Watercraft suspension
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A watercraft comprising:
- a deck;
a hull moveably coupled to the deck;
a steering handle operatively connected to the deck;
an engine substantially immovably coupled to the deck;
a jet propulsion unit supported by the hull, including an inlet for taking in water, an impeller assembly for generating a pressurized stream of water, an outlet for discharging the pressurized stream of water, and a movable element positioned at the outlet for selectively directing the pressurized stream of water, wherein the movable element is operatively connected to the steering handle and directs the pressurized stream of water based on signals from the steering handle; and
a suspension system suspending the deck on the hull and configured so as to be only operative in a vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A watercraft has a pivoting, shock absorbing component that absorbs forces applied to its hull. The watercraft includes a hull, a deck coupled to the hull, an engine, and a jet propulsion system movably coupled to the engine. In one embodiment, a forward hull portion couples to the deck and a rearward hull portion movably couples to the deck and/or the forward hull portion. The jet propulsion system mounts to the rearward hull portion, while the engine mounts to the deck. A suspension element is disposed between the hull rear portion and either the deck or the hull forward portion. In another embodiment, the hull and deck are movably coupled to each other.
36 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A watercraft comprising:
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a deck; a hull moveably coupled to the deck; a steering handle operatively connected to the deck; an engine substantially immovably coupled to the deck; a jet propulsion unit supported by the hull, including an inlet for taking in water, an impeller assembly for generating a pressurized stream of water, an outlet for discharging the pressurized stream of water, and a movable element positioned at the outlet for selectively directing the pressurized stream of water, wherein the movable element is operatively connected to the steering handle and directs the pressurized stream of water based on signals from the steering handle; and a suspension system suspending the deck on the hull and configured so as to be only operative in a vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification