Patent Publication Number: US-11655013-B2

Title: Pedal drive mount system for watercraft

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The disclosure relates generally to a pedal drive system for watercraft, and in particular, to a pedal drive mounting system for watercraft such as kayaks. 
     Pedal-powered watercraft typically involve use of foot-operated pedals connected via a gear drive unit to a upright drive shaft portion, which is in turn connected to a propulsion unit, such as a propeller, positioned beneath the watercraft. Pedal-powered watercraft can offer advantages as compared to paddling in that a user&#39;s legs may be stronger than their arms, thereby potentially increasing the range and/or speed achievable by a user. This could be particularly significant if the user has problems with using their arms to perform paddling motions. Pedaling also frees up the user&#39;s hands, which can then be used for other activities, such as fishing, photography, etc. Additionally, because propulsion via pedaling reduces splashing of water, pedal propulsion may be quieter than paddling and may also reduce the likelihood of the user getting wet. 
     A potential disadvantage of a pedal powered watercraft, such as in the case of a kayak, is that the projection of the drive shaft portion and the propulsion unit beneath the kayak can make such a kayak more difficult to load, transport, unload and/or launch in the water. 
     Accordingly, providing a pedal propulsion unit of lower profile and/or changeable profiles may be desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally, example implementations of the present disclosure may include an apparatus for mounting a pedal propulsion system to a watercraft, and may include a mount portion configured to be integral with or attached to the watercraft, a link support and upper and lower links pivotally connected to the mount portion. The link support and upper and lower links are configured to form part of a four-bar linkage arrangement and to simultaneously move together between and extended position for operating the propulsion system and a retracted position elevated above the extended position. A column clamp may be configured for selectively fixing a drive column for the pedal propulsion system to the link support, wherein the drive column, the link support, and the upper and lower links are configured to simultaneously move together between the extended and retracted positions. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may include an apparatus for mounting a propulsion system to a watercraft and includes an elongated mount portion configured to be integral with or attached to the watercraft, the mount portion having a lower portion and an upper portion spaced above the lower portion. At least one elongated link support has a lower portion and an upper portion spaced above the lower portion of the link support, and at least one lower link has a first portion pivotally connected to the lower portion of the link support and a second portion pivotally connected to the lower portion of the mount portion. At least one upper link has a first portion connected to the upper portion of the link support and a second portion pivotally connected to the upper portion of the mount portion. The first portion of the lower link and the first portion of the upper link define an axis therebetween. The link support, the upper link, and the lower link are configured to move between a first position, wherein the link support is generally parallel to the mount portion, and a second position elevated above the first position. And, at least one column clamp is configured for receiving and substantially surrounding a drive column of a propulsion system of the watercraft and selectively fixing the drive column with respect to the link support. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may provide that upon the drive column being received by the column clamp and fixed with respect to the link support, the drive column extends generally parallel to the axis, and wherein the drive column, the link support, the upper link, and the lower link are configured to simultaneously move together between the first position and the second position. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure can include the drive column being received by the column clamp and fixed with respect to the link support and/or the link support is configured to extend generally coplanar with the drive column. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may provide that the link support, the upper link, and the lower link are configured such that the link support is at least partially angled over the mounting portion in the second position relative to the first position. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may include at least one column cradle being configured for receiving and surrounding at least a portion of the drive column, at least one lug on the drive column, with the column cradle defining a recess configured to receive the lug, wherein, upon the drive column being received in the column cradle, the lug is received in the recess of the column cradle for positioning the drive column at preselected height with respect to the link support. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure can have the mount portion extending generally vertically with respect to the watercraft and generally parallel to the drive column, upon the drive column being received by the column clamp and fixed with respect to the link support and/or the lower link and the upper link are approximately the same length and/or wherein the mount portion, the link support, the lower link and the upper link together form a four-bar linkage. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure can provide that a first lower link and a second lower links are included, as are a first upper link and a second upper link and a first link support and a second link support. The column clamp extends between the first link support and the second link support, wherein upon the column clamp receiving and substantially surrounding the drive column, the first lower link and the first upper link are laterally spaced from a first side of the drive column and the second lower link and the second upper link are laterally spaced from a second, opposite side of the drive column. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may include the column clamp has a first member and a second member each defining a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the drive column, wherein the second member is pivotally connected to the first member. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may have a watercraft having a propulsion system including a propulsion unit and a drive column connected to the propulsion unit. An elongated mount portion has a lower portion and an upper portion spaced above the lower portion of the mount portion. At least one elongated link support has a lower portion and an upper portion spaced above the lower portion of the link support, and at least one lower link having a first portion pivotally connected to the lower portion of the link support and a second portion pivotally connected to the lower portion of the mount portion. At least one upper link has a first portion connected to the upper portion of the link support and a second portion pivotally connected to the upper portion of the mount portion. The first portion of the lower link and the first portion of the upper link define an axis therebetween. The link support, the upper link, and the lower link are configured to simultaneously move together between a first position, wherein the link support is generally parallel to the mount portion, and a second position, wherein the second position is elevated above the first position, and the link support is closer to the mounting portion in the second position relative to the first position. And, at least one column clamp is configured for receiving and substantially surrounding the drive column and selectively fixing the drive column with respect to the link support. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may provide upon the drive column being received by the column clamp and fixed with respect to the link support, the drive column extends generally parallel to the axis and generally coplanar with the link support, and wherein the drive column, the link support, the upper link, and the lower link are configured to simultaneously move together between the first position and the second position. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may include the watercraft can comprise the at least one column cradle being configured for receiving and generally surrounding a portion of the drive column, the mount portion can extend generally vertically with respect to the watercraft and generally parallel to the drive column (upon the drive column being received by the column clamp and fixed with respect to the link support) and/or the mount portion, the link support, the lower link and the upper link together form a four-bar linkage. 
     Example implementations of a watercraft of the present disclosure may provide that the mount portion includes a bracket having a laterally extending plate for attachment to or being integral with the watercraft, at least one lower projection extending generally perpendicularly from the plate and connected to the second portion of the lower link, at least one upper flange extending generally perpendicularly from the plate and connected to the second projection of the upper link, at least one ledge extending from the plate below the lower projection, and at least one flange on the lower link configured for engaging the ledge, wherein upon engagement of the flange with the ledge, the lower link and the upper link extend generally perpendicular to the plate, and the lower link is thereby restrained from pivoting downwardly. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may include an apparatus is described for mounting a propulsion system to a watercraft and includes an elongated mount portion configured to be attached to a watercraft, the mount portion having a lower portion and an upper portion spaced above the lower portion of the mount portion. At least one elongated link support has a lower portion and an upper portion spaced above the lower portion of the link support, and a first arm having a first portion pivotally connected to the link support and a second portion pivotally connected to a second arm. The second arm has a first portion connected to the mount portion, wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured to form a toggle lock, such that upon selective depression of the first portion of the first arm, at least one of the first arm and the second arm is placed in compression with respect to at least one of the link support and the mount portion. At least one link is pivotally connected to the link support and pivotally connected to the mount portion. The link support, the at least one link, the first arm, and the second arm are configured to move between a first position where the link support is generally parallel to the mount portion, and a second position where the second position is elevated above the first position, and at least one column clamp is configured for receiving and substantially surrounding a drive column of a propulsion system of the watercraft and selectively fixing the drive column with respect to the link support. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may provide the link comprising at least one lower link having a first portion pivotally connected to the lower portion of the link support and a second portion pivotally connected to the lower portion of the mount portion, and at least one upper link has a first portion connected to the upper portion of the link support and a second portion pivotally connected to the upper portion of the mount portion. And the first portion of the at least one lower link and the first portion of the at least one upper link define an axis therebetween. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may include a locking member movable between a locked position for securing the link support, the at least one link, the first arm, and the second arm in the second position, and an unlocked position for allowing movement of the link support, the at least one link, the first arm, and the second arm from the second position. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure can include the locking member comprising a plate configured to be slidingly received in the at least one link and to move with respect to the at least one link between the locked position and the unlocked position. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may provide the locking member being configured to be slidingly received in the at least one link and to move with respect to the at least one link between the locked position and the unlocked position, and at least one releasable fastener selectively secures the locking member to the at least one link in the closed position. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may have the column clamp comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being pivotally connected to the second portion, and the first portion of the column clamp is configured to move between an open position for receiving drive column and a closed position for engaging drive column. A releasable fastener selectively secures the clamp in the closed position. In still other example implementations of the present disclosure, the column clamp comprises a first portion having a first yoke configured for receiving the drive column and a second portion having a second yoke configured for receiving the drive column. The first portion is pivotally connected to the second portion, and the first portion of the column clamp is configured to move between an open position for receiving drive column and a closed position for engaging drive column, and the first portion defines an elongated channel, and the first yoke has a ridge configured to be received in an elongated channel. A releasable fastener selectively secures the clamp in the closed position. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may include the elongated mount comprises a first plate configured to be attached to a watercraft and a second plate configured to be attached to the first plate, wherein, the first portion of the second arm is pivotally connected the first plate and the at least one link is pivotally connected the first plate. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may provide that upon the drive column being received by the column clamp and fixed with respect to the link support, the link support is configured to extend generally coplanar with the drive column. In further example implementations of the present disclosure, the link support, the at least one link, the first arm, and the second arm are configured such that the link support is at least partially angled over the mounting portion in the second position relative to the first position. In still further example implementations of the present disclosure, at least one column cradle is configured for receiving and surrounding at least a portion of the drive column, and at least one lug is provided on the drive column. The column cradle defines a recess configured to receive the lug, where, upon the drive column being received in the column cradle, the lug is received in the recess of the column cradle for positioning the drive column at preselected height with the at least one lower link includes a first lower link and a second lower link, the at least one upper link includes a first upper link and a second upper link, the at least one link support includes a first link support and a second link support, and the column clamp extends between the first link support and the second link support, where upon the column clamp receiving and substantially surrounding the drive column, the first lower link and the first upper link are laterally spaced from a first side of the drive column and the second lower link and the second upper link are laterally spaced from a second side of the drive column, wherein the second side of the drive column is opposite the first side. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure can include the mount portion, the link support, the lower link and the upper linking together to form a four-bar linkage. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may include a watercraft having a propulsion system including a propulsion unit, and drive column connected to the propulsion unit. An elongated mount portion has a lower portion and an upper portion spaced above the lower portion of the mount portion, and at least one elongated link support has a lower portion and an upper portion spaced above the lower portion of the link support. At least one lower link has a first portion pivotally connected to the lower portion of the link support and a second portion pivotally connected to the lower portion of the mount portion. At least one upper link has a first portion connected to the upper portion of the link support and a second portion pivotally connected to the upper portion of the mount portion. The first portion of the lower link and the first portion of the upper link defines an axis therebetween, and the link support, the upper link, and the lower link are configured to simultaneously move together between a first position, wherein the link support is generally parallel to the mount portion, and a second position, wherein the second position is elevated above the first position, and the link support is closer to the mounting portion in the second position relative to the first position. At least one column clamp is configured for receiving and substantially surrounding at least a portion of the drive column and selectively fixing the drive column with respect to the link support. A locking member is configured to move within the at least one lower link between a locked position for securing the link support, the at least one upper link, the at least one lower link, the first arm, and the second arm in the second position, and an unlocked position for allowing movement of the link support, the at least one upper link, the at least one lower link, the first arm, and the second arm from the second position. And, at least one releasable fastener selectively secures the locking member to the at least one lower link in the closed position. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may provide that the watercraft further comprises a first arm and a second arm, the first arm having a first portion pivotally connected to the link support and a second portion pivotally connected to the second arm, and the second arm having a first portion connected to the mount portion, where the first arm and the second arm are configured to form a toggle lock, such that upon selective depression of the first portion of the first arm, at least one of the first arm and the second arm is placed in compression with respect to at least one of the link support and the mount portion. 
