Flotation Pontoon Devices with Manual Propulsion Mechanisms and Corresponding Methods

Abstract

A watercraft includes a first pontoon slidably coupled to a second pontoon, at least one paddle coupled to the first pontoon, and at least one other paddle coupled to the second pontoon. A propulsion mechanism moves the paddles reciprocally when the pontoons move reciprocally relative to each other, with the paddles moving faster than the pontoons. The propulsion mechanism can include cables engaging pulleys carried by the pontoons, translating the reciprocating motion into paddle movement. The watercraft features paddle cavities on the undersides of the pontoons, housing paddle spacers and retaining rollers. A paddle retractor, such as a torsion spring, biases the paddles to retract when moving forward and deploy when moving rearward. A sliding connector with rollers ensures smooth reciprocal movement of the pontoons. Alternative propulsion mechanisms include racks and gears or belts and gears, optimizing the translation of reciprocating motion into forward thrust.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.