Hydro wings, watercraft propulsion devices with additional inherent advantages

Abstract

A paddle construction for watercraft applications, engineered to efficiently provide thrust and reduce form drag with other advantages inherent to the structure. The paddle has a means of actuation and a body. The body has at least one leading edge, at least one trailing edge, and at least one chord extending between the leading and trailing edges. The body has at least one thickness that varies along the length of the chord(s) from the leading edge(s) to the trailing edge(s), and therefore has at least one maximum thickness. The maximum thickness is located closer to the leading edge(s) than the trailing edge(s). This construction provides for at least one body portion tapered from the area(s) of maximum thickness to the trailing edge(s) to reduce form drag during use.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an improved paddle construction for rowing boats and many other varieties of watercraft. More particularly, this invention relates to creating more efficient paddles than those used heretofore by reducing form drag. The paddles which incorporate this advantage allow water to flow around the front of the paddle without excessive resistance and have tapered rear sections.

[0004] Conventional paddles of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 have been used for thousands of years to propel various watercrafts through the water and have remained largely unchanged in structure during this time. In addition to propelling various watercrafts through the water, it is common knowledge that paddles have long been used for maneuvering, reducing speed, stopping, and reversing the direction of travel of various watercraft. Conventional wisdom holds that a paddle or an oar must be a flat, thin, wide piece attached to the end of a handle or other suitable means of actuation. As the paddle is drawn through the water in a typically arc-like path, the front of the paddle will abut the water and resist movement of the paddle through the water. As the watercraft can move along the top of the water more easily than the paddle can be drawn through the water, the watercraft begins to move in a direction generally opposite the path of the paddle through the water. Additionally, it is believed the larger the surface area of the front face of a paddle, the greater the resistance the paddle provides to moving through the water and therefore a greater amount of thrust may be transferred to moving the watercraft. Problems, however, arise when attempting to increase the surface area of the flat paddles of prior art.

[0005] One problem is that as the width of the front face is increased, the user of the paddle must in turn hold it out farther from the edge of the watercraft to accommodate the increased width thereby placing a greater strain on the user's arm and back. In other words, the wider the front face of the paddle, the farther the handle must be held away from the side of the watercraft. Another problem is that if one attempts to increase the surface area of the front of the paddle by lengthening the flattened blade portion, one quickly runs into a similar problem as the user's arm length restricts how high the paddle can be raised to withdraw it from the water for the return stroke. In other words, if the paddle is too long, a user will not be able to easily remove it from the water to advance it and proceed with another thrust stroke. Additionally, if a paddle or an oar is too long, a user will have to work harder to move it through the water due to the increased length from the end of the body of the paddle to the fulcrum.

[0006] Consequently, several attempts have been made to increase the amount of thrust that can be provided by a paddle of a standard size. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,482 to Becker Jr. discloses a paddle which attempts to increase the thrust provided by the paddle by disposing a pair of flanges on the peripheral edges of the flat blade portion. The inventor indicates that the flanges help prevent the flow of water over the sides of the paddle during use thus increasing the efficiency of the paddle. A similar effort to increase the efficiency of a paddle by increasing the amount of thrust it can provide is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,434 to Heaven. This paddle is also designed to increase thrust by impeding the flow of water up and around the blade when the paddle is drawn through the water during use. The face of the blade is provided with a rippled-like surface which takes the form of generally latitudinally running curled fins to direct the flow of water downward and inward.

[0007] As can be readily seen, it is the general view of those in the prior art that in order to increase the efficiency of a paddle one must increase the amount of thrust that can be provided by the paddle. It is, however, the belief of the present inventor that the true efficiency of a paddle is essentially a function of the energy invested in a power stroke and the thrust generated, and wherein drag and nonproductive water turbulence account for the majority of the energy not converted into thrust. Thrust is the force produced by the energy applied to the paddle, and is generated in generally the opposite direction to which the paddle travels through the water during a thrust stroke. In the field of Physics, this thrust force is also known as Work. Drag, for lack of a better term, is a force or an effect generated by the interaction and contact between the paddle and the water, as the paddle moves through the water. The drag effect opposes and/or diminishes the thrust force by absorbing energy invested in the thrust stroke without producing useful work. In other words, a portion of the energy invested in the thrust stoke of the paddles of prior art is simply wasted effort. Therefore, a perfectly efficient paddle would have very low drag, would not generate nonproductive turbulence in the water and all of the energy invested in the power stroke would be converted to thrust. Nonproductive water turbulence will be considered an integral part of drag as it relates to the present invention, and as such, the terms will be considered generally interchangeable throughout this document.

[0008] The paddles of prior art have attempted to increase the efficiency of their various paddles by increasing the thrust they can provide yet have done nothing significant to decrease drag and wasted effort. Therefore, there is a need for a paddle construction that improves the efficiency of a paddle by decreasing drag. The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of prior art and fills these and other needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is a general object of the present invention to provide a paddle which decreases the amount of drag present with prior art paddles.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to increase the efficiency of a paddle by reducing drag.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to reduce the amount of drag associated with a paddle by incorporating a rear section engineered to facilitate a reduction in nonproductive water turbulence as water reoccupies the area behind the body of the paddle during use.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide buoyancy when deemed desirable for a given application, or in the event of an emergency.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to produce lift when moved through the water, when deemed desirable for a given application.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a means of actuation that reduces the amount of drag associated with a paddle by incorporating a means of actuation with a rear section engineered to facilitate a reduction in nonproductive water turbulence as water reoccupies the area behind the said means of actuation during use.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a means of actuation that can produce supplemental thrust, when deemed desirable for a given application.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a means of actuation that can produce supplemental lift, when deemed desirable for a given application.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a means of actuation that can provide supplemental buoyancy, when deemed desirable for a given application.

