US20050101200A1 - Paddle blade - Google Patents
Paddle blade Download PDFInfo
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- US20050101200A1 US20050101200A1 US10/936,018 US93601804A US2005101200A1 US 20050101200 A1 US20050101200 A1 US 20050101200A1 US 93601804 A US93601804 A US 93601804A US 2005101200 A1 US2005101200 A1 US 2005101200A1
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- blade
- shaft
- ribs
- paddle
- deployed
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H16/00—Marine propulsion by muscle power
- B63H16/04—Oars; Sculls; Paddles; Poles
Definitions
- the blade is connected, in use, to a shaft of the paddle and being movable with respect to the shaft between a deployed state, in which the blade lies generally in a first plane, and a non-deployed state in which the blade is displaced from said first plane.
- the action of the water, or other medium, on the blade causes the blade to adopt the deployed state in which the blade performs in a manner similar to a conventional paddle blade.
- the action of the water, or other medium causes the blade to adopt the folded state thereby reducing the drag or resistance of the blade.
- the recovery stroke may be performed without removing the blade from the water.
- This has the effect of reducing the width (as measured in a direction generally perpendicular to the paddle shaft during use) of the blade when in the folded state.
- the effective length (measured in a direction generally parallel with the paddle shaft during use) of the blade when folded is shorter than the length of the blade when deployed.
- a second aspect of the invention provides a paddle, oar, or other device for propelling a water craft, comprising a shaft and the blade of the first aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is an end view (comparable with FIG. 2 ) of the blade in the partially folded state
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the blade with webbing material partly cut away
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of FIG. 5 , partly cut away to detail the hinge mechanisms of the rib joints;
- FIG. 7 is a cut away plan view of the ribs pivotably fixed to the base of a paddle shaft
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of part of a further alternative embodiment of a blade according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 shows an end view of the blade 1 , viewed from the end that is distal the shaft 10 . It is preferred that the deployed blade 1 is curved, or U-shaped, in transverse cross-section taken generally perpendicular to the shaft 10 .
- the ribs 4 are mounted, or are mountable, on a base 9 , the base 9 being mounted, or mountable, on the shaft 10 . In the preferred embodiment, each rib 4 is pivotably mounted on the base 9 .
- the second rib components 6 are each pivotably connected to the respective rod 5 for pivotal, or rotational, movement about an axis that is generally parallel to the axis about which the respective rod 5 can pivot.
- each rods 6 when the blade 1 is in the deployed state, each rods 6 is generally co-linear with the respective rod 5 , while in the folded state, each rod 6 is angularly displaced with respect to the respective rod 5 .
- Each joint 7 may be hinged with pins 8 . Moreover, the joints 7 may be angled so that both the rib components 5 and 6 will close inward in two directions during the recovery stroke. This creates the shape shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 which best reduces resistance through the water.
- the first rib components 5 are connected to base 9 , which in turn is attached to handle 10 .
- Each joint is angled so that the ribs 4 close inward, i.e. towards one another, during the recovery stroke.
- the webbing material may have a relatively rough surface in order to keep a foil of water on it.
- the blade may or may not have separate front and back sheets of webbing, and so the ribs may be partly exposed or accommodated within the back material or may be enclosed between two sheets of webbing.
- each rib 104 is able to pivot at one or more locations along its length and so includes two or more respective rib sections 104 ′ defined by, or separated by, one or more respective pivot joints 122 .
- the two outer ribs 104 each comprise a respective two rib sections 104 ′ separated by a respective one pivot joint 122
- the central rib 104 comprises three rib sections 104 ′ separated by two pivot joints 122 .
- the ribs 104 are actuatable between a deployed, or open, state ( FIG. 8 ) and a non-deployed folded, or closed, state ( FIG. 9 ).
- the pivot joints 120 , 122 are arranged to prevent the ribs 104 from pivoting beyond the deployed state and are preferably also arranged to prevent the ribs 104 from folding beyond the folded state.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 the general direction in which the ribs 204 pivot when moving to the folded state in indicated by arrow B. It will be seen that the end 213 of the base 209 is inclined with respect to the body 211 generally in the direction B.
- the butts 219 can be prevented from moving from the deployed state of FIG. 10 in a direction generally opposite to direction B by any suitable means.
- the butts 219 may comprise a shape or profile that engages or abuts with the socket 215 in the deployed state thereby preventing movement beyond the deployed state.
