Modular hydrofoil assembly, methods of assembly and methods of use

Abstract

A hydrofoil watercraft (1) includes a board (2) configured to support a user, a propulsion unit assembly (91) detachably connectable to the board (2) via a mast (21) such that the propulsion unit assembly (91) is spaced away from the board (2), and a hydrofoil assembly (146) detachably connectable to the board (2) via the mast (21) such that the hydrofoil assembly (146) is also spaced away from the board (2). The board (2) includes a cavity (4) for removably receiving a battery (3) therein, and the mast (21) includes an electrical connection for supplying power to the propulsion unit assembly (91) from the battery (3) in the board (2). The mast (21) is detachably connectable to the board (2) and / or to the hydrofoil assembly (146) via a quick release structure that is operable by the user's hand without a discrete tool. Portions of the hydrofoil assembly (146) may also be detachably connected to one another.

Description

MODULAR HYDROFOIL ASSEMBLY, METHODS OF ASSEMBLY ANDMETHODS OF USECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 537,734, filed September 11, 2023, entitled Modular Hydrofoil Assembly, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 682,071, filed August 12, 2024, entitled Modular Hydrofoil Assembly, Methods of Assembly and Methods of Use, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Personal watercrafts are typically operated by riding along the surface of a body of water. Typically, a watercraft can glide on the water along its hull. Alternatively, a watercraft can include at least one hydrofoil that provides lift to the watercraft such that its hull is lifted completely above the surface of the water. To achieve such lift, the watercraft can move through the water along its hull until enough speed is attained for a sufficient force to be applied to the hydrofoil of the watercraft for the watercraft to be lifted above its normal waterline and supported by the hydrofoil. Hydrofoil watercrafts offer a unique experience to riders because they allow the watercraft to gain greater speed, to efficiently hold that speed, and to feel less turbulence at the water surface. They also give riders the feeling of floating through the air.

[0003] Existing hydrofoil watercrafts are typically bulky and cumbersome. A typical hydrofoil watercraft includes a board, a mast, and a hydrofoil, the mast extending orthogonally from the board. Masts are often long, to provide stability to riders; however, such length yields challenges in transporting and storing the hydrofoil watercraft. Such bulky hydrofoil watercrafts may be too large to fit in standard passenger vehicles or on other modes of transportation, such as busses and trains.

[0004] Typical hydrofoil watercrafts are also difficult to store, as the size and bulk of the hydrofoil watercraft poses unique challenges. Those living in smaller spaces such as apartments may be unable to hang the hydrofoil watercraft from a ceiling or store it in closets or other small rooms. Likewise, those having garage access may be unable to stow the hydrofoil watercraft around larger items such as cars. Moreover, once a hydrofoil watercraft istransported to the water, it may be difficult to maneuver the large hydrofoil watercraft around docks, piers, and other structures in which riders launch.

[0005] Some existing hydrofoil watercrafts have modular components that can be assembled using fasteners and tools such as socket wrenches. While such fasteners may provide a secure connection, they are difficult for a rider to assemble on beaches, boats, and other locations where a rider launches the watercraft. Further, some of these mechanical connections require multiple riders to work together to secure components of a single hydrofoil watercraft together, which poses difficulties for solo riders and those with physical impairments. In addition, the need for tools and fasteners which can be damaged or lost can prevent the use of the watercraft unless the user has spares available.

[0006] Thus, further improvements in hydrofoil technology are desired to assist in providing modularity and toolless assembly and disassembly of the various hydrofoil components to allow a user more freedom in assembling, dissembling, transporting, and storing a hydrofoil watercraft, including without the use of tools.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Some aspects of the present invention provide a hydrofoil watercraft. One such hydrofoil watercraft desirably includes a board configured to support a user, a propulsion unit assembly detachably connectable to the board via a mast such that the propulsion unit assembly is spaced away from the board, and a hydrofoil assembly detachably connectable to the board via the mast such that the hydrofoil assembly is also spaced away from the board. The board may include a cavity for removably receiving a battery therein, and the mast may include an electrical connection for supplying power to the propulsion unit assembly from the battery in the board. The mast is preferably detachably connectable to the board and / or to the hydrofoil assembly via a quick release structure that is operable by the user’s hand without a discrete tool.

[0008] In some of the above aspects of the hydrofoil watercraft, the quick release structure may connect the board to the mast. In some of such aspects, an interface between the board and the mast that is connectable by the quick release structure may include an electrical contact that electrically couples the electrical connection in the mast to a second electrical connection in the board when the mast is connected to the board. In that manner, the electrical coupling may supply power to the propulsion unit assembly from the battery, and / or the electrical coupling may transmit telemetry data to an electronic control unit within the board. In someother aspects, the mast may include a coolant passage for supplying a liquid coolant from the mast to a heat exchanger disposed within the board proximate an electrical component so as to cool the electrical component. In accordance with some of those aspects, the interface between the board and the mast that is connectable by the quick release structure may include a liquid connection that fluidly couples the coolant passage in the mast to a second coolant passage in the board when the mast is connected to the board, so as to supply the liquid coolant to the heat exchanger from the mast.

[0009] In some of the above aspects of the invention, the quick release structure may include a plate having an aperture for removably receiving a lug. Such plate may be translatable within a plane transverse to a longitudinal axis of the lug so as to lock the lug within the aperture. In some further aspects, the translation of the plate may be induced by operation of a lever manipulatable by the user’s hand. In some other aspects, the plate may include a ramp adjacent to the aperture such that translation of the plate while the lug is received within the aperture may induce a clamping force between the mast and the board. In some of such aspects, the plate may be secured to the board while the lug may be secured to the mast.

[0010] In accordance with some other aspects of the above hydrofoil watercraft, the quick release structure may connect the mast to the hydrofoil assembly. In some of such aspects, the hydrofoil assembly may include a receptacle for removably receiving an end of the mast spaced away from the board. Such quick release structure may include a movable lock for removably engaging a recess of the end of the mast so as to secure the end of the mast within the receptacle of the hydrofoil assembly. In some further aspects, the movement of the lock so as to engage and disengage the recess of the mast may be induced by operation of a lever manipulatable by the user’s hand. In some other aspects, the quick release structure may include a fixed lock positioned alongside the receptacle. Such fixed lock is preferably arranged to removably engage a second recess of the end of the mast. In some of the above aspects of the invention, the hydrofoil assembly may include a fore portion detachably securable to an aft portion, where the fore portion includes a nose wing and the aft portion includes a tail wing. In some of such aspects, the fore portion and the aft portion may be detachably securable to one another by a second quick release structure that is operable by the user’s hand without a discrete tool.

[0011] In yet other aspects of the invention, the hydrofoil watercraft may further include the battery receivable in the cavity of the board. In some of such aspects, the battery may be securable within the cavity by a locking mechanism that includes a handle rotatable betweenan unlocked configuration in which the battery is removable from the cavity and a locked configuration in which the battery is secured within the cavity. In some further aspects, when the handle is positioned in the locked configuration, the handle may be flush with a top surface of the battery. In some other aspects, the battery may be securable within the cavity by pivoting the battery about an axis positioned at an opposite end of the battery of the handle. In yet other aspects, a top surface of the battery may be flush with an adjacent upper surface of the board when the battery is received within the cavity.

[0012] In other aspects in accordance with the present invention, the board of the hydrofoil watercraft may include an electronic control unit for controlling at least the power supplied to the propulsion unit assembly. Such electronic control unit may be controllable wirelessly by a remote device.

[0013] Other aspects of the present invention provide methods of assembly of a hydrofoil watercraft. Such methods may include: methods of securing a battery to the hydrofoil watercraft, methods of securing a mast to a board of the hydrofoil watercraft, methods of securing a mast to a hydrofoil assembly of the hydrofoil watercraft, and / or methods of securing subassemblies of the hydrofoil assembly together to form the hydrofoil assembly. Some or all of such methods of assembly preferably involve manual operation of one or more quick release structures by the user’s hand without the need for any discrete tools.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] By way of description only, embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a hydrofoil assembly in accordance with an aspect;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view showing a board and latching components of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view showing the board of FIG. 2 without the latching components;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1, shown with a handle of the battery in an unlocked configuration;

[0019] FIG. 5 A is a top view of the battery of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1, shown with the handle of the battery in a locked configuration;

[0020] FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the battery of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a top view of a power indicator subsystem of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIGS. 7A-7B are partial perspective views of the battery of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1 focusing on the handle and latches;

[0023] FIG. 7C is a side cross-sectional view of the latching assembly of the handle;

[0024] FIG. 8 is a partial bottom view showing a mast componentry cavity within the board of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the mast componentry cavity of FIG. 8;

[0026] FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective and bottom views, respectively, of a mast inserted into the board of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the mast of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 10D is a perspective view of a top portion of the mast of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a locking subassembly of a mast componentry assembly;

[0030] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the locking subassembly of FIG. 11 positioned within the mast componentry cavity of FIGS. 8-9, with its outer cover plate removed;

[0031] FIG 12B is a perspective view of the locking subassembly of FIG. 11 with its backing plate removed;

[0032] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a subassembly of the mast componentry assembly positioned within the mast componentry cavity of FIGS. 8-9, in which the locking assembly of FIG. 11 has been removed, so as to focus on the contact surround plate;

[0033] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the subassembly of the mast componentry assembly of FIG. 13A positioned within the mast componentry cavity, in which the contact surround plate has been further removed, so as to focus on the heat exchanger;

[0034] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a subassembly of the mast componentry assembly between (and inclusive of) the contact surround plate and the sealed box;

[0035] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the mast componentry assembly;

[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a linkage assembly of the mast componentry assembly;

[0037] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tail portion of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of portions of a fuselage and mast connection assembly of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a mast housing and the mast connection assembly of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the mast connection assembly of FIG. 19;

[0041] FIG. 21 is a side view of portions of the mast connection assembly of FIG. 20;

[0042] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of portions of a tail wing assembly of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1;

[0043] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a tail connection assembly of the tail wing assembly of FIG. 22;

[0044] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1, shown with handles on an upper side of the board and a propulsion unit;

[0045] FIG. 25A is a top perspective exploded view of a hydrofoil in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 25B is a bottom perspective exploded view of the hydrofoil of FIG. 25A;

[0047] FIG. 26A is a cross-sectional view of an aft portion of the hydrofoil of FIG. 25A, showing a tail connection assembly in a locked configuration;

[0048] FIG. 26B is a cross-sectional view of the aft portion of the hydrofoil of FIG. 26A, showing the tail connection assembly in an unlocked configuration;

[0049] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a fore portion of the hydrofoil of FIG. 25A; and

[0050] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of the mast of the hydrofoil assembly of FIG. 1;

[0051] FIG. 29A is a cross-sectional view of a fore portion of an alternative embodiment of a hydrofoil, showing a mast connection assembly in a locked configuration; and

[0052] FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional view of the fore portion of the hydrofoil of FIG. 29A, showing the mast connection assembly in an unlocked configuration.

[0053] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a hydrofoil in accordance with an embodiment utilizing the aft portion of the hydrofoil of FIG. 25A and the fore portion of the hydrofoil of FIG. 29A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, hydrofoil assembly 1 generally includes board 2, battery 3 configured for removable insertion into battery cavity 4on upper side 5A of the board, and hydrofoil 6 (see Fig. 24) extending from lower side 5B of the board. Board 2 may be shaped similar to a standard surfboard and have a length longer than a width to provide a stable platform for a user to stand upon when traveling through the water. Although the board described herein is illustrated as a surfboard, it is to be appreciated that the concepts described herein can be applied to other types of watercrafts and boards, such as wakeboards, jet skis, boats, and the like. Hydrofoil assembly 1 is implemented as a hydrofoil watercraft 100, illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0055] As in the example shown, battery 3 includes handle 7 which can pivot between a plurality of positions including a position generally perpendicular to the length of battery 3 and board 2, through a variety of positions at an angle relative to the board 2 and battery 3, to a position generally parallel to the length of the board 2 and battery 3 (the latter illustrated in FIG. 1). For instance, when the battery is inserted into board 2, handle 7 may be in an “unlocked” position, in which the handle 7 is substantially perpendicular or obliquely oriented relative to the board 2 and battery 3, as illustrated in FIG. 4, and in which the handle 7 is oriented closer to tail end 8B of the board and extending away from upper side 5A of the board, such that handle 7 is graspable by a user. As further shown in FIG. 1, when battery 3 is inserted into board 2, top surface 9 of the battery may be flush with upper side 5A of board 2. Also, as illustrated, handle 7 is moved into the position generally parallel with the board 2 and battery 3 so as to be generally flush with the top surface 9; this can be considered a “locked” position to secure battery 3 to board 2. It is appreciated that battery 3 may also include handle 7 positioned elsewhere than at the tail end of battery 3, and could, for example, instead be positioned toward the nose end of the battery or along the side of the battery.

[0056] Continuing with this exemplary embodiment, as shown by FIGS. 2 and 3, opposing nose side latching components 10 are received within and mounted, e.g., by fasteners, to corresponding retaining grooves 11A of battery cavity 4 of board 2 recessed into upper side 5A of board 2. Also, tail side latching components 12 are received within and mounted, e.g., by fasteners, to corresponding retaining grooves 1 IB of the battery cavity aligned with ends of the handle 7 of battery 3 when the battery is received in the battery cavity. Alternatively, the latching components could be formed into the board directly such that fasteners and the like are not necessary. An electrical contact contacts the battery such that the battery delivers power to electrical component(s) of hydrofoil assembly 1. For instance, electrical contact 13, such as voltage pins, extend from a base at a bottom of battery cavity 4 and are configured for insertioninto electric battery sockets 14 (see FIG. 5B) providing electrical contacts on a bottom of battery 3 (and vice versa, or other structures can also be used). The electrical connection via electrical contact 13 provides power to the watercraft at a higher voltage and current than for low power data links. Alternative contacts for low power data links may also be used, including a wireless electrical communication connection between the battery and the electrical component(s) of the surfboard, such as via Bluetooth® communication.

[0057] Continuing with this embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 4-6, battery 3 further includes battery housing assembly 15, electronic circuitry (not shown) and a rechargeable power cell (not shown) both contained by and entirely or nearly entirely covered by the battery housing assembly. As shown by comparing FIGS. 4 and 7 A, handle 7 of battery 3 rotates upwardly away from battery housing assembly 15 to a non-locking position for insertion of the battery into battery cavity 4 of board 2 and for release of the battery from the battery cavity when the battery is inserted into the battery cavity to allow for removal. As best shown in FIG. 6, battery 3 includes a battery power indicator subsystem 80 that includes a light-emitting diode (LED) indicator 81 and power button 82. LED indicator 81 shows, among other things, a current power level of battery 3. Power button 82 may be used on demand, among other things, to request a power level of battery 3 as well as to turn off LED indicator 81. It is to be appreciated that battery power indicator subsystem 80 may include buttons in addition to power button 82. Such buttons and / or the power button 82 may be used for wireless connectivity purposes through Bluetooth® or other wireless communication types, to pair battery 3 to a remote control, to act as a kill switch for the motor, etc. Indicator 81 is configured as adjacent LEDs that illuminate to reveal battery charge status as well as various pairing statuses. As such, the LEDS may change color to associate with a specific function. In some examples, the LEDs may illuminate yellow to indicate the battery charge, illuminate blue to indicate a pairing status with a hand controller, and illuminate green to indicate a pairing status with a motor controller. Board 2 may also include a speaker configured to output an audio signal that indicates battery status and various pairing statuses. The LEDs may also provide other indications such as error codes, battery charge status, battery charging status, or the like, any of which may use blinking light patterns, color changes or the like.

[0058] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, opposing nose side latching components 10 include a knob 15B while sides of battery housing assembly 15 of battery 3 include corresponding recesses 15A such that the recesses 15A of the battery receive the respectiveknobs 15B and then the battery housing assembly 15 may be rotated about the respective knobs 15B of the nose side latching components while inserting the battery into battery cavity 4 or to remove the battery from the battery cavity (as with other mating features, the knobs and cavity could be on the opposite structures). In this manner, the knobs 15B of nose side latching components 10 act as retention members for battery 3 at the nose side of the battery. This knob-recess interaction may further help guide the battery 3 in and out of the battery cavity 4 to facilitate proper alignment and contact with the electrical contact 13.

[0059] Continuing with this embodiment, referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, one example of the mechanisms allowing for locking and unlocking of the battery 3 with respect to the battery cavity 4 will now be discussed. For instance, when handle 7 of battery 3 is rotated towards a collapsed position within a corresponding handle cavity of the battery (as shown in FIG. 7A), one or more latches 17 project outwardly from the battery housing assembly 15 and thereby to be received within corresponding keeper receptacles (not shown) of tail side latching component 12. When the latches 17 of the battery 3 are received within the keeper receptacles of latching component 12 with the battery properly received within battery cavity 4 of board 2 as in the example of FIG. 1, battery 3 is unable to be removed from the battery cavity until handle 7 is rotated upwardly to retract the latch 17 which releases the battery 3 from attachment to board 2 and thereby allows the battery to be removed from the board.

[0060] The mechanisms for extending and retracting the latches 17 from the battery 3 will now be described with reference to FIG. 7C. As shown in that figure, handle 7 is pivotable relative to the battery housing assembly 15 about a pivot axis defined by pivot pin 16. A linkage 18 connects a pin connection 18A to a portion of the handle 7 at one end to a pin connection 18B to a body of the latch 17 at the other end. The pin connection 18A to the handle 7 is offset towards the tail end 8B of the board with respect to the pivot pin 16, such that rotation of the handle 7 from the locked to the unlocked position causes the linkage 18 to shift generally towards the nose end 8 A of the board. As a result of the pin connection 18B between the linkage 18 and the body of the latch 17, in combination with the fact that latch 17 is constrained to pivot with respect to the battery housing assembly 15 about pivot point 17A, the latch 17 will rotate clockwise about pivot point 17A, thus retracting the projecting end of the latch 17 out of the keeper receptacle.

[0061] As each latch 17 rotates into a respective keeper receptacle, a tactile and / or auditory response may be elicited to a user to indicate the latch 17 is secured within thereceptacle, and thereby the battery 3 is secured within the battery cavity 4. Such a response or responses may be a click, snap, or other like feedback that signifies a secure connection has been achieved. Likewise, when a user releases battery 3 from battery cavity 4 by pulling on handle 7, a similar response or responses may be elicited to indicate to a user the latch 17 has been removed from the keeper receptacle.

[0062] Handle 7 could also include a secondary latching mechanism to help prevent unintentional release of the handle 7, which could risk separating the battery 3 from the cavity 4. For example, a button 83 may be positioned proximate the handle 7 so that a user must depress the button 83 in order to unlock the handle so as to allow the handle to rotate. As shown in FIG. 7B, the button 83 may be positioned underneath the handle 7, where it is accessible within a receptacle that also contains the battery power indicator subsystem 80. The button 83 may be connected to a latch 84, as shown in FIG. 7C, such that depressing that button 83 causes the latch 84 to retract (e.g., towards the nose end 8A of the board) from underneath a keeper pin 87 secured to the battery housing assembly 15. The keeper pin 87 holds the handle 7 in the locked position, and therefore the freeing of the latch 84 from the keeper pin 87 by depressing the button 83 allows the handle 7 (and its associated latch 84) to pivot about pivot pin 16.

[0063] The battery 3 may include one or more interlocks (not shown) for safety that prevent power being supplied to the electrical sockets 14 if the battery 3 is not seated properly within the battery cavity 4 of the board 2 and / or in contact with the electrical contacts 13. For example, a sensor (e.g., a hall effect sensor) be coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB) may be located in the battery housing assembly 15 in proximity to a portion of the handle 7 when the handle 7 is in the locked position. Then, a triggering element (e.g., a magnet) may be positioned in an adjacent portion of the handle 7 when the handle 7 is in the locked position. Thus, in the case of a hall effect sensor, the sensor will be triggered by the triggering magnet when the hall effect sensor is in the locked position, and the sensor (via the associated PCB) may send a signal to the battery management system (BMS) indicating that it is safe to supply power to the electrical sockets 14. Conversely, the BMS can be programmed to shut off power to the electrical sockets 14 when the sensor indicates that the handle 7 has been moved out of the locked position. The positioning of the sensor and triggering elements may be reversed, such that the sensor is positioned in the handle 7 and the triggering element is positioned in theadjacent region of the battery housing assembly 15. Moreover, many alternative sensor types may be used, such as optical sensors, mechanical switches, etc.

[0064] Another similar interlock system may be used in connection with the battery charger (not shown), so as to prevent power being supplied to or from the battery 3 when the batter is not properly connected to or seated in the charger. For example, a sensor (e.g, hall effect sensor, although any other type may be used) may be positioned in the battery housing assembly 15 in proximity to the electrical sockets 14. Such sensor may be triggered by a triggering element positioned in an adjacent region of the charger when the charger is properly connected to the battery 3. Thus, in a similar manner, the BMS and / or charger may be programmed not to supply power when the sensors indicate that the battery 3 and charger are not properly connected. In addition to any alternative sensor type being available for this battery charging interlock, the sensor and triggering elements may similarly be reversed, such that the sensor is positioned in the charger and the triggering element is positioned in the adjacent region of the battery housing assembly 15.

[0065] Handle 7 allows an operator to insert and remove battery 3 with one hand into the battery cavity 4 of board 2. As such, a user can lift and support the weight of battery 3 via handle 7, while sliding the nose portion of battery 3 into the cavity 4 such that the knobs 15B of the nose side latching components 10 are received in the nose retaining grooves 15A of the battery. Once the nose portion of battery 3 is positioned such that a user can pivot the tail portion of battery 3 about the knobs 15B of the nose side latching components 10 and rotate the handle 7 to lock battery 3 in place. Because battery 3 can be supported by handle 7 and a combination of retaining grooves 15A and the knobs 15B of the nose side latching components 10, a user can continue to support the entire weight of battery 3 with one hand during installation and removal. Such a design is advantageous for efficient transporting, storing, and servicing of the battery, for freeing the user’s other hand (which may be helpful for stabilizing the board on uneven terrain or the like), as well as for solo riders and riders with physical impairments. Handle 7 also allows a user to easily carry and stow battery 3 when not in use.

[0066] While a handle mechanism is described herein for securing battery 3 within battery cavity 4, it is to be appreciated that other mechanical connections can be utilized to lock battery 3 in place. Such a mechanical connection may include a push button located on the top surface of the battery that activates the latch 17. Alternatively, a push button, handle or other mechanism may be located within the board. After a battery is positioned within a batterycavity, the mechanism may be activated, and a pawl may push an activator into a receptacle of the battery to secure the battery in place or a pawl may slide or rotate into a receptacle in the board. Further, while a rotatable handle is described herein, it is appreciated that the handle may be telescopic and extendable, similar to handles seen in roller luggage sets. Such a telescopic handle may sit flush with the top surface of the battery when the battery is in the locked configuration.

[0067] When battery 3 is fully inserted into battery cavity 4 of board 2, it is to be appreciated that the top surface 3A of battery 3 is flush with the upper side 5A of board 2. As such, a user can stand directly on top of board 2 and battery 3 in use without tripping or other obstructed movement of the user’ s feet by any obstructions between battery 3 and board 2. This design is advantageous because no cover or lid is necessary to cover the top surface of battery 3, thereby reducing the watercraft’s overall weight and / or size, as well as easing assembly and reducing assembly time. Further, water and air passing over the board 2 (including over and alongside the battery 3) may act to cool battery 3 while in use.

[0068] FIGS. 8- 9 illustrate one embodiment of mast componentry cavity 19 recessed into lower side 5B of the board 2 and compartmentalized for receipt of various components of mast componentry assembly 20 which detachably connects to mast 21. Certain of the various components of mast componentry assembly 20 and mast 21 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 10A-16. Mast 21 generally includes mounting flange 21 A, a set of lugs 90, and an electrical connection 25 projecting through a window in the center of the mounting flange 21 so as to make electrical contact with electrical contacts 27 positioned within board 2. That electrical connection includes male pins 97 that may be sealed within electrical contact caps 95 (which can be threaded into the mast 21) to allow for connection with motor wires (not shown). As shown, the set of lugs 90, e.g., four lugs as shown, are coupled to the mounting flange 21 A of mast 21 for removable attachment to mast componentry assembly 20 within board 2. As illustrated in FIG. 10D, lugs 90 are preferably mounted to mast 21. Alternatively, lugs 90 may be mountable on mast 21 via fasteners, friction fits, and the like, or as a further alternative, lugs may instead be assembled to the board and the mast may include structures for engaging the lugs. Lugs may optionally be removable from mast 21 such that they may be replaced if damaged. Preferably the lugs are configured (e.g., by specific shaping) to help selfcenter the mast flange 21 A and the connected mast 21 to the board 3 without the need of input or specific actions by the user in order to do so.