[0018] In order to overcome the above stated problems and limitations of prior art, and to achieve the noted objects, there is provided a paddle with a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a distance there between called a chord. The thickness of the paddle varies along the length of the chord and has a maximum thickness that is generally located closer to the leading edge than the trailing edge. The paddle is tapered from a point of maximum thickness to the trailing edge to reduce form drag on the paddle during use.

[0019] One of the Hydro Wing embodiments devised by the present inventor incorporating the desired features is illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 and 9. The paddle has an example handle portion and a paddle portion. The shape of the paddle portion is most simply described as generally a teardrop shape or snow cone shape shown in a generally horizontal orientation. While the terms, teardrop and snow cone, may connote objects that have slightly different shapes, these terms should not be construed as describing specific shapes, but instead should be viewed as referring to a general shape. Therefore, these terms will be used interchangeably throughout this document. More specifically, the paddle portion has a front section that is generally the shape of a half sphere where the leading edge is located, and a rear section that is generally the shape of a cone. The paddle is orientated such that the apex of the cone is the trailing edge of the paddle during a thrust stroke, and therefore the apex points in the general direction that the craft travels.

[0020] A second Hydro Wing embodiment which incorporates the novel features of the current invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6-9. In this embodiment, the paddle portion has a similar cross-section to the previous embodiment, however, the paddle portion has been elongated along an axis generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the example handle portion. In simple terms, the paddle has a front section which resembles half of a hotdog, the hotdog having been cut along its longitudinal axis, and a rear section which tapers from every point along the periphery of the front section to a line segment. More specifically, the front section has a central portion that is the general shape of half of a cylinder, a cylinder bisected along its longitudinal axis, and two end portions that are each the shape of a quarter sphere, with the leading edge located on the front section. The rear section also has a central portion which is comprised of two generally planar surfaces converging to a line segment which in simple terms takes the general shape of a wedge, and two end portions which are each the shape of half of a cone. The trailing edge is located on the rear surface. In simple terms, this embodiment may be considered generally similar in appearance to an aircraft wing.

[0021] The third Hydro Wing embodiment that incorporates the novel features of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 10. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment and the description thereof, but for a difference in the shape of the front section of the paddle portion. In this embodiment, the front section is generally dome shaped or convex shaped as opposed to the half spherical shape of the front section of the first embodiment. The front section of this embodiment also provides for a flattened dome that may even have a planar portion thereon. It is not beyond the scope of the present invention to allow a concave portion located on the front section as well. The rear section of the paddle portion of this embodiment is generally conical and therefore similar to the rear section of the first embodiment, and the description thereof.

[0022] A forth Hydro Wing embodiment which incorporates the novel features of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 11. This embodiment has a paddle portion that takes the shape of an annular ring member. Described simply, the front section of the paddle portion of this embodiment is annular and has a cross-section of a half circle. The leading edge is located on the front surface. The rear section of the paddle portion of this embodiment is also annular and has two converging surfaces that meet to form a ring. The ring is the trailing edge of this embodiment. The leading edge and trailing edge of this embodiment are of a similar diameter. The cross-section of the annular ring body is generally similar to the cross-section of the other embodiments and therefore can be similar to a teardrop or an aircraft wing.

[0023] A fifth Hydro Wing embodiment that incorporates the novel features of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 12. This embodiment is similar to the forth in that it has an annular body portion of a generally similar shape and description to the forth. Unlike the forth embodiment, the leading edge and the trailing edge of this fifth embodiment are of different diameters. The cross-section of the annular ring body is generally similar to the cross-section of the other embodiments and therefore can be similar to a teardrop or an aircraft wing. FIG. 12 illustrates the case where the leading edge is of a greater diameter than the trailing edge, resulting in a paddle body generally resembling a windsock.

[0024] A sixth Hydro Wing embodiment that incorporates the novel features of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 13. This embodiment is a combination of the paddle portions of the first embodiment, the second embodiment and the forth embodiment. The paddle portion includes an outer ring and a teardrop shaped inner portion spaced apart by smaller wing like members. This embodiment can also be constructed with an inner body portion similar to the third embodiment and an outer ring portion similar to the fifth embodiment, or any other combination of the embodiments of the present invention without straying from the basic principles unique to the present invention.

[0025] A seventh Hydro Wing embodiment that incorporates the novel features of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 14. The paddle portion of this embodiment has no curved portions, but only planar surfaces meeting at various angles. The paddle portion has a “stealth” wing appearance. The front section of the paddle has a triangular cross-section and a rear section of the paddle also has a triangular cross-section. Staying with the basic principles unique to the present invention, the paddle has a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a distance there between called a chord. The thickness of the paddle body varies along the length of the chord and has a maximum thickness that is located closer to the leading edge than the trailing edge. The body of the paddle is tapered from the area of maximum thickness to the trailing edge.