- the blade may be provided with a locking mechanism (not shown) for locking the ribs, and therefore the blade, in the deployed state.
- a paddle, or oar, incorporating the blade may be used in a normal manner.
- the invention provides a blade that is pivotable with respect to the shaft—the blade need not necessarily comprise one or more ribs that are independently pivotable about a respective axis (as is the case for blades 1 , 101 , 201 ).
- the blade may comprise, for example, a rigid or semi-rigid sheet or web, or a frame carrying a flexible sheet as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, that pivots with respect to the shaft in a unitary manner (e.g. the base 9 , 109 , 209 may be pivotable with respect to the shaft).
- the blade may be generally triangular or deltoid in plan view and may be formed from, for example, wood or plastics.
- the blade may pivot, or fold, with respect to the shaft of the paddle through approximately 50 to 70 degrees.
- the blade (or its longitudinal axis) may make an angle of approximately 90 to 110 degrees with the shaft of the paddle (measured in the shortest direction to the shaft).
- the blade is foldable with through approximately 60 degrees and makes an angle of approximately 170 degrees with the shaft when in the deployed state (measured in the shortest direction to the shaft) and approximately 110 degrees with the shaft when in the folded state (measured in the shortest direction to the shaft).
Abstract
A paddle blade that is actuatable with respect to a paddle shaft between a deployed state and a folded state. In use, during the power stroke of a paddling action, the action of the water on the blade causes the blade to adopt the deployed state in which the blade performs in a manner similar to a conventional paddle blade. During the recovery stroke, the action of the water, or other medium, causes the blade to adopt the folded state thereby reducing the drag or resistance of the blade. Hence, the recovery stroke may be performed without removing the blade from the water.
Description
- The present invention relates to a blade for the paddle or oar of a boat, canoe, or other water craft.
- Paddles for water sports such as canoeing or rafting are many, but are all designed with the intention that the operator lift the blade out of the water on the forward, or recovery, stroke. This necessitates different kinds of muscle work and steering than a simple fore-and-aft movement. Also, both the removal and insertion of the paddle create noise and above water motion that frightens away timid wildlife which outdoor enthusiasts may wish to approach.
- A first aspect of the invention provides a blade for a paddle, oar, or other device for propelling a water craft, the blade being actuatable between a deployed state and a folded state. Typically, the blade is foldable with respect to a longitudinal axis of the paddle and, more preferably is foldable on itself. Most typically, the blade is generally planar when deployed.
- In preferred embodiments, the blade is connected, in use, to a shaft of the paddle and being movable with respect to the shaft between a deployed state, in which the blade lies generally in a first plane, and a non-deployed state in which the blade is displaced from said first plane.
- In use, during the power stroke of a rowing or paddling action, the action of the water, or other medium, on the blade causes the blade to adopt the deployed state in which the blade performs in a manner similar to a conventional paddle blade. During the recovery stroke, the action of the water, or other medium, causes the blade to adopt the folded state thereby reducing the drag or resistance of the blade. Hence, the recovery stroke may be performed without removing the blade from the water.
- The blade may be pivotable with respect to the shaft about an axis that lies generally in said first plane. Typically, said axis is generally perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The blade, when in the deployed state, may lie generally in the same plane as the shaft.
- In preferred embodiments, the blade comprises a frame carrying a flexible sheet, the frame most typically being pivotable with respect to the shaft.
- Advantageously, the frame is foldable between a deployed state, in which the flexible sheet is deployed by the frame, and a folded state in which the flexible sheet is folded by the frame. The arrangement is such that, upon movement of the blade through a medium (typically water) in a first direction, the sheet and frame adopt the deployed, or open, state and that, upon movement of the blade and sheet in a generally opposite direction, the sheet and frame adopt the folded, or closed, state.
- In preferred embodiments, the blade comprises a base and the frame comprises one or more rods pivotably mounted on the base. Advantageously, the frame comprises a plurality of rods, each rod being pivotable with respect to the base about a respective pivot axis. Each pivot axis preferably lies generally in said first plane. Further, each pivot axis is preferably obliquely disposed with respect to the or each other pivot axis such that, upon movement of the blade from the deployed state, the rods converge with one another.
- The, or each, rod may include one or more pivot joints intermediate its ends. The blade may comprise a locking mechanism for locking the blade in the deployed state.
- In typical embodiments, the blade is generally planar in form and generally triangular or delta-like in shape when in the deployed state.
