Herman Scott Harris

US Patent:

53685075, Nov 29, 1994

Filed:

Oct 19, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/139534

Inventors:

Herman R. Harris - Kannapolis NC

International Classification:

B63H 1620

US Classification:

440 29

Abstract:

A recreational paddle board is provided having a floating board, a substantially flat board portion and two paddle drives affixed thereto. A drive shaft has pedals rotatably mounted thereto so that the user may rotate the paddle drives. Each paddle drive includes first and second cranks and an endless flexible member, having a plurality of paddles hingedly affixed thereto, is entrained around the cranks. The paddles are engaged by fixed paddle guide element along the lower run of the flexible member so that, when the drive shaft is pedalled, the paddles generate a reactive thrust only in the desired linear direction. Each paddle drive also includes speed conversion device which changes the rotational speed of the flexible member relative to the drive shaft. In a first preferred embodiment, the substantially flat portion comprises a buoyant foam or plastic panel. In second and third preferred embodiments, the substantially flat portion comprises a net and air mattress respectively.

US Patent:

56430205, Jul 1, 1997

Filed:

Aug 13, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/696324

Inventors:

Herman R. Harris - Kannapolis NC

International Classification:

B63H 1620

US Classification:

440 31

Abstract:

A personal watercraft having a pair of pedal-driven impellers. The watercraft includes an inflatable frame having substantially planar fore and aft portions which are slightly offset from each other. The fore frame portion includes a substantially planar support receiving the upper body of a user thereon. A drive shaft is mounted on the aft frame portion and has offset portions on which pedals are mounted for receiving the feet of the user. The impellers for generating thrust are rotatably connected to the drive shaft and are mounted on the aft portion of the frame. Accordingly, pedaled rotation of the drive shaft causes the impellers to generate thrust for pedalling the watercraft in the desired direction.