Buoyancy plate with propulsion system

Abstract

A buoyancy plate has: a plate body; a propulsion system connected to the plate body and including a propulsion unit for providing thrust to the buoyancy plate; and a handle assembly pivotally connected to the plate body, the handle assembly being pivotable between a lowered position and a raised position. The handlebar assembly includes a central handle configured to be grasped by a rider of the buoyancy plate, the central handle defining a distal end portion of the handlebar assembly.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 395,701, filed on August 5, 2022, entitled “Buoyant Board Having a Propulsion System,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present technology relates to a buoyancy board. Background Art

[0004] Buoyant boards such as surfboards, paddle boards, etc. are sometimes equipped with a propulsion unit to provide thrust to the buoyant board and thereby reduce the user's workload during operation of the buoyant board. In some cases, the buoyant board may additionally have hydrofoils to provide lift thereto, in particular to raise the running surface of the surfboard from the water to reduce drag.

[0005] While these features are useful, they also increase the difficulty of operating the buoyancy board and therefore require a higher skill level from the user than a conventional non-powered buoyancy board. Thus, an inexperienced user may face a steep learning curve in order to fully operate such a powered buoyancy board.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a buoyant board with a propulsion system that addresses at least some of these disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0007] The purpose of the present technology is to improve at least some of the inconveniences existing in the prior art.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present technology, a buoyancy board is provided, comprising: a board body; a propulsion system connected to the board body, the propulsion system comprising a propulsion unit for providing thrust to the buoyancy board; and a handle assembly, which is pivotally connected to the board body, the handle assembly being capable of pivoting between a lowered position and a raised position around a pivot axis, the pivot axis extending through a proximal end portion of the handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising: a central handle, the central handle being configured to be grasped by a rider of the buoyancy board, the central handle defining a distal end portion of the handle assembly; and a first handle and a second handle, the first handle and the second handle being movably connected to the central handle, the first handle and the second handle being capable of moving between corresponding retracted positions and deployed positions, the first handle and the second handle being configured to be grasped by a rider of the buoyancy board; wherein, in the deployed positions of the first handle and the second handle, the first handle and the second handle are positioned on opposite sides of the central handle.

[0009] In some embodiments, the handlebar assembly further includes a telescoping subassembly for adjusting a length of the handlebar assembly defined between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion of the handlebar assembly.

[0010] In some embodiments, the telescoping subassembly includes an actuation handle operable by a rider of the buoyant body, the actuation handle movable to selectively lock and unlock the telescoping subassembly to set the length of the handlebar assembly.

[0011] In some embodiments, the handlebar assembly includes a base shell; and the telescopic subassembly also includes: at least one telescopic rod, which is at least partially received in the base shell and can slide relative to the base shell, and an actuating handle is connected to the at least one telescopic rod for sliding the at least one telescopic rod relative to the base shell; and at least one sliding member, which is received in the base shell and is operatively connected to the actuating handle, the at least one sliding member is connected to the at least one telescopic rod to move together with the at least one telescopic rod, the at least one sliding member is capable of sliding between multiple sliding member positions corresponding to different lengths of the handlebar assembly, and the at least one sliding member selectively engages the base shell at the multiple sliding member positions to set the length of the handlebar assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one sliding member is capable of moving between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and the actuating handle is operable to selectively move at least a portion of the at least one sliding member between the engaged position and the disengaged position; in the disengaged position of at least a portion of the at least one sliding member, the at least one sliding member is capable of sliding between a plurality of sliding member positions; and in the engaged position of at least a portion of the at least one sliding member, at least a portion of the at least one sliding member engages the base shell in response to the at least one sliding member moving to any one of the plurality of sliding member positions to fix the at least one sliding member relative to the base shell at a given sliding member position in the sliding member position corresponding to a given length of the handle assembly.

[0013] In some embodiments, an aperture is defined between the actuation handle and the center handle to allow a rider to grasp the center handle.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plate body defines a recess for at least partially receiving the handlebar assembly in its lowered position.

[0015] In some embodiments, in the lowered position of the handle assembly, the handle assembly is substantially flush with an upper surface of the board body.

[0016] In some embodiments, the handle assembly further comprises a latch capable of moving between a latched position and an unlatched position; and in the lowered position of the handle assembly: the handle assembly is maintained in the lowered position by having the latch in the latched position; and the handle assembly is capable of moving from the lowered position in response to the latch moving to the unlatched position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the latch is biased toward a latched position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plate body defines a recess for at least partially receiving the handlebar assembly in its lowered position; in a latched position of the latch and when the handlebar assembly is in a position other than its lowered position, the latch prevents the handlebar assembly from entering the recess.

[0019] In some embodiments, the handle assembly further includes an actuation handle connected to the latch, the actuation handle being used to move the latch between the latched position and the unlatched position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the handle assembly further includes a telescopic subassembly for adjusting the length of the handle assembly defined between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion of the handle assembly; and the actuating handle is configured to selectively lock and unlock the telescopic subassembly to set the length of the handle assembly.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first handle and the second handle are pivotable between their retracted and deployed positions.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first handle and the second handle are operatively connected such that the first handle and the second handle can be pivoted synchronously between their retracted and deployed positions.

[0023] In some embodiments, each of the first handle and the second handle includes a plurality of gear teeth; and the gear teeth of the first handle mesh with the gear teeth of the second handle to synchronously pivot the first handle and the second handle between their retracted and deployed positions.

[0024] In some embodiments, the handle assembly further includes a locking handle movable between a locked position and an unlocked position for selectively locking the first handle and the second handle in their retracted and deployed positions.

[0025] In some embodiments, an aperture is defined between the locking handle and the center handle in both the locked position and the unlocked position of the locking handle to allow a rider to grasp the center handle.

[0026] In some embodiments, the locking handle can be moved toward the center handle when the locking handle moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0027] In some embodiments, the locking handle includes a first mating feature and a second mating feature; each of the first handle and the second handle includes a third mating feature and a fourth mating feature, respectively; in the retracted position of the first handle and the second handle, the first mating feature and the second mating feature engage the third mating feature of the corresponding handle of the first handle and the second handle in response to the locking handle moving to the locked position; and in the extended position of the first handle and the second handle, the first mating feature and the second mating feature engage the fourth mating feature of the corresponding handle of the first handle and the second handle in response to the locking handle moving to the locked position.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first mating feature is a plurality of first teeth; the second mating feature is a plurality of second teeth; the third mating feature is a plurality of first recesses, which receive a first subset of corresponding teeth of the first teeth and the second teeth in response to the first handle and the second handle being in the retracted position and the locking handle being in the locked position; and the fourth mating feature is a plurality of second recesses, which receive a second subset of corresponding teeth of the first teeth and the second teeth in response to the first handle and the second handle being in the extended position and the locking handle being in the locked position.