[0026] An eighth Hydro Wing embodiment of a paddle that incorporates the novel features of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. The paddle portion of this embodiment when viewed from the front or rear has a generally elliptical ring shape. When viewed from the top or the bottom, is bowed or curved unlike the various shapes of the previous embodiments which are shown with a pair of points, or generally straight lines, or circular lines located within generally parallel planes, for leading and trailing edges. The sides of the elliptical ring of the paddle portion of this embodiment are substantially flattened to present two generally parallel aircraft wing like portions. These sides are joined at the ends by segments of a similar shape. A cross-section of the elliptical ring's paddle portion is illustrated in FIG. 16, and is generally the same shape as a cross-section of a teardrop along its longitudinal axis or similar to that of an aircraft wing. The leading edge is located along the generally rounded front section of the paddle body, and trailing edge is located at the apex of the converging surfaces of the rear section.

[0027] Further objects, features and the advantages of the present invention over prior art will become apparent from the detailed descriptions of the drawings that follow, when considered with the attached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The objects and features of the present invention noted above are explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paddle of prior art;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the paddle of prior art of FIG. 1 taken along the lines of 2-2;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a paddle of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a front view of the paddle of FIG. 3;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a side view of the paddle of FIG. 3;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a paddle of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a front view of the paddle of FIG. 6;

[0036] FIG. 8 is a side view of the paddle of FIG. 6;

[0037] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the paddles of FIGS. 3-5 and 6-8;

[0038] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a paddle of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a forth embodiment of a paddle of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a paddle of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a paddle of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a paddle of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a paddle of the present invention in use; and

[0044] FIG. 16 is a cut away perspective view of the paddle of FIG. 15 taken generally along the area depicted in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, the perspective view of FIG. 1 illustrates a typical paddle of prior art like those found on many small and medium sized watercraft. FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the paddle of FIG. 1 taken along the lines of 2-2 while the paddle is in use in any given body of water. The direction the paddle is being moved through the water is indicated by the largest directional arrow. On the other side of the paddle of prior art a vortex in the water is indicated near each edge of the paddle. Such vortexes seem to be an unavoidable form of nonproductive turbulence common to all known flat bodied paddles of prior art.

[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 and 9, numeral 10 designates a first embodiment of a Hydro Wing paddle. The paddle includes a simple example handle portion 12 and a body or a paddle portion 14. The example handle is generally elongate in nature and consequently has a corresponding longitudinal axis 16. The handle has a proximal end portion 18 and a user engageable distal end (not shown).

[0047] The body 14 has a generally snow cone like shape. The body has a longitudinal axis 20 that is in a generally horizontal orientation. The longitudinal axis 20 of the body 14 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12, however, such an arrangement with any given Hydro Wing's means of actuation is not required. The body 14 has a leading edge 22 and a trailing edge 24. The leading edge of this embodiment is a point where the longitudinal axis 20 leaves the body 14. Additionally, in this embodiment, the trailing edge 24 is a point where the longitudinal axis 20 leaves the body generally opposite the leading edge.

[0048] The body 14 has a chord 26. The chord 26 is a straight line between the leading edge 22 and the trailing edge 24 and represents the distance between the leading edge and the trailing edge. In the present embodiment, the chord 26 lies on the longitudinal axis of the body 14.

[0049] The body 14 may be divided into an upper portion 28 having an upper surface 30, and a lower portion 32 having a lower surface 34, by a plane that includes the longitudinal axis 20 of the body and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12. The body has a generally vertical thickness 36 that represents the distance between the upper surface 30 and the lower surface 34 along the chord 26. The thickness 36 of the body 14 varies along the length of the chord 26. Consequently, the body has a maximum thickness 38. The maximum thickness 38 is located closer to the leading edge 22 than the trailing edge 24. As illustrated, the maximum thickness 38 lies on the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12, however, such an arrangement with a given means of actuation is not required. There is a similar horizontal thickness that varies in a generally similar fashion along the chord 26 with a maximum horizontal thickness 39. The maximum horizontal thickness as drawn lies on the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12, however, such an arrangement with a given means of actuation is not required.

[0050] The body 14 of the paddle 10 also has a front section 40 and a rear section 42. The front and rear sections are separated by a plane that includes the maximum thickness 38 and the maximum thickness 39 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20 of the body. Everything forward of the plane is the front section 40 and everything rearward of the plane is the rear section 42. The front section 40 includes a front surface 44 and the rear section 42 includes a rear surface 46. The leading edge 22 is located on the front surface 44 and the trailing edge 24 is located on the rear surface 46.

[0051] The shape of the body of the paddle of the first embodiment may also be described in terms of geometrical and geographical shapes of the front section and rear section. The front section 40 has the general shape of half of a sphere or a hemisphere. The rear section 42 has the general shape of a cone.

[0052] Turning now to a second embodiment of a Hydro Wing paddle of the present invention, FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a paddle having a simple example handle 12 and a body or paddle portion 48. The example handle again has a longitudinal axis 16 and is similar to the handle of the first embodiment and the description thereof The body 48 of the second embodiment is also somewhat similar to the body 14 of the first embodiment in that the body 48 has an upper portion 50 which is generally the same shape as the upper portion 28 of the body 14. The body 48 also has a lower portion 52 which is generally the same shape as the lower portion 32 of the body 14 of the first embodiment. The main difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the body 48 of the second embodiment includes a middle portion 54 which spaces the top portion 50 from the bottom portion 52. In other words, the body of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the body 48 appears to have been stretched along the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12. Both the upper and lower portions of the body 48 have a shape which is generally that of a half of a teardrop, the teardrop being bisected along its longitudinal axis.

