Patent Publication Number: US-2013230398-A1

Title: Paddle for water sports

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&#39;s height. With sizing, a paddle has an overall length approximately 6 inches greater than the rider&#39;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&#39;s left hand and the shaft may be held with the rider&#39;s right hand when the rider is paddling on the right side of the board. The handle may be held in the rider&#39;s right hand and the shaft may be held with the rider&#39;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&#39;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&#39;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 S 310 . The user grips a first handle in step S 320 . The user places the first paddle partially underwater in step S 330  and pulls paddle shaft  10  in step S 340  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 S 360  and insert one paddle blade and then the other into the water in alternating fashion in step S 360  to alternately pull the paddle shaft with each hand in step S 370 . 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 S 350 , S 360  and S 370  before performing steps S 310 -S 340 . 
     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.