Small watercraft propulsion device and exercise apparatus

Abstract

Foot operated paddling device comprising a removable or permanently attached vertical pole, which adjustably supports or suspends a paddle for propulsion of a watercraft or use as an exercise device. The vertical pole is attached to a mounting base, which adjusts the vertical pole horizontally in relation to a user. A pivotal locking device such as an oarlock mechanism, that can be an integral part of a paddle shaft or the vertical pole, is provided for fastening the shaft of the paddle to the vertical pole with a desired angle. The shaft of the paddle rotates on top of the vertical pole on its axle and the lower part of the vertical pole and the lower part of the vertical pole can also turn on its axle to create additional pivot. Pivotal connection permits both clockwise and counter-clockwise, as well as multitude of horizontal, vertical and circular motions at different phases of the stroke. Propulsion is provided by legs and lower body muscles of the user by placing and resting a foot on each opposite side of the shaft of the paddle and by pushing and kicking the shaft of the paddle alternating from side to side. A second vertical pole can be used to support a paddle for hand operation in a same manner. The vertical pole can be any surface that will support or suspend a pivotal locking device, with a shaft of a paddle attached to it or the oarlock and the paddle being suspended as long as it will not hinder the freedom of movement of the paddle.

1 . A paddling device for a watercraft or exercise machine for operation by the feet of the user, comprising: 
 a vertical structure mounted along the longitudinal centerline of a said paddling device,    a pivotal mechanism mounted on the distal end of said vertical structure, and    a shaft of a double-bladed oar mounted in said pivotal mechanism.    
   
   
       2 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein said pivotal mechanism is an oarlock.  
   
   
       3 . Paddling device of  claim 1  wherein the vertical position of said pivotal mechanism mounted on said vertical structure is adjustable.  
   
   
       4 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein the location of said pivotal mechanism of said vertical structure is adjustable in the horizontal plain along the longitudinal centerline of said paddling device.  
   
   
       5 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein the angle of said vertical structure with respect to the centerline of said paddling device can be adjusted to an angle of less then 90 degrees.  
   
   
       6 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein said vertical structure is a vertical pole or rod.  
   
   
       7 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein said vertical structure is rectangular in shape and its plane is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the paddling device.  
   
   
       8 . The paddling device of  claim 6  wherein said pole has an inverted “L” shape and the horizontal member of said pole can be adjusted in the vertical direction and the pivotal mechanism can be moved along the horizontal member while said horizontal member maintains a fixed orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of said paddling device.  
   
   
       9 . The paddling device of  claim 6  wherein said pole has two elements mounted in a line parallel with the longitudinal centerline of said watercraft and the pivotal mechanism is mounted on a carrying structure in the form of an inverted “U”.  
   
   
       10 . The paddling device of  claim 9  wherein the carrying structure is adjustable in the vertical direction by movement along the two poles and the pivotal mechanism is adjustable in the horizontal direction by movement along the horizontal portion of the carrying structure.  
   
   
       11 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein said vertical structure is comprised of a vertical pole and a second pole perpendicular to it oriented in a direction along the longitudinal centerline of said paddling device, said second pole carrying the pivotal mechanism and being movable in a vertical direction along said first pole with a mechanism to lock the pivotal mechanism in place.  
   
   
       12 . The paddling device of  claim 11  wherein the position of the pivotal mechanism may be adjustable along said second pole.  
   
   
       13 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein said vertical structure is attached to a mounting base.  
   
   
       14 . The paddling device of  claim 13  wherein said base comprises comprises a second vertical structure, oarlock and a paddle.  
   
   
       15 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein the said mounting base contains a seat.  
   
   
       16 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein said shaft comprises foot plates mounted to either side of said pivotal mechanism on said shaft.  
   
   
       17 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein paddles are mounted on either end of said shaft and said paddles are offset from the centerline of said shaft.  
   
   
       18 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein paddles are mounted on either end of said shaft and said paddles are connected by a shaft which is further comprised of a central frame section that secures two cross bars which can be adjusted laterally and whose angle can be adjusted within the frame in relation to the paddles.  
   
   
       19 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein said shaft is comprised of an adjustable curved shaft wherein a central shaft section is connected to pair of second shaft sections that are connected to a pair of third sections which are connected to a pair of paddles, each end of said shaft sections is comprised of a serrated locking joint that can be tightened with a bolt and nut.  
   
   
       20 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein paddles are mounted on either end of said shaft and the blades are attached to said shaft on its upper edge.  
   
   
       21 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein paddles are mounted on either end of said shaft and said paddles are connected by a shaft which is further comprised of a central frame section that secures two cross bars whose angles can be adjusted within the frame laterally.  
   
   
       22 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein said paddling device has a second vertical structure containing an oarlock and paddle for paddling with the hands.  
   
   
       23 . The paddling device of  claim 22  wherein said second paddle comprises a pair of cross bars.  
   
   
       24 . The paddling device of  claim 1  wherein said shaft is connected with one or more extensions to the shaft of the motor.