[0069] When mast 21 is attached to mast componentry assembly 20, outer cover plate 22 of a locking subassembly 21B of mast componentry assembly 20 abuts the mounting flange 21 A of the mast 21. The locking subassembly 21B includes a central window 27A passing through it that allows a connection to be made between the electrical connection 25 of the mast 21 and the electrical contacts 27 within the board 2 via the window 27A. The locking subassembly 21B further includes a locking plate 23 (see FIGS. 12A-B) that resides inside the outer cover plate 22 and a backing plate 24 that underlies the locking plate 23. Backing plate 24 abuts a contact surround plate 26 that houses the electrical contacts 27. Lugs 90 are selectively attachable to the locking plate 23 of the locking subassembly 21B via insertion through holes 23B in the outer cover plate 22 and into holes of key way slots 23 A of the locking plate 23. As shown in FIG. 12B, four keyway slots 23A are positioned in locking plate 23, each keyway slot 23A corresponding to a particular lug 90 (although more or fewer than four key way slots may be provided, depending on the number of lugs included). Key way slots may include a ramp portion 85 adjacent an aperture 86. In use, lugs 90 including grooves 90A are slidable along the key way slot from an unlocked position to a locked position in which the lugs are locked to the locking plate along their respective axes, thereby securing mast 21 to board 2. Locking plate 23 is pulled such that the lugs 90 are initially inserted into the holes 23B and through the apertures 86 in the unlocked configuration of the locking plate 23, and then the lugs 90 slide up the ramp portion 85 as the locking plate 23 returns to the locked configuration, thereby drawing the locking plate 23 towards the mounting base of the lugs 90 and creating a clamping force between them. Grooves 90A are ramped and / or curved so as to pull mast 21 into engagement with mast componentry assembly 20 and create that clamping force just noted, and also to align with the geometry of ramp portion 85. The unlocked position of the lugs 90 and thereby mast 21 is also a release position of the mast in which the mast may be removed from the locking plate 23 and thereby the rest of mast componentry assembly 20. Thus, locking plate 23 is slidable between the cover plate 22 and the backing plate 24, and the translation path of the locking plate 23 can be guided by pegs 22A extending from cover plate 22 and translating within track 22B of locking plate 23. Pegs 22A may further support backing plate 24. For example, when attachment screws (not shown) are tightened to secure the locking subassembly 2 IB to the cavity 19 of the board 2, the pegs 22A help to maintain the shape and spacing (e.g., height dimension) of the cavity defined between the cover plate 22 and the backing plate 24 to prevent binding or excessive friction impeding the movement of the lockingplate 23 within that cavity. In other exemplary embodiments, it is to be appreciated that pegs may extend from locking plate 23 and into cover plate 22 and / or backing plate 24 such that locking plate 23 translates within a track defined in the cover plate 22 and / or backing plate 24.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 13B, heat exchanger 28 underlies contact surround plate 26 (which in turn underlies the locking subassembly 21B) and is configured for cooling electronic motor controller by absorbing heat generated from the electronic motor controller and directing that heat away from the electronic motor controller. For example, a liquid coolant may be utilized, as discussed below, so that the heat may be transmitted via that liquid down the mast 21 or may otherwise exit the hydrofoil assembly 1 elsewhere. As shown in FIG. 13A, contact surround plate 26 includes inlet and outlet coolant passages 29 such that fluid, e.g., water, passing through mast componentry assembly 20 passes through the inlet coolant passage 29 from inlet port 25 A adjacent to the mounting flange 21 A and the electrical connection 25 of the mast 21 to the heat exchanger and then back out the outlet coolant passage 29 and through outlet port 25A of the mast, as shown in FIG. 10D. In this manner, heat is transferred away from heat exchanger 28 and electrical contacts 27 by the flowing fluid. As in this example, heat exchanger 28 may have insets 30 around a perimeter of the heat exchanger such that the heat exchanger has a relatively greater surface area for transfer of heat than a comparable heat exchanger without such insets. Heat exchanger 28 may further have various grooves and / or fins on an underside of heat exchanger 28 to increase the surface exposed to the flowing fluid and aid in heat transfer. For example, as shown in FIG. 13B, the heat exchanger 28 includes fins 28A projecting from its underside so as to define fluid channels 28B on either side of them. In that way, the flowing fluid can be directed from the inlet port 25A through the inlet coolant passage 29, where it enters the heat exchanger 28 (and in particular the fluid channels 28B defined between the heat exchanger 28 and the contact surround plate 26 that abuts it). The fluid then flows along those fluid channels 28B from one side of the electrical contacts 27 to the other side, where it then exits through the outlet coolant passage 29 and out the outlet port 25A. In the above discussion and associated figures, the inlet and outlet ports 25A have the same reference number and the inlet and outlet coolant passages 29 have the same reference number, since the specific direction of the coolant flow may not be particularly important. For example, in some embodiments, the inlet ports and passages are the ones positioned closer to the nose end of the board while the outlet ports and passages are the ones positioned closer to the tail end of the board. In other embodiments, however, those positions may be reversed. Ineven other embodiments, the coolant need not exit back down the mast, but rather can exit directly from the board or the top of the mast, such that it drips down to the water below.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 14-15, electrical contacts 27 extend into sealed box 31. When mast 21 is attached to mast componentry assembly 20, the electrical contacts 27 receive male pins 97 of the electrical connection 25 of the mast 21, thereby making electrical connections appropriate for power transmission. Electrical contacts 13 for engagement with the battery 3 may be similar to electrical contacts 27 and have similar internal conformal mechanisms, such as internal springs, to aid in connecting electrical components together.

[0072] Sealed box 31 is shaped to provide clearance for threaded inserts of surround plate 26, which are configured to fasten and seal the sealed box 31 to the surround plate 26 around their periphery. Surround plate 26 further includes a flat reference surface defining grooves for an O-ring to seal the fluid channel 28B at an interface between heat exchanger 28 and surround plate 26. Such a configuration is illustrated in FIG. 15. When mast componentry assembly 20 is assembled, surround plate 26 serves as a cover for sealed box 31 and is sealed to sealed box 31. Electrical contacts 27 seal at least a corresponding number of holes as there are electrical contacts 27 in surround plate 26. Sealed box 31 is configured to house the electronic control unit 32 configured to control the hydrofoil assembly 1. The electronic control unit (ECU) may be not easily accessible by a user, though it can be accessed if needed by the user or another individual, such as a technician, for service. The ECU 32 is positioned such that water does not contact it, even though water flows near the ECU 32 for heat transfer, as discussed herein. As such, in this exemplary embodiment, the ECU 32 is not married to the top of the mast 21, but is instead sealed within the board. Specifically, ECU 32 is thermally connected to heat exchanger 28 by contact or close-contact with the underside of at least one circuit board included with the ECU 32. The components of mast componentry assembly 20 may be exposed to the surrounding elements with the exception of the interior of the sealed box 31 that houses the ECU 32, which is sealed by the surround plate 26 and the electrical contacts 27. Such a configuration aids in the cooling and heat transfer of heat away from the ECU 32.

[0073] The ECU 32 includes a microcontroller, a high power motor controller, and memory (e.g., Flash, RAM, etc.) and is configured to receive various inputs and outputs. The ECU 32 also includes a communication link, such as a bus transceiver, in which it communicates with various other components of the hydrofoil, such as the motor, which may be a brushless motor. Wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth, WiFi, etc maybe used to communicate between at least the ECU and battery, the ECU and a hand controller, and the ECU and a mobile device.

[0074] The ECU 32 may be a readily available unit such as a flight controller. Examples of readily available flight controllers include those manufactured by Pixhawk and Auterion in Moorpark, Calif., such as the Pixhawk 1, those manufactured by Matek Systems in Shanghai, China, such as the F405-VTOL, a Vedder Electric Speed Controller, and the like.

[0075] With further reference to FIG. 16, linkage assembly 33 includes lever base 34, lever 35 and linkage member 36 and provides a “quick-connect” assembly for connecting mast 21 to mast componentry assembly 20. Lever 35 is pivotable about a lever axis through holes of lever base 34 and corresponding holes of the lever 35 in which the lever axis may be defined by a pin 37 inserted through these holes of the lever 35 and the lever base 34. Linkage member 36 is pivotable about a first linkage member axis through other holes in the lever 35 and corresponding holes on a lever end of the linkage member in which the first linkage member axis may be defined by a pin 39 inserted through these holes of the linkage member 36 and the lever 35. Linkage member 36 is further pivotable about a second linkage member axis through holes extending through bosses of locking plate 23 and corresponding holes on a locking plate end of the linkage member 36 in which the second linkage member axis may be defined by a pin 41 inserted through these holes of the locking plate 23 and the linkage member 36. Linkage assembly 33 is preferably married to board 2 to simplify the attachment process of attaching mast 21 to board 2. Alternatively, linkage assembly 33 may be positioned on top of mast 21.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 10A-13, linkage assembly 33 is seated in a corresponding recess 43 of mast componentry cavity 19 of board 2 when mast componentry assembly 20 is fully seated in the mast componentry cavity 19. In operation, when mast componentry assembly 20 is received in mast componentry cavity 19 and lever 35 is pulled to pivot the lever 35 relative to lever base 34 about the lever axis, the pulling of the lever 35 causes linkage member 36 to pivot in a direction opposite to the direction the lever 35 pivots. The pivoting of linkage member 36 pulls locking plate 23 towards lever 35 causing the locking plate 23 to slide until the locking plate 23 releases from lugs 90. When lugs 90 are released from locking plate 23, the mast 21 can be removed from mast componentry assembly 20 along with a propulsion unit assembly 91 when attached to the mast 21 and a hydrofoil assembly 46 when attached to the mast 21 as shown in FIG. 24, i.e., if not previously detached from the mast 21 as described further herein.

