Abstract:
A toy watercraft including: a housing defining an interior section of the watercraft; a motor mounted in the housing; a propeller shaft operatively connected to the motor and extending through an opening in the housing; a propeller mounted on an end portion of the propeller shaft; and a propeller shaft sealing arrangement for preventing water from entering the housing through the opening in the housing. The propeller shaft includes a polygon shaped propeller driving element that is countersunk into a rear portion of the propeller. A shaft stabilizing arrangement is positioned adjacent an end of the shaft where the shaft connects with the motor.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The instant invention relates to toy watercrafts, such as remote control toy boats and the like. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved propeller shaft assembly for toy watercrafts. In accordance with the invention, the improved propeller shaft assembly provides a water tight seal between the propeller drive shaft and the hull of the watercraft, as well as reduces vibration and noise during operation of the watercraft.  
         BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Toy vehicles have proven to be very popular toys for children of all ages. Many different types of toy vehicles have been provided in the past. For example, toy vehicles have been provided in the form of toy boats, toy cars, toy trucks, toy construction equipment, toy motorcycles and the like. Toy manufacturers are constantly trying to find ways to improve the operation of toy vehicles so that they look and function in a manner that is as real as possible, while also keeping the cost of the toy as low as possible. Many toy vehicles are made as miniaturized replicas of real full-size vehicles. Many such toys, also include battery-driven motors that enable the toy to be self-propelled, thereby providing greater realism and further enjoyment for the user. Toy manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to make the toys less expensive and more reliable, while still providing a fun and exciting toy.  
           [0003]    Toy watercrafts have been provided with propeller and jet drive systems for propelling the watercraft across water. Such toy watercrafts have been provided with remote control systems, such as radio frequency (RF) transmitters and receivers, which enable the user to remotely control the operation of the watercraft during operation. Other self-propelled toy watercrafts have been provided without remote control functionality, wherein the user simply turns on or off the power to the watercraft and the watercraft operates without user control.  
           [0004]    The instant invention is directed to toy watercrafts and, more particularly, to toy watercrafts of the type that are powered by a propeller that is driven by a drive shaft connected to a motor, such as a miniature electric motor, housed within the watercraft. Such propeller-driven toy watercrafts have been provided in the past in a variety of forms and have proven to be a very popular toy for children of all ages. However, such prior propeller-driven toy watercrafts have had some disadvantages. For example, the structure of the drive shaft assembly of prior toy watercrafts have enabled water to enter the hull of the boat, thereby causing a significant amount of water to collect in the hull of the watercraft when floating or operating in water. Prior toy watercrafts have used epoxy glue, resin and/or grease around the propeller shaft in an attempt to reduce or prevent water from entering the hull. However, these prior techniques have not eliminated the problem of water entering the hull around the drive shaft assembly.  
           [0005]    Drain holes have typically been provided in prior toy watercrafts to enable the user to periodically drain the collected water from the watercraft housing by removing the watercraft from the water and inverting the watercraft, so that the hull water drains out through the drain holes. The frequency at which the user must drain the boat hull depends on the rate at which the propeller assembly allows water to enter the hull. Many of the prior toy watercrafts have required frequent draining, thereby reducing the enjoyment of the toy. Not only can the water entering the hull cause damage to the internal parts of the toy watercraft, but it also adds substantial additional weight to the watercraft, which adversely effects the operation thereof. The additional weight of even a relatively small amount of water in the hull can prevent the watercraft from performing optimally. Larger amounts of water in the hull can prevent the watercraft from balancing or planing on the surface of the water, thereby dramatically reducing the performance and enjoyment of the toy watercraft.  
           [0006]    Another disadvantage of prior toy watercraft designs is that the propeller drive shaft assembly is constructed in a manner that enables the drive shaft to vibrate significantly during operation, thereby decreasing the efficiency and performance of the toy watercraft during operation. A further disadvantage of such prior propeller drive assemblies is that they are relatively noisy during operation, which also results in (or is indicative of) less than optimal performance for the drive assembly. Yet another disadvantage of prior toy watercraft designs is that the manner in which the propeller is attached to the propeller shaft adversely impacts the propeller performance. For example, prior propellers have been attached to the shaft in a manner that creates an unsymmetrical or unbalanced condition which, during high rotational speed, causes turbulence and/or vibration that prevents the propeller from performing optimally. One example of a prior propeller attachment method is to use a fastener, such as a screw, through the side of the propeller and into contact with the shaft. Prior propeller attachment methods have also made it difficult or impossible to replace the propeller in the event that the propeller becomes damaged, such as by an impact with another object. Even slight damage to the propeller can seriously reduce the operational efficiency thereof. Major propeller damage, such as loss of one or more propeller blades, can render the toy inoperative. If the damaged propeller cannot be replaced, the toy can no longer be enjoyed by the user. A further disadvantage of prior toy watercraft designs is that the connection between the shaft and the motor is not done in a way that assures reliable and maximum transfer of power from the motor to the shaft. Some exemplary (but by no means exhaustive) prior art water-related toys are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,163,076 to Fowler; 1,627,073 to Arnold; 1,673,701 to Lindstrom; 2,094,621 to Savage; and 6,093,076 to Street.  
           [0007]    All of the above-noted disadvantages of prior toy watercraft designs contribute to a less than ideal product from the end-user&#39;s perspective. Such toys are typically purchased with the hope and/or expectation that the watercraft will perform optimally and for a long period of time. These expectations are not always met by prior toy watercraft designs as a result of one or more of the above-noted problems and/or other problems with the propeller drive shaft assembly. Moreover, prior toy watercraft drive assemblies can be relatively complex, expensive, difficult to assemble, and/or subject to damage or failure. Thus, a need exists for an improved propeller drive assembly for toy watercrafts that overcomes these and other disadvantages of the prior art.  
           [0008]    The instant invention is designed to address these and other problems with prior art toy watercraft designs by providing an improved propeller drive shaft assembly which enables efficient, reliable and optimal operation of the toy watercraft. The instant invention greatly reduces or even eliminates the problem of water entering the hull, as well as the noise, vibration, efficiency, transfer or power, and propeller connection and replacement problems discussed above.  
           [0009]    In accordance with a primary aspect of the invention, a toy watercraft is provided which includes: a housing defining an interior section of the watercraft; a motor mounted in the housing; a propeller shaft operatively connected to the motor and extending through an opening in the housing; a propeller mounted on an end portion of the propeller shaft; and a propeller shaft sealing arrangement for preventing water from entering the housing through the opening in the housing. The shaft sealing arrangement includes a sealing portion that surrounds the shaft and fits snugly into the opening. The sealing portion includes a sealing ring on an outside end portion thereof. The sealing ring has a larger diameter than the opening and contacts an outside perimeter of the opening. A mounting bracket secured to the outside of the housing is provided such that the bracket presses the sealing ring against the housing to seal the opening, thereby preventing water from entering the housing through the opening.  
           [0010]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a toy watercraft is provided which includes: a housing defining an interior section of the watercraft; a motor mounted in the housing; a propeller shaft operatively connected to the motor and extending through an opening in the housing; and a propeller mounted on an end portion of the propeller shaft. The propeller shaft includes a polygon shaped propeller driving element that is countersunk into a rear portion of the propeller. A removable propeller locking nut is secured on the shaft and holds the propeller against the propeller driving element.  
           [0011]    In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a toy watercraft, is provided which includes: a housing defining an interior section of the watercraft; a motor mounted in the housing; a propeller shaft operatively connected to the motor and extending through an opening in the housing; a propeller mounted on an end portion of the propeller shaft; and a shaft stabilizing arrangement within the housing and positioned adjacent an end of the shaft where the shaft connects with the motor. The shaft stabilizing arrangement includes: a shaft mounting element secured to the housing and having an opening therethrough through which the shaft passes; a guide element surrounding the shaft and positioned within the opening in the shaft mounting element; and a gasket element surrounding the guide element and positioned between the guide element and the shaft mounting element to stabilize the propeller shaft. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 shows an exemplary toy watercraft of a type to which the instant invention is directed;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 shows a partial, sectional view of the exemplary toy watercraft of FIG. 1, showing a preferred embodiment of the propeller drive shaft assembly of the instant invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the preferred parts that constitute the propeller shaft assembly of the instant invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the various parts of the propeller shaft assembly of FIG. 3;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 shows an enlarged sectional view of an internal end portion of the drive shaft assembly of the instant invention where the propeller shaft connects with the motor of the watercraft;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 shows an enlarged sectional view of an internal portion of the drive shaft assembly of the instant invention where the drive shaft is supported in a manner that reduces vibration;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 shows an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the drive shaft assembly of the instant invention where the drive shaft passes through the hull of the watercraft; and  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 shows an enlarged sectional view of an external portion of the drive shaft assembly of the instant invention where the propeller connects to the drive shaft. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0021]    The preferred embodiments of the instant invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described are only exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention beyond the express scope of the appended claims. In connection with the drawings, like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the various views.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 shows an exemplary toy watercraft  10  in the form of a miniaturized boat. The instant invention is applicable to any suitable toy watercraft that is powered by a propeller, such as toy boats, toy personal watercrafts (such as a toy “Jet Ski”) and the like. The toy watercraft  10  includes an outer housing  12  preferably made from a suitable plastic or other material that enables the toy watercraft to float in water and be very durable. The housing  12  may be comprised of, for example, upper and lower housing sections that are joined together, in a known manner, during assembly of the toy. A miniaturized motor  24  (see, e.g., FIG. 2) is contained within the toy watercraft&#39;s housing  12  for driving a propeller  16  for propelling the watercraft  10  through the water when the motor  24  is energized. A rudder  18  is provided for steering the toy watercraft, thereby providing a fun and exciting toy that simulates a real working watercraft. A battery compartment is provided in the watercraft housing for holding a battery for powering the watercraft.  
         [0023]    The watercraft  10  may be remotely controlled by an operator using, for example, an appropriate wireless transmitter  22 . In this embodiment, the toy watercraft  10  includes an antenna  20  for receiving control signals from the wireless transmitter  22 . The wireless transmitter  22  is used in this embodiment to send forward, reverse and turning commands to the toy watercraft during operation. Turning of the toy watercraft is achieved in a known manner by controlling the angle of rudder  18 . Alternatively, the toy watercraft may operate on its own once the motor  24  is energized. For example, the watercraft could have a propeller drive system and/or rudder that causes the watercraft to move in a preset direction. Alternatively, the rudder  18  may be manually movable to a desired location by the user prior to energizing the toy watercraft  10  in a manner that manually preprograms a set direction for the watercraft.  
         [0024]    The toy watercraft is preferably constructed and designed to simulate a real watercraft, such as a jet ski, boat or other type of watercraft, thereby providing a realistic but miniaturized toy watercraft that can be played with in water, such as in a pool, pond, lake or other suitable body of water. The overall design and construction of toy watercrafts, such as that shown in FIG. 1, are generally known to those skilled in the art of toy design and manufacture. Thus, no further specific details regarding the particular watercraft itself will be provided herein, so as not to obscure the description of the propeller drive assembly of the instant invention with unnecessary details. The remaining description herein will focus on the propeller drive system itself and explain how the invention can be incorporated into watercraft toys.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 shows a partial sectional view of the exemplary toy watercraft of FIG. 1 and having a preferred embodiment of the propeller drive shaft assembly of the instant invention incorporated therein. As seen in FIG. 2, the propeller drive shaft assembly includes four main portions—connection portion  26 , stabilizing portion  28 , sealing portion  30  and propeller portion  32 . The connection portion  26  provides a connection between the drive shaft  14  and the motor  24 . More specifically, the connection portion includes a power transfer element  36  that is adapted to connect on one side to a driven element  34  of the motor  24  and, on the other side, to the drive shaft  14 . The power transfer element  36  preferably enables a non-linear connection between the motor  24  and the drive shaft  14 , thereby not requiring that the motor be perfectly aligned with the drive shaft while still providing an efficient transfer of power therebetween. The power transfer element  36  includes an opening or recess in the rearwardly facing end thereof for receiving an end of the drive shaft  14  therein. The head of the drive shaft preferably has a polygon shape, and the opening in the power transfer element  36  preferably has a complimentary polygon shape. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the polygon shape of the opening and the drive shaft head are both hexagon in shape, but any other suitable polygon shape, such as, but not limited to, a square or octagon, may also be used.  
         [0026]    The primary function of the stabilizing portion  28  is to stabilize the drive shaft  14  in a way that prevents vibration and noise when the drive shaft rotates, as well as to maintain the drive shaft in its proper position within the watercraft housing. The stabilizing portion  28  preferably includes a guide element  40  that surrounds the drive shaft  14  and extends into a shaft mounting element  44  secured to said housing  12 . The shaft mounting element  44  may be secured to the housing  12  either directly or indirectly, as long as the mounting element  44  is secured in its position in a stabilized manner. For example, the shaft mounting element  44  may be secured with screws or other suitable fasteners to respective posts extending upwardly from the housing  12  at a desired location. The shaft mounting element  44  includes an opening therethrough through which the drive shaft  14  passes. The guide element  40  surrounds the shaft and is positioned within the opening in the shaft mounting element  44 . A gasket element  42  surrounds the guide element  40  and is positioned between the guide element and the shaft mounting element in a manner that stabilizes the propeller shaft  14  and dampens any vibration therefrom. A washer is preferably provided between the guide element  40  and the power transfer element  36  to reduce wearing of the parts during rotation.  
         [0027]    The sealing portion  30  of the drive shaft assembly of the instant invention is designed to provide a water-tight (or at least substantially water-tight seal) at the location where the drive shaft  14  passes through the housing  12  of the watercraft  10 , as well as further reducing vibration and noise from the drive shaft  14  when rotating. The watercraft housing  12  includes a hole therethrough through which the drive shaft  14  passes. In accordance with the invention, the hole is substantially larger than the drive shaft itself. The sealing portion  30  includes a guide element  48  that surrounds the drive shaft  14  and is inserted into the opening in the housing  12 . A sealing element  46  surrounds the guide element  48  and is also inserted into the opening in the housing in a manner that seals the space between the guide element  48  and the perimeter of the drive shaft hole through the housing  12 . The sealing element  46  includes a sealing ring on an outside end thereof that has a larger diameter than the hole through the housing, thereby preventing the sealing element and guide element from passing through the hole in the housing. Thus, during assembly, the guide element  48  and sealing element  46  are pressed into the hole in the housing from the outside thereof, and into a position such that the sealing ring of the sealing element  46  contacts the outside perimeter of the hole in the housing. A mounting bracket  50  is secured to the outside of the housing such that the bracket  50  presses the sealing ring against the housing to seal the hole in the housing, thereby preventing water from entering the housing through the hole in the housing. The mounting bracket  50  is preferably screwed to the housing, via aligned screw holes in the bracket and the housing, at various locations around the hole and from the outside thereof in order to make even and secure contact with the sealing ring and the housing.  
         [0028]    The propeller portion  32  of the drive shaft assembly of the instant invention enables the propeller  16  to be securely connected to the drive shaft  14  in a manner that provides reliable and efficient operation of the propeller  16 . The propeller portion  32  includes a polygon shaped propeller driving element  56  that is secured on the drive shaft  14 . The driving element  56  is countersunk into a rear portion of the propeller  16  when the propeller is installed on the shaft  14 . More specifically, the propeller  16  has an opening or recess in the forward end thereof that is adapted to receive the driving element  56 . The driving element and the recess preferably have complimentary polygon shapes, such as a hexagon driving element and a hexagon recess. Other complimentary polygon shapes may also be used. In this embodiment, the driving element  56  is a nut that is screwed onto the drive shaft  14  prior to installing the propeller  16  thereon. The propeller  16  can then be slid onto the shaft so that the driving element  56  is received therein. A propeller locking nut  58  is screwed on the shaft  14  after the propeller is placed thereon to hold the propeller  16  against the driving element  56 . The locking nut  58  preferably includes an integral locking element that prevents the nut  58  from vibrating off of the drive shaft during rotation thereof. The propeller can be removed and/or replaced by removing the locking nut and sliding off the propeller. A tubular element, which acts like a spacer, is positioned between the mounting bracket  50  and the driving element  56 . A washer is preferably provided on the drive shaft between the tubular element and the driving element to reduce wearing of the parts during rotation of the shaft.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 3 and 4 show exploded views of the various parts described above which constitute a preferred embodiment of the propeller drive assembly of the instant invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the propeller drive assembly includes a motor  24  having a driven end  34  with a pair of pegs ( 34   a  and  34   b ) extending radially therefrom. The power transfer element  36  includes a slot  36   a  on a forward end thereof for receiving the pegs ( 34   a  and  34   b ) therein. This arrangement enables the power transfer element  36  to connect between the motor and the shaft regardless of the particular alignment thereof. In other words, the power transfer element  36  is able to rotate on the pegs of the motor shaft to a position that is aligned with the drive shaft  14 . The rear end of the power transfer element  36  includes the recess  36   b  for receiving the head  14   a  of the drive shaft  14 . The drive shaft is preferably in the form of a bolt having a polygon shaped head (e.g., hexagonal) at one end ( 14   a ) and a threaded portion on the other end  14   b.  A washer  38  is the first part that is put on the drive shaft during assembly. Parts  40 ,  42  and  44  constitute the stabilizing portion  28  of the assembly.  
