Abstract:
Provided is a paddle retaining device which may be easily mounted to a stand-up paddle board, wherein the paddle retaining device is specifically configured and adapted to allow a user to quickly and easily securing the paddle to the board. The paddle retaining device may be attached to the board without significantly interfering with the structure and integrity of the paddle surfboard. Along these lines, the paddle retaining device may be secured to the board without drilling holes or making other material modifications to the structure of the paddle surfboard.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    (Not Applicable) 
       STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    (Not Applicable) 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates to a device for retaining a paddle adjacent a paddle surfboard during nonuse of the paddle. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Recreational water boards have taken a variety of forms throughout the years, including those propelled along the surface of bodies of water by a mechanical device. In particular, the sport of stand-up paddle surfing originated several years ago, although it has recently experienced rising growth and popularity around the world. The sport generally requires a suitably configured board and a paddle. The board is generally configured similar to a conventional surfboard, with the primary distinction being that the stand-up paddle board is slightly larger in length, width and thickness than the conventional surfboard. The paddle typically includes a blade at one end, and a handle at the opposing end, with an elongate shaft extending therebetween. 
         [0007]    Although the paddle is typically essential for propelling the board, there are times when using the board that the paddle is not used. For instance, when the user enters the body of water, especially if the body of water is an ocean, the user may kneel or lay on the board and paddle with his hands until the user is through the breaking surf. Furthermore, when the user is on the board in calm waters, the user may perform exercises on the board, such as yoga. In addition, after stand-up paddle session, the user oftentimes is required to carry his board and paddle back to his house or to his car. Given the large and bulky nature of both the paddle and the board, it is difficult to carry both items, especially if they are not connected to each other. 
         [0008]    A common difficulty associated with stand-up paddling arises when the paddle is not being used because there is generally nowhere to easily stow the paddle. Thus, in the situation described above wherein the user is paddling with his hands when launching the paddle board, the user may kneel or lie on the paddle to ensure that the paddle does not fall overboard. Likewise, when the user is performing exercises on the board, the user may lie the paddle on the board while performing the exercises. However, the board may rock causing the paddle to fall off, or the paddle may get in the way of the individual performing the exercises. 
         [0009]    As is apparent from the foregoing, there exists a need in the art for a paddle retaining device that can be easily attached to the stand-up paddle board without significantly altering the structure of the beard. The present invention addresses this particular need, as will be discussed in more detail below. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paddle retaining device which may be easily mounted to a stand-up paddle board, wherein the paddle retaining device is specifically configured and adapted to allow a user to quickly and easily securing the paddle to the board. The paddle retaining device may be attached to the board without significantly interfering with the structure and integrity of the paddle surfboard. Along these lines, the paddle retaining device may be secured to the board without drilling holes or making other material modifications to the structure of the paddle surfboard. 
         [0011]    According to one embodiment, the paddle retaining device includes a resilient body having a first end portion and a second end portion. An inlet channel is formed within the resilient body extending from the first end portion toward the second end portion. The inlet channel is moveable between an expanded position and a retracted position, wherein the size of the inlet channel increases as the inlet channel moves from the retracted position to the expanded position. The resilient body further includes a paddle retaining channel in communication with the inlet channel, with the paddle retaining device being sized to receive a portion of the paddle. 
         [0012]    The paddle retaining device may be formed from a resilient material to allow a paddle to be easily inserted into the paddle retaining channel through the inlet channel. Along these lines, it is contemplated that the device may be configured and adapted to allow a user to insert the paddle into the device using only one hand. 
         [0013]    The paddle retaining device may be formed from a material, such as rubber, which is capable of withstanding long exposure to water, exhibits resilient qualities to enable operation of the device, and also does not raise significant safety concerns, such as if a paddle surfer were to fall onto the device. 
         [0014]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout and in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a user on a paddle surfboard and a pair of paddle retaining devices mounted to the surfboard for securing the paddle during nonuse; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a partial upper perspective view of the paddle retained within the pair of paddle retaining devices; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an upper perspective view of the paddle retaining device; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a front sectional view of the paddle retaining device; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is an upper perspective view of a second embodiment of the paddle retaining device coupled to a support mat connected to the paddle surfboard; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is an upper perspective view of the paddle retaining device depicted in  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
       [0022]    Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments am&#39; that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. 
         [0024]    Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, and not for purposes of limiting the same, there is shown a paddle retaining device  10  configured to retain a paddle  12  adjacent a paddle surfboard  14  when the user is not using the paddle  12 . 
         [0025]    During a normal paddle-boarding session, the user stands on the paddle surfboard  14  and uses the paddle  12  to propel the user along the water. However, there are occasions when the user is on the board  14  when the paddle  12  is not being used. For instance, when the user initially launches the board  14 , the user may lie on the board  14  and paddle through the crashing waves with his hands, similar to traditional surfing. Paddle surfers may also perform exercises, such as yoga, on their board  14  when they are out on the water. During those times, the user is not using the paddle  12  and either holds the paddle  12  in one hand, or more likely, tries to rest the paddle  12  on the board  14 , which typically results in the paddle  12  falling off the board  14  and into the water. 
