Abstract:
A water craft or canoe paddle device is provided for one-arm use. The paddle device enables a user to produce power strokes similar to strokes that are achieved with a traditional canoe paddle used by an individual using two unimpaired arms and two unimpaired hands. In one embodiment, one end of the paddle device for one-arm use is fastened to the upper torso, or shoulder area of the user. In a second embodiment, one end of the paddle device for one-arm use is fastened to the biceps area of the user. The design of the paddle shaft enables a user with one unimpaired arm to grasp the shaft of the paddle with their one unimpaired hand in substantially a perpendicular configuration to the shaft of the paddle. The power is achieved because the canoe paddle device for one-arm use design enables the large muscle groups of the shoulder, torso, back, and abdominal muscles to be utilized during each stroke of the paddle.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Not Applicable 
   FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
   Not Applicable 
   SEQUENCE LISTING 
   Not Applicable 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to the field of devices that assist people with physical disabilities to achieve superior results in spite of their physical disability. The instant invention generally relates to sports devices that aid individuals having physical disabilities to participate in sports activities in a superior fashion in spite of their physical disability. This invention more specifically relates to a water craft or canoe paddle device that is designed to be utilized by an individual that has use of only one arm. 
   DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART 
   There are several different designs for paddles that enable a user to propel a canoe or boat with that paddle using one arm and/or one hand. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,039,120—L Powell et al. discloses a One Handed Oar For Fishermen having a blade and a short handle that has a forearm brace and two openings that form a hand grip area that enables a user to grasp the paddle. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,518,024—P. M. Wilson discloses a one arm Boat Sculling Paddle having a blade and a short handle that has an upper end that is widened and flattened. The flattened end of the paddle has a hook shaped brace that retains the forearm of a user. The blade has a hole therethrough which enables a finger of the user to extend therethrough. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,925—Proctor—discloses a Paddle For Boats that has a blade portion, a hand grip portion and a wrist engagement portion that engages the wrist of a user. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,493,663—Richmond—discloses a One-Arm Paddle having a blade portion, a hand grip portion, and an arm brace portion that grips the forearm of a user. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,816—Berglund et al. Discloses an Aquatic Sporting Device designed for use with one-arm that is formed of three removable attached sections including a forearm brace, and an elongated longitudinal shaft between the blade and the brace. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,201—Tibbetts—discloses a one-handed Canoe Paddle that has a blade portion, a hand grip portion, and a U-shaped arm cuff portion that fits around the forearm of a user. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,563—Ronald Keith Simpson—discloses a Forearm Assist Device that has a frame that encircles at least part of a forearm of a user. The device also has a hand grip that can be grasped by the hand of a user. One end of the device has an attaching-detaching device that enables various different tools such as a crutch leg or a kayak paddle to be held by the Forearm Assist Device. 
   These paddles for one-arm use do not enable a one-arm user to produce a power stroke that a traditional canoe paddle provides when used by a user with two unimpaired arms and two unimpaired hands. These paddles are limited to small inefficient strokes that are useful for moving a canoe or a boat short distances or repositioning a boat or canoe in the water. These paddles extend in an axial direction parallel to a user&#39;s arm. The muscles utilized with these paddles are limited to the forearm and upper arm muscles of a user. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention, water craft or canoe paddle device for one-arm use, enables a user to produce power strokes similar to strokes that are achieved with a traditional canoe paddle used by an individual using two unimpaired arms and two unimpaired hands. One end of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use is fastened to the upper torso, or shoulder area of the user. The design of the paddle shaft enables a user with one unimpaired arm to grasp the shaft of the paddle with their one unimpaired hand in substantially a perpendicular configuration to the shaft of the paddle. The power is achieved because the canoe paddle device for one-arm use design enables the large muscle groups of the shoulder, torso, back, and abdominal muscles to be utilized during each stroke of the paddle. The canoe paddle device enables a person with the use of one arm to paddle a canoe with substantially the same power and efficiency that a person with two unimpaired arms and two unimpaired hands achieves when that person utilizes a conventional canoe paddle. 
