WO2019021062A2

WO2019021062A2 - Retractable propeller driven pedal system and method of use

Info

Publication number: WO2019021062A2
Application number: PCT/IB2018/000975
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Farber
Original assignee: Gsc Technologies Inc.
Priority date: 2017-07-25
Filing date: 2018-07-25
Publication date: 2019-01-31
Also published as: CA3071455A1; WO2019021062A3; US20190152574A1

Abstract

A retractable propeller driven pedal system for assembly onto a watercraft is disclosed. The retractable propeller driven pedal system converts an input from a user into a motive force for propelling the watercraft. The system comprises (i) an elongated drive unit having a distal end and a proximal end which comprises a head unit having at least two head unit grooves; (ii) a propeller arm which has a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end has two circular openings positioned to connect with head unit and the circular openings each have an extension with an aperture configured to receive a latch. The proximal end of the drive unit and proximal end of the propeller arm attach to form an articulation center which pivots around a first pivot point. A method for using a retractable propeller driven system is also disclosed.

Description

RETRACTABLE PROPELLER DRIVEN PEDAL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE

BACKGROUND

Personal watercrafts such as kayaks have long provided a means of transportation on the water and a stealth means of fishing. Kayak fishing has become quite popular for several reasons including its broad appeal as an environmentally friendly and healthy method of transportation. Kayak fishing is also popular due to its relatively low cost of entry compared to motorized fishing boats. Additional benefits of kayaks include the facts that kayaks have little maintenance cost and can be stored in small spaces and launched quickly. Thus, in recent years, sport fishing from kayaks has become popular in both fresh and salt water.

People use personal watercrafts such a kayaks and canoes for recreational activities including fishing, bird-watching, sightseeing, and the like. A traditional kayak or canoe, however, must be manually propelled using a paddle or oars. When a person is fishing in a kayak or canoe, handling a paddle or oars can prevent a person from simultaneously handling a fishing rod or other fishing gear. Similarly, when a person is bird-watching or sightseeing in a kayak or canoe, handling paddles or oars can prevent a person from simultaneously handling binoculars, maps, guidebooks, and the like. In addition, even when a paddle or oars are not being used by a paddler, having a paddle or oars onboard can sometimes interfere with the person's non-paddling activities.

Many kayak anglers have started customizing their kayaks for fishing. Kayak manufacturers offer special models that are designed and accessorized for fishing, including specially designed hatches, built-in coolers, built-in rod holders, gps receivers and equipment mounts. Specially designed fishing kayaks usually have designs which provide sufficient stability allowing for the angler to stand up and fish on the kayak. These specially designed kayaks often provide storage space inside their hulls which allow the angler to stow fishing accessories including rods, fishing gear, extra paddles and anchors.

Manufacturers now offer kayaks that provide the angler hands free fishing and all the benefits associated therewith. Several manufacturers are currently offering kayaks which offer hands free fishing. Such kayaks are equipped with a propeller drive systems which allow the angler to drive or maneuver the kayak by pedaling the system with one's feet. Personal watercrafts having pedal-operated propulsion devices installed overcome issues arising from having to handle a paddle or oars by converting force produced by a user's legs into a propulsion force to propel the watercraft. A pedal propulsion device enables a person to operate the watercraft with his/her feet while having one or both hands free. Pedal propulsion devices also offer a recreational alternative to traditional paddling methods.

For these propulsion devices to work efficiently, they must extend below the bottom of the personal watercraft such that an output of the propulsion device extends into the water. Unfortunately, if the propulsion device contracts with the bottom of the body of water when approaching shore or when operating in shallow water, the propulsion device may become damaged or hung up on the bottom of the body of water inhibiting motion of the watercraft.

Sample propeller driver systems exists in the prior art. A few existing propeller drive systems are retractable from the water when the drive system is not in use by the angler. When retracted, such existing propeller drive systems create safety issues as well as storage issues for the angler. When retracted, the drive system is often in the direct space of the angler and has the potential of injuring the angler.

