Convertible Trekking Paddle

Abstract

A trekking pole is convertible into a two handed double bladed kayaking paddle and into a single bladed paddle. In another embodiment, two trekking poles are convertible into a single double bladed kayaking paddle.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is in the field of paddles convertible to other diverse uses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Kayak paddles are well known as comprising a pole supporting on each end a paddle. The paddles may be aligned with each other or rotated to be at a relative non parallel angle, for example perpendicular angles. However, a paddle is a single use device, for example, in the sport of kayaking it is not adaptable for other activities. Currently, most existing paddles fall into one of two categories, either they are durable but are quite heavy and bulky, or they are lightweight but compromise ease of use, durability, and function. The paddle, when not in use, must be carried and the trekking pole, when not in use, must be stored.

Over recent years there has also been a dramatic increase in people carrying collapsible kayaks or lightweight rafts in their backpacks (called pack rafting). These users are very weight conscience, since they frequently travel many miles with all their equipment on their backs.

Many of them are carrying both a paddle and a trekking pole.

Trekking poles are widely known and used by the outdoor community as useful walking tool to reduce fatigue and increase stability of the user.

While the advantage of using a trekking pole is widely recognized, a pack rafter, considering the amount of weight and the distance the pack rafter may be required to haul that weight, choices will be forced on the pack rafter, and a comprise will be made between one or more necessary hiking tools. As a result, the pack rafter may necessarily be prevented from taking a trekking pole and could experience fatigue or be forced into trekking distances made shorter by the lack of a trekking pole.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Trekking Paddle is primarily used for activities where a user will hike for a certain distance and then inflate or assemble a watercraft that requires a paddle for propulsion. The Trekking Paddle saves weight and space by combing two frequently used devices for such activities: a trekking pole and a paddle. This product appeals especially to the growing number of pack rafters, backcountry kayakers, and portaging canoeists who go on treks where travel alternates between land and water.

The invention, as shown and described according to a disclosed preferred embodiment, offers the pack rafter the advantage of kayak paddle which is convertible into a trekking pole. When converted, the paddle and its weight virtually disappear, becoming a trekking pole, useful in making the journey more comfortable and less fatiguing.

When the pack rafter is ready to reenter the watercraft, the trekking pole converts to a paddle, and the trekking pole virtually disappears, and at the same time, leaving storage space in the kayak, where the trekking pole would have otherwise been placed.

As disclosed in a preferred embodiment, the trekking pole sections may be rearranged, removing certain parts useful only in a trekking pole and adding paddle blades. By converting the paddle into a trekking pole and the trekking pole back to a paddle, the necessity for carrying two separate devices, each useful for a respective and disparate purpose, is eliminated.

As shown in a preferred embodiment, according to the disclosed inventive principles, a kayak paddle is made of 3 pole sections and 2 paddle blades. In the paddle mode, a middle pole No. 2, is axially interlocked and axially coupled to two outer poles Nos. 1 and 3, respectively. The two outer poles Nos. 1 and 3 each have a hand grip, respectively, as would be known to those skilled in the art. The outer ends of pole Nos. 1 and 3, are each interlocked and axially coupled to a paddle, completing the paddle assembly,

In converting the kayak paddle to a single paddle, pole No. 1 is detached and a handle is interlocked and axially coupled to its open end, opposite the paddle.

In converting the kayak paddle or the single paddle, to a trekking pole, pole No. 3 is removed and a cap is axially joined to the end closest to the grip. Pole No. 1 is interlocked and axially coupled to the open end of pole No. 3, with the grip on pole No. 1 arranged closer to pole No. 3. Pole No. 2 is interlocked and axially coupled to the open end of pole No. 1 and a tip is inserted into the open end of pole No. 2 to complete the trekking pole. Tip 26 is interlocked and axially coupled to pole No. 2.

In a preferred embodiment, the poles may be interlocked and axially coupled by threaded joints, twist locks, or by spring locks, for example, spring loaded studs on one pole, interlocking with matching holes on a coupling joint, used on an adjoining pole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the convertible paddle arranged as a two bladed kayak paddle.

FIG. 2 shows the convertible paddle arranged as a single bladed paddle.

FIG. 3 shows the two bladed paddle arranged as a trekking pole.

FIG. 4 shows in an exploded view the assembly of the separate parts, pole Nos. 1, 2, and 3, into a kayak paddle.

FIG. 5 shows in an exploded view, how the separate parts, pole Nos. 2 and 3, are assembled into a single blade paddle.

FIG. 6 shows in an exploded view, how the separate parts, pole Nos. 1, 2, and 3, are assembled into a trekking pole.

FIGS. 7 a and 7b are interlocks in partial views, showing the coupling of a paddle 12 to the end of one of the outer poles 22.

