Water bike

Abstract

The subject of invention is water bike, solving the technical problems of: riding water bike on water, starting water bike without external assistance, lifting water bike out of water when driving at low speed and additional lifting of water bike when driving at high speed. Water bike comprises water bike frame (5), drive handlebar (6), front navigation wing for floating (8), rear navigation wing for floating (2), front navigation wing for higher speed (7), rear navigation wing for higher speed (1), thrust element (4) and propulsion element (9). Water bike can also comprise at least one float (3). Moreover, water bike comprises seat (10) and rudder (11). Front navigation wing for floating (8) consists of two profiles, i.e. fixed front navigation wing for floating (81) and front flap (82). Rear navigation wing for floating (2) consists of two profiles, i.e. fixed rear navigation wing for floating (21) and rear flap (82).

Description

[0001] WATER BIKE

[0002] DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0003] Field of Technology

[0004] Water bike, navigation wing, floats, impeller, water bike frame, drive handlebar.

[0005] Technical Problem

[0006] Water bike is designed for people who want to move on the water surface near seas, lakes and rivers by using a navigation object similar to a land bike, allowing you to navigate by pedalling in the same way as on a normal land bike, pedalling with human or electrically assisted propulsion, or with electric propulsion only. It is also possible to use an internal combustion engine or a wind sail.

[0007] The invention solves the problem of a water bike by allowing the water bike to start on its own, so that the user does not need any additional assistance before reaching the speed for a fast ride on the surface of the water.

[0008] Since the downward force exerted by the water bike and the water bike rider is greater than the buoyancy force of the bike, this problem is resolved by adding floats which provide sufficient buoyancy to allow the water bike rider to start riding once seated on the water bike.

[0009] Furthermore, with navigation wings that have a fixed design, it is not possible to ensure an appropriate shape of the wing for different speeds and weights of water bike riders. To increase the speed of the water bike, it is necessary to ensure adequate forces that hold the rider up while riding the water bike. In this case, this is ensured by the front and rear flaps, capable of changing their angle. At lower speeds, the flaps are in a more upright position to ensure that the water bike and the rider are properly lifted. As the speed increases, the front and rear flaps move to a more horizontal position, which ensures a lower water resistance of the water bike, whereas sufficient speed of the water bike ensures that the water bike is lifted even with lower frontal force on the flaps.

[0010] When the water bike is rising out of the water, the additional adjustment of the rear navigation wing and the front navigation wing into a more upright position ensures an additional lift of the water bike from the water. When the speed is sufficient, the water drag force is decreased by reducing the angle of the navigation wings or by moving them in a more horizontal position, thus ensuring a higher speed of the water bike.

[0011] State of the Art

[0012] Different devices for driving on the water surface are used in practice. For example, the propulsion of devices for driving on the water surface can be provided by a hydrocarbon power plant, by electric propulsion, or by pedal propulsion, where the user rotates the pedals in a similar way as on a conventional road bike.

[0013] This invention includes a pedal-powered vehicle, which can be combined with another type of propulsion, such as electric propulsion, internal combustion engine or wind sail.

[0014] Despite extensive search, the user has not been able to find an example of a water bike that works in the same or similar way and includes a front navigation wing, a rear navigation wing, a front navigation wing for higher speed and a rear navigation wing for higher speed. Description of New Invention

[0015] The subject of the invention is a water bike which solves the technical problems of:

[0016] - riding the water bike on the water; starting the water bike without external assistance;

[0017] - lifting the water bike out of the water when driving at low speed; and

[0018] - additional lifting of the water bike when driving at high speed.

[0019] The water bike comprises the water bike frame, the drive handlebar, the front navigation wing for floating, the rear navigation wing for floating, the front navigation wing for higher speed, the rear navigation wing for higher speed, the thrust element and the propulsion element.

[0020] The water bike can also comprise at least one float. Furthermore, the water bike comprises the seat, preferably constructed in a similar way as bike seats. The water bike is also equipped with the rudder.

