Abstract: An electronic control module (46) for coupling a pedal mechanically powered electric generator (28) and a battery (44) to a motor controller (48) of a watercraft propulsion motor (32), comprising: an electrical input operatively connected to the generator (28); a processor with a memory having an output operatively connected to the motor controller (46), said processor being operationally selectable by a user to one of multiple modes so that the processor being is configured to: in a first mode, combine power from the generator (28) with power from the battery (44) to power the motor (32); in a second mode, combine power from the generator (28) with partial power from the battery (44) to power the motor (32); and in a third mode, transfer power from the generator (28) to charge the battery (44).

Abstract: A unique watercraft that includes a plurality of flotation elements which are aligned longitudinally and fit together end to end, comprising the watercraft hull. Unlike other watercraft, it does not rely upon a low center of gravity for stability. A front flotation element pivots about an axis and this pivotal motion is used for both steering and for maintaining balance. The effective profile of the hull changes dynamically as the front flotation element is turned. These hull changes allow the operator to balance and make agile maneuvers. Equilibrium can be easily maintained in this manner when the watercraft is moving forward and when it is otherwise stationary in water. In a preferred embodiment, the watercraft is ridden like a bicycle. Balance is actively maintained by a rider who steers right and left to adjust transverse weight distribution. The riding experience feels similar to operating a conventional bicycle on land.

Abstract: An elliptical powered watercraft includes a buoyant platform, a paddle wheel, pedals operatively connected to the paddle wheel, and a skeg, a fin, or a rudder operatively connected to a steering device, such as handlebars or a steering wheel. An operator propels the elliptical powered watercraft by balancing on the buoyant platform, generating rotational movement with the pedals to deliver power to the paddle wheel, and steering the elliptical powered watercraft by turning the skeg, the fin, or the rudder with the handlebars or the steering wheel.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus adapted to be installed in a watercraft may include a propeller extending below the water surface adapted to provide three hundred sixty degrees (360°) of directed vector thrust. The propulsion apparatus may include foot pedals operable by an operator in a cycling motion operatively connected to the propeller by a drive shaft interconnecting a crank gear assembly to a propeller gear assembly. The drive shaft may extend through vertically aligned concentric upper and lower conduits. The upper conduit may be fixedly secured to the watercraft and the lower conduit rotatably connected to a lower distal end of the upper conduit. The lower conduit may be rotated to direct propeller thrust to a desired direction.

Abstract: A watercraft suitable for fishing has a rotomolded deck and hull. The deck includes a cockpit with substantially vertical sidewalls, a rear wall, a pedaling installation, and a flat floor between the sidewalls extending from the rear wall to the pedaling installation in the cockpit. The hull includes a depression between lateral protrusions amidships and a stern with a rounded cross section so that the combination of the lateral protrusions and rounded stern cross section allow the watercraft to track straight on water and for the stern to move laterally when the watercraft is turned on a body of water. The watercraft may also include a seat movably mounted onto spaced apart grooves installed on the flat floor of the cockpit that extend from a rear position near the rear wall to a forward position near the pedaling installation.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for an elliptically-driven device includes a drive arm with a foot platform pivot assembly; a crank arm; a foot platform assembly pivotally coupled to the drive arm via the foot platform pivot assembly; a foot platform angle adjustment mechanism operably coupling the foot platform assembly to the crank arm so as to impart a foot platform angle of the foot platform assembly relative to the drive arm that varies during a stroke of the foot platform assembly.

Abstract: An oscillating reversible motor providing a novel means of converting oscillating motion into selectable clockwise or counterclockwise rotary motion. More particularly, the invention presents a novel approach to a foot or hand pedal driven apparatus with which a traditional rotary water propeller or other output device may be employed in both forward and reverse directions of relative motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to two configurations of structure for a compact, pedal-propelled boat, a recumbent configuration and a conventional configuration, and to two possible propulsion systems, one with rigid transmission system and other with flexible transmission system. Both configurations are used with hulls arranged in parallel, catamaran configuration, preferably inflatable, allowing the volume and size of the assembly to be reduced so as to fit in a car trunk, making it easier to transport and store. In the recumbent configuration, the boat driver is in a sitting position, with his back supported by the seat, and actuates the pedals located in the front part of the structure while maneuvers the boat by means of handlebars located on the sides of the structure. In the conventional configuration, the boat driver is in the same position as the rider of a conventional bicycle, and the seat, pedals and handlebar are arranged in the same positions as in a bicycle.