FIGS. 8 a and 8b are interlocks in partial views, showing interlocking spring loaded locks disassembled and assembled with a dampening washer compressed between two axially coupled pole sections. FIGS. 8a and 8b show the coupling of the outer pole 22 to the middle pole 24.

FIGS. 9 a and 9b are interlocks in partial views, showing the coupling of a paddle 14 to the end of one of the outer poles 20.

FIGS. 10 a and 10b are interlocks in partial views, showing the interlocking spring loaded locks disassembled and assembled with a dampening washer compressed between two coupled pole sections. FIGS. 10a and 10b show the coupling of the outer pole 20 to the middle pole 24.

FIGS. 11 a and 11b, in partial views, show the interlocking spring loaded locks axially coupling the handle 25 to pole No. 3, through hand grip 18b, when the convertible paddle is used as a single blade paddle as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 or as a trekking pole, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.

FIGS. 12 a and 12b show in partial views, showing the interlocking spring loaded locks axially coupling the tip 26 to the middle pole No. 2.

FIGS. 13 a and 13b show a single two handled paddle convertible from the two trekking poles shown in FIGS. 14a and 14b, with a single shaft and two end shafts, each end shaft coupled to a paddle blade. FIG. 13a shows the two handled paddle blade of FIG. 13b in a exploded view.

FIGS. 14 a and 14b show two trekking poles convertible to make the two handled paddle of FIGS. 13a and 14a. FIG. 14a shows the trekking poles of FIG. 14b, in an exploded view.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As shown and disclosed in a preferred embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 4, the convertible paddle is shown in FIG. 1 generally by numeral 10, as comprising paddle blades 12 and 14 axially joined to pole No. 1, numeral 22, and pole No. 3, numeral 20, respectively. A pole No. 2, numeral 24, is axially disposed between pole No. 1, numeral 22 and pole No. 3, numeral 20, forming the completed kayak paddle. Pole No. 1, numeral 22 and pole number 3, numeral 20, each have grips shown by numerals 18a and 18b, respectively.

The assembly of the two bladed kayak paddle is shown in exploded view in FIG. 4, showing the parts schematically positioned for assembly as described above.

According to the inventive principles, the kayak two bladed paddle, shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, may be disassembled and converted into a single blade paddle or a trekking pole as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and 4 and 5, respectively.

In converting the kayak paddle into the single bladed paddle generally shown by numeral 30, in FIGS. 2 and 5, pole No.1, numeral 22, is removed leaving pole No. 3, numeral 20, and pole No. 2, numeral 24, axially coupled at interlock locking joint 45. The handle 25 is axially coupled to pole 24, as shown in FIG. 5, joined at end 26, completing the assembly of the single blade paddle.

To convert the two bladed kayak paddle shown by numeral 10 in FIGS. 1 and 4, into the trekking pole, generally shown by numeral 40 in FIGS. 3 and 6, pole No. 2, numeral 24, is disassembled and a tip 26, is axially joined at an end, shown by numeral 31, in FIG. 12a. Pole No. 1, numeral 22 is disassembled and interlocked and axially coupled with pole No. 2, numeral 24, with the grip 18a, of pole No. 1, disposed at the greater distance from pole No. 2, numeral 24, and positioned relatively closer to pole No. 3, numeral 20, as explained in the following.

Pole No. 3, numeral 20, is interlocked and axially coupled with pole No. 1, with grip 18b, arranged at the relatively greater distance from pole No. 1, numeral 22, and closest to cap 25, joined axially at end 32 of pole No. 3, numeral 20, as shown in FIG. 6.

As shown for a preferred embodiment, the grips 18a and 18b, are off centered on the respective poles Nos. 1 and 3, numerals 22 and 20, respectively. As shown, the grips 18a and 18b, are positioned closer to one end of the respective pole No 1, numeral 22 and pole No. 3, numeral 20, than to the opposed end of the respective poles Nos. 1 and 3.

As shown, the trekking pole, shown generally by numeral 40 in FIGS. 3 and 6, is assembled with poles Nos. 1 and 3 arranged with grips 18a and 18b, at the relatively greater distance from tip 26. By distance is meant the distance along the axial length of the trekking pole shown generally by numeral 40, measured from the middle of grip 18a to tip 26 and to the middle of grip 18b. As shown in a preferred embodiment, the grips 18a and 18b, are arranged spaced from the handle 25 and from each other to accommodate the two hands of the user, as may be useful or necessary.

As would be known to those skilled in the art, the poles may be made from aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber tubing. Poles are aligned and may be joined with ferruled ends or by concentric telescoping poles, or by threaded joints, twist locks, or by spring locking joints and may be round, oblong, or in a variety of cross sectional shapes.

