U.S. patent application number 16/053565 was filed with the patent office on 2019-03-07 for recreational power and stabilizing apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Braap, LLC. Invention is credited to Brandon Henrie, Shawn Wheeler.
Application Number | 20190071159 16/053565 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56566438 |
Filed Date | 2019-03-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190071159 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Henrie; Brandon ; et
al. |
March 7, 2019 |
RECREATIONAL POWER AND STABILIZING APPARATUS
Abstract
A watersports paddle includes an elongated handle body having a
first material, a biased member having a second material more
flexible than the first material such that the biased member is
more flexible than the elongated handle body, and a paddle blade
coupled to the biased member opposite the elongated handle body.
The biased member deforms when a force is applied to the biased
member with the elongated handle body by pulling the paddle blade
through water and reforms when the force is not applied to the
biased member by the elongated handle body to store and release
energy during use of the watersports paddle. The biased member may
be a substantially planar leaf spring or a bowed leaf spring.
Inventors: |
Henrie; Brandon; (San Tan
Valley, AZ) ; Wheeler; Shawn; (Gilbert, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Braap, LLC |
Gilbert |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56566438 |
Appl. No.: |
16/053565 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15292045 |
Oct 12, 2016 |
10059414 |
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16053565 |
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14963008 |
Dec 8, 2015 |
9498700 |
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15292045 |
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14845135 |
Sep 3, 2015 |
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14963008 |
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14745117 |
Jun 19, 2015 |
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14845135 |
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62113666 |
Feb 9, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 17/0013 20130101;
B63H 16/04 20130101; A63C 11/22 20130101; A63C 11/227 20130101;
A63C 11/222 20130101; A63C 11/221 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B63H 16/04 20060101
B63H016/04; A63C 17/00 20060101 A63C017/00; A63C 11/22 20060101
A63C011/22 |
Claims
1. A recreational power and stabilizing apparatus, comprising: an
elongated handle body; a bowed biased member coupled to the
elongated handle body, the bowed biased member comprising a first
end positioned proximate the elongated handle body, a second end
opposite the first end, and an arc extending longitudinally
relative to an axis of the elongated handle body; and a coupling
member configured to couple the elongated handle body to the bowed
biased member, wherein the coupling member comprises a first leg
and a second leg angled from the first leg relative to the axis of
the elongated handle body, and wherein the first leg is coupled to
the elongated handle body and the second leg is coupled to the
first end of the bowed biased member.
2. The recreational power and stabilizing apparatus of the claim 1,
wherein the coupling member comprises a triangular shape, and
wherein the coupling member is configured to offset the first end
of the bowed biased member from the elongated handle body.
3. The recreational power and stabilizing apparatus of claim 1,
wherein the first leg of the coupling member comprises a body
receiver channel extending through the first leg.
4. The recreational power and stabilizing apparatus of claim 3,
wherein the elongated handle body is slidable within the body
receiver channel between an operating position and a collapsed
position, wherein in the collapsed position the elongated handle
body is closer to the second end of the bowed biased member than
when the elongated handle body is in the operating position.
5. The recreational power and stabilizing apparatus of claim 4,
wherein the first leg of the coupling member comprises a pin hole,
wherein the elongated handle body comprises a first locking pin,
and wherein the first locking pin is configured to engage the pin
hole to lock the elongated handle body in the operating
position.
6. The recreational power and stabilizing apparatus of claim 5,
wherein the elongated handle body comprises a second locking pin,
and wherein the second locking pin is configured to engage the pin
hole to lock the elongated handle body in the collapsed
position.
7. The recreational power and stabilizing apparatus of claim 1,
wherein the elongated handle body comprises an adjustable
length.
8. The recreational power and stabilizing apparatus of claim 7,
wherein the elongated handle body is configured to telescope
between a plurality of positions by sliding a first portion of the
elongated handle body into a second portion of the elongated handle
body.
9. The recreational power and stabilizing apparatus of claim 8,
wherein the first portion of the elongated handle body comprises a
spring pin and the second portion of the elongated handle body
comprises a first hole, and wherein in response to the first
portion being slid into the second portion the spring pin engages
the first hole to lock the elongated handle body into a first
position.
10. The recreational power and stabilizing apparatus of claim 9,
wherein the second portion of the elongated handle body comprises a
second hole, wherein in response to the first portion being slid
into the second portion the spring pin engages the second hole to
lock the elongated handle body into a second position, and wherein
in the second position the elongated handle body comprises a
shorter length than in the first position.
11. The recreational power and stabilizing apparatus of 1, wherein
the elongated handle body comprises a plastic material, a carbon
fiber material, a wood material, or a metal material.
