Abstract: In one example, a watercraft includes a hull that defines a well extending through a bottom of the hull, a pedal-drive mechanism connected to the hull, and the pedal-drive mechanism is movable, while connected to the hull, out of the well from a deployed position to a stowed position, and a mechanism that is configured to cover a portion of the well when the pedal-drive mechanism is in the deployed position.

Abstract: The human powered hydrofoil bicycle includes multiple subsystems integrated together including a structural frame subsystem with associated steering and tiller module, a hydrofoil subsystem to provide vehicle lift, and a powertrain subsystem. The structural frame subsystem may be fitted with buoyancy modules to provide the overall vehicle with a near neutrally buoyant character. The structural frame subsystem also supports a seat for an operator and provides structural support for the steering and tiller module for the hydrofoil subsystem and the drivetrain subsystem. The hydrofoil subsystem includes multiple hydrofoil elements at lowermost portions of the vehicle. These hydrofoil elements generally include in a preferred embodiment a larger rear foil and a smaller front foil. The powertrain subsystem generally includes pedals rotatably supported on the vehicle at a convenient location for engagement and driving by feet of an operator.

Abstract: In one example, a watercraft includes a hull that defines a well extending through a bottom of the hull, and the hull defines an upper tray recess and a lower tray recess. A pedal-drive mechanism is connected to the hull and configured to assume both a stowed position and a deployed position, and a portion of the pedal-drive mechanism extends through the well when the pedal-drive mechanism is in the deployed position. A pedal-drive housing and attachment mechanism is provided that includes a tray configured to move between a forward position in which part of the tray resides in the lower tray recess, and an aft position in which part of the tray resides in the upper tray recess.

Abstract: A watercraft propulsion apparatus includes an eccentric crank assembly operatively connected to a pair of fins adapted to sweep back and forth in a generally transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft. The fins may be rotatable about a first axis coplanar to the longitudinal axis of the watercraft. A drive linkage assembly operatively connecting the eccentric crank assembly to the pair of fins imparts a torque force to oscillate the pair of fins. The oscillating fins provide a propulsive force to propel the watercraft longitudinally forward during both oscillating directions of the fins as they sweep back and forth.

Abstract: A watercraft and associated pedal drive system are provided. The pedal drive system allows for unassisted manual pedaling to provide thrust to the watercraft. The pedal drive system also provides on demand pedal assistance of varying levels via an assist drive train having an electric motor to supplement the manual pedal force input provided by a user at the pedals of pedal drive system.

Abstract: A personal watercraft includes a floatation member, a thrust assembly, a steering assembly, and a braking assembly. The assemblies may be actuated either mechanically or electrically. The thrust assembly is human powered, solar powered, or electric powered. The thrust, steering, and braking assemblies can be added after-market to an existing stand-up paddle board (SUP), or built into one or a plurality of SUPs during initial manufacturing. When the thrust assembly is human powered, it is leg or arm powered. When the thrust assembly is leg powered, the legs can move backward and forward in a sliding motion, up and down in a stomping fashion, or move in a loop trajectory. When the thrust assembly is arm powered, the arms can move forward/backward together or separately. The thrust assembly includes one or a plurality of paddles or flippers that are positioned to the side or under the SUP.

Abstract: The present invention is a watercraft wherein a cross country simulator is connected to propulsion paddles to power movement of the watercraft.

Abstract: A body surfing device comprising a base and a wing attachment, having a wing strut and a wing extension that is rotatable between a deployed position, wherein the wing strut is substantially perpendicular to the base and wing extension, and a stowed position, wherein the wing strut and extension are substantially parallel to the base and the wing strut and extension are nested in a cavity located in the base. The base can also have extendable leg fins that extend between an extended position, wherein the leg fins extend from the back of the base, and a retracted position, wherein the leg fins are substantially nested in leg fins cavities located in the back of the base. The body surfing device may include levers or slide handles that, when actuated, move the wing attachment between the deployed and stowed positions and the leg fins between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A display instrument 1 for a coxed rowing boat has a main-body 2 with a display head 3 displaying rowing-related measurements digitally at its front end, and a resilient partially-spherical extension 7 from its rear end. In the assembled instrument 1, the extension 7 is entered into an open-mouth 13 of a cup-receptacle 11 to be gripped resiliently surface-to-surface within a peripheral rim 14 of the mouth 13 so as to resists relative movement but allows manual adjustment of orientation of the main-body 2 relative to the receptacle 11 to facilitate the cox's view of the display. The receptacle 11 is entered in an aperture 16 of a dashboard 17 adjacent the cox's position 18 in the boat, and electronic circuitry of the instrument 1 is receptive of GPS signals to calculate boat and water-stream speeds for display.

