Including Gear Means Patents (Class 440/31)
  • Patent number: 11919608
    Abstract: A hydrofoiling watercraft is disclosed that includes a board having a top surface for supporting a user and a bottom surface. Extending from the top surface of the board is a handlebar. Extending from the bottom surface of the board is a hydrofoil including a strut and a hydrofoil wing. A propulsion system is attached to the hydrofoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Kai Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Joseph Andrew Brock, Jamieson Edward Schulte, Daniel Elliot Schabb
  • Patent number: 11390361
    Abstract: A personal watercraft includes: a watercraft body; a handle located above the watercraft body; a seat assembly including at least one straddle seat located rearward of the handle; and at least one mounting adjuster configured to mount the straddle seat on the watercraft body and allow the straddle seat to be positionable on the watercraft body in a plurality of mounting positions arranged in a front-rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: KAWASAKI MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshio Araki, Yu Shibuta, Mayumi Takagi
  • Patent number: 11127060
    Abstract: A pod system for use with a houseboat assembly is disclosed herein, with the pod system comprising a first pod and a second pod. The first pod and the second pod are configured to be selectively disposed in a pod slot defined by the houseboat assembly. The first pod is generally free of any locomotive capabilities, while the second pod includes a movement element. When the second pod is disposed in the pod slot, the movement element may be actuated from a helm of the houseboat assembly to impart locomotive capabilities to the houseboat assembly. When locomotive capabilities are not desired, the second pod may be replaced by the first pod in the pod slot. Connectors are provided on the houseboat assembly, first pod, and second pod to removably secure the first pod and the second pod in the pod slot as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Harbor Cottage, LLC
    Inventor: James DeSales Hamilton
  • Patent number: 10858079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vehicle for use in water, in particular into the sea. More specifically, the invention relates to the structure of a vehicle of type called configured to have a hydrodynamic profile and to allow a user to turn with greater speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Gianfranco Rossi
  • Patent number: 9821898
    Abstract: A peddle-actuated water propulsion device includes a seat with lower body harness, a support tube, a pair of crank-type pedals, and a propeller within a protective screen guard. The pedals are in mechanical communication with the propeller. The propeller is configured to accept a plurality of differently sized blades and may be positioned at a user-selected angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Weston Whatcott
  • Patent number: 9782011
    Abstract: A water toy comprising a foam tube having a first end, a second end and a body therebetween, an optional seat positioned on the body, a first feature attached to the first end, and a second feature attached to the second end, the first and second features being aesthetic and/or functional and/or a combination of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Swimways Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond A. Liberatore
  • Patent number: 9725149
    Abstract: A watercraft having a propulsion device accessible from within its cockpit. The propulsion device includes a pedaling assembly with seals to prevent ingress of water to the interior of the device's housing. The propulsion device may also include an accessory mount for a person to easily see and access electronic equipment and thereby keep the hands free for other tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Legacy Paddlesports LLC
    Inventors: John Kiffmeyer, Bryon Phillips, Chris Erdahl, Shane Benedict
  • Patent number: 7841914
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Josue Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7699017
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Donald K. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20080233813
    Abstract: A human-powered land vehicle, such as a bicycle, is mountable to a collapsible water craft having a compact drive unit which can be pivoted about two orthogonal axes, one for directing the thrust for steering the craft, the other for raising or lowering the thrust assembly. The drive unit is releasably mountable to the frame of the vehicle and is connected in use to receive torque from the crank, for instance by an endless chain, and by a remote linkage to the handlebars, or like steering device of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Sammy Chi Kin Ho
  • Patent number: 7371138
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Klaus Spass
  • Patent number: 7097521
    Abstract: This device allows a user to propel a surfboard in the water. The device also allows the individual to steer and navigate the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: George Papadakis
  • Patent number: 6887116
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Esteban N. Sagucio
  • Patent number: 6533621
    Abstract: A swimming device operable by a user. In one embodiment of the present invention, the swimming device includes a frame having a body portion and an elongated portion, wherein the body portion has a first surface and an opposite second surface, and a first end and an opposite second end, the first surface receiving the upper body of the user, and the elongated portion has a first end associated with the second end of the body portion and an opposite second end defining an axis therebetween, and a channel extending from the first end of the elongated portion to the opposite second end of the elongated portion, and extending away from the second end of the body portion. The swimming device further includes a first housing and a second housing formed between the first surface and the second surface and positioned on each side of the axis of the elongated portion, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Jiaqin Yang, Jianmin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20020115358
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Esteban N. Sagucio
  • Patent number: 6165030
    Abstract: A pedal driven propulsion device in the form of an outboard motor for a watercraft, such as a canoe is disclosed. The pedal driven propulsion device having a drive assembly and a propeller assembly with an upper portion and a lower portion. A steering assembly, for steering the watercraft, is coupled to the drive assembly at the upper portion and to a propeller rotatively disposed at the lower portion for providing propulsion to the watercraft when the drive assembly is activated by a human. A mounting assembly for mounting between the gunwales of the watercraft is provided. The lower portion and the upper portion of the propeller assembly have a bevel gear system with a bearing arrangement. The lower and upper portions are cooperatively and driveably engaged with each other by a propeller drive rod. A tilting mechanism is provided to allow the propeller assembly to be tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Robert M. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5830020
    Abstract: This device is a raft which when attached to a standard bicycle may be steered and propelled through water by riding the bicycle in the usual fashion. The raft consists of two sections that can be folded for easy storage and transportability. These two sections unfold and are plugged together to form the raft. The bicycle is attached to the raft by adjustable tie-down straps. The drive mechanism incorporates both forward and reverse drive operated by a remote hand lever. Propulsion is accomplished by a friction wheel engaging the rear wheel of the bicycle with power transmission and translation through a gear assembly to the drive shaft and propeller. The front steering unit and rear drive unit are designed to swivel up out of the way if hit by an underwater obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: John R. Snyder
  • Patent number: 5743772
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventors: Wagdy A. Assawah, Nader W. Assawah
  • Patent number: 5643020
    Abstract: A personal watercraft having a pair of pedal-driven impellers. The watercraft includes an inflatable frame having substantially planar fore and aft portions which are slightly offset from each other. The fore frame portion includes a substantially planar support receiving the upper body of a user thereon. A drive shaft is mounted on the aft frame portion and has offset portions on which pedals are mounted for receiving the feet of the user. The impellers for generating thrust are rotatably connected to the drive shaft and are mounted on the aft portion of the frame. Accordingly, pedaled rotation of the drive shaft causes the impellers to generate thrust for pedalling the watercraft in the desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Herman R. Harris
  • Patent number: 5409408
    Abstract: The windsurf board comprise a revolving sail, reciprocating fins and single sided pedal. The revolving sail rotates a drum to drive the reciprocating fin. On the drum, there are multiple cycles of slot knotched on the drum. One revolution of revolving sail will induce multiple flip-flop reciprocating motion of the reciprocating fin. The single sided-pedal uses the reciprocating motion to drive the reciprocating fins to propagate forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: Min M. Tarng
  • Patent number: 5362264
    Abstract: A water bicycle comprises a flotation board, a propulsion and seat unit including a mounting flange, a seat, foot pedals mounted for rotation driven by a person sitting on the seat, a propeller and a coupling connecting the pedals to the propeller, an opening in the board through which the propeller may pass and a surrounding edge surface able to receive the flange. A connector is provided for releasably connecting the flange to the edge surface. The bicycle includes a bore in the board with a bushing seat surrounding an upper end of the bore, a handlebar unit including a shaft and a bushing provided on the shaft above a lower end of the shaft, the bushing engaging the bushing seat and the shaft being supported and rotatable in the bore, and a rudder unit connected to the handlebar shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Pierre-Louis Parant
  • Patent number: 5316508
    Abstract: A human-propelled water bicycle suitable for training or recreative purposes. The water bicycle has two steerable front pontoons and two rear pontoons fixed to a main frame substantially similar to a convention bicycle frame. Handlebars are provided to turn the steerable front pontoons and therefore allowing the water bicycle to be steered. The water bicycle has a pedal mechanism and a bicycle-type transmission powering a propeller located at the rear of the water bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Angelo Landucci
  • Patent number: 5282762
    Abstract: A portable propeller drive and steering mechanism for small craft in which a frame is provided with an adjustable seat and a pedal driven chain drive connected to a geared transmission, and which has a chain drive output powering a horizontally arranged jack shaft. The jack shaft is provided with a universal gearbox whose output in turn powers a propeller. A steering handle located adjacent the seat is provided with steering linkage connected to a propeller drive shaft housing which carries the propeller at one end and is rotatably mounted within the gearbox at its other end. Operation of the linkage causes rotation of the propeller drive shaft housing. Raising and lowering of the handle will cause motion between a pair of gears in the gearbox and rotation of the propeller drive shaft housing around the axis of the jack shaft to vertically raise and lower the propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: John Cerreto
  • Patent number: 5088944
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventor: Simon Kats
  • Patent number: 5081947
    Abstract: A portable boat assembly for use by an operator having a stern module, a bow module integrable with the stern module, an inflatable tube which surrounds the bow and stern modules and forms the float platform of the boat, a propeller assembly disposed beneath the bow and stern modules, a pedal and gear assembly disposed in the bow module such that movement of the pedal and gear assembly is converted into movement of the propeller assembly for propelling the boat through water, a rudder and tiller assembly attachable to the rear of the stern module for directing the boat through the water, and keels for controlling the drift and set of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventor: Wesley G. Holden
  • Patent number: 5076185
    Abstract: Surf board has multiple functions to serve as the sail boat, surf board, wind surf board, canoe and the rest seat on water. It comprises a foldable revolving sail, water wings, single sided pedals, water turbine, water jet nozzle, the foldable reclining seat and board with removable canoe cover. The revolving sail drives the horizontal water turbine to generate the water jet. The water jet may swivel to propel the surf board in different direction. The revolving sail also serves as the sunshade umbrella. The foldable revolving sail adopts the flexible parafoil sail. If the wind is weak, the rider steps on the single sided pedals to rotate the water turbine to propel the board. Furthermore, the revolving sail and water wings lift the board to glide in the air and land softly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: Min M. Tarng
  • Patent number: 5062814
    Abstract: A manually operated outboard motor. A propeller is connected to a first shaft which is geared through plastic mitre gears to a further shaft. The further shaft is connected to a gear which, in turn, is driven by a gear connected to a crank extending from the top of the housing of the outboard motor. The crank includes a handle and the crank and handle are manually rotated which, in turn, rotates the propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Ronald F. Taylor
    Inventor: George Reynolds
  • Patent number: 4746312
    Abstract: A water craft constituted by a fiberglass body with a streamlined bow in back of which is a recess forming a seating compartment. The rear end of the body is formed to provide a keel. Front-to-back guides in the seating compartment support a shiftable seat having dismountable arms that extend laterally to opposite sides of the body to support floats at their ends. In front of the seat, pedals are supplied which are kinematically joined to a central shaft within the body that is connected to a drive shaft that emerges from the body for driving a propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Inventors: Jose Matos Teodosio, Manuel Martin Garcia
  • Patent number: 4698034
    Abstract: A water bicycle comprising two relatively parallel, elongated floating bodies and a frame supported by said floating bodies provided with a seat whereby each of the floating bodies is provided with a frame part supported by the associated floating body and a spacing member is releasably arranged between the two frame parts for maintaining the frame parts at a given distance from the other and the floating bodies connected therewith, the seat being supported by an auxiliary frame provided with two guides cooperating with guides forming part of the frame parts on the floating bodies so that in the longitudinal direction of the floating bodies the guide parts are slidable over or in one another, while bolt are provided for fixing the guides in a desired position relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: N.V. Lighttown Constructions
    Inventor: Edwin M. C. Anthonijsz
  • Patent number: 4676755
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Inventor: Erse Yagan
  • Patent number: 4657514
    Abstract: An amphibious pedal powered sailboat apparatus is provided by the present invention. In one embodied form, the inventive boating apparatus comprises in combination a relatively lightweight boat hull having an upper deck portion, a bow portion, and a stern portion; a front pair of wheels mounted on the hull for steering and to provide mobility of the apparatus on land and a rear pair of wheels mounted on the hull to provide traction and mobility of the apparatus on land; a first pedalling stand fixedly mounted in the bow portion of the hull and a second pedalling stand fixedly mounted in the stern portion of the hull; the first and second pedalling stands each comprising a pair of foot pedals mounted for rotational movement about a horizontal axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hull; and drive mechanism for coordinating operation of the pair of foot pedals on the first and second pedalling stands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Inventor: Andrew Chun
  • Patent number: 4648846
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pedal boat and in particular to one having two inflation members connected by a transverse rod, a seat mounted on the middle of the transverse rod, a transmission gear, a pair of pedals operatively associated with the transmission gear and a propeller connected to the lower end of the transmission gear, whereby the boat can be easily propelled in the water by use of the pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Inventor: Chen-Hsiung Hsu
  • Patent number: 4459116
    Abstract: A screw-propelled, water saddle for ride on a water surface. This water saddle is supported by two parallel floats, properly spaced apart and joined by at least one emerging cross-member. A central bar or tubing is fixed parallel to the floats at the middle of the cross-members. The saddle is mounted on the rear part of the central bar approximately at the center of the area defined by the floats while the front end of the same receives a removable propelling and steering device comprising a screw-propeller driven by a pair of pedals and a handle-bar for steering the propeller in a given direction. The rider takes place on the saddle, puts his feet on the pedals and activates the handle-bar to place the propeller in the desired direction. This screw-propelled water saddle is particularly interesting because of its simplicity, lightness, stability, speed and manageability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Inventor: Georges Moore
  • Patent number: 4389196
    Abstract: A watercraft, which is propelled by a swivellable propulsion fin, which extends from its swivel axle parallel to the longitudinal direction of the watercraft and which is swivellable laterally by a drive device. The swivellable propulsion fin is arranged on the stern of the watercraft in the prolongation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Inventor: Franz Gander
  • Patent number: 4323352
    Abstract: A craft for travel upon a water surface, the craft including a frame mounted upon two spaced apart pontoons, a windshield, a two passenger seat, and a foot powered mechanism mounted on the frame, the mechanism including propellers mounted on foreward-rearwardly and upon sidewardly shafts so that the craft can travel in any direct or any combination of directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Inventors: William Warren, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4321048
    Abstract: There is disclosed a water board or surfboard wherein a screw propeller mounted on the underside of the board generates thrust in response to the push-pull action of a hand lever which protrudes from either side of the board. The push-pull action on the lever causes a ratchet-type mechanism to rotate a gear assembly which is connected to the screw propeller shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1982
    Inventors: Michele J. Marchese, William R. W. Troxel
  • Patent number: 4289487
    Abstract: A mechanical apparatus for moving a swimmer ahead in the water, including a frame secured behind the swimmer by shoulder straps and a waist belt, a pair of bicycle type foot operated pedals rotating a propeller and a hand-cranked winch on the belt buckle controlling a change speed mechanism for faster or slower travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Inventor: Karl W. Fattler