Patent ID: 8371886
Filing Date: 2013-02-12
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
1. A paddle for propulsion of a human-powered watercraft through water, the paddle comprising: a shaft having a first end and a second end; and a deformable paddle blade having a proximal end, a distal end, and a paddle face, the proximal end coupled to the first end of the shaft; the paddle blade including a plurality of rods and a web spanning the rods, each of the rods having a first end coupled at the proximal end of the paddle blade, and a second end situated at the distal end of the paddle blade; each of the plurality of rods being formed from a material and having dimensions that create a corresponding individual spring constant, wherein the paddle blade has an aggregated spring constant of between 250 N/m and 500 N/m defined as the sum of the individual spring constants of the plurality of rods, whereby the paddle blade is constructed to have sufficient elasticity and stiffness and a geometry such that: