Tangs Cycleboard

The most popular water sport is the wind surf board. The wind surf board combines the sail boat with surf board. The rider has the close contact with water. It has much more fun than the sail boat. However, the surf board limits to sportsmen. The rider struggles with the strong wind with his whole body weight. He cannot relax on the water. It makes recreational people feel very uncomfortable.

The Tangs surf board is invented for both sport and recreation. It has the multiple function of sail boat with revolving fan, the relax seat on water with sunshade umbrella, the surf board with self-propelling water jet and the canoe with pedal wheel. It can serve as the wind surf board. However, the rider needs not to hold the sail as the surf board rider does. The Tangs revolving sail converts the wind energy to the water jet to propel the board. The rider needs not to adjust the sail according to the wind direction, either. The revolving sail has the same efficiency despite of the direction of wind. The transform efficiency of wind energy is high, we may use much smaller sail. The overturn torque is much smaller. Furthermore, the revolving sail has the automatic adjustment capability to avoid the overturn torque in the very strong wind. The floating water wings and damper fins help to maintain the stability of the board. The rider needs not to struggle for the balance with the weight of body. The rider can be relaxed to enjoy life.

The Tangs surf board may serve as the surf-board. However, the rider no longer needs to swim out of beach with the surf board and wait for the wave coming in the sea. The water-jet propels the surf board. The surf rider can even run against and climb over the wave.

With the removable canoe cover, the board can be transformed into a canoe. The water turbine is horizontal and hide in the board and the water wing and damper fin are horizontally aligned. The surf board has the direct access to the very shallow water region. If there is no wind, the rider may step on the single sided pedals to rotate the water turbine to propel the board and/or to rotate the revolving sail. The parafoils of revolving sail serves as the fan blowing the wind on the rider. The revolving sail serves as the sunshade umbrella, too. Equipped with the revolving sail and the foldable reclining seat on board, the rider can ride and rest on board. It is the best water sport and recreational apparatus.

The Tangs surf board comprises the revolving sails, single sided pedals, water turbine and the multi-functional board. The revolving sail rotates to drive the horizontally aligned water turbine. The turbine propels the board forward. Stepping on the single-sided pedals, the water turbine rotates to propel the board, too. As the foldable reclining seat is in folded position, the board serves as the wind surf board. With the automatically foldable revolving sail, extendable floating wing and damper fins, the board is stable to be operated in the strong wind. As the foldable reclining seat is in raised position, the board serves as the relaxation seat or sail boat. The revolving sail serves as the sunshade umbrella, too. Equipped with the canoe cover, the board is transformed into a canoe.

FIG. 1 is the partially exposed section view of the Tangs surf board with the revolving sail in the operating position; one foldable seat is in the raised position; the other seat is in the folded position.

FIG. 2 is the partially exposed section view of the Tangs surf board with the revolving sail in the folded up position.

FIG. 3 is the top section view of the surf board taken along the line A--A in FIG. 1; the water wings are in the extended position.

FIG. 4 is the bottom section view of the surf board taken at the line B--B in FIG. 2; the water wings are in the closed position.

FIG. 5 is the partial exposed section view of surf board equipped with canoe cover; the seat back is in the raising up position.

FIG. 6 is the top view of the surf board in the form of canoe; the seat back is in the folded position.

FIG. 7 is the section view of the Tangs surf board in the form of canoe taken at the C--C line in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is the partially exposed bottom view of the Tangs surf board in the form of canoe.

FIG. 9 is the partially exposed section view of the Tangs surf board in the form of canoe; the revolving sail is the operating position.

FIG. 10 is the partially exposed top view of the Tangs surf board in the form of canoe; the water wings are in the extended position.

FIG. 11 is the partially exposed section view of the Tangs surf board taken at the D--D line in FIG. 9; the water wings are in the closed position.

FIG. 12 is the partially exposed top view of the revolving sail; the tails of parafoils are sewed to the umbrella cover with the zippers.

FIG. 13 is the partially exposed section view of the alternative design of revolving sail; the parafoils swings between the vertical and horizontal positions.

FIG. 14 is the side view of parafoil sail taken at the line E--E in FIG. 12 and F--F line in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is the enlarged partially exposed section view of the alternative design taken at the end of cantilever in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is the partially exposed section view of the brace link hidden in the bracket bar in the folded up position of revolving sail.

FIG. 17 is the partially exposed section view of the brace link of the parafoil as shown in FIG. 13: (A) is the brace link in the vertical position taken at the G--G line in FIG. 15; (B) is the brace link in the horizontal position.

FIG. 18 is the partially exposed section view of the revolving sail in the folded up position.

FIG. 19 (A) is the section view of the pole taken at the line H--H in FIG. 18; (B) is the section view of the pole taken at the line J--J in FIG. 18; (C) is the section view of the pole taken at the line K--K in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is the enlarged partially exposed section view of the driving mechanism taken at the Y--Y line in FIG. 3.

FIG. 21 is the enlarged partially exposed section view of the driving mechanism taken at the X--X line in FIG. 3.

FIG. 22 is the enlarged partially exposed bottom view of the water turbine and jet nozzle in FIG. 4.

FIG. 23 is the enlarged partially exposed top view of the driving mechanism in FIG. 3.

FIG. 24 is the section views of the pedals; (A) is the pedal in the pulled out driving position; (B) is the pedal in the pushing-in folded position.

FIG. 25 is the enlarged partially exposed top view of the driving mechanism as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 26 is the partially exposed composite section views of the foldable seat taken separately at the lines L--L and R--R in FIG. 27.

FIG. 27 (A) is the partially exposed section view of the foldable seat in the raised up position taken along the I--I line in FIG. 26; (B) is the partial exposed side view of the foldable seat in the folded position.

The Tangs surf board has the multiple functions of canoe, rest seat, sail boat and wind surf board. The Tangs surf board uses the revolving sail and/or the flat single sided pedals to drive the horizontal water turbine to propel forward. With the removable canoe cover, the board may be changed into a canoe. There are several different combinations of the surf board. FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 show the board equipped with the revolving sail and pedals. FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 show the canoe equipped with pedals. FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show the sail boat equipped with revolving sail and pedals.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 the Tangs surf board comprises of the board 1, revolving sail 2, pedals 31, water turbine 7, water jet 8, water wings 9, damping fins 56 and foldable seats 10. The water turbine 7 is horizontally aligned and within the board 1. The seat 10 may be folded that the board may serve as either the surf board or rest seat. The wind blows the revolving sail 2 to rotate. The turbine 7 transforms the rotation of transmission axle 5 into the water jet. The water nozzle 8 transforms the water pressure into the water velocity. The handle 72 is rotationally mounted on the fixed mast 4 for the rider to hold. Release the lock 74, the handle 72 may slide on the mast 4 to adjust the position of handle 72.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show the detailed structures of two different designs for the revolving sail 2. Similar to the umbrella, covering on the cantilevers 8 is the alcove cover 68. The alcove cover 68 is made of gauze. It offers shade to the rider, transmits the rotating torque to pole 3, minimizes the overturning torques and lifts the board 1 to increase the speed. The flexible sail 23 is preferred to be implemented with the parafoil as shown in FIG. 14. The flexible sails 23 hang on the cantilevers 8. As shown in FIG. 12, the revolving sail 2 attaches the tail of parafoil 23 to the alcove cover 68 with the zipper 69. This design is much simpler and has the same efficiency as the design as shown in FIG. 13, 15, 16 and FIG. 17. In such a design, the brace links 24, hook 30 and notches 25 in FIG. 16 are eliminated.

FIG. 13 shows the alternative design of the revolving sail 2. The cantilever 8 is hinged to the sliding ring 21 and is pivoted at the tip of the rocker arm 18. The rocker arm 18 is hinged to the spring retainer 26 and pivoted at the tip of the stirrup 17. There are two spring retainers 16 and 26 clamping the coil spring 19. The spring retainer 16 tamps the end of pole 3 to hold the coil spring 19. The coil spring 19 expands against the spring retainer 26 and the spring retainer 26 moves downward. The rocker arms 18 raise the cantilevers 8. The sliding ring 21 moves upward. The revolving sails 2 are in the extended position as shown in FIG. 13. There are two brace links 24 at the ends of flexible sail 23. As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 17(A), the brace link 24 hangs on the hook 30 at the end of cantilever 8. FIG. 17(A) is the side view taken along the line G--G in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 17(A) and (B), the brace link 24 can swing from vertical position in FIG. 17(A) to the horizontal position in FIG. 17(B) and vice versa. The cantilevers 8 hold the revolving sails 23. The cantilevers 8 are hinged to the sliding cylinder 21.

As shown in FIG. 13, as the wind blows in the direction pointing into the paper, the left flexible sail 23 expands and its brace links 24 are vertical; the right flexible sail 23 becomes flat and its brace links 24 become horizontal. It causes the revolving sail 2 rotating in a single direction. This rotation transmits through the pole 3, axle 5 and the water turbine 7 to propel the board 1. The sliding cylinder 21 mounts on the driving pole 3. The pole 3 is installed at the top of the fixed mast 4. The pole 3 rotates the axle 5. The axle 5 drives the water turbine 7 to rotate. The lock handle 61 is to lock the revolving sail 2 with the pole 3. The lock handle 62 is to lock the pole 3 with the axle 5. If the lock handle 61 is released, the revolving sail is released to slide on the pole 3. If the lock handle 62 is released, the revolving sail 2 rotates freely. To increase the torque transmitting capability, the sliding cylinder 21 and the driving pole 3 have the grooves.

There are several different ways to operate the revolving sail 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the revolving sail 2 serves as the sail, umbrella and rotating fan. As the sliding cylinder 21 is pulled downward, the revolving sail 2 is folded up as shown in FIG. 2. The rider may enjoy the direct sunshine and/or fishing in the lake. As shown in FIG. 18, pulling the sliding ring 21 downward, the revolving sail 2 folds up. The flexible sails 23 are wrapped as the umbrella. As shown in FIG. 16, the brace links 24 fit in the slots 25 in the cantilever 8. FIG. 19(A) is the cross section taken at the H--H line in FIG. 18; FIG. 19(B) is the cross section taken at the J--J line in FIG. 18; FIG. 19(C) is the cross section taken at the K--K line in FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 19(A), (B) and (C), there are the grooves 29 inside the pole 3. These grooves 29 are to collect the rain to flow down through the mast 4.

FIG. 3 is the partially exposed top view of the board taken along the line A--A in FIG. 1. The water wings 9 are in the extended positions. The left damper fin 56 is hinged to the buckles 55. The right damper fin 56 is still wrapped as a roll. The sleeve tubes 57 and 58 are locked with the cam lock 22. The sleeve tubes 57 and 58 share the same conduits. The tube 57 may slide inside the tube 58. As shown in FIG. 4, the sleeve tubes 57 and 58 may shrink to the closed position.

FIG. 20, FIG. 21, FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 show the detailed structure of the propelling mechanism. FIG. 20 is the enlarged cross-section of the driving mechanism taken along the cross section at the line Y--Y in FIG. 3. FIG. 21 is the enlarged cross-section of the driving mechanism taken along the cross section at the line X--X in FIG. 3. The revolving platform 70 mounts on the roller bearing 33. The blades of the water turbine 7 are integrated to be one unit with the revolving platform 70. The mast 4 is inserted and locked with the guiding tube 6. The bearing 49 holds the axle 5 in the vertical position. Referring to FIG. 20, at the bottom of the axle 5 is the shift screw 46. As the wind blows on the revolving sail 2, the pole 3 rotates the axle 5. With the shift screw 46, the clockwise rotation of the axle 5 drives the engaging cylinder 44 to engage with the revolving platform 70 to rotate the water turbine 7. FIG. 23 and FIG. 25 show the enlarged top views of two different designs of the single sided pedal driving mechanisms. FIG. 24 is the cross section views of pedals taken along the line N--N in FIG. 23. In FIG. 24(B), the pedal is folded up and pushed into the board. In FIG. 24 (A), the pedal 31 is pulled out of the board 1 and in the operating position. The rider steps on the pedal 31 to to rotate the crank link 32. The crank link 32 rotates the square shaft 34 and the bevel gear 12. In FIG. 23, the bevel gear 12 drives the idle gear 13 directly. The shift screw 43 is notched on the tube portion of the idle gear 13. The rotation of the shift screw 43 drives the engaging cylinder 43 to engage with the revolving platform 70 and drives the revolving platform 70 to rotate. FIG. 22 is taken at the cross section W--W in FIG. 21. The tongue 39 is fixed to the nozzle 8 and the tongue 39 slides inside the slot of the guiding groove 37. To change the propelling direction, the lock handle 50 may raise up and the lock is released. Swivelling the handle 50, the link bar 51 rotates the shaft 38 and the guiding groove 37. As the groove 37 swivels, the nozzle 8 swivels, too. The water jet changes direction so that the serve board 1 may change direction. As the direction is fixed, the lock handle 50 is pushed downward to lock position of nozzle 8.

