Combination hand-held multi-directional propulsion device and powered oar/paddle for rowboat, canoe, kayak, and the like

Abstract

A multi-functional modular device comprises: a shaft; electric motor(s); battery(s); thrust producing fan(s); and blade(s) being removably attachable to the shaft for levering of a paddlesports boat. With the blade(s) attached to the shaft and the motor(s) off, the device is usable for manual levering, and with the motor(s) on, the fan blade thrust may selectively assist in levering to propel the paddlesports boat. Fan thrust may be usable in a direction opposite to a propulsive direction of levering to reduce work required per stroke, which reduces power per stroke, or may alternatively be usable in the same direction as propulsive levering to increase total propulsive power per stroke, which requires greater strength/work output by the rower/paddler. Various sized blades may be interchangeable therein to adjust the work output. Removing the blade(s) permits the fan to be statically submerged and clocked to propel the boat in a desired direction.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/281,035, filed on Nov. 12, 2009 with the title, “Hand-Held Propulsion/Navigational Boating Device And Powered Oar/Paddle For Canoe, Kayak, Rowboat, Raft And The Like,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improvements in directional and propulsive control over small watercraft, and more particularly to an oar or paddle which is capable of providing powered assistance to the paddler or rower.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreational boating is a favorite American pastime, and such pleasure craft come in many different forms or categories: dinghies, paddlesports boats, runabouts, daysailers, cruisers, etc. The type of boat chosen by an individual will naturally suit the particular activities in which one seeks to engage, and it is not uncommon for many individuals to own two different kinds of boats. For some, the allure of boating comes with being powered solely by the wind filling the sails, and for others it may be the speed and maneuverability of a powerboat. But for many people, the appeal of being upon the water is heightened while in a basic watercraft that is propelled solely through the user's efforts, without the sounds of a motor or the flapping of sails.

The so-called paddlesports boats may be divided into two sub-categories—those which involve paddling and those involving rowing. Rowing is characterized by the use of oars, which have a mechanical connection with the boat, in the form of a fixed fulcrum that is usable to transfer power from the handle to the blade. With the traditional rowboat, the oars are secured by pivoting oar locks mounted on gunwales, and with a similar arrangement used in competitive rowing craft, referred to in collegiate circles as crew. This competitive rowing has two forms-sweep-oar rowing, where each rower has one oar held by both hands; and sculling, where each rower has two oars, one in each hand. Rowing is normally accomplished in a rearward facing arrangement, where the seated rower pulls on either one or two oars, which act as a lever to propel the boat in the direction opposite to which the user faces. However, there is a number of forward facing rowing systems in which a two-piece oar in combination with a mechanical transmission reverses the direction of motion of the oar blade, relative to the pull of the rower.

Paddling, on the other hand, involves the use of hand-held paddles that have no mechanical connection with the boat, and which similarly propel the watercraft by the reaction forces transmitted by the paddler to the boat from the oar blades, as they are pushed against the water. Without having use of a fulcrum to transfer power, the paddler instead use the athlete's shoulders or hands as the pivot-point. Watercrafts that typically utilize hand-held paddles are canoes, rowboats, rafts, and kayaks, which normally have a covered deck. The paddles utilized by the rower of such watercraft may be single bladed—with a transverse handle connected via a shaft to a flat or a curved “blade” that is either symmetrical or asymmetrical—or may be a double-bladed paddle, where there is no handle per se and a longer shaft connects to a blade at each end of the shaft.

The recreational users of paddles and oars often debate in the relevant literature over the advantageous nature of these and other structural differences, in order to make paddling and rowing more easily sustainable for a long period of time. There have been several patents offering solutions to this end, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,424 to Steinhour. The Steinhour patent offers an ergonomically improved kayak paddle, which claims to “improve the overall strength of the paddle, while substantially reducing hand and arm fatigue for a user.” The paddle achieves the improvement by incorporating non-concentric gripping regions, which also permit the user to determine the orientation of the paddle by touch alone. The Steinhour paddle, while providing a noticeable improvement that aids the paddler in the ergonomic aspect of rowing, does not take a significant step toward alleviating the arduous nature of sustained rowing.

A more pronounced improvement is shown by U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,151 to Fan. The Fan oar comprises a supplemental blade that is pivotally connected to a primary blade, with its pivotal travel being limited by a chord so that it may occupy a position parallel and adjacent to the main blade, or alternatively occupy a position at an angle to the main blade. When the Fan oar blade is immersed in the water to initiate a stroke, the supplementary blade trails and will naturally extend to the maximum angle, and thereby serve to increase the area of the water expelling surface, and thus increase the efficiency for each stroke. However, where this added efficiency produces “a relatively greater force to move the row boat forward,” it is plain that it also requires correspondingly greater strength in the user to be able to move the combined paddle blades through the water to generate those forces. This added strength requirement may preclude its use by many recreational rowers.

