Combination hand-held multi-directional propulsion device and powered oar/paddle for rowboat, canoe, kayak, and the like

Abstract

A multi-functional modular device comprises: a shaft; electric motor(s); battery(s); thrust producing fan(s); and blade(s) being removably attachable to the shaft for levering of a paddlesports boat. With the blade(s) attached to the shaft and the motor(s) off, the device is usable for manual levering, and with the motor(s) on, the fan blade thrust may selectively assist in levering to propel the paddlesports boat. Fan thrust may be usable in a direction opposite to a propulsive direction of levering to reduce work required per stroke, which reduces power per stroke, or may alternatively be usable in the same direction as propulsive levering to increase total propulsive power per stroke, which requires greater strength / work output by the rower / paddler. Various sized blades may be interchangeable therein to adjust the work output. Removing the blade(s) permits the fan to be statically submerged and clocked to propel the boat in a desired direction.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 281,035, filed on Nov. 12, 2009 with the title, “Hand-Held Propulsion / Navigational Boating Device And Powered Oar / Paddle For Canoe, Kayak, Rowboat, Raft And The Like,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to improvements in directional and propulsive control over small watercraft, and more particularly to an oar or paddle which is capable of providing powered assistance to the paddler or rower.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Recreational boating is a favorite American pastime, and such pleasure craft come in many different forms or categories: dinghies, paddlesports boats, runabouts, daysailers, cruisers, etc. The type of boat chosen by an individual will naturally suit the particular activities in which one seeks to engage, and it is not uncommon for many individuals to own two ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]It is an object of the invention to provide an enhanced means of rowing or paddling for users of canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts, and the like.

[0011]It is another object of the invention to provide an oar or a paddle which decreases the physical exertion involved in propelling paddle sports watercraft.

[0012]It is a further object of the invention to provide an oar or paddle that increases the range which may be attained when traveling in a paddle sports watercraft.

Problems solved by technology

This added strength requirement may preclude its use by many recreational rowers.

The Horan device uses two parallel shafts being pivotally linked on both ends to keep the “oar's blade and handle parallel to one another and perpendicular to the boat throughout the rowing cycle,” which “is critical to achieving a powerful, efficient stroke.” This would arguably increase the efficiency of each stroke without the corresponding increase in strength requirements necessitated by the Fan oar; however, it does not serve to dramatically ease the rower's burden for a sustained period of use.

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