[0053] The body 48 also has a leading edge 56 and a trailing edge 58. In this embodiment, the leading edge 56 is a line segment on the front surface of the middle portion 54 of the body 48, which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12. The trailing edge in this embodiment is a line segment on the rear surface of the middle portion 54 of the body which is generally parallel to both the leading edge 56 and the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12. The leading edge and the trailing edge are shown in the same plane and parallel, but they are not to be limited to this configuration.

[0054] A chord 60 connects the leading edge 56 and the trailing edge 58. The body 48 has a vertical thickness 62 that varies along the length of the chord 60 and has a resulting maximum vertical thickness 64. The body also has a horizontal thickness that varies along the chord 60 and has a resulting maximum horizontal thickness 65. The area of maximum thickness is closer to the leading edge 56 than the trailing edge 58 and as drawn lies generally on the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12, however, such an arrangement with the given means of actuation is not required.

[0055] As with the first embodiment, the body of the second embodiment can be described in terms of its geometrical shapes. The body 48 therefore has a front section 66 and a rear section 68. The front section 66 and rear sections 68 are separated by a plane which includes the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle and is perpendicular to the chord 60. The body has a front surface 70 and a rear surface 72. The front section 66 of the upper portion 50 and the front section 66 of the lower portion 52 each have the shape of a quarter sphere. The front section of the middle portion 54 has the shape of a half cylinder, a cylinder that has been bisected along its longitudinal axis. The leading edge 56 is located on the front surface 70 of the middle portion 54.

[0056] The rear section 68 of the upper portion 50 and the rear section 68 of the lower portion 52 each have the shape of a half cone, a cone having been bisected along its longitudinal axis. The rear section 68 of the middle portion 54 generally resembles a wedge and has a triangular crosssection. Additionally, the rear surface 72 of the middle portion 54 is represented as two planar surfaces converging to an apex. The apex forms the trailing edge 58 of the second embodiment.

[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment of a Hydro Wing paddle of the present invention. The paddle has a simple example handle portion 12 with a longitudinal axis 16 and a body or paddle portion 74. The body has a front section 76 and a rear section 78. The front section 76 has a front surface 80 and the rear section 78 has a rear surface 82. The front section has a leading edge 84 and the rear section has a trailing edge 86. The leading edge 84 is located on the front surface 80, and the trailing edge 86 is located on the rear surface 82.

[0058] In simple terms, the front section of the body 74 of the third embodiment is generally the shape of a top bun of a hamburger bun. In more technical terms, the front section 76 of the body 74 is generally dome shaped or convex shaped. If the front surface is truly rounded the leading edge 84 is a point on the front surface 80. However, the front surface may take the shape of a flattened dome and may even include a planar surface. In such an instance, an area of the planar surface becomes the leading edge 84.

[0059] The rear section 78 is generally conical in shape and can be considered generally identical to the rear section 42 of the first embodiment in shape, intended function and description. Consequently, the trailing edge 86 of the third embodiment is a point at the apex of the conical rear section.

[0060] The body 74 has a longitudinal axis 88 which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12. The longitudinal axis 88 includes the chord 90 which extends between the leading edge 84 and the trailing edge 86. The body also has a thickness that varies along the length of the chord. The body therefore has a maximum thickness that is closer to the leading edge than the trailing edge and as drawn lies along the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12. The distinction between the front section 76 and the rear section 78 is a plane which includes the longitudinal axis 16 of the handle and is perpendicular to the chord 90, but again, the chosen means of actuation for this embodiment is not to be limited to this location or configuration.

[0061] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a forth embodiment of a Hydro Wing paddle of the present invention. The paddle is drawn with a simple example handle portion 12 with a longitudinal axis 16 and a body or paddle portion 92. The body 92 in this embodiment takes the form of an annular ring. The body 92 has a leading edge 94 and a trailing edge 96. As the body is ring shaped, the leading edge 94 and the trailing edge 96 are circles. The body 92 has a chord 98 which extends between the leading and trailing edges. As the leading edge 94 and the trailing edge 96 are circles, the chord that connects them takes the general form of a tube.

[0062] The ring has a thickness that varies along the length of the chord 98. Consequently, the ring has an area of maximum thickness. This area of maximum thickness is closer to the leading edge 94 than the trailing edge 96 and as illustrated lies in a plane which includes the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12, but is not to be limited to this configuration with any given means of actuation. The ring has a cross-section which resembles a cross-section of a snow cone bisected along its longitudinal axis, but could more closely resemble the cross-section of an aircraft wing if deemed more desirable for a given application.

[0063] The shape of the body 92 of the present embodiment may be described in terms of its geometrical shapes. In this regard, the body has a front section 100 and a rear section 102. The division between the front section 100 and the rear section 102 is a plane that is perpendicular to the chord 98 and which includes the maximum thickness of the body. The front section 100 has a front surface 104. In common terms the front section and front surface have the shape of half a hula hoop, or half of a doughnut bisected from the outside circumference through to the inside diameter. More specifically, the front section is a ring and has a cross-section that has the general appearance of a half circle. The leading edge 94 is located on the front surface 104 of the body 92. The rear section 102 has a rear surface 106 that includes two converging surfaces that meet in a circular apex. A cross-section of the rear section of the body 92 is generally similar to a crosssection of a cone bisected along its longitudinal axis. The trailing edge 96 is located on the rear surface 106 at the circular apex.