         [0030]    As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the guide element  40  includes a flanged portion  40   a  that acts as a stop preventing the guide element from passing all of the way through the gasket element  42 . Similarly, the gasket element  42  includes a flanged end portion  42   a  that prevents the gasket element from passing all the way through the mounting element  44 . Thus, for assembly, the guide element is inserted into the gasket element, and then the combined parts are inserted into the hole  44   a  in the mounting element  44  from the forward direction. The mounting element  44  includes a pair of screw holes  44   b  and  44   c  for securing the mounting element to the housing  12 .  
         [0031]    Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, parts  46 ,  48  and  50  constitute the sealing portion  30  of the propeller drive assembly of the instant invention. The guide element  48  and sealing element  46  are similar to parts  40  and  42 , respectively, in the stabilizing portion, except that the parts have a reverse orientation. Guide element  48  fits into sealing element  46  up to the point where the flange  48   a  contacts the sealing element  46 . The combined parts ( 46  and  48 ) are then inserted into the hole (with a snug fit) in the watercraft housing  12  from the outside of the housing, and are pressed into the hole until the sealing ring  46   a  of the sealing element  46  contacts the outside perimeter of the hole on the housing  12 . The mounting bracket  50  is then secured to the housing around the hole therein and such that the mounting bracket presses firmly against the sealing ring  46   a.  This pressure acts to seal the hole in the housing and prevents water from entering the housing of the watercraft. As seen most clearly in FIGS. 2, 4 and  7 , the guide member  48  preferably includes a rear end portion  48   b  that fits through a central hole  50   d  in the mounting bracket  50 . In this embodiment, the mounting bracket  50  has a triangular shape with three screw holes ( 50   a,    50   b  and  50   c ) therethrough for use in securing the mounting bracket to the housing of the watercraft. However, the mounting bracket may have any suitable shape and number of screw holes. For example, the mounting bracket could be oval in shape with only two screw holes (e.g., one on the top and one on the bottom). Preferably, the forward side of the mounting bracket  50  includes a pair of concentric recesses therein for receiving the sealing ring  46   a  and the flange  48   a  therein when the mounting bracket is installed (see FIG. 7).  
         [0032]    After the mounting bracket  50  is installed on the drive shaft and secured to the housing, the tubular element  52  is slid on the drive shaft. The washer  54  is then placed on the drive shaft. Then, the driving element  56  is screwed onto the drive shaft to the desired position just before the rear end of the tubular element  52 . The propeller  16   b  is then slid onto the drive shaft  14  such that the driving element  56  is counter sunk into the recess  16   a  in the forward end of the propeller  16 . The locking nut  58  is then screwed onto the drive shaft  14  to secure the propeller  16  against the driving element  56 . In this way, the propeller is securely mounted on the drive shaft in a manner that enables it to be removed and replaced, if necessary, while also providing well-balanced and efficient operation for the propeller.  