Abstract: A human-powered watercraft comprises a fin, a displacement body, and an outrigger, wherein the outrigger floats separately from the watercraft within a vertically oriented tube, which tube allows the outrigger to rise up and down relative to the watercraft while maintaining the relative orientation of the watercraft.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a stand-up pedal board wherein propulsion is provided to the stand-up pedal board by applying alternating downward force to foot pedals to swing a fin side to side through transfer of energy from foot pedal shafts rotating around a T brace, swinging the bottom of the T brace, with the forward end of the fin rotating around a connector.

Abstract: A human-powered watercraft may include a frame, a forward hydrofoil attached to the frame, and a first rear hydrofoil attached to a first strut with the first strut rotatably attached to the frame at a pivot point and the first rear hydrofoil configured to pivot about a rear end of the first strut. The human-powered watercraft may also include a second rear hydrofoil attached to a second strut with the second strut rotatably attached to the frame at the pivot point and parallel to the first strut and the second rear hydrofoil configured to pivot about a rear end of the second strut and a tension system coupled between the first strut and the second strut. The tension system allows the first strut and second strut to move in a generally stair-stepping manner which causes the first rear hydrofoil and the second rear hydrofoil to propel the human-powered watercraft forward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boat propelled by two submerged independent wings actuated by means of a step simulator mechanism that imparts an vertical alternating movement to the wings, which are articulated around a shaft located forward of the center of pressure thereof, such that the wings assume angles of inclination that generates propulsive force in the upward and downward movements. In the analogous position of a conventional bicycle, the driver actuates the footrests while seated. A handlebar, connected to a rudder, is used to maneuver the vehicle. The catamaran configuration offers hydrodynamic efficiency and stability. When disassembled, the mainframe of the boat can be converted into a step machine, simply fitting a pair of dampers to the structure, which absorb and dissipate the energy generated during exercising. Thus, the present invention has a dual use—boat and gymnastics apparatus—and can be transported in the car trunk.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a stand-up pedal board wherein propulsion is provided to the stand-up pedal board by applying alternating downward force to foot pedals to swing a fin side to side through transfer of energy from foot pedal shafts rotating around a T brace, swinging the bottom of the T brace, with the forward end of the fin rotating around a connector.

Abstract: A device that captures and processes individual rower data and transmits the data to a display for use by the coxswain or the coach to enable the provision of immediate feedback to one or more rowers in order to improve the overall performance of the boat.

Abstract: A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism installed within the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to a watercraft which comprises at least one main force member attached to at least one wing; the main force member and/or wing and/or a float attached to the wing comprise sufficient displacement to provide flotation for the craft and its payload. Connected to the main force member is a force transmitting member, to which the engine is connected. The engine may comprise a person or another engine (conventional, electronic, wind, etc.). The engine may comprise a weight which undergoes vertical translation, thereby producing the force transmitted by the force transmitting member to the main force member.

Abstract: A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism installed within the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fish tail propelled water vessel uses a pair of back and forth reciprocating pedals to rotate a flywheel back and forth, the paddle blade of the vessel attached to the flywheel so that the reciprocating flywheel swishes the blade through the water in side to side fashion thereby propelling the vessel. A cable attaches each pedal to its respective side of the flywheel in order to cause rotation of the flywheel. A pedal cable helps balance the pedals thereby assuring smooth pedaling of the device. Holding one of the pedals forward of the alignment point with the other pedal, holds the blade to that side, thereby steering the vessel to the opposing side.

