CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application Serial Number 61/857,078 to Alan Frederick Colvin, entitled HAND-ROWING PADDLE, filed on July 22, 2013, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, including the drawings, charts, schematics, diagrams and related written description.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] Described herein are devices and methods relating to manually-powered propulsion devices, such as paddles and oars, for use with a watercraft such as a kayak, raft or boat.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] Since humankind's first use of watercraft, paddles and other manually-powered propulsion devices have been utilized to propel aquatic vehicles through the water and to otherwise control the direction and speed of their travel. Many different paddle and oar configurations have been utilized for such ends, including the traditional rearward-facing dual-oar system of a traditional rowboat and the dual-bladed single-paddle system of a kayak.

[0004] As shown in FIG. 1, when utilizing a dual-bladed single-paddle system 100, such as in typical kayak operation, the user must physically move the entire paddle to control the bladed portions of the paddle. The user 102 must move a first bladed-side 108 such that it enters the water 110 and rows the kayak 104 forward, then must lift the first bladed-side out of the water and repeat the process for the second bladed-side 112.

[0005] This typical method of kayak operation, in which the entire length of a straight paddle must be manipulated to control the kayak, requires the use of a significant amount of power and energy as a large range of motion is required to utilize the paddle to propel the kayak in a desired direction. Additionally, large muscle groups, including the muscles of the shoulders and waist, must be utilized in addition to the arms in order to properly use and control the paddle. For example, in order to achieve a desirable blade position in which the blade enters the water vertically such that the paddle is substantially orthogonal to the surface of the water, the user must twist his or her body. This prolonged and/or repeated twisting of the wrists, shoulders and waist can result in joint damage and muscle strain, and may not be ergonomically desirable.

[0006] More recently, innovators have made modifications to dual-bladed single-paddle rowing systems in an attempt to correct potentially undesirable wrist twisting. Such a system is disclosed in US PGPub No. 2005/0153606 Al to Lane, et al. While such a rowing system allows for a greater range of wrist motion, it still requires some twisting of the wrist in a gyroscopic motion. This system also still requires that the entirety of the paddle be manipulated and correctly positioned by a user such that a large range of motion from the user is used to generate a resulting similarly large range of motion from the paddle. Accordingly, these systems do little to alleviate the adverse twisting effects on a user' s shoulders and waist.

[0007] What is needed is a dual-bladed single-paddle system that allows a user to apply a smaller force and range of motion to a portion of the paddle to effect a larger output in propulsion. This improved system should also ideally reduce the amount of twisting and body movement required for proper paddle operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Devices and methods according to the present disclosure include manually-powered propulsion mechanisms for use in a watercraft, such as paddles and oars which are particularly adapted for use in single or multiple person watercraft, for example, a kayak. These devices allow a user to manipulate a portion of the paddle to affect the positioning of other portions of the paddle in relation to one another, which in turn allows for a smaller input of energy and range of motion to translate into a greater output of energy and range of motion, resulting in propulsion of the watercraft in a desired direction .

[0009] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a paddle comprises a body with at least two distal bladed ends and a moveable portion that allows the distal bladed ends to rotate about another portion of the paddle's body. This allows a user to capitalize on leverage by manipulating the moveable portion with a smaller amount of energy and range of motion and have the bladed portions of the paddle move with a grater force and range of motion.

[0010] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a paddle comprises a body with at least two distal bladed ends and a moveable center portion comprising a substantially linear bar connected to two handgrip portions such that one handgrip portion is connected to each end of the substantially linear bar. The two handgrip portions are in turn each connected at their other ends to distal end portions of the paddle' s body which terminate in bladed portions. By rotating the handgrip portions in a "pedaling" manner such that the substantially linear bar portion connecting the two handgrip portions rotates about its center axis, the user causes the two distal end portions of the paddle to also rotate about the center axis point of the substantially linear bar, thus propelling the watercraft in a desired direction .

[0011] In one embodiment, a paddle, comprises a body, comprising at least two distal ends and at least one moveable portion, where the distal ends are configured to rotate about another portion of said body.

[0012] In another embodiment, a paddle comprises at least two distal ends and a moveable portion, which comprises a substantially linear connecting portion; the distal ends are configured to rotate about the substantially linear connecting portion.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, a paddle comprises at least two distal ends, a moveable center portion comprising a substantially linear connecting portion, such that the distal ends are configured to rotate about the substantially linear connecting portion, and at least two handgrip portions. Each handgrip portion comprises a first and second handgrip end, wherein the first handgrip end is connected to one of the at least two distal ends and the second handgrip end is connected to the substantially linear connecting portion.

[0014] These and other further features and advantages of the invention would be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken together with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals designate corresponding parts in the figures, in which :

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of operation of a dual-bladed single-paddle system according to a typical prior art technique; [0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a method of operation of a paddle according to one embodiment incorporating features of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a paddle according to one embodiment incorporating features of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 3B is a sectional view of a handgrip portion of the paddle shown in FIG. 3A;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a paddle according to another embodiment incorporating features of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a paddle according to yet another embodiment incorporating features of the present invention; and

[0021] FIGS. 6A-6D are front perspective views of a method of operation of a paddle according to still another embodiment incorporating features of the present invention .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a paddle comprises a body with at least two distal bladed ends, and a moveable portion that allows the distal bladed ends to rotate about another portion of the paddle's body. By manipulating the moveable portion of the paddle, a user can cause the distal bladed ends of the paddle to rotate such that they alternately enter and leave the water at desirable angles and thus propel the watercraft forward. This allows a user to capitalize on leverage, which enables the moveable portion to be manipulated with a smaller amount of energy and range of motion while the bladed portions of the paddle move with a greater force and range of motion. In some embodiments, the moveable portion is in the center or near the center of the paddle's body and allows a user to manipulate the moveable portion such that the two distal bladed paddle portions rotate about the center or near center of the paddle.

[0023] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a paddle comprises a body with at least two distal bladed ends and a moveable center portion comprising a substantially linear bar connected to two handgrip portions such that one handgrip portion is connected to each end of the substantially linear bar. The two handgrip portions are in turn each connected at their other ends to the distal end portions of the paddle's body which terminate in bladed portions. The distal end portions can be arranged, for example, such that they are not coplanar with the substantially linear bar portion. In some embodiments the handgrip portions are substantially orthogonal to the substantially linear bar portion and to the distal end portions. In some embodiments, the distal end portions are substantially parallel to the substantially linear bar portion. By rotating the handgrip portions in a "pedaling" manner such that the substantially linear bar portion connecting the two handgrip portions rotates about its center axis, the user can cause the two distal end portions of the paddle to also rotate about the center axis point of the substantially linear bar. This allows the bladed portions of the distal ends to rotate about the center portion of the paddle' s body, enabling a smaller amount of energy and range of motion to translate into a greater propulsion force.

[0024] In the description that follows, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations of these specific details are possible while still achieving the results of the invention. Well-known elements and processing steps are generally not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the invention.

[0025] Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to illustrations that are schematic illustrations of embodiments of the invention. As such, the actual size, components and features can be different, and variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of technological capabilities, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes or components of the regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes /components that result, for example, from manufacturing or technological availability. The regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape or functionality of a feature of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Also, components may be shown as one unit but may instead be a collection of components or units, or a collection of components or units may exist as one unit.

[0026] Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples illustrated should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the term "invention,"

"device," "method," "present invention," "present device" or "present method" refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature (s) of the "invention," "device," "method," "present invention," "present device" or "present method" throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature (s) .

[0027] It is also understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being "on" or "adjacent" to another element or feature, it can be directly on or adjacent the other element or feature or intervening elements or features may also be present. It is also understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. [0028] Relative terms such as "outer", "above", "lower", "below", "horizontal," "vertical" and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one feature to another. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0029] Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Thus, a first element or component discussed below could be termed a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the present invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated list items.

[0030] The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a, " "an, " and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. [0031] As used herein the term "distal" refers to the terminal ends of a structure furthest from the structure's center. For example, the "distal" portions of a paddle are the terminal ends of the paddle furthest from the center of the paddle body, which in the case of a dual-bladed single paddle system, typically terminate in fin-like bladed structures. In embodiments comprising a moveable center portion, the "distal ends" of a paddle can include both the terminal bladed portions and the body portions to which the terminal bladed portions are directly connected. These "distal ends" can in turn be connected to other body structures, such as a handgrip portion or the moveable center portion itself.

[0032] While the instant application refers to the distal ends being "bladed, " it is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that underlying principles of the present invention can be applied to non-bladed distal ends and distal ends outfitted with accompaniments to improve water propulsion other than blades, either know in the art or developed later as technology in the art advances .

[0033] As discussed briefly above, FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation 100 illustrating the operation of a dual-bladed single-paddle system according to a typical prior art technique. FIG. 1 displays a user 102, a watercraft 104, and a dual-bladed paddle 106. Typical operation of this prior art paddle involves a first step in which user 102 places a first bladed portion 108 below the surface of the water 110 and rows the paddle in a direction opposite a desired direction to propel watercraft 104 in the desired direction. The second step in typical operation of dual-bladed paddle 106 according to the prior art method is to lift first bladed portion 108 out of the water and to repeat the first step above with the other side of dual bladed paddle 106, which includes a second bladed portion 112.

[0034] During the operation of dual-bladed paddle 106 according to the prior art method discussed above, user 102 must apply a force to the entirety of dual-bladed paddle 106 by alternately lifting, lowering, rowing and raising each side. This process involves a significant amount of force and a large range of user motion 113 to effect a similar range of paddle motion 114. This requires a significant amount of energy and work to propel watercraft 104 in a desired direction. This method is also not ergonomically desirable as it requires prolonged and repeated twisting and exertion of the wrists, shoulders, waist and the muscles of the sides, back and torso, potentially leading to joint damage and muscle strain.

[0035] Devices and methods according to the present disclosure can alleviate these prior art problems. FIG. 2 is a schematic representation 200 illustrating a method of operation of a paddle according to one embodiment incorporating features of the present invention. FIG. 2 displays a user 202, a watercraft 204, and a dual-bladed paddle 206. Dual-bladed paddle 206 differs from dual- bladed paddle 106 in FIG. 1 above in that it comprises a unique "moveable portion 208" - i.e., the portion of the paddle that is moved by the user. Moveable portion 208 can comprise handgrip portions 210 and a connecting portion 212, that can be manually moved in space, realigned and/or rotated. In the embodiment shown, connecting portion 212 has a center axis 214. Connecting portion 212 is connected to handgrip portions 210 on each of its ends. The ends of handgrip portions 210 that are not connected to connecting portion 212 are connected to distal bladed ends 216, 218. In the embodiment shown, distal bladed ends 216, 218 are fixed in place to handgrip portions 210 and move with handgrip portions accordingly .

[0036] User 202 can rotate connecting portion 212 about its center axis 214, for example, by using a "pedaling" motion, such that the distal bladed ends 216, 218 also rotate about center axis 214 and propel watercraft 204 in a desired direction. In the embodiment shown, a forward pedaling motion would cause a forward rotation of distal bladed ends 216, 218 and thus a forward propulsion of watercraft 204. Likewise, a reverse pedaling motion would cause a reverse rotation of distal bladed ends 216, 218 and thus a reverse propulsion of watercraft 204.

[0037] By applying a force and user range of motion 220 to moveable portion 208, user 202 can utilize leverage to effect a larger paddle range of motion 222. This allows for a smaller force and range of motion to be utilized to produce a greater propulsion effect. For example, user 202 can exhibit a smaller range of motion 220 than that of user 102 in FIG. 1 above, and travel over water at an equivalent or greater speed. Furthermore, the reduced user range of motion 220 results in less body movement and involves fewer muscle groups, resulting in less potential for injuries due to repeated and prolonged motion .

[0038] The handgrip portions 210 can comprise an outer portion that is positioned around and can rotate about an inner portion (shown more clearly in FIG. 3B below) . This handgrip configuration allows user 202 to rotate dual-bladed paddle 206 about the center axis 214 of connecting portion 212 without any substantial adjustment of his or her grip.

[0039] FIG. 3A shows a front perspective view of a dual- bladed paddle 300, similar to dual-bladed paddle 206 in FIG. 2 above, wherein the corresponding disclosure above is incorporated into the description of this embodiment and wherein like reference numbers represent like features. Like dual bladed-paddle 206 above, dual-bladed paddle 300 comprises a moveable portion 208, which can comprise handgrip portions 210 and a connecting portion 212, that can be manually moved in space, aligned and/or rotated about its center axis 214. Also like dual-bladed paddle 206 above, connecting portion 212 is connected to handgrip portions 210 on each of its ends; the ends of handgrip portions 210 that are not connected to connecting portion 212 are connected to distal bladed ends 216, 218.

[0040] Dual bladed paddle 300 can comprise a single material or a plurality of materials. In some embodiments, the "finned" blade portions 302, 304 of distal bladed ends 216, 218 and the handgrip portions 210 comprise a different material than the rest of dual bladed paddle 300. Dual-bladed paddle 300 can comprise many suitable materials including but not limited to: metal, ceramics, wood, plastics, polymers, acrylics, carbon, combinations thereof, and any other suitable material or combination of materials that is known in the art for use with water propulsion devices such as paddles and oars. In some embodiments, dual-bladed paddle 300 comprises a waterproof material. In some embodiments, dual-bladed paddle 300 comprises a rigid plastic body formed by extrusion.

