Abstract:
An aquatic device, such as a paddle board or surfboard, that includes a propulsion device that utilizes paddle wheels positioned on either side of the board, wherein the paddle wheels are driven by foot operated drive mechanism that utilizes elliptical type of pedaling by the user, and further includes hand controlled rudders to control the direction of travel of the device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS 
     The present U.S. Utility Patent Application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/740,578, entitled, “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROPELLING A WATERCRAFT UTILIZING HUMAN POWER”, filed Dec. 21, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein and made part of the present U.S. Utility Patent Application for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to human power watercraft, and in particular to human power watercrafts, surfboards and paddle boards, and human power propulsion devices for watercraft, surfboards and paddle boards. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Stand-up paddle boarding is a water sport that has gained popularity over recent years. Typically, the sport is performed using a large, buoyant board with a flat upper surface on which a user stands, and which is propelled by the user via a long handled paddle. Conventional stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) typically range from 10-12 feet long, 2.5-3 feet wide, and around 6 inches in thickness. 
     Existing SUPs are optimized neither for speed nor for surfing on waves; rather, their large shape and buoyancy make them suitable for slower waves and for merely cruising on flatter water. This large shape also tends to reduce maneuverability of a SUP for turns and control, and above certain speeds, the typical SUP can become very unstable, particularly for being driven into the water nose-first and causing the SUP to flip end-over-end. 
     Adding to the instability of users on SUPs, is the lack of something secure to grab for users to maintain or recover their balance, especially when users are attempting to mount the SUPs, or when, for various reasons, the users lose their balance when already on the SUPS. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a human powered paddle board in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a human powered paddle board in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a human powered paddle board in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein various elements depicted are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein, through the views and figures, like elements may be referenced with identical or similar reference numerals, there is illustrated various embodiments of a paddle board, with human powered paddle wheel propulsion mechanisms. 
     As seen in  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated an embodiment of a paddle board system  1000 . Paddle board system  1000  includes a paddle board  1010  and a propulsion device  1020 . The propulsion device  1020  includes a platform  1030  that is secured to the top surface of paddle board  1010 . Platform  1030  is positioned on top of paddle board  1010 , and provides a stable base for the other components of the propulsion device  1020  to be integrated and attached. 
     The propulsion device  1020  is secured to paddle board  1010  using straps  1032 , however it is contemplated that various types of attachment mechanisms could be utilized, such as but not limited to, hook/loop fasteners, suction cups, clamps, screws, bolts, tab/slot assembly, and chemical bonding agents. It is further contemplated that the propulsion device  1020  can be either removably attached to the paddle board  1010  or can be permanently mounted to or integrated with paddle board  1010 . 
     Rotatably secured to the rear surface of the platform  1030  are paddle wheels  1040 , which are interconnected via a paddle wheel axle  1050 . The axle  1050  is positioned perpendicular to the length of paddle board  1010  and extends over the top surface of the platform  1030 , with a paddle wheel  1040  connected at each end. Axle  1050  extends through a pair of flanges  1052 . Flanges  1052  are positioned proximate the edges of platform  1030  and extend upward from platform  1030 . Flanges  1052  facilitate the maintenance of the alignment of axle  1050  and paddle wheels  1040 . Each of the flanges  1052  includes bearings and collars  1054  to permit the rotation of axle  1050  at reduced friction, and to keep each of the paddle wheels  1040  from moving from side-to-side. 
     Each paddle wheel  1040  includes a plurality of elongated paddles  1042 , that each extend radially outward from the center of each of the paddle wheels  1040 . In this embodiment, each of paddles  1042 , are rectangular and planar in shape, such that the rotation of paddle wheel  1040  causes the paddles  1042  to push against the water thereby moving the paddle board  1010  through the water. Although paddles  1042  are generally rectangular and planar in shape, it is contemplated that other shapes could be utilized as well. Further, paddles  1042  could be made from virtually any material, good results have been achieved utilizing lightweight materials, such as, but not limited to, woods, polymers, foam, plastics and other light weight buoyant materials. 
     Axle  1050  is further connected to and engages with a crank and axle housing  1060 , which is secured to platform  1030  intermediate paddle wheels  1040 . A pair of elongated step planks or pedals  1070  are each connected at one end the crank and axle housing  1060 . Each of the step planks  1070  are connected to the crank housing in a manner to achieve an elliptical type of stair stepper motion, permitting the user to be able to rotate axle  1050 , and thus paddle wheels  1040 . 
     At the end of each of the step planks  1070 , opposite the ends connected to the crank housing  1060 , are roller wheels  1072 . Platform  1030  includes a pair of wheel guides  1074  positioned on the top surface of platform  1030  proximate the front of platform  1030 . Each of the wheel guides  1074  are positioned and shaped to receive therein the roller wheels  1072  so as to facilitate the movement of the roller wheels  1072  in a forward and backward linear vector when a user operates step planks  1070  in an up and down motion. 
     The crank and axle housing  1060  includes a crank system  1062  which consists of components that function to transfer the energy from the motion of the step planks  1070  to the axle  1050 , causing the paddle wheels  1042  to rotate. Crank system  1062  includes a chain ring gear  1063  and a freewheel back axle gear  1064 , with gears  1063  and  1064  being interconnected via a chain  1065 . Freewheel back axle gear  1064  is a sprocket that is connected to axle  1050  and is configured to be a freewheel in one direction, so that the user can coast and stop peddling but still permit the paddle board  1010  to move forward. A chain tensioning gear  1066 , which includes idler gear and spring, is used to take up any slack in the chain  1065  that may occur which will facilitate the prevention of a derailment of the chain  1065  from gears  1063  and  1064 . 
     Secured to the front portion of the platform  1030  is a steering apparatus  1080 . Steering apparatus  1080  includes a pair of pivoting rudders  1082 , with a single rudder positioned on each side of the paddle board  1010 . Each of the rudders  1082  are pivotally connected to a tie rod  1084  at either end via pivot hinge  1083  and hinge mounts  1085 . The tie rod  1084  extends over the top of platform  1030  approximately perpendicular to the length of paddle board  1010 . Each of the rudders  1082  are configured to be of a length to extend into the water, when the paddle board system  1000  is placed in a body of water. Additionally, each of the rudders  1082  are shaped to steer the paddle board  1010  while facilitating the movement of paddle board  1010  through the water. 
     A t-shaped steering bar  1086 , positioned intermediate rudders  1082 , is engaged with and extends upward from rod  1084 , away from the top surface of paddle board  1010 . At the top of the t-shaped steering bar  1086  at each end are hand grips  1088  to improve comfort and gripping performance for the hands of the user. 
     Positioned proximate the lateral edges of the underside of the platform  1030  are rails  1090  that extend the length of the platform  1030 . The rails  1090  facilitate the proper placement and securing of the platform  1030  to the top surface of paddle board  1010 , especially when the top surface of the paddle board  1010  is curved, with the highest portion being down the middle length of paddle board  1010 . As can be appreciated, in addition to or in place of, the bottom surface of platform  1030  could be shaped to match or mate with the upper surface of a particular paddle board for a “custom fit”. 
     It is contemplated that at least some of the components of the propulsion device  1020 , such as, but not limited to, the paddle wheels  1040  and the steering bar  1086 , can be either removable or collapsible to facilitate non-water transportation. 
     In operation, the platform  1030  of propulsion device  1020  is placed onto and secured to the top surface of paddle board  1010 . The paddle board  1010  and propulsion device  1020  are then placed in a body of water. The user will then mount the platform  1030 , and, while holding the steering apparatus  1080 , place their feet on the step planks  1070 , one foot on each. The step planks  1070  with oscillate between opposing positions (upper and lower) with applied forces from the user in a manner similar to a stair stepper or an elliptical motion. 
     As the user applies alternating forces to the step planks  1070 , the oscillating step planks  1070  drive axle  1050  via crank and axle housing  1060 , which in turn causes the paddle wheels  1040  to rotate. As the paddle wheels  1040  rotate, the paddles  1042  engage the water, creating a propulsion force moving the paddle board system  1000  through the water. As the paddle board system  1000  is moving through the water, the bearing or heading of the movement thereof can be controlled and altered by the user rotating the steering bar  1086 , causing the rudders  1082  to change orientation within the water, and thus changing or altering the direction of movement of the paddle board system  1000 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated another embodiment of a paddle board system  2000 . Paddle board system  2000  includes a paddle board  2010  and a propulsion device  2020 . The propulsion device  2020  includes a platform  2030  that is securable to the top surface of paddle board  2010 . Platform  2030  is positioned on top of paddle board  2010 , and provides a stable base for the other components of the propulsion device  2020  to be integrated and attached. 
     The propulsion device  2020  can be secured to paddle board  2010  using various types of attachment mechanisms, such as but not limited to, hook/loop fasteners, suction cups, clamps, screws, bolts, tab/slot assembly, and chemical bonding agents. It is further contemplated that the propulsion device  2020  can be either removably attached to the paddle board  2010  or can be permanently mounted to or integrated with paddle board  2010 . 