Another improved rowing device is shown by U.S. Pat. No. 7,144,284 to Horan. The Horan device uses two parallel shafts being pivotally linked on both ends to keep the “oar's blade and handle parallel to one another and perpendicular to the boat throughout the rowing cycle,” which “is critical to achieving a powerful, efficient stroke.” This would arguably increase the efficiency of each stroke without the corresponding increase in strength requirements necessitated by the Fan oar; however, it does not serve to dramatically ease the rower's burden for a sustained period of use.

The invention disclosed herein has been developed to provide assistance for the rower who is not training to row competitively, and simply seeks to enjoy paddling leisurely about a lake or other waterway. However, it may also be utilized by those who are not merely recreational users and may intend to explore coastal and intra-coastal waterways in a canoe or kayak for extended periods of time, but wish to have some minimal assistance in paddling, while still enjoying the tranquility maintained by not running an outboard motor.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an enhanced means of rowing or paddling for users of canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts, and the like.

It is another object of the invention to provide an oar or a paddle which decreases the physical exertion involved in propelling paddle sports watercraft.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an oar or paddle that increases the range which may be attained when traveling in a paddle sports watercraft.

It is another object of the invention to provide an oar or paddle that enhances the duration of paddle sports activity that may be enjoyed by a given user.

It is also an object of the invention to provide an oar or paddle that enables individuals who a not physically fit to nonetheless participate in and enjoy paddle sports activity.

It is another object of the invention to provide an oar or paddle that incorporates a battery powered motor to assist in the rowing or paddling stroke of the user.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a recharging means to enable individuals who are not physically fit to nonetheless participate in and enjoy paddle sports activity.

It is another object of the invention to provide an oar or paddle that is convertible into a hand-held trolling device for use with small boats.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a stand-alone, hand-held trolling device for small boats.

It is another object of the invention to provide a battery-powered hand-held trolling device capable of maneuvering a small boat to navigate into slips, docks, and other tight areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multi-functional modular levering device may comprise: a hand-graspable shaft; one or more electric motors; one or more batteries being electrically coupled to the electric motors; one or more thrust producing fan assemblies being driven by the electric motors; and one or more paddle blades being removably attachable to the shaft for levering of a paddlesports boat. The DC motors may have output shafts being transverse to the axis of rotation of the fan, and thus each fan may be driven through use of a pair of bevel gears.

The modular combination device may be used in a first role to provide for manual and/or power-assisted levering of paddlesports boat, with said device being quickly transformable for use in a second role as a hand-held multi-directional propulsion device, as follows.

With the blade(s) attached to the shaft and the motor(s) being either off or without power, the device is usable for manual levering. With the motor(s) on and being supplied with power, the fan blade thrust may selectively assist in levering, in order to propel the paddlesports boat. Fan thrust may be usable to produce a reaction force in one of two useful, but opposite, directions to aid the levering to achieve completely different effects. With the reaction force being opposite to a propulsive direction of levering (opposite to the motion of the boat), the power assistance serves to reduce the work required per stroke and eases the burden of rowing for the user, but which also reduces the amount of power per stroke. Alternatively, the reaction force may be oriented to be in the same direction as propulsive levering to increase total propulsive power per stroke, but may require greater strength/work output by the rower/paddler. Various sized blades may be interchangeable therein to adjust the work output. Removing the blade(s) permits the fan portion of the levering device to be statically submerged and clocked to propel the boat in a desired compass direction.

The motors may be powered by one or more batteries, which may comprise one a disposable battery, a rechargeable battery, or a marine battery. The motors may also actually be powered by a combination of those battery types. Where an ordinary battery, such as a “C” cell battery us used, it may be disposed within the shaft of the levering device. Where a marine battery is used, it may be stowed in the bottom of the boat, and be coupled to the device using an electrical cable and a quick connect plug, and may be a lead acid battery from the group of marine lead acid batteries consisting of: a flooded acid battery, a gelled acid battery, or an advanced absorbed glass mat battery.

The fan may comprise a fan shaft and one or more fan blades, with the one or more fan blades being attached to the fan shaft, and where the fan shaft is rotatably attached to a fan housing, which may be attached to the hand-graspable shaft. The motor may also be disposed within the shaft, and may be a motor from the group consisting of: a single speed motor, a two-speed motor; or a variable speed motor.

The combination device may preferably include at least one blade being attachable with a quick-release latch to permit easy removal of the blade(s) from the hand-graspable shaft. Interchangeability of the component parts allows the modular device to be easily converted between a double-bladed kayak paddle, an oar, a canoe paddle with a handle, and also a hand-held trolling/navigation device. Removability of the blades permits the various sized blades to be usable for adjustment to the work required per stroke.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the levering device of the present invention converted into a double-bladed kayak paddle, which incorporates power assistance into the paddle.

FIG. 1A is a front view showing the double-bladed kayak paddle of FIG. 1 converted into a single-bladed oar.

FIG. 1B is a front view showing the single-bladed oar of FIG. 1A converted into an oar with a handle for canoeing, etc.

FIG. 1C is a front view showing the single-bladed oar of FIG. 1B converted into the hand-held propulsion device.

FIG. 1D is a front view showing the hand-held propulsion device of FIG. 1C, but reconfigured with a motor being directly coupled to the fan shaft, and being powered by four rechargeable lithium ion batteries.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the double-bladed kayak paddle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the double-bladed kayak paddle of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is section cut through the blade to show the tongue-and-groove connection with the fan and graspable handle.