   The discussion of the instant invention at times refers to the invention as a canoe paddle device, however it should be understood that the paddle device can be utilized in conjunction with any type of water craft. 
   OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use that enables a person with one functional arm to paddle a canoe with substantially the same power and efficiency that a person with two unimpaired arms and two unimpaired hands achieves when that person utilizes a conventional canoe paddle. 
   It is an object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use which does not restrict the range of motion of the of the paddle thereby enabling greater stroke diversity. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use which can easily be adjusted so that the canoe paddle device can be fitted to a left arm or a right arm of a user. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use which can easily be adjusted so that the canoe paddle device can be fitted to different size users. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use which allows strokes to be employed with a high level of technical proficiency. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use which allows blade entry into the water within 10 degrees of the perpendicular or less to the surface of the water. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use which is manufactured of rugged light weight materials. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use where blade orientation accomplishes a perpendicular blade orientation to the keel line of the boat during propulsion strokes thereby providing a very efficient use of each paddle stroke. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use which can be a custom manufactured design for a particular individual. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use that enables the canoe paddle device to be easily released and also enables the canoe paddle device to be easily recovered. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use which can be manufactured in several detachable components. This would allow the canoe paddle device for one-arm use to be packed in a travel case that would not take up much space during travel. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use which enables the canoe paddle device to be easily attached and detached by use of one arm only. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use wherein the shaft and blade can be manufactured in substantially one continuous piece if so desired. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use which also allows unrestricted use of a personal flotation device, or a wetsuit, or clothing, etc. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a canoe paddle device for one-arm use which has a bend in the shaft section that enables a user to grasp the paddle shaft section with one hand in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the paddle shaft. This perpendicular grasping orientation is a similar manner that a traditional two handed canoe paddle would be grasped by a user having two arms and two hands. This enables power strokes to be achieved. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the manner in which the above and other objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying annexed drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use designed for a right handed user. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the blade and handle shaft section of the embodiment of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use designed for a right handed user that is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is perspective view of the shoulder harness assembly of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the shoulder harness assembly of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a close up side view of the shoulder cap and the flexible fastening loop on the shoulder harness assembly of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is a close up perspective view of the shoulder cap and the flexible fastening loop on the shoulder harness assembly of the a canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 1 , the flexible loop is shown holding the shaft handle to the shoulder cap. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a blade and handle shaft section of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use. This embodiment has several components that can be disassembled and/or adjusted. 
       FIG. 8  is a closeup side view of an assembled elbow section of the blade and handle shaft section of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 9  is a closeup side view of two options for the adjustable blade and handle shaft section of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 7 . One option the blade is rotated in one direction for a right hand user and the other option the blade is rotated for a left hand user. 
       FIG. 10  is a closeup side view of another option of the adjustable blade and handle shaft section of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 7 . In this option the blade is not rotated, but kept in a neutral orientation to the shaft handle section. 
       FIG. 11  is a closeup side view of an assembled adjustable length section of the blade and handle shaft section of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of the adjustable blade and handle shaft section of a canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 7 . This view has the various components assembled, fastened to desired positions and fastened together. 
       FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a canoe paddle device for one-arm use designed for a right handed user. 
       FIG. 14  is a 45 degree side view of the alternate embodiment of a canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 13 . 
   

   The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent when the drawings are studied in conjunction with reading the following description and also reading the claims. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   In keeping with the requirements of Patent Laws there is described herein below the best mode of the invention that is currently known to the applicant. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
   With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, to  FIGS. 1-14  thereof, the preferred embodiments of the new and improved canoe paddle device for one-armed use embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference number  10  will be described. 
