The invention is directed to a graspable human propulsion device comprising a primary pole, a lateral pole affixed to the fore end of the primary pole, and a ducted fan assembly affixed to one end the primary pole and configured to accelerate airflow along the longitudinal axis of the primary pole. A user wields the graspable human propulsion device by grasping the primary pole with a first hand and the lateral pole with a second hand. The graspable human propulsion device acts to propel the user along the direction in which the longitudinal axis of the primary pole is pointed. This device is intended to be utilized by a user mounted on a personal transportation apparatus, such as a skateboard. In one embodiment the user controls the amount of thrust by use of a throttle lever mechanism. In another embodiment the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a knobbed slide potentiometer. In a third embodiment the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a twist throttle mechanism. The graspable human propulsion device of the present invention provides a conveniently balanced, easily wielded, and enjoyable propulsive experience for the user.

An auxiliary propulsion system for a skateboard, watercraft or other small vehicle has a wheel or propeller powered by a motor at one end and a handle at the other end. A person riding a vehicle adjusts the position and orientation of the device to apply a propulsion force in a desired direction. The amount of torque applied to the propeller or wheel can be adjusted in real time. Because the propulsion system is not a fixed to the craft or person it is propelling, it may be exchanged between people in mid-transit.

A watersports paddle includes an elongated handle body having a first material, a biased member having a second material more flexible than the first material such that the biased member is more flexible than the elongated handle body, and a paddle blade coupled to the biased member opposite the elongated handle body. The biased member deforms when a force is applied to the biased member with the elongated handle body by pulling the paddle blade through water and reforms when the force is not applied to the biased member by the elongated handle body to store and release energy during use of the watersports paddle. The biased member may be a substantially planar leaf spring or a bowed leaf spring.

In an aspect, a powered foot-deck-based vehicle is provided, and includes a foot-deck to support a rider. At least one wheel is rotatably coupled to the foot-deck to enable travel of the foot-deck over a travel surface. At least one motor is coupled to at least one of the at least one wheel to drive rotation thereof. A power source is coupled to the at least one motor to power the at least one motor. A remote sensor unit is wearable by the rider and configured to detect at least one of an orientation, a position, and movement of the rider and transmit sensor data generated therefrom. A motor control unit is coupled to the at least one motor and is configured to receive the sensor data and control the operation of the at least one motor based at least in part on the sensor data.

The invention is directed to a graspable human propulsion device which contains a ducted fan assembly on the aft portion of a longitudinal structure which the user grasps onto, which acts to propel the user along the longitudinal direction of the device while the user is mounted on a human transportation apparatus, such as a skateboard. The user can orient the device so that the ducted fan assembly leads ahead or trails behind the user, according to user preference. In one embodiment, the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a spring twist throttle mechanism. In another embodiment, the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a trigger and switch mechanism. The fore latch and the aft latch allow the user to clamp the device onto a skateboard deck for ease in transporting while on foot.

An accessory for a self-balancing board is provided. The self-balancing board comprises a foot-deck having two lateral foot-deck ends. Each lateral foot-deck end is coupled to a motor that drives a wheel in response to an orientation of the lateral foot-deck end relative to a horizontal plane. The accessory includes a chassis, at least one travel surface-contacting element coupled proximal to a first longitudinal end of the chassis to facilitate travel of the chassis over a travel surface, and a seat coupled to the chassis and configured to support a person. The accessory further includes a first foot-deck engagement element proximal to a second longitudinal end of the chassis distal to the first longitudinal end and constructed to engage the foot-deck of the self-balancing board proximal to the first lateral foot-deck end, and a second foot-deck engagement element proximal to the second longitudinal end of the chassis and constructed to engage the foot-deck of the self-balancing board proximal to the second lateral foot-deck end. At least one control member coupled to the first foot-deck engagement element and the second foot-deck engagement element controls the orientation of the lateral foot-deck ends relative to a horizontal plane via the first foot-deck engagement element and the second foot-deck engagement element.

In an aspect, a powered foot-deck-based vehicle is provided, and includes a foot-deck to support a rider. At least one wheel is rotatably coupled to the foot-deck to enable travel of the foot-deck over a travel surface. At least one motor is coupled to at least one of the at least one wheel to drive rotation thereof. A power source is coupled to the at least one motor to power the at least one motor. A remote sensor unit is wearable by the rider and configured to detect at least one of an orientation, a position, and movement of the rider and transmit sensor data generated therefrom. A motor control unit is coupled to the at least one motor and is configured to receive the sensor data and control the operation of the at least one motor based at least in part on the sensor data.

A self-standing skateboard system includes a skateboard and a panel. The skateboard includes first and second trucks attached to a deck. The panel includes a front face, a back face, and a perimeter edge extending around and between the front face and the back face, the perimeter edge having a first end opposite a second end and a pair of opposed sides coupled to and extending between the first and second ends, with the panel having a slot extending into the first end defining a pair of spaced projections, and the slot being configured for receiving one of the first and second trucks for supporting the skateboard on the panel. Further, the panel has a notch extending into the second end defining a pair of feet for supporting the panel in an upright position on a supporting surface.

A motorized wheel assembly adaptable to skateboards provides drive motor and power sources and controls for the directed control of forward or backward propulsion of the skateboard using throttle and braking controls, the motorized wheel, and all skateboard wheels. Weight transfer assemblies for the motorized wheel transfer a portion of a skateboard rider's weight through the front mounted motorized wheel to the ground surface creating sufficient traction for the motorized wheel to propel the skateboard. One weight transfer assembly embodiment provides a pivoting, compression based mounting bracket. Separate embodiments of the weight transfer assemblies include single or dual shock absorbers.

A self-standing skateboard system includes a skateboard and a panel. The skateboard includes first and second trucks attached to a deck. The panel includes a front face, a back face, and a perimeter edge extending around and between the front face and the back face, the perimeter edge having a first end opposite a second end and a pair of opposed sides coupled to and extending between the first and second ends, with the panel having a slot extending into the first end defining a pair of spaced projections, and the slot being configured for receiving one of the first and second trucks for supporting the skateboard on the panel. Further, the panel has a notch extending into the second end defining a pair of feet for supporting the panel in an upright position on a supporting surface.