Furthermore, existing drive systems suffer leakage in the pedaling assembly, as well as leakage at connection points between the pedal assembly and the boat propeller. One area that has been found to be susceptible to the ingress of water is where the crank arms of a pedal are installed onto the propulsion device housing. Thus, there is a need for preventing water from entering into pedal propulsion devices. Accordingly, there is a need for a recreational watercraft that is easy to operate and maneuver, does not require a paddle or oars, and can easily be stowed in a folded position that does not interfere with a user's activities. Preferably, such a watercraft can be operated by a person in a manner that permits the person to safely perform another activity with one or both hands. Accordingly, there is a need for a watercraft with an alternative propulsion device that can be operated with one hand or no hands. Such a propulsion device should be easy to operate, easy to stow and park, and selectively removable from a watercraft. Preferably, such a propulsion device should be capable of being stored onboard a watercraft when not in use such that the device does not interfere with a person's onboard activities, such as fishing, or the like.

A retractable propeller drive pedal system made for assembly to a personal watercraft such as a kayak is needed wherein the propeller drive pedal system is capable of being easily and safely retracted from the water and folded moving it to a location distant from the fisherman. A retractable propeller drive pedal system made for assembly to a personal watercraft such as a kayak is needed wherein the propeller drive pedal system is retracted, folded and stored leaving the fisherman ample fishing and storage space on the kayak.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A propeller driven pedal system for assembly to and use with a kayak is disclosed. The propeller driven pedal system comprises an articulation center which allow the fisherman or angler to easily position the propeller driven pedal system in at least two positions: (1) an open or operational position and (2) a retracted or folded position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of the propeller driven pedal system according to one example embodiment. In this perspective view, the propeller driven pedal system is shown in the operational or open position. In this perspective view, the propeller driven pedal system is not attached or assembled to the kayak.

Fig. 2 depicts a side view of the propeller driven pedal system as shown according to one example embodiment. In this side view, the propeller driven pedal system is shown in the operational or open position. In this perspective view, the propeller driven pedal system is not attached or assembled to the kayak.

Fig. 3 depicts a top view of the propeller driven pedal system as shown according to one example embodiment. In this top view, the propeller driven pedal system is shown in the operational or open position. In this perspective view, the propeller driven pedal system is not attached assembled to the kayak. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the propeller driven pedal system as shown according to one example embodiment. In this perspective view, the propeller driven pedal system is shown in the retracted or folded position. In this perspective view, the propeller driven pedal system is not attached to the kayak.

Fig. 5 depicts a top view of the propeller driven pedal system as shown in Fig. 1 wherein the propeller driven pedal system is attached or assembled to a kayak. In Fig. 5, the propeller driven pedal system is in the operational or open position.

Fig. 6 depicts a side view of the propeller driven pedal system attached or assembled to a kayak as shown in Fig. 5. In Fig. 6, the propeller driven pedal system is in the open position and is partially shown due to the sidewall of the kayak. The propeller driven pedal system is shown extending above and below the hull of the kayak.

Fig. 7 depicts a partial top perspective view of the bow of a kayak with the propeller driven pedal system assembled to a kayak. In Fig. 7, the propeller driven pedal system is in the operational or open position.

Fig. 8 is a side view of a kayak with the propeller driven pedal system attached or assembled to a kayak according to another embodiment. In Fig. 8, the propeller driven pedal system is shown in the operational or open position. The propeller driven pedal system is shown extending above and below the hull of the kayak.

Fig. 9 is partial perspective view of the bow of a kayak with the propeller driven pedal system attached or assembled to a kayak. In Fig. 9, the propeller driven pedal system is shown in the retracted or folded position.

Fig. 10 is a view of a mounting bracket used to secure the rod attached to the propeller driven pedal system to the kayak according to one example embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a view of a push latch used to secure the rod of the propeller driven pedal system to the kayak according to a second example embodiment. Fig. 12 is a view of a hatch used in connection with a kayak. In this perspective view, the propeller driven pedal system is shown in connection with the hatch.