[0021] The water bike frame allows the connection and attachment of all other parts of the water bike, as well as provides for the installation of parts to accommodate the rider of the water bike, such as the seat.

[0022] The propulsion element ensures the generation of a propulsive force on the thrust element. If the bike is propelled by the user's thrust, the propulsion element is preferably constructed in the form of pedals. The force generated on the propulsion element is transmitted to the thrust element, preferably in the form of an impeller or propeller, which, however, does not limit the essence of the invention. The impeller can be positioned for forward or reverse drive. The propulsion element may also be constructed in a different form, for example as an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, which, however, does not limit the essence of the invention. With other versions of propulsion element, the propulsive force is also transmitted to the thrust element. A wind sail can also be used to push the water bike, which can be attached to the water bike or to the rider. The water bike may also be equipped with a combined propulsion, such as a propulsion provided by the user's thrust and an electric propulsion, as well as a propulsion provided by the user's thrust and a propulsion provided by an internal combustion engine. The propulsion can also be provided by the user's thrust and by the use of a wind sail.

[0023] The propulsion element is mechanically connected to the thrust element by means of a flexible shaft, cardan shaft, conical couplings, chains, or any other means, which, however, does not limit the essence of the invention.

[0024] To ensure stability or sufficient buoyancy of the water bike, floats, preferably cylindrical in shape, are mounted on the water bike frame, which, however, does not limit the essence of the invention. Floats are preferably positioned at the front and rear on the left and right side of the vehicle, allowing the water bike to float without the rider at zero speed. Floats are distributed in such a way as to ensure a stable position of the water bike, so that the bike does not tilt when it is at a standstill. In the part of the bike with greater weight, preferably at the rear of the water bike, more floats are mounted, or floats with a larger volume are mounted, thus providing a higher buoyancy force.

[0025] The water bike is steered with a rudder which is mounted deep enough so that it does not lose its function when the water bike is further lifted out of the water. The rudder is still partially submerged in the water even at higher speeds and is preferably constructed as a vertical steering wing.

[0026] When the water bike starts moving with its user, the water bike starts rising out of the water as the speed increases. Floats generate a large hydraulic drag on the water wheel. When the floats rise above the water surface, the water resistance is reduced, allowing a higher speed of the water bike.

[0027] The front navigation wing for floating on water with lower speed can be constructed of a different number of parts, whereas it is preferably composed of two profiles. If the front navigation wing for floating is constructed of two profiles, the first profile is preferably constructed as a fixed front navigation wing for floating when the water bike is moving through the water at a lower speed. The fixed front navigation wing for floating always stays on the water surface at low speed, and when the speed increases, it rises and separates from the surface.

[0028] The fixed front navigation wing for floating is preferably installed in a fixed position and a second element, called the front flap, is preferably mounted at the end of the navigation wing for floating, allowing the inclination of the wing to be adjusted by moving the shift lever on the drive handlebar, whereas the position or angle of the front flap is changed via a mechanical linkage, preferably a wire rope, which provides a change in the buoyancy force, which is controlled directly through the drive handlebar.

[0029] When the front navigation wing for floating is lifted off the water surface as the speed increases, it will operate aerodynamically instead of hydrodynamically, and it will be crossed by the airflow it encounters during its movement.

[0030] The rudder is preferably mounted on the front navigation wing for floating. The rudder allows the vessel to be steered to the right or left.

[0031] The rear navigation wing for floating on water with lower speed can be constructed of a different number of parts, whereas it is preferably composed of two profiles. If the rear navigation wing for floating is constructed of two profiles, the first profile is preferably constructed as a fixed rear navigation wing for floating when the water bike is moving through the water at a lower speed.

[0032] The fixed rear navigation wing for floating always stays on the water surface at low speed, and when the speed increases, it rises and separates from the surface.

