Collapsible paddle boat

TLDR: In this paper, a paddle boat with folding steering and folding steering is described, where a paddle is adapted to remain in a substantially vertical orientation during movement of the boat during the boat's motion.

Abstract: A paddle boat comprising a plurality of floats, collapsible driving and propelling apparatus, folding steering apparatus, the driving and propelling apparatus and steering apparatus adapted for mounting onto the floats during use of the paddle boat, particularly wherein the driving and propelling apparatus includes a paddle adapted to remain in a substantially vertical orientation during movement of the boat. Preferably, the driving and propelling apparatus comprises a stationary base element foldably mounted onto the main frame and defining a first rotation axis, a crank shaft defining at least one arm and an axle portion rotatably mounted onto the stationary base for rotation about the first rotation axis, a stationary extension element foldably mounted onto the base element and defining a second rotation axis parallel to and spaced from the first rotation axis, a paddle mounted upon each of the arms, at least one rod rotatably mounted onto the extension element and arranged for rotation about the second rotation axis through a restricted arc, and a member slideable relative to each rod and fixedly mounted onto each of the arms, whereby rotation of the arms about the first rotation axis causes the member to move slideably with relation to the rod and cause its rotation about the second rotation axis, the paddle being adapted for movement along the length of the rod as it rotates through the restricted arc such that the paddle remains in a substantially vertical orientation throughout its movement.