Abstract: An apparatus including a frame; a drive wheel coupled to the frame; first and second foot links operably coupled to said drive wheel to transfer power to said drive wheel so as to propel the apparatus; and each of said first and second foot links including a pivoting foot platform for receiving an operator's foot, said pivoting foot platform pivotally coupled to one of said first and second foot links so as to allow angular travel of the pivoting foot platform, the apparatus including one or more features to limit the angular travel of said pivoting foot platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kayak comprising a light and stylish hull with a propeller mounted on the underside thereof, said propeller being actuatable by means of pedals mounted in front of and above a seat, the pedals and propeller being connected by means of a transmission that passes through the inside of the hull and below the surface thereof. Two rudders are arranged at the rear.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an aquatic stand up board where the rider is standing on the board and provides propulsion by means of a manual hand crank. The hand crank operates two sprockets and a chain causing a double paddle wheel beneath the board to rotate thereby providing thrust. Forward or backward motion depends on whether the manual crank is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. Steering is achieved by turning the crank in a horizontal plane, similar to a bicycle handlebar, which rotates the paddle wheels in the desired direction.

Abstract: An elongate and tubular body of a watercycle, featuring a fish, for recreation and for exercise in the water, includes two humps on its back serving as saddle for a rider. The seated rider gets wet up to about the waist. The watercycle and the rider are floated by a highly buoyant material located within the upper body of the watercycle. Forward movement is initiated by manipulating the pedals to get the propellers in the body turning.

Abstract: A handle-actuated aquatic device comprising a paddlewheel and a body board, wherein the body board is buoyant in water and configured to engage a portion of a user's body, and a first handle and a second handle are operatively connected to the paddlewheel, wherein each handle is configured to rotate the paddle wheel, and wherein the paddlewheel is attached to a body board frame, the body board frame also being configured to receive at least a portion of the body board.

Abstract: A remote powered propulsive device having a rudder which carries a propeller or oscillating fins which are powered by pedals alone or with hydraulic assist or by an electric motor.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a pleasure boat and particularly but not exclusively to a pedal boat. According to the invention, in order to make sea excursions with said pleasure boat more attractive, the boat comprises a jetted tub on board, preferably fed with seawater drawn directly from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A floating apparatus is arranged to be propelled manually. The apparatus has a float with a head and a foot for supporting a recumbent person. Also included is a hull attached under the float. The hull has a first end and a second end and is narrower than the float. The apparatus has a propeller shaft with a propeller that is rotatably mounted in the hull. Also included is a manual driver for rotating the propeller shaft. The manual driver is mounted at the first end of the hull and the propeller is mounted at the second end of the hull.

Abstract: A personal water craft propelled on the water's surface by the user pedaling a pedal crank that in turn rotates a propeller thrusting the craft in a forward or rearward direction. Steering is accomplished by an operator-controlled rudder at the aft of the craft. The craft is of unique design lending to persons who desire to snorkel observing undersea life in a comfortable prone position of appropriate pedal posture while enjoying the ease of navigating by pedal propulsion with less expenditure of effort than swimming.

Abstract: A personal watercraft (10) comprises a floatation platform (12) and a separate module (14) including a water propulsor driving crank mechanism (22) and a keel (38) mounting the water propulsor. The separate module (14), when mounted to the platform (12), extends at right angles to the platform with the keel (38) and propeller (40) extending below the platform (12) and the propulsor driving crank mechanism (22) extending above the platform. The separate module (14) is readily separable from the platform (12) for ease of storage and transport.

Abstract: A pair of foils are pivotably coupled to a nacelle. The nacelle is pivotably coupled to a mast extending down from to a frame and below a water surface. A push rod oscillates, causing the nacelle to experience a heaving motion, in turn causing the foils to flap up and down. The push rod is driven by a power plant such as a human rider. Angles of attack for the foils are actively controlled to optimize lift and propulsion forces provided by the foils to cause the water craft to move over the water. A steering fin is also provided for heading control of the water craft. A control system for separate angles of attack for the foil sends appropriate information to servo motors which cause the foils to rotate relative to the nacelle to achieve optimal angles of attack relative to the particular position of the nacelle at any given moment.