[0077] As in the example shown, loads applied to the linkage assembly 33 are transferred via pin 37 to the lever base 34, about which the components pivot, and then that load is transferred from the lever base 34 to the board 2 via screws that securely fix the lever base 34 to the board 2 by extending through holes 34A in the lever base 34. In this manner, the locking plate end of linkage member 36 pushes out the bosses of locking plate 23 to which linkage member 36 is attached and thereby initiates removal of the mast 21 from the mast componentry assembly 20. It is appreciated that locking subassembly 21B is fixed to board 2 via screws that pass through the holes 94 in the cover plate 22 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12B. Mast 21 can be removed when the locking plate 23 is translated to an unlocked position by actuation of the linkage assembly 33.

[0078] While the quick connect assembly between mast 21 and the mast componentry assembly 20 of the board 2 may be implemented as a lever 35 of a linkage assembly 33, it is appreciated that other quick connect assemblies can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a push button may be placed on the lower side 5B of board 2 and the push button may be attached to linkage that is configured to slide locking plate 23 with respect to lugs 90 of mast 21. Alternatively, mast 21 may be placed into a clamp positioned within board 2 and a cam lever may open and close the clamp. In another embodiment, a ratcheting mechanism may be implemented to secure mast 21 to board 2. It is also appreciated that any of the handle or button mechanisms described herein may include handles or buttons positioned on the upper side 5A of board 2 to allow a user to release mast 21 from board 2 from the upper side 5 A of board 2. Such a configuration may also include various safety switches to ensure that mast 21 is not detached from board 2 in use. Further, it is preferable that the mast release interface (whatever the configuration) be located on the bottom side of the board 2 so that the user can readily remove the mast assembly after releasing it.

[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 17-23, hydrofoil assembly 46 includes fuselage 47, tail wing assembly 48 extending from a rear of the fuselage 47, mounting base 49 (at the lower end of mast 21) removably received within the fuselage 47, and mast connection assembly 50. The mounting base 49 of mast 21 and mast connection assembly 50 are inserted within a mast pocket 51 of fuselage 47 configured to conform to a perimeter of the mounting base 49. As shown in FIG. 19, mast connection assembly 50 is seated below mounting base 49 in which a substantial portion of the mast connection assembly 50 is received within a mast pocket 51 ofthe fuselage 47. Mast connection assembly 50 generally includes case 52, lever assembly 53, wedge subassembly 54, opposing shaft subassemblies 55A, 55B, and button subassembly 56.

[0080] Case 52 is attached to the mast pocket of the fuselage 47 via fasteners 52A extending through the fuselage and the case. Lever subassembly 53 includes pin 57 that extends through case 52 and lever 58 rotatable about the pin. Wedge subassembly 54 includes wedge 59 having parallel slots, fastener 60, block 61 on an end of the fastener and slidable along a central groove of the fastener in a direction parallel to the slots of the wedge, and wedge retaining pins 62 within the slots of the wedge and along which the wedge translates when lever 58 is rotated. A portion of a head of fastener 60 extends within a recess or depression within lever 58 such that the lever pushes against the fastener when the lever is in a locked position as in the lever position illustrated in FIGS. 18-21. Fastener 60 is adjustable within block 61 to adjust the depth of the block relative to lever 58 and thereby to adjust the spring tension which may change over time or simply as may be more desirable for a user. Opposing ends of wedge retaining pins 62 are attached to fuselage 47 to maintain their relative position to the rest of mast connection assembly 50. Opposing shaft subassemblies 55A, 55B each include shaft 63, spring 64 inserted within a bore of the shaft, and spring locking pin 65 within slot 63A of the shaft such that the spring is compressed between a step (not shown) within the bore of the shaft and the pin. As shown, each shaft 63 includes a chamfer for abutment with corresponding chamfers of wedge 59 and is configured to extend through a corresponding port within case 52.

[0081] Button subassembly 56 includes button 66, fastener 67 for attaching and thereby fixing the relative position of the button subassembly to fuselage 47, and spring 68 extending within opposing cavities of the button and the fuselage for maintaining a relative position and alignment of the spring to the button and the fuselage. Button 66 includes button catch 66A that extends over corresponding lever catch 58 A of lever 58 such that when button 66 is depressed, lever 58 swings away from fuselage 47 due to springs 64 of shaft subassemblies 55A, 55B pushing against shafts 63 such that the shafts compress wedge 59 to cause the wedge to move in a direction away from a central axis of the fuselage. As shafts 63 move toward the wedge, they move out of corresponding grooves 69 defined by mounting base 49 as shown in FIG. 19 such that the mast housing becomes separable from mast connection assembly 50.

[0082] It is appreciated that the locking mechanism for securing mast 21 to fuselage 47 utilizing various springs and pins may also be implemented to secure mast 21 to board 2.Likewise, the locking mechanism for securing mast 21 to board 2 utilizing linkages and plates may also be implemented to secure mast 21 to fuselage 47.

[0083] With particular reference to FIGS. 17, 22, and 23, tail wing assembly 48 includes tail wing 70 and tail connection assembly 71 inserted within a slot of the tail wing. Tail wing 70 includes wide section 72 and tapered section 73 extending from the wide section. Tail connection assembly 71 includes tail lever 74, tail lever spring 75 extending between corresponding recesses in tail wing 70 and the tail lever, button 76, spring 77 extending between corresponding recesses in the tail wing and the button, and tail base 78. Tail base 78 and thereby tail connection assembly 71 is attached to tail wing 70 via the three fasteners shown in FIG. 23. Tail lever 74 is contoured to define knob 74A. Button 76 includes button catch 76 A that extends over corresponding tail lever catch 74B of tail lever 74 such that when button 76 is depressed, the tail lever swings away from tail wing 70 due to tail lever spring 75 pushing against the tail lever. As tail lever 74 swings away from tail wing 70, knob 74A received in a corresponding recess of fuselage 47 when tail lever 74 is in a locked configuration, as shown in FIG. 20 and 21, rotates away from its corresponding recess of the fuselage whereby tail wing assembly 48 may be separated from the fuselage.

[0084] FIGS. 25A-27 illustrate another embodiment of a hydrofoil assembly 146 that is an alternative to the hydrofoil assembly 46 illustrated in FIGS. 17-23. Hydrofoil assembly 146 includes a fore portion 146 A and an aft portion 146B coupleable together to form the hydrofoil assembly 146. The aft portion 146B includes a fuselage section 147B and a tail wing 170 extending from a rear of the fuselage section 147B. The fore portion 146 A includes a fuselage section 147A and a nose wing 179 extending from the front of the fuselage section 147A. The fore and aft portions 146A-B are coupled together by inserting a projecting tapered portion 188 at the nose end of the fuselage section 147B of the aft portion 146B into a receptacle 189 formed at the tail end of the fuselage section 147A of the fore portion 146A. Once coupled, the fore and aft portions 146A-B are maintained in a detachably secured state by a detent catch 198 positioned along the projecting tapered portion 188 (see FIG. 26) that is received within or through a detent opening 199 in the fuselage section 147A defined around the receptacle 189 (see FIG. 27).

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 26A-26B, detent catch 198 is part of a tail connection assembly 171 that includes a tail lever 174 pivotable about pivot pin 174A. Thus, grabbing the graspable end 174B of the tail lever 174 and rotating it about pivot pin 174A induces pivotable movementof the detent catch 198 about pivot pin 198A due to an intervening linkage 138, such that the detent catch 198 advances outwardly (to the position shown in FIG. 26B) or retracts inwardly (to the position shown in FIG. 26A) relative to the outer surface of the projecting tapered portion 188. The aft portion 146B of the hydrofoil assembly 146 also includes a pivotable flap 140 positioned adjacent to the tail end of the graspable end 174B of the tail lever 174. That flap 140 can be positioned in alignment with the graspable end 174B of the tail lever 174 and the adjacent outer surface of the fuselage section 147B, so as to create a substantially streamlined outer surface of the fuselage section 147B, as shown in FIG. 26A. The flap 140 may be spring biased into that aligned position. The flap 140 can also be pivoted as shown in FIG. 26B to allow a user’s hand to grasp the underside of the graspable end 174B of the tail lever 174. The flap 140 may be structured such that pivoting of it into an unaligned position is required in order to unlock the rotation of the tail lever 174.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 27, the fore portion 146A of the hydrofoil assembly 146 includes a mast pocket 151 defined within the fuselage section 147A and configured to removably receive a bottom portion of the mast 21 therein via an opening to the mast pocket 151 in a top portion of the fuselage section 147A. A mast connection assembly 150 is also positioned within the fuselage section 147A adjacent to the mast pocket 151. The mast connection assembly 150 includes a lever 158, a vertical linkage 154, two horizontal linkages 155A, 155B, a pair of locking shafts 163 (only the locking shaft 163 connected to linkage 155B is illustrated in FIG. 27), and a flap 166. The lever 158 is rotatable about a pin 157. The bottom end of the vertical linkage 154 is pivotably coupled to the lever 158, such that rotation of the free end 158A of the lever 158 downwardly away from the fuselage section 147A about the pin 157 causes the vertical linkage 154 to translate downwardly. The top end of the vertical linkage 154 is coupled to one end of each of the two horizontal linkages 155 A, 155B that extend away from the top end of the vertical linkage 154 in the fore and aft directions, respectively. The ends of those horizontal linkages 155A, 155B spaced away from the vertical linkage 154 are coupled to the respective locking shafts 163. Thus, when the vertical linkage 154 translates downwardly under the influence of the pivoting lever 158, the ends of the horizontal linkages 155A, 155B coupled to the vertical linkage 154 are pulled down, which results in the locking shafts 163 coupled to each of those horizontal linkages 155A, 155B being pulled inwardly towards the vertical linkage 154.

[0087] The free ends of the locking shafts 163 spaced away from the respective horizontal linkages 155A, 155B are configured to engage lock pins 169 securely fixed within respective receptacles 45 in the mounting base 49 of the mast 21. The mounting base 49 of the mast 21 is illustrated in FIG. 28. Although the lock pins 169 are illustrated in FIG. 27 to show their positioning within the mast pocket 151 when the mast 21 is secured to the mast connection assembly 150, such lock pins 169 would not be present in the mast pocket 151 alone, but rather would be positioned within the respective receptacles 45 of the mounting base 49 as shown in FIG. 28. When the mounting base 49 is secured to the mast connection assembly 150, a fore projection 49A and an aft projection 49B of the mounting base 49 would be received within a fore extension 151 A and an aft extension 15 IB, respectively, of the mast pocket 151. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the shape of the mounting base 49 (with its fore and aft projections 49A, 49B) is preferably shaped to conform to the shape of the mast pocket 151 (with its fore and aft extensions 151A,151B), so as to create a stable connection between the hydrofoil assembly 146 and the mast 21. Further, as shown in FIG. 27, a flap 166 similar to the flap 140 of the fuselage section 147B of the aft portion 146B of the hydrofoil assembly 146 may be provided adjacent to the tail end of the free end 158 A of the lever 158. Moreover, the flap 166 may be spring biased into a position in alignment with the free end 158 A of the lever 158 and the adjacent outer surface of the fuselage section 147 A of the fore portion 146 A of the hydrofoil assembly. The flap 166 may also be structured such that pivoting of it into an unaligned position is required in order to unlock the rotation of the lever 158.

[0088] Another embodiment of a fore portion 246 A of a hydrofoil assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 29A-B. The fore portion 246 A of such embodiment is an alternative to the fore portion 146 A illustrated in FIGS. 25A-27. For example, it similarly includes a mast pocket 251 defined within the fuselage section 247 A and configured to removably receive a mounting base 249 of a bottom portion of the mast therein via an opening to the mast pocket 251 in a top portion of the fuselage section 247A. In the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 29A-B, the mounting base 249 itself (without the rest of the mast) is shown received in the mast pocket 251 to illustrate how it is secured within the mast pocket 251, as is further discussed here. A mast connection assembly 250 is also positioned within the fuselage section 247A adjacent to the mast pocket 251. The mast connection assembly 250 includes a lever 258, a latch 284, a catch 287, a link 254, a fixed lock 269, a movable lock 263, and a flap 266. The lever 258 is rotatable about a pin 257, but that rotation is locked in the configuration shown in FIG. 29Adue to the latch 284 pinned to the lever 258 which is in engagement with the catch 287 fixed with respect to the fuselage section 247A. In order to unlock the rotation of the lever 258 so that it can rotate to the configuration shown in FIG. 28B, the latch 284 can be disengaged from the catch 287 by pushing an end of the latch 284 that is exposed (and projecting outwardly) from the fuselage section 247A via an opening defined in the lever 258. Thus, once free to rotate, the free end 258A of the lever 258 may be pulled downwardly about the pin 257, which results in the link 254 moving, which in turn pulls the movable lock 263 away from the mast pocket 251. As a result, the movable lock 263 disengages a recess formed in the aft end 249B of the mounting base 249, such that the mounting base 249 (and associated mast, which is not shown in FIGS. 29A-B) can be separated from the mast pocket 251. That separation is best achieved by first lifting upwardly on the aft end 249B of the mounting base 249, so that a recess formed in the fore end 249A of the mounting base 249 can disengage the fixed lock 269 projecting into the mast pocket 251. The connection of the mounting base 249 of the mast to the mast pocket 251 of the fore portion 246A is performed in the opposite way, by first engaging the recess in the fore end 249A of the mounting base 249 with the fixed lock 269, after which the aft end 249B of the mounting base 249 can be pivoted downwardly into the mast pocket 251 until the recess at the aft end 249B engages the movable lock 263. That is achieved and secured by pivoting the lever 258 into the position shown in FIG. 29A.

[0089] As with the arrangement in FIGS. 27-28, the mounting base 249 and mast pocket 251 are preferably shaped to conform to one another so as to create a stable connection between the hydrofoil assembly and the mast. Moreover, the flap 266 may be positioned adjacent to the free end 258A of the lever 258, and the flap 266 may also be spring biased into a position in alignment with the free end 258 A of the lever 258 and the adjacent outer surface of the fuselage section 247 A of the fore portion 246 A of the hydrofoil assembly. Thus, by pivoting the flap 266 into an unaligned position as shown in FIG. 29B may allow access for a user’s hand to grasp the free end 258 A of the lever 258.

[0090] The fore portion 246A may also include a nose wing 279 extending from the front of the fuselage section 247A. In addition, the fore portion 246A may be coupled to an aft portion like that of FIGS 26A-B in order to form a complete hydrofoil such as is shown in FIGS. 25A-B. Thus, the fore portion 246A includes a receptacle 289 formed at the tail end of the fuselage section 247 A to receive a projecting portion at the nose end of the aft portion.Likewise, a detent opening 199 may also be defined around the receptacle 289 to receive a detent catch of the projecting portion of the aft portion.

[0091] The fore portion 246 A of FIGS. 29A-B may be part of an embodiment of a hydrofoil assembly 346 in which the fore portion 246 A is coupleable with an aft portion 146B like that illustrated in FIGS. 26A-B in order to form the complete hydrofoil assembly 346, as shown in FIG. 30. As shown in that figure, the detent catch 198 is received within or through the detent opening 299 in the fuselage section 247 A to maintain the fore portion 246 A and the aft portion 146B in a detachably secured state.