As shown for a preferred embodiment in FIGS. 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b, the interlock axial coupling of the poles 20, 22, and 24 to each other, to the paddle blades 12 and 14, to handle 25 and to trekking tip 26, is shown in greater detail.

Interlock locking joint 45, dampening washers 42, drip rings 50, and other details, shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, are shown and explained in detail as disclosed in FIGS. 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b.

As shown in FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b, drip rings 50, may be used as would be known to those skilled in the art, to reroute drips of water from running down the shaft of the poles back into the water while paddling.

As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the same numerals are used to identify the same or similarly operating parts.

Interlocks for axially coupling pole 22 to pole 24 and for axially coupling pole 24 to pole 20 and for axially coupling the paddle blades 12 and 14 to pole 22 and pole 20 when the convertible paddle trekking pole is used as a paddle, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and for axially coupling pole 24 to pole 22 and for axially coupling pole 22 to pole 20 and for axially coupling the tip 26 to pole 24 and the handle 25 to pole 20, when the convertible paddle trekking pole is used as a trekking pole as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, respectively are shown in a preferred embodiment in FIGS. 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b.

The interlock coupling and locking configuration of FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, is shown in FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b, and 9a and 9b. FIGS. 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b, are used to represent the coupling of the paddle blades 12 and 14 to their respective poles, paddle blade 14 to pole 20 and paddle blade 12 to pole 22, it being understood the spring locks shown for paddle 12 and pole 22 is the same as for paddle 14 and pole 20.

As shown for a preferred embodiment receiving hole 46b in paddle 12 interlock locking joint 45 fits axially over, and mates with interlock spring loaded lock 48b in pole 22. Interlock spring loaded lock 48a is arranged to extend axially from the longitudinal axis 53 of poles 20, 22, 24.

Numeral 46a, as shown in interlock FIG. 7a, for pole 22, is a receiving hole which is not used in connection with paddle 12. In a similar manner as would be understood by those skilled in the art, and as shown in FIG. 9a and 9b, paddle blade 14 and interlock paddle locking joint 45 would fit over and be joined to pole 20 using an interlock spring loaded lock 48b.

In a preferred embodiment, pole No. 2, numeral 24, is shown as having two different interlocks for axial coupling. Interlock 54 on one end of pole No. 2, numeral 24, is as shown in FIG. 4 and in FIG. 8a, 8b.

As shown in a preferred embodiment interlock 52b at the opposed end of pole No. 2, numeral 24, is as shown in FIG. 12a, 12b, comprising interlock receiver holes 46a and 46c. The interlock receiving holes 46a and 46c, are offset circumferentially, to allow the paddles 12 sand 14 to be parallel or at offset angles, relative to each other, as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

As would be understood by those skilled in the art, this arrangement for example, of a male interlock 54b on one end of pole No. 2, numeral 24, with a spring loaded lock 48a, as shown in FIG. 8a, 8b, and a female interlock with an interlock receiving hole 46a and 46c, as shown in 12a, 12b, on the opposite end of pole No. 2, numeral 24, is in a preferred embodiment according to the disclosed inventive principles, for conversion of the two handed paddle into the one handed paddle or trekking pole or in the reverse. As would be understood by those skilled in the art, and as explained below, for example, the female interlock 52b on the end of pole No. 2, numeral 24, as shown in FIG. 4, is arranged for axial coupling with male interlock 52a on pole No. 1, numeral 22, wherein is shown is shown spring loaded lock 48a, is inserted into matching interlock receiving hole 46c on pole No. 2, numeral 24.

As shown in a preferred embodiment according to the disclosed inventive principles, for example, pole No. 1 numeral 22, is shown with a male interlock 52a and a female interlock 58a on its opposite end and pole No. 3, numeral 22, is shown with a female interlock 54a, and a male interlock 58b on its opposite end.

As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the placement of the male and female interlocks may be changed without departing from the disclosed inventive principles. As would be known to those skilled in the art, other suitable interlocks may be used without departing from the disclosed inventive principles.

As disclosed in a preferred embodiment, pole No. 1, numeral 22 is shown with a made interlock 52a at a first end and a male interlock 58a at a second end. Pole No. 2, numeral 24 is shown in a preferred embodiment with a female interlock 52b at a first end and a male interlock 54b at a second end. In a preferred embodiment, a third pole 20 is shown with a female interlock 54a at a first end and a male interlock 58b at a second end.

Interlock FIGS. 8a and 8b, show how the pole No. 1 numeral 20, and pole No. 2, numeral 24, may interlocked and axially coupled by interlock spring locking joints, shown for example by a interlock lock projection and lock receiver, comprising an interlock spring loaded lock 48a in pole No. 1, numeral 22, and interlock lock receiving hole 46a in interlock locking joint 45 in pole No. 1, numeral 22.