- In some embodiments, for the backward, or power, stroke, the webbed paddle blade is spread apart in an approximately delta shape with a U-shaped vortex, efficiently propelling the water craft through the water. Then, during the forward, or recovery stroke, the water pressure closes the web, and its supporting ribs curl, or fold, the blade into a generally elliptically shaped body in order to minimise resistance.
- The frame may comprise two or more radially spaced apart ribs. In a preferred embodiment, the ribs are connected, and preferably pivotably connected, to the base, the base being connected to, in use, the handle or shaft of the paddle or oar. More preferably, each rib is connected to the base about a respective pivot axis. Preferably, each rib is able to pivot at one or more locations along its length and so includes two or more respective rib sections defined by, or separated by, one or more respective pivot joints.
- In the preferred embodiment, the respective pivot axis about which each respective rib pivots with respect to the shaft and/or about which the rib sections of each respective rib pivot is radially, or angularly, displaced with respect to the corresponding pivot axis of the other ribs so that, upon actuation of the ribs from the deployed state to the folded state, the ribs converge with one another. This has the effect of reducing the width (as measured in a direction generally perpendicular to the paddle shaft during use) of the blade when in the folded state. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment where the ribs include one or more pivot joints, the effective length (measured in a direction generally parallel with the paddle shaft during use) of the blade when folded is shorter than the length of the blade when deployed. A second aspect of the invention provides a paddle, oar, or other device for propelling a water craft, comprising a shaft and the blade of the first aspect of the invention.
- From another aspect, the invention provides a fixed, or non-folding (during use), blade for a paddle or oar, the blade being generally similar to any one of the blades of the first aspect of the invention in the deployed state. Such a blade may be foldable, collapsible or demountable for storage or transport purposes.
- Further advantageous aspects of the invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention.
- Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals are used to indicate like parts and in which:
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FIG. 1 shows a plan view a paddle blade embodying the invention, the blade being shown in an open, or deployed, state; -
FIG. 2 is an end view of the blade ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 shows a plan view (comparable with the view ofFIG. 1 ) of the paddle blade in a partially folded state; -
FIG. 4 is an end view (comparable withFIG. 2 ) of the blade in the partially folded state; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the blade with webbing material partly cut away; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view ofFIG. 5 , partly cut away to detail the hinge mechanisms of the rib joints; -
FIG. 7 is a cut away plan view of the ribs pivotably fixed to the base of a paddle shaft; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a blade according to the invention, the blade being shown in a deployed state; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the blade ofFIG. 8 shown in a folded state; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of part of a further alternative embodiment of a blade according to the invention; -
FIG. 11 is a side view of part of the blade ofFIG. 10 ; and -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the part of the blade shown inFIG. 11 . - Referring now to
FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of ablade 1 is shown in an open, or deployed, state. In the deployed state, the preferred shape of theblade 1 is, in plan view, approximately an isosceles triangular plan form (i.e. theblade 1 is generally triangular or delta shaped when deployed). This shape creates thrust through both hydrodynamic drag and lift. Theblade 1 comprises a plurality of ribs 4 (FIG. 2 ) covered by a flexible sheet, orwebbing material 2. Theblade 1 may be fixed to, or detachably mounted on, a shaft or handle 10. In the deployed state, the ribs 4, and therefore theblade 1, are generally co-planar with theshaft 10. -
FIG. 2 shows an end view of theblade 1, viewed from the end that is distal theshaft 10. It is preferred that the deployedblade 1 is curved, or U-shaped, in transverse cross-section taken generally perpendicular to theshaft 10. The ribs 4 are mounted, or are mountable, on abase 9, thebase 9 being mounted, or mountable, on theshaft 10. In the preferred embodiment, each rib 4 is pivotably mounted on thebase 9. -
FIG. 3 shows a plan view of theblade 1 in a non-deployed, or folded state. In the folded state, the ribs 4, and therefore theblade 1, are non-coplanar with theshaft 10. During use, when forward force is applied to the paddle blade 1 (i.e. during the recovery stroke), the ribs 4 pivot with respect to the shaft 10 (and in the present embodiment curl or flex) thereby contracting, or folding, the attachedwebbing 2. Hence, during the recovery stroke, theblade 1 adopts the closed, or folded state. - Preferably, the arrangement is such that, when in the folded state, the
