Patent Publication Number: US-10308337-B1

Title: Kayak fin paddle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application does not claim priority to any patent application. 
     DISCLOSURE REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR 
     The inventor has not disclosed this invention prior to the filing of this non provisional application. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of the Invention 
     This device is an improved paddle for a kayak or a canoe. The device allows a user to insert his arm through each paddle so that they will have better control over the paddles while kayaking or canoeing. Also, the paddles have openings or holes that allow two separate paddles to be reversibly connected together to form a single paddle for kayak or canoeing. The paddles may be connected so that the blade of each paddle is set at an angle to the other blade, which improves stroke efficiency while paddling. 
     (2) Disclosure of the Prior Art 
     A number of kayak paddle devices are known in the prior art. Most of these prior art devices disclose paddles wherein a user grips the shaft of the paddle wherein the handle is formed along the length of the shaft. For example Gunnell (U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,716 B1) and Masters (U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,216) both disclose kayak paddles that include one or more grips that are formed along the length of the shaft and run parallel to the shaft. Both of these paddles allow the blades to rotate relative to a user and to each other while being gripped by a user along the shaft. These paddles allow uncontrolled rotation about the shaft so that it can be difficult for a user to control the angle the blades contact a body of water. Although both Gunnell and Masters allow the paddle blades to be rotated about the shaft so that the angle of blade contact with the water may be adjusted, a user of these devices is unable to effectively control the blade angle during row overs or turbulent water. A device that allows a user to better control rotation of the blades is needed. 
     Merrill (U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,132) discloses a kayak paddle with handles affixed perpendicular to the shaft or shafts wherein the handles rotate about an axis as the paddle is used to reduce twisting of the writs and other joints of the kayaker. Any rotation about the handle of a paddle shaft may make it difficult for a user to prevent unwanted rotation, and may slow the speed of a kayak due to unwanted rotation. But, a kayaker may not want the handle(s) to rotate about an axis during use. For example, a kayaker may injure his or her wrists while paddle upon a body of water during a storm or a strong current because of uncontrolled rotation of the wrists about the handle axis. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This device comprises a fin-shaped paddle that may be used to kayak or canoe. The device comprises a blade body that is attached to a shaft, wherein the shaft forms a opening, and a handle or grip is included within the shaft opening so that the handle runs perpendicular to the upper and lower lengths of the shaft. A user easily grips the handle and manipulates the blade of the paddle by gripping the handle. A user&#39;s arm fits within the shaft opening allowing a user to support and control the blade via gripping the handle. The blade body is opposite a connecting body that allows two fin-shaped paddles to be coupled together. The connecting body allows the that runs the two paddles to be connected so that they are linear forming a straight paddle, or to be connected forming an angle so that the paddle has an upside down “V” shape. The linear combination of two paddles mocks the traditional kayak paddle shape, while the upside down “V” shape allows a user to adapt a shorter stroke while paddling, which provides greater control over the direction of movement of the kayak. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is described in detail below with reference to the appended drawings.  FIGS. 1 through 17  depict the Kayak Fin Paddle. In the Figures: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a top, exterior view of the device. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a side, exterior view of the device. 
         FIG. 3  depicts an angled, top view of the device. 
         FIG. 4  shows an top view of the device while being gripped by a user. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a to view of two Kayak Fin Paddles being joined wherein the body of the two paddles is shown in a mid-sectional view. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates two Kayak Fin Paddles joined to form a single paddle. 
         FIG. 7  is a mid-sectional view of two Kayak Fin Paddles being joined depicting the section of each paddle that is being joined to the other paddle. 
         FIG. 8  is a mid sectional view of two Kayak Fin Paddles joined depicting the section of each paddle that has been physically joined to the other paddle. 
         FIG. 9  is a top, exterior view of an alternate embodiment with holes for joining two paddles together. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a side view of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a user holding the device depicted in  FIG. 9  while kayaking. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates two paddles depicted in  FIG. 9  joined together at an angle. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates two paddles depicted in  FIG. 9  joined together at an angle. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates two paddles depicted in  FIG. 9  joined linearly. 
         FIG. 15  shows a kayaker using the device of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 16  depicts a kayaker using the device of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 17  depicts a kayaker using the device of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, several embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure should be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments so illustrated. Further, to the extent that any numerical values or other specifics of materials, etc., are provided herein, they are to be construed as exemplifications of the inventions herein, and the inventions are not to be considered as limited thereto. 
     The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one, or an embodiment in the present disclosure, can be, but not necessarily, references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments. 
     Reference in this specification to “one embodiment’ or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments, but not other embodiments. 
     The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same term can be said in more than one way. 
     Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, or is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a top, exterior view of the device. The Kayak Fin Paddle may be comprised of wood, fiberglass, aluminum, plastic or any other suitable material. The device should be composed of a material that allows the device to float upon the water. Connecting body  2  includes: end  17 , opening  13 , support  15 , opening  11 , and support  19 . Shaft body  4  includes: shaft  5 , opening  9 , opening  7 , and handle  3 . Fin head  6  includes blade  1 . Fin head  6  connects to connecting body  2  via shaft body  4 .  FIG. 2  depicts a side, exterior view of the device. Note that handle  3  may have a diameter that is larger than shaft  5 . Blade  1  may be of any shape that enables a user to paddle through or upon a body of water. End  17  may be rounded to prevent damage to a kayak or canoe during use. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an angled, top view of the device. Blade  1  connects to shaft  5 . Shaft  5  includes opening  7  and opening  9 , which are traversed by handle  3 . Handle  3  may be composed of any suitable material and may have any shape or form which permits a user to easily, quickly, and comfortably grasp or grip it. Support  19 , support  15 , and end  17  form opening  11 , and opening  13 . Openings  11  and  13  allow two paddles to be connected to each other forming a single paddle. 
     A user gripping the device is depicted in  FIG. 4 . Arm  40  is pressed against connecting body  2  allowing the user to manipulate the device by using his or her arm to press against connecting body  2 . A user may move his arm  40  to move connecting body  20  to control the position of the device. The position of arm  40  against connecting body  2  allows the user to reinforce the positioning of the device to prevent unwanted movement of the paddle with rough current or waves. Forearm  42  may be inserted through opening  9  allowing hand  44  to traverse opening  7  to grip handle  3 . The position of handle  3  aids a kayaker in up righting his upturned kayak because fin head  6  is in the correct orientation to recover when a user grips handle  3 . 
     Fin head  6  may be shaped to resemble a fish fin. In  FIG. 4, 6  is rounded in shape with lunate end  32  and fin barbs  31 . Fin barbs  31  allows fin head to exude water from its surface during each paddle stroke. Fin side  33  and fin side  35  are formed so the thickness of fin head  6  increases as fin side  33  and fin side  35  approach fin midline  34 . Fin barbs  31  allow user to grab a rope or string as needed, which is especially useful when pulling closer to a dock. Deformation  36  is formed to increase the thickness of fin head  6  from shaft  5  to midline  34 . The overall shape of fin head  6  mimics a rounded fish fin allowing the device to move more easily and rapidly cut through water during use. 
     A mid-sectional vie of two paddles in the process of being joined to form a single paddle is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Each paddle may be formed from two matching halves that are joined together. Hook and loop attachments, rope, bolts, or another means of securing the two paddles together may be positioned within the holes  50 , which are formed in end  17 , support  15 , and support  19  of the other paddle. Note that support  19  of each paddle is not utilized to secure the two paddles together In this depiction. End  17  of the first paddle is secured onto support  15  of the second paddle, while end  17  of the second paddle is secured onto support  15  of the first paddle. Securing the paddles in this fashion ensures a tight bond between the two paddles. 
       FIG. 7  is a blow up of the connecting bodies shown in  FIG. 5 , while  FIG. 8  is a blow up of the connecting bodies shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 7  depicts hole  50  in end  17 , hole  50  in support  15 , and hole  50  in support  19 . Each hole  50  may be used to secure two paddle together.  FIG. 8  depicts hole  50  on end  17  aligned with a hole  50  on support  15 . Note that opening  11  and opening  13  are the same openings when the two paddles are combined. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a top, exterior view of an alternate embodiment wherein connecting body  32  includes connector openings  41  that may be utilized to secure two paddles together. Shaft body  4  includes: shaft  5 , opening  9 , opening  7 , and handle  3 . Blade  1  may be formed into the shape of a fish fin to facilitate quick, easy movement of the paddle in and out of a body of water.  FIG. 10  depicts a side, exterior view of  FIG. 9 . Blade  1  connects to connecting body  32  via shaft body  4 . Note handle  3  does not protrude above the plane of the paddle. 
