PADDLE FOR WATER SPORTS

Abstract

A paddle includes a paddle shaft having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. A first paddle blade is coupled with the first end and includes front and back faces. A second paddle blade is coupled with the second end and also includes front and back faces. A first grip is coupled to the second paddle blade front face remote from the paddle shaft second end while a reinforcing spine is provided to the second paddle blade back face. A method is also disclosed.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 61/605,711 titled “Paddle for water sports” filed Mar. 1, 2012, hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Stand-up paddleboarding is believed to have originated in Hawaii by surfers standing on long surf boards and using paddles. Unlike surfing, however, paddleboarding can be easier to learn for a wider spectrum of people. Even some surfers enjoy paddleboarding because of its versatility. For example, paddleboarding can be practiced in still waters without surf, and is increasingly being practiced on rivers in whitewater and other bodies of water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A-C illustrate a side views an example paddle.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of an example paddle blade.

FIG. 3 illustrates a back perspective view of the example paddle blade of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of another example paddle blade incorporating a grip feature.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of the example paddle blade shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a back perspective view of the example paddle blade shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates an end perspective view of the example paddle blade shown in FIG. 4-6.

FIG. 8 illustrates close up perspective view of an example grip feature on the example paddle blade shown in FIG. 4-9.

FIG. 9A illustrates an example grip.

FIG. 9B illustrates an example grip sleeve.

FIG. 10A illustrates a front view of the example paddle blade of FIGS. 4-8.

FIG. 10B illustrates a back view of the example paddle blade of FIGS. 4-8.

FIG. 11A illustrates a front view of the example paddle blade of FIGS. 4-8 and 10.

FIG. 11B illustrates a side view of the example paddle blade of FIGS. 4-8 and 10

FIG. 12 illustrates an example paddle in which the paddle length may be adjusted.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example method of using a paddle.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method of using a paddle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Stand-up paddleboards may be made of glass-reinforced plastics, such as an epoxy resin coated polystyrene foam core. Other boards are made of hollow wood and epoxy resin. Even inflatable designs are now commercially available. Stand-up paddleboards are generally about 9-12 feet in length, and may include padded decks, concave hulls, and surfboard-style fins.

Paddles resembling a long canoe paddle may be used to propel a stand-up paddleboard through the water. Paddles may be constructed of any combination of materials. The paddle may use carbon, fiberglass, composite plastic, aluminum, and/or wood, and have a flat blade on one end connected by a shaft to a handle on the other end. The paddle blade may be approximately 6-12 inches in width while the shaft length may range over a variety of sizes depending on the rider's height. With sizing, a paddle has an overall length approximately 6 inches greater than the rider's height but this may vary. The paddle shaft may have an oval or round cross section and be approximately 1-2 inches in diameter. The blades may be any of a variety of shapes, including similar to a canoe paddle (e.g., oval or teardrop shaped, or squared off oval shape), and may have a keel or reinforcing spine formation to add rigidity on the back side.

With use, while standing on a board, a user holds a paddle with one hand on the handle and the other hand approximately one-half to one-third of the way down the shaft. The hand placement can alternate depending on what side the rider is paddling on. For example, the handle may be held in the rider's left hand and the shaft may be held with the rider's right hand when the rider is paddling on the right side of the board. The handle may be held in the rider's right hand and the shaft may be held with the rider's left hand when the rider is paddling on the left side of the stand-up paddleboard.

During paddling, the user may place the blade into the water approximately 1-3 feet in front of the user's position on the board. The user then pulls the paddle back through the water and repeats, similar to paddling a canoe from a standing position.

Paddles used with stand-up paddleboards tend place unnecessary limitations on the user. Having only one paddle blade limits the user to paddling on only one side of the board, even when sitting or kneeling on the board. In many circumstances, stand-up paddleboard participants would find a double bladed paddle useful to achieve maximum maneuverability, speed, versatility, and stroke power. With two paddle blades in addition to a grip, a user may kneel or be seated on a paddleboard and attack the water like a kayaker, or get out and over the large waves, also makes learning the sport easier. Alternately using the single blade for standing and enjoying the traditional use of a stand-up paddleboard. Kayak paddles do not provide a suitable grip or handle solution for a user to paddle from the common standing position.

An example (not shown) has a single grip blade. Another example provides a versatile, double-bladed paddle with a grip at one or both of the paddle blades. A user of the disclosed examples may choose to use the paddle while in any paddleboard body position, including but not limited to laying flat on the rider's belly, kneeling on the board, sitting on the board, and standing up on the board. In an example, the handle is only provided on one of the paddles, and only on one side of the paddle. In addition, the handle may be attached to and/or integrated with the paddle blade face and not on the handle. This example configuration reduces weight, improves hydrodynamics, and functions better for the user. In another example, the handle is parallel and/or substantially parallel to the blade face.

FIGS. 1-12 illustrate an example double-bladed paddle. A user of the example double-bladed paddle may achieve improved maneuverability, speed and stroke power. With two paddle blades, the user may kneel and paddle in a manner similar to that for kayak use. Additionally, having an integrated handle allows for use with a single paddle blade for standing and enjoying the use of a stand-up paddleboard. Thus, a user is not limited by a single-bladed stand-up paddleboard paddle, yet has all of the control and precision of a single-bladed stand-up paddleboard paddle.

Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” mean, but is not limited to, “includes” or “including” and “includes at least” or “including at least.” The term “based on” means “based on” and “based at least in part on.”

With reference to FIG. 1A-C, an example paddle 100 is illustrated in side, back and front views, respectively. Paddle 100 may include a paddle shaft 10 having a longitudinal axis and first 11 and second 12 portions including respective first and second ends. Paddle 100 may be manufactured of a variety of lightweight, strong and durable materials including but not limited to carbon fiber, Kevlar, plastic, and combinations thereof.

A first paddle blade 20 (FIGS. 1-3) is coupled with paddle shaft 10 at first end 11 and includes front 23 and back 24 faces defined, in part, by proximal 21 and distal 22 ends. A second paddle blade 30 (FIGS. 1 and 4-12) is coupled with second end 12 and also includes front 33 and back 34 faces defined, in part, by proximal 31 and distal 32 ends. Further, a first grip 50 is provided to front face 33 of second paddle blade 30.

In an example, paddle blades 20 and 30 may be bonded to paddle shaft 10.

While first 20 and second 30 paddle blades may be formed in any of a variety of configurations, including but not limited to flat, offset, curved and offset, the paddle blades illustrated by way of example, include profiles concave towards the front faces. In an example configuration, a paddle blade may be designed with a minimum 15 degree draft on the lower surface, a 5 degree draft on the upper surface, and 15-20 degrees on the other surfaces. However, all dimensions may be varied.

In an example, paddle blades may have a feathered angle such that one of the first 20 and second 30 paddles is offset at about 45 degrees or similar angle from one to the other of the first and second paddles. Thus, the paddle may be more comfortable to use when paddling in a kayaking position. In an example, the feather angle of the paddle blades is fully adjustable.

Features of second paddle blade 30 and grip 50 will now be described with particular reference to FIGS. 4-12. First grip 50 may be coupled to second paddle blade 30 front face 33 remote from the second end of paddle shaft 10. This adjustability is available in an example from the shaft adjustment mechanism. In an example, grip 50 may be removably coupled to second paddle blade 30 while in another example, grip 50 may be permanently provided to second paddle blade 30.

In a removable example, grip 50 may be screwed into second paddle blade 30. In a permanent example, the second blade and grip may be molded as one integral and monolithic body. While first grip 50 may be provided at any of a variety of locations on second blade 30, in an example, first grip 50 is coupled to the second paddle blade near a center of the first paddle blade front face 33.

In an example, a paddle 10 has a first grip 50, a projection 40 is formed on front face 33 of second paddle blade 30, and grip 50 is coupled with projection 40. In the example depicted, projection 40 is formed as an anchoring spine tapering from a height 41 spaced apart from second blade front face 33 to a foot 42 on front face 33. In an example, projection 40 may be post-bonded. The term “post-bonded” is used herein to mean that the grip is a separate piece that is glued or otherwise affixed in to the receiver sleeve on the paddle.

In an example (FIGS. 10 and 11), a lumen 45 may be formed within projection 40 and be configured to receive a portion of first grip 50. A sleeve 60 (FIG. 9B) may be selectively provided within lumen 45 for receiving the mentioned portion of first grip 50. In the illustrated example, sleeve 60 includes an outer surface 61 including channels or threads 62 and a lumen 65. Sleeve 60 may be constructed from any of a variety of suitable materials including but not limited to aluminum. The sleeve may have a cylinder with an internal diameter designed to receive various pre-fabricated grip styles that the grip shaft 55 can be inserted into. The grips may also be part of a plastic mold of the entire paddle blade. In this example, the grip can be integrated into the design without a post-bonded feature.

In an example grip configuration illustrated by way of example in FIG. 9A, grip 50 includes a grip shaft portion 55, which, when coupled with paddle blade 30, may extend within a vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis of the paddle shaft. In an example, grip shaft portion 55 may, more particularly, be located in a co-linear relationship with the longitudinal axis of paddle shaft 10.

Grip shaft portion 55, configured for insertion into lumen 45 and, in an example, into sleeve lumen 65 (FIG. 9B), may lend reinforcing support and rigidity to paddle blade 30. Grip 50 also includes a grip handle portion 51 extending approximately perpendicular to shaft portion 55. Furthermore, when grip 50 is coupled with paddle blade 30, grip handle portion 51 extends within a horizontal plane containing the longitudinal axis and is spaced apart from paddle blade front face 33 as well as projection 40.

In another example, grip 50 may rise out of second paddle blade 30 from lower or higher positions along the blade. Grip 50 may rise further or closer to front face 33 of paddle blade 30. In other words, the grip may rise out of the blade or near the shaft, or even rise out near the tip of the blade. The grip may be positioned above or below the position shown in the drawings.

In an example, the T-grip may be shaped with a longer curve such that the T-grip rises out of the paddle blade and is in line with paddle shaft 10. It is noted that the grip does not need to be shaped as a “T” and can have any suitable shape and/or size.

In an example, grip shaft 55 may also be made to extend through second paddle blade 33 and handle 51 may be attached to shaft 55 where it terminates in front of the paddle blade front face 33.

While depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4-12 as a T-grip, in an example, grip 50 may take the form of a knob, a handle, a loop, or any other suitable shape. In an example, the first grip is provided as an opening in second paddle blade 30.

With reference to FIG. 6, in an example, back face 34 of second paddle blade 30 may be provided with a reinforcing spine 35 for added rigidity during use of first grip 50. In an example, some or most of this ridge may be removed to improve hydrodynamics. It is noted that any suitable reinforcement pattern may be provided (e.g., on the back side of the blade).

As illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 3, first blade 20 does not include a reinforcing spine. However, a reinforcing spine may be provided in an example.

In an example, paddle 100 may include a second grip (not shown) operatively coupled remote from the first end of paddle shaft 10. The second grip may be provided to front face 23 of first paddle blade 20 in a manner consistent with placement of first grip 50 or may be provided by other means.

In an example not illustrated, a grip may be provided on a standard paddle to configure the kayak paddles for use in stand-up paddleboarding. However, the paddle may not provide the length desired for stand-up paddling. Thus, a paddle shaft having an adjustable length may be desirable. With reference to FIG. 12, in an example, paddle shaft 10 may be constructed to allow for adjustment of the length of shaft 10. For example, a first portion 11 of shaft 10 may be hollow and have a diameter larger than second portion 12 such that the two are capable of relative telescoping to change the paddle length between shorter and longer configurations.

An example paddle is durable and sturdy, and may use a snugly fit matte carbon fiber tube 12 bonded inside the first shaft portion 11 with an epoxy or other adhesive. In an example, a hole and retractable pin (not illustrated) may be provided to allow for temporarily securing paddle 100 at one of a variety of different lengths. Other means may also be used to provide a paddle having an adjustable length.

In an example, a paddle length may be adjustable using a saw. A paddle blade including a grip such as grip 50 may be removed from paddle shaft 10 to enable cutting the shaft to a pre-determined, proper length. After cutting, the paddle blade may be reattached to shaft 10 and secured with, for example, one or more short screws to anchor the paddle blade to shaft 10.

Before continuing, it should be noted that the examples described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examples are also contemplated.

A method for paddling using a paddle will now be described by way of example with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. A user 210 stands on a watercraft such as stand-up paddle board 200 and grips paddle shaft 10 with one hand. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the user grips shaft 10 with his or her right hand. While gripping shaft 10, the user also grips a first handle 51 provided remote from both the first and second ends of paddle shaft 10. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the user grips handle 51 with his or her left hand. With both hands gripping the paddle in this way, the right palm and the left palm lie in orthogonal planes.

While holding the paddle with both hands, the user may place first paddle blade 20 underwater or partially underwater and pull paddle shaft 10 to move paddleboard 200 and the rider 210 relative to the water. As illustrated, it may be necessary to position paddle shaft 10 such that first paddle blade 20 is below first handle 51.

While FIG. 13 depicts use of the paddle in a standing position. Of course, propelling a paddleboard or other watercraft with the disclosed paddle may be accomplished while the user is in any of a variety of positions including but not limited to a seated position.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flow diagram of the example method described. A user grips a paddle shaft with one hand in step S310. The user grips a first handle in step S320. The user places the first paddle partially underwater in step S330 and pulls paddle shaft 10 in step S340 to move a watercraft relative to the water.

Because the paddle has two blades, a user may alternatively grip the paddle shaft with both hands in step S360 and insert one paddle blade and then the other into the water in alternating fashion in step S360 to alternately pull the paddle shaft with each hand in step S370. For some users, this may be most conveniently accomplished from the seated position while others may be prefer to perform alternating paddling from a standing or kneeling position.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, a user may change between using one paddle blade and using both paddle blades after any number of iterations of either technique. It should be noted that some steps illustrated may be eliminated or performed in a different order. For example, a user may perform steps S350, S360 and S370 before performing steps S310-S340.

While described herein as being for use in stand-up paddle water sports, the disclosed paddle is not limited to this use and, in fact, may be used for any activity that takes place on the water.

It is noted that in an example, there is no need for the user to have to change out different attachments when alternating paddling styles. This allows the user to seamlessly transition between paddling styles, during use (e.g., “on the fly”). The user is also able to get out of the impact zone while surfing, and then quickly catch a wave (e.g., from the standing position). The user may also navigate the board more safely through rough whitewater. The paddle may also enable the user to get down low and out of the wind during use.

It is noted that the examples shown and described are provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examples are also contemplated.

Claims

1. A paddle, comprising:

a paddle shaft having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends;

a first paddle blade coupled with the first end, the first paddle blade having front and back faces;

a second paddle blade coupled with the second end, the second paddle blade having front and back faces; and

a first grip projecting from the second paddle blade front face remote from the paddle shaft second end.

2. A paddle, comprising:

a paddle shaft having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends;

a first paddle blade coupled with the first end, the first paddle blade having front and back faces;

a second paddle blade coupled with the second end, the second paddle blade having front and back faces; and

a first grip operatively coupled remote from the paddle shaft first and second ends.

3. The paddle of claim 2, wherein the first grip is coupled to the second paddle blade front face near a center of the second paddle blade front face.

4. The paddle of claim 2, wherein the first grip is removably coupled to the second paddle blade.

5. The paddle of claim 2, wherein the first grip is a knob, a handle, or a loop.

6. The paddle of claim 2, wherein the first grip is an opening in the second paddle blade.

7. The paddle of claim 2, further comprising:

a second grip operatively coupled remote from the first grip.

8. The paddle of claim 2, wherein a projection is formed on the front face of the second paddle blade and the grip is coupled with the projection, and wherein the blades, the grips, and the paddle shaft are formed as an integral, single piece unit.

9. The paddle of claim 8, wherein the projection further comprises:

a lumen configured to receive a portion of the first grip.

10. The paddle of claim 9, further comprising:

a sleeve configured for receipt within the lumen and for receiving the portion of the first grip.

11. The paddle of claim 8, wherein the projection comprises an anchoring spine.

12. The paddle of claim 11, wherein the anchoring spine tapers into the front face from a height spaced apart from the front face.

13. The paddle of claim 2, wherein the first grip further comprises:

a grip shaft portion extending within a first plane containing the longitudinal axis of the paddle shaft.

14. The paddle of claim 13, wherein the first grip further comprises:

a grip handle portion extending approximately perpendicular to the first grip shaft portion.

15. The paddle of claim 14, wherein the grip handle portion extends within a second plane containing the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from the second paddle blade front face.

16. The paddle of claim 14, wherein the grip handle portion is spaced apart from the projection.

17. A method comprising:

providing a paddle shaft having first and second ends;

providing a first handle remote from the paddle shaft first and second ends;

providing a paddle blade on the paddle shaft second end; and

wherein pulling the paddle shaft and paddle blade moves a watercraft relative to water.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein a user's palms are oriented in orthogonal plans when grasping the paddle shaft and the first handle, respectively for each of the user's palms.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising positioning the paddle shaft with the paddle blade below the first handle.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein a user operating a paddle:

changes from gripping the first handle with the first hand to gripping the paddle shaft with the first hand;

alternately places the paddle blade provided on the paddle shaft second end and a paddle blade provided on the paddle shaft first end partially underwater; and

alternately pulls the paddle shaft with first hand when the paddle blade provided on the paddle shaft first end is partially underwater, and pulls the paddle shaft with the second hand when the paddle blade provided on the paddle shaft second end is partially underwater.