In the same manner, as shown in Interlock FIG. 10a, 10b, an interlock spring loaded lock, 48a, in pole No. 1, numeral 22, the same as interlock spring loaded lock 48a on pole 24 used in connection with interlock locking joint 45 on pole 22, may be used with pole No. 3, numeral 20 with interlock receiving hole 46a on interlock locking joint 45 of pole No. 3, numeral 20.

As shown for poles 22, 24, in interlock FIG. 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, and 10b, and in FIG. 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, interlock spring loaded locks 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, are arranged to extend radially from longitudinal axis 53. The interlock spring loaded lock 48a, are arranged to be positioned and mate with the interlock matching receiving hole 46a, in interlock locking joint 45 mounted on respective pole 24 and pole 20, as shown in interlock FIG. 8a, 8b, 10a, 10b. As would be known to those skilled in the art, when the interlock spring lock 48a on an end of pole 24, is axially inserted into the interlock locking joint 45 on pole 20, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, and the interlock spring loaded lock 48a is positioned opposite the matching interlock receiving hole 46a in poles 20, the interlock spring loaded lock 48a will be pushed into the interlock matching receiving hole, 46a, in interlock locking joint 45, locking the two poles 22 and 24, as shown in FIG. 10a, 10b.

Referring to interlock FIGS. 7a, 7b, 9a, and 9b, paddle blade 12, and 14, respectively, are locked to pole No. 1, numeral 22, and pole No. 3, numeral 20, respectively, and at ends opposed to the ends where pole No. 1, Numeral 22 and pole No. 3, numeral 20, are locked to pole No. 2, numeral 24, respectively.

In the process of locking the poles, a compression ring or dampening washer, shown by numeral 42 in FIGS. 8a and 10a, is compressed, as shown in FIG. 8b. The compression ring or dampening washers 42 may be used to dampen movement between pole sections when attached as in the two bladed Kayak paddle shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the single handed paddle, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, or the trekking pole, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.

The kayak paddle configuration user holds the kayak paddle, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4, by the foam handles 18a or 18b. In the single paddle construction, the user holds the paddle by the top cap 25, and places the tip 26 on the ground.

While walking using the trekking pole configuration of FIG. 3, FIG. 6, user's hand is placed on foam hand grip 18b, on pole 20 or on foam hand grip 18a, on pole 22, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5. A cap or handle 25 is placed at the top of the trekking pole, to pole 20 and a tip 26, at the bottom of trekking pole on pole 24.

In the trekking pole configuration, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the order of the poles from the tip 26 at the bottom to the handle at the top is pole 24, pole 22, pole 20.

In using the trekking pole, FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the tip 26 is placed on the ground in front of the user and provides stability as the user moves past it. This process is repeated over and over again with each step. When in the canoe paddle configuration, a user would place his/her hand on the cap or handle 25, and the other hand around the foam grip 18b. For use in a kayak, for example, the paddle blade is placed in the water and drawn back, achieving forward propulsion. The angle of the paddle blades 12 and 14 may be adjusted relative to each other, for adaption to each kayaker's style of paddling.

As shown in interlock FIGS. 11a and 11b, the axial coupling of the handle 25 into one end of pole 20 is shown for a preferred embodiment and according to the disclosed inventive principles.

As disclosed in FIG. 11a, in a preferred embodiment, the pole No. 3, Numeral 20 is shown in an exploded view detached from the grip 18b. As disclosed, the pole 20 is axially inserted or fitted into the grip 18b and for a preferred embodiment, the receiving hole 46a in pole 20 is arranged to be located opposite matching hole in grip 18b.

As shown in FIG. 11b, interlock 60b spring lock 48c on handle 25 fits axially into pole No. 3, numeral 20 with interlock spring lock 48c engaging the interlock 54a receiving hole 46a in pole 20 and matching interlock receiving hole 46a in grip 18b.

As disclosed for a preferred embodiment, in FIGS. 12a and 12b, an interlock 60a receiving hole 46c is disposed on pole 24 circumferentially displaced from receiving hole 46a. Trekking tip 26 is axially inserted into pole 24 at end 30. As shown for a preferred embodiment, interlock spring loaded lock 48d on tip 26 engages interlock receiving holes 46a or 46c. In a preferred embodiment, the interlock receiving holes 46a and 46b are displaced from each other circumferentially by about 60 degrees.

Although the circumferentially displaced interlock receiving holes 46a and 46c are shown with reference to the assembled trekking pole in FIG. 6, the use of receiving hole 46a and 46c is to angularly displace paddle blade 12 from paddle blade 14.

