Articulated oar system

Abstract

An oar system is provided that keeps the blade of the oar at approximately 90 degrees to the centerline or keel of a boat throughout the normal power producing stroke. This reduces the lost effort that is expended when operating oars whose blades are fixed to the oar shaft. A series of cables and pivotal attachment points holds the oar blade at the approximate 90-degree angle to the boat keel.

1 . An articulated oar system for propelling a boat which comprises
 an oar shaft,   a blade connected to the oar shaft,   means connecting said oar blade to said oar shaft whereby said blade is kept at an angle approximately 90 degrees to the keel of the boat during the power stroke of said system.   
   
   
       2 . An articulated oar system as defined in  claim 1  in which said blade can pivot with the water current at the end of a rowing stroke to prevent injury to the rower. 
   
   
       3 . An articulated oar system as claimed in  claim 1  in which said oar blade is always kept at an approximate angle of 90 degrees with the keel of the boat so that back pressure may be exerted on the oar to control the motion of the boat. 
   
   
       4 . An articulated oar system as defined in  claim 1  in which said connecting means includes at least one rod or cable to hold said blade in position. 
   
   
       5 . An articulated oar system as defined in  claim 1  in which said connecting means includes a thrust rod to hold the blade in position during its use, wherein the blade is free to rotate or pivot in accordance with the flow of the water. 
   
   
       6 . An articulated oar system as defined in  claim 1  or  3  in which said oar blade can be rotated horizontally by 90 degrees during its return stroke to keep the blade parallel to the water. 
   
   
       7 . An articulated oar system as defined in  claim 1  in which said connecting means has at least one spring means to provide tension to the cable or rod during some portion of the rowing stroke.