Fig. 13 is a view of a hatch which may be used in connection with a propeller driven pedal system. In this perspective view, the propeller driven pedal system is not shown.

Fig. 14 depicts a view of the right and left groove tracks located on the top of the bow of the kayak.

Fig. 15 depicts a view of the top of a kayak. In this view, the rod of the propeller driven pedal system is shown resting in the groove tracks of the kayak.

Fig. 16 depicts a channel extending from the distal end of the propeller arm.

Fig. 17 depicts a perspective view of the articulation center of the propeller driven pedal system according to one example embodiment.

Fig. 18 depicts a perspective view of the articulation center of the propeller driven pedal system according to one example embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a view the components of a propeller driven pedal system according to one example embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a view of the components of a propeller driven pedal system according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a view of the underside of a kayak.

Fig. 22 is a view of the drive system in the semi-folded position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figs. 1-22, a retractable propeller driven pedal system (also referred to herein as a drive system) 100 for assembly onto a watercraft or kayak is disclosed. The watercraft or kayak includes a hull 150 and a drive system 100 for converting an input from a user into a motive force for propelling the watercraft. In one embodiment, the drive system 100 is a pedal drive system that converts a pedaling motion from the user into motive force. In one embodiment, the drive system 100 uses the rotary motion from pedaling to rotationally drive a propeller 126. Other drive systems are contemplated. For instance, a pumping style drive system could be used where the user pushes back and forth on pedals rather than rotates pedals to provide motive force. Further, rather than have a rotary driven propeller, reciprocating blades could be used to create the motive force for propelling the watercraft.

Drive system 100 is generally located forward of a seating area where the user will generally be seated during operation of the watercraft. The hull includes an opening 200 extending there through from a top side to a bottom side forward of the seating area through which the drive system extends when the drive system is in an operational or open position (see Fig. 21). The opening 200 extends some distance from the front of the watercraft towards the rear. In one embodiment, the opening terminates prior to the beginning of the keel, which is an elongated structure located on a bottom exterior of the hull 150, running generally in a direction from the front of the hull 150 towards the back in a general center of the hull 150.

The watercraft includes an articulation center 136 also referred to as a drive system pivot assembly for transitioning the drive system 100 between the operational position and a folded position. In the operational position, the propeller unit 108 (i.e. output of the drive system) will be vertically lower than in the folded position. Preferably, the propeller unit 108 having a propeller 126 is positioned vertically below the bottom of the hull 150 in the operational position so as to allow for maximum propulsion of the watercraft. At a minimum, the propeller unit 108 will be positioned vertically lower in the operational position than in the folded position. Additionally, the propeller unit 108 is positioned generally toward the front portion of the opening 200 in the bottom of the hull 150. This arrangement in combination with the elongated opening provides the maximum amount of distance between the propeller unit 108 and the keel. This greater spatial distance allows more propulsed water to flow from the propeller unit without additional parts of the watercraft interfering with the propulsed water, thus contributing to a smoother ride wherein the user is not required to pedal more diligently to achieve the same thrust. Preferably, the drive system 100 is raised vertically above a top most extent of the hull 150 in the folded position. This configuration prevents the drive system 100 from contacting: 1) the body of water in which the watercraft is being used; and 2) the hull itself. This prevents damage to the drive system 100 and, more importantly, allows for easier storage of the drive system 100 as well as easier removal from the watercraft entirely. In one embodiment, it is desirous for the user to have access to the propeller unit 108 to allow for cleaning debris from the drive system 100 as well as to allow for maintenance in the event of damage to the drive system such as breakage of the propeller 126. Thus, in one embodiment, the drive system 100 can be pivoted into a third, or semi-folded position, wherein the propeller unit 108 is easily accessed by the user, but the drive system 100 is not in a complete, folded position. Such semi-folded position is shown in Fig. 22.