As shown in a preferred embodiment in FIGS. 2 and 5, pole No. 2, numeral 20 and pole No. 2, numeral 24, may be axially assembled into a single handled paddle. As shown, interlock 54a at a first end of pole No. 3, numeral 20 is assembled with interlock 54b at the second end of pole No. 2, numeral 24. A paddle blade 14 is axially assembled by coupling locking joint 45 on paddle blade 14 with interlock 58b at the second end of pole No. 3, numeral 20. A handle 25 may be axially assembled with interlock 52b at the first end of pole No. 2, numeral 24.

FIGS. 13 a, 13 b, 14 a and 14b, show how two trekking poles, for example as used by one person, one in each hand, may be converted to a single double handled paddle.

As shown in FIGS. 14a and 14b, the two trekking poles are generally identified by numerals 62 and 64, respectively. The trekking poles 62, 64, include first poles 66 and 68. Each of the first poles 66, 68 include a handle 72, 74.

Each of the first poles 66, 68 include an interlock 82, 84 at a first end and an interlock 86, 88 on a second end. The interlocks 82, 84, on the first end of first poles 66, 68, are the same as interlock 54a shown on pole No. 3, numeral 20, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6. The interlocks 86, 88 shown on a second end of first poles 66, 68, in a preferred embodiment are the same as shown for pole No. 3, numeral 20, as interlock 58b at the second end of pole No. 3, numeral 20, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6.

Second poles 106, 108 are shown for poles 62 and 64, in FIG. 14a, 14a, 14b. The second poles 106, 108, are shown with interlocks 92, 96, as a first end of pole 106, 108, respectively. These interlocks in a preferred embodiment are the same as shown for interlock 54b for pole No. 2, numeral 24, shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.

A tip 26 is shown with interlocks 102, 104, inserted into second pole 106 and 108 at interlocks 96, 98, respectively. Interlocks 102, 104 are the same as interlock 60a and interlocks 96, 98, are the same as interlock 52b, as shown in FIG. 6, in a preferred embodiment.

The double trekking poles 62, 64, shown in FIGS. 14a and 14b, paddle convert into one double bladed kayak paddle shaft and paddle, as seen in FIGS. 13a and 13b.

The two handled paddle shown generally by numeral 110, uses as a center pole, trekking second poles 106 or 108. Paddle blades 12 and 14 are connected to the respective ends of trekking first poles 66, 68, at interlocks 84, 86, respectively by paddle blade interlocks 56a and 56b, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

The first poles 66 and 68 are shown connected at respective ends of the center pole 110, at interlocks 82, 84, for first poles 66 and 68, respectively and interlocks 94, 92, respectively, for the respective opposed ends of center pole 110.

As shown in a preferred embodiment, the two trekking poles may be disassembled into a single two handled paddle and then reassembled into two trekking poles.

As shown in a preferred embodiment according to the disclosed inventive principles, in FIGS. 1 and 4, a convertible paddle trekking pole, is shown as comprising a first pole 22, a second pole 24, and a third pole 20. The first pole 22 and the second pole 24, are shown including interlocks at a first end of the first pole 22, interlock 52a, and at a first end of the second pole 24, interlock 52b, axially coupling the first pole 22 to the second pole 24.

The second pole 24 and the third pole 20, is shown including interlocks at a first end of the third pole 20, interlock 54a, and at a second end of the second pole 24, interlock 54b, for axially coupling the second pole 24 to the third pole 20.

The first paddle blade 12 is shown including an interlock and the first pole 22 is shown including an interlock at a second end, for axially connecting the first pole 22 to the first paddle blade 12.

The second paddle blade 14 is shown including an interlock and the third pole 20 is shown including an interlock at a second end, for axially connecting the third pole 20 to the second paddle blade.

Wherein is shown, the axially connected first pole 22, to the second pole 24, and to the third pole 20, and to the first paddle blade 12 and to the second paddle blade 14, is a two handed paddle.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the trekking pole is disclosed with the interlock 54b, at the second end of the second pole 24 and the interlock 58a, at a second end of the first pole 22 is shown for axially connecting the second pole 24 to the first pole 22.

The interlock 52a at a first end of the first pole 22 and the interlock 58b, at the second end of the third pole 20 is shown for axially connecting the first pole 22 to the third pole 20.

A tip 26 is shown including an interlock 60a. The interlock at the tip 26 and the interlock 52b at the first end of the second pole 24 is shown for axially connecting the tip 26 to the second pole 24.

Wherein is shown, the axially connected tip to the second pole 24, the second pole 24 to the first pole 22, and the first pole 22 to the third pole 20, is a trekking pole.

The convertible shaft for a paddle and a trekking pole, is shown as a first pole 22, a second pole 24, a third pole 20. The first pole 22 and the second pole 24, is shown including interlocks at a first end of the first pole 22, 52a and at a first end of the second pole 24, interlock 52b, axially coupling the first pole 22 to the second pole 24.