FIG. 5 is the view of FIG. 3 enlarged to show a dual motor switch configuration.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the component parts of the modular levering device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front section view through the double-bladed kayak paddle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is the view of FIG. 7 enlarged to disclose motor and battery details.

FIG. 9A is a first blade usable with the levering device of the current invention.

FIG. 9B is a second, larger blade being usable with the levering device of the current invention.

FIG. 9C is a third, even larger blade that may be usable with the levering device of the current invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the fan and fan housing of the current invention, with the mechanical connection to the motor.

FIG. 10A is the view of FIG. 10 enlarged to disclose details of the mechanical connection to the motor.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the details disclosed in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an alternate embodiment of one of the modular components of the present invention illustrating use of a single motor that has an output shaft connectable to first and second fans.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 illustrates a typical oar lock usable on a rowboat for levering.

FIG. 16 illustrates the basic mechanics of using the modular levering device of the current invention, without any power assistance.

FIG. 17 illustrates the mechanics of using the modular levering device of the current invention in which fan thrust is in the same direction and approximately parallel to the paddle sport boat's forward motion to assist the rower, and reduce the amount of work required to overcome water resistance to the levering device's motion.

FIG. 18 illustrates the mechanics of using the modular levering device of the current invention in which fan thrust is in an opposite direction to, through being approximately parallel to the paddlesport boat's forward motion, to assist the rower, and increase the total propulsive power per stroke of the levering device's motion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There are many considerations which impact the design of a shaft and blade for levering a paddlesports boat, whether it be an oar for rowboats (sweep oar rowing or sculling), or a single-bladed paddle with a handle for canoeing, or a double-bladed paddle for kayaking. In each case, appropriate compromise and resolution between conflicting considerations are aimed at improving performance of the rower/paddler. But, the kind of performance being sought by one rower may be different than the kind of performance, or amount of performance, being sought by different occupants of the various paddlesports boats.

The primary objective in designing a levering device is to help the user achieve the most efficient stroke in order to propel the paddlesports boat forward according to the user's expertise. In general, the greater the mass of water that the blade is able to “grip,” the greater the resistance against which the paddler can lever him/herself and propel the paddlesports boat forward. However, certain users may desire the ability to achieve greater speeds for shorter durations, while some users may wish to conserve energy and be able to paddle moderately, though efficiently, for a long sustained period of time. Any compromise between these considerations reduces efficiency of the device. Moreover, even when a device for levering a paddlesports boat is well designed for one user, it likely will be inappropriate for another user who may require a different device because of his or her size and/or strength and goals.

The invention disclosed herein remedies many of the compromises forced upon the user by those conflicting considerations by providing a modular arrangement that can quickly be transformed to produce an oar, or a handled canoe paddle, or a double-bladed kayak paddle. The modular device also features four modes of operation, which will be discussed further hereinafter, but namely include: a purely manual mode in which the device is simply used to lever the paddlesports boat through the strength of the user alone; a first power assisted mode, in which a battery-powered fan provides thrust to help a user (who may be smaller and be less agile) to overcome the water resistance required in levering the device, but also thereby reduces the amount of propulsive thrust per stroke; a second power assisted mode, in which the fan thrust is combined with the manual lever action of the user to thereby increase the total propulsive power per stroke, but which requires greater strength on the part of the user; and a fourth mode in which the blade is removed and the fan is submerged in the water and clocked/oriented to propel the paddlesports boat (or any type of boat) in a desired direction, much like a trolling motor.

FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B show different paddlesports boat levering devices that may be achieved through transformation of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a powered kayak paddle 10, while FIG. 1A shows an oar, FIG. 1B shows a handled paddle for canoe, and the like, and FIG. 1C shows a first embodiment for a multi-directional propulsion device. The basic parts of the modular device may be constructed utilizing wood, aluminum, plastic, or some combination therein, or using any other materials or finishes commonly employed for such products, and it may be tailored for use in fresh water, saltwater or both.

The double-bladed kayak paddle 10, shown in front and side views in FIGS. 2 and 3 and in the section views of FIGS. 7 and 8, may comprise the modular components illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 6. In one embodiment the double-bladed kayak paddle 10 may be comprised of the following components: a pair of axially extending blades 20; a pair of fan assemblies 40; at least one water-resistant, electric motor 15; a first tube section 60; a second tube section 70; one or more batteries 31; and suitable electrical wiring/connection. Many different aspects of the individual components, the assembly thereof, and the performance capabilities of the invention require some discussion, as follows.

The blade 20 may generally comprise the water gripping portion 21, which may include curvature known as “scoop” (being in the widthwise direction) and “spoon” (being in the length-wise direction), to be bounded by an overall outer edge periphery 22. The outer edge periphery 22 may be interrupted by an opening to form an interior edge periphery 23, which is intended to mate with, and be removably attachable to, the fan assembly 40.