Abstract: A paddleboard (10) comprising a right board (12) slidingly connected to a left board (14). Right board (12) and left board (14) are slidable longitudinally with respect to one another only within the plane of paddleboard (10), and parallel to the long axis of paddleboard (10). Utilizing a rider's legs and feet to slide right board (12) and left board (14) longitudinally causes a propulsion means to propel paddleboard (10) over the water. A suitable propulsion means comprises pivoting paddles (16) or flaps (40) mounted under right board (12) and under left board (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boat propelled by two submerged independent wings actuated by means of a step simulator mechanism that imparts an vertical alternating movement to the wings, which are articulated around a shaft located forward of the center of pressure thereof, such that the wings assume angles of inclination that generates propulsive force in the upward and downward movements. In the analogous position of a conventional bicycle, the driver actuates the footrests while seated. A handlebar, connected to a rudder, is used to maneuver the vehicle. The catamaran configuration offers hydrodynamic efficiency and stability. When disassembled, the mainframe of the boat can be converted into a step machine, simply fitting a pair of dampers to the structure, which absorb and dissipate the energy generated during exercising. Thus, the present invention has a dual use—boat and gymnastics apparatus—and can be transported in the car trunk.

Abstract: An internally mounted rowboat rowing fin system that includes two rotating fin assemblies mounted on the inside surface of the watercraft's opposite sidewalls. Each fin assembly includes a rotating vertical post held on the inside surface of the sidewall by a mounting tube selectively mounted or integrally formed on the sidewall. Longitudinally aligned and disposed inside each mounting tube is a hollow, elongated sleeve. Disposed inside each elongated sleeve is a rotating post that extends upward above the gunwale and into the water below the elongated sleeve. A pivoting fin arm with a flexible fin attached thereto is pivotally attached to the lower end of each rotating post. Attached to the upper end of each rotating post is a perpendicularly aligned handle bracket. A rowing handle is pivotally attached at one end to the handle hinge. During use, the two handles extend inward from the sidewall and are grasped by the rower.

Abstract: A watercraft for transportation and exercise including a boat having an opening therein for permitting a person to be partially below the waterline and partially above the waterline. A sub-frame is operatively attached to the boat, the sub-frame having a lower position and an upper position. A propulsion device is operatively attached to the sub-frame for propelling the watercraft forwardly in response to movement of the person's feet, the propulsion device having a foot contact portion. The foot contact portion of the propulsion device being disposed a predetermined distance from the waterline when using the propulsion device in the transportation mode, the foot contact portion of the propulsion device being disposed in the water and a substantial distance below the predetermined distance when the propulsion device is being used in an exercise mode.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to a watercraft which comprises at least one main force member attached to at least one wing; the main force member and/or wing and/or a float attached to the wing comprise sufficient displacement to provide flotation for the craft and its payload. Connected to the main force member is a force transmitting member, to which the engine is connected. The engine may comprise a person or another engine (conventional, electronic, wind, etc.). The engine may comprise a weight which undergoes vertical translation, thereby producing the force transmitted by the force transmitting member to the main force member.

Abstract: A watercraft for transportation and exercise including a boat having an opening therein for permitting a person to be partially below the waterline and partially above the waterline. A sub-frame is operatively attached to the boat, the sub-frame having a lower position and an upper position. A propulsion device is operatively attached to the sub-frame for propelling the watercraft forwardly in response to movement of the person's feet, the propulsion device having a foot contact portion. The foot contact portion of the propulsion device being disposed a predetermined distance from the waterline when using the propulsion device in the transportation mode, said foot contact portion of the propulsion device being disposed in the water and a substantial distance below said predetermined distance when the propulsion device is being used in an exercise mode.

Abstract: A watercraft propulsion device 10 has a linkage comprising a vertical drive link (20), a support link (12), an upper control link (50) having a forwardly extended handle bar (52), and a lower propulsion link (30) having a horizontal propulsion fin (32) backwardly extended therefrom. The control and propulsion links (50, 30) are interconnected by said drive link (20), which is capable of conveying propulsive oscillatory motion to the propulsion link (30) by means of a linear power actuator (90), and by the support link (12), which is pivotally connected a transom bracket (60) about a substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: A watercraft for transportation and exercise including a boat for floating on water and having a portion thereof above a waterline and a portion thereof below the waterline The boat has an opening therein for permitting a person to be partially below the waterline and partially above the waterline. A sub-frame is operatively attached to the boat, the sub-frame having a lower position at least partially in the water and an upper position at least mostly out of the water. A propulsion device is operatively attached to the sub-frame for propelling the watercraft forwardly in response to movement of the person's feet, the propulsion device having a foot contact portion.

Abstract: An air inflatable watercraft, having a cockpit with a bottom area forming part of the cockpit having a through opening therein adapted to receive a human operated propulsion mechanism which can be operated from the cockpit to propel the watercraft.

Abstract: A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism installed within the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.

Abstract: A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage having a forward section and an aft section, at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the forward section of the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the aft section of the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism attached to the fuselage and the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device is provided for attaching a rowing shoe to a foot stretcher of a rowing boat. The device has a shoe segment having a first surface for attachment to the rowing shoe and a first locking means. The device also has a stretcher segment having a second surface for attachment to the foot stretcher and a second locking means for releasably engaging with the first locking means. A rowing shoe is also taught, having a shoe segment on a bottom of the rowing shoe for releasable engagement with a corresponding stretcher segment of a foot stretcher of a rowing boat.

Abstract: A watercraft is powered by a user sitting on a sliding seat and using footrests. The user operates a simulated rowing mechanism which includes a handle, cord, and reel. Power is transmitted through the rowing mechanism to a series of paddles, which move in a loop in a horizontal plane through the water underneath the watercraft. The paddles are mounted on a belt that passes around front and rear wheels. The paddles are feathered when moving forwards, by means of followers and/or a cam surface.

Abstract: A self-propelled hydrofoil device that includes a front foil, a rear foil, a user platform, a steering shaft and a frame that couples these components. The steering shaft preferably has a top section and a lower section, the top section being substantially rigid and the lower section being flexible relative to the top section. The top and lower sections may be formed of different materials or may be formed of the same material, integrally or non-integrally. The top and lower sections are preferably offset by an angle, ?, to achieve more ready bending of the lower section.

Abstract: A self-propelled hydrofoil device having front and rear foils, a support structure and a steering mechanism. The hydrofoil device is preferably configured such that a user can change the angle of attack of the drive foil and/or the height of the hydrofoil device in the water by placing the handle bar to a corresponding position. The steering mechanism is movably coupled to the user platform in a manner that provides a user with sufficient leverage to move the handle bar. A flexible steering-shaft joining member and dihedral foil configurations, among other features, are disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle for movement relative to a medium, the vehicle comprising a base, and a carriage mounted on the base for supporting a human operator, the carriage mounted for forward and rearward movement relative to the base upon being driven by bipedal movement of the operator, a thrust mechanism operable to develop vehicle thrust by transmitting a force to the medium upon bipedally driven rearward movement of the carriage and a force mechanism operable to apply a force to the base upon bipedally driven forward movement of the carriage.

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: An oscillating-foil type underwater propulsor with a joint provided in the invention, the propulsor including a streamline foil having a foil surface being parallel to a water surface and a span length of at least twice as long as an average chord length of the streamline foil, and a heaving mechanism undergoing heaving motion perpendicular to a propulsion direction of the propulsor and having a transmission section, wherein the transmission section is pivotally connected to the streamline foil to form a joint, the joint being provided at the middle of the span length and having a rotation center located within a circular area, which has a radius of one third of the average chord length and is centered at the point one third of the average chord length ahead of the lifting center of the streamline foil.

Abstract: A human propelled watercraft having a pair of flexible fins extending into the water each adapted to oscillate through an arcurate path in a generally transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of said watercraft. Pedals are provided for applying input force whereby as input force is applied, the flexible fins can twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft while moving in both directions along the arcurate path. Each of the fins preferably have a generally squared off top and an outer area of harder rubber than the inner area. Preferably, each of the fins is provided with adjustable tensioning at the trailing edge.

Abstract: A water craft allows a user to travel across a surface of water utilizing a natural walking motion, which employs arms and legs for propulsion similar to cross-country snow skiing. The water craft includes a pair of skis adapted to fit on the user's feet. The skis can be coupled together by semi-elastic tethers. Each ski can include a foot well for receiving the user's foot. The foot well is designed to simulate the natural walking motion of the user. The user can propel the water craft using tail paddles and ski poles. The tail paddles are coupled to the rear of the skis. The tail paddles are configured to float on the water and to rotate about a transverse axis of the skis. The tail paddles are shaped to grip or “dig in” the water in response to the user moving the skis in a direction opposite the direction of motion of the water craft. The tail paddles provide resistance to propel the water craft when the ski is moved backward and slide along the water when the skis move forward.