[0029] In some embodiments, the handlebar assembly includes a hinge defining a pivot axis; and friction at the hinge prevents the handlebar assembly from free falling from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0030] In some embodiments, friction at the hinge slows movement of the handlebar assembly from the raised position to the lowered position caused by gravity.

[0031] In some embodiments, the propulsion unit is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position.

[0032] In some embodiments, the handlebar assembly further comprises a telescopic subassembly for adjusting the length of the handlebar assembly defined between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion of the handlebar assembly; the telescopic subassembly comprises an actuating handle operable by a rider of the buoyant body, the actuating handle being movable to selectively lock and unlock the telescopic subassembly to set the length of the handlebar assembly; the handlebar assembly further comprises a locking handle movable between a locked position and an unlocked position for selectively locking the first handlebar and the second handlebar in their retracted and deployed positions; and an aperture is defined between (i) the central handle and (ii) the actuating handle and the locking handle to allow the rider to grasp the central handle.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first handle and the second handle are disposed on opposite sides of the aperture.

[0034] In some embodiments, the actuation handle and the locking handle are disposed on top of each other.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present technology, a buoyancy board is provided, comprising: a board body; a propulsion system connected to the board body, the propulsion system comprising a propulsion unit for providing thrust to the buoyancy board; and a handle assembly pivotally connected to the board body, the handle assembly being capable of pivoting between a lowered position and a raised position around a pivot axis, the pivot axis extending through a proximal end portion of the handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising: a central handle configured to be gripped by a rider of the buoyancy board, the central handle defining a distal end portion of the handle assembly; and a telescopic subassembly for adjusting the length of the handle assembly defined between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the handle assembly.

[0036] In some embodiments, the telescoping subassembly includes an actuation handle operable by a rider of the buoyant body, the actuation handle movable to selectively lock and unlock the telescoping subassembly to set the length of the handlebar assembly.

[0037] In some embodiments, the handlebar assembly includes a base shell; and the telescopic subassembly also includes: at least one telescopic rod, which is at least partially received in the base shell and can slide relative to the base shell, and an actuating handle is connected to the at least one telescopic rod for sliding the at least one telescopic rod relative to the base shell; and at least one sliding member, which is received in the base shell and is operatively connected to the actuating handle, the at least one sliding member is connected to the at least one telescopic rod to move together with the at least one telescopic rod, the at least one sliding member is capable of sliding between multiple sliding member positions corresponding to different lengths of the handlebar assembly, and the at least one sliding member selectively engages the base shell at the multiple sliding member positions to set the length of the handlebar assembly.

[0038] In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one sliding member is capable of moving between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and the actuating handle is operable to selectively move at least a portion of the at least one sliding member between the engaged position and the disengaged position; in the disengaged position of at least a portion of the at least one sliding member, the at least one sliding member is capable of sliding between a plurality of sliding member positions; and in the engaged position of at least a portion of the at least one sliding member, at least a portion of the at least one sliding member engages the base shell in response to the at least one sliding member moving to any one of the plurality of sliding member positions to fix the at least one sliding member relative to the base shell at a given sliding member position in the sliding member position corresponding to a given length of the handle assembly.

[0039] In some embodiments, an aperture is defined between the actuation handle and the center handle to allow a rider to grasp the center handle.

[0040] In some embodiments, the plate body defines a recess for at least partially receiving the handlebar assembly in its lowered position.

[0041] In some embodiments, in the lowered position of the handle assembly, the handle assembly is substantially flush with an upper surface of the board body.

[0042] In some embodiments, the handle assembly further comprises a latch capable of moving between a latched position and an unlatched position; and in the lowered position of the handle assembly: the handle assembly is maintained in the lowered position by having the latch in the latched position; and the handle assembly is capable of moving from the lowered position in response to the latch moving to the unlatched position.

[0043] In some embodiments, the latch is biased toward a latched position.

[0044] In some embodiments, the plate body defines a recess for at least partially receiving the handlebar assembly in its lowered position; and in the latched position of the latch and with the handlebar assembly in a position other than its lowered position, the latch prevents the handlebar assembly from entering the recess.

[0045] In some embodiments, the handle assembly further includes an actuation handle connected to the latch, the actuation handle being used to move the latch between the latched position and the unlatched position.

[0046] In some embodiments, the handle assembly further includes a telescopic subassembly for adjusting the length of the handle assembly defined between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion of the handle assembly; and the actuating handle is configured to selectively lock and unlock the telescopic subassembly to set the length of the handle assembly.

[0047] In some embodiments, the handlebar assembly includes a hinge defining a pivot axis; and friction at the hinge prevents the handlebar assembly from free falling from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0048] In some embodiments, friction at the hinge slows movement of the handlebar assembly from the raised position to the lowered position caused by gravity.

[0049] In some embodiments, the propulsion unit is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position.

[0050] In some embodiments, the buoyancy board further includes a first handle and a second handle, which are movably connected to the central handle, the first handle and the second handle are capable of moving between corresponding retracted positions and deployed positions, the first handle and the second handle are configured to be grasped by a rider of the buoyancy board; and in the deployed positions of the first handle and the second handle, the first handle and the second handle are positioned on opposite sides of the central handle.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first handle and the second handle are pivotable between their retracted and deployed positions.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first handle and the second handle are operatively connected such that the first handle and the second handle can be pivoted synchronously between their retracted and deployed positions.

[0053] In some embodiments, each of the first handle and the second handle includes a plurality of gear teeth; and the gear teeth of the first handle mesh with the gear teeth of the second handle to synchronously pivot the first handle and the second handle between their retracted and deployed positions.

[0054] In some embodiments, the handle assembly further includes a locking handle movable between a locked position and an unlocked position for selectively locking the first handle and the second handle in their retracted and deployed positions.

[0055] In some embodiments, the telescoping subassembly includes an actuation handle operable by a rider of the buoyant body, the actuation handle movable to selectively lock and unlock the telescoping subassembly to set the length of the handlebar assembly.

[0056] In some embodiments, the actuation handle and the locking handle are disposed on top of each other.

[0057] In some embodiments, an aperture is defined between the locking handle and the center handle in both the locked position and the unlocked position of the locking handle to allow a rider to grasp the center handle.