     Example implementations of the present disclosure may include the column clamp of the watercraft further comprising a first portion having a first yoke configured for receiving the drive column and a second portion having a second yoke configured for receiving the drive column. The first portion is pivotally connected to the second portion, and the first portion of the column clamp is configured to move between an open position for receiving drive column and a closed position for engaging drive column. The first portion defines an elongated channel, and the first yoke has a ridge configured to be received in an elongated channel. A releasable fastener selectively secures the clamp in the closed position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a right front perspective view of an example implementation of watercraft having a pedal drive mount system for watercraft of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a right rear perspective view of an example implementation of a pedal drive mount system for watercraft of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a front perspective view of an example implementation of a pedal drive mount system for watercraft of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a left rear perspective view of an example implementation of a pedal drive mount system for watercraft of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is a top perspective view of an example implementation of a pedal drive mount system for watercraft of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a schematic view of an example implementation of watercraft having an example implementation of a pedal drive mount system for watercraft of the present disclosure, wherein the pedal drive mount system is in the second position; 
         FIG.  6 B  is a schematic view of an example implementation of a pedal drive mount system for watercraft of the present disclosure in the second position; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of an alternate example implementation of a four-bar linkage component of a pedal drive mount system for watercraft of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of another alternate example implementation of a four-bar linkage component of a pedal drive mount system for watercraft of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of the alternate example implementation of  FIG.  8    in the second position; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of an alternate example implementation of a four-bar linkage for a pedal drive mount system for watercraft of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of a locking member component of the four-bar linkage shown in  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic view of the locking member component shown in  FIG.  11    in a first, unlocking position in an example four-bar linkage; and 
         FIG.  13    is schematic view of the locking member component shown in  FIG.  11    in a second, locking position in an example four-bar linkage. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.” When used in this document, the term “exemplary” is intended to mean “by way of example” and is not intended to indicate that a particular exemplary item is preferred or required. 
     In this document, when terms such “first” and “second” are used to modify a noun, such use is simply intended to distinguish one item from another, and is not intended to require a sequential order unless specifically stated. The term “approximately,” when used in connection with a numeric value, is intended to include values that are close to, but not exactly, the number. For example, in some implementations, the term “approximately” may include values that are within +/−10 percent of the value. 
     When used in this document, terms such as “top” and “bottom,” “above” and “below”, “upper” and “lower”, or “front” and “rear,” are not intended to have absolute orientations but are instead intended to describe relative positions of various components with respect to each other. For example, a first component may be an “upper” component and a second component may be a “lower” component when a device of which the components are a part is oriented in a first direction. The relative orientations of the components may be reversed, or the components may be on the same plane, if the orientation of the structure that contains the components is changed. The claims are intended to include all orientations of a device containing such components. 
       FIG.  1    presents a rear perspective view of an example implementation of watercraft having a pedal drive mount system, or apparatus, generally  10 , in accordance with the present disclosure. The watercraft is shown in an example implementation as a kayak  100  and includes a propulsion system, generally,  102 , having a propulsion unit  104  having a propeller  104   a , which is driven by a drive shaft (not shown) within a drive column  106  connected to the propulsion unit  104 . A right angle drive unit  108  is connected to the drive column  106 , and pedals  110  are connected via crank arms  111  to the drive unit  108 , such that upon rotation of pedals  110 , drive unit  108  drives the drive shaft, which in turn drives propeller  104   a  of the propulsion unit  104 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 B , pedal drive mount system or apparatus  10  includes a four-bar linkage arrangement, generally  20 , having an elongated mount, or mounting, portion  112  having a lower portion and an upper portion spaced above the lower portion of the mount portion  112 . Mount portion  112 , as shown in the figures, extends generally parallel to drive column and includes a laterally extending back plate  112   a , which may be generally rectangular in shape. Mount portion  112  may be integral with, or connected to, a vertical portion  100   a  of kayak  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , elongated link supports  118 ,  118   a  each have a lower portion  120  and an upper portion  122  spaced above the lower portion  120 . Lower links  124 ,  124   a  each have a first portion  126  pivotally connected to the lower portion  120  of a link support  118 ,  118   a  respectively, and a second portion  128  pivotally connected to each side, respectively, of the lower portion of the mount portion  112 . Upper links  134 ,  134   a  each have a first portion  136  connected to the upper portion  122  of a link support  118 ,  118   a , respectively, and a second portion  138  pivotally connected by pivotal connectors (such as bolts, pins, etc.)  139  to each side, respectively, of the upper portion of the mount portion  112 . The pivotal connectors  139  connecting first portion  126  of the lower link  124  and the first portion  136  of the upper link  134  together define an axis  137  therebetween as does also the pivotal connectors  139  connecting the first portion  126  of the lower link  124   a  and the first portion  136  of the upper link  134   a.    
