PADDLE

Abstract

The present invention provides a paddle for a personal watercraft, the paddle comprising: a paddle end, with the paddle end comprising a shaft and a blade and the blade engaging the shaft at an angle between 15 and 35 degrees from a major axis of the shaft. The paddle further comprises an arm support, the arm support comprising a bracket for engaging a user's forearm, and an extension connecting the bracket to the shaft.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present specification relates generally to paddles for watercraft, and more particularly to a angled paddle designed for single-arm usage by a human.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Personal watercraft propelled by paddles are commonly used for recreation by both adults and children. Typical watercraft used may include kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, and inflatable devices (inner tubes, air mattresses, etc.). Generally, the craft is propelled by a single paddle, which is operated by one or more people (with additional paddles) in a rhythmic fashion.

[0003] However, single paddles present some problems, particularly for inexperienced users, or smaller users, such as children. The single paddles tend to be large relative to the size of the watercraft, and the pattern and timing required to ensure the craft is propelled in a smooth and accurate manner requires a degree of training and practice.

[0004] Additionally, the range of muscle use and workout provided by a single paddle may not necessarily engage all of the user's core muscles, requiring extra effort in paddling and less overall exercise benefit than may be desired.

[0005] Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an angled paddle for a watercraft designed for single arm usage and operated in pairs.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the invention, the present invention provides a paddle for a personal watercraft, the paddle comprising: a paddle end, with the paddle end comprising a shaft and a blade and the blade engaging the shaft at an angle between 15 and 35 degrees from a major axis of the shaft. The paddle further comprises an arm support, the arm support comprising a bracket for engaging a user's forearm, and an extension connecting the bracket to the shaft.

[0008] Other aspects and features according to the present application will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only, embodiments of the invention, and how they may be carried into effect, and in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view of an angled paddle according to an embodiment; and

[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the angled paddle of FIG. 1.

[0012] Like reference numerals indicated like or corresponding elements in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The present invention relates to paddles for personal watercraft, such as kayaks and canoes, and more particularly to angled paddles which are adapted for single arm use, and operated by a user in pairs to propel the watercraft.

[0014] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an angled paddle 100 may be comprised of an arm support 110 and a paddle 120, the paddle 120 further comprised of a shaft 130 and a blade 140. Arm support 110 may be comprised of a bracket 150, which engages the user's forearm, and an extension 160, which engages the shaft 130 of the paddle 120. Bracket 150 may include foam or similar padding to improve comfort for the user, and may further include an arm engagement device, such as a strap to secure the bracket to the user's arm, or an attached sleeve through which the user may insert their hand and forearm. Other methods of securing the bracket to the user's arm may be used.

[0015] The extension 160 may be U-shaped as shown, or arcuate, and dimensioned and positioned such that when a user's hand engages the shaft 130 such that the shaft 130 is substantially perpendicular to the user's forearm, the bracket 150 is engaged with the user's forearm to support the angled paddle 100 in a comfortable operating position.

[0016] The length of shaft 130 may be determined by the type of watercraft (canoe, kayak, paddle boat, etc.) and the position (sitting, kneeling, standing) and size of the user. Additionally, the length of shaft 130 may be adjustable through an adjustment mechanism 135, such as through a set of fixed lengths, via cotter pins or locking pins, or continuous variable through a twist lock or telescoping mechanism. Thus, the same user may be able to use the same angled paddle for different watercraft, or different users may share the same angled paddle, for example, with boat rentals. Similarly, the length of extension 160 may be adjusted through an adjustment mechanism 165, either through fixed lengths or continuously variable as described above, and for similar purposes.

[0017] The blade 140 of paddle 120 is engaged with shaft 130 at an angle to the major axis of the shaft 130 such that blade 140 is angled away from the user at an angle of approximately 25 degrees. The angle of engagement may range from 15 degrees to 35 degrees depending on the length of the shaft 130 and blade 140, as well as the type of watercraft being operated. The angled portion preferably begins just below the area of the shaft 130 where the user's hand engages the shaft 130, and may be considered as either part of the shaft 130 or the blade 140, depending on the assembly of the paddle 100.

[0018] The shape of blade 140 may be variable, in accordance with standard practice for paddle blades. Ideally, the shape of blade 140 may be such that the angle of entry and angle of removal from the water during the angled paddle stroke is substantially similar to that found when using a conventional straight paddle.