[0064] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a Hydro Wing paddle of the present invention. While FIG. 11 illustrates a paddle with a ring shaped body 92 having a leading edge 94 and a trailing edge 96 with generally the same diameter, FIG. 12 illustrates such a relationship between the leading and trailing edges is not required. The fifth embodiment has a simple example handle 12 with a longitudinal axis 16 and a body or paddle portion 108. The body 108 in this embodiment is the shape of an annular member. The body has a leading edge 110 and a trailing edge 112. The body 108 has a chord 114 which extends between the leading and trailing edges. As with the forth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the leading edge 110 and the trailing edge 112 are circles. However, in this embodiment the diameter of the leading edge 110 is larger than the diameter of the trailing edge 112. Therefore, the body 108 has the general appearance of a windsock and the chord 114 that connects the leading edge and the trailing edge is the general shape of a tapered tube or a frustum. While FIG. 12 illustrates a paddle where the leading edge has a larger diameter than the trailing edge, it is within the scope of the present embodiment to provide for a paddle of a generally similar embodiment where the leading edge may have a smaller diameter than that of the trailing edge, if deemed more desirable for a given application.

[0065] The body 108 has a thickness that varies along the length of the chord 114 and has a resulting area of maximum thickness. The area of maximum thickness is closer to the leading edge 110 than the trailing edge 112 and as illustrated, lies in the general proximity of the longitudinal axis 16 of the example handle 12, but again, the chosen means of actuation is not to be limited to the location or configuration. The body 108 has a cross-section that resembles a cross-section of a teardrop bisected along its longitudinal axis, or the cross-section of an aircraft wing like shape.

[0066] The body has a front section 116 and a rear section 118. The division between the front section 116 and rear section 118 is generally perpendicular to the chord 114 and which generally includes the area of maximum thickness of the body 108. The front section 116 is annular, has a front surface 120, and has a cross-section that has the general appearance of a half circle. The leading edge 110 is located on the front surface 120 of the body 108. The rear section 118 has a rear surface 122 that includes two converging surfaces that meet in a circular apex. A cross-section of the rear section has the general shape of a cross-section of a cone bisected along its longitudinal axis. The trailing edge 112 is located on the rear surface at the circular apex.

[0067] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a Hydro Wing paddle of the present invention. The paddle has a simple example handle 12 with a longitudinal axis 16 and a body or paddle portion 124. The body 124 of this embodiment is a combination of the body 14 of the first embodiment, the body 48 of the second embodiment and the body 92 of the forth embodiment. Consequently, the body 124 has an outer annular portion 126 and an inner teardrop shaped portion 128. The inner teardrop shaped portion 128 is encompassed by the outer annular portion 126 and is generally located centrally therein. The inner portion 128 is spaced apart from the outer portion 126 by a plurality of wing-like or rod-like spacer members 130, though as few as one such member may be used if deemed adequate for a given application.

[0068] As with the other embodiments, the body has a leading edge 132 and a trailing edge 134. In this embodiment, portions of the leading edge may be found on the outer annular portion 126, the inner portion 128 and the rod-like spacer members 130. Similarly, portions of the trailing edge 134 may also be found on the annular portion 126, the inner portion 128 and the rod like members 130. It is to be understood that any of the described body portions may be positioned somewhat further forward, even with, or somewhat behind any other body portion. Also, the dimensions of any given body portion may be larger or smaller than the dimensions of the other portion(s) of a paddle of the present embodiment.

[0069] The annular portion 126, the inner portion 128 and the rod-like spacer members 130 all form parts of the body 124. Each of the said body parts has a chord which extends between the leading edge and the trailing edge of each body part. Additionally, as already discussed in detail in the descriptions of the first, second and forth embodiments, each part has a thickness that varies along the length of the chord. Each part of the body has a resulting area of maximum thickness. The area of maximum thickness of each body part is generally located closer to its leading edge than its trailing edge.

[0070] The portion of the leading edge 132 on the outer annular portion 126 is a circle located on a front surface 136 of a front section 138 of the annular portion. A portion of the trailing edge 134 is located on a rear surface 140 at the circular apex of the rear section 142 of the annular portion 126. A portion of the leading edge 132 on the inner portion 128 is located on a front surface 144 of a front section 146 of the inner portion 128. A portion of the trailing edge 134 is located on a rear surface 148 of the rear section 150 of the inner portion 128. A portion of the leading edge 132 on the spacer members 130 is located on the front surface 152 of a front section 154 of the spacer members, and a portion of the trailing edge 134 is located on a rear surface 156 of a rear section 158 of the spacer members.

[0071] The geometrical shapes associated with the inner teardrop shaped portion 128, the wing like spacer portions 130, and the outer annular portion 126 have been previously discussed in detail in connection with the discussions of the first embodiment, second embodiment and the forth embodiment. It should be noted, however, that the body 74 of the third embodiment could be substituted for the inner teardrop shaped portion 128 of the present embodiment. By the same logic, other embodiments or features of other embodiments of the present invention could be substituted for the various illustrated portions of the sixth embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0072] The wing like spacer members 130, generally resemble the second embodiment of the present invention which has previously been discussed in detail. It should be understood that the smaller these members are, the less they will be able to generate any significant thrust, and/or lift, and/or provide substantial buoyancy. Following this logic, the smaller they are, the less they would produce any significant drag and/or nonproductive turbulence. In this regard, small spacer members could have a round cross-section and have minimal impact on the perceived efficiency of the paddle.