Abstract: An apparatus with two configurations: a deployed configuration forming a watercraft that floats in water and a folded configuration that allows for transport of the apparatus. The apparatus includes multiple modules. One module is a planar sheet of corrugated material with a plurality of joints that allow the sheet to assume the shape of a hull when in the deployed configuration and to assume a box-shape when in the folded configuration. Another module is a paddle assembly that is releaseably connected to a pair of sidewalls when the sheet is in the deployed configuration. The paddle assembly is foldable such that it fits within the box-shape when the sheet is in the folded configuration. The planar sheet is foldable around a plurality of joints or hinges that are configured to fold two ways, thereby allowing the sheet to assume the two configurations.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a hull having a hull bottom with an opening and a trunk surrounding the opening. The watercraft also includes a propulsion device pivotally mounted to a portion of the hull other than the trunk. The propulsion device can include a transmission and a propeller on an end of the transmission, and can be movable between a deployed position and an onboard stowed position. In the deployed position, the transmission extends through the trunk and through the opening such that the propeller is positioned below the hull bottom. In the onboard stowed position, no portion of the transmission or the propeller is located within the trunk or below the hull bottom.

Abstract: A floating exercise rowing machine with two elongated floating assemblies that are kept at a parallel and spaced apart relationship with respect to each other by two transversal frame assemblies and a longitudinally extending frame assembly. The frame assemblies support a seat assembly mounted at the middle of the floating exercise machine. A propulsion mechanism that includes a bar that is pivotally mounted to the frame assembly with a coaxially extending actuating end that moves reciprocally between two extreme positions to cause, through linkage arms, the rotation of sprockets that in turn impart a rotational movement to a transversal axle that supports two paddle wheels at the ends. A steering mechanism permits a user to steer the floating machine with his/her hands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pedal boat drive comprising at least one pedal crank and a drive train for transferring drive energy produced by the pedal crank to a means of propulsion, e.g. a propeller. At least one flywheel, which is mounted on a free-running axle, is placed in the drive train between the pedal crank and the means of propulsion. Drive energy produced by the pedal crank is transferred from the pedal crank to the flywheel, which is mounted in a free-running manner, and is transferred from said flywheel to the means of propulsion. The aim of the invention is to further develop a pedal boat drive of this type that enables a pedal boat to be used as an item of sports equipment. In doing this, the pedal boat should behave in water similar to a bicycle on land with regard to the feeling of riding.

Abstract: A swimmers paddle wheel (10) that utilizes a crankshaft (20) with a pair of ends (22,24) containing crank arms (28). Each crank arm (28) is out of angular alignment relative to each other, and each crank arm includes a handle grip (46) with a rotating cylinder (48) and a resilient hand grip (50) such that a swimmer may grasp a handle grip (46) with each hand and rotate the crankshaft (20). Floats (52,54) are disposed on each end (22,24) of the crankshaft (20), with the floats (52,54) having a plurality of paddle blades (56) extending outward to provide propulsion when manually rotated within a body of water. A removable swimmer seat (64) is attached to the crankshaft (20) and is used to support a swimmer when stationary in the water or when the paddle blades (56) are rotated.

Abstract: A watercycle having, generally do-nut shape float mounted onto a frame or chassis member, and a rider's seat within the hollow of the float and which can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. Adjusting the seat to its highest level will cause the seated rider to submerge up to the hip, and adjusting it to its lowest level will cause the rider to submerge up to the chest. The seat is likewise adjustable forward and backward for convenient foot-reach to the pedals. The watercycle is fitted with steerable propellers utilizable for propelling and for steering.

Abstract: A watercycle having, generally do-nut shape float mounted onto a frame or chassis member, and a rider's seat within the hollow of the float and which can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. Adjusting the seat to its highest level will cause the seated rider to submerge up to the hip, and adjusting it to its lowest level will cause the rider to submerge up to the chest. The seat is likewise adjustable forward and backward for convenient foot-reach to the pedals. The watercycle is fitted with steerable propellers utilizable for propelling and for steering.

Abstract: A watercycle having generally do-nut shape float mounted onto a frame or chassis member, and a rider's seat situated within the hollow of the float, and which can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. Adjusting the seat to its highest level will cause the seated rider to submerge up to the hip, and adjusting it to its lowest level will cause the rider to submerge up to about the chest. The seat is likewise adjustable forward and backward for convenient foot-reach to the pedals.

Abstract: A rigid or inflatable water craft propelled by a double-flipper device for safe displacement both for the user and nearby swimmer.consists of a floater specifically linked to a propelling system comprising a pedal mechanism with discoid branches with protected pedals actuating two cog wheels secured to two rods connected by pivot pins and sliding in two tubes at the end of which are fixed aquatic flippers. The rotation of the cog wheels, acting as a reduction gear box, about the axles fixing them to the outer hull open in its rear part enables to obtain effortlessly a constant and continuous flapping movement of the flippers in a common vertical plane, such as that produced by a human and known to be most efficient. The device is particularly designed for the general public for use in an aquatic environment in the form of nautical activities for leisure, sport or exercise.

Abstract: A collapsible pontoon paddle boat that includes inflatable pontoons that may be deflated, and a series of frame pieces that may be disassembled. The frame structure includes metal tubes that snap into anchors that are integrally formed on the sides of the pontoons. A removable seat is provided for the boat that is supported by a series of cinch straps that allows fore and aft sections of the seating surface to be adjusted up and down relative to the pontoons. A plurality of mounting locations may be provided for removable cranks and paddle wheels so that their position may be adjusted relative to the seat. A rudder for the pontoon paddle boat is connected to the frame for the pontoon paddle boat by a friction connection and includes a pivot mechanism that permits folding to a position where it extends parallel to the boat.

Abstract: A swimmer propulsion device includes a harness with attached frame and resilient tail assembly. A foot-operated driver on the frame rotates and forces an apex member against the fluked tail assembly, while tensioning propulsion bands. As the apex member rotates beyond perpendicular, the band snaps the upwardly displaced tail assembly downwardly, thus thrusting the swimmer forward. The tail assembly has a spine with resilient vertebrae and a resilient portion that are all deformed as the tail assembly is displaced upwardly by the apex member. As the tail assembly moves downwardly, the resilient portion and the vertebrae return to the undeformed state, thus adding thrust to that provided by the bands. Interchangeable drivers and propulsion bands are provided that adjusts the amount of thrust provided by the system. Interchangeable flukes and dorsal fins are also provided. A single piece tail assembly is also provided as an alternate.

Abstract: A watercycle having substantially do-nut shape float mounted onto a frame or chassis member, and a rider's seat adjustable vertically and horizontally. Adjusting the seat to its highest level will cause a seated rider to submerge up to the hip, and adjusting it to its lowest level will cause said rider to submerge up to the chest. The seat is likewise adjustable forward and backward for convenient foot-reach to the pedals.

Abstract: A marker buoy is provided for use with a flexible line tied to a weighted sinker. The buoy includes a watertight, transparent dome assembly with an interior light source positioned therein. The dome assembly resides on a buoyant housing with a bottom aperture and line guide for receiving and guiding a flexible line for winding on a reel assembly positioned within the housing. The reel assembly utilizes a spiral coil spring that is wound as the line unwinds from the spool and acts to return excess line to the spool as the sinker attached to the line comes to rest on its intended submerged surface. In one embodiment a reduction gear is provided to increase the number of spool turns available before the spring winds completely.

Abstract: A pedal powered drive mechanism and an aquatic vehicle having such a mechanism are constructed primarily of lightweight inexpensive moulded plastic. The vehicle has a buoyant hull with a central longitudinal axis and saddle seat. Handle bar steering is mounted to the hull and a pedal powered drive mechanism drives a stem mounted propeller. The mechanism is constructed of moulded plastic components for simple assembly and results in an inexpensive lightweight drive compared to conventional metal components. The drive has a housing with two axially spaced apart shaft bearing cradles. The crank shaft is disposed in the cradles, with opposing crank arms and pedal mounts extending perpendicular to the crank shaft axis and outward of the cradles. A drive pulley is mounted on the shaft between the cradles by sliding a pulley central opening along the shaft over at least one pedal mount. Collars disposed on the shaft between the pulley and each cradle retain the assembly in a simple manner.

Abstract: A pedal-powered watercraft comprises a unitary hull having an upper wall extending from a bow portion to a stern portion of the watercraft and a pair of spaced hollow sponsons located on either side of the upper wall. The upper wall together with inner walls of the sponsons form a tunnel that opens generally downwardly and extends from the bow portion to the stern portion of the watercraft. A deck is connected to the hull and includes an elongate opening that defines a cockpit area for receiving an occupant. A seat is located in the cockpit area and a pedal assembly is connected to the hull forwardly of the seat. The pedal assembly includes a pivotal pedal tower and a pair of pedals rotatably mounted on the pedal tower. The pair of pedals are operably connected to drive the propeller during pedal rotation.

Abstract: A nonresonant boat motor for imparting motion to a boat without generating a substantial level of sound. The nonresonant boat motor includes a spiral spring coupled to an axle assembly, a propeller shaft coupled to the axle assembly, a ratchet assembly for providing tension in the spring, and an axle rotation control assembly.

Abstract: A combination bicycle and boat has a frame; a buoyant rear wheel; and a buoyant front wheel driven by a pair of pedals. The frame is a rigid construction that supports the user on the front and rear wheels for mobility. The frame has a seat and rotatably mounted handle bars, and is preferably shaped to resemble an animal having a head and a tail. The combination preferably further includes a water gun powered by a water pump; and the water gun works in conjunction with a water sensing fan to facilitate a game of water tag. The invention further includes a manually propelled animal boat. The animal boat has a frame having an animal shape having a head and a tail. The animal boat has a crank is located near the head operably engages with a propeller shaped like an animal flipper located near the tail.

Abstract: The invention includes new hull systems and watercraft. In particular, the invention provides a watercraft hull (10) that has a pivot axis (22) forward of the hull waterline fore-aft center line (24). That pivot axis (22) will be the deep water point of the hull and provides a fulcrum point around which the hull turns during a direction change. The forward pivot axis (22) surprisingly imparts high manoeuvrability (i.e. the ability to execute turns of reduced radius) relative to prior systems, even at low speeds.

Abstract: A personal water vehicle (12) comprising a structure (14) for supporting a person (16) in a prone position above an upper surface of a body of water (18). A facility (20) is for steering the supporting structure (14) in the body of water (18), using manual operation by the hands (22) of the person (16). An assemblage (24) is for propelling the supporting structure (14) in the body of water (18), using peddle movement by the feet (26) of the person (16). A device (28) for viewing, extends through the supporting structure (14), so that the person (16) can look into the body of water (18).

Abstract: A water workout apparatus comprising a paddleboat is propelled by various means such as oscillating pedals, rotating pedals, and push-pull levers or handle bars. The paddleboat can be propelled in reverse by rotating the handle and utilizing separate reversing oscillating pedals to motivate the belt driven gear system. The paddleboat can be utilized out of the water by being supported on a pair of stands to provide physical exercise of arms and legs.

Abstract: The invention includes new hull systems and watercraft. In particular, the invention provides a watercraft hull that has a pivot axis forward of the hull waterline fore-aft center line. That pivot axis will be the deep water point of the hull and provides a fulcrum point around which the hull turns during a direction change. The forward pivot axis surprisingly imparts high maneuverability (i.e. the ability to execute turns of reduced radius) relative to prior systems, even at low speeds.

Abstract: A hand propulsion device for a paddle wheel boat has a cranking mechanism of handles turning a sprocket. The sprocket drives a chain, which is mounted between the first sprocket and a second sprocket. The chain, in part, turns the second sprocket, which turns an axle and then, in turn, turns the paddle wheel. The device allows handicapped person, who cannot drive the boat with foot power, to operate a paddleboat and enjoy water recreation.

