Handheld propulsion unit for use by a user in and under water

A handheld propulsion unit for use by a user in and under water, the handheld propulsion unit comprising:

• a tubular shaped housing assembly having a forward end and an opposing rearward end;
• a channel defined by the tubular shaped housing assembly for allowing a flow of water to move through the tubular shaped housing assembly;
• a forward ribbing spanning a forward end of channel and a rearward ribbing spanning a rearward end of the channel;
• an electric motor coaxially aligned with the channel and such that the entire electric motor is substantially between the forward end forward end and the rearward end of the tubular shaped housing;
• a propeller coaxially aligned with the channel, positioned between the forward ribbing and rearward ribbing and coaxially aligned and coupled directly to a rotating part of the electric motor thereby eliminating at least one of a drive transfer assembly and drive transfer housing from spanning the forward end of the channel;
• the tubular shaped housing assembly defining a first hand grip on a first side and a second hand grip on a second side of an outward facing wall of tubular shaped housing assembly, the first hand grip and second hand grip are configured for being held by the user and allowing the user to maneuver a thrust provided by the flow of water through the channel when the propeller is operating;
• a first knob protruding from the first handgrip and a second knob protruding from the second handgrip, the first knob and second knob are configured for being engaged by the user;
• and,
• a processor and electrical circuitry, housed within the tubular shaped housing, and in electrical communication with the electric motor and the battery power source, wherein the processor is configured for controlling electrical energy provided by the battery power source to the motor, and wherein electrical energy from the battery source to the electric motor is provided only if continuous force acts on the first knob and the second knob causing both first knob and the second knob to remain in an engaged position.

A method of propelling a user in and under water, wherein the method comprises:

• a. providing a handheld propulsion unit, wherein handheld propulsion unit comprises:
• a tubular shaped housing assembly having a forward end and an opposing rearward end;
• a channel defined by the tubular shaped housing assembly for allowing a flow of water to move through the tubular shaped housing assembly;
• at least one frame member connected to the tubular shaped housing and attaching an electric motor within the channel such that the electric motor is coaxially aligned with the channel and such that the entire electric motor is substantially between the forward end and the rearward end of the tubular shaped housing;
• a propeller coaxially coupled directly to a rotating part of the electric motor thereby eliminating at least one of a drive transfer assembly and a drive transfer housing from spanning the channel;
• and,
• the tubular shaped housing assembly defining a first hand grip on a first side and a second hand grip on a second side of an outward facing wall of tubular shaped housing assembly, the first hand grip and second hand grip are configured for being held by the user and allowing the user to maneuver a thrust provided by the flow of water through the channel when the propeller is operating;
• b. causing electrical energy to activate the electric motor causing the propeller to spin such that water moves into the channel uninterrupted by the at least one of the drive transfer assembly and drive transfer housing.