Special electric propulsion system to power paragliders and other small, light aircraft

Abstract

An improved system of electrical, battery operated propulsion for use by an individual when engaging in paragliding, powered paragliding, paramotoring, hang gliding, and other similar sporting activities. The system includes a lightweight frame; at least one electrical driven, ducted turbine system made of at least one turbine, a shroud with a cut protector, and an electric motor; a seat assembly; a seat belt, and a pair of shoulder straps to hold user to the seat; a power system with a set of rechargeable batteries, battery boxes, a wiring harness from batteries to motors; and a servo-throttle for powering a motor of the system.

Claims

1. A special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET comprised of: (a) a structural frame system (70,71,72) made of durable material; (b) a ducted turbine system; (c) a seat assembly; (d) a power system; (e) a servo-throttle 80 for powering a motor of the power system; and (f) a system to attach the frame 71 to an aircraft 120 including a harness 90 from seat assembly to the aircraft 120 such as a paraglider 120A with user/operator 100, a pair of eyelets 91 on the frame 71 for harness 90, and a means 92 for removably securing eyelets 91 to harness 90.

2. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 1 wherein the system is a craft with the ability to fit in a footprint of no more than 45 inches in width, in height, and in depth.

3. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 1 wherein the system is an all-electric system with solar cells embedded into the top of the paraglider/wing.

4. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 1 wherein the system has more than one ducted fan/turbine arrayed with counter-rotating propellers/turbines into a multiple propulsion unit cluster.

5. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 1 wherein the system is easily portable and wearable by one person.

6. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 1 wherein the materials for the structural frame system (70,71,72) are selected from the group consisting of steel, steel alloy, aluminum, titanium, and a composite plastic.

7. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 1 wherein the configuration for the structural frame system (70,71,72) is selected from the group consisting of round tubular, oval tubular, square tubular, rectangular tubular, Ell/ angles, Zees, Tees, “I” beam, and W wide flange beam.

8. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 1 wherein the material for the harness 90 is selected from the group consisting of nylon, rayon, cotton, polyester, leather, vinyl, and composite materials.

9. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 1 wherein the ducted turbine system is comprising at least one turbine 50 with a set of blades/ impellers 51 of the fan/turbine 50, a shroud/ exterior protection and frame 55 of the turbine/fan 50, a cut protector 55A on shroud 55, a means 56 to secure shroud 55 and support 59 to seat frame 71, and an electric motor 78 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 with shaft 58 connected to blades 51.

10. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 1 wherein the seat assembly is comprised of a seat 60, an arm rest frame 61, a seat back 62, a structural support 63 on seat 60 and components 64, a set of components 64, a seat belt 65 holds a user 100 to seat 60, a pair of shoulder straps 66 to hold user 100, a means for connecting 67 belt 65 and straps 66 to seat structure 71, a means for connecting 68 seat 60, seat back 62 and arm rests 63 to seat structure 71.

11. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 1 wherein the power system is comprising a set of rechargeable batteries 74, a set of battery boxes 75, a wiring harness from batteries 74 to motors 78, a means for removably connecting 77 battery box 75 and wiring harness 76 to seat structure 71, a recharge plug 79 to batteries 74 from recharging power source 89.

12. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 1 wherein the rechargeable batteries are selected from the group consisting of consisting of Nickle Cadmium, Nickle Metal Hydride, Lithium-Ion, Small and sealed lead acid, Absorbed glass mat (AGM), Lithium sulfur, Sodium-ion, Thin film lithium, Zinc-bromide, Zinc-cerium, Vanadium redox, Sodium-sulfur, Molten salt, and Silver-zinc.

13. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 1 wherein the recharging power source 89 to utility receptacle is selected from the group consisting of solar panels on airfoil, solar panels on a ground stand, a system generator, and a connection to a local wired electrical power source.

14. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 1 wherein the servo throttle is a simple, servo-controller-based throttle to control Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) which in control power to the electric drive motors.

15. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 14 wherein the servo throttle 80 for powering the motor of the power system Special Electric Propulsion System 30 is comprising a handle grip 81, a spring switch 82 to throttle/ engage the electric power from battery 75 to motor 78, a wiring cable/conduction/harness 83, a set of connectors 85 from the set of batteries 75 to the motor 78.

