Aquatic device

Abstract

An aquatic device (10) for providing maneuverability 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 maneuvered 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.

Description

[0001]This application is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12 / 144,393, filed 23 Jun. 2008, which is a Continuation-in-Part of PCT / AU2006 / 001862, filed 7 Dec. 2006, which claims benefit of Serial No. 2005907264, filed 23 Dec. 2005 in Australia and which applications are incorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed applications.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to an aquatic device, and more particularly to an aquatic device for providing maneuverability to a user moving in water.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]There have been various proposals for maneuvering a person through a body of water. The proposals typically involve devices for propelling a user through a body of water in a manner which allows the user to travel either along the water surface or under water. Such devices have recreational applications and are also particularly suitable for underwater pursuits such as diving and snorkel...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]Preferably, the handle means are operably connected to the two fins whereby the user can manually control movement of the control elements one with respect to the other.

[0025]The control elements and the handles may be removable from the axle. This may allow for disassembly for ease of transport and storage. Further is may facilitate the selective variation of the relative positions of the handles with respect to the control elements.

Problems solved by technology

While articulation of the planar member does provide some steering and depth control, there can be a significant lag between articulation of the planar member and a resultant directional change in the movement of the user.

Accordingly, there can be a lack of responsiveness and subtle changes in direction can be difficult to achieve.

Such an aquatic device offers limited direction control through tilting of the board and is generally not suitable for use underwater.

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