blade 1 exhibits a generally elliptical profile (as shown inFIG. 4 which is a view of theblade 1 as indicated by arrow A inFIG. 3 ). This helps to reduce drag/resistance during the recovery stroke. -
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate one embodiment of the ribs. Each rib 4 is made up of first and second rib components, or rods, 5, 6. In respect of each rib 4, onerod 5 is pivotably mounted on thebase 9 and is pivotable about a respective axis that is preferably oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis of theshaft 10. Therods 5 are connected to thebase 9 by respective conventional pivot joint 7 (any suitable conventional pivoting mechanism may be used) that restrict the extent of the rotational, or pivotal, movement of therods 5. In one extreme of the pivoting range of therods 5, theblade 1 adopts the deployed state, while in the other extreme, theblade 1 adopts the folded state. The second rib components 6 are each pivotably connected to therespective rod 5 for pivotal, or rotational, movement about an axis that is generally parallel to the axis about which therespective rod 5 can pivot. In the preferred embodiment, when theblade 1 is in the deployed state, each rods 6 is generally co-linear with therespective rod 5, while in the folded state, each rod 6 is angularly displaced with respect to therespective rod 5. - The preferred arrangement is such that any tendency for the
blade 1 to either close so much that it will not open again when backward force is applied to begin the power stroke, or open beyond the optimal propulsion shapes of the deployed state, is prevented. Each joint 7 may be hinged with pins 8. Moreover, the joints 7 may be angled so that both therib components 5 and 6 will close inward in two directions during the recovery stroke. This creates the shape shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 which best reduces resistance through the water. - As depicted in
FIG. 7 , thefirst rib components 5 are connected tobase 9, which in turn is attached to handle 10. Each joint is angled so that the ribs 4 close inward, i.e. towards one another, during the recovery stroke. - The foregoing description of an embodiment of the invention has been given by way of an example only and a number of modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, instead of four longitudinally rounded support ribs, the paddle blade may be built with only three, or a longitudinally triangular rib shape may be preferred, or that each rib may include no intermediate joints, or two or more intermediates joints in place of the single intermediate joint depicted in
FIGS. 5 and 6 . - Further, it may be deemed advantageous for the webbing material to have a relatively rough surface in order to keep a foil of water on it. The blade may or may not have separate front and back sheets of webbing, and so the ribs may be partly exposed or accommodated within the back material or may be enclosed between two sheets of webbing.
- For strength, appearance and/or ease of manufacture, the base from which the ribs emanate may be an integral part of the
shaft 10, The base may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. - Referring now to
FIGS. 8 and 9 , there is shown, generally indicated as 101, an alternative embodiment of a blade according to the invention. Theblade 101 comprises a flexible, or foldable, frame comprising three radially spaced apartribs 104. Theribs 104 are each pivotably connected to a base 109 at a respective pivot joint 120. Hence, theribs 104 are each pivotable with respect to the base 109 about a respective pivot axis. Thebase 109 is connected to, in use, the handle orshaft 110 of the paddle or oar, or may be integrally formed therewith. - Optionally, each
rib 104 is able to pivot at one or more locations along its length and so includes two or morerespective rib sections 104′ defined by, or separated by, one or more respective pivot joints 122. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 8 and 9 , the twoouter ribs 104 each comprise a respective tworib sections 104′ separated by a respective one pivot joint 122, while thecentral rib 104 comprises threerib sections 104′ separated by two pivot joints 122. - The
ribs 104 are actuatable between a deployed, or open, state (FIG. 8 ) and a non-deployed folded, or closed, state (FIG. 9 ). The pivot joints 120, 122 are arranged to prevent theribs 104 from pivoting beyond the deployed state and are preferably also arranged to prevent theribs 104 from folding beyond the folded state. - Preferably, the respective pivot axis (as defined by a respective joint 120, 122) about which each
respective rib 104 pivots with respect to theshaft 10 is angularly displaced, or oblique, with respect to the corresponding pivot axis of theother ribs 104. It is also preferred that the respective pivot axis about which therib sections 104′ of eachrespective rib 104 pivot is angularly displaced, or oblique, with respect to the corresponding pivot axis of theother ribs 104. Hence, as may best be seen fromFIG. 8 , theribs 4, 104 are non-parallel, or angularly displaced from each other in a fan-like manner. As a result, upon actuation of theribs 104 from the deployed state (as shown inFIG. 8 ) to the folded state (as shown inFIG. 9 ), theribs 104 converge with one another. This has the effect of reducing the width (as measured in a direction generally perpendicular to the paddle shaft 110) of theblade 101 when in the folded state (this is best appreciated fromFIG. 4 ). Moreover, where theribs 104 includepivot joints 122, the effective length (measured in a direction generally parallel with thepaddle shaft 110 during use) of theblade 101 when folded is shorter than the length of theblade 101 when deployed (this is best appreciated fromFIG. 3 ). - The
blade 101 further comprises aflexible sheet 102, or webbing, carried by theribs 104. When theribs 104, and therefore theblade 101, are in the deployed state (FIG. 8 ), the flexible sheet 102 (which is only shown notionally inFIGS. 8 and 9 ) is held in a deployed, or extended, state in which it may serve as a paddle blade. In this state, thesheet 102 is held by theribs 104 in a generally planar form and is, typically, generally triangular or delta-like in shape. When deployed, thesheet 102 is advantageously held generally taut by theribs 104. When theribs 104, and therefore theblade 101, are in the folded state (FIG. 9 ), theflexible sheet 102 is folded between and/or around theribs 104. - In the deployed state, the
ribs 4, 104 are generally co-planar with one another so that theblade ribs 4, 104, and therefore theblade shaft 10. In the folded state, theblade shaft - In use, during the power stroke of a rowing or paddling action, the action of the water, or other medium, on the
blade blade blade ribs 104 beyond the deployed state and so, once deployed, theribs 104 remain substantially rigid against the water during the power stroke). During the recovery stroke (which is in a direction generally opposite to that of the power stroke), the action of the water, or other medium, causes the blade to adopt the folded state thereby reducing the drag or resistance of the blade. Hence, the recovery stroke may be performed without removing the blade from the water. In the preferred embodiment, the arrangement of the pivot joints 120, 122 prevents the force of the water from actuating theribs 104 beyond the folded state during the recovery stroke. The arrangement is such that, once folded, theribs 104 andsheet 102 remain sufficiently small and sleek during the recovery stroke to allow the blade to be kept in the water, while being capable of deployment when the power stroke begins. - The component parts of the
ribs 4, 104 may, for example, comprise strong wood dowels, or tubing or rods made of metal, e.g. steel, aluminium or titanium, or may comprise Kevlar (trade mark) or graphite/carbon composites. The flexible sheet or webbing may, for example, comprise a planar sheet of natural or synthetic rubber, nylon or plastics material. The webbing is typically of a rigged but pliant nature and, where more than one layer of material is used, the layers may be made of materials with varying degrees of elasticity to facilitate the folding action. - FIGS. 10 to 12 show a further alternative embodiment of a
paddle blade 201 embodying the invention. Theblade 201 is generally similar to theblades FIGS. 11 and 12 , theribs 204 and the shaft are not shown. As with the previous embodiments, theblade 201 may be said to comprise a head portion (comprising theribs 204 and the webbing 202) and abase portion 209, the head portion being movable, typically pivotable, with respect to the base 209 between the deployed state and the folded state. - In
FIG. 10 , theblade 201 is shown, including theframe comprising ribs 204 and flexible sheet, orwebbing 202 carried by the frame. Thewebbing 202 may comprise a respective webbing component extending between respectiveadjacent ribs 204. In the deployed state shown inFIG. 10 , theblade 201, theribs 204 lie generally in a common plane, are angularly spaced-apart, or non-parallel, and extend generally radially from thebase 209. Hence, with theblade 201 in the deployed state, thewebbing 202 is held by theribs 204 in a deployed state in which it is generally planar and, typically, substantially taut. As a result, theblade 201, and in particular the head portion, is generally planar when deployed. In the preferred embodiment, the head portion of theblade 201 is generally triangular in shape and, more specifically generally deltoid in shape, when deployed. When actuated to the non-deployed, or folded state (not illustrated), theribs 204 converge with one another thereby folding thewebbing 202. -
FIGS. 11 and 12 show the base 209 which is connectable to the shaft of a paddle during use. Thebase 209 comprises abody portion 211 and anend portion 213. Theend 213 is inclined with respect to thebody 211 so that, when thebase 209 is mounted on the shaft 210, thebody 211 is generally co-linear with the longitudinal axis of the shaft 210, while theend 213 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 210. - The