16. A special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET comprised of: (a) a structural frame system (70,71,72) made of durable material; (b) a ducted turbine system comprising at least one turbine 50 with a set of blades/ impellers 51 of the fan/turbine 50, a shroud/ exterior protection and frame 55 of the turbine/fan 50, a cut protector 55A on shroud 55, a means 56 to secure shroud 55 and support 59 to seat frame 71, and an electric motor 78 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 with shaft 58 connected to blades 51; (c) a seat assembly comprised of a seat 60, an arm rest frame 61, a seat back 62, a structural support 63 on seat 60 and components 64, a set of components 64, a seat belt 65 holds a user 100 to seat 60, a pair of shoulder straps 66 to hold user 100, a means for connecting 67 belt 65 and straps 66 to seat structure 71, a means for connecting 68 seat 60, seat back 62 and arm rests 63 to seat structure 71; (d) a power system comprising a set of rechargeable batteries 74, a set of battery boxes 75, a wiring harness from batteries 74 to motors 78, a means for removably connecting 77 battery box 75 and wiring harness 76 to seat structure 71, a recharge plug 79 to batteries 74 from recharging power source 89, and a recharging power source 89 to utility receptacle, solar panels on airfoil or on ground stand, or wired system generator; (e) a servo-throttle 80 for powering motor of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 comprising a handle grip 81, a spring switch 82 to throttle/ engage the electric power from battery 75 to motor 78, a wiring cable/ conduction/ harness 83, a set of connectors 85 from the set of batteries 75 to the motor 78; and (f) a system to attach the frame 71 to an aircraft 120 including a harness 90 from seat assembly to the aircraft 120 such as a paraglider 120A with user/operator 100, a pair of eyelets 91 on the frame 71 for harness 90, and a means 92 for removably securing eyelets 91 to harness 90 wherein the system is a craft with the ability to fit in a footprint of no more than 45 inches in width, in height, and in depth.

17. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 16 wherein the materials for the structural frame system (70,71,72) are selected from the group consisting of steel, steel alloy, aluminum, titanium, and a composite plastic.

18. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 16 wherein the configuration of a cross-section for the structural frame system (70,71,72) is selected from the group consisting of round tubular, oval tubular, square tubular, rectangular tubular, Ell/ angles, Zees, Tees, “I” beam, and W wide flange beam.

19. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 16 wherein the material for the harness 90 is selected from the group consisting of nylon, rayon, cotton, polyester, leather, vinyl, and composite materials.

20. The special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 described in claim 16 wherein the rechargeable batteries are selected from the group consisting of Nickle Cadmium, Nickle Metal Hydride, Lithium-Ion, Small and sealed lead acid, Absorbed glass mat (AGM), Lithium sulfur, Sodium-ion, Thin film lithium, Zinc-bromide, Zinc-cerium, Vanadium redox, Sodium-sulfur, Molten salt, and Silver-zinc.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS - FIGURES

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Special electric propulsion system called CanopE-Jet to power paragliders and other small, light aircraft that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below explain the principles of the Special electric propulsion system. It is understood, however, that the electrical propulsion system is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0031] FIGS. 1 A through 1 Eare sketches of the general Special Electric Propulsion System to power paragliders and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET for aircraft applications.

[0032] FIGS. 2 A through 2 Dare sketches of the general Special Electric Propulsion System to power paragliders and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET device from different views with components and features noted.

[0033] FIGS. 3 A through 3 Dare more sketches of the general Special Electric Propulsion System to power paragliders and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET with the components and features shown.

[0034] FIGS. 4 A through 4 Eare side and back views of the Special Electric Propulsion System to power paragliders and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET. FIG. 4 Dshows portability and FIG. 4 E shows configurations for the framework.

[0035] FIGS. 5 A through 5 Dare sketches of the Special Electric Propulsion System to power paragliders and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET with general components and features noted.

[0036] FIGS. 6 A through 6 Fare up close drawings of the propulsion system fan systems and sketches of the servo throttle to control the thrusts.

[0037] FIGS. 7 A through 7 Care sketches of the Special Electric Propulsion System to power paragliders and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET with the user/operator.

[0038] FIGS. 8 A through 8 Eare sketches of a paraglider in operation.

[0039] FIGS. 9 A through 9 Care sketches of a gas-powered fan and propulsion unit with a paraglider.