12. A recreational apparatus, comprising: an elongated body; a
biased member comprising a first end coupled to the elongated body
and a second end opposite the first end; a coupling member having a
first leg coupled to the elongated body and a second leg coupled to
the first end of the biased member, wherein the first leg of the
coupling member comprises a body receiver channel extending through
the first leg; and a shoe coupled to the second end of the biased
member, wherein the shoe comprises a slot configured to couple the
shoe to the second end of the biased member.
13. The recreational apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second end
of the biased member is removably coupled within the slot of the
shoe using a screw, a bolt, or a pin.
14. The recreational apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second end
of the biased member is pivotally coupled within the slot of the
shoe using a bolt, and wherein the slot is sized and shaped to
allow the second end of the biased member to pivot within the
slot.
15. The recreational apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a
traction element coupled to the shoe.
16. The recreational apparatus of claim 12, wherein the traction
element is coupled to the shoe with a bolt, a screw, or an
adhesive, and wherein the traction element comprises a non-slip
surface.
17. An apparatus, comprising: a shafted body; a non-linear biased
member coupled to the shafted body, the non-linear biased member
extending from a first side of the shafted body and not crossing a
plane collinear with an axis of the shafted body more than once in
a total length of the non-linear biased member such that the
non-linear biased member deforms when a force is applied to the
non-linear biased member by the shafted body and reforms when the
force is not applied to the non-linear biased member by the shafted
body to store and release energy; and a coupling member configured
to couple the shafted body to the non-linear biased member, wherein
the coupling member comprises a first leg and a second leg, and
wherein the first leg is coupled to the shafted body and the second
leg is coupled to a first end of the non-linear biased member.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a handle coupled
to the shafted body opposite the non-linear biased member.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the handle comprises a
spherical shape or an oblong shape.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the handle comprises a grip
shape having a plurality of indentations for finger grips.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of, and claims priority
to and the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/292,045,
filed Oct. 12, 2016 and entitled "RECREATIONAL POWER AND
STABILIZING APPARATUS," which is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/963,008, filed Dec. 8, 2015 and entitled
"RECREATIONAL POWER AND STABILIZING APPARATUS," which is a
Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/845,135, filed
Sep. 3, 2015 entitled "RECREATIONAL POWER AND STABILIZING
APPARATUS," which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/745,117, filed Jun. 19, 2015 entitled
"POWER AND STABILIZING APPARATUS," which claims the benefit of
Provisional Application No. 62/113,666, filed Feb. 9, 2015 entitled
"POWER AND STABILIZING APPARATUS," which are each hereby
incorporated by reference in the entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0002] Aspects of this document relate generally to apparatuses for
propelling individuals participating in rolling or sliding-based
recreational activities.
2. Background Art
[0003] Conventional watersports paddles are typically formed of
rigid inflexible material that may be inefficient during use.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one aspect, a watersport paddle comprises an
elongated handle body, a paddle blade positioned opposite the
elongated handle body, and a leaf spring. The leaf spring is
positioned between the elongated handle body and the paddle blade.
The leaf spring is more flexible than the elongated handle body and
at least as flexible as the paddle blade.
[0005] Various implementations and embodiments may comprise one or
more of the following. The leaf spring may comprise a substantially
planar leaf spring. The leaf spring may comprise a bowed leaf
spring coupled to the leaf spring and the elongated handle body.
The elongated handle body may be longer than the leaf spring and
the leaf spring may be more flexible than the paddle blade. The
elongated handle body may be at least twice as long as the leaf
spring. The elongated handle body may comprise a telescoping shaft
configured to lock in an extended position and lock in a retracted
position shorter than the extended position. The leaf spring may
comprise one of fiberglass and carbon fiber.
[0006] According to another aspect, a watersports paddle comprises
an elongated handle body comprising a first material, a biased
member coupled to an end of the elongated handle body, and a paddle
blade. The biased member comprises a second material more flexible
than the first material. The paddle blade is coupled to the biased
member opposite the elongated handle body. The biased member is
configured to deform when a force is applied to the biased member
with the elongated handle body by pulling the paddle blade through
water and reform when the force is not applied to the biased member
by the elongated handle body to store and release energy during use
of the watersports paddle.
[0007] Various implementations and embodiments may comprise one or
more of the following. The biased member may comprise a
substantially planar leaf spring. The bias member may comprise a
bowed leaf spring. The elongated handle body may be longer than the
biased member. The elongated handle body may be at least twice as
long as the biased member. The elongated handle body may comprise a
telescoping shaft configured to lock in an extended position and
lock in a retracted position shorter than the extended position.
The biased member may comprise one of fiberglass and carbon
fiber.
[0008] According to another aspect, a watersports paddle comprises
an elongated handle body, a paddle blade, and a biased member. The
elongated handle body comprises a first material at a top portion
of the elongated handle body. The paddle blade is opposite the top
portion of the elongated handle body and comprises a second
material at a bottom portion of the paddle blade. The biased member
is positioned between the top portion of the elongated handle body
and the bottom portion of the paddle blade. The biased member
comprises a third material more flexible than the first material
and the second material.
[0009] Various implementations and embodiments may comprise one or
more of the following. The biased member may comprise a
substantially planar leaf spring positioned between the paddle
blade and the elongated handle body. The biased member may comprise
a bowed leaf spring positioned between the paddle blade and the
elongated handle body. The elongated handle body may be at least
twice as long as the biased member. The elongated handle body may
comprise a telescoping shaft configured to lock in an extended
position and lock in a retracted position shorter than the extended
position. The biased member may comprise one of fiberglass and
carbon fiber.
[0010] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages
will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art
from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction
with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like
elements, and:
[0012] FIG. 1A is a side view of a recreational power and
stabilizing apparatus in an extended position;
[0013] FIG. 1B is a side view of a recreation power and stabilizing
apparatus in a collapsed position;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of a bowed biased member of a
recreational power and stabilizing apparatus;
[0015] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a coupling member of a
recreational power and stabilizing apparatus;
[0016] FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of a recreational power
and stabilizing apparatus;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of a body of a recreational power and
stabilizing apparatus in a retracted position;
[0018] FIG. 5A is a top view of a shoe of a recreational power and
stabilizing apparatus;
[0019] FIG. 5B is a bottom view of a base coupled to a shoe of a
recreational power and stabilizing apparatus;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a side view of a bowed biased member of a second
embodiment of a recreational power and stabilizing apparatus;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
watersport paddle; and
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a second
embodiment of a watersport paddle.
DESCRIPTION
[0023] This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not
limited to the specific components or assembly procedures disclosed
herein. Many additional components and assembly procedures known in
the art consistent with the intended apparatus and/or assembly
procedures for a stabilizing and power apparatus will become
apparent for use with implementations of stabilizing and power
apparatuses from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example,
although particular handles, bodies, coupling members, biased
members, and shoes are disclosed, such handles, bodies, coupling
members, biased members, and shoes and implementing components may
comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, measurement,
concentration, material, quantity, and/or the like as is known in
the art for handles, bodies, coupling members, biased members, and
shoes and implementing components, consistent with the intended
operation of a stabilizing and power apparatus.
[0024] Contemplated as part of this disclosure is an apparatus
configured to provide power and balance or stabilization to a user
participating in an athletic and/or movement-based activity. For
example, the apparatus may be utilized by an individual on a
skateboard, long board rollerblades, roller skates, skiing,
snowboarding, kayaking, ice skating, cross country skiing, and the
like. Operation and advantages of the apparatus will become
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the
disclosures presented in this document. Generally, one or more
embodiments of a recreational power and stabilizing apparatus 2
comprise a handle grip 4, an elongated handle body 10 coupled to
the handle grip 4, a coupling member 20 coupled to the elongated
handle body 10, a biased member 25 coupled to the coupling member
10, and a shoe 30 coupled to the biased member 25. More specific
detail of various embodiments of a recreational power and
stabilizing apparatus 2 shall be provided herein.
[0025] One or more embodiments of a balance or stabilizing and
power apparatus comprise a biased member. The biased member may
comprise any biased member configured to store and release energy
during use. FIGS. 1A and 1B depict sides views of a non-limiting
embodiment of a recreational power and stabilizing apparatus 2 that
includes a bowed biased member 25, and FIG. 2 depicts a close up
view of a bowed and non-linear biased member 25 of a non-limiting
embodiment of a recreational power and stabilizing apparatus 2.
According to some aspects, a biased member contemplated in this
disclosure may comprise any configuration that allows the biased
member to store kinetic energy from the user applying pressure to
the biased member from the handle grip 4 or elongated handle body
10 as potential energy. For example, a user may apply pressure to
the biased member 25 while in motion (such as a when rolling on a
long board) by pushing the shoe of the apparatus against the ground
or other surface, thus deforming the shape of the biased member 25
and loading energy into the biased member 25. As the user continues
in motion beyond the contact point of the shoe 30 of the apparatus
2 and the ground, the biased member 25 regains its shape and
transfers a force or energy to the user in motion, thus propelling
the user.
[0026] The biased member 25 may comprise any biased member known in
the art, such as but not limited to a non-linear biased member. In
the non-limiting embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
non-linear biased member comprises bowed or arced leaf spring
biased member 25. As used herein, a coil spring is a linear biased
member and not a non-linear or bowed biased member because when it
is compressed axially, its force is exerted axially. According to
some aspects, a biased member 25 is non-linear and extends from a
first side 61 of an elongated handle body 10, but does not cross a
plane collinear with an axis 59 of the elongated handle body 10
more than twice in a total length of the non-linear biased member
25. As used herein, a curve or arc 60 of a biased member is to be
understood to extend beyond the end of the biased member itself so
that it intersects with a center axis of the elongated handle body
10. In one or more embodiments, a bowed or non-linear biased member
25 comprises an arc 60 that extends longitudinally relative to an
axis 59 of the elongated handle body, contrary to the coils of a
coil spring, which extend latitudinally relative to an axis. It is
further contemplated that a bowed biased member 25 may comprise an
angled, non-linear biased member.
[0027] A biased member 25 may comprise any of a number of materials
known in the art, such as but not limited to metals, plastics, and
the like. In one or more embodiments, a non-linear biased member
comprises a bowed biased member 25 comprising fiberglass or carbon
fiber (such as a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer). In other
embodiments, a non-linear biased member may comprise other shapes
and configurations utilizing similar materials. A biased member 25
may vary in size and dimensions according to the desired
weight-rated spring loads for different users.
[0028] One or more embodiments of a recreational power and
stabilizing apparatus 2 comprise a shoe 30 coupled to the
recreational power and stabilizing apparatus 2 proximate a second
end 42 of a biased member 25. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a non-limiting
embodiment of a shoe 30 on a recreational power and stabilizing
apparatus 2, and FIGS. 5A and 5B depict close up top and bottom
views, respectively, of a non-limiting embodiment of a shoe 30
coupled to a second end 42 of a biased member 25. In combination
with the biased member 25, a user is able pull himself (on a
skateboard, for example) by reaching the shoe 30 in front himself
to engage the shoe 30 with the ground. The user then pushes (or
loads) the biased element 25 as he/she continues past the shoe 30
engaged with the ground until the biased member 25 releases (or
springs) and transfers additional force to the user.
[0029] In one or more embodiments, a shoe 30 comprises a slot 32,
channel, bracket, or the like configured to receive and/or couple
to a second end 42 of a biased member 25. The slot 32 may be sized
such that a portion of the biased member 25 fits between sidewalls
of the slot 32. In the non-limiting embodiment depicted in FIGS.
5A, the slot 32 is positioned on a top side of the shoe 30. In
other embodiments, a slot may extend into the shoe 30 or be
positioned elsewhere on the shoe 30. One or more couplings may be
used to hold a second end 42 of the biased member 25 between the
sidewalls of the slot 32, such as but not limited to nuts and bolts
34, screws, pins, and the like and/or any combination thereof. In
FIGS. 5A and 5B, the shoe 30 is illustrated as coupled to the
biased member 25 with a single nut and bolt 34, with a second nut
and bolt removed to show the screw opening extending through the
biased member 25, the shoe 30, and the traction element 35. The one
or more couplings may extend all the way through to a bottom side
of the shoe 30 to also couple a traction element 35 to the shoe 30,
or may extend only partially into the shoe 30. Alternatively, one
or more couplings may be used to couple a biased member 25 to a
surface of the shoe 30 devoid of a slot 32. In other embodiments, a
shoe 30 may comprise a pin or other member proximate a terminating
end of the slot or a bracket, the pin or other member being
configured to support the biased member 25 within the slot or
bracket between the sidewalls of the slot bracket, the center wall
of the slot or bracket, and the pin. According to some non-limiting
aspects, a shoe 30 is configured to removably couple to a biased
member 25, thus allowing a user to alternate between different shoe
configurations depending on the terrain and/or wear on the
shoe.
[0030] In one or more embodiments, the shoe 30 further comprises a
base or traction element 35. The traction element 35 is configured
to provide traction or other engagement between the shoe 30 (or the
biased member 25) and the surface to which the traction element 35
will interact to provide energy to the user. According to some
aspects, the traction element 35 is curved, either with a curve of
the bottom of shoe 30 or independent of the shoe 30. In some
embodiments a traction element 35 comprises a replaceable brake pad
removably coupled to the shoe 30. More particularly, a traction
element 35 may be bolted or screwed to the shoe 30. In other
embodiments, a traction element may be coupled to a shoe with
adhesive or other couplings known in the art. In still other
embodiments, a traction element 35 may be coupled directly to a
biased member 25. A traction element 35 may comprise any durable
rubber or rubber-molded piece that is soft enough that it does not
slip against typical surfaces but strong enough that it is does not
easily degrade or tear apart. Although the shoe 30 depicted in the
FIG. 5B comprises a brake pad, it is contemplated that other
embodiments may comprise a wheel, carving element, or other braking
element.
[0031] In one or more embodiments, a shoe 30 is pivotally coupled
to a biased member 25. For example, a shoe 30 may be coupled to a
biased member 25 with a single bolt 34. In such embodiments, the
slot 32 may be sized to allow the second end 42 of the biased
member 25 to pivot within the slot 32. The walls of the slot 32,
however, prevent the second end 42 of the biased member 25 from
pivoting beyond a desired angle. Such a configuration is
advantageous because it allows the shoe 30 to rotate or pivot
slightly when the shoe contacts the ground if the elongated handle
body 10 and biased member 25 are at an angle, thus providing an
increased surface area of contact between the shoe 30 and the
ground. In other embodiments, screw holes extending through the
shoe 30 may comprise slotted holes that allow the shoe to pivot
upon contact with the ground.
[0032] According to some aspects, a shoe 30 may further comprise a
wheel 55 coupled thereto. FIG. 6 depicts a non-limiting embodiment
of a recreational power and stabilizing apparatus comprising a
wheel 55 rotatably coupled to the shoe 50. The wheel 55 may be
coupled to the shoe 50 with any coupling known in the art, such as
but not limited to a nut and bolt, pin, screw, rivet, and the like.
The wheel 55 may be free-spinning and/or powered by motor 52 housed
within or otherwise coupled to the shoe 50. The motor 52 may
powered by rechargeable batteries or gasoline. According to some
aspects, the motor is operably coupled to an activation switch
positioned on the handle or body, such that a user may start or
stop the motor 52 via the activation switch.
[0033] One or more embodiments of a recreational power and
stabilizing apparatus 2 further comprise an elongated handle body
10 coupled to the biased member 25. An elongated handle body 10 is
configured to allow a user to direct a biased member 25 and/or shoe
30 during use, as well as hold the recreational power and
stabilizing apparatus 2. According to some aspects, an elongated
handle body 10 comprises a shafted elongated handle body 10 coupled
to a biased member 25. More particularly, the elongated handle body
10 may comprise a substantially straight and cylindrical aluminum
shafted body. FIGS. 1A and 1B depict side views of a non-limiting
embodiment of a recreational power and stabilizing apparatus 2
comprising a shafted elongated handle body 10. In other
embodiments, the elongated handle body 10 may comprise other
various shapes, materials, and geometric configurations. For
example, the body may comprise other materials such as but not
limited to plastics, carbon fiber material, wood, metal, and the
like.
[0034] In some embodiments, an elongated handle body 10 comprises
an adjustable length body, such as but not limited to a shafted
telescoping elongated handle body 10 comprising a first shaft 6 and
at least a second shaft 8. A non-limiting embodiment of an
adjustable length body is shown and described in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and
4. In some embodiments, a shafted telescoping elongated handle body
10 is adjustable between two or more positions, such as but not
limited to an operating position and a collapsed position. In an
operating position, a shafted telescoping elongated handle body 10
extends from a coupling member 20 and is not likely to interfere
with bending or use of the biased member, such as the non-limiting
embodiment shown in FIG. 1A. In a collapsed position, a portion of
the shafted telescoping elongated handle body 10 may extend between
the coupling member 20 and the shoe 30, thus shortening the overall
length of the recreational power and stabilizing apparatus 2 and
also providing and additional handle for carrying the recreational
power and stabilizing apparatus 2 when not in use. FIG. 1B depicts
a non-limiting embodiment of a recreational power and stabilizing
apparatus 2 in a collapsed position. It is noted that, according to
some aspects, a recreational power and stabilizing apparatus 2 is
still operable in a collapsed position. Various couplings known in
the art may be utilized to lock the elongated handle body 10 in
either the operating or collapsed position, such as but not limited
to one or more spring pins 15 in the elongated handle body 10
extending through one or more holes 18 in the coupling member 20.
For example, FIG. 3A shows a spring pin 15 engaged with a hole 18
on the coupling member 20 locking the elongated handle body 10 in
an operating position. A similar engagement between other spring
pins or couplings on the body may lock the body in a collapsed
position.