The drive system pivot assembly includes a drive unit 102 that operably carries the propeller for rotation about an output axis of rotation. The drive unit 102 is operably pivotably coupled to a propeller arm 128 at a first pivot 202 defining a first pivot axis about which the drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 rotate relative to one another when transitioning between the operational, folded, and semi-folded positions.

The propeller arm 128 is operably pivotably coupled to hull 150 at a second pivot 204 defining a second pivot axis about which the second arm rotates relative to the hull. The first and second pivots and, consequently, the first and second pivot axes are spaced apart from one another. In one embodiment, the first and second pivots are located generally at opposite ends of the propeller arm 128. Additionally, the first and second pivot axes extend parallel to one another and perpendicular to a centerline of the watercraft.

The second pivot is provided by a pivot member in the form of a laterally extending rod 134 attached proximate a distal end of the propeller arm 128 and right and left pivot groove track 162 and 164 formed in the hull. The pivot groove tracks 162 and 164 pivotably receive the pivot member or rod 134 to provide the pivotable coupling between the hull and the arm 128. The pivot groove tracks 162 and 164 and the rod 134 generally extend longitudinally in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the centerline of the watercraft. Preferably, one of the surfaces defining the groove tracks 162 and 164 or the rod 134 received therein includes a curved profile to provide a smooth sliding interface there between. The smooth interface facilitates rotation about the second pivot axis when transitioning the drive system pivot assembly 136 between the operational and folded positions. In one embodiment, each end of the elongated rod 134 is secured within its respective slot or groove by a securing mechanism 154, 156. In one embodiment, securing mechanism 154, 156 permits the free rotation of the elongated rod 134 about its axis but does not permit the elongated rod 134 ends to be vertically lifted out of each groove track 162 and 164. In other embodiments, the securing mechanism 154, 156 may be provided by a mouth of pivot groove tracks 162 and 164. More particularly, the mouth of the pivot groove tracks 162 and 164 may be sized slightly smaller than the diameter of rod 134 such that the pivot groove tracks 162 and 164 generally has a C-shaped profile and the rod 134 snaps into the pivot groove tracks 162 and 164 to help secure the rod 134 therein.

Referring now to Figs. 7, 9-11 and 14-15, the propeller driven pedal system 100 may be attached or assembled to a kayak by securing mechanisms 154 and 156 which secure rod 134 into groove tracks 162 and 164 (shown in Figs. 14 and 15). In one embodiment, securing mechanisms 154 and 156 may be hold down latches (as shown in Fig. 10). Such hold down latches may comprise mounting brackets having two solid components mounted to the kayak 150 on either side of groove tracks 162 and 164 and a connector having two ends which each attach to such solid components. The connector of the hold down latch crosses over rod 134 thereby firmly securing rod 134 in the groove tracks 162 and 164. In another embodiment, a push latch (as shown in Fig. 11) may be used to secure rod 134 into the groove tracks 162 and 164. Other securing mechanisms may be used to secure the rod 134 into the groove tracks 162 and 164 of kayak 150 as desired by one of skill in the art.

In one embodiment, the propeller arm 128 is pivotally coupled to the elongated rod 134 so that the arm 128 can freely rotate around the elongated rod 134. In another embodiment, both the arm 128 and elongated rod 134 can freely rotate independent of the other. In another embodiment, only the elongated rod 134 can rotate when coupled to the arm 128. In yet another embodiment, the arm 128 is capable of freely rotating about the elongated rod 134, but the elongated rod 134 is stationary and does not rotate. In one embodiment, the arm 128 is capable of moving along the elongated rod 134 from right to left, or from port to starboard. Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, in one embodiment, a locking mechanism 155 between the drive unit 102 and the hull 150 releasably locks the drive system pivot assembly 136 in the operational position. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 155 is attached to the hull 150 and engages the drive unit 102 in the operational position to prevent the transitioning of the drive assembly 136 from the operational to the folded position. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism 155 is attached to the drive unit 102 and engages the hull 150 in the operational position to prevent the transitioning of the drive assembly 136 from the operational to the folded position. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 155 is integrally formed from the hull 150. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism 155 is a separate piece and reversibly attached to the hull.