[0058] In some embodiments, the locking handle can be moved toward the center handle when the locking handle moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0059] In some embodiments, the locking handle includes a first mating feature and a second mating feature; each of the first handle and the second handle includes a third mating feature and a fourth mating feature, respectively; in the retracted position of the first handle and the second handle, the first mating feature and the second mating feature engage the third mating feature of the corresponding handle of the first handle and the second handle in response to the locking handle moving to the locked position; and in the extended position of the first handle and the second handle, the first mating feature and the second mating feature engage the fourth mating feature of the corresponding handle of the first handle and the second handle in response to the locking handle moving to the locked position.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first mating feature is a plurality of first teeth; the second mating feature is a plurality of second teeth; the third mating feature is a plurality of first recesses, which receive a first subset of corresponding teeth of the first teeth and the second teeth in response to the first handle and the second handle being in the retracted position and the locking handle being in the locked position; and the fourth mating feature is a plurality of second recesses, which receive a second subset of corresponding teeth of the first teeth and the second teeth in response to the first handle and the second handle being in the extended position and the locking handle being in the locked position.

[0061] In some embodiments, the handlebar assembly further comprises a telescopic subassembly for adjusting the length of the handlebar assembly defined between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion of the handlebar assembly; the telescopic subassembly comprises an actuating handle operable by a rider of the buoyant body, the actuating handle being movable to selectively lock and unlock the telescopic subassembly to set the length of the handlebar assembly; the handlebar assembly further comprises a locking handle movable between a locked position and an unlocked position for selectively locking the first handlebar and the second handlebar in their retracted and deployed positions; and an aperture is defined between (i) the central handle and (ii) the actuating handle and the locking handle to allow the rider to grasp the central handle.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first handle and the second handle are disposed on opposite sides of the aperture.

[0063] For the purposes of this application, terms related to spatial orientation such as forward, rearward, upward, downward, leftward, and rightward should be understood as they would normally be understood by a user of the buoyancy board placed thereon in a normal riding position. When describing or referring to components or subassemblies of the buoyancy board that are separate from the buoyancy board, terms related to spatial orientation should be understood as they would be understood when such components or subassemblies are mounted to the buoyancy board, unless otherwise stated in this application.

[0064] The embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned purposes and / or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology obtained by attempting to achieve the above-mentioned purposes may not meet these purposes and / or may meet other purposes not specifically described herein.

[0065] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, drawings, and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features of the present technology, reference is made to the following description used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0067] Figure 1 is a perspective view from the top, front, left side of a buoyancy board according to an embodiment of the present technology showing its handle assembly in a lowered position and with its propulsion system removed for clarity;

[0068] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top plan view of a buoyancy plate;

[0069] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A bottom-up plan view of the buoyancy plate;

[0070] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A left side elevation view of the buoyancy plate;

[0071] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A left side elevation view of a buoyancy panel of FIG. 1 , shown with its propulsion system in a retracted position;

[0072] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 a left side elevation view of a buoyancy panel of FIG. 1 , shown with its propulsion system in a deployed position;

[0073] Figure 7 is from Figure 1 A top, front, left side perspective view of the buoyancy board of FIG. 1 showing the handle assembly in a raised position;

[0074] Figure 8 is from Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of the top, rear, and right side of the buoyancy board;

[0075] Figure 9 is Figure 7 A left side elevation view of the buoyancy plate;

[0076] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 Rear view of the buoyancy board;

[0077] Fig.11 is from Figure 1 A top, front, left side perspective view of the buoyancy board of FIG. 1 showing the handlebar assembly in a raised position and fully extended;

[0078] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A left side elevation view of the buoyancy plate;

[0079] Fig.13 yes Figure 1 A rear view of a buoyancy board showing the handle assembly in a raised position, fully extended, and wherein the handle is in a deployed position;

[0080] Fig.14 yes Figure 1 A top plan view of a handle assembly of a buoyancy board;

[0081] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 a bottom plan view of a handlebar assembly;

[0082] Fig.15A It is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of the handlebar assembly taken along line 15A-15A;

[0083] Fig. 15B yes Fig.15A a detailed view of a portion of a cross section;

[0084] Fig.16 is from Figure 1 A top, front, left side perspective view of a cross-section of a portion of a buoyancy panel illustrating a latch system of a handle assembly;

[0085] Fig.17 yes Fig.14 a top plan view of a handlebar assembly with an upper portion of a base housing thereof removed to expose underlying components;

[0086] Fig.18 It is along Fig.17 The line 18-18 in Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of a handlebar assembly;

[0087] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 a detailed view of a portion of a cross section;

[0088] Fig. 20 It is along Fig.17 The line 20-20 in Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of a handlebar assembly;

[0089] Fig.21 yes Fig.14 a top plan view of a handlebar assembly with an upper portion of the base housing removed and the telescoping rod removed to expose underlying components;

[0090] Fig. 22 When the handlebar assembly is in the fully extended position Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of a handlebar assembly;

[0091] Fig.23 yes Fig.14 a top plan view of a portion of a handlebar assembly shown with the handle housing removed, a lower portion of the base housing removed and a portion of an upper portion of the base housing;

[0092] Fig.24 yes Fig.23 a bottom plan view of a portion of a handlebar assembly;

[0093] Fig.25 yes Fig.23 a detailed view of a portion of;

[0094] Fig.26 yes Fig.24 a detailed view of a portion of;

[0095] Fig. 27 yes Fig.23 a bottom plan view of a portion of a handlebar assembly of , shown with the left and right handlebars thereof in a deployed position; and

[0096] Fig.28 yes Fig.23 A top plan view of a portion of a handlebar assembly is shown with the left and right handlebars thereof in an extended position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] exist Figures 1 to 4 1 illustrates a buoyant board 10 according to an embodiment of the present technology. In this embodiment, the buoyant board 10 is a surfboard. In other embodiments, the buoyant board 10 may be any other suitable type of buoyant board (e.g., a water ski, a paddle board, etc.). Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the buoyancy board 10 has a propulsion system 50 suspended thereunder for providing propulsion to the buoyancy board 10. In this example, the propulsion system 50 is a lift-propulsion system sometimes referred to as an "eFoil" for riding by an operator.

[0098] As will be described in more detail below, according to the present technology, the buoyancy board 10 has a handle assembly 100 that can be moved between different positions and arranged differently according to the user's preference and / or experience level for riding a board with a propulsion system. Therefore, the handle assembly 100 can facilitate inexperienced users to ride the buoyancy board 10, and can also accompany the user's skill progression by providing a wide range of positions of the handle assembly 100 suitable for different skill levels.

[0099] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in , the buoyant board 10 has a buoyant board body 12 having an upper surface 14 and a lower surface 16 on respective upper side portions 18 and lower side portions 20 of the board body 12. In use, a rider of the buoyant board 10 is positioned on the upper surface 14 (e.g., standing, kneeling, sitting, lying) to ride the buoyant board 10, while the lower surface 16 is configured to engage the water surface when the buoyant board 10 is traveling (and the propulsion system 50 is in a retracted state, as will be further described below). The board body 12 has a front end 22 and a rear end 24, which define the length of the buoyant body 12 between the front end 22 and the rear end 24. As shown in Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the longitudinal center axis 25 of the vessel 10 extends longitudinally between the front end 22 and the rear end 24 and bisects the width of the panel body 12. In this embodiment, the panel body 12 has a length of about 2 meters and a beam of about 1 meter.

