Protective and retractable stern platform for auxiliary electric propulsion

Abstract

A protective and retractable stern platform (100) for the auxiliary electric propulsion of a watercraft (200). The platform (100) supports on its lower surface at least one electric propulsor (101) and can move between a submerged working position (A) and an emerged resting position (B) adjacent to the transom (201) of the watercraft (200). The stern platform (100) comprises: at least one scissor linkage (102) with a first arm (102a) connected to the platform (100) and a second arm (102b) connected to the transom (201); at least one linear actuator (103) hinged between the arms (102a, 102b) to move the linkage (102); at least one telescopic ladder (104) hinged to the edges of the platform (100). Said telescopic ladder (104) is configured to extend vertically underwater, acting both as a swimming ladder and as a protective cage around the electric propulsor (101), thus ensuring safety during bathing. Means are provided for controlling the actuator (103) and the ladder (104).

Description

[0001] Protective and retractable stern platform for auxiliary electric propulsion

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a retractable stern platform for the safe use of auxiliary propulsion systems, typically electric ones. Said device is intended preferably, but not exclusively, for use as an auxiliary propulsion system for watercraft (200) and the like that are navigating or moored in marine, lacustrine, and / or fluvial areas subject to restrictions on access, navigation, and bathing. Said uses include, by way of non-limiting example, navigation within protected or environmentally valuable marine areas, regulated navigation near the coast, or navigation in proximity to fish farming facilities.

[0004] More generally, said platform (100) is advantageously usable to safely benefit from an auxiliary propulsion system capable of overcoming the ever-increasing access limitations that characterize watercraft equipped with traditional internal combustion engines, both outboard (300) and inboard.

[0005] Background art

[0006] In recent years, there has been a growth in sensitivity to the environmental impact caused by the increasing presence of watercraft in sensitive areas. This has spurred the development of electric or hybrid propulsion boats, which combine a traditional thermal engine with an auxiliary electric propulsor, typically in the form of a POD, which can be activated when needed. Several solutions have therefore been proposed to convert existing boats by equipping them with an auxiliary electric motorization. Currently, the integration of such a system occurs mainly through the installation of submerged POD capsules permanently fixed to the hull, or through the use of electric outboard motors, for which automated lifting systems are also known. However, both electric outboard motors and permanently installed PODs present critical issues, especially when the watercraft is used for bathing and thus involves the use of ladders and stern platforms. The main problems concern the coexistence in confined spaces of propulsion systems with bathing supports and the consequent risks to the safety of people in the water. Accidental interference with the propulsion components, even at low speeds, can cause serious injury. To date, there is no auxiliary propulsion system that is simple to use, usable only when needed without interfering with traditional navigation, and that at the same time ensures maximum safety during bathing activities. The international search report has identified some relevant documents. Document US 2022 / 126953 A1 describes a retractable stern platform for an auxiliary motor, but it does not provide for any protection system for bathers nor the specific scissor linkage configuration of the invention. Documents US 2024 / 228003 A9 and JP H07 156875 A show fixed platforms with auxiliary motors or protective frames, but they lack the retractable and integrated character of the proposed solution. Finally, document FR 3 142 169 A1 shows a propeller guard, but this is not integrated into a movable and multifunctional stern platform. None of these documents, either individually or in combination, suggests the inventive solution of integrating a telescopic ladder with a dual function of water access and extensible protective cage, integral with a retractable platform moved by a scissor linkage.

[0007] Objects of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned critical issues. A primary object of the present patent is therefore to create an integrated auxiliary electric propulsion system that includes a stern platform (100) and a swimming ladder (104), installable at the transom (201) of watercraft (200). A further object is to create a system that allows for bathing in complete safety, providing effective protection against accidental contact with the propulsion components. In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a swimming ladder (104) that also acts as an extensible protective cage around the propulsor (101). A further objective is to create a system that minimizes hydrodynamic interference during non-electric navigation, thanks to the ability to completely retract the propulsion system out of the water. A further object is to create a system whose installation does not require impactful interventions on the underwater body of the watercraft (200).

[0009] A further object is to create a system easily adaptable to a plurality of watercraft of different types (sailboats, motorboats, inflatable boats) and propulsion systems.

[0010] A further object is to create an auxiliary electric propulsion system equipped with safety systems, such as the automatic retraction of the platform (100) upon exceeding a certain speed or the automatic extension of the protection (104) in virtual anchor mode.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] The aforementioned objectives are achieved by means of the protective and retractable stern platform for auxiliary electric propulsion according to the main claim 1 . The invention consists of a retractable stern platform (100) that supports, on its lower surface, at least one electric propulsor (101). The platform (100) is equipped with a perimetric swimming ladder (104) of the telescopic type, which, in the extended position, performs the dual function of a ladder for descending into the water and a protective cage element, preventing accidental contact with the moving propulsion components. The platform (100) can move from a first working position (A), horizontal, with the propulsor (101) submerged and the ladder (104) extended, to a second resting position (B), gathered vertically against the transom (201), with the propulsor (101) out of the water and the ladder (104) closed. Position (A) is ideal for electric navigation and safe bathing, while position (B) eliminates hydrodynamic interference during navigation with a traditional engine or by sail and protects the auxiliary propulsor from prolonged immersion.

[0013] Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings

[0014] Further characteristics and advantages of the proposed technical solution will be more evident in the following description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, represented, by way of non-limiting example, in the six attached drawing sheets in which:

[0015] - Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of the proposed system applied to the transom of a watercraft, respectively in the working and resting positions;

[0016] - Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 illustrate various views of an embodiment of the proposed system applied to a watercraft characterized by an outboard motor;

[0017] - Figs. 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 illustrate an embodiment of the proposed system provided with a folding platform and particularly suitable for an inflatable boat.

[0018] It is specified that the aforementioned attached figures illustrate only some possible executive forms of the system, to better understand its described advantages and characteristics. Such forms are therefore to be understood for purely illustrative and nonlimiting purposes of the inventive concept for which protection is sought.

[0019] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] With reference to the drawing sheets, and in particular to Figs. 1 and 2, a protective and retractable stern platform (100) for auxiliary electric propulsion is shown, applied to the transom (201) of a watercraft (200). Said platform (100) defines an upper surface and a lower surface, and is characterized by at least one electric propulsor (101) installed at said lower surface. Said propulsor (101), which may be, for example, a POD capsule, is usable for propulsion when the platform (100) is arranged horizontally in the working position (A). The platform (100) is connected to the transom (201) by means of at least one scissor linkage (102). Each linkage (102) comprises a first arm (102a) coupled to the platform (100) and a second arm (102b) anchored to the transom (201), preferably in a vertical position. To adapt to the curvature of the transom (201), the anchoring of the second arm (102b) can occur via adaptation elements such as a spacer (202). The linkage (102) also comprises a linear actuator (103) hinged between the first arm (102a) and the second arm (102b). Said actuator (103), preferably an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic piston, allows, through its controlled expansion, for the rotation of the first arm (102a) with respect to the second arm (102b), causing the lifting of the stern platform (100) and the propulsor (101) from the working position (A) to the resting position (B). The system is provided with means for controlling said linear actuator (103).

[0021] The platform (100) is equipped with at least one protective element in the form of a telescopic ladder (104), hinged to the lateral and rear edges of the platform (100). Said ladder (104), when extended, forms a protective cage around the propulsor (101) and, thanks to an adequate spacing between the rungs, also acts as a swimming ladder. The ladder (104) comprises at least two superimposable and telescopically expandable portions, dimensioned to extend for a length at least equal to the submerged portion of the propulsor (101), ensuring adequate protection from accidental contact with its moving parts.

[0022] With reference to Figs. 3-10, an application for a watercraft (200) with an outboard motor (300) is illustrated. In this configuration, the platform (100) has at least one opening (105) to accommodate the bulk of the emerged part of the outboard motor (300) and allow for the rotation of the platform.

[0023] With reference to Figs. 11 -18, an embodiment for an inflatable boat is illustrated. In this variant, the platform is divided into at least two transverse sections (106, 108) connected by a hinge (107). The propulsor (101) is connected to the first section (106), while the ladder (104) is connected to the second section (108). The hinge (107) allows the second section (108) to be folded onto the first (106) during lifting, obtaining a particularly compact resting configuration. The control means for the actuator (103) and the ladder (104) can be integrated with a GPS sensor to automate the retrieval of the platform (100) upon exceeding a threshold speed and the extension of the ladder (104) in virtual anchor mode.

[0024] Industrial Applicability and Further Alternative Embodiments

[0025] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain preferred embodiments have been shown in the drawings and described in detail in the preceding paragraph. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0026] The use of "for example," "etc.," "or," "preferably" indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unless otherwise indicated. In particular, the invention may be realized with technical equivalents, with materials or supplementary arrangements suitable for the purpose and the field of application. The conformation and dimensioning of the constituent parts and of the products made to implement the solution may vary in a suitable manner, but consistent with the proposed solution.

[0027] By way of non-limiting example, it should be noted that the dimensions and geometric shapes of the parts involved, their reciprocal positioning, and further the specific form and some functionalities of the system may be further varied: the general setup may in fact be revised without departing from the scope of the claimed model depending on the type and size of the watercraft (200) and the platform (100) or any further specificities required by the application context. Furthermore, it is noted that the devices indicated as a linear actuator (103) will preferably be of the electric type for obvious reasons of uniformity and simplicity, but nothing prevents said devices from being replaced by functionally equivalent devices such as pistons, cylinders, racks, or replaced with similar systems operating on a mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic basis; all without departing from the scope of the invention described above and claimed. In particular, the same considerations will apply with regard to the scissor linkage (102) that allows for the vertical lifting of the platform (100) and the underlying electric propulsor (101).

[0028] Furthermore, the control means for the linear actuator (103) and the control means for the aforementioned telescopic ladder (104) responsible for the lifting and telescopic expansion of the protective cage may be integrated with a control logic provided with a GPS sensor. Said GPS sensor being used to guide the automatic lifting of the stern platform (100) in the event that a certain threshold speed is exceeded and to determine the automatic contraction or extension of the telescopic ladders (104) in the retracted position when the electric propulsor (101) is used in virtual anchor mode. In any case, said necessary modifications to the system object of the invention and to its characterizing parts, inclusive of adjustments and dimensioning appropriate to the individual installation, will be deducible by a person skilled in the art, adequately instructed, and without departing from the scope of protection of the claimed patent. Furthermore, the system may be adapted and possibly expanded to provide further and additional services and further equipped with systems and accessories to integrate its operation and increase its potential and fields of use, such as, for example, remote control and / or automatic navigation systems.

Claims

Claims1 . A protective and retractable stern platform (100) for auxiliary electric propulsion of a watercraft (200), said platform (100) allowing at least one electric propulsor (101) anchored to its lower surface to pass from a submerged position (A) to an emerged position (B) adjacent to the transom (201) of said watercraft (200); said stern platform (100) being characterized in that it comprises:- at least one scissor linkage (102) comprising a first arm (102a) coupled to said platform (100) and a second arm (102b) disposed vertically and coupled to said transom (201);- at least one linear actuator (103) hinged between said first and second arms (102a), (102b) and employed to move said scissor linkage (102);- at least one telescopic ladder (104) hinged to the lateral and rear edges of said stern platform (100), said telescopic ladder (104) being capable of extending vertically underwater and configured to act as a protective element for said at least one electric propulsor (101) when extended;- means for controlling said at least one linear actuator (103) and means for controlling said at least one telescopic ladder (104).

2. A stern platform (100) according to claim 1 , applied to a watercraft (200) provided with an outboard motor (300), and further comprising at least one opening (105) to accommodate the emerged section of said outboard motor (300).

3. A stern platform (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said telescopic ladder (104) has a minimum length less than or equal to the distance between the platform (100) and the water level and a maximum length greater than or equal to the immersion depth of the electric propulsor (101).

4. A stern platform (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said means for controlling said at least one linear actuator (103) comprise a GPS sensor employed to pilot the lifting of said platform (100) when the watercraft (200) exceeds a predetermined speed.

5. A stern platform (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said means for controlling said telescopic ladder (104) comprise a GPS sensor employed to pilot the extension ofsaid at least one telescopic ladder (104) when said electric propulsor (101) is employed in virtual anchor mode.

6. A stern platform (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said means for controlling said at least one linear actuator (103) and said at least one telescopic ladder (104) are selected from levers, joysticks, cable controls, and wireless remote controls.

7. A stern platform (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one linear actuator (103) is selected from electric pistons, hydraulic pistons, pneumatic pistons, racks, and worm screws.

8. A stern platform (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said second arm (102b) is anchored to said transom (201) by means of a spacer (202) for adapting to the curvature of said transom (201).

9. A stern platform (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said platform (100) is divided into at least two folding transverse sections (106, 108) connected by a hinge (107).

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