The second pole 24 and the third pole 20, is shown including interlocks at a first end of the third pole 20 and at a second end of the second pole 24, for axially coupling the second pole 24 to the third pole 20. Wherein is shown the axially connected first end of the first pole to the first end of the second pole, the second end of the second pole 24 to the first end of the third pole, is a shaft for a two handled paddle.

For a convertible trekking pole shaft the interlock 54b at the second end of the second pole 24 and the interlock 58a at a second end of the first pole is shown for axially connecting the second pole 24 to the first pole 22. The interlock at a first end of the first pole 22 and the interlock at the second end of the third pole is shown for axially connecting the first pole to the third pole. Wherein is shown, the axially connected second end of the second pole 24 to the second end of the first pole 22, and said first end of the first pole 22 to the second end of the third pole, is a shaft for a trekking pole.

For a single handle paddle shaft, the interlock 54a at the first end of the third pole 20 and the interlock 54b at the second end of the second pole 24, is shown for axially connecting the first end of the third pole 20 to the second end of the second pole 24. and wherein is shown the first end of the third pole axially connected to the second end of the second pole, is a shaft for a single handled paddle.

Paddle blade 14 is shown including an interlock. The third pole 20 is shown including an interlock 58b at a second end of the third pole 20 for axially connecting the third pole 20 to the paddle blade 14. and wherein is shown is shown the axially connected paddle blade 14, to the second end of the third pole 20 and the first end of the third pole axially connected to the second end of the second pole 24, is a single handled paddle.

A first paddle blade 12 is shown including an interlock 56a. A second paddle blade 14 is shown including an interlock 56b. The interlock 58a at the second end of the first pole 22 is shown for axially connecting the first pole 22 to the first paddle blade 12 interlock 56a and the interlock 58b at the second end of the third pole 20 is shown for axially connecting the third pole 20 to the second paddle blade 14 interlock 56b. Wherein is shown the axially connected first paddle blade 12 to the second end of the first pole 22 and the axially connected first end of the first pole to the first end of the second pole, the second end of the second pole 24 to the first end of the third pole and the second paddle blade 14 axially connected to the third pole 20, is a two handled paddle.

A tip 26 is shown including an interlock for axially connecting the tip 26 to the first end of the second pole 24 and wherein is shown is shown the axially connected tip 26 to the first end of the second pole 24 and the second end of the second pole 24 connected to the second end of the first pole and the first end of the first pole 22 connected to the second end of the third pole 20, is a trekking pole.

As shown for the convertible paddle trekking pole, the first pole 22 includes a first grip 18a and the third pole 20 includes a second grip 18 band wherein is shown the first grip 18a is closer to the first end of the first pole than the second end of the first pole and the second grip 18b is closer to the first end of the third pole 20 than the second end of the first pole.

As shown for the convertible paddle trekking pole, the second grip 18b is opposed to the handle 25 and the first grip 18a is displaced closer to the second grip 18b than from the tip 26. As shown, the second grip 18b over laps the third pole interlock at the first end of the third pole.

A convertible paddle trekking pole, is shown with a first pole 22, a second pole 24 and a third pole 20. A first interlock on the second pole 24 is shown removeably axially coupling the second pole 24 to a first interlock on the first pole, a second interlock on second pole removeably axially coupling the second pole to a first interlock on the third pole 20, to form the shaft of a paddle.

A convertible paddle trekking pole, is shown with a second interlock 58a on the first pole 22 removeably axially coupling the first pole 22 to a second interlock 54b on the second pole 24, a first interlock 52a on the first pole 22 removeably axially coupling the first pole 22 to a second interlock 58b on the third pole 20, to form the shaft of a trekking pole.

The convertible paddle trekking pole is shown with a first paddle 12 and a second paddle 14. As disclosed an interlock 56a on the first paddle 12, is shown for removeably axially coupling the first paddle 12 to a second interlock 56a on the first pole 22, and an interlock 56b on the second paddle 14, removeably axially connecting the second paddle 14 to a second interlock 58b the first pole 22. Wherein is shown the removeably axially connected first interlock 52b on the second pole 24 removeably axially coupling the second pole 24 to a first interlock 52a on the first pole 22, the second interlock 54b on second pole 24 removeably axially coupling the second pole 24 to the first interlock 54a on the third pole 20, and the first paddle 12 removeably axially connected to the second interlock 58a on the first pole 22 and the second paddle 14 removeably axially connect to the second interlock 58b on the third pole 20, to form a two handled paddle.

The convertible paddle trekking pole is shown is shown including a first interlock on the third poles removeably axially connected to the second interlock on the second pole, to form the shaft of a single handled paddle and a paddle 14 is shown including an interlock for removeably connecting the paddle 14 to the second end of the third pole 22 to form a single handled paddle.

