Various recreational water devices are available that allow users to mechanically propel themselves along the surface of bodies of water such as lakes and swimming pools. Such devices provide the user with a means of enjoying the water and a pleasurable method of exercising.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,772,237 to Zalkauskas discloses a paddle boat having a closed loop flexible member with a plurality of paddles pivotally connected thereto. The user sits on the boat and rotates the pedals which advances the flexible member and propels the boat forward. The paddle boat, however, does not allow the user to have direct contact with the water. Further, a paddle stop attached to each paddle requires a large clearance above the upper run of the flexible member, which makes the drive apparatus bulky.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,779,202 to Martin et al. discloses a manually propelled water craft upon which the user lies prone and cranks a paddle wheel to move the craft forward. Rotation of a crank with the hands, however, is not a comfortable or powerful motion and prevents the user from resting on his elbows when propelling the water craft.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,578,584 and 1,071,113 to Cromer and Teters respectively disclose swimming appliances wherein the user lies prone and pedals to propel the appliance. The Cromer '584 patent incorporates two paddle wheels for propulsion whereas the Teters '113 patent uses a single propeller. Both appliances are complex and have exposed moving parts that could injure the user or other swimmers. In addition, the rotational speed of the paddle wheels and propeller are substantially equivalent to the rotational speed of the pedals, which limits the maximum attainable linear speed of the appliances.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a recreational water apparatus that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a paddle board that allows the user to operate the paddle board in a comfortable and efficient position.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a paddle board wherein the linear speed of the paddle board is not limited by the rotational speed of the pedals.
It is yet another object to provide a paddle board with a compact and lightweight drive mechanism in which moving parts are enclosed to avoid injuring the user.