The fan assembly 40 may comprise a fan hub 41, fan shaft 42 (FIG. 10), a plurality of fan blades 43, which extend outward from the hub 41, and a fan housing 45. The fan housing 45 may be an injection molded plastic part, or any other type of suitably formed part, such, but not limited to, a casting, in which the housing may have a first cylindrical portion 46, a second cylindrical portion 47 that is disposed transverse to the first cylindrical portion 46, and a gusset plate 49 with an exterior groove. The blade 20 and fan housing 45 may be joined, in one embodiment, using a tongue and groove arrangement, as seen in FIG. 4. The interior periphery 23 of blade 20 may be inserted into groove 46A, which may actually begin in the gusset 49 until reaching the first cylindrical portion 46, in which the groove 46A may become an annular groove. The “tongue” of the blade 20 may be secured to the “groove” of the fan housing 45 using many different quick release means. In one embodiment, a pin 80, having a head 81, may be inserted through aligned orifices in the blade and housing, and be therein retained by a pair of spring-loaded balls 82, which may engage a groove in the housing to serve as a detent. Alternatively, any quick release pins, ball detent pins, plunger pins, or other suitable hardware available in the market from various manufacturers may be used, such as those offered by Innovative Components, Inc., which is located in Schaumberg, Ill. Innovative Components offers hardware in its catalog, at http://www.knobsource.com/images/Catalog %202010.pdf, which is incorporated herein by reference. In another embodiment, instead of the pin 80, a quick release catch may be used; being similar to the catch disclosed in expired U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,492 to Clifton, for “Quick Release Magazine Catch,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

To provide for added structural strength, a cylindrical protrusion 24 on the interior periphery 23 of blade 20 may extend in the axial direction to be received in a corresponding orifice in the first cylindrical portion 46 of fan housing 45. Alternatively, a cylindrical protrusion on the first cylindrical portion 46 of fan housing 45 may be received in a corresponding orifice in the blade 20. This quick release approach for attachment of the blade permits interchangeability of different size blades 20A, 20B, and 20C (FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C), whereby smaller or larger sized blades may be utilized to be more compatible with the particular user, or for the same user who may be on an earlier or later portion of a trip, and alternatively desires more or less blade area for correspondingly greater or lesser grip with the water, per stroke.

The second cylindrical portion 47 of fan housing 45 may comprise a male extension 48 extending from one end thereof, which may be hollow, and in which may be disposed motor 15 (FIGS. 7-8). The male extension 48 may be usable for coupling of the fan housing to an opening 61 in first tube section 60, which may be a hollow tube. This coupling arrangement may similarly be used for coupling of the handle 38 thereto, as well as for coupling of the first tube section 60 to second tube section 70 (male extension 68 coupling within opening 71), which, when coupled together, may form a hand-graspable shaft to enable levering by the user. There are many possible means of coupling the tube-like sections. In one possible embodiment, male extension 48 of fan housing 45 may comprise external threads, while the opening 61 in first tube section 60 may comprise internal threading, and may be comparable to the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,696 to Sykes for “Tube Joint for Annular Corrugated Tubing,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In another possible embodiment, a spring loaded detent may be used, similar to the method disclosed in expired U.S. Pat. No. 4,083,586 to Helm for “Tube Coupling,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In a third possible embodiment, resilient arms may be used, as in the method disclosed by expired U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,213 to Guest for “Tube Couplings,” the disclosures of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

Coupling of the fan housing 45 to the first tube section 60 may also serve to retain one or more batteries within the first tube section 60, so as to be in contact with, and electrically coupled to (direct contact and wiring from a far side end of the battery stack), the electric motor 15. Battery power may be provided by any battery that serves to provide the proper amount of power to the motor 15, and in one embodiment, each motor 15 may be powered using four “C” cell batteries, which may be disposable, or more preferably may be rechargeable lithium ion batteries. In another embodiment, the motor 15 may be powered by a marine battery 32 that can be connected, using an electrical cable 33, to the kayak paddle 10 using a quick connect plug 34, which may be received by a corresponding socket in the paddle.

The plug and socket are available for purchase at many retailers, including Minn Kota Accessories, at www.minnkotamotors.com/products/accessories/marine/quick_connect.aspx, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The socket may preferably be located near the center of the hand graspable shaft, so as to reduce any interference of the cable with the paddling motion of the user. It should also be noted, that the batteries stored within the paddle may serve as a primary source of power for motor 15, while the marine battery 32, which may be disposed upon a boat bottom, may serve as a back-up power source for when the rechargeable cells are exhausted during an outing. Since weight is a major consideration in the design of a paddle for long trips, use of the marine battery 32 as the primary power source may also make for a good design choice. The battery may be a true marine battery or a deep cycle battery, or a hybrid. Marine batteries tend to be among one of three different types of lead acid batteries, any of which may be suitable for use herein, and may include: a flooded acid battery, a gelled acid battery, and an advanced absorbed glass mat battery.

In a preferred embodiment, the socket may also be able to receive a power cable, which may be plugged in to an AC power source, to permit recharging of the batteries while disposed within the levering device. This embodiment would permit a user to take a longer excursion and stop en route at a convenient dock location to eat a meal, or buy provisions, or simply enjoy the scenery, but to also utilize the time to recharge the batteries. Such an embodiment would also provide a means for the recharging of those batteries when the user had returned home, so that the paddle would always be ready for immediate later use.