The convertible paddle trekking pole is shown including a tip 26. The tip 26 is shown including an interlock 60a for removable axially connecting the tip 26 to the first interlock 52b on the second pole 24. Wherein is shown the second interlock 58a on the first pole 22 removeably axially coupling the first pole 22 to a second interlock 54b on the second pole 24, the first interlock 52a on the first pole 22 removeably axially coupling the first pole 22 to a second interlock 58b on the third pole 20, and the tip 26 removeably axially connected to the first interlock 52b on the second pole 24, to form a trekking pole.

What is disclosed in a preferred embodiment are trekking poles convertible into a two handled paddle. A first trekking pole 62 and a second trekking pole 64 is disclosed. The first trekking pole 62 includes a first pole 66 and a second pole 106. The second trekking pole 68 includes a first pole 68 and a second pole 108.

The first trekking pole first pole 66 including interlocks 86, 82, on a first and second end of said first pole 66 respectively. The second trekking pole first pole 68 including interlocks 88, 84, on a first and second end of said first pole 68, respectively.

The first trekking pole second pole 68 including interlocks 92, 96, on a first and second end of said second pole 106, respectively;

The second trekking pole second pole 108, including interlocks 94, 98, on a first and second end of the second pole 108, respectively. The first interlock 86 on said first trekking pole first pole 66 and a first interlock 92 on the first trekking pole second pole, axially coupling said first pole 66 to the second pole 106. A first interlock 88 on the second trekking pole first pole 68 and a first interlock 94 on the second trekking pole second pole 108, axially coupling said first pole 68 to said second pole 108.

What is shown and described in trekking poles convertible into a two handled paddle is a second interlock 82 on the first trekking pole first pole 66 axially coupling the first pole 66 to said first interlock 92 on said first trekking pole second pole 106 and a second interlock 84 on said second trekking pole first pole 68 axially coupling said second trekking pole first pole 68 to a second interlock 96 on said first trekking pole second pole 106.

What is shown in trekking poles convertible into a two handled paddle are a first paddle blade 12 and a second paddle blade 14.

The first paddle blade is shown including a first paddle blade interlock 56a and the second paddle blade 14 is shown including a second paddle blade interlock 56b.

The first paddle blade interlock 56a and said first trekking pole first pole second interlock 86 axially couples the first paddle blade 12 to the first trekking pole first pole 66 second interlock 86 and the second paddle blade interlock 56b axially couples the second paddle blade 14 to the second trekking pole first pole 68 second interlock 88.

As would be known and understood by those skilled in the art, variations in the arrangement of the interlocks on the ends of the poles and in the type of interlocks, may be made without departing from the disclosed inventive principles

Claims

1. A convertible shaft for a paddle and a trekking pole, comprising, a first pole, a second pole, a third pole; said first pole and said second pole, including interlocks at a first end of said first pole and at a first end of said second pole, axially coupling said first pole to said second pole;said second pole and said third pole, including interlocks at a first end of said third pole and at a second end of said second pole, for axially coupling said second pole to said third pole ; and wherein said axially connected first end of said first pole to said first end of said second pole, said second end of said second pole to said first end of said third pole, is a shaft for a two handled paddle; andsaid interlock at said second end of said second pole and said interlock at a second end of said first pole for axially connecting said second pole to said first pole;said interlock at a first end of said first pole and said interlock at said second end of said third pole for axially connecting said first pole to said third pole;wherein, said axially connected said second end of said second pole 24 to said second end of said first pole, and said first end of said first pole to said second end of said third pole, is a shaft for a trekking pole.

2. The convertible shaft for a paddle and trekking pole, of claim 1, wherein, said interlock at said first end of said third pole and said interlock at said second end of said second pole, for axially connecting said first end of said third pole to said second end of said second pole; and wherein said first end of said third pole axially connected to said second end of said second pole, is a shaft for a single handled paddle.

3. The convertible shaft for a paddle and trekking pole, of claim 2, including a paddle blade; said paddle blade including an interlock; said third pole including an interlock at said second end of said third pole for axially connecting said third pole to said paddle blade; and wherein said axially connected paddle blade, to said second end of said third pole and said first end of said third pole axially connected to said second end of said second pole, is a single handled paddle.

4. The convertible shaft for a paddle and trekking pole, of claim 1, including a first paddle blade; said first paddle blade including an interlock; a second paddle blade; said second paddle blade including an interlock; said interlock at said second end of said first pole for axially connecting said first pole to said first paddle blade interlock; and said interlock at said second end of said third pole for axially connecting said third pole to said second paddle blade interlock; and wherein said axially connected first paddle blade to said second end of said first pole, said axially connected first end of said first pole to said first end of said second pole, said second end of said second pole axially connected to said first end of said third pole and said second paddle blade axially connected to said third pole, is a two handled paddle.