[0092] As with other detachable connections disclosed herein, the above-discussed detachable connection between the fuselage of the hydrofoil assembly and the mounting base at the lower end of the mast, as well as the detachable connection between the fore and aft portions of the hydrofoil assembly, desirably allow for those components to be selectively detached from and securely connected to one another relatively easily by a user. Specifically, such assembly and disassembly can be performed by hand, without the need for one or more separate tools, and also without involving separate parts, such as relatively small fasteners (e.g., screws, pins, bolts, etc.), which could easily be dropped and / or lost in the sand or other location where work is being performed on the watercraft. That is, the detachable connections are operated by actuators such as buttons, levers, etc. that are integrated as part of the relevant component, so that a user can operate the actuators with his or her own hands, without the need to use any discrete tools. Accordingly, the detachable connections disclosed herein provide secure connections between components while also allowing for relative ease of assembly and disassembly at locations such as beaches and boats. Such detachable connections also allow for ease of interchanging components. For example, different hydrofoil assemblies may be readily substituted for one another by selectively detaching and attaching them to the mounting base in place of one another. Similarly, different fore and aft portions of a hydrofoil assembly may be selectively attached to one another to form a complete hydrofoil assembly. That ability may be particularly useful where different hydrofoil components having different dynamic properties from one another are available and can be interchanged to modify the performance of the hydrofoil watercraft to which they are connected. As an example, the user can readily create a custom experience by selecting from among different fore and aft portions whose associated nose and tail wings, respectively, may have different properties.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the watercraft described herein includes a propulsion unit assembly 91 having a motor 92, propeller 93 (or alternatively, jet propulsion), and waterproof motor cables for attaching motor 92 to a motor controller sealed within insulated box 31. Propulsion unit assembly 91 may include a quick release structure to secure to mast 21. Such a quick release may be similar to those described for any of battery 3 and mast 21. Alternatively, a different quick release design may be appreciated that clamps a portion of propulsion unit assembly 91 around mast 21 without the need for fasteners. This may aid in the modularity and / or toolless assembly of hydrofoil assembly 1 by allowing a user to remove and replace propulsion unit assembly 91 without the need for tools.

[0094] Various sensors may be positioned throughout board 2, mast 21, and hydrofoils, and such sensors may provide informational telemetry to the ECU 32 in use. For example, the sensors may measure relative velocity of the watercraft, height of the board 2 above the surface of the water, depth of the water, acceleration in various axes of the unit etc. These sensors may communicate with ECU 32, which in turn may communicate with a rider’ s remote control to provide the telemetry measured from the sensors. In one exemplary embodiment, inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors may be positioned within mast 21, board 3, and each of tail wing 70 and nose wing 79 and may communicate with the ECU housed within board 2. An IMU sensor may also be positioned within the insulated box 31 and in communication with the ECU to control the attitude of the board in a foiling mode or to modulate the power to the motor. This may be employed to help the user by reducing wild variations in power output to stabilize the watercraft. Various control actuators and / or servos may be positioned within the hydrofoil wings, fuselage, and / or mast. Such actuators and / or servos may be attached to control surfaces such as ailerons, elevators, and rudders to help control the watercraft during a foiling mode.

[0095] The watercraft described herein may also be equipped with various adjustable surfaces disposed on the nose wing and the tail wing. Such adjustable surfaces may be configured to actuate based on communication with the ECU described herein and / or based on inputs from a user. Accordingly, the adjustable surfaces may help aid a user in maneuvering the watercraft through the water. Such an adjustable surface system is described in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2023 / 0264787, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0096] It is to be further understood that the disclosure set forth herein includes any possible combinations of the particular features set forth above, whether specifically disclosedherein or not. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, arrangement, configuration, or embodiment, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and / or in the context of other particular aspects, arrangements, configurations, and embodiments of the technology, and in the technology generally.

[0097] Furthermore, although the technology herein has been described with reference to particular features, it is to be understood that these features are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present technology. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications, including changes in the sizes of the various features described herein, may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology. In this regard, the present technology encompasses numerous additional features in addition to those specific features set forth in the paragraphs below. Moreover, the foregoing disclosure should be taken by way of illustration rather than by way of limitation as the present technology is defined by the paragraphs set forth below.

[0098] The following numbered paragraphs describe features in accordance with various embodiments of the invention as further described above:1. A hydrofoil assembly comprising: a board having a cavity defined within an upper side of the board; a battery insertable within the cavity, the battery including a locking mechanism including: a handle rotatable between an unlocked configuration in which the battery is moveable within the cavity and a locked configuration in which the battery is locked within the cavity; and a retractable locking member actuatable by the handle between the unlocked configuration in which the locking member is retracted within the handle and the locked configuration in which the locking member extends from the handle into the cavity of the board.2. The hydrofoil assembly of paragraph 1, wherein a top surface of the battery is flush with the upper side of the board in the locked configuration.3. The hydrofoil assembly of paragraph 2, wherein the handle is flush with the top surface of the battery and the upper side of the board in the locked configuration.4. The hydrofoil assembly of any of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the handle is raised above a top surface of the battery and the upper side of the battery in the unlocked configuration.5. The hydrofoil assembly of paragraph 1, wherein the cavity includes a fixed electrical contact.6. The hydrofoil assembly of any of paragraphs 1-5, wherein a front surface of the battery is positionable and pivotable within a front portion of the cavity.7. A method of securing a battery to an electric hydrofoil assembly, the method comprising: inserting a nose end of the battery at least partially into a nose portion of a cavity defined within a board of the electric hydrofoil; pivoting the battery about the nose end of the battery such that a tail end of the battery approaches a tail portion of the cavity; and rotating a lever or handle disposed on the tail end of the battery in a first direction to extend a latch from the tail end of the battery into the tail portion of the cavity.8. The method of paragraph 7, wherein the rotating step includes rotating the handle such that the handle is flush with an upper surface of the battery in a locked configuration.9. The method of paragraph 7, wherein the inserting the nose end step includes contacting a engagement structure disposed on an upper surface of the battery with an upper side of the board such that a pivot point is created at the contact point between the engagement structure and the upper side of the board.10. The method of paragraph 7, wherein the inserting the nose end step includes inserting a groove defined within the nose end into a protrusion defined within the cavity.11. The method of paragraph 7, wherein the pivoting step includes pivoting the battery such that an upper surface of the battery sits flush with an upper side of the board.12. The method of paragraph 7, further comprising contacting the battery with one or more voltage contacts disposed within the cavity when the battery is in the locked configuration.13. The method of any of paragraphs 7-12, further comprising removing the battery by rotating the handle in a second direction opposite the first direction to retract the latch from the tail portion of the cavity into the tail end of the battery.14. The method of paragraph 13, further comprising pivoting the battery about the nose of the battery such that the battery is released from the cavity.15. The method of paragraph 7, wherein the rotating the handle step includes rotating the handle in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the board.16. A quick release system for securing a mast to a board of a hydrofoil assembly comprising: a handle pivotably coupled to a lower side of the board and moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration; and a locking plate coupled to the handle, the locking plate configured to retain a portion of the mast within a cavity of the board in the locked configuration and release the portion of the mast from the cavity of the board in the unlocked configuration.17. The system of paragraph 16, wherein the mast includes a locking tab.18. The system of paragraph 17, wherein the locking tab includes four lugs, each lug of the four lugs positioned at a corner of an upper plate of the mast extending substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the mast.19. The system of paragraph 17, wherein the locking tab includes a groove configured to receive a lip of the locking plate in the locked configuration.20. The system of paragraph 16, wherein the handle is recessed into a cavity of the board such that the handle is flush with the lower side of the board in the locked configuration and extends downward away from the lower side of the board in the unlocked configuration.21. The system of any of paragraphs 16-20, further comprising a locking member linking the handle to the locking plate.22. The system of paragraph 21, wherein the handle includes a cam configured to bias the locking member when the handle transitions between the locked and unlocked configurations.23. The system of paragraph 21, wherein the locking member includes an opening and the locking plate includes a protrusion configured to extend at least partially into the opening and retain the locking plate to the locking member.24. The system of any of paragraphs 16-23, wherein the locking plate includes a slot for receiving the locking tab of the mast.25. The system of paragraph 24, wherein the slot is keyed to define a first aperture and a slot portion, the slot portion including a lip for retaining the locking tab.26. The system of paragraph 25, wherein the first aperture is void of a lip.27. The system of any of paragraphs 16-26, wherein the mast includes an electrical contact for connecting to an electronic control system positioned within the cavity of the board.28. The system of paragraph 27, wherein the mast includes a plurality of coolant passages, a first coolant passage configured to provide water to the electronic control system and a second coolant passage configured to move water away from the electronic control system.29. The system of paragraph 27, further comprising a heat exchanger within the electronic control system.30. The system of paragraph 27, wherein the electronic control unit further is configured to receive power from a battery positioned within an upper side of the board.31. The system of any of paragraphs 16-30, wherein the electronic control unit includes a port configured to receive a wired connection.32. The system of paragraph 31, wherein the wired connection is between a mobile device and the electronic control system.33. The system of paragraph 31, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile device.34. A method of securing a mast to a board of a hydrofoil assembly, the method comprising: optionally, actuating a handle pivotably coupled to a lower side of the board to an unlocked configuration; positioning a portion of the mast within a cavity defined by the lower side of the board; and actuating the handle to a locked configuration to secure the portion of the mast to the board.35. The method of paragraph 34, wherein the positioning step includes positioning a locking tab of the mast within an aperture of a locking plate disposed within the cavity of the board.36. The method of paragraph 35, wherein the actuating the handle to a locked configuration step includes translating the locking plate over the locking tab.37. The method of paragraph 35, further comprising engaging a lip of the locking plate with a groove of the locking tab when the locking plate is in the locked configuration.38. The method of paragraph 36, further comprising actuating the handle to the unlocked configuration to translate the locking plate over the locking tab such that the locking tab is freely moveable relative to the aperture of the locking plate.39. The method of any of paragraphs 34-38, further comprising contacting an electrical contact disposed on the mast with an electronic control system disposed within the cavity of the board.40. The method of paragraph 39, further comprising providing cooling water to the electronic control system from a first cooling passage disposed within the mast.41. The method of paragraph 40, further comprising expelling the cooling water from the electronic control system through a second cooling passage disposed within the mast.42. The method of paragraph 39, further comprising powering the electronic control system with a battery disposed in a second cavity defined within an upper side of the board.43. The method of paragraph 42, further comprising contacting the battery with a voltage contact disposed within the second cavity.44. The method of paragraph 42, further comprising sending wireless communication signals from at least one of the battery and the electronic control system to a user device.45. The method of paragraph 44, further comprising sending the wireless signals radio frequency through transparent patches disposed within the board.46. The method of paragraph 42, further comprising sending wireless communication signals between the battery and the electronic control system.47. The method of paragraph 42, wherein the sending wireless communication signals step includes sending the wireless communication signals via Bluetooth.48. The method of paragraph 34, wherein the actuating the handle to the locked configuration step includes actuating the handle in a single movement of the handle.49. The method of paragraph 34, wherein transitioning the handle to the unlocked configuration includes actuating the handle in a single movement of the handle.50. A quick release system for securing a hydrofoil structure to a mast comprising: a lever pivotably coupled to a fuselage, the lever moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration; a first biasing element moveably coupled to the lever, the biasing element forming a press fit with the mast; and a first pin translatable relative to the biasing element, the first pin configured to extend into a recess of the mast in the locked configuration and retract out of the recess of the mast in the unlocked configuration.51. The system of paragraph 50, further comprising a button configured to bias the lever in the locked configuration.52. The system of any of paragraphs 50-51, wherein the biasing element is a first wedge.53. The system of paragraph 52, further comprising a shaft extending between the lever and the first wedge, the first wedge moveable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.54. The system of paragraph 53, further comprising a second wedge moveable relative to the first wedge along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.55. The system of paragraph 54, wherein the pin includes a chamfer configured to contact a beveled edge of the second wedge.56. The system of paragraph 54, wherein movement of the first wedge causes movement of the second wedge.57. The system of paragraph 55, wherein movement of the second wedge causes movement of the pin in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shaft.58. The system of paragraph 50, wherein the pin includes a slot configured to receive a locking post in the locked configuration.59. The system of any of paragraphs 50-58, wherein the first pin includes two pins, each pin configured to translate in opposite directions away from the biasing element disposed between the two pins.60. The system of paragraph 58, further comprising a second lever positioned within a tail wing, the second lever configured to releasably secure the tail wing to the fuselage.61. The system of paragraph 59, further comprising a latch moveably coupled to the second lever.62. The system of paragraph 60, wherein the latch is releasably securable within the fuselage.63. The system of paragraph 50, further comprising a third lever positioned within a nose wing, the third lever configured to releasably secure the nose wing to the fuselage.64. A method for securing a hydrofoil structure to a mast, the method comprising: optionally, actuating a lever coupled to a fuselage of the hydrofoil structure to an unlocked configuration; positioning a portion of the mast within a cavity of the fuselage; and actuating the lever to a locked configuration such that a biasing element moveably coupled to the lever biases a pin into a groove of the mast.65. The method of paragraph 64, further comprising pressing a button disposed at least partially within the fuselage to release the lever from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.66. The method of any of paragraphs 64-65, wherein the actuating the lever step includes driving the biasing element along a longitudinal axis of a shaft attaching the biasing element to the lever.67. The method of paragraph 66, further comprising moving a second biasing element moveably coupled to the first biasing element along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.68. The method of paragraph 67, further comprising biasing the pin with the second biasing element.69. The method of paragraph 64, further comprising engaging a locking post with a slot of the pin.70. The method of paragraph 64, further comprising biasing a second pin in a direction substantially opposite the direction of the first pin such that the second pin extends into a second recess of the mast.71. The method of paragraph 64, further comprising actuating a second lever disposed at least partially within a tail wing of the hydrofoil to releasably secure the tail wing to the fuselage.72. The method of any of paragraphs 64-71, further comprising pressing a second button disposed within the tail wing to release the second lever from the locked configuration.73. The method of paragraph 71, further comprising engaging a latch secured to the second lever with the fuselage.74. The method of paragraph 64, further comprising actuating a third lever disposed at least partially within a nose wing of the hydrofoil to releasably secure the nose wing to the fuselage.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A hydrofoil watercraft comprising: a board configured to support a user, the board including a cavity for receiving a battery therein; a propulsion unit assembly detachably connectable to the board via a mast such that the propulsion unit assembly is spaced away from the board, wherein the mast includes an electrical connection for supplying power to the propulsion unit assembly from the battery in the board; and a hydrofoil assembly detachably connectable to the board via the mast such that the hydrofoil assembly is spaced away from the board, wherein the mast is detachably connectable to at least one of the board or the hydrofoil assembly via a quick release structure that is operable by the user’s hand without a discrete tool.

2. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 1, wherein the quick release structure connects the board to the mast.

3. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 2, wherein an interface between the board and the mast that is connectable by the quick release structure includes an electrical contact that electrically couples the electrical connection in the mast to a second electrical connection in the board when the mast is connected to the board, so as to supply the power to the propulsion unit assembly from the battery and / or so as to transmit telemetry data to an electronic control unit within the board.

4. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 3, wherein the mast includes a coolant passage for supplying a liquid coolant from the mast to a heat exchanger disposed within the board proximate an electrical component so as to cool the electrical component.

5. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 4, wherein the interface between the board and the mast that is connectable by the quick release structure includes a liquid connection that fluidly couples the coolant passage in the mast to a second coolant passage in the board when the mastis connected to the board, so as to supply the liquid coolant to the heat exchanger from the mast.

6. The hydrofoil watercraft of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the quick release structure includes a plate having an aperture for removably receiving a lug, the plate being translatable within a plane transverse to a longitudinal axis of the lug so as to lock the lug within the aperture.

7. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 6, wherein translation of the plate is induced by operation of a lever manipulatable by the user’ s hand.

8. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 6, wherein the plate includes a ramp adjacent to the aperture such that translation of the plate while the lug is received within the aperture induces a clamping force between the mast and the board.

9. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 8, wherein the plate is secured to the board and the lug is secured to the mast.

10. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 1, wherein the quick release structure connects the mast to the hydrofoil assembly.

11. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 10, wherein the hydrofoil assembly includes a receptacle for removably receiving an end of the mast spaced away from the board, and wherein the quick release structure includes a movable lock for removably engaging a recess of the end of the mast so as to secure the end of the mast within the receptacle of the hydrofoil assembly.

12. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 11, wherein movement of the lock so as to engage and disengage the recess of the mast is induced by operation of a lever manipulatable by the user’s hand.

13. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 11, wherein the quick release structure includes a fixed lock positioned alongside the receptacle, the fixed lock being arranged to removably engage a second recess of the end of the mast.

14. The hydrofoil watercraft of any one of claims 10-13, wherein the hydrofoil assembly includes a fore portion detachably securable to an aft portion, the fore portion including a nose wing, and the aft portion including a tail wing.

15. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 14, wherein the fore portion and the aft portion are detachably securable to one another by a second quick release structure that is operable by the user’s hand without a discrete tool.

16. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 1, further comprising the battery receivable in the cavity of the board.

17. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 16, wherein the battery is securable within the cavity by a locking mechanism including a handle rotatable between an unlocked configuration in which the battery is removable from the cavity and a locked configuration in which the battery is secured within the cavity.

18. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 17, wherein, when the handle is positioned in the locked configuration, the handle is flush with a top surface of the battery.

19. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 17, wherein the battery is securable within the cavity by pivoting the battery about an axis positioned at an opposite end of the battery from the handle.

20. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 16, wherein a top surface of the battery is flush with an adjacent upper surface of the board when the battery is received in the cavity.

21. The hydrofoil watercraft of claim 1, wherein the board includes an electronic control unit for controlling at least the power supplied to the propulsion unit assembly, the electronic control unit being controllable wirelessly by a remote device.

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