Abstract: The invention comprises a paddle board apparatus and method of use thereof, comprising: a manual crank connected to a drive shaft, a rotatable housing, and a set of paddle wheels connected to an outer surface of the rotatable housing, where a child manually turning the crank simultaneously propels the paddle board forward in water through use of the paddle wheels and drives an air pump in the rotatable housing to blow bubbles about the paddle board for enjoyment of the child riding the paddle board.

Abstract: A pedal propulsion system for a transportation conveyance comprises a pedal drive assembly having a teethed synchronous drive belt engaged between a drive sprocket and a transfer sprocket. The rotational axes of the transfer sprocket and the drive sprocket are oriented at an angle of up to 90 degrees from one another. The rotation of the transfer sprocket is conveyed to a propeller drive assembly mounted at the rear of a water craft by an elongated rotary shaft and a flexible transmission drive cable to facilitate removable of the propulsion system from the transportation conveyance.

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: A water driven pedalcraft in which water propelling blades or paddles and a drive mechanism for driving the blades or paddles are associated with a framing system removably mounted atop a buoyant pontoon system. The drive mechanism preferably comprises conventional parts of a bicycle that are operably coupled to flexible and rigid drive shafts, or drive belts, which mechanism transmits torque to drive the water engaging paddle or propeller blades. The pontoon system includes a forward pontoon and a rearward pontoon, the pontoons being movable from a first position, wherein the pontoons are “in-line” with one another, and into a second position, wherein the pontoons are at an angle to one another, when the user desires to steer the watercraft into another direction.

Abstract: A water driven pedalcraft in which water propelling blades or paddles and a drive mechanism for driving the blades or paddles are associated with a framing system removably mounted atop a buoyant pontoon system. The drive mechanism preferably comprises conventional parts of a bicycle that are operably coupled to flexible and rigid drive shafts, or drive belts, which mechanism transmits torque to drive the water engaging paddle or propeller blades. The pontoon system includes a forward pontoon and a rearward pontoon, the pontoons being movable from a first position, wherein the pontoons are “inline” with one another, and into a second position, wherein the pontoons are at an angle to one another, when the user desires to steer the watercraft into another direction.

Abstract: A pedal-powered boat that uses a flexible shaft to drive a propeller. By using a flexible shaft, the user's seat can be placed lower in the vessel, thereby increasing stability. The device also uses a pair of foot pegs and a ratcheted straight driver, which eliminates standard pedals, with their sweeping circular motion. This straight drive not only increases the efficiency of the leg power, it also converts the rotary action of the pedals to a linear motion that reduces the amount of space required to operate the unit. Thus, the driver unit can be placed under a seat so that it does not excessively intrude into the space of the boat.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for using a bicycle not only on land but also as a type of watercraft has two oblong connected inflatable floats, a propulsion unit including a propeller and a clutch unit picking up a motion from a tire of a bicycle rearwheel, a rearjoint device for connection between rear parts of the floats and rear upper and lower forks of the bicycle, and a front joint device for connection a front of the floats with a lower bar of a bicycle frame, a quick-coupling clamp to which the clutch unit is fixed and which is securable to a bar of a saddle of the bicycle frame and connected to the propulsion unit by a flexible shaft so that by turning of pedals and therefore a rear wheel of the bicycle, movement is transferred through the flexible shaft to the propulsion unit, an element for connecting the two floats, a element for securing the bicycle, and the propulsion unit being formed so that the apparatus can be stowed inside shoulder packs and rucksacks for easy transport while riding the bicycle or ca

Abstract: A manually driven water propulsion device including a propulsion assembly comprising an attachment strap, a gearbox, a flexible shaft, a propeller, securing booties and bootie attachment member, the attachment strap being configured as a loop, in an operative orientation the attachment strap being coupled to the gearbox and fastened around a user's waist, the gearbox having a lower surface, a top, a bottom; and a gear assembly being positioned within the gearbox for affording rotation of the shaft and propeller, the bootie attachment member rotatably coupled to the shaft and adapted to allow releasable coupling with the securing booties.

Abstract: Mud bug, a portable system for propulsion of small boats consisting basically of a carrying frame (10) housing controls for forward and reverse speed, steering, and tilt of a remote mounted outdrive assembly. Control is accomplished through flexible sheathed cables. Adjustable tension provided by (66) and (74) allows the outdrive to tilt when in forward operation if underwater obstruction is encountered, and also provides lift and lock to tilt the outdrive up and free of the water. When operating in reverse, (62) will automatically lock the outdrive down. The carrying frame provides a boom (19) and attachment for mounting the outdrive on boats with unavailable motor mounting. The carrying frame also provides outriggers (14) for stability and a lower rear seat mount. Local adjustment of both the outdrive height and tilt are controlled by the single fastener (54) in the adjustment clamp (53) on the outdrive mount.

Abstract: A pedal operated drive system for a canoe includes a main drive assembly in the canoe including a main drive shaft, an intermediate drive shaft extending rearwardly of the main drive shaft to a point beyond the canoe stern, and a propeller shaft behind the canoe, supported pivotally on the intermediate shaft. A lower region of the propeller shaft, below water when the canoe is afloat, supports a propeller. A series of drive rods including a main drive rod, intermediate drive rod and a propeller drive rod, form a driving engagement between the propeller and a pedal and crank assembly on the main drive assembly, for rotating the propeller responsive to rotating the pedal and crank assembly. Each of the drive rods is rotatably contained within its associated shaft. Universal connections between the rods allow them to be positioned at angles with respect to one another, an obtuse angle between the main drive rod and intermediate drive rod being employed to lower the center of gravity of the drive system.

Abstract: A marine propeller equipped drive unit is provided for support from the transom of a boat in generally the same manner an outboard motor is supported from a boat transom and a pedal crank assembly is provided for mounting within a boat forward of a transverse seat thereof to be operated by the legs of a person supported from the seat, the pedal crank assembly including an output shaft and the drive unit including an upper end input shaft and there being provided an open drive shaft assembly extending between and operably connecting the output shaft to the input shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a bicycle to a maneuverable, pedal-operable aquacycle is disclosed. A twin hull assembly includes a support framework for supporting a bicycle by its horizontal frame member. A friction wheel, which may be rotated with the rear wheel of the bicycle by pedal action, turns symmetrically spaced apart, oppositely pitched, twin propellers via dual flexible axles that extend laterally and rearwardly from the friction wheel. An in-line dual rudder control system is provided that, responsive to the turning of the handlebars, efficiently turns the aquacycle in a direction corresponding to the direction a bicycle would turn. Except for conversion hardware consisting of two U-bolts and four nuts, the apparatus is of lightweight, polymeric materials.

Abstract: Pedal operated mechanisms are disclosed for propelling watercraft, with one embodiment of the invention comprising a modification for a canoe and a second form of the invention comprising a mechanism that can be secured to a surfboard. A novel flexible driveshaft is disclosed for transmitting power from the pedals to a propeller. A canoe can easily be modified to incorporate the first form of the invention, and the second form of the invention is easily secured to a surfboard or like craft. Both forms of the invention can be easily removed from the craft, once installed, and the craft converted back to its original use. In the case of the canoe, the invention provides for exercise of different parts of the body in different modes.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable, efficient boat having a bow-mounted propeller drive with a forwardly directed propeller for pulling the boat through the water. The forwardly directed propeller holds its own course so that the user does not have to steer except to change direction. The bow-mounted propeller is pivoted to change the direction of travel of the boat via a pair of foot-actuated steering pedals. Actuation of both pedals simultaneously causes the propeller drive to tilt back and be raised out of the water.