5. The convertible shaft for a paddle or trekking pole of claim 1, including, a tip; said tip including an interlock for axially connecting said tip to said first end of said second pole and wherein said axially connected tip to said first end of said second pole and said second end of said second pole axially connected to said second end of said first pole and said first end of said first pole axially connected to said second end of said third pole 20, is a trekking pole.

6. The convertible paddle trekking pole of claim 1, wherein, said first pole includes a first grip and said third pole includes a second grip;wherein, said first grip is closer to said first end of said first pole than said second end of said first pole;wherein said second grip is closer to said first end of said third pole than said second end of said first pole.

7. The convertible paddle trekking pole of claim 6, wherein said second grip over laps said third pole interlock at said first end of said third pole.

8. A convertible paddle trekking pole, comprising, a first pole, a second pole and a third pole;a first interlock on said second pole removeably axially coupling said second pole to a first interlock on said first pole, a second interlock on second pole removeably axially coupling said second pole to to a first interlock on said third pole, to form the shaft of a paddle; anda second interlock on said first pole removeably axially coupling said first pole to a second interlock on said second pole, a first interlock on said first pole removeably axially coupling said first pole to a second interlock on said third pole, to form the shaft of a trekking pole.

9. The convertible paddle trekking pole of claim 8, including, a first paddle and a second paddle;an interlock on said first paddle, removeably axially coupling said first paddle to a second interlock on said first pole, and an interlock on said second paddle, removeably axially coupling said second paddle to a second interlock said first pole; and wherein said removeably axially coupled said first interlock on said second pole removeably axially coupling said second pole to a first interlock on said first pole, said second interlock on second pole removeably axially coupling said second pole to said first interlock on said third pole, and said first paddle removeably axially coupled to said second interlock on said first pole and said second paddle removeably axially coupling said second interlock on said third pole, to form a two handled paddle.

10. The convertible paddle trekking pole of claim 8, wherein said first interlock on said third pole is removably axially coupled to said second interlock on said second pole, to form the shaft of a single handled paddle and a paddle; said first paddle including an interlock for removeably coupling said paddle to an interlock at said second end of said third pole, to form a single handled paddle.

11. The convertible paddle trekking pole of claim 8, including a tip; said tip including an interlock for removably axially coupling said tip to said first interlock on said second pole; and wherein said second interlock on said first pole removeably axially coupling said first pole to said second interlock on said second pole, said first interlock on said first pole removeably axially coupling said first pole to said second interlock on said third pole, to form said trekking pole.

12. The convertible paddle trekking pole of claim 8, including a tip, said tip including an interlock and said tip is removably axially coupled to said first interlock on said first end of said second pole to form the tip of said shaft of said trekking pole.

13. The convertible paddle trekking pole of claim 9, wherein said first interlock on said second pole includes at least two circumferentially displaced interlocks for offsetting the angle between said first and second paddles or for arranging said paddles parallel to each other.

14. A trekking poles convertible into a two handled paddle, comprising, a first trekking pole and a second trekking pole;said first trekking pole, including a first pole and a second pole;said second trekking pole including a first pole and a second pole;said first trekking pole first pole including first and second interlocks on a first and second end of said first pole, respectively;said second trekking pole first pole including first and second interlocks on a first and second end of said first pole, respectively;said first trekking pole second pole including first and second interlocks on a first and second end of said first trekking pole second pole, respectively;said second trekking pole second pole including interlocks on a first and second end of said second pole, respectively;said first interlock on said first trekking pole first pole and said first interlock on said first trekking pole second pole, axially coupling said first trekking pole first pole to said first trekking pole second pole;said first interlock on said second trekking pole first pole and said first interlock on said second trekking pole second pole, axially coupling said second trekking pole first pole to said second trekking pole second pole.

15. The trekking poles convertible into a two handled paddle of claim 14, wherein, said second interlock on said first trekking pole first pole axially coupling said first trekking pole first pole to said first interlock on said first trekking pole second pole and said second interlock on said second trekking pole first pole axially coupling said second trekking pole first pole to said second interlock on said first trekking pole second pole, to form a two handled paddle shaft.

16. The Trekking poles convertible into a two handled paddle of claim 15, including a first paddle blade and a second paddle blade; said first paddle blade including a first paddle blade interlock and said second paddle blade including a second paddle blade interlock;said first paddle blade interlock and said first trekking pole first pole first interlock axially coupling said first paddle blade to said two handled paddle and said second paddle blade interlock and said first trekking pole first pole second interlock axially coupling said second paddle blade to said first trekking pole second interlock, to form a two handled paddle.