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

a multi-directional propulsion and hand-held technology, applied in the field of oars or paddles, can solve the problems of not dramatically ease the burden of rowers for a sustained period of use, and the addition of strength requirements may preclude the use of many recreational rowers, and achieve the effect of easy removal of blades and easy conversion

Inactive Publication Date: 2013-02-07
BOUKAS ALEXANDER
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a better way to use oar or paddles to propel watercraft like canoes and kayaks. It reduces the physical effort required and makes it easier to travel longer distances.

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.

Method used

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

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Embodiment Construction

[0077]There are many considerations which impact the design of a shaft and blade for levering a paddlesports boat, whether it be an oar for rowboats (sweep oar rowing or sculling), or a single-bladed paddle with a handle for canoeing, or a double-bladed paddle for kayaking. In each case, appropriate compromise and resolution between conflicting considerations are aimed at improving performance of the rower / paddler. But, the kind of performance being sought by one rower may be different than the kind of performance, or amount of performance, being sought by different occupants of the various paddlesports boats.

[0078]The primary objective in designing a levering device is to help the user achieve the most efficient stroke in order to propel the paddlesports boat forward according to the user's expertise. In general, the greater the mass of water that the blade is able to “grip,” the greater the resistance against which the paddler can lever him / herself and propel the paddlesports boat...

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Abstract

A multi-functional modular device includes: a shaft; electric motor(s); propeller(s); battery(s); and paddle blade(s) being removably attachable to the shaft for levering of a boat. With the blade(s) attached to the shaft and motor(s) de-energized, the device is usable for manual levering, and with the motor(s) energized, propeller thrust selectively assists in levering to propel the boat. Propeller thrust in a direction opposite to a propulsive direction from levering reduces work required per stroke, reducing the total levering power per stroke. Alternatively, using the thrust in the same direction as propulsive levering increases total propulsive power per stroke, but requires greater strength / work output by the rower / paddler. Removing the blade permits the propeller and motor to be statically submerged and clocked for directional propulsion. A hinged kayak paddle embodiment is adapted for pure levering, and is convertible to a propulsion device by releasably attaching an electric pod motor to the blade(s).

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 924,627, filed on Sep. 30, 2010, which claimed 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,” with the disclosures of each being 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 par...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B63H21/17B63H16/04B63H1/14
CPCB63H1/14B63H21/17B63H16/04
Inventor BOUKAS, ALEXANDER
Owner BOUKAS ALEXANDER
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