[0040] FIGS. 10 A through 10 Fare sketches of prior art for small aircraft propulsion systems.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS — REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0041] The following list refers to the drawings: Table B: Reference numbers

TABLE-US-00002 Ref # Description 30 special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET 31 fan arrangement 31 with a single fan 78 in each shroud 50, 55 33 fan arrangement 33 with a group of three fans 78 in each shroud 50, 55 34 fan arrangement 34 with a group of four fans 78 in each shroud 50, 55 35 sketches 35 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 38 Structural connection between Electric Propulsion System 30 to enable cluster systems - 4 fan, 8 fan and the like 50 turbine turbines electric fan 50 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 51 blades or impellers 51 of fan/turbine 50 55 shroud / exterior protection and frame 55 of the turbine/fan 50 55A cut protector 55A on shroud 55 56 means 56 to secure shroud 55 and support 59 to seat frame 71 such as fasteners, molding, casting, welding, brazing, adhesives, or the like 58 group of shafts, motor cone, and bearings 58 of turbine 50 59 axial supports 59 and motor support ring 59A 59A motor support ring 59A 59B means to connect together 59B shroud 55, supports 59 and ring 59A such as fasteners, molding, casting, welding, brazing, adhesives, or the like 60 seat 60 61 arm rest frame 61 62 back 62 63 structural support 63 on seat 60 and components 64 64 components 64 65 seat belt 65 holds user 100 to seat 60 66 shoulder straps 66 to hold user 100 67 means for connecting 67 belt 65 and straps 66 to seat structure 71 — fasteners, clips, rings, cable ties, adhesives 68 means for connecting 68 seat 60, seat back 62 and arm rests 63 to seat structure 71 — fasteners, clips, rings, cable ties, adhesives, weld, braze, cold casting, etc. 70 battery platform 70 71 structure 71 from seat 60 to platform 70 72 a means for connecting 72 platform 70 and structure 71 — fasteners, clips, rings, cable ties, adhesives, weld, braze, cold/casting as one piece, molding if plastic or composite 74 set of rechargeable batteries 74 75 battery boxes 75 76 wiring harness 76 from batteries 74 to motors 78 77 means for removably connecting 77 battery box 75 and wiring harness 76 to seat structure 71 — fasteners, clips, rings, cable ties, adhesives 78 electric motor 78 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 with shaft 58 connected to blades 51 79 recharge plug 79 to rechargeable batteries 74 from recharging power source 89 80 servo-throttle 80 for powering motor of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 81 handle grip 81 82 spring switch 82 to throttle/ engage the electric power from battery 75 to motor 78 83 wiring cable/conduction/harness 83 85 connectors 85 from batteries 75 to motor 78 89 recharging power source 89 to utility receptacle, solar panels on airfoil or on ground stand, or wired system generator 90 harness 90 from seat assembly to aircraft 120 such as a paraglider 120A with user/operator 100 91 eyelets 91 secured on the on the frame 71 for harness 90 92 means 92 for removably securing eyelets 91 to harness 90 such as carabiner, clips, rings, fasteners, or equal 100 user/operator 100 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 115 gas powered propulsion system 115 120 aircraft 120 or vehicles for the use with the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 such as Paragliders, hang gliders, para-wings, wingsuits, human-portable lifting wing, lift devices with multiple, electric, ducted fans, and lift devices with electric jet turbines 120A paraglider 120 300 prior Art 300 U.S. Pat. 8,894,015 Contoret 2014 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PARAGLIDERS 310 prior Art 310 U.S. Pat. 8,292,678 Burgess, Jr. -2012 PERSONAL PROPULSION DEVICE WITH HANDS FREE CONTROL 320 prior Art 320 French Patent 90-12452 VINTILA. — 1990 Apparel for Air Propulsion 330 prior Art 330 U.S. Pat. 5,222,569 - Martel - 1993 -PROPULSION MEANS 340 prior Art 340 U.S. Pat. Appn. 2018/0272856 Manning —2018 DUCTED FAN PROPULSION SYSTEM 350 prior Art 350 U.S. Pat. 8,286,907 2012 - Dohi et al. FLYING ENTERTAINMENT VEHICLE

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PERFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0042] This invention relates to a Special electric propulsion system called a CanopE-Jet to power paragliders and other small, light aircraft. Particularly this relates to an apparatus and system for paragliders. As an improved means of propulsion for use by an individual when engaging in paragliding, powered paragliding, paramotoring, hang gliding, and other similar sporting activities. This relates to propulsion arrangements which can be secured to the pilot or seat for a pilot, and which gives the pilot controllable powered flight. This is a personal air propulsion device for use by an individual. This could be used with snow skiing, skating, bicycling, or so-called “extreme sports” including skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, power kiting and the like. The system relates, in general, to the use of fans to provide thrust for transportation systems and enabling component designs for vehicles such as ultralight aircraft, and, more particularly, to a flying entertainment vehicle. This invention relates to such devices that provide for hands-free operation and control of the device and are configured to accept adjustments for versatility. The multiple electric thrusters ducted fans can be made of carbon fiber for light weight and strength but can also be fabricated from a variety of other materials and the CanopE-Jet can fly for several minutes per charge, depending on the number of rechargeable batteries and energy density of the batteries being carried.