[0073] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a Hydro Wing paddle of the present invention. The paddle has a simple example handle portion 12 with a longitudinal axis 16 and a body portion 160. The flat surfaces give the body 160 the appearance of a stealth wing. The body as drawn has only flat surfaces, but is not to be limited to a completely flat surfaced configuration, it may make use of a combination of surface configurations, like each of the other embodiments of the present invention. Following the basic principles of the present invention, the body has a leading edge 162, a trailing edge 164, and a chord 166 that extends between the leading edge and the trailing edge.

[0074] The body 160 has a thickness that varies along the length of the chord 166, therefore, the body has an area of maximum thickness. The area of maximum thickness is closer to the leading edge 162 than the trailing edge 164. Unlike the previous illustrations, FIG. 14 illustrates a construction where the example handle is not attached to the body portion 160 in such a location that the area of maximum thickness lies on the longitudinal axis 16 of the handle 12. Instead, FIG. 14 illustrates the handle being attached to the body rearward of the area of maximum thickness. It should be noted that the example handle or other chosen means of actuation could be attached to the body 160 at the area of maximum thickness or even further forward. The same holds true for any of the other embodiments of the present invention and the chosen means of actuation.

[0075] The body 160 has a front section 168 and a rear section 170. The division between the front section 168 and the rear section 170 is a plane that is perpendicular to the chord 166 and which includes the maximum thickness of the body 160.

[0076] The front section 168 has a front surface 172 which is primarily comprised of two planar surfaces that diverge from a linear apex. The apex includes the leading edge 162. The rear section 170 has a rear surface 174 which is comprised of two converging planar surfaces that meet in an apex. The apex of the rear surface 174 includes the trailing edge 164.

[0077] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate perspective views of an eighth embodiment of a Hydro Wing paddle of the present invention. The body or paddle has a simple example handle portion 12 with a longitudinal axis 16 and a body or paddle portion 176. In this embodiment, the body 176 has the general shape of an elliptical ring. As drawn the elliptical ring is flattened such that the two elongate sides of the elliptical ring are generally parallel to each other and thereby present two generally parallel aircraft wing like shapes, but this embodiment is not to be limited to parallel configurations.

[0078] The elliptical body includes a leading edge 178 and a trailing edge 180. As can be seen in FIG. 16, a cross-section of the body 176 shows a chord 182 connecting the leading edge 178 and the trailing edge 180. The cross-section is generally similar to that of a teardrop bisected along its longitudinal axis or of that of an aircraft wing like shape and illustrates that the body has a thickness that varies along the length of the chord 182 from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The body also has a maximum thickness 184 that is closer to the leading edge than the trailing edge.

[0079] The body 176 has a front surface 186 and a rear surface 188. The leading edge 178 is found on the front surface 186 and the trailing edge 180 is found on the rear surface 188. As the elliptical ring is drawn, it is generally symmetrical, the leading edge 178 and the trailing edge 180 have generally the same shape, and are generally the same size, but the present embodiment is not to be limited to this configuration. The front surface 186 and the rear surface 188 join at an area of maximum thickness 184. The front surface 186 has a generally half-circular cross-section and the rear surface 188 has a cross-section generally similar to that of a cone bisected along its longitudinal axis.

[0080] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate the paddle of the eighth embodiment being used as an oar and would be traveling through a generally horizontal arc as a result. It should be noted that all of the embodiments may be used in a generally horizontal fashion, or a generally vertical fashion or through any range of motion there between.

[0081] It is to be understood that the work that can be produced by the use of a paddle or paddles of the present embodiment is generally enhanced by the illustrated arrangement of the two elongate sides of the elliptical ring as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. This also holds true for similar elongate Hydro Wing paddle members where the chord associated with one side member is not parallel to the chord of the other side member. Any such cooperative arrangement of Hydro Wing paddle members is generally capable of producing more work than identical individual members would tend to produce when disassociated from one another, or when in conflict with one another. To state this principle of the current invention in other terms, the productivity of a coordinated placement of a given number of Hydro Wing members will generally exceed the productivity of a like number of identical Hydro Wing members that are not working in a cooperative fashion.

[0082] It is to be understood that it is within the scope of the present invention to provide for a paddle with two Hydro Wing portions arranged in a generally cooperative fashion that are not connected or joined at one or both ends and therefore do not form an elliptical ring. These two portions may be parallel or not, their chords may be parallel or not, and can be positioned and/or actuated in any way to better suit a given application. By the same logic, the present invention provides for a paddle comprised of more than two Hydro Wing portions arranged in a generally cooperative fashion, being generally parallel or not, their chords being generally parallel or not, and positioned and/or actuated in any way to better suit a given application.

[0083] While all of the embodiments of the current invention are illustrated as being generally symmetrical, it is to be understood that the various body or paddle portions need not be symmetrical. The physical dimensions, surface configurations, chord lengths and the maximum thickness of the paddle portions may change or vary substantially from one area of the paddle to another without departing from the basic principles unique to the present invention.

[0084] It is to be understood that all of the embodiments of the present invention may be moved through the water with the trailing edge(s) of the paddle positioned or otherwise turned to either side, and/or at any angle up or down to produce work in a direction not directly in line with the direction the craft is traveling. Such manipulation of the paddle(s) may be required to produce or enhance lift, and can also be used to enhance thrust, or to turn or maneuver the watercraft.

[0085] It is to be understood that the simple example handle 12 is not to be considered the only means of actuation for any of the paddles of the present invention. It is not beyond the scope of this invention to provide a handle or other means of actuation that is ergonomically engineered to maximize user comfort and/or efficiency for a given application.