[0033] The fixed rear navigation wing for floating is preferably installed in a fixed position and a second element, called the rear flap, is preferably mounted at the end of the fixed rear navigation wing for floating, allowing the inclination of the wing to be adjusted by moving the shift lever on the drive handlebar, whereas the position or angle of the rear flap is changed via a mechanical linkage, preferably a wire rope, which provides a change in the buoyancy force, which is controlled directly through the drive handlebar.

[0034] When the rear navigation wing for floating is lifted off the water surface as the speed increases, it will operate aerodynamically instead of hydrodynamically, and it will be crossed by the airflow it encounters during its movement.

[0035] The front navigation wing for higher speed is a part of the wing for driving which is immersed in water and is always immersed in water at a set depth, and is preferably constructed in such a way that the inclination of the front navigation wing for higher speed can be changed, preferably by moving the shift lever on the drive handlebar, through a mechanical linkage, preferably a wire rope, which connects the shift lever and the front navigation wing for higher speed, or by mechanical fixing to a vertical bracket connecting the front navigation wing for higher speed to the higher-positioned parts of the water bike. The front navigation wing for higher speed is preferably mechanically fixed through the holes or projections in the vertical bracket.

[0036] A mechanical protection element is provided under the front navigation wing for higher speed to protect the front navigation wing for higher speed and also the thrust element against mechanical damage.

[0037] The rear navigation wing for higher speed is a part of the wing for driving which is immersed in water at a set depth, and is preferably constructed in such a way that the inclination of the rear navigation wing for higher speed can be changed, preferably by moving the shift lever on the drive handlebar, through a mechanical linkage, preferably a wire rope, which connects the shift lever and the rear navigation wing for higher speed, or by mechanical fixing to a vertical bracket connecting the rear navigation wing for higher speed to the higher-positioned parts of the water bike. The rear navigation wing for higher speed is preferably mechanically fixed through the holes or projections in the vertical bracket.

[0038] A mechanical protection element is provided under the rear navigation wing for higher speed to protect the rear navigation wing for higher speed and also the thrust element against mechanical damage.

[0039] The drive handlebar consists of a steering element, preferably constructed in a similar way as on a road bike. The drive handlebar comprises one or more shift levers mounted in the area where the water bike rider places his / her hands.

[0040] The shift levers are used to regulate:

[0041] - the rear flap,

[0042] - the rear navigation wing for higher speed,

[0043] - the front flap,

[0044] - the front navigation wing for higher speed, whereby it is possible to regulate one or more of these elements.

[0045] If several elements are steered, the steering levers for the front part of the bike are preferably on one side and the steering levers for the rear part of the bike are on the other side.

[0046] The position of the front navigation wing for higher speed can also be fixed, in which case it is not regulated with the shift lever. Moreover, the position of the rear navigation wing for higher speed can be fixed and is also not regulated with the shift lever.

[0047] The position of the front flap can also be fixed, in which case it is not regulated with the shift lever. Moreover, the position of the rear flap can be fixed and is also not regulated with the shift lever.

[0048] A gearbox is mounted on the drive handlebar or on the water bike frame to change the rpm of the impeller. The drive handlebar allows the vessel to be steered to the right or left by means of a rudder connected to the front navigation wing for floating. The rudder is rigidly connected to the front navigation wing for floating to follow its movement.

[0049] The water bike frame can be made of any material, preferably aluminium alloy, carbon fibres or glass fibres.

[0050] When a certain speed is reached, the water bike is lifted due to buoyancy and speed, whereby the rear navigation wing for floating and the front navigation wing for floating are separated from the water surface, ensuring a reduction in hydrodynamic friction and consequently a further increase in cruising speed, which reduces the torque load required by the propulsion system.

[0051] When the water bike is lifted, the rear navigation wing for floating and the front navigation wing for floating are no longer operating in a hydrodynamic system but in an aerodynamic system acting as the wings of an aircraft even at low cruising speeds, an aerodynamic buoyancy in the upward direction is generated for the airflow that crosses the wing, which helps to maintain a high cruising speed of the water bike.