[0043] The advantages for a Special electric propulsion system 30 called a CanopE-Jet to power paragliders and other small, light aircraft device 30 are listed above in the introduction. Succinctly the benefits are that the device: [0044] A. Lighter weight due to lighter electric motors than gas-powered systems; [0045] B. No fuel; [0046] C. No Greenhouse Gas emissions; [0047] D. All Electric with rechargeable battery or solar powered (with solar cells embedded into the top of the paraglider/wing); [0048] E. No combustion noise, has a jet sound; [0049] F. No large fan or propeller to create danger to the occupant, paraglider lines, or other elements of the craft. Also, less likely to pick up FOD or other external elements that can get sucked into the engines; [0050] G. Small enough to put in a standard car seat, trunk, or rear of an SUV without needing to fold seats down, or to break down the craft to fit in a ground vehicle, the craft can fit in a footprint of no more than 45 inches in width, in height, and in depth; [0051] H. Rapid setup for launch and rapid start (no pull-starting, priming, or other pre-start actions needed to start the motor); [0052] I. Faster potential airspeed, limited only by the speed limitation of the wing/paraglider, with potential, theoretical speeds of over 300 mph. Over 70 mph possible with properly trimmed paraglider wings; [0053] J. Smooth, low-vibration operation; [0054] K. Ducted turbines with protected intakes and more than one ducted fan/turbine arrayed with counter-rotating propellers/turbines; [0055] L. Easily wearable by one person with potential for tandem/two-person operations; and [0056] M. Simple, servo-controller-based throttle to control Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) which drive electric motors.

[0057] The preferred embodiment of the special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET comprised of: (a) a frame system 70, 71, 72; (b) a ducted turbine system comprising at least one turbine 50 with a set of blades or impellers 51 of the fan/turbine 50, a shroud/ exterior protection and frame 55 of the turbine/fan 50, a cut protector 55A on shroud 55, a means 56 to secure shroud 55 and support 59 to seat frame 71, and an electric motor 78 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 with shaft 58 connected to blades 51; (c) a seat assembly comprised of a seat 60, an arm rest frame 61, a seat back 62, a structural support 63 on seat 60 and components 64, a set of components 64, a seat belt 65 holds a user 100 to seat 60, a pair of shoulder straps 66 to hold user 100, a means for connecting 67 belt 65 and straps 66 to seat structure 71, a means for connecting 68 seat 60, seat back 62 and arm rests 63 to seat structure 71; (d) a power system comprising a set of rechargeable batteries 74, a set of battery boxes 75, a wiring harness from batteries 74 to motors 78, a means for removably connecting 77 battery box 75 and wiring harness 76 to seat structure 71, a recharge plug 79 to rechargeable batteries 74 from recharging power source 89, and a recharging power source 89 to utility receptacle, solar panels on airfoil or on ground stand, or wired system generator; (e) a servo-throttle 80 for powering motor of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 comprising a handle grip 81, a spring switch 82 to throttle/engage the electric power from battery 75 to motor 78, a wiring cable/conduction/harness 83, a set of connectors 85 from the set of rechargeable batteries 75 to the motor 78; and (f) a system to attach the frame 71 to an aircraft 120 including a harness 90 from seat assembly to the aircraft 120 such as a paraglider 120A with user/operator 100, a pair of eyelets 91 on the frame 71 for harness 90, and a means 92 for removably securing eyelets 91 to harness 90.

[0058] There is shown in FIGS. 1-10 a complete description and operative embodiment of the Special electric propulsion system 30 to power paragliders and other small, light aircraft. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1-10 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this product. The various example uses are in the operation and use section, below.

[0059] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Special electric propulsion system 30 to power paragliders and other small, light aircraft that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below explain the principles of the Special electric propulsion system 30. It is understood, however, that system 30 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other examples of propulsion systems for small aircraft are still understood by one skilled in the art of this industry to be within the scope and spirit shown here.

[0060] FIGS. 1 A through 1 Eare sketches of the general Special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET for aircraft applications. Demonstrated in these drawings are: a special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET; a turbine or turbines of electric fan 50 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30; a set of blades or impellers 51 of fan/turbine 50; a shroud/exterior protection and frame 55 of the turbine/fan 50; a cut protector 55A on shroud 55; a means 56 to secure shroud 55 and support 59 to seat frame 71; a group of a drive shaft, motor cone, and bearings 58 of turbine/ or turbines of electric fan 50; an axial support 59; a motor support ring 59A; a means to connect together 59B shroud 55, supports 59 and ring 59A such as fasteners, molding, casting, welding, brazing, adhesives, or the like; a seat 60; an arm rest frame 61; a back 62; a structural support 63 on seat 60 and components 64; a seat belt 65 holds user 100 to seat 60; a pair of shoulder straps 66 to hold user 100; a battery platform 70; a structure 71 from seat 60 to platform 70; an electric motor 78 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 with shaft 58 connected to blades 51; a harness 90 from seat 95 to aircraft 120 such as a paraglider 120A with user/operator 100; an user/operator 100 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30; and an aircraft 120 or vehicles for the use with the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 such as Paragliders, hang gliders, para-wings, wing-suits, human-portable lifting wing, lift devices with multiple, electric, ducted fans, and lift devices with electric jet turbines; a paraglider 120.

[0061] FIGS. 2 A through 2 Dare sketches of the general Special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET device from different views with components and features noted. Provided in these drawings are these components: a special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET; turbine or turbines of electric fan 50 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30; a set of blades or impellers 51 of fan/turbine 50; a shroud/ exterior protection and frame 55 of the turbine/fan 50; a seat 60; an arm rest frame 61; a back 62; a structural support 63 on seat 60 and components 64; a pair of shoulder straps 66 to hold user 100; a battery platform 70; a structure 71 from seat 60 to platform 70; a set of battery boxes 75; a wiring harness 76 from batteries 74 to motors 78; an electric motor 78 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 with shaft 58 connected to blades 51; a recharge plug 79 to batteries 74 from recharging power source 89; and a pair of eyelets 91 secured on the frame 71 for harness 90.

[0062] FIGS. 3 A through 3 D are more sketches of the general Special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET with the components and features shown. Shown here are: a special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET; a turbine or turbines of electric fan 50 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30; a set of blades or impellers 51 of fan/turbine 50; a shroud/ exterior protection and frame 55 of the turbine/fan 50; a group of a drive shaft, motor cone, and bearings 58 of turbine/ or turbines of electric fan 50; an arm rest frame 61; a back 62; a structural support 63 on seat 60 and components 64; a seat belt 65 holds user 100 to seat 60; a pair of shoulder straps 66 to hold user 100; a battery platform 70; a structure 71 from seat 60 to platform 70; a set of rechargeable batteries 74; a set of battery boxes 75; a wiring harness from batteries 74 to motors 78; and a recharge plug 79 to batteries 74 from a recharging power source 89. FIG. 3D is a cluster arrangement described below.

[0063] FIGS. 4 A through 4 Dare side and back views of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET. Provided in these drawings are: a special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET; a turbine or turbines of electric fan 50 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30; a set of blades or impellers 51 of fan/turbine 50; a shroud/ exterior protection and frame 55 of the turbine/fan 50; a seat 60; an arm rest frame 61; a back 62; a structural support 63 on seat 60 and components 64; a battery platform 70; a structure 71 from seat 60 to platform 70; a set of rechargeable batteries 74; a set of battery boxes 75; a wiring harness 76 from batteries 74 to motors 78; and a recharge plug 79 to batteries 74 from recharging power source 89. FIG. 4 Dshows the portability once the unit is folded. The unit is easily portable and wearable by one person. FIGS. 4 E shows the various configurations for the framework 71 -see anticipated materials and configurations, below.

[0064] FIGS. 5 A through 5 D are sketches 35 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120A and other aircraft 120 called a CanopE-JET with general components and features noted. Demonstrated are: a special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET; sketches 35 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30; a turbine or turbines of electric fan 50 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30; a set of blades or impellers 51 of fan/turbine 50; a shroud/exterior protection and frame 55 of the turbine/fan 50; a means 56 to secure shroud 55 and support 59 to seat frame 71; an axial support 59; a seat 60; an arm rest frame 61; a back 62; a structural support 63 on seat 60 and components 64; a set of components 64; a seat belt 65 holds user 100 to seat 60; a pair of shoulder straps 66 to hold user 100; a means for connecting 67 belt 65 and straps 66 to seat structure 71 —fasteners, clips, rings, cable ties, adhesives; a means for connecting 68 seat 60, seat back 62 and arm rests 63 to seat structure 71 — fasteners, clips, rings, cable ties, adhesives; a battery platform 70; a structure 71 from seat 60 to platform 70; a means for connecting 72 platform 70 and structure 71 —fasteners, clips, rings, cable ties, adhesives, weld, braze, or cold/casting as one piece; a set of rechargeable batteries 74; a set of battery boxes 75; a wiring harness from batteries 74 to motors 78; a means for removably connecting 77 battery box 75 and wiring harness 76 to seat structure 71 — fasteners, clips, rings, cable ties, adhesives; an electric motor 78 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 with shaft 58 connected to blades 51; a recharge plug 79 to batteries 74 from recharging power source 89; a servo-throttle 80 for powering motor of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30; a handle grip 81; a spring switch 82 to throttle/ engage the electric power from battery 75 to motor 78; a wiring cable/conduction/harness 83; a set of connectors 85 from batteries 75 to motor 78; a recharging power source 89 to utility receptacle, solar panels on airfoil or on ground stand, or wired system generator; a pair of eyelets 91 on frame 71 for harness 90; and a means 92 for removably securing eyelets 91 to harness 90 such as carabiner, clips, rings, fasteners, or equal. In the FIGS. 5 A through 5 D, the structure cross sections, and some Interconnections and means for securing not shown but Well understood by an ordinary person skilled in the art - items like 56, 59A, B, 67, 68, 72, 77,and 92.

[0065] FIGS. 6 A through 6 Fare up close drawings of the multi fan propulsion systems 50 and sketches of the servo throttle 80 to control the thrusts. Demonstrated are: a special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET; a turbine or turbines of electric fan 50 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30; a set of blades or impellers 51 of fan/turbine 50; a shroud/ exterior protection and frame 55 of the turbine/fan 50; a cut protector 55A on shroud 55; a means 56 to secure shroud 55 and support 59 to seat frame 71; a group of a drive shaft, motor cone, and bearings 58 of turbine/ or turbines of electric fan 50; an axial support 59; a motor support ring 59A; a means to connect together 59B shroud 55, supports 59 and ring 59A such as fasteners, molding, casting, welding, brazing, adhesives, or the like; a battery platform 70; a structure 71 from seat 60 to platform 70; a means for connecting 72 platform 70 and structure 71 - fasteners, clips, rings, cable ties, adhesives, weld, braze, or cold/casting as one piece; an electric motor 78 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 with shaft 58 connected to blades 51; a servo-throttle 80 for powering motor of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30; a handle grip 81; a spring switch 82 to throttle/ engage the electric power from battery 75 to motor 78; a wiring cable/conduction/harness 83; and a set of connectors 85 from batteries 75 to motor 78. Drawing FIG. 6 B, C and D demonstrate fan arrangement 31 with a single fan 78 in each shroud 50, 55; fan arrangement 33 with a group of three fans 78 in each shroud 50, 55; and fan arrangement 34 with a group of four fans 78 in each shroud 50, 55. These are to show the ability to group clusters of fans within shrouds. These are examples and not limitations to the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120A and other aircraft 120 called a CanopE-JET.

[0066] This invention uses electric “jets”, or ducted fans using a Coanda effect to accelerate air through a shaped duct, in order to amplify thrust, reduce power usage, and/or increase the performance of the propulsion system - all WITHOUT the need for a protective propeller ring as the ducted turbines or propellers would be inaccessible to the paraglider lines. Note: The Coandă effect is the tendency of a jet of fluid emerging from an orifice to follow an adjacent flat or curved surface and to entrain fluid from the surroundings so that a region of lower pressure develops. The Romanian inventor Henri Coandă, was the first to described it as “the tendency of a jet of fluid emerging from an orifice to follow an adjacent flat or curved surface and to entrain fluid from the surroundings so that a region of lower pressure develops″. Coandă was the first to recognize the practical application of the phenomenon in aircraft design.

[0067] FIGS. 7 A through 7 Care sketches of the Special Electric Propulsion System to power paragliders and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET with the user/operator. FIGS. 8 A through 8 E are sketches of a paraglider in operation. FIGS. 9A through 9 C are sketches of a gas-powered fan and propulsion unit with a paraglider. These are discussed in the Operations section, below.

[0068] FIGS. 10 A through 10 F are sketches of prior art for small aircraft propulsion systems. These include: prior Art 300 Prior Art U.S. Pat. 8,894,015 Contoret 2014 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PARAGLIDERS; Prior Art 310 U.S. Pat. 8,292,678 Burgess, Jr. — 2012 PERSONAL PROPULSION DEVICE WITH HANDS FREE CONTROL; Prior Art 320 French Patent 90-12452 VINTILA. — 1990 Apparel for Air Propulsion; Prior Art 330 U.S. Pat. 5,222,569 — Martel — 1993 - PROPULSION MEANS; Prior Art 340 U.S. Pat. Appn. 2018/0272856 Manning — 2018 DUCTED FAN PROPULSION SYSTEM; and Prior Art 350 U.S. Pat. 8,286,907 2012 — Dohi et al. — FLYING ENTERTAINMENT VEHICLE. As can be seen, the small aircraft propulsion system called CanopE Jet 30 is both a unique combination and use as described herein.

[0069] The anticipated materials for the small aircraft propulsion system 30 called CanopE Jet include: a group of fabric material for the safety belts 65, 66 and harnesses 91 can be nylon, rayon, cotton, polyester, leathers, vinyl, and synthetic or non-synthetic composite materials. The characteristics preferred are: a fabric which is flexible, comfortable, strong, cut-resistant, lightweight, and easy to clean. The method to attach 67 the belts and harnesses to the frame 71 or to each other may be sewing, clips, rivets, or various fasteners. The frame structures 70, 71 may be of a variety of configurations. For example, and not as a limitation, the structures may be tubular (round, oval, square, rectangular, or other regular or non-regular polygonal cross-sections); the structures may be angles, Zees, Tees, “I” or wide flange (“W” or “H”) or other cross-sections not specifically identified. The materials for example and not limitation may be a metal like steel, a steel alloy, aluminum, titanium, a composite plastic or any other light weight, durable material. The propellers 51 may be a metal such as steel, steel alloy, aluminum, titanium; a composite material; a wood laminate, or other durable, light weight yet sufficiently sturdy material. Propellers are well known in the art of aircraft and may be selected from a plethora of styles and materials. The other components are likewise expected to be of lightweight, strong, and durable materials shaped to appropriate configurations. However, these are exemplary and lot limitations to other means which are well within the spirit and scope of the full embodiment of system 30.

[0070] The entire propeller driven system, as just described, rotates around the fixed shaft which can have an aperture (hollow opening) throughout its center. The various control wiring is often guided along and through the structure as is well known in the art of lightweight aircraft. Also, a mount for the motor(s) 78 are normally retained by a collar to the shaft. The battery (ies) 74 are connected through cables 76 to the motor(s). The electric power from the battery powers the motor which transforms the stored electrical energy into kinetic energy and rotational power. This power is further transferred to the propellers and the system shown or a functional equivalent. The motors 78 have relatively simple controls 80 as one skilled in the art of electromechanical power systems well appreciates. An optional remote-control system may be employed for using the system 30 as drone, non-human pilot-controlled aircraft if desired. This remote system is also well known to those skilled in the art of electrical and electronic remote-control systems. This remote control operation could be used to group multiple units together and control from a central system. Thereby, several propulsion systems could be embodied as a cluster and then attached to a larger payload and/ or larger canope/ paraglider wing 120, 120A. Multiple units of the special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET are configured together to enable clusters. A Structural connection 38 is attached between Electric Propulsion System 30 is removably attached with straps to make a 4, 8, or multiple cluster systems of the propulsion system for larger payloads and for larger canopes. The structural connection 38 attached with straps, simple fasteners, cords and the like to enable cluster systems - 4 fan, 8 fan or more systems and the like. See FIG. 3D.

[0071] This system anticipates various types of rechargeable battery 74 back including but not limited to: Nickle Cadmium batteries, Nickle Metal Hydride batteries, Lithium-Ion batteries, Small and sealed lead acid batteries. These may be Absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery or gel battery (“gel cell”). Other experimental types include Lithium sulfur, Sodium-ion, Thin film lithium, Zinc-bromide, Zinc-cerium, Vanadium redox, Sodium-sulfur, Molten salt, and Silver-zinc. One skilled in the art of rechargeable batteries also anticipates and fully expects other battery types to be developed which will function well and be within the scope and breadth of this invention.

[0072] The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing a Special electric propulsion system 30 to power paragliders and other small, light aircraft may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of the art of propulsion systems for small aircraft well appreciates.

Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

[0073] The Special electric propulsion system 30 to power paragliders and other small, light aircraft has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the Special electric propulsion system to power paragliders and other small, light aircraft. The preferred embodiment of the special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET comprised of: (a) a frame system 70, 71, 72; (b) a ducted turbine system comprising at least one turbine 50 with a set of blades or impellers 51 of the fan/turbine 50, a shroud/ exterior protection and frame 55 of the turbine/fan 50, a cut protector 55A on shroud 55, a means 56 to secure shroud 55 and support 59 to seat frame 71, and an electric motor 78 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 with shaft 58 connected to blades 51; (c) a seat assembly comprised of a seat 60, an arm rest frame 61, a seat back 62, a structural support 63 on seat 60 and components 64, a set of components 64, a seat belt 65 holds a user 100 to seat 60, a pair of shoulder straps 66 to hold user 100, a means for connecting 67 belt 65 and straps 66 to seat structure 71, a means for connecting 68 seat 60, seat back 62 and arm rests 63 to seat structure 71; (d) a power system comprising a set of rechargeable batteries 74, a set of battery boxes 75, a wiring harness from batteries 74 to motors 78, a means for removably connecting 77 battery box 75 and wiring harness 76 to seat structure 71, a recharge plug 79 to batteries 74 from recharging power source 89, and a recharging power source 89 to utility receptacle, solar panels on airfoil or on ground stand, or wired system generator; (e) a servo-throttle 80 for powering motor of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 comprising a handle grip 81, a spring switch 82 to throttle/ engage the electric power from battery 75 to motor 78, a wiring cable/conduction/harness 83, a set of connectors 85 from the set of batteries 75 to the motor 78; and (f) a system to attach the frame 71 to an aircraft 120 including a harness 90 from seat assembly to the aircraft 120 such as a paraglider 120A with user/operator 100, a pair of eyelets 91 on the frame 71 for harness 90, and a means 92 for removably securing eyelets 91 to harness 90.