[ 0041 ] The various components, such as the distal ends 216, 218, the handgrip portions 210 and the connecting portion 212 can be connected via movable joints 306. Moveable joints 306 can adjust various features of dual- bladed paddle 300 such as the angle at which the various components are connected to one another, for example, adjusting the connection between distal bladed ends 216, 218 with handgrip portions 210 such that the distal bladed ends 216, 218 are orientated such that they enter the water at a desired angle. Moveable joints 306 can be configured to adjust the orientation or offset of blade portions 302, 304, for example, to enable a "feathered" style of rowing. Moveable joints 306 can change the overall orientation of the device, allowing the device to change orientation into a "traditional" dual-bladed paddle if desired, similar to paddle 106 in FIG. 1 above. Moveable joints can comprise any form of connection including but not limited to: a ball and socket joint arrangement, a hinge or living hinge arrangement and a vertical and or horizontal rotational movement arrangement .

[0042] Moveable joints 306 can further comprise "locking" mechanisms that can be configured to lock the joint in place and prevent further adjustment when the various components connected by the joint are in a desired position. These "locking" mechanisms can be temporary or permanent. In some embodiments, moveable joints 306 are configured with a firm connection such that a specifically applied manual force can adjust the position of a moveable joint 306 and thus components connected by the moveable joint 306, but routine or accidental movement and operation of dual-bladed paddle 300 will not .

[0043] While various types of moveable joints 306 have been discussed, it is also understood that dual-bladed paddle 300 can instead comprise stationary joint portions, or the entirety of dual-bladed paddle 300 can be formed as a single body such that there are no joint portions, but instead simply bent or angular portions to define the shape of dual bladed paddle 300. Some advantages of utilizing stationary or non-jointed embodiments include reduced cost, increased ease of manufacturing and having a sturdier body with less moving parts and thus a greater operational lifetime.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, moveable portion 208 is positioned roughly in the center of dual- bladed paddle 300 and comprises two handgrip portions 210 and a substantially linear connecting portion 212. By manipulating the position of connecting portion 212, for example, by rotating connecting portion 212 about its central axis 214 utilizing handgrip portion 210 in a peddling manner, distal bladed ends 216, 218, which can be in a fixed position with respect to handgrip portions 210 as shown, are also rotated and can propel a watercraft in a desired direction. In some embodiments, connecting portion 212 can be curved or angled to further adjust the positioning of the various components of dual- bladed paddle 300, such as handgrip portions 210 and distal bladed ends 216, 218.

[0045] While FIG. 3A shows a linear and vertical connecting portion 212, it is understood that many connecting portions are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, other adjustable features include but not limited to: rotation, torsion, flexion, and collapsibility and other forms of movement that would allow a user to utilize leverage and different orientations to cause various portions of dual-bladed paddle 300 to move in relation to other portions. Furthermore, while moveable portion 208 is positioned roughly in the center of dual-bladed paddle 300 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, it is understood that moveable portion 208 can be positioned at various locations of dual-bladed paddle 300.

[0046] The various components of dual-bladed paddle 300 can be aligned in many different ways. In some embodiments, the various components of dual-bladed paddle 300 are aligned as shown along an alignment line 308 which aligns the center areas of handgrip portions 210 with blade portions 302, 304 of distal bladed ends 216, 218. In some embodiments, handgrip portions 210 are substantially orthogonal to connecting portion 212 and to distal end portions 216, 218. In some embodiments, distal end portions 216, 218 are substantially parallel to connecting portion 212.

[0047] Looking more closely at handgrip portions 210, FIG. 3B shows a sectional view wherein an outer portion 350 is positioned around, and can rotate about, an inner portion 352. This configuration allows a user to rotate connecting portion 212 about its center axis 214 without substantially changing his or her grip position or causing uncomfortable friction to the user' s hands due to the rubbing motion of the handgrip portion 210 during the rotation of connecting portion 212. The user's hands grip the moveable portion 350 which stays stationary during rotation of connecting portion 212, as the inner portion 352 - which is fixed to connecting portion 212 and one of the distal bladed ends 216, 218 - rotates. One advantage of this configuration is that a user can operate dual-bladed paddle 300 without substantially altering his or her grip or wrist position. Other configurations of handgrip portions 210 can also be utilized to increase user comfort; for example, handgrip portions 210 might be moveable and/or gyroscopic.

[0048] It is understood that while dual-bladed paddle 300 is referred to as a "paddle" it is not limited to such embodiments. In some embodiments, dual-bladed paddle 300 can be connected to, or rests upon, a watercraft itself such that it functions as an oar. In some embodiments, it is connected to, or rests upon, an intervening and/or complimentary structure that is connected to or part of a watercraft .

[0049] Connecting portion 212 does not have to be linear or substantially linear. FIG. 4 depicts a dual-bladed paddle 400, comprising a connecting portion 402, handgrip portions 404 and distal ends 406, 408. Connecting portion 402 comprises a rounded shape, although other shapes can be utilized including but not limited to: circular shapes, linear shapes, rectangular shapes or any regular or irregular polygon, that would allow for rotational or other movement from user manipulation of handgrip portions 404.

[0050] Still other configurations of connecting portion 402 are possible. FIG. 5 depicts a dual-bladed paddle 500, comprising a connecting portion 502, handgrip portions 504 and distal ends 506, 508. Connecting portion 502 comprises a static portion 510 and a dynamic portion 512. Dynamic portion 512 functions as a "track" that provides a perimeter and/or other limitations which affect the paddle's range of motion; this configuration allows for a more controlled range of motion. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 also includes an optional attachment portion 514 that for dual bladed paddle 500 to be fixed to a watercraft.

[0051] FIGS. 6A-6D show front perspective views of a method of operation of a paddle according to still another embodiment incorporating features of the present invention. FIG. 6A shows a user 602 operating a dual- bladed paddle 604, which is similar to dual-bladed paddle 300 in FIG. 3A above, wherein the corresponding disclosure above is incorporated into the description of this embodiment and wherein like reference numbers represent like features. Like dual bladed-paddle 300 above, dual-bladed paddle 604 comprises a moveable portion 208, which can comprise handgrip portions 210 and a connecting portion 606, that can be manually moved in space, aligned and/or rotated about its center axis 608. Connecting portion 606 in FIG. 6A differs from connecting portion 212 in FIG. 3A above in that it comprises a curved or angular shape rather than a linear shape. Like with dual-bladed paddle 300 above, connecting portion 606 is connected to handgrip portions 210 on each of its ends and the ends of handgrip portions 210 that are not connected to connecting portion 212 are connected to distal bladed ends 216, 218.

[0052] FIG. 6A shows an example starting position wherein user 602 has a portion of distal end 218 below the surface of the water and wherein the other distal end 216 is above the surface of the water. FIG. 6B shows user 602 rotating a first handgrip portion 650 forward and downward about central axis 608 while simultaneously rotating a second handgrip portion 652 forward and upward about a central axis 608. This causes the distal ends 216, 218 to also rotate about central axis 608 such that distal end 218 propels watercraft 610 forward and exits the water and distal end 216 begins to approach the water . [0053] In FIG. 6C, user 602 continues the cycle of rotation of first handgrip portion 650 and second handgrip portion 652 in a near "mirror image" fashion to the rotations and positioning of the various paddle components described in FIGS. 6A and 6B above. In the step shown in FIG. 6C, user 602 rotates handgrip portions 210 such that he or she rotates first handgrip portion 650 forward and upward about central axis 608 while simultaneously rotating second handgrip portion 652 forward and downward about central axis 608. This causes the distal ends 216, 218 to also rotate about central axis 608 such that distal end 216 propels watercraft 610 forward and begins to exit the water and distal end 218 begins to approach the water.

[0054] FIG. 6D shows user 602 having completed one period of the rotational cycle, having followed the rotational arc through such that user 602 has brought the components of dual-bladed paddle 604 to roughly the same position they occupied in FIG. 6A. Repetition of this cycle results in continued forward propulsion of the watercraft 610. By reversing the steps and rotating the handgrip portions 210 in a reverse direction, rather than a forward direction, user 602 can propel watercraft 610 in a backward direction.

[0055] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations thereof, other versions are possible. Embodiments of the present invention can comprise any combination of compatible features shown in the various figures, and these embodiments should not be limited to those expressly illustrated and discussed. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the versions described above.

[0056] The foregoing is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims, wherein no portion of the disclosure is intended, expressly or implicitly, to be dedicated to the public domain if not set forth in the claims .