[0035] Whether in an operating position or a collapsed position, a
shafted telescoping elongated handle body 10 may be adjustable
between an extended and retracted position wherein the first shaft
6 slides within the second shaft 8, or vice versa, to extend or
retract the length of the shafted elongated handle body 10. In
FIGS. 1A, the shafted elongated handle body 10 is shown in an
extended position, while in FIG. 4 the shafted elongated handle
body 10 is shown in a retracted position wherein the length of the
shafted elongated handle body 10 is shorter than in the extended
position. Various couplings known in the art may be utilized to
lock the shafted elongated handle body 10 in either the extended or
retracted position, such as but not limited to one or more spring
pins 15 in the shafted elongated handle body 10 extending through
one or more holes 9 in the coupling member second shaft 8. For
example, FIG. 1A shows a spring pin 15 engaged with an upper hole
on the second shaft 8, thus locking the shafted elongated handle
body 10 in an extended position. FIG. 4 shows a spring pin 15
engaged with a lower hole on the second shaft 8, leaving the upper
hole 9 open and locking the shafted body in a retracted position.
Various embodiments may comprise a plurality of holes for adjusting
the length of the shafted elongated handle body 10 to numerous
desired lengths.
[0036] Non-limiting embodiments of an elongated handle body 10 may
further comprise a handle grip 4 coupled to the elongated handle
body 10. The handle grip 4 may comprise any handle known in the art
that provides an improved gripping function for the user. In the
non-limiting embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4, the handle grip
4 is substantially spherical and coupled to the elongated handle
body 10 opposite the biased member 25. Some embodiments, however,
may be devoid of such a handle. Other embodiments may comprise a
second handle positioned on the elongated handle body 10 between
the first handle grip 4 and the coupling member 20. Regardless of
the shape or configuration, the handle grip 4 may be fixed or
rotatable to adapt to different grasping positions. In some
embodiments, the handle may be grip shaped and have indentations
for finger grips, or be oblong shaped like a typical boat paddle
handle.
[0037] As referenced above, a recreational power and stabilizing
apparatus 2 may comprise a coupling member 20 configured to couple
an elongated handle body 10 to a biased member 25. The coupling
member 20 may comprise one or more of a variety of materials, such
as but not limited to any plastics, carbon fiber material, metals,
and the like known in the art. A coupling member 20 may comprise
any coupling member configured to couple an elongated handle body
10 to a biased member 25, and is not limited to the coupling member
20 demonstrated in FIGS. 1-3. According to some aspects, a coupling
member 20 comprises a first leg 12 configured to couple to an
elongated handle body 10 and a second leg 14 configured to couple
to a biased member 25. The first leg 12 and the second leg 14 may
comprise any configuration for coupling the elongated handle body
10 and the biased member 25, respectively, to the coupling member
20.
[0038] In the non-limiting embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the
first leg 12 comprises a body receiver 16 adapted to receive the
elongated handle body 10. More specifically, the body receiver 16
comprises a channel extending entirely through the first leg 12 to
allow the elongated handle body 10 to slide entirely through the
first leg 12. Such a configuration allows for adjustable
positioning of the elongated handle body 10 between an operating
position and a collapsed position. It is also contemplated,
however, that a body receiver 16 may extend only partially into the
first leg 12. Accordingly, in various contemplated embodiments, a
body receiver 16 is sized to interface with at least a portion of
the elongated handle body 10. A first leg 12 may further comprise a
hole 18 sized to receive a spring pin 15 to temporarily lock the
elongated handle body 10 in place relative to the coupling member
20. In other embodiments, any coupling known in the art may be
utilized to temporarily or permanently lock the elongated handle
body 10 in place relative to the coupling member 20, such as but
not limited to screws, bolts, pins, and the like.
[0039] A second leg 14 of a coupling member 20 is coupled to a
biased member 25 in one or more embodiments. FIG. 3B depicts a
bottom view of a coupling member 20 illustrating a non-limiting
coupling of a biased member 25 to a second leg 14 of a coupling
member 20. In FIG. 3B, a portion of a biased member 25 is
positioned within a receiver on the second leg 14, and removably
coupled therein with one or more screws 13. It is contemplated that
other embodiments may comprise any other couplings known in the art
configured to couple a biased member 25 to a coupling member 20.
Due to the bowed configuration of the biased member 25 shown in the
non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the second leg 14 is angled
from the first leg 12.