     Rotatably secured to the rear surface of the platform  2030  are paddle wheels  2040 , which are interconnected via a paddle wheel axle  2050 . The axle  2050  is positioned perpendicular to the length of paddle board  2010  and extends over the top surface of the platform  2030 , with a paddle wheel  2040  connected at each end. Axle  2050  extends through a pair of flanges  2052 . Flanges  2052  are positioned proximate the edges of platform  2030  and extend upward from platform  2030 . Flanges  2052  facilitate the maintenance of the alignment of axle  2050  and paddle wheels  2040 . As similarly illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each of the flanges  2052  may include bearings and collars to permit the rotation of axle  2050  at reduced friction, and to keep each of the paddle wheels  2040  from moving from side-to-side. 
     Each paddle wheel  2040  includes a plurality of paddles  2042 , that each extend radially outward from the center of each of the paddle wheels  2040 . In this embodiment, each of paddles  2042 , are wedge shaped with the narrowest portion of each of the paddles occurring at the outer perimeter of the paddle wheel  2040 . The shape and positioning of each of the paddles  2042  are such that the rotation of paddle wheel  2040  in water causes the paddles  2042  to push against the water thereby moving the paddle board  2010  through the water. In this embodiment, paddle wheels  2040  and paddles  2042  are made of light weight, buoyant materials, but not limited to, woods, polymers, foam, plastics and other light weight buoyant materials. The wedge shape and buoyancy of the paddles  2042  and paddle wheels  2040  help to provide stability for a user of the paddle board  2010 . As paddle board  2010  tips to one side, the amount of buoyant material being submerged increase at an increasing rate due to the wedge shape of paddles  2042  and the hub of paddle wheels  2040 , thus increasing the displacement of water at an increasing rate, making it more difficult for a user to tip or capsize paddle board  2010 , i.e. stabilizing it. It is contemplated that shapes other than a wedge shape could be utilized, so long as the shape increases the displacement of water at an increasing rate, thus providing stabilization. 
     Axle  2050  is further connected to and engages with a crank and axle housing  2060 , which is secured to platform  2030  intermediate paddle wheels  2040 . A pair of elongated step planks or pedals  2070  are each connected at one end the crank and axle housing  2060 . Each of the step planks  2070  are connected to the crank housing in a manner to achieve an elliptical type of stair stepper motion, permitting the user to be able to rotate axle  2050 , and thus rotate paddle wheels  2040 . 
     At the end of each of the step planks  2070 , opposite the ends connected to the crank housing  2060 , are roller wheels  2072 . A roller platform  2073  extends upward from the front portion of platform  2030 . On the upper surface of roller platform  2073  is a pair of wheel guides  2074 , each being positioned and shaped to receive therein the roller wheels  2072  so as to facilitate the movement of the roller wheels  2072  in a forward and backward linear vector when a user operates step planks  2070  in an up and down motion. Roller platform  2073  is shaped to facilitate a more natural motion for the user. 
     The crank and axle housing  2060  includes a crank system as similarly described herein above with reference to the crank and axle housing  1060  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Secured to the front portion of the platform  2030  is a steering apparatus  2080 . Steering apparatus  2080  includes a pair of pivoting rudders  2082 , with a single rudder positioned on each side of the paddle board  2010 . Each of the rudders  2082  are pivotally connected to a tie rod  2084  and secured to the platform  2030  via rudder mount  2087 . The tie rod  2084  extends over the top of paddle board  2010  approximately perpendicular to the length of paddle board  2010 . Each of the rudders  2082  are configured to be of a length to extend into the water, when the paddle board system  2000  is placed in a body of water. Additionally, each of the rudders  2082  are shaped to steer the paddle board  2010  while facilitating the movement of paddle board  2010  through the water. 
     A t-shaped steering bar  2086 , positioned intermediate rudders  2082 , is engaged with and extends upward from rod  2084 , away from the top surface of paddle board  2010 . At the top of the t-shaped steering bar  2086  at each end are hand grips  2088  to improve comfort and gripping performance for the hands of the user. 
     It is contemplated that at least some of the components of the propulsion device  2020 , such as, but not limited to, the paddle wheels  2040  and the steering bar  2086 , can be either removable or collapsible to facilitate non-water transportation. 
     In operation, the platform  2030  of propulsion device  2020  is placed onto and secured to the top surface of paddle board  2010 . The paddle board  2010  and propulsion device  2020  are then placed in a body of water. The user will then mount the platform  2030 , and, while holding the steering apparatus  2080 , place their feet on the step planks  2070 , one foot on each. The step planks  2070  with oscillate between opposing positions (upper and lower) with applied forces from the user in a manner similar to a stair stepper or an elliptical motion. 