     The link supports  118 ,  118   a , the upper links  134 ,  134   a , and the lower links  124 ,  124   a  together form a four-bar linkage and are configured to allow the apparatus  10  to simultaneously move together between a first, extended, or deployed, operational position A (as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 5   ), wherein the propeller  104   a  is in an operable position beneath kayak  100  for propelling the kayak  100 , and the link supports  118 ,  118   a  are generally parallel to the mount portion  112 , and a second, retracted, or stowed, position (as shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B ), where the second, raised position B the link supports  118 ,  118   a  (with upper links  134 ,  134   a  being adjacent to and nested with link supports  118 ,  118   a , respectively) are elevated with respect to the first position and are angled forwardly over mount portion  112 , and the propeller  104   a  (and at least a portion of the skeg  100   e  of kayak  100 ) is raised upwardly from the operable position A to within opening  100   d  ( FIGS.  5  and  6 A ) of kayak  100 , and the link supports  118 ,  118   a  are closer to, and are angled at least partially forwardly over, the mounting portion  112  in the second position relative to the first position and wherein drive column  106  is angled at least partially forwardly over lower links  124 ,  124   a , and upper links  134 ,  134   a , and mounting portion  112 . Consequently, pedals  110 , crank arms  111 , and drive unit  108  are also angled forwardly towards the front, or bow  100   b  ( FIG.  2   ), of kayak  100 , and propulsion unit  104  and propeller  104   a  are raised to provide an overall lower profile with respect to the bottom  100   c  of kayak  100 . Apparatus  10  can be moved from the first, operational position A to the second, retracted position B by the user simply lifting up and pulling forward (towards the front of kayak  100 ) on the upper portion of propulsion system  102  by engaging and lifting pedals  110 , crank arms  111 , drive unit  108  and/or drive column  106 , thereby causing drive column  106  to move upwardly through opening  100   d.    
     A column clamp  140  is connected between link supports  118 ,  118   a  and is configured for receiving and substantially encompassing or surrounding at least a portion of the drive column  106 , selectively fixing the drive column  106  with respect to the link supports  118 ,  118   a , and selectively releasing the drive column  106  therefrom. Upon the column clamp  140  receiving and substantially surrounding at least a portion of the drive column  106 , the lower link  124  and the upper link  134  are laterally spaced from a first side of the drive column  106  and the lower link  124   a  and the upper link  134   a  are laterally spaced from the opposite side of the drive column  106 . 
     When apparatus  10  is in the first position A, column clamp  140  holds drive column  106  generally vertical, and parallel to mount portion  112 , and a portion of column clamp  140  extends laterally generally coplanar with the link supports  118 ,  118   a , and wherein the drive column  106 , the link supports  118 ,  118   a , the upper links  134 ,  134   a , and the lower links  124 ,  124   a  are configured to simultaneously move together between the first position A and the second position B. Column cradles  142 ,  142   a  are configured for receiving and generally partially, or approximately halfway, surrounding the drive column  106 . Upon drive column  106  being installed in column cradles  142 ,  142   a , knobs, bumps, projections, ribs and/or lugs (referred to herein collectively as “lugs”)  143 ,  143   a , engage with recesses  145 ,  145   a , respectively, defined in column cradles  142 ,  142   a , respectively, to properly position drive column  106  at the preselected height with respect to link supports  118 ,  118   a  and also to properly orient drive column  106  such that pedals  110  extend along their length substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis  160  of kayak  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , column cradle  142   a  is positioned above column clamp  140 , and column cradle  142   b  is positioned below column clamp  140 . Column clamp  140  includes an elongated band or clamp member  144  defining a recess  144   a  configured to receive at least a portion of the drive column  106 , wherein the clamp member  144  is pivotally connected to link support  118  at a hinge  148  element attached to link support  118 . A releasable fastener, such as a bolt, clip, latch, hasp, etc. (none shown), allows clamp member  144  to pivot between an open position for receiving the drive column  106  and a secured, closed position surrounding drive column clamp  106  for securing drive column  106  to column clamp  140 . 