         [0033]    As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, parts  40 ,  48  and  52  are substantially the same. These parts are preferably made of a relatively hard plastic material to prevent wear from the rotating propeller shaft. Parts  42  and  46  are also substantially the same. These parts are made of a softer, rubber-like material that enables the parts to act as a seal and/or to dampen vibrations. By utilizing similar parts for various aspects of the drive assembly, the overall cost and complexity of the assembly is reduced. The washers  38  and  54  are preferably metal washers. The remaining parts can be made of any suitable material that will perform the functions described herein.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 5 shows an enlarged partial view of the connection portion  26  of the propeller drive shaft assembly of the instant invention. As explained above, the power transfer element  36  includes a recess  36   b  for receiving the head  14   a  of the drive shaft  14 . FIG. 5 shows the non-aligned relationship between the motor  24  and the drive shaft  14  that is enabled by the combined structure of the power transfer element  36  and the driven end  34  of the motor. The forward end of the guide element  40  comes into close proximity to the power transfer element, and the washer  38  is positioned therebetween. This structure provides a secure, efficient and reliable transfer of power between the motor  24  and the drive shaft  14 .  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 6 shows an enlarged partial view of the stabilizing portion  28  of the propeller drive shaft assembly of the instant invention. As explained above, the guide element  40  and the gasket element  42  are together snugly inserted into hole  44   a  of the mounting element  44 . The flanged portion  40   a  of the guide element  40  prevents the guide element from pushing through the gasket element  42 , and the flanged portion  42   a  of the gasket element prevents the gasket element from pushing through the hole in the mounting element  44 . This structure provides a secure and reliable stabilizing system for the drive shaft that maintains the proper position of the drive shaft relative to the motor, while also keeping the drive shaft in the desired location within the housing. The stabilizing portion  28  also reduces noise and vibration during rotation of the drive shaft.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 7 shows an enlarged partial view of the sealing portion  30  of the propeller drive shaft assembly of the instant invention. As described above, the guide element  48  and the sealing element  46  are snugly inserted into the hole  12   b  in the housing  12  where the drive shaft  14  passes through the housing. The outside diameter  46   b  of the sealing element is press-fit into hole  12   b  of the housing  12  for sealing purposes. The size of the hole through the guide element substantially corresponds to the size of the drive shaft. The flanged portion  48   a  of the guide element prevents the guide element from passing through sealing element  46 , and the sealing ring  46   a  of the sealing element  46  prevents the sealing element from passing through the hole  12   b  in the housing. The mounting bracket  50  is secured to the outside of the housing  12  using screws through aligned holes  50   a  and  12   a.  The sealing ring  46   a  and flanged portion  48   a  are received in respective concentric recesses (stepped recesses) in the mounting bracket  50 . The mounting bracket  50  presses firmly against the sealing ring and flanged portion of the guide element in a manner that seals the hole  12   b  from allowing water to pass therethrough. A rear end portion  48   b  of the guide element  48  extends through the central hole  50   d  in the mounting bracket  50 . The forward end of the tubular member (or spacer member)  52  butts up against the rear end  48   b  of the guide member to further help prevent water from entering the watercraft. The sealing portion  30  also operates to maintain the drive shaft  14  in a central location within the hole  12   b  in the watercraft while also reducing noise and vibration during rotation of the drive shaft.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 8 shows an enlarged partial view of the propeller portion  32  of the propeller drive shaft assembly of the instant invention. As described above, the drive element (e.g., drive bolt)  56  is screwed or otherwise installed on the drive shaft  14  at the desired location and near the rear end of the tubular element (spacer element)  52  with a washer  54  located therebetween. The propeller  16  is then placed on the drive shaft  14  such that the drive element  56  is countersunk into the forward end  16   a  of the propeller  16 . The locking nut  58  (with locking element  58   a ) is then screwed onto the drive shaft and tightened against the propeller to securely maintain the propeller against the drive element  56 . The arrangement provides for balanced, efficient and reliable operation for the propeller, while also enabling the propeller to be easily removed and replaced, if necessary.  
         [0038]    As can be seen from the above description, the instant invention provides a propeller drive shaft assembly that can be used in an easy, effective and inexpensive manner in connection with motorized toy watercraft. The instant propeller drive shaft assembly provides efficient and reliable operation of the propeller on a toy watercraft, while also preventing water from entering the hull of the watercraft. The propeller assembly of the instant invention also reduces noise and vibration (from the shaft itself and from the propeller) during operation as compared to prior art toy watercraft. The connection portion  26 , stabilizing portion  28 , sealing portion  30  and propeller portion  32  of the instant invention alone and in combination significantly improve the design of propeller driven toy watercraft.  
         [0039]    While the preferred forms and embodiment of the instant invention have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention. Thus, the description herein is only exemplary and is not meant to limit the invention beyond express language and scope of the appended claims.