Propulsion apparatus for watercraft
OwnerJoseph D Mareshinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A watercraft propulsion apparatus includes an eccentric crank assembly operatively connected to a pair of fins adapted to sweep back and forth in a generally transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft. The fins may be rotatable about a longitudinal shaft fixedly secure to the bottom of the hull of the watercraft. A drive linkage assembly operatively connecting the eccentric crank assembly to the pair of fins imparts a torque force to oscillate the pair of fins. The oscillating fins provide a propulsive force to propel the watercraft longitudinally forward during both oscillating directions of the fins as they sweep back and forth.
Claims6
A watercraft propulsion apparatus, comprising:
- a) a propulsion assembly fixedly secure to the watercraft;
- b) said propulsion assembly including:
- i) a housing;
- ii) a piston block movably supported by said housing, said piston block including an opening;
- iii) an eccentric crank rotationally supported by said housing within said opening of said piston block;
- and
- iv) a pair of fins operatively connected to said piston block, wherein rotational movement of said eccentric crank imparts a force to oscillate said pair of fins transversely to a center longitudinal axis of the watercraft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.