[0086] While the handle for any Hydro Wing paddle may have a round cross-section as illustrated by the example handle 12, the paddle may benefit from a handle that has a cross-section generally similar to the longitudinal cross-section of the body of any of the Hydro Wing embodiments, if deemed desirable for a handle of a given application. The portion of such a handle that may be under water during a thrust stroke can provide supplemental buoyancy and can be used to produce supplemental thrust and/or lift while reducing the amount of drag the handle normally presents. The leading edge of such a handle would typically blend into the leading edge of the body. Similarly, the trailing edge of such a handle would typically blend into the trailing edge of the body. A substantial amount of stress is exerted on the typical paddle handle during use and as a result it can break under an unusually heavy load. In addition to making a handle more productive by incorporating a Hydro Wing like cross-section as described above, such a cross-sectional shape would generally tend to make the handle stronger. Additionally, a flat-bodied paddle or oar of prior art could also benefit from the advantages provided by utilizing a handle with a Hydro Wing like cross-section similar to the description above. Any other suitable means of actuation for a Hydro Wing paddle could benefit similarly by utilizing a cross-section similar to the description above, if deemed desirable for a given application.

[0087] Each of the embodiments as drawn includes a simple means of actuation, the example handle portion, but again, all of the embodiments of the present invention are not to be limited to this very elementary means of actuation. It is common knowledge that paddles of prior art used to propel various types of watercraft have been actuated and manipulated by means other than a simple manually operated handle. An obvious example would be the paddle wheel powered boats where several flat paddle members have been arranged around an axle, shaft or hub assembly. Any suitable means of actuation can be mounted or attached to a given Hydro Wing paddle, or an assembly of Hydro Wing paddles at any location or combination of locations deemed desirable for a given application. For instance, one or more Hydro Wing paddles can be mounted directly on or otherwise attached to a suitable power transmission belt, which would then be the means of actuation for the paddle(s).

[0088] The paddles of the present invention can be manufactured by a variety of methods commonly know to modem industry, including but not to be limited to, extrusion, casting, molding, shaping, carving and general assembly and fabrication. They can be manufactured using a wide variety of materials, including but not to be limited to, metals, plastics, rubbers, foams, organic materials, and composites of these and other such materials. It should be obvious that factors such as the given watercraft application, the chosen power source and anticipated paddle velocity would greatly effect the required materials and construction methods, as well as paddle shape and overall dimensions.

[0089] It should be understood that the descriptions and drawings of the embodiments in this document should not be construed to limit the construction of the body of any of the paddles of the present invention to a solid construction. The body could be a solid structure or a hollow or partially hollow member depending on the material or combination of materials and the methods of manufacturing chosen to be used to construct the given paddle body for the benefit of a given application.

[0090] It is to be understood that textured surfaces, concave areas, channels or ridges in any surface of a paddle are within the scope of the present invention. Such features could be employed to aid or direct the flow of water around the paddle, to provide thrust, provide lift, further reduce non-productive turbulence, and otherwise improve the performance of a given paddle for a given application.

[0091] It is to be understood that each embodiment of the present invention can be constructed to provide substantial buoyancy, if deemed desirable for a given application. This is due to the inherent three dimensional nature of Hydro Wing paddles. In such an application, the buoyancy provided by said paddle(s) can be used as the primary means of keeping the watercraft and cargo afloat, or in a supplemental capacity, and/or in the case of an emergency. In addition to these uses, Hydro Wing paddles can be used for stabilizing a given watercraft in rough water, therefore reducing the probability of it capsizing. In such an application, the paddles of the present invention perform this additional novel service in much the same way as an outrigger, the simple floating devise attached to the framework on the side of what is commonly referred to as an outrigger canoe, or other similar watercraft. It should be obvious and apparent that the potential buoyancy provided by any given Hydro Wing paddle is a product of the choice of materials used and the methods of construction employed to build a paddle of a given weight, when considered with the volume of fresh or salt water it is expected to displace. Stated another way, the potential buoyancy a given Hydro Wing can be expected to provide is approximately equal to the weight of the water it can be expected to displace, less the mass of the paddle.

[0092] It is to be understood that the paddles of the present invention can be used for a wide variety of applications with many of the various types of watercraft of prior art. Additionally, because the present invention possesses a unique combination of capabilities and advantages over the paddles of prior art, the present invention could ultimately be expected to be utilized by any number of watercraft designs unlike those of prior art.

[0093] It is common knowledge that paddles of prior art have been used to propel various types of watercrafts. Additionally, they have been used for maneuvering, reducing the rate of travel, stopping and even reversing the direction of travel of said watercrafts. It is to be understood that the paddles of the present invention fill these basic needs as well.

[0094] From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all ends and objects herein above set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and are inherent to the structure. It is to be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the present invention.

[0095] Since many possible embodiments may be made of the present invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention, and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. An efficient and versatile paddle apparatus for various watercraft, comprising: a paddle including a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a chord extending between the leading and trailing edges, the paddle including a thickness that varies along the chord to present an area of maximum thickness that is located closer to the leading edge than to the trailing edge, the paddle being generally tapered between the area of maximum thickness and the trailing edge to reduce form drag on the paddle during use.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the paddle includes a generally hemispherical surface and wherein the leading edge is disposed on the hemispherical surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the paddle includes a generally conical surface and wherein the trailing edge is disposed on the conical surface.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the paddle includes a generally conical surface and wherein the trailing edge is disposed on the conical surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the paddle includes a front surface having a generally half cylindrical portion wherein the leading edge is disposed on the front surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the paddle includes a rear surface with two converging planar sections and wherein the trailing edge is disposed on the rear surface.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the paddle includes a rear surface with two converging planar sections and wherein the trailing edge is disposed on the rear surface.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the paddle includes a front surface having a generally half cylindrical central portion with two opposed quarter spherical end portions and wherein the leading edge is disposed on the front surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the paddle includes a rear surface having a central portion with two converging planer sections with two opposed half conical end portions and wherein the trailing edge is disposed on the rear surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the paddle includes a rear surface having a central portion with two converging planer sections with two opposed half conical end portions and wherein the trailing edge is disposed on the rear surface.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the paddle includes a front surface having a generally dome shaped portion and wherein the leading edge is disposed on the front surface.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the generally dome shaped portion is partially flattened and wherein the leading edge is disposed on the generally planar area of the front surface.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the paddle includes a front surface having a generally annular portion and wherein the leading edge is disposed on the front surface.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the generally annular portion of the front surface has a generally half circular cross-section.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the paddle includes a rear surface having a generally annular portion and wherein the trailing edge is disposed on the rear surface.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the annular portion of the rear surface has a generally triangular cross-section.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the leading edge and trailing edge are generally circular in shape and wherein they are of similar diameters.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the leading edge and trailing edge are generally circular in shape and wherein they are of different diameters.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the paddle includes a front section having a generally triangular cross-section and wherein the leading edge is disposed on the front section.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the paddle includes a rear section having a generally triangular cross-section and wherein the trailing edge is disposed on the rear section.

21. An efficient and versatile paddle apparatus for various watercraft, comprising: a paddle including at least one leading edge, at least one trailing edge, and at least one chord extending between the leading and trailing edges, the paddle including at least one thickness that varies along the chord(s) to present at least one area of maximum thickness that is located closer to the leading edge(s) than to the trailing edge(s), the paddle being generally tapered between the area(s) of maximum thickness and the trailing edge(s) to reduce form drag on the paddle during use.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the paddle includes a generally teardrop shaped inner portion encompassed by an annular outer portion.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the generally teardrop shaped inner portion has a generally hemispherical surface and wherein the leading edge of the generally teardrop shaped inner portion is disposed on the generally hemispherical surface.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the teardrop shaped inner portion has a generally conical surface and wherein the trailing edge is disposed on the generally conical surface.

25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the annular outer portion has a front surface with a generally half circular cross-section and the leading edge of the annular outer portion is disposed on the front surface.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the annular outer portion has a rear section with two converging surface portions and wherein the trailing edge is disposed on the converging rear surfaces.

27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the paddle includes an elliptical ring portion that includes at least one front portion having at least one front surface and wherein the leading edge(s) is disposed on the front surface(s), and wherein the elliptical ring portion includes at least one rear portion having at least one rear surface, and wherein at least one trailing edge is disposed on the rear surface.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein a cross-section of the front surface(s) is generally half circular in shape.

29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein a cross-section of the rear portion(s) is generally triangular in shape.

30. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein a cross-section of the elliptical ring is generally teardrop shaped.

31. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein a cross-section of the elliptical ring is generally aircraft wing shaped.

32. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein a cross-section of the front portion of the elliptical ring is generally triangular.

33. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the elliptical ring has two generally parallel side portions such that the paddle has two aircraft wing like portions spaced apart in a generally parallel relationship.

34. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the paddle includes at least two body portions such that the paddle has at least two body portions spaced apart in a cooperative arrangement.

35. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the paddle includes at least two body portions such that the paddle has two aircraft wing like body portions spaced apart in a cooperative arrangement.

36. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the paddle includes at least two generally parallel body portions such that the paddle has at least two body portions spaced apart in a generally parallel and cooperative arrangement.

37. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the paddle includes at least two generally parallel body portions such that the paddle has at least two aircraft wing like body portions spaced apart in a generally parallel and cooperative arrangement.

38. An efficient and versatile paddle apparatus of a buoyant nature for various watercraft applications, comprising: a paddle including at least one leading edge, at least one trailing edge, and at least one chord extending between the leading and trailing edges, the paddle including at least one thickness that varies along the chord(s) to present at least one area of maximum thickness that is located closer to the leading edge(s) than to the trailing edge(s), the paddle being generally tapered between the area(s) of maximum thickness and the trailing edge(s) to reduce form drag on the paddle during use.

39. An efficient and versatile paddle apparatus capable of providing lift when moving through the water for various watercraft applications, comprising: a paddle including at least one leading edge, at least one trailing edge, and at least one chord extending between the leading and trailing edges, the paddle including at least one thickness that varies along the chord(s) to present at least one area of maximum thickness that is located closer to the leading edge(s) than to the trailing edge(s), the paddle being generally tapered between the area(s) of maximum thickness and the trailing edge(s) to reduce form drag on the paddle during use.

40. A sturdy, efficient and versatile means of actuation for a watercraft paddle apparatus, comprising: a means of actuation including a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a chord extending between the leading and trailing edges, the means of actuation including a thickness that varies along the chord to present an area of maximum thickness that is located closer to the leading edge than to the trailing edge, the means of actuation being generally tapered between the area of maximum thickness and the trailing edge to reduce form drag on the means of actuation during use.

41. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the means of actuation is capable of providing supplemental thrust.

42. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the means of actuation is capable of providing supplemental lift.

43. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the means of actuation provides supplemental buoyancy.