[0040] In other contemplated embodiments, a first end 41 of a
biased member 25 is coupled to the elongated handle body 10 such
that the first end 41 of the biased member 25 is offset from an end
of the elongated handle body 10. In some embodiments, a coupling
member is substantially triangular in shape and configured to
offset the first end 41 of the biased member 25 from the end of the
elongated handle body 10. More particularly, a coupling member may
comprise a first leg, a second leg shorter than the first leg and
approximately 90 degrees from the first leg, and a third hypotenuse
leg extending from the first leg to the second leg. According to
some aspects, the coupling member comprises a body receiver or
coupling proximate an intersection of the first leg and the
hypotenuse leg. The body receiver may comprise a hole, one or more
screws, one or more pins, one or more nuts and bolts, any
combination thereof, or any other receiver or coupling known in the
art and configured to couple the coupling member to the elongated
handle body 10. According to some aspects, the coupling member
further comprises a biased member receiver proximate an
intersection of the second leg and the hypotenuse leg of the
coupling member. The biased member receiver may comprise a hole,
one or more screws, one or more pins, one or more nuts and bolts,
any combination thereof, or any other receiver or coupling known in
the art and configured to couple the biased member 25 to the
coupling member. In such a configuration, the first end of the
biased member 25 is offset from the elongated handle body 10 of the
apparatus.
[0041] Also contemplated as part of this disclosure are various
implementations and embodiments of a watersports paddle.
Embodiments of the watersports paddles contemplated herein may be
utilized for any of a variety of water sports, such as but not
limited to paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, rowing,
and the like. Similar to other devices and apparatuses described
above, a watersport paddle comprises an elongated handle and a
biased member or spring element that is configured to store energy
as a user pulls the paddle through the water, then release the
stored energy to further propel the user forward. More
particularly, a biased member deforms when a force is applied to
the biased member with the elongated handle body by pulling the
paddle blade through water, and then reforms when the force is not
applied to the biased member by the elongated handle body, such as
after the biased member and paddle blade pass behind the user as
the user pulls the paddle blade backwards. Thus, the biased member
is configured to store and release energy during use of the
watersports paddle.
[0042] According to some aspects, a watersports paddle comprises an
elongated handle body 10, a biased member, and a paddle blade 120.
FIG. 7 depicts a non-limiting embodiment of a watersports paddle
100. An elongated handle body 10 utilized with any of the
watersports paddle 100 contemplated herein may comprise any of the
elongated handle bodies 10 described elsewhere in this document.
For example, an elongated handle body 10 of a water sports paddle
100may comprise a handle 4, a first shaft 6, and a second shaft 8,
and be configured for adjustable lengthening or shortening, as
described above. In other embodiments, an elongated handle body of
a water sports paddle 100 comprises a single, one-piece handle or
any other handle configuration known in the art of watersports
paddles. It is further noted that while watersports paddle 100
depicted in FIG. 7 comprises only a single paddle blade 120 and
biased member 102, it is further contemplated that a watersports
paddle may comprise two paddle blades 120 at opposing ends of the
elongated handle body 10 and two biased members 102, each one of
the two biased members 102 being positioned between the a different
paddle blade 120 of the two paddle blades 120 and the elongated
handle body 10. Thus, where reference is made herein to a biased
member and paddle blade 120 coupled to an elongated handle body 10,
one of ordinary skill in the art may apply the same teachings to an
opposing side of the elongated handle body 10 to form a watersports
paddle have two opposing paddle blades 120 each coupled to an
elongated handle body 10 with a biased member between the paddle
blade 120 and the elongated handle body 10. A handle body 10 may be
formed of any materials typical for a paddle handle body including,
but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass and the
like.
[0043] A watersports paddle 100 may comprise a biased member
positioned between the elongated handle body 10 and the paddle
blade 120, such as but not limited to any biased members or leaf
springs described elsewhere in this document. According to some
aspects, a watersports paddle 100 comprises a substantially planar
biased member 102 or planar leaf spring, such as the planar biased
member 102 depicted in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 7.
According to other aspects, a watersports paddle 100 comprises an
arced or bowed biased member 112 or leaf spring, such as bowed
biased member 112 depicted in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG.
8.
[0044] As described above, the biased member of a watersports
paddle 100 is configured to deform to store energy, then release
energy as it reforms. In order to effectively utilize this in
improving paddle efficiency, then, the biased member or leaf spring
may be more flexible than one or both of the elongated handle body
10 and the paddle blade 120 to which the biased member is coupled.
According to some aspects, an elongated handle body 10 comprises a
first material (such as but not limited to those material described
above), and a biased member coupled to the elongated handle body 10
comprises a second material more flexible than the first material.
More particularly, in such embodiments, the paddle blade 120 may
comprise a third material that is less flexible than the second
material of the paddle blade 120, substantially equal in
flexibility to the first material of the elongated handle body, or
the same material as the elongated handle body. The material of the
biased member may comprise one of fiberglass, carbon fiber, or any
other biased member material described above.