     As referenced above, mount portion  112  extends generally vertically with respect to portion  100   a  of kayak  100 . Mount portion  112  also, in certain implementations, including in cases where lower links  124 ,  124   a  and upper links  134 ,  134   a  are the same length, extends generally parallel to the drive column  106 , upon the drive column  106  being received by the column clamp  140  and fixed with respect to the link supports  118 ,  118   a.    
     Mounting portion  112 , in certain implementations, may comprise a bracket, generally  150 , having laterally extending back plate  112   a  for attachment to portion  100   a  of kayak  100 . Extending from back plate  112   a  are lower projections  152 ,  152   a , to which are connected the second portion  128 ,  128   a  of lower links,  124 ,  124   a , respectively. Also extending from back plate  112   a  are upper projections  154 ,  154   a , to which the second portion  138 ,  138   a  of upper links,  134 ,  134   a , respectively, are pivotally connected. A ledge  156  extends from the back plate  112   a  between lower projection  152 ,  152   a , respectively, and a flange  158  ( FIGS.  4  and  5   ) on each lower link  124 ,  124   a  is configured for engaging the ledge  156 , wherein upon such engagement of the flanges  158 ,  158   a  with the ledge  156 , the lower links  124 ,  124   a  and the upper links  138 ,  138   a  extend generally perpendicular to the back plate  112   a , and the lower links  124 ,  124   a  are each restrained from pivoting downwardly. This arrangement acts to hold the propulsion system  102  in the lowered, operable position A, in that the drive column  106  is maintained at the proper elevation for the user to use the pedals  110 , i.e., generally vertically and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  160  of kayak  100 . Such arrangement also prevents the propulsion system from dropping to a lower elevation with respect to mounting portion  112  (and kayak  100 ). The weight of system  10  and propulsion system  102  serves to maintain same in the first position A. A releasable locking arrangement, such as a locking pin, latch, catch, etc., such as discussed below and shown in  FIGS.  7 - 9   , could be provided to further selectively secure system  10  and propulsion system  102  in lowered position A. 
     The lower links  124 ,  124   a  could be combined as a unitary member, and/or mounting portion  112  could be multiple members, if desired. Mounting portion  112  may be attachable to portion  100   a  of kayak  100  via pins, screws, bolts and/or other fasteners or connection arrangement, or, mounting portion could be integral with kayak  100 , if desired. 
       FIGS.  7 - 13    illustrate other example implementations of apparatus  10  in accordance with the present disclosure. In  FIG.  7   , a four-bar linkage arrangement, generally  200 , is shown having an elongated mount portion, generally  212 , having a lower portion and an upper portion spaced above the lower portion. Mount portion  212  includes a first, or back, plate  212   a  and a second plate  212   b  attached to first plate  212   a . Mount portion  212  could be integral with or mounted, kayak  100 . Elongated link supports  218 ,  218   a  each have a lower portion and an upper portion spaced above the lower portion. Lower links  224 ,  224   a  each have a first portion  226  pivotally connected to the lower portion of a link support  218 ,  218   a  respectively, and a second portion  228  pivotally connected to each side, respectively, of the lower portion of the mount portion  212 . Upper links  234 ,  234   a  each have a first portion  236  connected to the upper portion of a link support  218 ,  218   a , respectively, and a second portion  238  pivotally connected by pivotal connectors (such as bolts, pins, etc.)  239  to each side, respectively, of the upper portion of the mount portion  212 . 
     Four-bar linkage  200  also includes a base plate combination, generally  270 , having a first base member, or plate,  272  with a first end  272   a  pivotally connected to mount portion  212 , but having a second end  272   b  in sliding engagement and/or relation with respect to a second base member, or plate  274 , which is adjacent to first plate  212   a . Second base plate  274  spans between and is integral with lower links  224 ,  224   a , and accordingly, moves with lower links  224 ,  224   a  as lower links  224 ,  224   a  pivot between positions A and B. As shown in  FIG.  9   , base second base plate  274  includes elongated slots  274   a  ( FIG.  9   ) for receiving a bolts  276 ,  276   a . In one example implementation bolt  276  threadingly receives a wingnut  278 , and bolt  278   a  receives a nut. In a manner similar to four-bar linkage  20 , four-bar linkage  200  is configured and operated by a use to allow drive column  106  to move between a first, extended, or deployed, operational position A and a second, retracted, or stowed, position, namely, position B. By tightening wingnut  278 , the user may selectively tighten base plates  272 ,  274  together upon four-bar linkage  200  being in position A, position B, or an intermediate position therebetween, thereby locking four-bar linkage  200  in place. 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   , another example implementation four-bar linkage  300  includes a column clamp  240  having portions  240   a  and  240   b  pivotally attached to one another for allowing column clamp  240  to move between an open position for receiving drive column  106  (where the respective ends of portions  240   a  and  240   b  are separated from one another) and a closed position for engaging drive column  106  (where the respective ends of portions  240   a  and  240   b  approach and/or are in contact with one another). Column clamp  240  is connected between link supports  218 ,  218   a  (clamp member portion  240   a  including a bolt  240   e  and wingnut  240   f  for attaching clamp  240  to four-bar linkage  300 ) and, like column clamp  140  discussed above, is configured for receiving and substantially surrounding at least a portion of the drive column  106 , selectively fixing the drive column  106  with respect to the link supports  218 ,  218   a , and selectively releasing the drive column  106  therefrom. A releasable fastener, such as a swing-bolt  244  having a post  244   a  pivotally carried in passage  244   b  and a threaded shaft  244   c  receivable in slot  244   d  of end of clamp member portion  240   a , allows clamp  240  to pivot between an open position for receiving the drive column  106  and a secured, closed position (where wingnut  244   e  is tightened against end of clamp member portion  240   b ) surrounding drive column clamp  106  for securing drive column  106  to column clamp  240 . Other fastening arrangements could be used instead of, or in addition to, swing-bolt  244 , such as a clip, latch, hasp, etc. (none shown). 
     Clamp member portions  240   a  and  240   b  include a semi-cylindrical yoke portion  240   c ,  240   d , each having a longitudinally extending ridge  246   a  received in an elongated channel  240   g  in each of clamp member portions  240   a ,  240   b . Removal of one or both of yoke portions  246  allows column clamp  240  to accommodate a drive column  106  of a larger diameter and/or a differing cross-sectional configuration, if desired. 
     In a manner similar to column cradles  142 ,  142   a , column cradles  242 ,  242   a , are configured for receiving and generally partially, or approximately halfway, surrounding the drive column  106 . Upon drive column  106  being installed in column cradles  142 ,  142   a , lugs  143 ,  143   a , engage with column cradles  242 ,  242   a , respectively, to properly position drive column  106  for use, as discussed above. 
     Extending from back plate  212   a  are upper projections  254 ,  254   a , to which the second portion  238 ,  238   a  of upper links,  234 ,  234   a , respectively, are pivotally connected. Ledges  256  extend from the back plate  212   a  ( FIG.  9   ) adjacent lower projections  252 ,  252   a , respectively, and a flange  258  ( FIGS.  7 - 9   ) on each lower link  224 ,  224   a  is configured for engaging a respective ledge  256 , wherein upon such engagement of the flanges  258  with the respective ledge  256 , the lower links  224 ,  224   a  and the upper links  234 ,  234   a  extend generally perpendicular to the back plate  212   a , and the lower links  224 ,  224   a  are each restrained from pivoting downwardly. This arrangement acts in a manner similar to that discussed above with regard to four-bar linkage  20  arrangement to hold the drive column  106  in the lowered, operable position A, in that the drive column  106  is maintained at the proper elevation for the user to use the pedals  110 , i.e., generally vertically and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  160  of kayak  100 . Such arrangement also prevents the propulsion system from dropping to an undesirable elevation. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 - 9   , a releasable locking arrangement, generally,  290 , can be provided to further selectively secure the drive column  106  in lowered position A. The locking arrangement  290  may include a toggle lock configuration having arms  292 ,  294  pivotally connected to one or both sides of four-bar linkage arrangements  200 ,  300 . First arm  292  has a first end  292   a  pivotally connected to back plate  212   a  and a second end  292   b  pivotally connected to a first end  294   a  of a second arm  294 , which, in turn, has a second end  294   b  pivotally connected to link support  218  or  218   a . The first end  294   a  of the second arm  294  includes an outwardly-extending tab  296  which, when depressed, because of an over-center, or, toggle lock, configuration of the locking arrangement  290  forces the ends  292   a  and  294   b  outwardly to place arms  292 ,  294  in compression. This, in turn, serves to fix the four-bar linkage arrangement from movement. To release, or unlock, the locking arrangement  290 , the tab  296  is lifted sufficient to release the compression in arms  292 ,  294 , thereby allowing arms  292 ,  294  to again pivot, and the four-bar linkage arrangement to then be movable towards position B. 
     Instead of, or in addition to, the locking arrangement  290 , lift assist devices, such as springs, air cylinders, etc. (none shown) could replace the locking arrangement  290  to aid in the user&#39;s raising of the drive column  106  from the deployed position to the retracted position. In one example implementation, such springs or air cylinder could be attached to and extend between the pin, bolt, etc. pivot point  292   c  where end  292   a  of arm  292  is attached to the back plate  212   a  and the pin, bolt, etc. pivot point  294   c  where end  294   a  of arm  294  is attached to the link support. 
       FIGS.  10 - 13    illustrate other example implementations of apparatus  10  in accordance with the present disclosure.  FIG.  10    is a perspective view of an alternate example implementation of a four-bar linkage for a pedal drive mount system for watercraft of the present disclosure having a sliding locking member component  280 , which includes a plate having a generally inverted flattened U-shape with an upper panel  280   a  with downwardly extending side panels  280   b ,  280   c , each having an outwardly extending flange  280   d ,  280   e , respectively, extending therefrom. Extending generally perpendicularly outwardly from each flange  280   d ,  280   e  is a post  282 . Flanges  280   d ,  280   e , are slidingly received relative to each of lower links  224 ,  224   c.    
     In an example implementation, locking member component  280  slidingly straddles first base plate  272  and/or second base plate  274  and is movable between a, first, unlocking position, as shown in  FIGS.  10  and  12   , to a second, locking position, shown in  FIG.  13   , where the four-bar linkage is in the extended, operable position for operating the propulsion system  102 . In the locking position, the four-bar linkage is in the retracted, stowed position, where locking member component  280  automatically moves or slides downwardly to the position shown in  FIG.  13    due to the force of gravity and/or is manually moved downwardly through engagement of one or more of posts  282  by the user. In this second, locking position, upper panel  280   a  movement engages with lower projections  252 ,  252   a  to physically block the four-bar linkage from moving towards the extended, operable position. 
     Four-bar linkage arrangements  200 ,  300  can be selectively locked in the stowed position using a bolt/wingnut  276 ,  278   c  combination, as shown in  FIG.  9   , or by various other lacking devices, such as clips, pins, twist locks, toggle locks (none shown) and/or the like. 
     The above-disclosed features and functions, as well as alternatives, may be combined into many other different apparatuses or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may be made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed implementations.