In one embodiment, a latch 138 is provided on the propeller arm 128 at the first pivot point 202 to secure the articulation center or drive system pivot assembly 136 in either the operational or the folded position. The latch 138 operates to prohibit the drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 from rotating at the first pivot point 202. Thus, the latch 138 can be engaged when the drive system 100 is in the operational position to ensure that the drive unit 102 remains stationary with respect to the propeller arm 128 so that there is no unwanted movement between the drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 while in use. The latch 138 can also be engaged when the drive system 100 is in the folded position to ensure that the drive unit 102 remains stationary with respect to the propeller arm 128 to prevent unwanted folding of the drive system 100. In one embodiment, the latch 138 is integrally formed from the first pivot point. In another embodiment, the latch 138 is a separate piece and attached to the first pivot point. In another embodiment, the latch 138 is integrally formed from the propeller arm 128. In another embodiment, the latch is a separate piece and attached to the propeller arm 128.

In one embodiment, the drive system pivot assembly 136 is configured such that the transition from the operational position to the folded position can be performed using a single hand.

To transition the drive system 100 from the operational to the folded position, the drive unit 102 must first raise vertically against gravity through the opening in the hull. In one embodiment, the drive unit 102 is raised vertically through rotation only at the first pivot point 202 wherein there is no rotation at the second pivot point 204. The hull opening 200 is elongated so that there is sufficient clearance for the drive unit 102 to pass through and above the opening 200 while the second pivot point 204 remains static. In another embodiment, the drive unit 102 is raised vertically through the opening 200 through rotation only at the second pivot point 204, wherein there is no rotation at the first pivot point 202. The first and second pivot points are space sufficiently apart and the hull opening 200 is sufficiently elongated to provide enough clearance for the drive unit 102 to pass through and above the opening 200 while the first pivot point 202 remains static. In one embodiment, in transitioning from the operational position to the folded position, the arm 128 will pivot via both the first 202 and second 204 pivots and in a direction away from the seating area when transitioning from the operational position to the folded position as well as vertically upward as discussed previously. In another embodiment, both the drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 will pivot about both the first and second pivot points to transition the drive assembly 100 from the operational position to the folded position and vice versa.

Once the drive unit 102 has been raised vertically past the opening 200 and through the hull 150, the drive unit 102 should rotate about either the first 202 or second 204 pivot point further until it is generally parallel with the watercraft when viewed from a side. In one embodiment, at this position, called the semi-folded position, the drive unit 102 is entirely above and outside of the hull, wherein the arm 128 is generally perpendicular to the watercraft when viewed from a side. In another embodiment, at this position, the drive unit 102 extends only a portion above and outside of the hull 150. As a result, drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 form a generally 90 degree angle at the first pivot point. As mentioned above, this semi-folded position allows for cleaning of the propeller unit 108 or general maintenance without having to perform the necessary extra steps to place the drive assembly 136 in its fully folded position.

The semi-folded position also provides greater access to the drive unit 102 and propeller unit 108 without having to remove the drive system 100 from the watercraft entirely.

Once in the intermediate, semi-folded position, the drive assembly 100 can be transitioned into its fully folded position. By placing a directional force on the drive assembly toward the front of the watercraft and away from the seating area, both pivot points will continue to experience axis rotation. The propeller arm 128 will transition from a position generally perpendicular to the hull to a more parallel position as it moves away from the seating area. As the propeller arm 128 comes forward toward the front of the watercraft and away from the seating area, the drive unit 102 will rotate about the first pivot point 202, decreasing the angle between drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 at the first pivot point 202. In one embodiment in the folded position, both the drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 are generally parallel to the watercraft, and both drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 are vertically above and outside of the top surface of the hull. In another embodiment in the folded position, both drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 are generally parallel to the watercraft, and drive unit 102 and propeller arm 128 are only a portion vertically above and outside of the top surface of the hull 150. In one embodiment, the propeller unit 108 rests on a top surface of the hull 150 when the drive assembly 136 is in the folded position. In another embodiment, a portion of the propeller arm 128 rests on a top surface of the hull in the folded position. In another embodiment, there are zero points of contact between the drive assembly 136 and the hull 150 when in the folded position.

In one embodiment, the drive unit 102 is generally an assembly of components that supports the input (pedals) and output (prop) of the drive system. The assembly of components includes a generally hollow member through which connection mechanisms, e.g. chains, belts, or shafts, that operably connect the input to the output extend.

Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, in one embodiment, a hatch or console member 160 is operably attached to the drive unit 102. The hatch 160 closes off most if not all of the opening 200 through the hull 150 when the drive system pivot assembly 136 is in the operational position. Because the hatch 160 is attached to the first arm, the hatch 160 transitions with the drive unit 102 while the drive system pivot assembly 136 transitions between the operational and folded positions. In other embodiments, the hatch 160 is attached to the hull 150, and thus does not transition with the drive unit 102 when the drive pivot assembly 136 transitions between operational and folded positions. Fig. 12 depicts the propeller driven pedal system 100 in connection with the hatch 160 of kayak 150. Fig. 13 depicts the hatch 160 when the system 100 is not in use. In one embodiment, the hatch 160 includes a handle for the user to grasp while transitioning between the operational and folded positions.

In one embodiment, the system 100 is made of aluminum casting, but other materials, such as metal, plastic or combinations of metal and plastic, may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. Referring now to Figs. 1 to 4 and 17 and 18, in one example embodiment, a propeller driven pedal system 100 comprises an elongated drive unit 102 having proximal end and a distal end and a propeller arm 128 having a proximal end and a distal end. In one embodiment, a head unit 110 may be located at the proximal end of drive unit 102. Channels 152 and 154 may be located at the proximal end of propeller arm 128. In one embodiment, head unit 110 is assembled between channels 152 and 154 to form articulation center 136 at first pivot point 202. In one embodiment, head unit 110 has one or more head unit grooves 112 which receive the articulation latch 138. In one embodiment, propeller unit 108 may be located at the distal end of drive unit 102

Referring now to Figs. 1-4 and 17 and 18, articulation center 136 and articulation latch 138 allow the fisherman or angler to position the system 100 in its two positions: (1) operational or open position and (2) retracted or folded position. In Figs. 1 to 3, the propeller driven pedal system is shown in the open position. In Fig. 4, the propeller driven pedal system 100 is shown in the folded position. In one example embodiment, when the system 100 is not needed by the fisherman or angler, the articulation center 136 having articulation latch 138 allow the fisherman or angler to fold or retract the system 100. The system 100 retracts towards the bow of the kayak offering the fisherman additional space for fishing. When the system 100 is needed by the fisherman, the articulation center 136 allows the fisherman or angler to unfold the system 100 and move the system 100 towards the fisherman and into the operational position for use. Head unit 110 rotates around a first pivot point 202 and has at least two head unit grooves 112 which receive articulation latch 138. Articulation latch 138 is pulled away from head unit 110 when the fisherman is folding or unfolding the system 100. Once system is in the desired position, latch 138 is secured into a head unit groove 112 to prevent further rotation of the head unit 110 at first pivot point 202. Referring again to Figs. 1 to 4, in one embodiment, right and left crank arms 114 and 116 are connected to the head unit 110. Right and left pedals 118 and 120 are contiguous to right and left crank arms 114 and 116. Right and left pedals 118 and 120 are controlled by the rotating action of the user's feet and are used to control the rotational speed of propeller 126. In one embodiment, propeller 126 is driven by the pedals and is capable of operating in two directions: forward and reverse.

In another example embodiment, fin 124 may extend perpendicular from about the center of the drive unit 102. Fin 124 prevents water from entering the kayak from opening 200. In one embodiment, handle 122 is attached to the drive unit 102. Handle 122 may be used for the transportation and manipulation of the propeller driven pedal system 100. In one embodiment, system 100 comprises a notch 140 which provides support to the drive unit 102 while the system 100 is in the retracted or folded position (best shown in Fig. 4).

Referring again to Figs. 1 to 4, in a further embodiment, at its proximal end, channels or circular openings 152 and 154 of propeller arm 128 encase on either side of attach to head unit 110 to form articulation center 136. Left and right channels or circular openings 152 and 154 may have each have an extended portion 156 and 158. Extended portion 156 and 158 each have an aperture used to connect latch 138 for use with head unit grooves. End caps (shown in Fig. 20 are attached to opening 152 and 154. A seal or O-ring may be used between end caps and circular openings to create a seal (as shown in Fig. 20). Crank arms and pedals are attached to end caps. Left and right channels 130 and 132 (see also Fig. 16) are contiguous to propeller arm 128 at its distal end. Left and right channels 130 and 132 are configured to receive rod 134. In one embodiment, rod 134 is permanently fixed to channels 130 and 132. In another embodiment, rod 134 is not permanently fixed to channels 130 and 132.

Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, Fig. 5 depicts a top view of the propeller driven pedal system 100 wherein the propeller driven pedal system 100 is attached or assembled to a kayak 150. In Fig. 5, the propeller driven pedal system 100 is in the open position. Fig. 6 depicts a side view of the propeller driven pedal system 100 attached or assembled to a kayak 150. In Fig. 6, the propeller driven pedal system 100 is in the open position and is partially seen due to the side wall of the kayak. The propeller unit 108 of propeller driven pedal system 110 is shown extending below the hull 150 of the kayak. The propeller arm 128 and pedals may be seen extending above the side wall of the kayak.

Referring to Fig. 8, according to another example embodiment, Fig. 8 is a side view of a kayak 150 with the propeller driven pedal system 100 attached or assembled to a kayak 150. In Fig. 8, the propeller driven pedal system 100 is shown in the open position. The propeller unit 108 of the propeller driven pedal system 100 is shown extending below the hull of the kayak. The propeller arm 128 and pedals may be seen extending above the side wall of the kayak.

Referring now to Figs. 19 and 20, in one example embodiment, the components of the propeller driven pedal system 100 are disclosed.

A method of use for a retractable propeller driven system 100 is also disclosed. According to one example embodiment, the method comprises the steps: (a) assembling or attaching the system 100 to kayak 150; (b) rotating articulation center 136 of system 100 in order to desired positon; and (c) securing articulation latch 130 into head unit groove 112.

Other embodiments of the disclosed technology will be apparent to those of skill in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the technology disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and the example embodiments be considered as exemplary embodiments only, with a true scope and spirit of the technology being indicated by the disclosure herein.

Claims

I claim:

1. A retractable propeller driven pedal system for assembly onto a watercraft wherein the retractable propeller driven pedal system converts an input from a user into a motive force for propelling the watercraft, wherein the system comprises an elongated drive unit having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end comprises a head unit having at least two head unit grooves; a propeller arm having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end has two circular openings positioned to connect with head unit, wherein the circular openings each have an extension with an aperture configured to receive a latch; wherein the proximal end of the drive unit and proximal end of the propeller arm attach to form an articulation center which pivots around a first pivot point.

2. A method for using a retractable propeller driven system, wherein the method comprises the steps: (a) assembling or attaching a system of claim 1 to a watercraft; (b) pivoting the articulation center of the system around a first pivot point in order to place the system in a desired positon; and (c) securing the articulation center in such position.