[0100] The panel body 12 also defines a chamber (not shown) between the upper surface 14 and the lower surface 16 of the panel body 12 for receiving the various components of the lift-propulsion system 50 therein. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in , a removable access panel 89 is provided to selectively isolate a portion of the chamber from the upper side 18 of the panel body 12. The removable access panel 89 can be fixed in place on the panel body 12 in any suitable manner. For example, in this embodiment, the removable access panel 89 is fastened to the panel body 12 via mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts).

[0101] In this embodiment, the board body 12 is a molded plastic buoyancy body (i.e., the board body 12 is molded into shape from a plastic material). It is contemplated that the board body 12 may be made from different materials and using different processes. For example, the board body 12 may be made from a foam core covered with layers or sections of fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other rigid material. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the board body 12 has a generally rectangular shape. It should be understood that the configuration of the board body 12 may be different in other embodiments.

[0102] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG, the buoyancy board 10 has a plurality of handles 26 at various locations to allow an operator to grasp the boat 10, such as for re-boarding the boat 10 or for holding the boat 10 during transport. In various embodiments, the handles 26 may be positioned at various locations on the board body 12. In other embodiments, the handles 26 may be omitted.

[0103] Reference Figure 3 , a flexible panel 97 is connected to the board body 12 on the lower side 20 of the board body 12 to accommodate the propulsion system 50, as will be explained in more detail below. The flexible panel 97 defines a generally longitudinally extending slot 98. The flexible panel 97 can be made of any suitable flexible material. For example, in this embodiment, the flexible panel 97 is made of rubber, elastomer or other flexible and elastic material.

[0104] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the lift-propulsion system 50 can selectively provide lift and propulsion to the watercraft 10 and is retractable. It is noteworthy that the retractable lift-propulsion system 50 can be conveniently and easily retracted or deployed at will to accommodate the desired operating mode of the rider of the buoyancy board 10. In this embodiment, the lift-propulsion system 50 includes a mast 52 and a lift-propulsion assembly 60 connected thereto. The mast 52 connects the lift-propulsion assembly 60 to the board body 12. The proximal end of the mast 52 is pivotally connected to the board body 12. In particular, the mast 52 is capable of pivoting about a pivot axis 58 that extends laterally through the proximal end of the mast 52. The mast 52 is capable of pivoting about the pivot axis 58 in the retracted position RP ( Figure 5 ), an intermediate deployed position (not shown) and a fully deployed position DP ( Figure 6 ). When the buoyant board 10 is traveling (i.e., in motion) and the mast 52 is in the retracted position RP, the lift-propulsion assembly 60 does not provide any significant lift to the buoyant board 10, but may still provide thrust to the buoyant board 10. When the buoyant board 10 is traveling and the mast 52 is in the intermediate deployed position or the fully deployed position DP, the lift-propulsion assembly 60 provides lift to the buoyant board 10, and may also provide thrust to the buoyant board 10.

[0105] In the retracted position RP, the mast 52 extends generally parallel to the longitudinal center axis 25 of the buoyant board 10. In addition, in the retracted position RP, a majority of the mast 52 is disposed between the upper surface 14 and the lower surface 16 of the board body 12. Figure 6), the mast 52 extends from the lower side 20 of the board body 12. In particular, in the intermediate deployed position and the fully deployed position, the mast 52 extends through the slit 98 of the flexible panel 97. Therefore, the distance between the distal end of the mast 52 and the lower surface 16 of the board body 12 is greater in the intermediate deployed position or the fully deployed position DP than in the retracted position RP. The fully deployed position DP corresponds to the lowest position of the distal end of the mast 52. Therefore, the distance between the distal end of the mast 52 and the lower surface 16 of the board body 12 is greater in the fully deployed position DP than in the intermediate deployed position.

[0106] Reference Figure 6 , in the intermediate deployed position and the fully deployed position DP of the mast 52, the mast 52 is set at an angle α relative to a horizontal axis parallel to the longitudinal center axis 25. In the two deployed positions, the angle α measures less than 90° (i.e., is an acute angle). It should be understood that when the mast 52 moves between the retracted position RP, the intermediate deployed position, and the fully deployed position DP, the mast 52 obtains different instantaneous positions. In some embodiments, the mast 52 may also be able to stay in any or all of these different positions. Therefore, the mast 52 can have more intermediate deployed positions.

[0107] Continue to refer to Figure 6 In this embodiment, the lift-propulsion assembly 60 includes a hydrofoil 62 and a propulsion unit 64. The hydrofoil 62 is configured to provide lift to the buoyant board 10, while the propulsion unit 64 is configured to provide thrust to the watercraft 10. The lift-propulsion assembly 60 is connected to the distal end of the mast 52 so that in the deployed position of the mast 52, the lift-propulsion assembly 60 is away from the board body 12, and in the retracted position RP of the mast 52, the lift-propulsion assembly 60 is close to the board body 12. The position of the lift-propulsion assembly 60 relative to the mast 52 is such that the hydrofoil 62 provides lift to the watercraft 10 in the deployed position of the mast 52, but does not significantly provide lift to the watercraft 10 in the retracted position RP, thereby allowing the rider to place the mast 52 in the retracted position RP when he / she does not want to ride the watercraft 10 using the lift provided by the hydrofoil 62. On the other hand, the propulsion unit 64 provides thrust to the watercraft 10 in all positions of the mast 52, including the retracted position RP and the deployed position (according to the operator's command). Thus, the propulsion unit 64 may be operated to propel the watercraft 10 regardless of the position of the mast 52 .

[0108] The propulsion unit 64 includes a rotor (not shown) that can rotate around an axis of rotation. In this embodiment, the rotor is a propeller with blades that converts rotational power into linear thrust by acting on water when rotating around the axis of rotation. It is conceivable that in other embodiments, the propeller can be another type of rotor, such as an impeller. The propulsion unit 64 also has a duct 74 around the propeller to improve the efficiency of the propeller and increase safety. The lifting-propulsion assembly 60 has an electric motor (not shown) for driving the propeller of the propulsion unit 64. In this embodiment, the electric motor can be made to drive the propeller shaft of the propeller in two directions around the axis of rotation. Therefore, the propeller can provide forward thrust or backward thrust. An electrical component (not shown) is provided to work with the electric motor. In particular, in this embodiment, the electrical component has a battery and an inverter, the battery stores energy to power the electric motor, and the inverter communicates electrically between the battery and the electric motor. The electrical component is supported by the board body 12. In particular, the electrical component is accommodated in a chamber defined by the board body 12. The portion of the chamber enclosing the electrical components is accessible from the upper side 18 of the board body 12 , particularly by removing a removable access panel 89 .