[0052] The propulsion element transmits the thrust force to the thrust element, preferably the impeller, immersed in water, which is connected to the propulsion element, preferably a conventional pedalling system commonly used on land bikes, by means of a transmission element for thrust force, preferably in the form of flexible cables, chains or gears. The transmission element for thrust force can be installed either in front of the thrust element or behind the thrust element in relation to the direction of travel.

[0053] A spacer is placed under the thrust element to protect the thrust element against mechanical damage in the event of impact with a hard surface.

[0054] The central axis of the thrust element, which runs approximately in the direction of travel of the water bike, can be positioned: above the axis of the profile of rear navigation wing for higher speed,

[0055] - in or near the axis of the profile of rear navigation wing for higher speed, or slightly above or slightly below the axis of the profile of rear navigation wing for higher speed, or

[0056] - below the axis of the profile of rear navigation wing for higher speed.

[0057] The shift lever system, preferably located on the drive handlebar, allows the speed of the impeller to be increased or decreased by changing the ratios in the same way as on a bike, by using the conventional systems used on bikes. In this way, the electrically assisted system can be utilised to reduce the physical effort of the rider. The propulsion can also be fully electric.

[0058] To prevent the water bike from sinking at speeds close to zero, it is equipped with floats or a system for floating at the front and rear.

[0059] The essence of the invention is further explained below with the description of two embodiments and attached figures, whereby the figures are part of this patent application and show the following:

[0060] Figure 1 shows the rear navigation wing for higher speed 1, the rear navigation wing for floating 2, the float 3, the thrust element 4, the water bike frame 5, the drive handlebar 6, the front navigation wing for higher speed 7, the front navigation wing for floating 8, the propulsion element 9, the seat 10, the rudder 11, the water surface 12.

[0061] Figure 2 shows the the float 3, the front navigation wing for higher speed 7, the front navigation wing for floating 8, the fixed front navigation wing for floating 81, the front flap 82, the rudder 11, the water surface 12, the mechanical protection element 13. Figure 3 shows the the rear navigation wing for higher speed 1, the rear navigation wing for floating 2, the fixed front navigation wing for floating 21, the rear flap 22, the float 3, the thrust element 4, the mechanical protection element 13.

[0062] Figure 4 shows the float 3, the front navigation wing for higher speed 7, the front navigation wing for floating 8, the mechanical protection element 13.

[0063] Figure 5 shows the rear navigation wing for higher speed 1, the rear navigation wing for floating 3, the float 3, the mechanical protection element 13.

[0064] Exemplary embodiment:

[0065] The water bike comprises the water bike frame 5, the drive handlebar 6, the front navigation wing for floating 8, the rear navigation wing for floating 2, the front navigation wing for higher speed 7, the rear navigation wing for higher speed 1, the thrust element 4, the propulsion element 9.

[0066] The water bike also comprises the floats 3 distributed between the front part of the water bike and the rear part of the water bike, and the seat 10 constructed in a similar way as the seat on a road bike. The water bike is also equipped with the rudder 11.

[0067] The propulsion element 9 ensures the generation of a propulsive force on the thrust element 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the bike is propelled by the user's thrust and the propulsion element is constructed in the form of pedals. The force generated on the propulsion element 9 is transmitted to the thrust element 4 in the form of an impeller.

[0068] The propulsion element 9 is mechanically linked to the thrust element 4 via a flexible shaft.

[0069] The water bike is steered with the rudder 11 which is mounted deep enough so that it does not lose its function when the water bike is further lifted out of the water. The rudder 11 is still partially submerged under the water surface 12 even at higher speeds and is constructed as a vertical steering wing.

[0070] The front navigation wing for floating 8 is composed of two profiles. The first profile is constructed as the fixed front navigation wing for floating 81 when the water bike is moving through the water at a lower speed.