[0019] In operation, the user operates a pair of angled paddles 100, placing the bracket 150 on the top of each of the user's forearms, optionally securing them with a strap or other means, and engaging the shaft 130 with their hands such that the shaft 130 is substantially perpendicular to their forearm. Thus engaged, blade 140 is angled away from the user. The user may then operate a watercraft as discussed above by synchronously paddling with both arms holding the angled paddles. The angle of the blade 140 results in the blade 140 entering the water at an angle and position which is comfortable and efficient for extended use. During operation, the user may adjust the angle of rotation from their body for both comfort and to modify the muscle groups used in the paddling motion.

[0020] The motion of the angled paddle 100 may be different from a standard paddle motion, being slightly more elliptical in nature. The increased elliptic motion of the angled paddle motion leverages the body muscle groups such as the pectorals, trapezius, triceps and latissimus dorsi to a different degree than the standard paddle motion, with a consequent change in the nature of physical exercise provided. Also, there may also be a learning curve to the user in using the angled paddles to operate a watercraft.

[0021] The separate elements of angled paddle 100 i.e. arm support 110 and paddle 120, made be made as a unitary piece, or as separate pieces to permit disassembly and reassembly for ease of transportation, or for sale as a user assembled kit. Similarly, bracket 150 and extension 160 may be a unitary piece or separate pieces, as may shaft 130 and blade 140. Additionally, and alternatively, shaft 130 and extension 160 may be adjustable to accommodate different sized forearms and hands for different users. As shown in FIG. 2, additional joint pieces, such as elbow joint 165, may be required for assembly.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the arm support 110, shaft 130 and blade 140 may be composed of fiberglass, aluminum, carbon fibre, or other materials as known in the art. The arm support 110, shaft 130 and blade 140 may be comprised of the same materials, or different materials, as desired. Foam padding, grip tape and other components design to improve comfort may be applied to the shaft 130 and arm support 110 as desired by the user.

[0023] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Certain adaptations and modifications of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the presently discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. An angled paddle for a personal watercraft, comprising: a paddle, the paddle comprising a shaft and a blade, the blade engaging the shaft such that an angle between 15 and 35 degrees from a major longitudinal axis of the shaft; and an arm support extending from an end of the shaft opposite the blade, the arm support comprising a bracket for engaging a user's forearm, and an extension bar connecting the bracket to the shaft.

2. The angled paddle of claim 1, further comprising an arm engagement device for securing the bracket to the user's forearm.

3. The angled paddle of claim 1, wherein the extension bar engages the shaft at a 90 degree angle.

4. The angled paddle of claim 1, wherein the angle is between 20 and 30 degrees.

5. The angled paddle of claim 4, wherein the angle is 25 degrees.

6. The angled paddle of claim 1, further comprising a shaft adjustment mechanism to adjust the length of the shaft.

7. The angled paddle of claim 6, wherein the length of the shaft is adjustable through a plurality of fixed-length positions.

8. The angled paddle of claim 6, wherein the length of the shaft is continuously adjustable between a minimum length and a maximum length.

9. The angled paddle of claim 1, further comprising an extension adjustment mechanism to adjust the length of the extension.

10. The angled paddle of claim 2, wherein arm engagement device is an arm sleeve.

11. The angled paddle of claim 2, wherein the arm engagement device is a strap.

12. A kit for making an angled paddle, comprising: a shaft piece, the shaft piece being substantially linear; a blade, the blade designed to engage the shaft at an angle between 15 and 35 degrees from a major longitudinal axis of the shaft to assemble into a paddle an extension bar; and a bracket, the bracket designed to engage the extension bar to assemble into an arm support, wherein the paddle and the arm support are assembled into the angled paddle.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the bracket further comprises an arm engagement device for securing the bracket to the user's forearm.

14. The kit of claim 12, wherein the shaft piece further comprises a shaft adjustment mechanism to adjust the length of the shaft piece.

15. The kit of claim 12, wherein the extension bar further comprises an extension adjustment mechanism to adjust the length of the extension bar.

16. The kit of claim 14, wherein the length of the shaft is adjustable through a plurality of fixed-length positions.

17. The kit of claim 14, wherein the length of the shaft is continuously adjustable between a minimum length and a maximum length.