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: A vehicle for movement relative to a medium, the vehicle comprising a base, and a carriage mounted on the base for supporting a human operator, the carriage mounted for forward and rearward movement relative to the base upon being driven by bipedal movement of the operator, a thrust mechanism operable to develop vehicle thrust by transmitting a force to the medium upon bipedally driven rearward movement of the carriage and a force mechanism operable to apply a force to the base upon bipedally driven forward movement of the carriage.

Abstract: A portable pedal driven propulsion device for a small watercraft (1) in which power from crank operated pedals (5) is transmitted to a pivotally mounted gearbox (32) or pulley system (81,82,83) adjacent the operator. A longitudinal drive shaft (2) is connected, at one end, to the gearbox (32) or pulley system (81,82,83) and, at the other end, to a propeller (40) such that the drive shaft (2) and propeller (40) can be moved selectively between a raised inoperative position and a lowered operative position.

Abstract: An aquatic device (10) for providing manoeuvrability to a user (11) moving in water. The aquatic device (10) may be propelled through the water in any appropriate way, such as by being towed through the water or propelled through the water by the user (11). The aquatic device (10) comprises a handle means (20) adapted to be grasped by the user (11) with arms extending forwardly, and two fins (21, 22) movable one with respect of one to the other to manoeuvre the aquatic device. The aquatic device (10) can be manoeuvred through movement of the fins (21, 22) to provide directional control or variation to the orientation of the aquatic device. The directional control may include both steering and depth control. The handle means (20) are operably connected to the two fins (21, 22) whereby the user can manually control movement of the fins one with respect to the other.

Abstract: Human powered watercrafts, propulsion devices, and methods of propulsion are provided. A watercraft having an upper deck is configured with a cam plate having a pedal above the deck and a plate and cam below the deck, the cam engaging a cam follower of a fin bar, the fin bar having a substantially vertical propelling fin at an aft end and a pivot to the craft at a forward end. In another embodiment the craft receives two cam plates with pedals, a plurality of fin bars and two propelling fins, all operatively interconnected by a pulley and belt such that a leg thrust upon a pedal opens the fins and an opposite leg thrust upon the opposing pedal closes the fms. Another embodiment, an open, hollow surfboard receives the propulsion device and a buoyancy compensator making a submersible human powered watercraft which may be propelled upon and beneath the sea.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include a flotation device or watercraft propelled through the water using a (ever powered propulsion system. The lever powered propulsion system includes human powered actuating levers operably connected to a reciprocating propulsion device. As a rider powers the levers up and down, that motion translates to the propulsion device, which cycles through a high drag propulsion phase and low drag recovery phase.

Abstract: A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage having a forward section and an aft section, at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the forward section of the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the aft section of the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism attached to the fuselage and the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water sport device that enables a person to walk upright over the water consists of a boat-shaped lower part and an upper part between which a chamber is formed whereby the chamber has an inlet and opens out into an outlet. A drive mechanism actuated with the feet comprises two treadles that can be moved up and down, a propeller in the chamber that can be rotated on a vertical axis and the means for transforming the up and down movement of the treadles into a rotational movement of the propeller. The means preferably comprise a bevel gear and two free-wheel bearings.

Abstract: A watercraft for transportation and exercise including a boat for floating on water and having a portion thereof above a waterline and a portion thereof below the waterline The boat has an opening therein for permitting a person to be partially below the waterline and partially above the waterline. A sub-frame is operatively attached to the boat, the sub-frame having a lower position at least partially in the water and an upper position at least mostly out of the water. A propulsion device is operatively attached to the sub-frame for propelling the watercraft forwardly in response to movement of the person's feet, the propulsion device having a foot contact portion.

Abstract: A collapsible or compactable hydrofoil device having front and rear foils, a support structure and a steering mechanism that may be collapsed into a compact size for transport and storage. The steering mechanism includes several releasably coupled components that are in turn coupled to a drive platform and drive foil. The drive platform may be configured in a plurality of embodiments that each achieve ready disassembly and reassembly. The drive foil may be configured of multiple releasably couplable sections.

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.