     As the user applies alternating forces to the step planks  2070 , the oscillating step planks  2070  drive axle  2050  via crank and axle housing  2060 , which in turn causes the paddle wheels  2040  to rotate. As the paddle wheels  2040  rotate, the paddle portions  2042  engage the water, creating a propulsion force moving the paddle board system  2000  through the water. As can be appreciated, the direction of movement, either forward or aft, depends upon the direction of rotation of the paddle wheels  2040 . As the paddle board system  2000  is moving through the water, the bearing or heading of the movement thereof can be controlled and altered by the user rotating the steering bar  2086 , causing the rudders  2082  to change orientation within the water, and thus changing or altering the direction of movement of the paddle board system  2000 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is illustrated another embodiment of a paddle board system  3000  utilizing direct drive. Paddle board system  3000  includes a paddle board  3010  and a propulsion device  3020 . The propulsion device  3020  includes a platform  3030  that is securable to the top surface of paddle board  3010 . Platform  3030  is positioned on top of paddle board  3010 , and provides a stable base for the other components of the propulsion device  3020  to be integrated and attached. 
     The propulsion device  3020  can be secured to paddle board  3010  using various types of attachment mechanisms, such as but not limited to, hook/loop fasteners, suction cups, clamps, screws, bolts, tab/slot assembly, and chemical bonding agents. It is further contemplated that the propulsion device  3020  can be either removably attached to the paddle board  3010  or can be permanently mounted to or integrated with paddle board  3010 . 
     Rotatably secured to the rear surface of the platform  3030  are paddle wheels  3040 , which are interconnected via axle and crank assembly  3061 . The axle and crank assembly  3061  is positioned perpendicular to the length of paddle board  3010  and extends over the top surface of the platform  3030 , with a paddle wheel  2040  connected at each end. The axle and crank assembly  3061  extends through three flanges  3052 . The three flanges  3052  are positioned with 2 being proximate the edges of platform  3030  and one approximately midline of the platform  3030 . Each of flanges  3052  extend upward from platform  3030 . Flanges  3052  provide support for axle and crank assembly  3061  and facilitate the maintenance of the alignment of axle and crank assembly  3061  and paddle wheels  3040 . As similarly illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each of the flanges  3052  may include bearings and collars to permit the rotation of axle and crank assembly  3061  at reduced friction, and to keep each of the paddle wheels  3040  from moving from side-to-side. 
     Each paddle wheel  3040  includes a plurality of paddle  3042 , that extend radially outward from the center of each of the paddle wheels  3040 . Each of paddles  3042 , are wedge shaped with the narrowest portion of each of the paddles occurring at the outer perimeter of the paddle wheel  3040 . The shape and positioning of each of the paddles  3042  are such that the rotation of paddle wheel  3040  in water causes the paddles  3042  to push against the water thereby moving the paddle board  3010  through the water. In this embodiment, paddle wheels  3040  and paddles  3042  are made of light weight, buoyant materials, such as, but not limited to, woods, polymers, foam, plastics and other light weight buoyant materials. The wedge shape and buoyancy of the paddles  3042  and paddle wheels  3040  help to provide stability for a user of the paddle board  3010 . As paddle board  3010  tips to one side, the amount of buoyant material being submerged increase at an increasing rate due to the wedge shape of paddles  3042  and the hub of paddle wheels  3040 , thus increasing the displacement of water at in increasing rate, making it more difficult for a user to tip or capsize paddle board  3010 , i.e. stabilizing it. 
     As illustrated, axle and crank assembly  3061  includes axle portions  3090  and offset crank arms  3092 . Crank and axle housing  3060  includes a crank system as similarly described herein above with reference to the crank and axle housing  1060  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Axle and crank assembly  3061  is connected directly to a pair of elongated step planks or pedals  3070  at one end of the offset crank arms  3092 , with the other end of the offset crank arms connected to the axle portions  3090 . Each of the step planks  3070  are connected to the axle and crank assembly  3061  in a manner to achieve an elliptical type of stair stepper motion, permitting the user to be able to directly control axle and crank assembly  3061 , and thus rotate paddle wheels  3040 . 
     At the end of each of the step planks  3070 , opposite the ends connected to the axle and crank assembly  3061 , are roller wheels  3072 . A roller platform  3073  extends upward from the front portion of platform  3030 . On the upper surface of roller platform  3073  is a pair of wheel guides  3074 , each being positioned and shaped to receive therein the roller wheels  3072  so as to facilitate the movement of the roller wheels  3072  in a forward and backward linear vector when a user operates step planks  3070  in an up and down motion. Roller platform  3073  is shaped to facilitate a more natural motion for the user. 