[0071] The fixed front navigation wing for floating 81 is installed in a fixed position and a second element, called the front flap 82, is mounted at the end of the navigation wing for floating 81, allowing the inclination of the wing to be adjusted by moving the shift lever on the drive handlebar 6, whereas the position or angle of the front flap 82 is changed via a wire rope, which provides a change in the buoyancy force, which is controlled directly through the drive handlebar 6.

[0072] The rudder 11 is mounted on the front navigation wing for floating 8. The rudder 11 allows the vessel to be steered to the right or left.

[0073] The rear navigation wing for floating 2 on water with lower speed is composed of two profiles. The first profile is constructed as the fixed rear navigation wing for floating 21 when the water bike is moving through the water at a lower speed.

[0074] The fixed rear navigation wing for floating 21 is installed in a fixed position and a second element, called the rear flap 22, is mounted at the end of the fixed rear navigation wing for floating 21, allowing the inclination of the wing to be adjusted by moving the shift lever on the drive handlebar 6, whereas the position or angle of the rear flap 22 is changed via a wire rope, which provides a change in the buoyancy force, which is controlled directly through the drive handlebar 6.

[0075] The front navigation wing for higher speed 7 is a part of the rudder for driving which is immersed in water and is always immersed in water at a set depth, and is constructed in such a way that the inclination of the front navigation wing for higher speed 7 can be changed by moving the shift lever on the drive handlebar 6 through a wire rope which connects the drive handlebar 6 and the front navigation wing for higher speed 7. The mechanical protection element 13 is provided under the front navigation wing for higher speed 7 to protect the front navigation wing for higher speed 7 and also the impeller against mechanical damage.

[0076] The rear navigation wing for higher speed 1 is a part of the rudder for driving which is immersed in water at a set depth, and is constructed in such a way that the inclination of the rear navigation wing for higher speed 1 can be changed by moving the shift lever on the drive handlebar 6 through a wire rope which connects the drive handlebar 6 and the rear navigation wing for higher speed 1. The mechanical protection element 13 is provided under the rear navigation wing for higher speed 1 to protect the rear navigation wing for higher speed and also the impeller against mechanical damage.

[0077] The drive handlebar 6 consists of a steering element, constructed in a similar way as on a road bike. The drive handlebar comprises four shift levers mounted in the area where the water bike rider places his / her hands.

[0078] Four shift levers are used to regulate:

[0079] - the rear flap 22,

[0080] - the rear navigation wing for higher speed 1, the front flap 82,

[0081] - the front navigation wing for higher speed 7,

[0082] The steering levers for the front part of the bike are installed on one the left side of the drive handlebar 6, and the steering levers for the rear part of the bike are installed on the right side of the drive handlebar 6. A gearbox is mounted on the drive handlebar 6 to change the rpm of the impeller.

[0083] The drive handlebar allows the vessel to be steered to the right or left by means of the rudder 11 connected to the front navigation wing for floating 8. The rudder 11 is rigidly connected to the front navigation wing for floating 8 to follow its movement. The water bike frame can be made of aluminium alloy.

[0084] The propulsion element 9 transmits the thrust force to the thrust element 4, constructed as an impeller immersed in water, which is connected to the propulsion element 9, constructed as a conventional pedalling system commonly used on land bikes, by means of flexible cables.

[0085] It is self-evident that the above described invention can be also used in other particular form not changing the substance of the invention.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS1. The water bike characterised in that it comprises the water bike frame (5), the drive handlebar (6), the front navigation wing for floating (8), the rear navigation wing for floating (2), the front navigation wing for higher speed (7), the rear navigation wing for higher speed (1), the thrust element (4), the propulsion element (9), the rudder (11), the seat (10) and at least one float (3).

2. The water bike according to claim 1, characterised in that the water bike frame (5) allows the connection and attachment of all other parts of the water bike.

3. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the propulsion element (9) ensures the generation of a propulsive force on the thrust element (4).

4. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the propulsion element (9) is constructed in the form of pedals.

5. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the propulsion element (9) is constructed as an electric motor.

6. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the propulsion element (9) is constructed as an internal combustion engine.

7. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the propulsion element (9) is constructed as a wind sail.

8. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the propulsion element (9) is constructed as a combined propulsion through pedals and electric engine.

9. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the thrust element (4) is constructed as an impeller.

10. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the propulsion element (9) is mechanically linked to the thrust element (4).

11. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 10, characterised in that to ensure stability or sufficient buoyancy of the water bike, floats (3) are mounted on the water bike frame (5).

12. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the floats (3) are distributed in such a way as to ensure a stable position of the water bike, so that the bike does not tilt when it is at a standstill.

13. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the water bike is steered with the rudder (11) which is mounted deep enough so that it does not lose its function when the water bike is further lifted out of the water.

14. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the rudder is constructed as a vertical steering wing.

15. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the front navigation wing for floating (8) on water with lower speed is composed of two profiles, i.e. the fixed front navigation wing for floating (81) and the front flap (82).

16. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the front flap (82) is mounted at the end of the front navigation wing for floating (81), allowing the inclination of the wing to be adjusted by moving the shift lever on the drive handlebar (6), whereas the position or angle of the front flap (82) is changed via a mechanical linkage, which provides a change in the buoyancy force, which is controlled directly through the drive handlebar (6).

17. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the rudder (11) is mounted on the front navigation wing for floating (8) and allows the vessel to be steered to the right or left.

18. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the rear navigation wing for floating (2) on water with lower speed is composed of two profiles, i.e. the fixed rear navigation wing for floating (21) and the rear flap (82).

19. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 18, characterised in that the rear flap (22) is mounted at the end of the rear navigation wing for floating (21), allowing the inclination of the wing to be adjusted by moving the shift lever on the drive handlebar (6), whereas the position or angle of the rear flap (22) is changed via a mechanical linkage, which provides a change in the buoyancy force, which is controlled directly through the drive handlebar (6).

20. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 19, characterised in that the front navigation wing for higher speed (7) is at a set depth, and is constructed in such a way that the inclination of the front navigation wing for higher speed (7) can be changed by moving the shift lever through a mechanical linkage which connects the shift lever and the front navigation wing for higher speed (7).

21. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 19, characterised in that the front navigation wing for higher speed (7) is mechanically fixed on the vertical bracket connecting the front navigation wing for higher speed (7) to the higher-positioned parts of the water bike.

22. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 20, characterised in that the mechanical protection element (13) is provided under the front navigation wing for higher speed (7).

23. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 22, characterised in that the rear navigation wing for higher speed (1) is at a set depth, and is constructed in such a way that the inclination of the rear navigation wing for higher speed (1) can be changed by moving the shift lever through a mechanical linkage which connects the shift lever and the rear navigation wing for higher speed (1).

24. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 23, characterised in that the rear navigation wing for higher speed (1) is mechanically fixed on the vertical bracket connecting the rear navigation wing for higher speed (1) to the higher-positioned parts of the water bike.

25. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 24, characterised in that the mechanical protection element (13) is provided under the rear navigation wing for higher speed (1).

26. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 25, characterised in that it comprises one or more shift levers.

27. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 25, characterised in that it comprises four shift levers.

28. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 27, characterised in that the shift levers are used to regulate the rear flap (22), the rear navigation wing for higher speed (1), the front flap (82) and the front navigation wing for higher speed (7).

29. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 28, characterised in that a gearbox is mounted on the water bike frame (5) to change the rpm of the impeller.

30. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 28, characterised in that a gearbox is mounted on the drive handlebar (6) to change the rpm of the impeller.

31. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 30, characterised in that the rudder (11) is rigidly connected to the front navigation wing for floating (8) to follow its movement.

32. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 31, characterised in that the water bike frame (5) is made of aluminium alloy.

33. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 31, characterised in that the water bike frame (5) is made of carbon fibres.

34. The water bike according to any claims 1 to 31, characterised in that the water bike frame (5) is made of glass fibres.

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