end 213 is shaped to define a respective recess, orsocket 215, for each rib 204 (three ribs 203 are shown inFIG. 10 although in alternative embodiments there may be a single rib, two ribs or more than three ribs). Eachsocket 215 includes a respective pair of oppositely disposed pin-receiving recesses orapertures 217 for receiving a respective pivot pin (not shown). Eachrib 204 includes arespective butt portion 219 that includes a pin-receiving aperture (not visible). When assembled, arespective butt 219 is located in eachsocket 215 and a respective pivot pin extends between the oppositely disposed pin-receivingapertures 217, through therespective butt 219. Hence, the pivot pins define the respective axis about which theribs 204 may rotate during use. It will be seen that thesockets 215 lie generally in a common plane but are angularly spaced-apart about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the common plane. Hence, theribs 204 are angularly, or radially, spaced-apart from one another (as may best be appreciated in the deployed state shown inFIG. 10 ). - In
FIGS. 10 and 11 , the general direction in which theribs 204 pivot when moving to the folded state in indicated by arrow B. It will be seen that theend 213 of thebase 209 is inclined with respect to thebody 211 generally in the direction B. Thebutts 219 can be prevented from moving from the deployed state ofFIG. 10 in a direction generally opposite to direction B by any suitable means. For example, thebutts 219 may comprise a shape or profile that engages or abuts with thesocket 215 in the deployed state thereby preventing movement beyond the deployed state. - It will be understood that the
ribs ribs 204 for the embodiment of FIGS. 10 to 12 may each comprise an un-jointed, or non-articulated, rigid or semi-rigid rod. - The
blade shaft shaft - It will be understood from the foregoing embodiments that the
paddle blade webbing ribs blade - In an alternative embodiment, the ribs may be wholly or partially formed from a flexible, resilient material such as carbon fibre or plastics. In such an embodiment, it is not essential to include intermediate pivot joints in the ribs or even to pivotably mount the ribs on the base/shaft—the inherent flexibility of the ribs allows the blade to fold and unfold between the deployed and folded states.
- In some embodiments, the blade may be provided with a locking mechanism (not shown) for locking the ribs, and therefore the blade, in the deployed state. Hence, a paddle, or oar, incorporating the blade may be used in a normal manner.
- In a simple form, the invention provides a blade that is pivotable with respect to the shaft—the blade need not necessarily comprise one or more ribs that are independently pivotable about a respective axis (as is the case for
blades base - From another aspect, the invention provides a fixed, or non-folding, blade for a paddle or oar, the blade being generally similar to any one of the
blades - In any embodiment, the ribs, the butt portions (when present) and/or the base portion may be coupled together by means of a line or cord, for example elasticised cord, conveniently being located inside the ribs/butt/base. In any embodiment, it is preferred that the ribs are detachably mounted, by any suitable conventional means, to the butt portion/base portion (as applicable) in order to aid transport and storage.
- In typical embodiments of any of the blades illustrated or described herein, the blade may pivot, or fold, with respect to the shaft of the paddle through approximately 50 to 70 degrees. In the folded state, the blade (or its longitudinal axis) may make an angle of approximately 90 to 110 degrees with the shaft of the paddle (measured in the shortest direction to the shaft). In some embodiments, the blade is foldable with through approximately 60 degrees and makes an angle of approximately 170 degrees with the shaft when in the deployed state (measured in the shortest direction to the shaft) and approximately 110 degrees with the shaft when in the folded state (measured in the shortest direction to the shaft).
- The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein which may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (22)
1. A blade for a paddle, the blade being actuatable between a deployed state and a folded state.
2. A blade as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the blade is foldable with respect to a longitudinal axis of the paddle.
3. A blade as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the blade is foldable on itself.
4. A blade as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the blade is generally planar when deployed.
5. A blade as claimed in claim 1 , the blade being connected, in use, to a shaft of the paddle and being actuatable with respect to the shaft between the deployed state, in which the blade lies generally in a first plane, and the folded state in which the blade is displaced from said first plane.
6. A blade as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the blade is pivotable with respect to the shaft about an axis that lies generally in said first plane.
7. A blade as claimed in claim 6 , wherein said axis is generally perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
8. A blade as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the blade, when in the deployed state, lies generally in the same plane as the longitudinal axis of the paddle.
9. A blade as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the blade comprises a frame carrying at least one flexible sheet.
10. A blade as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the frame is pivotable with respect to the shaft.
11. A blade as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the frame is foldable between a deployed state, in which the flexible sheet is deployed by the frame, and a folded state in which the flexible sheet is folded by the frame.