Abstract: A recreational water craft of uncomplicated design and construction is provided herein which is adaptive to be manually powered by one or more crew members or readily converted from manual power to sail (or supplement by sail) without loss of stability or increase in complexity of operation. This water craft possesses the attributes of a tri-hull and/or catamaran vessel, wherein the crew is supported and operates such vessel from a centrally located platform or main float which is connected to, and flanked on either side by, an outrigger float or pontoon. Each outrigger float is further provided with a vertical extension or riser to which is mounted an independently operated and manually powered paddle wheel. The paddle wheels, upon mounting to the riser, are positioned in the open wells located to the port and starboard sides of the platform and inboard of each of the outrigger floats.

Abstract: The modular boat has an improved assembly which is more compact when disassembled and is more solid when assembled. The boat comprises two side cockpit members, a transverse bow member, a transverse stern member and a middle member covering an opening between the side members. The side members each provide a middle portion of a hull with the bow portion and stern portion of each hull being provided by the bow member and the stern member respectively.

Abstract: A pedal operated catamaran includes a pair of side-by-side buoyant hulls, and a rigid frame releasably mounted to the hulls in one of two alternative positions, to maintain the hulls parallel to one another. The catamaran includes a propeller mounted for rotation with an elongated, longitudinal propeller drive shaft. A gear train drivably associates the propeller drive shaft and a crankshaft, for propeller rotation responsive to rotation of the crankshaft. The propeller drive shaft further is pivotally mounted to allow selective alternative latching of the propeller in a retracted position and in one of several operating positions, as controlled by a hand-operated lever. The latching mechanism allows on-the-fly adjustment of the propeller position. In the retracted position, the propeller is automatically angularly locked above the hulls, to facilitate car top carrying of the craft without disassembly.

Abstract: A pedal boat for recreational use includes an inflatable ring on top of which is mounted a platform structure carrying a seat, pedals and a steering mechanism. The pedals drive a shaft mounted diametrically of the ring and carrying paddles. The steering action is effected by clutching the left or right paddles on the drive shaft.

Abstract: A water-borne vehicle with floats, a frame which is mounted on the floats providing a seat and a steering mechanism, and a propulsion means for propelling the vehicle in the water. The propulsion means comprises a plate which is generally parallel to the surface of the water and which is displaced up and down by a foot pedalled crank. A connecting arm is attached at one end rigidly and perpendicularly to the plate and at the opposite end to the crank. The horizontal position of the plate is maintained by an upright member which is slidably retained between rollers that maintain its upright position and is pivotally attached to the plate. As the crank is rotated, one end of the connecting arm follows a circular path, displacing the plate upward and downward. As the plate oscillates up and down, the upright member slides up and down between the rollers and maintains the horizontal position of the plate as directly below the upright member.

Abstract: A separable blade assembly for a rubber raft, which can be easily disassembled and conveniently carried, including two blade members, two rod members, and a bolt member. The two blade members can be associated to form a blade assembly and the two rod members can be inserted through central holes of the blade members and connected by the bolt member for driving the blade assembly. When mounted on a rubber raft, one can step on two pedals of the rod members to consequently rotate the blade assembly and move the raft forward.

Abstract: A collapsible water bike includes a plurality of assemblies which are interconnectable using connecting assemblies that are easily locked and unlocked. The bike is driven by a pedal assembly that is operatively connected to a propeller and is steered by handlebars that are connected to a rudder.

Abstract: A portable personal floatation device for water sports such as fishing and the like is constructed of a light material such as styrofoam and has a main cross panel with an opening for a user to fit through so the floatation device surrounds the user. The device is designed to be easily accessible for the user, with a door provided on a side panel. The central opening in the main panel of the device accommodates the occupant to carry the device and wade into the water, and as the device begins to float, the occupant may sit on the main panel of the device.

Abstract: A manually operable unit having a single handle for driving, steering and tilting a boat propeller. The crank handle, when turned, drives the propeller through bevel gearing. A vertical sleeve surrounding a vertical drive shaft has an offset U-shaped portion terminating in a sleeve serving as a bearing for the crank handle. Pushing the crank handle against the bearing rotates the vertical sleeve which mounts the propeller, therefore steering the propeller. Pulling of the handle will tilt the vertical sleeve with respect to a mounting C-clamp to pivotally raise the propeller.