         [0026]    The paddle retaining device  10  is specifically configured and adapted to allow the user to stow the paddle  12  adjacent the board  14  when the paddle  12  is not being used during the paddle-board session. Furthermore, when the user is done with the paddle-board session, the user may stow the paddle  12  adjacent the board  14  to facilitate carrying of the paddle  12  and the board  14  to the destination. 
         [0027]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , one embodiment of the device  10  is shown with the device  10  including a resilient body  16  having a first end portion  18  and an opposing second end portion  20 . The resilient body  16  further includes a front face  22 , an opposing rear face  24 , a first side face  26 , a second side face, and an end face  30 . The resilient body  16  depicted in the Figures defines a generally triangular configuration, with the first and second side faces  26 ,  28  being angled toward each other such that the distance between the first and second side faces  26 ,  28  decreases from the second end portion  20  toward the first end portion  18 . In other words, the resilient body  16  may define acute angles between the end face  30 , and the first and second side faces  26 ,  28 . 
         [0028]    The resilient body  16  additionally includes an inlet channel  32  and a stowing channel  34 , both of which extend from the front face  22  to the rear face  24 . The inlet channel  32  is defined by a first inlet face  36  and the second inlet face  38 . The stowing channel  34  is defined by an inner face  40 . The first inlet face  36  extends between the first side face  26  and the inner face  40  and the second inlet face  38  extends between the second side face  28  and the inner face  40 . In this regard, the inner face  40  extends between the first inlet face  36  and the second inlet face  38 . 
         [0029]    The inlet channel  32  communicates with the stowing channel  34  to allow a user to insert the paddle handle into the stowing channel  34  via the inlet channel  32 . Along these lines, the distance between the first inlet face  36  and the second inlet face  38  defines an inlet channel width, “W,” and tie inner face  40  defines a stowing diameter, “D.” In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the inlet channel width, W is less than the stowing diameter D, which allows the paddle shaft to be captured or restrained within the stowing channel  34  once the paddle shaft passes through the inlet channel  32 . 
         [0030]    According to one implementation of the present invention, the inlet channel  32  is tapered such that the inlet channel width W decreases in a direction from the first end portion  18  toward the second end portion  20 . The tapered configuration may facilitate insertion of the paddle handle into the device  10 . 
         [0031]    The resilient body  16  is configured to allow the inlet channel  32  to expand during insertion or removal of the paddle  12  in to, or out of, the stowing channel  34 , and then to retract to its initial configuration after the paddle  12  is either disposed within the stowing channel  34  or removed from the device  10 . In this regard, the resilient body  16  is transitional between an expanded position and a retracted position during usage of the device  10 . The inlet channel width W increases as the resilient body  16  moves from the retracted position toward the expanded position, and decreases as the resilient body  16  moves from the expanded position toward the retracted position. The resilient body  16  may be biased toward the retracted position, such that body  16  is urged toward the retracted position when the body  16  is moved into the expanded position. Furthermore, the body  16  may transition between the expanded and retracted positions without being permanently deformed. 
         [0032]    It is contemplated that the size of the inlet channel  32  and stowing channel  34  is configured to be commensurate in size with the shaft portion of the paddle  12 . More specifically, the narrowest portion of the inlet channel width W and the radius of the stowing channel  34  are preferably sized to be slightly less than the shaft portion of the paddle  12  when the inlet channel width W is in the retracted position. Paddles  12  are commonly sold having shaft portions that are approximately 1⅛″. Thus, one embodiment of the body includes a stowing channel  34  that defines a ½″ radius when the stowing channel  34  is in the retracted position. 
         [0033]    According to one embodiment, the end face  30  may define a length L extending between the first and second side faces  26 ,  28  of approximately 3 11/16″. The first and second side faces  26 ,  28  may extend from the end face  30  to define an internal angle of approximately 40 degrees. The device  10  may defined a height “H” as the dimension extending generally perpendicularly from the end face  30 . According to one embodiment, the height H may be approximately 1 9/16″. The depth “D” of the device  10  may be defined as the distance between the front and rear faces  22 ,  24 , and in one embodiment, may be approximately equal to 1½″. The first and second inlet faces  36 ,  38  may define a dimension of approximately ½″ between the respective one of the first and second side faces  26 ,  28  and the inner face  40 . Furthermore, the first and second inlet faces  36 ,  38  may define respective planes that are approximately 48 degrees from a plane defined by the end face  30 . 
         [0034]    Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the dimensions provides above are exemplary in nature only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Along these lines, the device  10  may define other shapes, sizes, and configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, the generally triangular shape and configuration shown in the figures is intended to be exemplary in nature only and is not intended limit the scope and content of the present invention. In this regard, the resilient body  16  may define other shapes, such as a quadrangle, circle, etc. 