12. A blade as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the blade comprises a base and the frame comprises one or more ribs pivotably mounted on the base.
13. A blade as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the frame comprises a plurality of ribs, each rib being pivotable with respect to the base about a respective pivot axis.
14. A blade as claimed in claim 3 , wherein each pivot axis lies generally in said first plane.
15. A blade as claimed in claim 13 , wherein each pivot axis is obliquely disposed with respect to the, or each, other pivot axis such that, upon movement of the blade from the deployed state, the ribs converge with one another.
16. A blade as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the or each rib includes one or more pivot joints intermediate its ends.
17. A blade as claimed in claim 1 , comprising a locking mechanism for locking the blade in the deployed state.
18. A blade as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the blade is generally triangular in shape when in the deployed state.
19. A blade as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the blade is generally deltoid in shape when in the deployed state.
20. A paddle comprising a shaft and a blade as claimed in claim 1 .
21. A paddle comprising a shaft and a blade, the blade comprising a frame supporting one or more flexible sheets.
22. A paddle as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the frame comprises a plurality of ribs extending radially with respect to the shaft.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0321057A GB0321057D0 (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2003-09-09 | Webbed paddle blade |
GB0321057.2 | 2003-09-09 | ||
GB0401335.5 | 2004-01-04 | ||
GB0401335A GB0401335D0 (en) | 2004-01-22 | 2004-01-22 | Paddle blade |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050101200A1 true US20050101200A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 |
Family
ID=34276831
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/936,018 Abandoned US20050101200A1 (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2004-09-08 | Paddle blade |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20050101200A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2480961A1 (en) |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100009580A1 (en) * | 2006-09-12 | 2010-01-14 | Luis Guillermo Gomez Escobar | Flexible oar |
US20100104448A1 (en) * | 2008-10-24 | 2010-04-29 | Moore John K | Flow restrictive edge profile exhibited upon a surface of a fluid propelled/propelling implement |
WO2010122415A1 (en) * | 2009-04-24 | 2010-10-28 | Dynaplas Ltd. | Paddle blade and shaft i-beam joint |
US20110027101A1 (en) * | 2009-08-03 | 2011-02-03 | Jonathan Hartman | Convertible paddle system |
US20120301318A1 (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2012-11-29 | Sami Er | Conveying blades for a compressible rotor |
US8371886B1 (en) * | 2010-01-26 | 2013-02-12 | Ugly Duck Gear, LLC | Efficient paddle and associated methods |
US20150118924A1 (en) * | 2013-10-25 | 2015-04-30 | Christian G. Hess | Kayak Paddle |
US9416791B2 (en) | 2010-01-25 | 2016-08-16 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Fluid pump having a radially compressible rotor |
US9499246B2 (en) | 2014-04-10 | 2016-11-22 | Scott D. Shoemaker | Paddle assembly |
USD772135S1 (en) * | 2015-02-20 | 2016-11-22 | Ugly Duck Gear, LLC | Paddle blade |
US9611743B2 (en) | 2010-07-15 | 2017-04-04 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Radially compressible and expandable rotor for a pump having an impeller blade |
USD818930S1 (en) * | 2016-10-25 | 2018-05-29 | R. Brandon Bell | Paddle |
US10330101B2 (en) | 2009-06-25 | 2019-06-25 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Compressible and expandable blade for a fluid pump |
US10557475B2 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2020-02-11 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Radially compressible and expandable rotor for a fluid pump |
CN111501876A (en) * | 2020-05-23 | 2020-08-07 | 深圳市东深工程有限公司 | River sludge cleaning device and application method thereof |
US11352113B2 (en) * | 2020-10-28 | 2022-06-07 | Vyacheslav Vasilenko | Collapsible blade equipped paddle device |
WO2023056404A1 (en) * | 2021-10-01 | 2023-04-06 | Harris Julia | Paddle with extendable second blade |
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US4810217A (en) * | 1987-12-24 | 1989-03-07 | Bell George F | Propulsion device for small boats |
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- 2004-09-08 CA CA002480961A patent/CA2480961A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-09-08 US US10/936,018 patent/US20050101200A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US2893021A (en) * | 1957-08-14 | 1959-07-07 | Gustav L Lundborg | Water ski pole |
US3800734A (en) * | 1972-06-20 | 1974-04-02 | Yun Whang Lee | Water propulsion device |
US4264994A (en) * | 1977-07-06 | 1981-05-05 | Carbone Giovanni M | Articulated flippers for hands and feet, with a surface variable during swimming |
US4302194A (en) * | 1980-04-14 | 1981-11-24 | Perales Gavino R | Combined aquatic support and propulsion device |
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Cited By (33)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100009580A1 (en) * | 2006-09-12 | 2010-01-14 | Luis Guillermo Gomez Escobar | Flexible oar |
US20100104448A1 (en) * | 2008-10-24 | 2010-04-29 | Moore John K | Flow restrictive edge profile exhibited upon a surface of a fluid propelled/propelling implement |
WO2010122415A1 (en) * | 2009-04-24 | 2010-10-28 | Dynaplas Ltd. | Paddle blade and shaft i-beam joint |
US20100279560A1 (en) * | 2009-04-24 | 2010-11-04 | John Hevesi | Paddle blade and shaft i-beam joint |
US8057271B2 (en) | 2009-04-24 | 2011-11-15 | John Hevesi | Paddle blade and shaft I-beam joint |
US10330101B2 (en) | 2009-06-25 | 2019-06-25 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Compressible and expandable blade for a fluid pump |
US11268521B2 (en) | 2009-06-25 | 2022-03-08 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Compressible and expandable blade for a fluid pump |
US20110027101A1 (en) * | 2009-08-03 | 2011-02-03 | Jonathan Hartman | Convertible paddle system |
US11266824B2 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2022-03-08 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Conveying blades for a compressible rotor |
US10557475B2 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2020-02-11 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Radially compressible and expandable rotor for a fluid pump |
US11781557B2 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2023-10-10 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Radially compressible and expandable rotor for a fluid pump |
US20160263298A1 (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2016-09-15 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Conveying blades for a compressible rotor |
US11773863B2 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2023-10-03 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Conveying blades for a compressible rotor |
US11549517B2 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2023-01-10 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Conveying blades for a compressible rotor |
US9314558B2 (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2016-04-19 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Conveying blades for a compressible rotor |
US11434922B2 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2022-09-06 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Radially compressible and expandable rotor for a fluid pump |
US10052419B2 (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2018-08-21 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Conveying blades for a compressible rotor |
US20120301318A1 (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2012-11-29 | Sami Er | Conveying blades for a compressible rotor |
US10806838B2 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2020-10-20 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Conveying blades for a compressible rotor |
US11517739B2 (en) | 2010-01-25 | 2022-12-06 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Fluid pump having a radially compressible rotor |
US10316853B2 (en) | 2010-01-25 | 2019-06-11 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Fluid pump having a radially compressible rotor |
US9416791B2 (en) | 2010-01-25 | 2016-08-16 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Fluid pump having a radially compressible rotor |
US8371886B1 (en) * | 2010-01-26 | 2013-02-12 | Ugly Duck Gear, LLC | Efficient paddle and associated methods |
US10920596B2 (en) | 2010-07-15 | 2021-02-16 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Radially compressible and expandable rotor for a pump having an impeller blade |
US11913467B2 (en) | 2010-07-15 | 2024-02-27 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Radially compressible and expandable rotor for a pump having an impeller blade |
US9611743B2 (en) | 2010-07-15 | 2017-04-04 | Ecp Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Radially compressible and expandable rotor for a pump having an impeller blade |
US20150118924A1 (en) * | 2013-10-25 | 2015-04-30 | Christian G. Hess | Kayak Paddle |
US9499246B2 (en) | 2014-04-10 | 2016-11-22 | Scott D. Shoemaker | Paddle assembly |
USD772135S1 (en) * | 2015-02-20 | 2016-11-22 | Ugly Duck Gear, LLC | Paddle blade |
USD818930S1 (en) * | 2016-10-25 | 2018-05-29 | R. Brandon Bell | Paddle |
CN111501876A (en) * | 2020-05-23 | 2020-08-07 | 深圳市东深工程有限公司 | River sludge cleaning device and application method thereof |
US11352113B2 (en) * | 2020-10-28 | 2022-06-07 | Vyacheslav Vasilenko | Collapsible blade equipped paddle device |
WO2023056404A1 (en) * | 2021-10-01 | 2023-04-06 | Harris Julia | Paddle with extendable second blade |
Also Published As
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CA2480961A1 (en) | 2005-03-09 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |