Underwater propulsion device
An underwater propulsion device is disclosed comprising two sleeves for fitting around each of a user's lower legs, with each sleeve mounting a propulsion unit, and the sleeves being connectable by a bar between them during underwater operation of the device by the user.
1. An underwater propulsion device comprising:
(a) a pair of rigid sleeves, each for fitting around one of a user's lower legs below the knees;
(b) a battery-powered underwater propulsion unit attached to each of said sleeves;
(c) a battery sealed in a watertight compartment, said battery worn by said user, and said battery connected to at least one of said propulsion units; and
(d) a removable bar for connecting one of said sleeves to the other of said sleeves, said bar preventing said sleeves from coming within less than a predetermined minimum distance from each other during operation of the device.
2. The device of claim 1 including a foot stirrup with a throttle control system that allows said user to control the throttle of at least one of said propulsion units by a movement of said user's foot.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein a joint with multiple degrees of freedom is used to attach said bar to at least one of said sleeves.
4. The device of claim 1 including inflatable bladders disposed inside said sleeves.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein said propulsion units are each mounted on a track running lengthwise along each of said sleeves, and wherein each of said propulsion units may be adjustably positioned at a chosen point along said track.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein said propulsion units are mounted to said sleeves by a rotatable joint, and wherein said user can manipulate said joints to rotate said propulsion units.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein said bar is telescoping.
8. The device of claim 1 including a rotary joint that permits said sleeves to rotate relative to one another about the axis of said bar.
9. The device of claim 1 including a ball and socket joint on said bar.
10. The device of claim 2 wherein a joint with multiple degrees of freedom is used to attach said bar to at least one of said sleeves.
11. The device of claim 2 including inflatable bladders disposed inside said sleeves.
12. The device of claim 2 wherein said propulsion units are each mounted on a track running lengthwise along each of said sleeves, and wherein each of said propulsion units may be adjustably positioned at a chosen point along said track.
13. The device of claim 2 wherein said propulsion units are mounted to said sleeves by a rotatable joint, and wherein said user can manipulate said joints to rotate said propulsion units.
14. The device of claim 2 wherein said bar is telescoping.
15. The device of claim 2 including a rotary joint that permits said sleeves to rotate relative to one another about the axis of said bar.
16. The device of claim 2 including a ball and socket joint on said bar.