US20070224894A1

US20070224894A1 - Power Paddle

Info

Publication number: US20070224894A1
Application number: US11/690,249
Authority: US
Inventors: Otakar Kudrna
Original assignee: Product Dev Tech Inc
Current assignee: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGIES Inc; Product Dev Tech Inc
Priority date: 2006-03-23
Filing date: 2007-03-23
Publication date: 2007-09-27

Abstract

This invention relates to a paddle for a water vehicle that is powered by a power tool. The paddle is suitable for use alone for manual movement of a water vehicle but can be attached to a power tool for mechanical movement across water.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a boat paddle. More specifically it relates to the field of a power tool powered paddle for use in conjunction with boating. This invention describes a paddle that performs as an attachment to a machine as well as a basic manual paddle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Boat paddles have been in existence for centuries. Since the beginning of travel by water, users have had to use one of many variations of a paddle to maneuver the water. Over time, boats have developed to the point where paddles and the art of paddling has become more and more of a recreational sport then a necessity. Paddling a boat, especially a canoe, is seen as a way for a user to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Canoeing trips typically coincide with a camping experience so many times a user will carry equipment in the boat as a way to comfortably travel and vacation.
Boaters who paddle for recreational purposes generally are always looking for the next development in paddles to make the tiring sport a little easier, faster, and more enjoyable for them to cover a large area of water in what may be a limited time span. As a result, demand has supplied these users with lightweight paddles. A paddle that is extremely heavy will tire a user quickly and result in less ground to be covered. Therefore it is quite easy to recognize the desire boaters have for a lighter paddle allowing them to paddle faster and longer.
For users who wish to cover more ground in less time, it is advantageous to use a lightweight paddle that can be attach to a simple machine providing power to the boat. If the user desires a more recreational aspect, the paddle can simply be removed from the machine and uses manually.
The present invention is directed at achieving this result and overcoming common problems associated with recreational water travel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This present invention relates to a means for moving a water vehicle comprising a paddle, a power tool, and a means for attachment.
The paddle is to be one of a design and function generally known to the boating community for the purpose of recreational boating. This paddle is capable of being used manually for purposes of propelling a boat in the water in a manner desired. This paddle is preferably made of a lightweight material metal, plastic, or composite materials but all materials known to the art can be considered.
The paddle of this invention is also designed to serve a second function. In situations where a user no longer desires to manually paddle, such as the instance of hauling a heavy load or simply the user becomes tired, the paddle can be attached to a power tool by a means of attachment.
The power tool is preferably one with a motor capable of causing a force large enough to propel a boat, such as a canoe, filled with equipment and/or passengers. While this invention preferably anticipates use of this paddle with a grass or weed trimmer, it is to be understood that any tool capable of causing a large enough force may be used.
Preferably the power tool will run off of a fuel supply such as gasoline or camping fuel. Camping fuel is the preferred option as it is clean smelling, easy to find at camping locations, and cost efficient. Gasoline is another good option for fuel but may not be as easy to use in the camping or outdoor recreational setting. One skilled in the art will recognize that battery powered tools can also be used.
The means for attaching the paddle to the power tool is preferably a simple attachment mechanism. It is understood that boaters do not have much room to maneuver and cannot be struggling to free a paddle from the power tool or to attach the paddle to the power tool. Therefore a simple latch is preferably used. While a latch is preferred, it is understood that other attachment mechanism, such as varying types of fasteners or clamps, may also be just as suitable.
When using the paddle manually, it is anticipated that the paddle of this invention will be used as any typical boat paddle. A user will row as it typically does with no change in rowing form.
When using this paddle as part of a power tool attachment, the paddle together with the power tool will be mounted onto the boat in a manner that provides for stable boat travel. The power tool will be set in the on position and will force water though the paddle turning a propeller within the paddle. This will smoothly and easily move a boat across the water. During this time, a user can rest or is free to partake in any other activity that may need his attention on the boat.
This invention utilizes shrouded propellers. These shrouded propellers are advantageous because this invention will cause the user to experience less turbulence. The clearance between the shroud and the propeller is to be high so that thrust can be increased. When the clearance between the shroud and propeller is tight, the propeller will likely gain force but lose thrust. The shroud also provides a user with more safety as typical propellers are not covered in any way. Uncovered propellers may be dangerous and cause injury to a user in some instances. The shroud also helps to keep weeds or grass in the water out of the propeller.
Also reducing turbulence in the water is the fact that the supports to the propeller are far enough away to reduce typical turbulence.
In this setting, a user desires more thrust to move through the water then velocity. As a result, the shroud is typically reversed to give this added thrust.
One skilled in the art should recognize that other attachments besides a paddle may be attached to this invention to achieve a desired result.
Other advantages and aspects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description of the drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a view of the paddle and power tool.

FIG. 2 depicts a detailed view of the paddle.

FIG. 3 depicts a view of the paddle propeller.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the power tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the figures, the paddle 4 is attached to the power tool 6 by a means of attachment 8. The paddle 4 is a lightweight paddle designed to perform dual functions. One function is to perform as a standard rowing paddle. The paddle 4 is to be manually used by a boater and is to be paddled in the customary manner. A second function is to perform as powered paddle by means of the power tool 6.
When used as a powered paddle, the paddle 4, is attached to the power tool 6 by means of attachment 8. This means of attachment is seen in FIG. 1 as a latch. While a latch is depicted, other attachment mechanisms can be anticipated. This means of attachment 8 provides for easy attachment or detachment of the paddle 4 from the power tool 6.
The power tool 6 seen in the Figures is a grass and weed trimmer. This particular power tool 6 is a preferred power tool 6 as it is capable of generating enough force to safely move a water vehicle, however other power tools may be used just as easily. This power tool 6 has a fuel tank 12 as seen in FIG. 4. Preferably this tank is filled with camping fuel, but other fuel types are acceptable.
Upon attachment of the paddle 4, the power tool 6 with the paddle 4 can be mounted onto the boat (not shown). Typically, the mounting must be in a position appropriate for the particular boat, generally in the back of the boat. Once the power tool 6 is switched into the on position, the motor generates enough force to push water into the paddle 4 and turn the propeller 10. This action moves the boat through the body of water.
The propeller 10 is covered by a shroud 20. This shroud 20 protects the propeller 10 from weeds or other debris in the water and also protects the user form injury by the propeller. In its preferred embodiment, there will be high clearance between the shroud 20 and the propeller 10. This will increase the thrust of the invention.
Using a power tool 6 to power the movement of a typical boating paddle 4 allows a user to move through a body of water more quickly and easily without the possibility of physically tiring. It also allows a user to carry a slightly heavier load of equipment or other materials then he would be able to otherwise carry and row through the water.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A means for moving a water vehicle comprising

a paddle;

a power tool;

a means for attachment.

2. A means for moving a water vehicle as in claim 1, wherein said paddle is capable of manual movement by a user.

3. A means for moving a water vehicle as in claim 1, wherein said paddle can be attached to said power tool by said means of attachment.

4. A means for moving a water vehicle as in claim 3, wherein said paddle attached to said power tool is able to propel the water vehicle into movement across a body or water.

5. A means for moving a water vehicle as in claim 1, wherein said paddle further comprises a propeller and shroud.