[0045] In one or more embodiments, a substantially planar biased
member 102 of a watersports paddle 100 is coupled to the elongated
handle 10 at a first end 101 of the biased member 102 and coupled
to a top portion 121 of a paddle blade 120 at a second end 103 of
the biased member 102. The biased member 102 may be coupled to the
elongated handle body 10 and/or the paddle blade 120 with one or
more screws or bolts 105. Alternatively, a biased member 102 may be
molded into either or both the elongated handle body 10 or the
paddle blade, or coupled to either or both the elongated handle
body 10 or the paddle blade 120 with an adhesive or any other
coupling known in the art. According to some aspects, a biased
member 102 is coupled to an elongated handle body 10 with a
coupling 110. The coupling 110 may comprise a body receiver sized
to receive and couple to the elongated handle body 10, and a biased
member receiver configured to couple to the biased member. In some
embodiments, the biased member receiver comprises either a slot
sized to receive a portion of the biased member 102 and couple the
biased member 102 within the slot. In still other embodiments, the
biased member 102 may be coupled directly to the elongated handle
body 10.
[0046] Similarly, a bowed biased member 112 of a watersports paddle
100 is coupled to the elongated handle 10 at a first end 111 of the
biased member 102 and coupled to a top portion 121 of a paddle
blade 120 at a second end 113 of the biased member 112. The biased
member 112 may be coupled to the elongated handle body 10 and/or
the paddle blade 120 with one or more screws or bolts 105, and/or
by insertion, pinning, epoxy or other adhesive, formed integrally
with the blade or by another coupling method known in the art.
[0047] Dimensions of the biased member may vary according to
different embodiments. According to some aspects, a biased member
is shorter than the elongated handle body 10 (at the elongated
handle body's 10 greatest length). More particularly, the elongated
handle body 10 may comprise a maximum length that is at least twice
as long as the biased member. Even more particularly, the elongated
handle body 10 may comprise a maximum length that is at least three
times the length of the biased member. In some embodiments where
the biased member is formed separate from the blade, the biased
member comprises a length between approximately 5 inches and
approximately 15 inches.
[0048] Various embodiments of a watersports paddle 100 comprise a
paddle blade 120 coupled to the biased member. The paddle blade 120
may comprise any paddle blade known in the art and is not limited
to the paddle blade depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. According to some
aspects, a paddle blade 120 may comprise a length of between
approximately 12 inches and approximately 18 inches.
[0049] As noted above, the paddle blade 120 may comprise a material
that is less flexible than the biased member such as wood,
fiberglass, plastic, carbon fiber, metal (such as aluminum) and
other materials typically used to form paddle blades. In some
embodiments, a biased member between the paddle blade 120 and the
elongated handle 10 is integrated into the paddle blade 120. For
example, a paddle blade 120 may comprise a carbon paddle blade
comprising fiber layers woven into the paddle blade such that a
bottom portion 123 of the paddle blade is stiff or more resistant
to flexure, while an upper or top portion 121 of the paddle blade
120 and/or the biased member are more flexible and/or comprise any
of the biased member materials described above. More particularly,
a paddle blade may comprise wood or other stiff material on a
bottom portion 123 of the paddle blade 120 (such as but not limited
to the lower one-third, lower one-half, or lower two-thirds of the
paddle blade) and fiberglass or carbon fiber woven in layers on the
upper portion 121 of the paddle blade 120 (such as but not limited
to the upper one-third, upper one-half, or upper two-thirds of the
paddle blade). In some embodiments, a bottom portion 9 of the
elongated handle 10 adjacent the biased member also comprise a
material having more flexure than the bottom portion of the paddle
blade 120 and the rest of the elongated handle 10, while a top
portion 7 of the elongated handle 10 opposite the paddle blade 120
comprises a material less flexible than the biased member. In some
embodiments, the biased member is comprised entirely of a top
portion 121 of the paddle blade 120 and a bottom portion 9 of the
elongated handle 10 adjacent the paddle blade 120.
[0050] It will be understood that implementations are not limited
to the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any
components consistent with the intended operation of a method
and/or system implementation for a recreational power and
stabilizing apparatus may be utilized. Accordingly, for example,
although particular biased members, handles, and the like may be
disclosed, such components may comprise any shape, size, style,
type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration,
material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the
intended operation of a method and/or system implementation for a
recreational power and stabilizing apparatus may be used.
[0051] In places where the description above refers to particular
implementations of a recreational power and stabilizing apparatus,
it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be
made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these
implementations may be applied to other recreational power and
stabilizing apparatus. The accompanying claims are intended to
cover such modifications as would fall within the true spirit and
scope of the disclosure set forth in this document. The presently
disclosed implementations are, therefore, to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the
disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than the
foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning of
and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced
therein.
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