[0074] The special Electric Propulsion System 30 functions as follows: The electric fans and motors devices 50, 78 are small, lightweight and may be ducted with carbon-fiber or other lightweight material ducts. Motors are connected to electronic speed controllers and powered by batteries and then managed through a throttle 80, which is managed by a user/operator 100. The throttle balances thrust, and limits roll from side to side. By moving and pulling down on the paraglider toggles attached to the paraglider and the harness 90 connected to points 91 and mounted to the frame 71, craft 120 is controlled and directed. The frame is connected to a harness 90, in which the user 100 sits on the connected seat 60.

[0075] An additional tandem seat can be added to carry another person. The throttle 80 is squeezed in order to accelerate the thrust, and then the throttle 80 is released to reduce thrust. At takeoff, a higher throttle settings or full throttle may be required, depending on the head wind, and then lower throttle settings would be used to cruise and/or take advantage of gliding or the use of naturally occurring thermals to gain altitude.

[0076] FIGS. 7 A through 7 Care sketches of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120A and other aircraft 120A called a CanopE-JET with the user/operator. In these use drawings are: a special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET; a turbine or turbines of electric fan 50 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30; a seat 60; a harness 90 from seat 95 to aircraft 120 such as a paraglider 120A with user/operator 100; a pair of eyelets 91 on frame 71 for harness 90; and an aircraft 120 or vehicles for the use with the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 such as Paragliders, hang gliders, para-wings, wing-suits, human-portable lifting wing, lift devices with multiple, electric, ducted fans, and lift devices with electric jet turbines; a paraglider 120. One sees the user 100 ready to launch the paraglider 120 with the special Electric Propulsion System 30.

[0077] FIGS. 8 A through 8 Eare sketches of a paraglider 120A in operation. Provided here are: a special Electric Propulsion System 30 to power paragliders 120 and other aircraft called a CanopE-JET; a harness 90 from seat 95 to aircraft 120 such as a paraglider 120A with user/operator 100; an user/operator 100 of the Special Electric Propulsion System 30; and an aircraft 120 or vehicles for the use with the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 such as Paragliders, hang gliders, para-wings, wing-suits, human-portable lifting wing, lift devices with multiple, electric, ducted fans, and lift devices with electric jet turbines; a paraglider 120. One sees the aircraft 120 in various positions of flight being propelled by the special Electric Propulsion System 30.

[0078] FIGS. 9 A through 9 Care sketches of a gas-powered fan and propulsion unit 115 with a paraglider 120. Shown are: a gas-powered propulsion system 115 and an aircraft 120 or vehicles for the use with the Special Electric Propulsion System 30 such as Paragliders or hang gliders.

[0079] Many uses are anticipated for the Special electric propulsion system 30 to power paragliders and other small, light aircraft. Some examples, and not limitations, are shown in the following Table.

TABLE-US-00003 ITEM DESCRIPTION 1 paragliders 2 hang gliders 3 para-wings 4 wingsuits 5 human-portable lifting wing 6 lift devices with multiple, electric, ducted fans 7 lift devices with electric jet turbines 8 snow skiing 9 skating 10 bicycling 11 “Extreme sports” including skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, power kiting and the like 12 ultralight aircraft, and, more particularly, to a flying entertainment vehicle

[0080] With this description it is to be understood that the Special electric propulsion system 30 to power paragliders and other small, light aircraft is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The features of the System 30 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

[0081] While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0082] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.

[0083] Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

[0084] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of “plane” as a carpenter’s tool would not be relevant to the use of the term “plane” when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as used herein shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “herein this term means,” “as defined herein,” “for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean,” etc.). References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word “invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

[0085] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0086] The present invention contemplates modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art. While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes, modifications and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosures described heretofore and or/defined by the following claims are desired to be protected.