 made in the plates 301 and 302 and holes T3 made in the oscillating part 2'. The two plates 301 and 302 each have a perpendicular extension 3011 or 3021. A plywood 303 is arranged under the blade 3 opposite the extensions 3011 and 3021. A rubber plate 304 is also arranged between the blade 3, the extensions 3011, 3021 and the plywood 303. The blade 3 is clamped on the one hand between the extensions 3011 and 3021 and a rubber plate 304 and on the other hand between the plywood 303 and another rubber plate 304.This tightening of the blade 3 is carried out by means of screws 261 and nuts 262, the screws 261 passing inside the holes T2 made in the extensions 3011 and 3021, the blade 3, the rubber plates 304 and the plywood 303, thus producing the attachment zone Za connecting the oscillating part 2' to the blade 3.

[0142] According to Figure 25, the user U, standing on the paddle 1, pulls with his hands Mu the gripping member 4 towards the rear of the paddle 1 by exerting a muscular force Fm. He thus causes the oscillation of the lever 2 in the direction Os1 as well as that of the blade 3 in the direction Os'1. The oscillation Os'1 causes, by elastic deformation of the blade 3, a thrust force Fp. This thrust force Fp is fully transmitted as a forward force Fa to the inertial support 1, due to the particular positioning of the oscillation axis Y-Y' located under the shell 113 of the paddle 1, at the attachment zone Za connecting the oscillating part 2' to the blade 3. The elastic tensioner 10 lengthens under the constraint of the muscular force Fm by accumulating the minimal energy expended for its lengthening.

[0143] According to Figure 26, the user U pushes with his hands Mu the gripping member 4 towards the front of the paddle 1 by exerting a muscular force Fm. He thus causes the oscillation of the lever 2 in the direction Os2 as well as that of the blade 3 in the direction Os'2. This oscillation Os'2 also causes, by elastic deformation of the blade 3, a thrust force Fp. Similarly, by the particular position of the oscillation axis Y-Y', this thrust force Fp is fully transmitted as a forward force Fa to the inertial support 1. The elastic tensioner 10 relaxes and restores the energy accumulated during its elongation.

[0144] The particular positioning of the oscillation axis Y-Y' of the lever 2 described here makes it possible to restore an optimal efficiency of the thrust force Fp of the blade 3, like marine animals and swimmers, efficiency obtained by direct effect of a thrust force exerted by a blade on an inertial body to be set in motion.

[0145] With reference to figures 32 and 33, we are dealing with an alternative embodiment in which a large part of the propulsion means described above is provided in the form of a sub-assembly SE provided to be removable, that is to say detachable from said hull 113.

[0146] This SE subassembly includes the well 7, the oscillating part 2' of the lever 2, the yoke 711 - 721, the rudder bar 2” and the rudder fin 8.

[0147] It will be noted that the large longitudinal walls 48 of the well 7 have in one of their upper angles, two ears 480 which face each other and are pierced.

[0148] The shell 113 is provided with a sheath 1130 whose large parallel faces 1131 extend parallel to its longitudinal axis. This sheath is also delimited by two small parallel faces 1133 forming spacers between the large faces. The height of the sheath is equal to the thickness of the shell 113.

[0149] The faces 1131 comprise, in a similar manner to the well 7, two ears 1132 provided with a through opening.

[0150] The dimensions of the sheath 1130 are such that the subassembly SE can be engaged therein by sliding. A screw V, associated with a spacer T and a nut E makes it possible to make the subassembly SE integral with the sheath 1130, via the pairs of ears 480 and 1132 (see figure 33). It is then sufficient to put in place the upper part of the lever 2.

[0151] Thus, the subassembly SE, once separated from the hull 113, can be easily stored in a carrying bag. Finally, Figure 34 shows that it is possible to use the aquatic vehicle according to the invention, not only when the user U is standing, but also seated and positioned on a seat S.

[0152] The aquatic vehicle, object of the invention, can also integrate a planing hull with low buoyancy volume, associated or not with foils intended to provide lift for said hull.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Paddle-type aquatic vehicle (1) on which a user (U) positions himself and propels it by the action of muscular force (Fm) exerted by means of his hands (Mu), comprising a propulsion mechanism (M) and: - the mechanism (M) comprises a lever (2) connected by an articulation to a structure of the vehicle (1), - the lever (2) passes through the thickness of the vehicle (1), - towards a first end (21), the lever (2) is secured to a gripping member (4) located above the bridge (11) of the vehicle (1) and composed of two parts (41, 42) arranged opposite each other, on either side of this first end (21), - the two parts (41, 42) of the gripping member (4) jointly receive the muscular force (Fm) exerted by means of the hands (Mu) of the user (U), this force (Fm) causing an oscillation (Os1 or Os2) of the lever (2), - towards a second end (22), the lever (2) is secured, under the hull (113) of the vehicle (1) to an attachment zone (Za), to the leading edge (31) of a blade (3) whose oscillation (Os'1 or Os'2) is dependent on the oscillation (Os1 or Os2) of the lever (2), - the blade (3) considered has the propulsive characteristics of a fin (3), that is to say a blade (3) applying, on its inertial rotation support (1), due to its oscillation (Os'1 or Os'2) and the pressure that it subsequently exerts on the water (E), a forward force (Fa) on said inertial support (1), characterized in that: - the lever (2) is composed of a first oscillating part (2') which is articulated along an oscillation axis (Y-Y') connected to a structure of the vehicle (1) and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the vehicle (1), the oscillation (Os1 or Os2) of this oscillating part (2') being exclusively in an oscillation plane (Po) perpendicular to the flotation plane (Pf) of the vehicle (1) and which passes through the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the vehicle (1), - the lever (2) is also composed of a second rotating part (2”) which is inserted into a bearing (25) integrated into the oscillating part (2'), this rotating part (2”) constituting a steering bar (2”) articulated in rotation (Rot) in this bearing (25) following a steering axis (Z-Z') located in the oscillation plane (Po), - a first end (21) of the rudder bar (2”) is connected to the gripping member (4), while a second end (22) of the rudder bar (2”) is connected to a rudder fin (8) located under said waterline (Pf)), - the steering bar (2”) passes inside a well (7) of elongated configuration passing through the thickness of the vehicle (1), this well (7) being arranged along said longitudinal axis (X-X'), - the mean plane (Pma) of the rudder fin (8) is perpendicular to said flotation plane (Pf) and the assembly formed by the rudder bar (2”), the gripping member (4) and the rudder fin (8) constitutes a rudder (2” - 4 - 8).

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the blade (3) is connected to the oscillating part (2') of the lever (2).

3. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment zone (Za) of the leading edge (31) of the blade (3) is integral with the rudder bar (2”).

4. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rudder fin (8) is located under the blade (3), itself located between the rudder fin (8) and said hull (113).

5. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that a zone (24) of the oscillating part (2') of the lever (2) intended to pass inside the well (7) is configured in the form of a plate (24) whose thickness (e) is perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (X-X').

6. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the lever (2) comes to bear against a stop (9), this support corresponding to a position of the blade (3) substantially parallel to said flotation plane (Pf).

7. Vehicle according to claims 1 and 6, characterized in that a "Sandow" - registered trademark - (10) connects the lever (2) to said bridge (11), towards the front, the "Sandow" (10) being removable at a point of attachment (14) of one of its ends (101) with the lever (2).

8. Vehicle according to claim 1 or claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the blade (3) is removably fixed to the lever (2) by means of two plates (301, 302) integral with the blade (3) and arranged opposite each other at its leading edge (31), these two plates (301, 302) being tightened by screwing onto the lever (2) at the attachment zone (Za) of the blade (3).

9. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: - the lever (2) is composed of a first oscillating part (2') which is articulated along said oscillation axis (Y-Y') arranged perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis (X-X'), the oscillation of this oscillating part (2') being inscribed in an oscillation plane (Po) perpendicular to said flotation plane (Pf), - the lever (2) is also composed of a second rotating part (2”) which is inserted into a bearing (221) integrated into the oscillating part (2'), this rotating part (2”) constituting a steering bar (2”) articulated in rotation (Rot) in this bearing (221) following a steering axis (Z-Z') located in the oscillation plane (Po), - the lever (2) passes inside a well (7) passing through the thickness of the vehicle (1), - towards a first end (21), the lever (2) is secured to a gripping member (4) located above said bridge (11) and composed of two parts (41, 42) arranged opposite each other, on either side of this first end (21), - the two parts (41, 42) of the gripping member (4) jointly receive the muscular force (Fm) exerted by means of the hands (Mu) of the user (U), this force (Fm) causing an oscillation (Os1, Os2) of the lever (2), - towards a second end (22), the lever (2) is secured, under said shell (113), to a blade (3) whose oscillation (Os'1, Os'2) is dependent on the oscillation (Os1, Os2) of the lever (2), - the blade (3) considered has the propulsive characteristics of a fin (3), that is to say a blade (3) applying, on its inertial support (1) of rotation, due to its oscillation (Os'1, Os'2) and the pressure that it exerts, consecutively on the water, a thrust force (Fp) on said inertial support (1), in which: - towards the second end (22) of the lever (2), the oscillation axis (Y-Y') of the lever (2) is located under said shell (113), at the level of an attachment zone (Za) connecting the oscillating part (2') to the blade (3), and: - a first end (21) of the rudder bar (2”) is connected to the gripping member (4), while a second end (22) of the rudder bar (2”) is connected to a rudder fin (8) located under said waterline (Pf), - the mean plane (Pma) of the rudder fin (8) is perpendicular to said flotation plane (Pf) and the assembly formed by the rudder bar (2”), the gripping member (4) and the rudder fin (8) constitutes a rudder (2” - 4 - 8), - the rudder fin (8) is located under the blade (3), itself located between the rudder fin (8) and said hull (113).

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the lever (2) comes to bear against a stop (9), this support corresponding to a position of the blade (3) offering less resistance to penetration into the water (E).

11. Vehicle according to claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the lever (2) comprises a fixing member (Of-14) for one end (101) of a tension spring (10) of which another end (102) is connected to a fixing point (18) integral with the bridge (11).

12. Vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that the tension spring (10) is designed in the form of an elastic tensioner (10).

13. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the oscillating part (2') comprises a zone (24) in the form of a plate (24) whose thickness (e) is perpendicular to the oscillation plane (Po).

14. Vehicle according to claim 13, characterized in that the blade (3) is removably fixed to the oscillating part (2') by means of two plates (301, 302) integral with the blade (3) and arranged opposite each other above its leading edge (31), the two plates (301, 302) being tightened by screwing to the oscillating part (2'), a space (305) being created between the two plates (301, 302) in order to allow the insertion of the oscillating part (2') between the two plates (301) and (302).

15. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that, seen in a plane parallel to the oscillation plane (Po), the steering axis (X-X') is distant from the oscillation axis (Y-Y') along a cantilever (Paf).

16. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the steering bar (2”) is in contact with the interior (731) of the well (7) during the oscillation of the lever (2).

17. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the well (7) comprises two extensions (711, 721) in the form of a plate (711, 721) whose thickness (e') is perpendicular to the oscillation plane (Po) and which extend under the flotation plane (Pf) to constitute a yoke (711 - 721) forming an articulation support (Y- Y') for the rotation of the blade (3).

18. Vehicle according to claim 13 and claim 17, characterized in that at the level of the oscillation axis (Y-Y'), between each extension (711, 721) and the oscillating part (2'), a spacer (23) with a hydrodynamic wing profile is arranged.

19. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that a subassembly (SE) comprising the well (7), the oscillating part (2') of the lever (2), the yoke (711-721), the steering bar (2') and the steering fin (8) is detachable from said shell (113).

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