Underwater propulsion device removably fixed to a flipper

Abstract

Underwater propulsion device ( 10, 110 ) comprising a propulsion unit ( 11, 111 ) and a mounting unit ( 12, 112 ). The propulsion unit is mounted to the mounting unit and comprises an electrically driven propeller ( 15 ). The mounting unit ( 12, 112 )is arranged to be removably fixed to a diving flipper ( 1 ).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Underwater propulsion device ( 10 ,  110 ) comprising a propulsion unit ( 11 ,  111 ) and a mounting unit ( 12 ,  112 ), wherein the propulsion unit is mounted to the mounting unit and comprises an electrically driven propeller ( 15 ) and wherein the mounting unit ( 12 ,  112 ) is arranged to be removably fixed to a diving flipper ( 1 ). 
     
     
         2 . Underwater propulsion device according to  claim 1 , wherein the mounting unit ( 12 ,  112 ) comprises two legs ( 18 ,  19 ,  118   a,    119   a ), each leg being arranged to at least partly surround and to contact a respective longitudinal side rib ( 4 ,  5 ) of the diving flipper ( 1 ). 
     
     
         3 . Underwater propulsion device according  claim 2 , wherein the mounting device ( 12 ,  112 ) comprises at least one resilient member ( 20 ,  21 ,  118 ,  119 ) arranged to urge said legs ( 18 ,  19 ,  118   a,    119   a ) into contact with the respective longitudinal side rib ( 4 ,  5 ). 
     
     
         4 . Underwater propulsion device according to  claim 2 , wherein the mounting unit ( 12 ,  112 ) comprises at least one support member ( 23 ,  123 ) arranged to bear against the diving flipper ( 1 ), at a side ( 1   a ) which is opposite to the side ( 1   b ) to which the legs ( 18 ,  19 ,  118   c,    119   c ) are urged into contact with the longitudinal side ribs ( 4 ,  5 ). 
     
     
         5 . Underwater propulsion device according to  claim 2 , wherein the mounting unit ( 12 ,  112 ) comprises a base ( 17 ,  117 ) having a front end ( 17   b,    117   b ), a rear end ( 17   a,    117   b ), an upper side ( 17   d ,  117   d ) and a lower side ( 17   c,    117   c ), the propulsion unit ( 11 ) being fixed to the upper side ( 17   b,    117   b ) of the base ( 17 ,  117 ), and wherein the two legs ( 18 ,  19 ,  118   c,    119   c ) are arranged to extend downwardly from a respective lateral side edge of the base ( 17 ,  117 ). 
     
     
         6 . Underwater propulsion device according to  claim 1 , comprising a quick release fastener ( 23 ) which comprises a first part ( 23   a ) which is arranged to be permanently fixed to the diving flipper ( 1 ) and a second part ( 23   b ) which is fixed to the mounting unit ( 12 ), wherein the first ( 23   a ) and second ( 23   b ) parts comprise cooperating locking means. 
     
     
         7 . Underwater propulsion device according to  claims 5 , wherein said second part ( 23   b ) is hingedly connected to the base ( 17 ). 
     
     
         8 . Underwater propulsion device according to  claim 3 , wherein the at least one resilient member comprises a leaf spring ( 20 ,  21 ). 
     
     
         9 . Underwater propulsion device according to  claim 3 , wherein the at least one resilient member comprises a torsional spring ( 118 ,  119 ) formed integral with one of said legs ( 118   c,    119   c ). 
     
     
         10 . Underwater propulsion device according to  claim 2 , wherein the legs ( 18 ,  19 ) and/or the support member ( 123 ) are provided with a low friction material for decreasing the friction between the legs ( 18 ,  19 ) and the longitudinal side ribs ( 4 ,  5 ). 
     
     
         11 . Underwater propulsion device according to  claim 2 , wherein the legs ( 118   c,    119   c ) are provided with a high friction material ( 118   e,    119   e ) for increasing the friction between the legs and the longitudinal side ribs ( 4 ,  5 ) of the diving flipper.