The alternative way to change the propelling direction is to have the shaft 38 rotate a plate. The plate is outside the exit of nozzle 8 to deflect the waterjet. In such an alignment, the nozzle 8 is fixed. This plate is separated into two portions with the pivotal shaft 38. The rear portion of this plate is slightly longer than the front portion of the plate. The plate has the tendency to return to the neutral position and the twisting force on the shaft 38 is also minimized. The rotation of the water turbine 7 will expels the water out of the exit of the nozzle 8 and suck the water from the inlet.

Referring to FIG. 5, the Tangs surf board is equipped with the canoe cover 51. The canoe cover 51 can be separated from the board 1. The cover 51 is added to protect the rider in the tough weather and/or sailing conditions. The seat back 11 can be raised up to be the reclining seat as shown in FIG. 5. As the seat back 11 is closed, the canoe becomes a board as shown in FIG. 6. The canoe is propelled with the water jet. As shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, the rider steps on the pedals 31 to crank the gears 12. The gears 12 pulles the chain 14. The chain 14 pulls the gear 13 to rotate. The gear 13 drives the blades of water turbine 7 to rotate. The water turbine 7 sucks the water into the housing and builds up the water pressure. This water pressure expels the water through the nozzle 8 and the water pressure is transformed into the water velocity. To change the propelling direction, the nozzle 8 may swivel to change the propelling direction. The rider turns the handle 52 with right hand to rotate the gear 15. The gear 15 pulls the flexible chain 64 to rotate the gear 16. As shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 22 and FIG. 25, the gear 16 turns the shaft 38, groove 37 and the nozzle 8.

FIG. 9 is the Tangs surf board in the form of sail boat. It is the hybrid of the surf board and the canoe in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. It can use as sail boat, wind surf board, wind surfboat or canoe. The revolving sail 2 is installed at the tail of the board 1. Passing through the canoe cover 51, the mast 4 is inserted in the guide tube 6. As shown in FIG. 9, with the seat back 11 being opened, the rider may sit inside the canoe. As shown in FIG. 10, with the seat cover being closed, the canoe is used as a board. The rider may stand or sleep on the canoe cover 51. In FIG. 10, the water wings 9 are in the extended position; in FIG. 11, the water wings 9 are in the closed position.

As shown in FIG. 21, the direct transmission bar 67 is pulled up. There is no direct transmission between the revolving sail 2 and the water turbine 7. If the rotational speed of platform 70 is faster than the driving speed of engaging cylinders 43 and/or 44, the engagement of engaging cylinders 43 and/or 44 is released. With these engaging mechanisms, the board 1 may have both the wind power and man power to propel it simultaneously. With the addition of man power to the wind power, the board 1 may steer into the wind directly.

The handle 41 has the fork end to grasp the sliding pulley 42. The sliding pulley 42 is hinged to the transmission bar 67. Pushing the handle bar 41 downward, the sliding pulley 42 and the transmission bar 67 are dragged downward. The direct transmission bar 67 is inserted in the slot 66 on the platform 70 as shown in FIG. 20. If the day is hot and there is no wind, the rider steps on the pedals 31 to rotate the gears 12 and 13, engaging cylinder 43, platform 70, direct transmission bar 67, axle 5, pole 3 and the revolving sail 2. The sails 23 serve as the fan to breeze the wind on the rider. The revolving sail 2 and the umbrella cover 68 offer the best rest place in the hot days.

FIG. 26 is the composite partial exposed views of the folding chair 10. The left portion of FIG. 26 is taken at line L--L in FIG. 27(A); the right portion is taken at the line R--R in FIG. 27(A). FIG. 27(A) is the side view taken at the line I--I in FIG. 26. In FIG. 27 (A), the seat back 70 of rest seat 10 is in the upward position. The sliding block 52 slides inside the slot. The pin 56 inserts through the seat and sliding block 52. The coil spring 57 locates inside the tube 53. The coil spring expands against the sliding block 52 and the bottom end of the rest seat 10. FIG. 27(B) is the side view of the back rest 10 in the folded up position. The rim 51 clasps the brace bar 54 to lock the foldable seat 10.

While embodiments and applications of this invention have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.