     A user using the alternate embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9  is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Arm  40  anchors the paddle against the user. Forearm  42  is inserted through opening  9 , hand  44  grips handle  3  through opening  7 . Shaft  5  runs the length from blade  1  to the connector openings  41 . One or more bolts, a length of rope, a length of string, etc. may be inserted into connector openings  41  on two separate paddles to secure them together. Handle  3  may be formed from shaft  5  as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates two paddles joined via rope  60  that has been thread between one or more connector openings  41  on two separate paddles joining said paddles. Line  61  is a line drawn beneath a first paddle that runs along the bottom of said paddle. Line  63  is a line drawn beneath a second paddle that runs along the bottom of said second paddle. Angle A is the angle formed between line  61  and line  63  is less than 180°, and in this example is 160°. The 160° angle of the paddles allows a user to move the kayak deeper into the surface of the water than if the paddles were arranged in an 180° configuration, which allows a kayaker to go further with fewer strokes. Also, the 160° angle allows a user to have a shorter stroke, which makes the kayak, or canoe, move faster along the surface of the water. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates two paddles joined via rope  60  that has been thread between two or more connector openings  41  on two separate paddles joining said paddles. Line  61  is a line drawn beneath a first paddle that runs along the bottom of said paddle. Line  63  is a line drawn beneath a second paddle that runs along the bottom of said second paddle. Angle B is the angle formed between line  61  and line  63  is 170° in  FIG. 13 . The 170° angle of the paddles allows a user to move the kayak deeper into the surface of the water than if using a 180° degree linear arrangement of paddles, which allows a kayaker to go further with fewer strokes. Also, the 160° angle allows a user to have a shorter stroke, which makes the kayak, or canoe, move faster along the surface of the water. 
     A linear configuration of two paddles depicted in  FIG. 14 . hook and loop attachment  62  is utilized to connect two paddles together. Line  61  is a line drawn beneath a first paddle that runs along the bottom of said paddle. Line  63  is a line beneath a second paddle that runs along the bottom of said second paddle. Angle C is the angle formed between line  61  and line  63 . Angle C is 180 degrees in FIG. C. This 180-degree angle allows two paddles to be joined to form a single two-bladed kayak or canoe paddle. 
     Kayaker  70  utilizing the device is depicted in  FIG. 15 . Note that kayaker  70  has both arms  40  aligned with end  17  of the paddle. Forearms  42  are inserted through the paddle with hands  44  gripping inserted through opening  7  and gripping the paddle. Blades  1  are inserted into the water, and kayaker  70  is paddling through the water. This embodiment allows kayaker  70  to paddle faster through the water than other paddles because this device allows kayaker  70  to modify the angle at which each paddle contacts the body of water he is paddling on. Additionally, this embodiment allows kayaker  70  to maintain paddle orientation so that he can quickly and easily recover if the kayak, or canoe, overturns during paddling. Kayaker  70  maintains paddle orientation via having his arms intertwined within the paddle and via having a grip that is perpendicular to the length of the paddle. 
     Kayaker  70  may use the paddles individually, as shown in  FIG. 15 , or may use two paddles joined together as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 .  FIG. 16  depicts kayaker utilizing the paddle configuration depicted in  FIG. 13 . Note that rope  60  has been omitted from the depiction. Kayaker  70  is shown gripping both paddles without the kayaker&#39;s arm  40  being positioned within paddle opening  9 . Kayaker  70  is able to move his kayak upon the water faster than in the prior art because the angle of blades  1  is less than 180° allowing him to move the blades  1  deeper into the water with less effort. 
     Kayaker  70  is shone in  FIG. 17  utilizing the paddle configuration shown in  FIG. 14 . Note that hook and loop attachment  62  is not shown. This configuration mimics a traditional two-bladed paddle. Hook and loop attachment  62  may be added or removed by the kayaker  70  during a single kayaking excursion to allow kayaker  70  to quickly and easily switch between  FIGS. 15, 16 and 17  at will.