         [0035]    The body  16  is further configured to be mountable to the paddle surfboard  14 . To this end, the body  16  may include an adhesive layer  42  disposed on the end face  30 , wherein the adhesive layer  42  connects the body  16  to the paddle surfboard  14 . The adhesive layer  42  may be covered by a peel-off layer  44 , which is removed to expose the adhesive layer  42  to mount the device  10  on the paddle surfboard  14 . The adhesive layer  42  is preferably configured to withstand long exposure to freshwater and/or saltwater without losing its adhesive properties. 
         [0036]    The adhesive layer advantageously connects the body  16  to the paddle surfboard  14 , while at the same time mitigating damage to the board  14 . Mounting holes or other permanent modifications to the board  14  are typically not required to mount the body  16  to the board  14 . As such, the device  10  is a desirable alternative to other paddle retaining devices which may exist, but the usage of such devices may require damage to the board  14 , such as a mounting aperture. 
         [0037]    Although the foregoing describes an adhesive layer  42  for connecting the body  16  to the board  14 , those skilled in the art will appreciate that other mechanical fastening devices, such as a strap, may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0038]    The resilient body  16  is preferably formed from a resilient material configured to withstand extended and repeated exposure to saltwater, freshwater, and UV rays. Exemplary materials include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), rubber, foam, or other materials known by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the resilient nature of the material enhances the overall safety of the device  10 , such that if a user were to inadvertently fall onto the device  10 , the generally soft and resilient nature of the body  16  would mitigate injury to the user. 
         [0039]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 5-6 , there is shown another embodiment of the present invention, which includes a retaining unit  50  comprised of a retaining device  52  coupled to a support mat  54 . The support mat  54  is similar to conventional support mats  54  commonly used on stand-up paddle surfboards  14  to enhance the traction as the user stands on the board  14 . The support mat  54  may be formed from EVA, rubber, foam, or other materials known in the art. The support mat  54  may include an adhesive on its bottom surface for securing the support mat  54  to the paddle surfboard  14 . The retaining device  52  is similar to the retaining device  10  described above and shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , with the primary distinction being the retaining device  50  is coupled to the support mat  52 . In this regard, the retaining device  52  includes a resilient body  53  defining an inlet channel  55  and a stowing channel  57  for receiving and stowing a paddle. The resilient body  53  is transitional between an expanded position and a retracted position to allow for insertion and removal of the paddle to and from the device  52 . 
         [0040]    According to one implementation, the retaining device  52  is integrally formed with the support mat  54 . Along these lines, the retaining device  52  and support mat  54  may be formed from a molding process, which produces a single retaining unit  50 , wherein the retaining device  52  is integral with the support mat  54  to define a unitary structure. The retaining unit  50  preferably includes at least two retaining devices  52  formed with the support mat  54 , wherein the retaining devices  52  are coaxially aligned with each other adjacent a lateral end portion of the mat  54 . However, other embodiments may only include a single retaining device  52 , which may be located anywhere on the mat  54 . 
         [0041]    According to another embodiment, the retaining device  52  may be fastened to the support mat  54  via mechanical fastening techniques. Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the retaining device  52  may include an attachment flap  56  extending radially outward therefrom. The attachment flap  56  may be used to secure the retaining device  52  to the support mat  54 . For instance, in one embodiment, the support mat  54  includes several layers which are vertically stacked to define the support mat  54 . The upper layer(s) of the support mat  54  may include an opening sized to allow the retaining device  52  to be advanced therethrough, while the attachment flap  56  resides between adjacent layers of the support mat  54 . The attachment flap  56  may be stitched, welded, adhered or otherwise secured to one or both of the adjacent support mat layers. In another embodiment, the opening formed within the support mat  54  may extend completely through the thickness of the support mat  54 , i.e., through all of the layers, such that the attachment flap  56  resides between the board  14  and the support mat  54  when the retaining device  52  is advanced through the opening. Along these lines, the bottom surface of the attachment flap  56  may include a gripping surface or an adhesive to enhance the traction between the attachment flap  56  and the paddle surfboard  14  to mitigate slippage therebetween. 
         [0042]    It is also contemplated that the retaining device  52  and support mat  54  may be configured to allow for selective attachment/detachment of the retaining device  52  to/from the support mat  54 . For instance, the retaining device  52  and support mat  54  may include complimentary snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, or other fasteners known by those skilled in the art to connect the retaining device  52  to the support mat  54 . 
         [0043]    Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that although the foregoing describes embodiments of a retaining device  10 ,  52  for a paddle on a stand-up paddle surfboard  14 , other embodiments of the retaining device may be used for other purposes. For instance, the retaining device may be used in the nautical industry as a guide or clip for lanyard or line. Along these lines, the lanyard or line may be advanced through the inlet channel  32  and into the stowing channel  34  to guide the lanyard/line through the retaining device. It is also contemplated that various aspects of the retaining device may be used as a storage or organizing device, such as to store tools/utensils in a user&#39;s garage or kitchen. The foregoing provides exemplary uses of various embodiments of the retaining device, although it is understood that the examples are illustrative in nature only, and do not limit the scope of the retaining devices  10 ,  52 . 
         [0044]    The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combinations described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.