     FIG. 1  shown generally at  10  a canoe paddle device for one-arm use having a blade and shaft section shown generally at  14  and a shoulder harness assembly shown generally at  18 . Blade and shaft section has a blade  20  with the contoured tip  22  of the blade and wide section  24  of the blade and a curving section  26  that terminates in substantially a shaft  28 . Paddle shaft section  30  has a blade end  32  and a non-blade end  34 . Paddle shaft section  30  is grasped by a hand of a user and the hand and arm of a user is substantially in a perpendicular orientation to the axis of paddle shaft section Paddle shaft end  34  transforms into a bend or elbow  36  that connects shaft section  30  to shaft section  38 . Shaft section  38  has a first end  40  that connects with elbow  36  and terminates with a second end  42 . 
   Shoulder harness assembly  47  has a shoulder cap  48  that is made of a semi-rigid material and is designed to fit the contour of a shoulder of a user. Resilient flexible loop  56  connects canoe paddle shaft section  38  to shoulder cap  48  of shoulder harness assembly  47 . Resilient flexible loop  56  is a connecting device and a wide variety of other connecting devices could be utilized to connect shaft handle section  38  to the shoulder harness assembly  47 . Shoulder harness assembly  47  includes a first strap assembly  52  that loops under one arm of a user and a second strap assembly  53  that loops under the other arm of a user. Alternate second strap assembly  53 A can be utilized if the user does not have a second arm. 
     FIG. 2 , shown generally at  49 , is a side view of the blade and handle shaft section of the embodiment of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use designed for a right handed user that is shown in  FIG. 1 . Blade and shaft section has a blade  20  with the contoured tip  22  of the blade and wide section  24  which is approximately 8 inches wide. The blade has a curving section  26  that terminates in substantially a shaft  28 . The length of the blade from the blade tip  22  to the shaft is approximately 18 inches and the widest width is approximately 8 inches. Paddle shaft section  30  has a blade end  32  and a non-blade end  34 . The length of shaft section  30  is approximately 22 inches long and the length can be custom designed to accommodate any user if so desired. The diameter of the shaft is approximately 1¼ inches, but can be made with various diameters. Paddle shaft section  30  is grasped by a hand of a user and the hand and arm of a user is substantially in a perpendicular orientation to the axis of paddle shaft section  30  during paddle strokes. Paddle shaft end  34  transforms into an elbow  36  that connects shaft section  30  to shaft section  38 . The angle of the elbow is approximately 110 degrees. Shaft section  38  has a first end  40  that connects to elbow  36  and terminates with a second end  42 . Shaft end  42  can have a cap  43  that forms a raised section. Shaft section  38  also has a raised section  44  near shaft end  42 . Shaft raised section  44  and cap raised section  43  has recessed section  45  therebetween that holds resilient flexible loop  56  of the shoulder harness assembly  47 . The length of shaft section  38  is approximately 19 inches long and the length can be designed to accommodate any user if so desired. Blade orientation is rotated on the x axis approximately 20 degrees off center of the axis of the paddle shaft. For a right hand user the rotation would be 20 degrees counterclockwise off center of the axis of the handle shaft. For a left hand user the rotation would be 20 degrees clockwise off center of the axis of the handle shaft. This off center rotation of the paddle blade enables the most efficient stroke as the blade would be oriented substantially perpendicular to the keel of the canoe. 
   When the style of the canoe is such that the shoulder of the paddling arm is situated outside the widest section of the boat, as in outrigger canoe design, the blade orientation can be set at neutral with neither a clockwise nor a counterclockwise rotation. 
   Paddle blade and shaft is made of carbon fiber. Various other materials such as aluminum, wood, fiberglass, or plastics, etc. could be utilized in various combinations for the blade and shaft components of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use. 
     FIG. 3  shown generally at  60  is a perspective view of the shoulder harness assembly  47  of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 1 . Shoulder harness assembly  47  has a shoulder cap  48  that is made of a semi-rigid material such as a polyethylene and polypropylene blend, and is designed to fit the contour of a shoulder of a user. Shoulder cap  48  has a front section  64  a middle section  66  and a rear section  67 . Shoulder cap  48  has a raised knob  68  that has a first opening  70  and a second opening  72 . Resilient flexible loop  56  is formed when ends of stretchable cord are inserted through first opening  70  and second opening  72  of raised knob  68 . Stretchable cord ends are knotted together on inside of raised knob  68 . Stretchable cord loop  56  tightly fits into slot  45  of paddle shaft end  42  to securely fasten the shaft end  42  to the shoulder harness assembly  47 . 
   Shoulder harness assembly  47  includes a first strap assembly  52  that loops under one arm of a user. First strap assembly  52  has first end  74  that is securely fastened to front section  64  of shoulder cap  48 , and a second end  76  that is securely fastened to rear section  67  of shoulder cap  48 . First strap assembly  52  includes a buckle  78  that is used to cinch first strap assembly to a tight fit. Buckle  78  has a quick release feature that enables the canoe paddle device for one arm use to be detached quickly if so desired by a user. 
   Shoulder harness assembly  47  includes a second strap assembly  53  that loops under a second arm of a user. Second strap assembly  53  has first end  80  that is securely fastened to front section  64  of shoulder cap  48  and a second end  82  that is securely fastened to rear section  67  of shoulder cap  48 . Buckle  78  has a quick release feature that enables the canoe paddle device for one-arm use to be detached quickly if so desired by a user. 
     FIG. 4  shows generally at  85  a side view of the shoulder cap  48  of shoulder harness assembly  47  of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 1 . The top side  86  of shoulder cap  48  is made of a semi-rigid material. The underside  88  of shoulder cap  48  has a cushion material  90  such as PPT attached thereto. The soft lining  90  provides comfort for a user. Shoulder cap  48  has a front section  64  a middle section  66  and a rear section  67 . Shoulder cap  48  has a raised knob  68  that has a first opening  70  and a second opening (not shown). Stretchable cord loop  56  is formed when ends of stretchable cord are inserted through first opening  70  and second opening  72  of raised knob  68 . Stretchable cord ends are knotted together on inside of raised knob  68 . 
   Stretchable cord loop  56  tightly fits into recess  45  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) near shaft end  42  to securely fasten the shaft section  38  to the shoulder cap  48 . 
   Shoulder cap  48  has a first strap assembly  52  that loops under one arm of a user and a second strap assembly  53  that loops under the second arm of a user. 
     FIG. 5 , shown generally at  91  is a close up side view of the shoulder cap  48  and a flexible fastening loop  95  on the shoulder cap  48  of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 . The top side  86  of shoulder cap  48  is made of a semi-rigid material. The underside  88  of shoulder cap  48  has a cushion material  90  such as foam attached thereto. Shoulder cap  48  has a raised knob  93  that has an oval shaped opening  94 . Resilient flexible rubber loop  95  extends through opening  94  of raised knob  93 . Resilient flexible rubber loop  95  tightly fits into recess  45  near shaft end  42  to securely fasten the shaft-blade section  38  to the shoulder cap  48 . 
     FIG. 6 , shown generally at  96 , is a close up perspective view of the shoulder cap  48  and the flexible fastening loop  56  on the shoulder harness assembly  47  of the a canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 1 . Flexible loop  56  is shown holding the shaft handle section  38  to the shoulder cap  48 . Shaft end  42  has a cap  43  that forms a raised section. Shaft section  38  also has a raised section  44  near shaft end  42 . Shaft raised section  44  and cap raised section  43  has recessed section  45  therebetween. Resilient flexible loop  56  connects shaft section  38  to shoulder cap  48 . 
     FIG. 7 , shown generally at  98 , is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a blade and handle shaft section a canoe paddle device for one-arm use. This embodiment has several components that can be disassembled and reassembled. Various components can also be adjusted if so desired. 
   Blade  100  with the contoured tip  102  of the blade and wide section  103  of the blade and a curving section  104  terminates in substantially a tubular shaft  106  end. Tubular shaft end  106  has snap button  108  and snap button  110  that mate with receiving openings  118  and  120  on shaft end  114  of blade section  112 . Shaft section  112  has a second end  116  with threads  117 . Handle shaft end  114  has a larger diameter than paddle end  106 . Paddle end  106  is inserted inside shaft end  114 . Receiving openings  118  and  120  mate with snap buttons  108  and  110  to securely fasten blade section  100  to shaft section  112 . 
   Coupling  122  is utilized to make shaft handle lengths adjustable. Coupling  122  has internal threads  123 . Shaft elbow section  124  has a first end  126  and a second end  127 . When assembled, elbow end  126  of elbow section  124  is inserted through coupling  122  and into open end  116  of shaft section  112 . When the desired length is achieved, coupling  122  is tightened onto threads  117  which securely fixes the length. Shaft elbow section  124  has an elbow bend  129  and a receiving opening  131  to receive a locking snap button of the next shaft section. 
   Shaft section  132  has a first end  134  and a second end  136 . Shaft end  134  has a snap button  138  that mates with receiving opening  131  when shaft end  134  is inserted inside open end  127  of shaft elbow section  124 . Shaft end  136  terminates with external threads  140 . 
   Coupling  142  is utilized to make the canoe shaft handle length adjustable. Coupling  142  has internal threads  144 . 
   Handle section  146  has a first end  148  and a second end  150 . When assembled, shaft end  148  of shaft section  146  is inserted through coupling  142  and into open end  136  of shaft section  132 . When the desired length is achieved, coupling  142  is tightened onto threads  140  which securely fixes the length of the canoe paddle shaft. 
   Shaft end  150  can have a cap  152  that forms a raised section. Shaft section  146  also has a raised section  154  near shaft end  150 . Shaft raised section  154  and cap raised section  152  has recessed section  156  therebetween that holds resilient flexible loop  56  of the shoulder harness assembly  47 . 
     FIG. 8  shows generally at  160 , a closeup side view of an assembled elbow section  124  of the blade, and handle shaft section  132  of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 7 . Shaft end  134  of shaft section  132  fits inside shaft elbow end  127  of shaft elbow section  124 . Snap button  138  mates with receiving opening  131  to securely fasten elbow section  124  to shaft section  132 . An optional reinforcing rib  162  can make the elbow section  124  stronger. 
     FIG. 9  shown generally at  170  is a closeup rear view of the handle shaft showing a blade adjustment feature of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 7 . Blade end  106  of blade section  100  has snap button  172 . When assembled, blade end  106  is inserted inside shaft end  114 . If paddle is to be utilized by a left hand user, snap button  172  is inserted into receiving opening  174 . If paddle is to be utilized by a right hand user, snap button  172  is inserted into receiving opening  176 . The adjustments give the blade a 20 degree offset to the axis of the shaft handle. 
     FIG. 10  shown generally  180  at is a closeup front view of the blade shaft section showing another blade adjustment feature of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 7 . Blade end  106  of blade section  100  has snap button  182 . When assembled, blade end  106  is inserted inside shaft end  114 . If paddle is to be utilized in a neutral position, snap button  182  is inserted into receiving opening  184 . 
     FIG. 11  shown generally at  190  is a closeup side view of an assembled adjustable length section of the blade and handle shaft section of the canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 7 . Handle section  146  has end  148  inserted through coupling  142  and into open end  136  of shaft section  132 . Coupling  142  is tightened onto threads (not shown) which securely fixes the shaft length at the desired length. 
   Shaft end  150  has a cap  152  that forms a raised section. Shaft section  146  also has a raised section  154  near shaft end  150 . Shaft raised section  154  and cap raised section  152  has recessed section  156  therebetween that holds resilient flexible loop  56  of the shoulder harness assembly  47 . 
     FIG. 12 , shown generally at  200  is a side view of the blade and handle shaft section of the adjustable canoe paddle device for one-arm use shown in  FIG. 7 . This view has the various components fastened together and the adjustable sections fastened together at the desired lengths and the blade section rotated to the desired position. 
   To assemble the adjustable canoe paddle device for one-arm use, tubular shaft end  106  of blade section  100  is inserted into tubular shaft end  114  of shaft section  112 . Snap button  108  mates with receiving openings  118  to securely fasten blade section  100  to shaft section  112 . 
   Coupling  122  is utilized to make shaft handle lengths adjustable. When assembled, elbow end  126  of elbow section  124  is inserted through coupling  122  and into open end  116  of shaft section  112 . When the desired length is achieved, coupling  122  is tightened which securely fixes the length. Shaft elbow section  124  has an elbow bend  129  and an opening  131  to receive a snap button of the next shaft section. 
   Shaft section  132  has a first end  134  and a second end  136 . Shaft end  134  has a snap button  138  that mates with receiving opening  131  when shaft end  134  is inserted inside open end  127  of shaft elbow section  124 . 
   Shaft end  136  terminates with external threads (not shown). 
   Handle section  146  has a first end  148  (not shown) and a second end  150 . When assembled, shaft end  148  of shaft section  146  is inserted through coupling  142  and into open end  136  of shaft section  132 . When the desired length is achieved, coupling  142  is tightened onto threads  140  which securely fixes the length of the canoe paddle shaft. 
   Shaft end  150  can have a cap  152  that forms a raised section. Shaft section  146  also has a raised section  154  near shaft end  150 . Shaft raised section  154  and cap raised section  152  has recessed section  156  therebetween that holds resilient flexible loop  56  of the shoulder harness assembly  47 . 
     FIG. 13  shown generally at  210  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a canoe paddle device for one-arm use designed for a right handed user. 
   Canoe paddle device for one-arm use having a blade  212  with the contoured tip  214  of the blade and wide section  216  of the blade and a curving section  218  that terminates in substantially a shaft  220 . Paddle shaft section  222  has a blade end  224  and a non blade end  226 . Paddle shaft is grasped by a hand of a user near shaft end  226  at hand grip section  228 . Shaft section  230  has a first end  232  and a second end  234 . Shaft end  232  is connected to shaft section  222  with a “T” connection  236 . Shaft end  234  transforms into an elbow  238 . Shaft section  240  has a first end  242  that connects to elbow  238  and a second end  244 . Shaft section  230  has a cuff  246  that secures shaft section  230  to the forearm of a one arm user. Cuff  248  is located substantially at the end  244  of shaft section  240 . Cuff  248  secures shaft end  244  to the biceps area of a one-arm user. 
     FIG. 14 , shown generally at  252 , is a side 45 degree view of the alternate embodiment of a canoe paddle device for one-arm use that is shown in  FIG. 13 . 
   Canoe paddle device for one-arm use having a blade  212  with the contoured tip  214  of the blade and wide section  216  of the blade and a curving section  218  that terminates in substantially a shaft  220 . Paddle shaft section  222  has a blade end  224  and a non blade end  226 . Paddle shaft is grasped by a hand of a user near shaft end  226  at hand grip section  228 . Shaft section  230  has a first end  232  and a second end  234 . Shaft end  232  is connected to shaft section  222  with a “T” connection  236 . Shaft end  234  transforms into an elbow  238 . Shaft section  240  has a first end  242  that connects to elbow  238  and a second end  244 . Shaft section  230  has a cuff  246  that secures shaft section  230  to the forearm of a one-arm user. Cuff  248  is located substantially at the end  244  of shaft section  240 . Cuff  248  secures shaft end  244  to the biceps area of a one arm user. 
   It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this new canoe paddle device for one arm use is unique and clearly provides a solution that the prior art does not provide. 
   This invention having been described in its presently contemplated best mode, it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous, variations, modifications, modes and embodiments within the ability of those skilled in the art and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of this invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the following claims.