     Secured to the front portion of the platform  3030  is a steering apparatus  3080 . Steering apparatus  3080  includes a pair of pivoting rudders  3082 , with a single rudder positioned on each side of the paddle board  3010 . Each of the rudders  3082  are pivotally connected to a tie rod  3084  and secured to the platform  3030  via rudder mount  3087 . The tie rod  3084  extends over the top of paddle board  3010  approximately perpendicular to the length of paddle board  3010 . Each of the rudders  3082  are configured to be of a length to extend into the water, when the paddle board system  3000  is placed in a body of water. Additionally, each of the rudders  3082  are shaped to steer the paddle board  3010  while facilitating the movement of paddle board  3010  through the water. 
     A t-shaped steering bar  3086 , positioned intermediate rudders  3082 , is engaged with and extends upward from rod  3084 , away from the top surface of paddle board  3010 . At the top of the t-shaped steering bar  3086  at each end are hand grips  3088  to improve comfort and gripping performance for the hands of the user. 
     It is contemplated that at least some of the components of the propulsion device  3020 , such as, but not limited to, the paddle wheels  3040  and the steering bar  3086 , can be either removable or collapsible to facilitate non-water transportation. 
     In operation, the platform  3030  of propulsion device  3020  is placed onto and secured to the top surface of paddle board  3010 . The paddle board  3010  and propulsion device  3020  are then placed in a body of water. The user will then mount the platform  3030 , and, while holding the steering apparatus  3080 , place their feet on the step planks  3070 , one foot on each. The step planks  3070  with oscillate between opposing positions (upper and lower) with applied forces from the user in a manner similar to a stair stepper or an elliptical motion. 
     As the user applies alternating forces to the step planks  3070 , the oscillating step planks  3070  directly drive axle portions  3090  via offset crank arms  3092 , which in turn causes the paddle wheels  3040  to rotate. As the paddle wheels  3040  rotate, the paddle portions  3042  engage the water, creating a propulsion force moving the paddle board system  3000  through the water. As can be appreciated, the direction of movement, either forward or aft, depends upon the direction of rotation of the paddle wheels  3040 . As the paddle board system  3000  is moving through the water, the bearing or heading of the movement thereof can be controlled and altered by the user rotating the steering bar  3086 , causing the rudders  3082  to change orientation within the water, and thus changing or altering the direction of movement of the paddle board system  3000 . 
     It is contemplated to be within the scope of this invention that various other designs could be utilized herein to translated leg power from a user to the propulsion system, such as by, way of example, standard rotatable pedals, a treadmill type translation, or even a cross-country ski type motion. Additionally, it is contemplated that other types of propulsion system could be utilized, such as, by way of example, sculling devices, and propellers/impellers. 
     It is further contemplated, that in additional embodiments the paddle wheels could operate in either a “forward” or “reverse” direction, to not only facilitate a user to go in either direction, but could also be used as breaking device, such that when a user is moving in one direction, changing the rotation of the paddles wheels would facilitate a stopping force for the paddle board. Additionally, it is contemplated that, in additional embodiments, the rotation speed and/or direction of each of the paddle wheels could be controlled separately to facilitate a steering effect. 
     It is further contemplated that the buoyancy and shape of the rudders could also be varied in a similar fashion the paddle portions of the paddle wheels to further aid in the stabilization of the paddle board. 
     It is also contemplated that in additional embodiments of the present invention, that in lieu of or in combination with the side positioned paddle wheels, a single or multiple paddle wheels could be positioned off the rear of the paddle board or off the front of the paddle board. 
     It is also contemplated that in the embodiments disclosed herein, that in lieu of or in conjunction with the rudders, the paddle wheels could configured to be rotatable to act in a “rudder-like” fashion to facilitate the steering of the paddle board. 
     It is also contemplated that in lieu of the roller wheels, a slide and rail configuration or a pendulum configuration could also be utilized. 
     As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately” provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding term and/or relativity between items. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”. As may be used herein, the term “operable to” indicates that an item performs one or more of the described or necessary corresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to one or more other items to perform the described or necessary corresponding functions. As may also be used herein, the term(s) “connected to” and/or “connecting” or “interconnecting” includes direct connection or link between items and/or indirect connection between items via an intervening item or items. As may further be used herein, inferred connections (i.e., where one element is connected to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect connection between two items in the same manner as “connected to”. 
     Embodiments have also been described above with the aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.