Abstract:
This device allows a user to propel a surfboard in the water. The device also allows the individual to steer and navigate the device.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Not Applicable 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
   Not Applicable 
   REFERENCE TO APPENDIX 
   Not Applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A. Field of the Invention 
   This relates to recreational equipment and specifically related to water sports. This device allows an individual to lay on a surfboard and propel and steer it through the water. 
   B. Prior Art 
   There are many other references to recreational equipment, and in particular, recreational equipment related to water. An example of this is Lekhtman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,081, which is a pedal boat. This particular device teaches a means of propulsion by operation of foot cranks, as well as a steering assembly. This does not allow an individual to lie on his stomach to navigate. 
   Another example is Gibson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,714,921, which is a water float with rear panel portions. Another device is Chang, D299,941, which is a design patent for a paddle wheel propelled watercraft. Another device is Herrod, U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,944, which is a paddle board. Herrod does not teach a propulsion mechanism under the water. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This device is a piece of recreational sporting equipment. The individual user lies flat on the top surface and extends his legs to a set of foot pedals, which are beneath the surface of the water. As the user rotates the foot pedals a means of propulsion under the surface of the water is activated. 
   Shoulder restraints are provided to position the user of the equipment in the appropriate posture on the top surface. A crotch restraint is at the opposite end of the shoulder harnesses to maintain the proper position of the user of this device. Appropriate padding has been added on the top surface to increase the comfort for the user. 
   The individual places his or her feet on a set of foot pedals, which are below the surface of the water. The foot pedals are connected to a mechanism, which provides propulsion for the device. As the individual turns the foot pedals, the means of propulsion provides the ability to move the device in the water. Appropriate mechanical linkage between the foot pedals and the means of propulsion is provided. 
   In order to accommodate different sized individuals, the foot pedals are housed in a set of arms, which telescope to enable different sized individuals to use this device. Additionally, the shoulder restraints and crotch restraint are also adjustable to accommodate different body types. 
   In an alternative embodiment two handles are provided, which control a rudder blade towards the rear of the device in order to provide direction and to enable the user to steer this device. The handles may be retractable and may fold. 
   This device should be made from buoyant material that should also be durable and non-corrosive because of the exposure to the water. In order to avoid damage to the propulsion mechanism, a shroud is provided to protect that portion of the device. 
   Different means of propulsion may be used, including but not limited to, a propeller or water screw. As stated before, handles may be provided, which are connected to a rudder blade to be able to steer the device as an individual propels it. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a left side view of the device. 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the device. 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the device. 
       FIG. 4  is a right side view of the device. 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the device. 
       FIG. 6  is a view of the first embodiment in use. 
       FIG. 7  is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the alternative embodiment in use. 
       FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment illustrating a different means to control the rudder. 
   

   REFERENCE TO NUMBERS 
     5  Device 
     10  Hull 
     15  Shoulder restraint 
     20  Top surface 
     25  Crotch restraint 
     28  Single screw 
     30  Dual screws 
     32  Pulley 
     35  Crank 
     40  Foot pedals 
     45  Telescoping arm 
     55  Shroud 
     56  Means to secure the propeller(s) within the shroud 
     60  Handles 
     65  Rudder 
     70  Stanchion 
     75  Pulley cord 
     80  Connecting rod 
     85  Gear mechanism 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
   This device  5  is made in one piece. It has a top surface  20 , which is padded and a hull or bottom surface  10 , which is placed in the water. The user of this device will rest chest down and position his or her body between the shoulder restraints  15  and the crotch restraint  25 .  FIG. 1 ,  6   
   A set of shoulder restraints  15  are placed at one end and a crotch restraint  25  is placed at the other end on the top surface  20  to properly align the individual. Both the shoulder restraints  15  and the crotch restraint  25  are adjustable to maximize the comfort of the user. Padding is provided on the top surface  20  for the additional comfort of the user. 
   A propulsion mechanism for this device is provided and is located below the surface of the water. The propulsion mechanism may consist-of a single propeller  28  or a series of propellers  30  or a water screw  25  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  7 . The propulsion mechanism is protected by a shroud  55  to prevent damage.  FIGS. 1 ,  3  A means to mount  56  the means of propulsion within the shroud is provided. 
   In order to use the device an individual must be able to pedal in order to provide propulsion. The propulsion is provided by two foot pedals  40 , which are also located beneath the surface of the water. FIGS.  3 , 4 , 6  The foot pedals  40 , are connected to a crank  35 , which in turn is connected to the propulsion mechanism.  FIG. 1  A means to connect the crank  35  to the propulsion mechanism is provided. This may be accomplished by using an elastic external pulley such as depicted in  FIG. 1  or may be accomplished with an internal gear mechanism (not drawn) in a housing such as shown in  FIG. 3 . The foot pedals  40  rest on one end of a telescoping arm  45 . This telescoping arm  45  may be self adjusting or may be adjusted by the application of pressure from the feet of the user to accommodate various sized individuals. 
   As the user turns the foot pedals  40  the device  5  is propelled through the water. 
   ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT 
   An alternative embodiment employs a set of steering handles  60 . The steering handles  60  would allow the individual to steer the device. The steering handles  60  are connected to a rudder blade  65  which would act as a rudder. The linkage between the handle  60  and the rudder blade  65  may be accomplished by a support stanchion  70  and a series of elastic cords  75  or by a connecting rod  80  and a gear mechanism  85 .  FIG. 8 ,  9   
   The steering arms  60  may fold and may be retractable. The steering arms  60  with folding handles can be retractable as well as telescoping in order to accommodate different sized individuals. 
   Because of the proximity to water it will be preferable to construct this device from plastic as much as possible. 
   Because of the need for buoyancy appropriate material should be used to address that concern. Additionally, for the comfort of the user, there should be a padded area  20  on the top surface. Many different types of padding may be used, although they should be water resistant.