The total power needed may depend upon the motor 15 that is selected, which may in turn depend upon the total amount of thrust that the user desires to have available. The motor utilized may be a single speed motor, a two-speed motor, or a variable speed motor. A suitable motor 15 may be obtained from Faulhaber Miniature Drive Systems, and in particular, the series 1724 DC motor may be suitable for use within the levering device shaft, having its specification and envelope available at http://www.faulhaber.com/uploadpk/EN_—1724_SR_DFF.pdf, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Although the motor may be sealed between the fan assembly 40 and corresponding tube sections 60 and 70, the motor 15 may nonetheless be advantageously selected to be a water resistant motor. The other electrical components and wiring may also similarly be sealed and protected in a water-tight environment, which may involve the use of rubber O-ring seals, or other commonly used sealing shapes and materials that are known in the art.

The torque generated by the motor 15 may be delivered mechanically to the fan blades, and be coupled thereto, through use of a transmission shaft 16 (FIG. 10) being connected to the output shaft of the motor. The end of the transmission shaft 16 may comprise a first bevel gear 17, having teeth engaged with corresponding teeth of a second bevel gear 18. The second bevel gear 18 may have connectivity with the hub 41 to thereby drive fan blades 43 to produce propulsive thrust.

As seen in FIG. 7, the double bladed kayak paddle 10 may preferably have two motors with connectivity to two fan assemblies 40, each of which may be independently activated using a dedicated switch 30 (FIG. 5). As a result, the two halves of the double bladed kayak paddle 10 (FIG. 2A) may be separable to permit independent operation by a single user, possibly being used as oars for rowing, or instead the two halves may be used by two different individuals as paddles. To be usable as a paddle—a paddle that is commonly used for canoeing—a handle 38 may be connected to the non-bladed end of each of the halves, which may require one handle with a male extension to be inserted into second tube section 60, and one handle comprising a female opening to receive the male extension 48 of the first tube section 60.

In an alternate embodiment, seen in FIGS. 12-14, a single motor 15A may be utilized to power dual fans, whereby the motor has output shafts protruding from opposing ends of the motor that connect to a first transmission shaft 16A and also to a second transmission shaft 16B, to drive the fans. In another alternate embodiment, the fan assembly 40 and the blade 20 may be made as a unitary member 90 (FIG. 6), which may provide greater strength for the paddle, but would preclude interchangeability of the blades.

In yet another alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 1D, a propulsion/navigation device 12B may comprise a motor and fan, whereby the motor is aligned axially with the axis of the fan shaft, which may thereby eliminate the need for gears and serve to reduce weight. The motor may be a water-proof brushless motor or a brushed motor. In this arrangement, the rechargeable C-size batteries may be disposed farther down the shaft to be in close proximity to the motor, to reduce the necessary electrical wiring. One example of such an in-line fan and motor arrangement may be the ROV/UAV thrusters that may be purchased from Crust Crawler Robotics (available at http://www.crustcrawler.com/products/urov/index.php?prod=300, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference).

In yet another embodiment, shown in FIG. 1E, a propulsion/navigation device 12C may comprise the 12B device, but instead of, or in addition to, the blade being removable, the blade may be pivotally attached to be rotatable 90 degrees using pivot means 12Cp, so as to eliminate the need to remove the quick release fasteners. This arrangement would allow the user to be able to more quickly convert the combination device being used as an oar/paddle, into the propulsion/navigation device. Such means of 90 degree pivotal attachment means may be found, for example, in expired U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,586,763 to Paulsen, and 5,037,088 to Bernstein, the disclosures of each being incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 16 illustrates use of the modular levering device in the oar 6 configuration, and of it being utilized without any power assistance (i.e., the motor is off, or the battery power has been completely expended). As seen in the figure, the force exerted the user, F_user, overcomes the water resistance, F_{water resistance}, encountered by the grip of the paddle in the water to propel the paddlesports boat forward. The propulsion of the boat is purely due to the mechanical levering provided from the strength of the user.

FIG. 17 illustrates use of the modular levering device in the oar 6 configuration, and with it being utilized in a first power assisted mode. As can be seen in the Figure, the rower imparts a force, F_{row 1}. In addition, the motor 15 is supplied with battery power and switched on, with the paddle being oriented to have the fan blades directing the flow forward, which results in the generally aftward reaction force, F_fan, being imparted to the oar 6. The afterward reaction force, F_fan, therein serves to counter the water resistance force, F_{water resistance}, which makes it easier for the user to paddle, which may be desirable where the paddle blade and graspable shaft may be large for the user, as it will therefore require less strength per stroke to lever; however, this also results in less of a levering force being accomplished to propel the boat forward. The arrangement may permit a smaller user to paddle for a significantly longer period of time.

It should be noted that power assistance according to this approach requires the user to maintain a consistent stroke frequency when the paddles are “wet” and to quickly remove the paddles at the end of the stroke, without dipping the paddle into the water and then holding it statically submerged for any period of time, as this would no longer serve to simply counter water resistance, but would instead act to counter the forward motion. It would be the equivalent of having a trolling motor operating in a direction opposite to the desired course, which would be further exaggerated by the drag resulting from the gripping area 21 of the blade 20 lingering in the water flowing relative to the boat.

For other rowers, and even for that same rower at a different stage of the trip, conserving energy while paddling may not be the goal, because those users may be seeking to produce the maximum amount of propulsion possible to achieve a greater speed for a short duration. Therefore, FIG. 18 illustrates use of the modular levering device in the oar 6 configuration, and with it being utilized in a second power assisted mode. In this mode, the rower imparts a force, F_{row 2}, and in addition, the paddle is oriented to have the fan blades directing the flow afterward, which results in the generally forward reaction force, F_fan, being imparted to the oar 6. This is the equivalent of increasing the gripping capability of the gripping area 21 of the blade 20. The generally forward force, F_fan, is additive with the water resistance force, F_{water resistance}, which permits the paddler, having sufficient strength, to apply a larger rowing force, F_{row 2}, to produce greater forward speed. Here, the effects of an oar/paddle lingering statically in the water are not as deleterious as in the first power assisted mode.

The fourth mode of operation has the blade 20 being removable through us of a quick-release catch, which enables easy conversion of the levering device into a hand-held multi-directional propulsion device, with it being more convenient to use than the more cumbersome, transom-mounted trolling motor. The arrangement may be directed towards the boat's stern, which propels the boat forward, just like a standard trolling motor. Alternatively, the device may be held on the port or starboard sides to provide a lateral propulsive force in order to navigate the boat so as to come abeam another boat, or to a dock, or to generally navigate into tight places like a berth, slip, etc. Alternatively, the device may be more broadly utilized by being so located on the side of the boat, and simply be oriented or clocked at the appropriate position so as to cause thrust in any one of the possible compass directions (zero to 360 degrees), for navigation in the opposite direction.

Also, while the invention is herein described as a modular levering device that may quickly be transformed for alternative uses in any one of the four operating modes, the fourth mode—the propulsion/navigation portion of the invention—may also advantageously be separately adapted, manufactured, and marketed solely to serve as an emergency battery-operated propulsion device 12A for small boats. As such, the device may be particularly useful when mechanical problems are encountered with sails or masts, as well as to serve as a back-up when day-sailing on a sunfish, etc., and the winds inconveniently dissipate. The back-up propulsion/navigation device 12A may thus be integrally mounted within such small boats, as an accessory. The specially adapted propulsion/navigation device (which may or may not have an attachable blade) may further include a tethering cable 85 extending from the manually graspable shaft or the handle, and be attached to the boat, to prevent a run-away paddle in case the paddle/oar slips from the user's grasp. For users who may prefer to not operate the propulsion/navigation device 12A in a strictly hand-held manner, the device may include an L-shaped or U-shaped bracket 86 which may be used so the device can slidably rest atop the gunwale 2—the top edge of the side of the boat 1. The bracket may be connected to the shaft via a hinge arrangement which would permit pivotal movement of the device to thus allow direction changes, while the propulsion/navigation device 12A remains generally fixed to the gunwale.

The examples and descriptions provided merely illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art and having the benefit of the present disclosure will appreciate that further embodiments may be implemented with various changes within the scope of the present invention. Other modifications, substitutions, omissions and changes may be made in the design, size, materials used or proportions, operating conditions, assembly sequence, or arrangement or positioning of elements and members of the preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit of this invention.

Claims

1. A modular combination device for use in a first role to provide for pure manual levering or power-assisted manual levering of a paddlesports boat, with said device being transformable for use in a second role as a statically-held multi-directional propulsion device, said modular combination device comprising:

a hand-graspable portion;

at least one electric motor;

one or more sources of electric power; said one or more sources of electric power being electrically coupled to said at least one motor;

at least one fan, said at least one fan being mechanically coupled to said at least one motor, said motor being capable of driving said fan to rotate and produce thrust;

at least one blade, said at least one blade being removably attachable to said hand-graspable portion; and

said modular combination device providing selective propulsion capabilities.

2. The combination device according to claim 1, wherein said selective propulsion capabilities comprise said at least one blade being removably attached to a hand-graspable shaft and said at least one motor being off; said combination device being usable for pure manual levering.

3. The combination device according to claim 2, wherein said selective propulsion capabilities comprise said at least one blade being removably attached to said hand-graspable shaft and said at least one motor being on, with said fan blades being rotated by said motor to produce thrust; said thrust of said combination device being usable for power-assisted manual levering.

4. The combination device according to claim 3, wherein said selective propulsion capabilities comprise transforming said combination device by removing said at least one blade from said hand-graspable shaft, and with said at least one motor being on, statically holding said device submerged and clocked to provide propulsion in a desired compass direction.

5. The combination device according to claim 4, wherein said one or more sources of electric power comprise one or more batteries, said one or more batteries comprising one or more of a disposable battery; a rechargeable battery; and a marine battery.

6. The combination device according to claim 5, wherein said marine battery is coupled to said device using an electrical cable and a quick connect plug.

7. The combination device according to claim 6, wherein said marine battery comprises a lead acid battery from the group of marine lead acid batteries consisting of: a flooded acid battery, a gelled acid battery, or an advanced absorbed glass mat battery.

8. The combination device according to claim 5, wherein said one or more batteries is disposed in one or more of: a bottom of said paddlesports boat; or within said hand-graspable shaft.

9. The combination device according to claim 8, wherein said fan comprises: a fan shaft and one or more fan blades, said one or more fan blades being attached to said fan shaft,

10. The combination device according to claim 9, wherein said fan shaft is rotatably attached to a fan housing; and wherein said fan housing is attached to said hand-graspable shaft.

11. The combination device according to claim 10, wherein said at least one fan being mechanically coupled to said at least one motor comprises a coupling arrangement from the group consisting of: said motor being directly connected to said fan shaft; or said motor being disposed within said hand-graspable shaft and driving said fan shaft by a gearing arrangement comprising first and second bevel gears.

12. The combination device according to claim 11, wherein said motor is a type of motor from the group of motors consisting of: brushed motors; or brushless motors.

13. The combination device according to claim 12, wherein said at least one motor is water submersible; and wherein said water submersible motor comprises a motor with speeds from the group of motors consisting of: a single speed motor, a two-speed motor; or a variable speed motor.

14. The combination device according to claim 13, wherein said at least one blade comprises a quick-release latch to permit easy attachment and removal of said at least one blade to and from said hand-graspable shaft.

15. The combination device according to claim 14 further comprising a switch, said switch being capable of turning said motor on and off.

16. The combination device according to claim 15, wherein said at least one fan comprises a fan being attached to a first end of said hand-graspable shaft; and wherein said at least one blade comprises a blade being removably attached to said shaft in proximity to said fan, and extending axially from said first end of said shaft.

17. The combination device according to claim 16, wherein said hand-graspable shaft of said device is mountable in an oar-lock, with said combination device being usable as an oar.

18. The combination device according to claim 16 further comprising a handle, said handle being mountable to a second end of said hand-graspable shaft; said combination device with said handle being usable as a canoe paddle.

19. The combination device according to claim 16 further comprising a second fan being attached to a second end of said hand-graspable shaft, and a second blade being removably attached to said second end of said hand-graspable shaft in proximity to said second fan to extend axially from said second end of said shaft, said two-bladed combination device being usable as a kayak paddle.

20. The combination device according to claim 17, wherein said power-assisted manual levering comprises orienting said paddle with said thrust resulting in a reaction force being in a direction opposite to a propulsive direction of said levering, said reaction force thereby serving to reduce work required per stroke.

21. The combination device according to claim 18, wherein said power-assisted manual levering comprises orienting said paddle with said thrust resulting in a reaction force being in a direction opposite to a propulsive direction of said levering, said reaction force thereby serving to reduce work required per stroke.

22. The combination device according to claim 19, wherein said power-assisted manual levering comprises orienting said paddle with said thrust resulting in a reaction force being in a direction opposite to a propulsive direction of said levering, said reaction force thereby serving to reduce work required per stroke.

23. The combination device according to claim 17, wherein said power-assisted manual levering comprises orienting said paddle with said thrust resulting in a reaction force in a direction being the same as a propulsive direction of said levering, said reaction force thereby serving to increase total propulsive power per stroke.

24. The combination device according to claim 18, wherein said power-assisted manual levering comprises orienting said paddle with said thrust resulting in a reaction force in a direction being the same as a propulsive direction of said levering, said reaction force thereby serving to increase total propulsive power per stroke.

25. The combination device according to claim 19, wherein said power-assisted manual levering comprises orienting said paddle with said thrust resulting in a reaction force in a direction being the same as a propulsive direction of said levering, said reaction force thereby serving to increase total propulsive power per stroke.

26. The combination device according to claim 17, wherein said blade is removed and replaced with a different sized blade.

27. The combination device according to claim 18, wherein said blade is removed and replaced with a different sized blade.

28. The combination device according to claim 19, wherein said blade is removed and replaced with a different sized blade.

29. A modular device for use in provide for manual levering or power-assisted levering of a boat, said modular device also being transformable for use as a hand-held trolling device, said modular device comprising:

a hand-graspable shaft;

at least one electric motor;

one or more batteries; said one or more batteries being electrically coupled to said at least one motor;

at least one fan, said at least one fan being coupled to said at least one motor, said motor being capable of driving said fan to rotate and produce thrust;

at least one blade, said at least one blade being removably attachable to said shaft; and

said modular device providing selective propulsion capabilities.

30. The modular device according to claim 29, wherein said selective propulsion capabilities comprise said at least one blade being removably attached to said hand-graspable shaft and said at least one motor being off; said combination device being usable for pure manual levering.

31. The modular device according to claim 29, wherein said selective propulsion capabilities comprise said at least one blade being removably attached to said hand-graspable shaft and said at least one motor being on, with said fan blades being rotated by said motor to produce thrust; said thrust of said combination device being usable for power-assisted manual levering.

32. The modular device according to claim 29, wherein said selective propulsion capabilities comprise transforming said combination device by removing said at least one blade from said hand-graspable shaft, and with said at least one motor being on, statically holding said device submerged and clocked to provide propulsion in a desired compass direction.

33. The modular device according to claim 29, wherein said one or more batteries is disposed in one or more of: a bottom of said boat; or within said hand-graspable shaft.

34. The modular device according to claim 33, wherein said one or more batteries comprises one or more of: a disposable battery; a rechargeable battery; and a marine battery; and wherein said marine battery is coupled to said device using an electrical cable and a quick connect plug.

35. The modular device according to claim 29, wherein said fan comprises: a fan shaft and one or more fan blades, said one or more fan blades being attached to said fan shaft; and wherein said fan shaft is rotatably attached to a fan housing, and said fan housing is attached to said hand-graspable shaft.

36. The modular device according to claim 35, wherein said at least one fan being mechanically coupled to said at least one motor comprises a coupling arrangement from the group consisting of: said motor being directly connected to said fan shaft; or said motor being disposed within said hand-graspable shaft and driving said fan shaft by a gearing arrangement comprising first and second bevel gears.

37. The modular device according to claim 29, wherein said at least one motor is water submersible; and wherein said water submersible motor is a motor from the group of motors consisting of: a single speed motor, a two-speed motor; or a variable speed motor.

38. The modular device according to claim 29, wherein said at least one blade comprises a quick-release latch to permit easy attachment and removal of said at least one blade to and from said hand-graspable shaft.

39. The modular device according to claim 29 further comprising a switch, said switch being capable of turning said motor on and off.

40. The modular device according to claim 29, wherein said at least one fan comprises a fan being attached to a first end of said hand-graspable shaft; and wherein said at least one blade comprises a blade being removably attached to said shaft in proximity to said fan, and extending axially from said first end of said shaft.

41. The modular device according to claim 29, wherein said hand-graspable shaft of said device is mountable in an oar-lock, with said combination device being usable as an oar.

42. The modular device according to claim 29 further comprising a handle, said handle being mountable to a second end of said hand-graspable shaft; said combination device with said handle being usable as a canoe paddle.

43. The modular device according to claim 40 further comprising a second fan being attached to a second end of said hand-graspable shaft, and a second blade being removably attached to said second end of said hand-graspable shaft in proximity to said second fan to extend axially from said second end of said shaft, said two-bladed combination device being usable as a kayak paddle.

44. The modular device according to claim 41, wherein said power-assisted manual levering comprises orienting said paddle with said thrust resulting in a reaction force being in a direction opposite to a propulsive direction of said levering, said reaction force thereby serving to reduce work required per stroke.

45. The modular device according to claim 42, wherein said power-assisted manual levering comprises orienting said paddle with said thrust resulting in a reaction force being in a direction opposite to a propulsive direction of said levering, said reaction force thereby serving to reduce work required per stroke.

46. The modular device according to claim 43, wherein said power-assisted manual levering comprises orienting said paddle with said thrust resulting in a reaction force being in a direction opposite to a propulsive direction of said levering, said reaction force thereby serving to reduce work required per stroke.

47. The modular device according to claim 41, wherein said power-assisted manual levering comprises orienting said paddle with said thrust resulting in a reaction force in a direction being the same as a propulsive direction of said levering, said reaction force thereby serving to increase total propulsive power per stroke.

48. The modular device according to claim 42, wherein said power-assisted manual levering comprises orienting said paddle with said thrust resulting in a reaction force in a direction being the same as a propulsive direction of said levering, said reaction force thereby serving to increase total propulsive power per stroke.

49. The modular device according to claim 43, wherein said power-assisted manual levering comprises orienting said paddle with said thrust resulting in a reaction force in a direction being the same as a propulsive direction of said levering, said reaction force thereby serving to increase total propulsive power per stroke.

50. The modular device according to claim 41, wherein said blade is removed and replaced with a different sized blade.

51. The modular device according to claim 42, wherein said blade is removed and replaced with a different sized blade.

52. The modular device according to claim 43, wherein said blade is removed and replaced with a different sized blade.

53. A combination device for use in a first role to provide for manual levering or power-assisted manual levering of a boat, with said device being quickly transformable for use in a second role as a statically-held multi-directional propulsion device, said combination device comprising:

a hand-graspable shaft;

at least one electric motor;

one or more sources of electric power; said one or more sources of electric power being electrically coupled to said at least one motor;

at least one fan, said at least one fan being mechanically coupled to said at least one motor, said motor being capable of driving said fan to rotate and produce thrust;

at least one blade, said at least one blade being pivotally attached to said hand-graspable shaft; and

said modular combination device providing selective propulsion capabilities.

54. A combination device according to claim 53, wherein said pivotal means comprises a detent for maintaining said blade in a first position, and in a 90 degree rotated position.

55. A combination device according to claim 54, wherein said one or more sources of electric power comprise one or more batteries, said one or more batteries comprising one or more of: a disposable battery; a rechargeable battery; and a marine battery.