[0109] The retractable lift-propulsion system 50 also has a throttle control (not shown) for use by a rider of the buoyancy board 10. Notably, the throttle control communicates with the electric motor to control the electric motor's drive of the propulsion unit 64. The throttle control may be disposed on a handlebar assembly 100 connected to the board body 12. In other embodiments, the throttle control may be a handheld control held in the rider's hand.

[0110] Reference Figure 6 In this embodiment, the hydrofoil 62 has a front wing 90 and a rear wing 92 disposed behind the front wing 90. When the mast 52 is in any of the deployed positions and the buoyant board 10 is moving forward at a speed higher than a certain speed, the hydrofoil 62 lifts the board body 12 completely out of the water, thereby reducing resistance and allowing the buoyant board 10 to obtain a higher speed. The front wing 90 has a larger lateral span than the rear wing 92. The front wing 90 has two wing portions, which extend laterally and are connected to each other at the center between the two wing portions. The rear wing 92 has two wing portions, each wing portion extending laterally in opposite directions from the corresponding lateral side of the pipe 74 of the propulsion unit 64. The hydrofoil 62 and the propulsion unit 64 are connected to the frame of the lifting-propulsion assembly 60. In particular, the front wing 90 is connected to the front end of the frame, and the pipe 74 of the propulsion unit 64 is connected to the rear end of the frame.

[0111] A more complete description of the lift-propulsion system 50 and its functionality may be found in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2022 / 091035, published on May 5, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] It is contemplated that in some embodiments the hydrofoil 62 may be omitted and only a propulsion unit 64 connected to the mast 52 may be provided.

[0113] Now refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 7 to 10 The handlebar assembly 100 is described in more detail. The handlebar assembly 100 has a base portion 110 connected to the board body 12 and a central handle 112 connected to the base portion 110. The central handle 112 is configured to be grasped by a rider of the floatation board 10 to facilitate riding the floatation board 10. In this embodiment, the central handle 12 defines a distal end portion 104 of the handlebar assembly 100. The base portion 110 defines a proximal end portion 106 of the handlebar assembly 100 opposite the distal end portion 104. In this embodiment, the handlebar assembly 100 is generally laterally centered relative to the board body 12 such that the longitudinal axis 25 bisects the handlebar assembly 100.

[0114] As described above, the handlebar assembly 100 can be moved to different positions to accommodate the rider of the buoyancy board 10 according to his / her preferences and / or experience level. Notably, the base portion 110 of the handlebar assembly 100 is pivotally connected to the board body 12 so that the handlebar assembly 100 can be moved about the pivot axis 102 ( Figure 2 , Figure 9) in the lowered position ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) and raised position ( Figures 7 to 10 ). In this embodiment, the pivot axis 102 is defined by the hinge 96 of the base portion 110 and extends through a proximal end portion 106 of the handlebar assembly 100 disposed near the front end 22 of the board body 12. As can be seen, the pivot axis 102 extends generally laterally. In the lowered position, as shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the handlebar assembly 100 is disposed generally horizontally (ie, generally parallel to the longitudinal center axis 25 ), and in the raised position, as shown in FIG. Figures 7 to 10 As illustrated in , the handle assembly 100 extends upwardly from the upper surface 14 of the board body 12. More specifically, as the handle assembly 100 moves from the lowered position to the raised position, the angle θ formed between the handle assembly 100 and the longitudinal axis 25 increases.

[0115] In this embodiment, the handlebar assembly 100 is prevented from free falling from the raised position to the lowered position by friction at the hinge 96. That is, the hinge 96 has sufficient friction in its articulation so that the friction at the hinge 96 slows down the movement of the handlebar assembly 100 from the raised position to the lowered position caused by gravity (i.e., due to the weight of the handlebar assembly 100).

[0116] The buoyancy board 10 can be ridden with the handlebar assembly 100 in either the lowered position and the raised position, and in any intermediate position therebetween. For example, in the lowered position of the handlebar assembly 100, the rider can ride the buoyancy board 10 by standing and riding hands-free or by kneeling on the buoyancy board 10 using the handles 26 on the sides of the buoyancy board 10. In the raised position of the handlebar assembly 100, the rider can ride the buoyancy board 10 by gripping the center handle 112 for single-handed operation.

[0117] In this embodiment, if Figure 7 and Figure 8 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the upper surface 14 of the plate body 12 defines a recess 116. The recess 116 has a shape that matches the shape of the periphery of the handlebar assembly 100 so as to receive the handlebar assembly 100 in the recess 116 when the handlebar assembly 100 is in the closed position. It is contemplated that the recess 116 may be shaped to receive only a portion of the handlebar assembly 100 (e.g., including the distal end portion 104 of the central grip 112). The recess 116 is partially defined by the stepped surface 117 ( Figure 7 , Figure 8 ) has a height measured from the stepped surface 117 to the upper surface 14. In this embodiment, the height of the recess 116 corresponds to at least a majority of the thickness of the handlebar assembly 100. When the handlebar assembly 100 is in the lowered position, the thickness of the handlebar assembly 100 is measured vertically. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG, in the lowered position, the handlebar assembly 100 is generally flush with the upper surface 14. This can make riding the buoyancy board 10 in the lowered position of the handlebar assembly 100 more comfortable because for the rider, stepping on the handlebar assembly 100 will not be substantially different than stepping on any other part of the upper side 20 of the buoyancy board 10. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the recess 116 has a portion 119 thereof disposed vertically below the stepped surface 116 to form an additional recess below the handle assembly 100 when the handle assembly 100 is in the lowered position. The portion 119 of the recess 116 can be used to store equipment on the buoyancy board 10.

[0118] It is contemplated that the recess 116 may be omitted in some embodiments. Thus, in some embodiments, in the lowered position, the handle assembly 100 may not be flush with the upper surface 14 of the board body 12. It is also contemplated that the handle assembly 100 is removable.

[0119] In this embodiment, the handlebar assembly 100 has a latch system to hold the handlebar assembly 100 in the lowered position. The latch system can be actuated by the rider to move the handlebar assembly 100 to the raised position. Figures 14 to 16 In this embodiment, the latch system includes an actuation handle 134 operable by a rider of the buoyancy board 10 and a latch 136 connected to the actuation handle 134. Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the latch 136 is disposed on the lower side 123 of the handlebar assembly 100, and the actuating handle 134 is disposed on the upper side 121 of the handlebar assembly 100. The rider can actuate the actuating handle 134, which is visible and accessible when the handlebar assembly 100 is in the lowered position, to move the latch 136 between the latched position and the unlatched position. When the handlebar assembly 100 is in the lowered position and the latch 136 is in the locked position, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , the latch 136 holds the handlebar assembly 100 in the lowered position. Notably, the latch 136 engages a retaining member 137 of the board body 12 that prevents the handlebar assembly 100 from being lifted from the lowered position. In particular, the lower surface 139 of the retaining member 137 engages an end portion 138 of the latch 136, thereby preventing the handlebar assembly 100 from moving from the lowered position. Fig.16 As shown in , the latch 136 is biased toward the latched position via a spring 140 disposed within a handle housing 142 of the handle assembly 100. The handle housing 142 forms the central handle 112 and contains various components that enable operation of the handle assembly 100, as will be further described below. The post 143 of the latch 136 is mounted to one end of the spring 140, and the other end of the spring 140 is supported by the inner surface of the handle housing 142, so that the spring 140 forces the latch 136 toward the latched position. Therefore, in order to move the latch 136 to the unlatched position, the actuating handle 134 is moved toward the distal end portion 104 of the handle assembly 100, thereby overcoming the resistance of the spring 140 and causing the end portion 138 of the latch 136 to slide away from the lower surface 139 of the retaining member 137. As shown in Fig.14 and Fig.16 As shown in , an aperture 115 is defined between the actuating handle 134 and the central handle 112, which allows the actuating handle 134 to have space to move toward the distal end portion 104 and also allows the rider to grasp the central handle 112. Once the latch 136 is in the unlatched position, the handlebar assembly 100 can be moved from the lowered position.

[0120] In this embodiment, the latch system is also designed to prevent the handlebar assembly 100 from being accidentally moved to the lowered position. Specifically, when the handlebar assembly 100 is in a position other than the lowered position, if the latch 136 is in the latched position, the latch 136 prevents the handlebar assembly 100 from entering the recess 116 (and therefore entering the lowered position). More specifically, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 , the retaining member 137 also has an upper surface 145 that abuts the end portion 138 of the latch 136 when the rider attempts to move the handlebar assembly 100 to the lowered position with the latch 136 in the latched position. Therefore, the rider of the buoyancy board 10 must actively actuate the actuation handle 134 to move the latch 136 to the unlatched position so that the handlebar assembly 100 can then be lowered into the recess 116 and thus into the lowered position. This can prevent the handlebar assembly 100 from accidentally pinching an object or rider that may obstruct the handlebar assembly 100 as it is lowered into the recess 116, particularly when the rider must consciously actuate the actuation handle 134 to allow the handlebar assembly 100 to enter the lowered position.

[0121] Reference Fig.14 In this embodiment, the handlebar assembly 100 also has a plurality of mounting members 160 disposed on the upper side 121 of the handlebar assembly 100. In particular, the mounting members 160 are apertures defined by the base shell 113, which defines the base portion 110. The apertures 160 are shaped to receive corresponding anchors having the same shape as the perimeter of the apertures 160 (e.g., hexagonal). This can allow accessories to be optionally mounted to the handlebar assembly 100. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the plate body 12 also has a similar mounting member 162 .

[0122] Reference Figures 11 to 13The handle assembly 100 also has a telescoping subassembly 130 for adjusting the length of the handle assembly 100 defined between the proximal end portion 106 and the distal end portion 104. A base housing 113 defining the base portion 110 of the handle assembly 110 receives some of the components of the telescoping subassembly 130 therein. The telescoping subassembly 130 includes two telescoping rods 132 received in the base housing 113 and slidable relative to the base housing 113. The telescoping rods 132 are parallel to each other and are disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal center axis 25. An actuating handle 134 for moving the latch 136 as described above also forms a part of the telescoping subassembly 130 and is movable to selectively lock and unlock the telescoping subassembly 130 to set the length of the handle assembly 100. It is noteworthy that the actuating handle 134 is connected to the telescoping rod 132 for sliding the telescoping rod 132 relative to the base housing 113.

[0123] It is contemplated that in some embodiments, a single telescoping pole 132 may be provided.

[0124] like Figures 17 to 19 and Fig.21 As shown in , the telescopic subassembly 130 also includes a slide 144 received in the base housing 113 and connected to the telescopic rod 132 to move with the telescopic rod 132. It is worth noting that Fig.17 , the slider 144 is fastened to the telescoping rod 132 via fasteners 146. The slider 144 is slidable between a plurality of slider positions corresponding to different lengths of the handlebar assembly 100. In particular, as will be described in more detail below, the slider 144 selectively engages the base housing 113 at different slider positions to set the length of the handlebar assembly 100.

[0125] Reference Fig.21 The slide 144 is operatively connected to the actuation handle 134 via two actuation rods 154 extending within the corresponding telescopic rod 132. The actuation rods 154 extend parallel to the longitudinal center axis 25 and are arranged on either side thereof. Each actuation rod 154 is connected to the actuation handle 134 at its distal end to move with the actuation handle 134, and at its proximal end, the actuation rod 154 is connected to a corresponding slide actuator 156 (at Fig.19 When the slide actuator 156 moves, the slide actuator 156 selectively actuates the slide 144 so that the two engaging portions 176 of the slide 144 (one of the two engaging portions is in the Fig. 15B ) engages or disengages with the structure of the handlebar assembly 100 to correspondingly allow or not allow the slide 144 to move from its set position.

[0126] In particular, when the actuation handle 134 is moved toward the distal end portion 104, the actuation rod 154 causes the slide actuator 156 to move in unison toward the distal end portion 104. Fig.19 , when the slide 144 is engaged in its current position (i.e., not removable therefrom) and the slide actuator 156 is moved toward the distal end portion 104, the inclined surface 158 of each slide actuator 156 causes the corresponding spring 172 received in one of the two recesses 173 defined by the corresponding post 174 of the slide 144 to further compress. When compressed, the spring 172 seated in the recess 173 and supported by the base 170 of the slide 144 (from which the post 174 protrudes) pushes the base 170 to force the slide 144 toward the lower portion 185 of the base housing 113 of the handlebar assembly 100. Referring to Fig. 15B , which causes the two engaging portions 176 of the slide 144 to move from the corresponding engaging positions ( Fig. 15B to the disengaged position.

[0127] In their engaged position, the engagement portions 176 are received in corresponding recesses 178 defined by the upper portion 187 of the base housing 113. Fig.15A and Fig.23 As shown in FIG. 1 , the upper portion 187 of the base housing 113 defines two rows of recesses 178 for receiving the engagement portions 176 of the slide 144 to set different fixed slide positions. Fig.15A As shown in FIG. 1 , when the engagement portions 176 are received in the two recesses 178 closest to the proximal end portion 106 of the handlebar assembly 100 , the handlebar assembly 100 is in the retracted state such that the length of the handlebar assembly 100 is at its minimum.

[0128] Back to Fig.15A In their disengaged positions, the engagement portions 176 move toward the lower portion 185 of the base housing 115 and thereby disengage from the corresponding recesses 178. Thus, the slider 144 can be slid longitudinally to any of the slider positions depending on the length of the handlebar assembly 100 desired by the rider. The slider 144 is slid to different slider positions by pulling or pushing the center handle 112, which causes the telescoping rod 132 to move with the slider 144, causing a portion of the telescoping rod 132 to be pulled out of or pushed into the base housing 113. Fig. 22 As shown in FIG, when the slider 144 engages the recess 178 farthest from the proximal end portion 106, the handle assembly 100 is in its fully extended state, corresponding to its length being set to its maximum value. When the actuating handle 134 moves back to its original position, the engaging portion 176 moves back to its engaged position.

[0129] Reference Fig.13 and Figure 23 to Figure 28 The handle assembly 100 also has left and right handlebars 150 that are movably connected to the central handle 112 and are configured to be grasped by a rider of the buoyancy board 10. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the left and right handlebars 150 may be omitted. The handlebars 150 are retractable, i.e., movable relative to the central handle 112 between respective retracted and deployed positions. In the retracted position of the handlebars 150, as shown in FIG. Figure 23 to Figure 26 As shown in FIG. 1 , the handle 150 extends generally toward the proximal end portion 106 of the handle assembly 110 and is therefore generally parallel to the lateral side edges of the base housing 113. In the deployed position of the handle 150, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the left and right handlebars 150 are positioned on opposite sides of the central handle 112. In particular, in their deployed positions, the left and right handlebars 150 extend leftward and rightward from the handle housing 142.

[0130] like Fig.26 As best shown in FIG. 1 , each handle 150 has a generally elongated grip portion 190 and an operating portion 192 extending from the grip portion 190. The operating portion 192 extends at an angle relative to the grip portion 190 and is shorter than the grip portion 190. The grip portion 190 defines a free end 151 of the corresponding handle 150, while the operating portion 192 defines a pivot end 153 of the corresponding handle 150. Notably, in this embodiment, the handle 150 is capable of pivoting between a retracted position and a deployed position. In particular, the pivot ends 153 partially form a respective pivot shaft 155 that allows the handle 150 to pivot about a pivot axis 165 extending through a respective one of the pivot ends 153.

[0131] In this embodiment, the handles 150 are operatively connected to each other so that the handles 150 can be synchronously pivoted between their retracted and deployed positions. To this end, in this example, each handle 150 has a gear member 194 extending from a corresponding pivot end 153. The gear members 194 have gear teeth 195 distributed around the approximately 90° circumferential span of each gear member 194. Fig.26 and Fig. 27 As shown in , the gear teeth 195 of the left handle 150 mesh with the gear teeth 195 of the right handle 150 to synchronously pivot the handle 150 between its retracted position and the deployed position. Therefore, when the handle 150 moves between the retracted position and the deployed position, the handles 150 are mirror images of each other.

[0132] like Fig.24 and Fig.26As shown in , the handlebar assembly 100 has a locking handle 200 that can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position for selectively locking the handlebars 150 in their retracted position and deployed position. In this embodiment, the actuating handle 134 and the locking handle 200 are arranged on top of each other. Therefore, in both the locked position and the unlocked position of the locking handle 200, an aperture 115 is also defined between the locking handle 200 and the center handle 112 to allow the rider to grasp the center handle 112. In this embodiment, when the locking handle 200 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, the locking handle 200 can move toward the center handle 112, that is, toward the distal end portion 104. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , the locking handle 200 is biased toward the locked position by a spring 205 received in the handle housing 142 .

[0133] To perform its locking function, in this embodiment, the locking handle 200 has a left mating feature 202 and a right mating feature 204 for engaging matching mating features 206, 208 of each handle 150. In this embodiment, the mating features 202, 204 are a respective plurality of left and right teeth 202, 204, and the mating features 206, 208 of the handle 150 are respective recesses 206, 208. Different types of mating features are also contemplated. In the retracted position of the handle 150, when the locking handle 200 is in the locked position, one or more of the left and right teeth 202, 204 engage a corresponding one or more recesses in the recesses 206 defined by the handle 150. In this embodiment, as Fig.25 As shown in , a single recess 206 is provided on each handle 150, that is, defined on the bottom side of the corresponding gear member 194. Therefore, one of the left teeth 202 and one of the right teeth 204 engage the corresponding recess 206, so that the surface of each of the teeth 202, 204 blocks the movement of the corresponding tooth 207 (at least partially defining the corresponding recess) formed on the bottom side of the gear member 194. Therefore, the handle 150 is held in the retracted position by the locking handle 200.

[0134] When the locking handle 200 is moved toward the central handle 112 (i.e., toward the distal end portion 104), the teeth 202, 204 disengage from the recesses 206, thereby allowing the handlebar 150 to move to the deployed position. The rider then releases the locking handle 200, which causes a different subset of the teeth 202, 204 to engage the recesses 208 defined by the operating portion 192 of the handlebar 150. The handlebar 150 is thereby locked in the deployed position.

[0135] The handle 150 can be extended or retracted in the extended state and the retracted state of the telescopic subassembly 130 .

[0136] As will be appreciated from the above, the handlebar assembly 100 provides versatility to the buoyancy board 10 because it can accommodate different types of riding styles, particularly depending on the experience level of the user. For example, the rider can use the buoyancy board hands-free (i.e., in the lowered position of the handlebar assembly 100 for experienced riders), one-handed (raised and / or extended with the handlebar 150 retracted), and two-handed with the handlebar 150 deployed.

[0137] Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Therefore, the scope of the present technology is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A buoyancy board, comprising: board body; a propulsion system connected to the board body, the propulsion system comprising a propulsion unit for providing thrust to the buoyant board; as well as a handle assembly pivotably connected to the board body, the handle assembly being pivotable between a lowered position and a raised position about a pivot axis extending through a proximal end portion of the handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising: a central handle configured to be grasped by a rider of the buoyant board, the central handle defining a distal end portion of the handlebar assembly; as well as A telescoping subassembly is provided for adjusting a length of the handlebar assembly defined between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the handlebar assembly.

2. The buoyancy board according to claim 1, wherein: The telescoping subassembly includes an actuation handle operable by a rider of the buoyant body, the actuation handle movable to selectively lock and unlock the telescoping subassembly to set a length of the handlebar assembly.

3. The buoyancy board according to claim 2, wherein: The handlebar assembly includes a base housing; and The telescopic subassembly also includes: at least one telescoping rod at least partially received in the base housing and slidable relative to the base housing, the actuating handle being connected to the at least one telescoping rod for sliding the at least one telescoping rod relative to the base housing; and At least one slider is received in the base housing and operatively connected to the actuating handle, the at least one slider being connected to the at least one telescoping rod to move therewith, the at least one slider being slidable between a plurality of slider positions corresponding to different lengths of the handlebar assembly, the at least one slider selectively engaging the base housing at the plurality of slider positions to set the length of the handlebar assembly.

4. The buoyancy board according to claim 3, wherein: At least a portion of the at least one slide member is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the actuation handle being operable to selectively move the at least a portion of the at least one slide member between the engaged position and the disengaged position; In said disengaged position of said at least a portion of said at least one slide, said at least one slide is slidable between said plurality of slide positions; and In the engagement position of the at least a portion of the at least one sliding member, the at least a portion of the at least one sliding member engages the base shell in response to the at least one sliding member moving to any one of the plurality of sliding member positions to fix the at least one sliding member relative to the base shell at a given sliding member position among the sliding member positions corresponding to a given length of the handlebar assembly.

5. The buoyancy board according to claim 1, wherein: An aperture is defined between the actuating handle and the center handle to allow the rider to grasp the center handle.

6. The buoyancy board according to claim 1, wherein: The plate body defines a recess for at least partially receiving the handlebar assembly in its lowered position.

7. The buoyancy board according to claim 6, wherein: In the lowered position of the handle assembly, the handle assembly is generally flush with an upper surface of the board body.

8. The buoyancy board of claim 1, wherein: The handlebar assembly also includes a latch movable between a latched position and an unlatched position; and In the lowered position of the handlebar assembly: the handlebar assembly being retained in the lowered position by the latch being in the latched position; and The handle assembly is movable from the lowered position in response to movement of the latch to the unlatched position.

9. The buoyancy board according to claim 8, wherein: The latch is biased toward the latched position.

10. The buoyancy panel of claim 9, wherein: The plate body defines a recess for at least partially receiving the handlebar assembly in its lowered position; and In the latched position of the latch and with the handlebar assembly in a position other than its lowered position, the latch prevents the handlebar assembly from entering the recess.

11. The buoyancy board according to claim 8, wherein: The handle assembly also includes an actuation handle connected to the latch, the actuation handle being used to move the latch between the latched position and the unlatched position.

12. The buoyancy panel of claim 11, wherein: The handlebar assembly further includes a telescoping subassembly for adjusting a length of the handlebar assembly defined between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the handlebar assembly; and The actuation handle is configured to selectively lock and unlock the telescoping subassembly to set the length of the handlebar assembly.

13. The buoyancy panel of claim 1, wherein: The handlebar assembly includes a hinge defining the pivot axis; and Friction at the hinge prevents the handlebar assembly from free falling from the raised position to the lowered position.

14. The buoyancy board of claim 13, wherein: The friction force at the hinge slows movement of the handlebar assembly from the raised position to the lowered position caused by gravity.

15. The buoyancy board of claim 1, wherein: The propulsion unit is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position.

16. The buoyancy board of claim 1, further comprising: a first handlebar and a second handlebar, the first handlebar and the second handlebar being movably connected to the central handlebar, the first handlebar and the second handlebar being movable between respective retracted and deployed positions, the first handlebar and the second handlebar being configured to be grasped by a rider of the buoyancy board; and Wherein, in the deployed position of the first handle and the second handle, the first handle and the second handle are positioned on opposite sides of the central handle.

17. The buoyancy board of claim 16, wherein: The first handle and the second handle are pivotable between retracted and deployed positions thereof.

18. The buoyancy board of claim 17, wherein: The first handle and the second handle are operatively connected such that the first handle and the second handle can be synchronously pivoted between their retracted and deployed positions.

19. The buoyancy panel of claim 18, wherein: Each of the first handle and the second handle includes a plurality of gear teeth; and The gear teeth of the first handle mesh with the gear teeth of the second handle to synchronously pivot the first handle and the second handle between their retracted and deployed positions.

20. The buoyancy board of claim 16, wherein: The handle assembly further includes a locking handle movable between a locked position and an unlocked position for selectively locking the first handle and the second handle in their retracted and deployed positions.

21. The buoyancy board of claim 20, wherein: The telescoping subassembly includes an actuation handle operable by a rider of the buoyant body, the actuation handle movable to selectively lock and unlock the telescoping subassembly to set a length of the handlebar assembly.

22. The buoyancy board of claim 21, wherein: The actuating handle and the locking handle are arranged on top of each other.

23. The buoyancy board of claim 22, wherein: In both the locked position and the unlocked position of the locking handle, an aperture is defined between the locking handle and the center handle to allow the rider to grasp the center handle.

24. The buoyancy board of claim 23, wherein: The locking handle is movable toward the center handle when the locking handle moves from the locking position to the unlocking position.

25. The buoyancy panel of claim 20, wherein: The locking handle includes a first mating feature and a second mating feature; Each of the first handle and the second handle comprises a third mating feature and a fourth mating feature, respectively; in the retracted positions of the first and second handles, the first and second mating features engaging third mating features of corresponding ones of the first and second handles in response to the locking handle moving to the locked position; and In the deployed positions of the first and second handles, the first and second mating features engage fourth mating features of corresponding ones of the first and second handles in response to the locking handle moving to the locked position.

26. The buoyancy panel of claim 25, wherein: The first mating feature is a plurality of first teeth; The second mating feature is a plurality of second teeth; the third mating feature being a plurality of first recesses that receive a first subset of corresponding teeth of the first teeth and the second teeth in response to the first and second handles being in the retracted position and the locking handle being in the locked position; and The fourth mating feature is a plurality of second recesses that receive a second subset of corresponding teeth of the first teeth and the second teeth in response to the first and second handles being in the deployed position and the locking handle being in the locked position.

27. The buoyancy panel of claim 16, wherein: The handlebar assembly further includes a telescoping subassembly for adjusting a length of the handlebar assembly defined between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the handlebar assembly; the telescoping subassembly including an actuation handle operable by a rider of the buoyant body, the actuation handle movable to selectively lock and unlock the telescoping subassembly to set the length of the handlebar assembly; The handle assembly further includes a locking handle movable between a locked position and an unlocked position for selectively locking the first handle and the second handle in their retracted and deployed positions; and An aperture is defined between (i) the center handle and (ii) the actuation handle and the locking handle to allow the rider to grasp the center handle.

28. The buoyancy board of claim 27, wherein: The first handle and the second handle are disposed on opposite sides of the aperture.

Images