Patent Application
20230019984
The present invention relates generally to the field of kayaking mobility tools. More specifically, the present invention relates to a nun-chuck-like kayaking mobility tool for easy maneuverability of a kayak by a kayaker while sitting in the kayak. The kayaking mobility tool of the present invention is a nun-chuck-like device that includes a pair of handles connected through a connecting cord. The handles are used for pushing off rocks, obstructions, riverbed and weeds that impede the kayaking path, and also can be used to place on an underwater surface for turning the kayak in a desired direction. The handles have grips at one end and leather or rubber caps at another end for secure footing and positioning. The tool can be used by kayakers to save their paddles/oars from damage, for example snapping the blade, that can occur when the kayaker tries to push off from rocks and reposition the kayak using the blade and shaft of the paddles/oars. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, kayaks have long been used for personal boating, recreational purposes and also for transporting people, as the watercraft are highly maneuverable. People enjoy kayaking and the ease of portability of their personal kayaks. A kayak is a low-to-the-water boat or watercraft in which a paddler/kayaker sits facing forward, legs in front using a double-bladed paddle to pull front-to-back on one side and then the other in rotation.
Generally, when a kayaker takes a kayak in water such as in a lake, river or any other water body, the kayaker may find it difficult to adjust the direction of travel of the kayak. Additionally, the kayak can easily get stuck on logs, sandbars, obstructions, riverbeds, etc., thereby causing inconvenience in the kayaking experience. The kayak may get stuck to a rock, riverbed, weeds, etc. The kayaker may need to reposition the kayak in the desired direction, or free themselves from an obstruction under the kayak, and may need to use the double-bladed paddle/oars for repositioning or pushing off. The pushing force applied to the blade can cause damage to the paddle, and can break the blade or shaft, interrupting the kayaking experience in the middle of an outing and forcing the kayaker to buy a replacement paddle.
Sometimes due to obstructions, rocks or gravel in the kayaking path, the kayaker needs to remove the obstructions, limbs, leaves or the like using the paddle or his or her bare hands. This causes inconvenience to the kayaker and is also not safe. People desire a device that can be used by kayakers for repositioning, freeing from obstruction and removing obstructions. Using the heavy and long paddle/oars for removing obstructions and repositioning the kayak poses a challenge and a threat to the kayaker. The kayaker runs the risk of falling into the water and possibly capsizing the kayak.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a kayak mobility aid device or repositioning device that can be used by kayakers for safely repositioning or redirecting a kayak while sitting in the kayak. There is also a long felt need in the art for a kayak mobility aid device that can be used for removing obstructions from the path of the kayak. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a kayak repositioning and redirecting aid device that is easy and safe to use. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a kayak mobility aid device that ensures that the kayaker is safe while repositioning the kayak. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a kayak mobility aid device that can be easily carried by the kayaker during kayaking. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a kayak mobility aid device that overcomes the problems of damage to paddles, paddle blades, oars and oar blades, and which prohibits people from falling into the water while repositioning the kayak and while removing on-surface and underwater obstructions for a smooth kayaking experience.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a kayak mobility aid tool. The kayak mobility aid tool includes a nun-chuck-like device that can be used to manually free a kayak if the kayak is stuck on rocks, the riverbed and other in-water obstructions. The tool features a pair of handles connected via a connecting rope or strap, and can be further customized via engravings. The tool can be used for repositioning the kayak in a desired direction and for pushing off a rock, gravel bed, riverbank, weeds and obstruction, that impede the kayaking path. The handles can be of a fixed length or can be telescoping, and the kayaker can apply the tool in the water while sitting in his or her kayak to free the kayak from any obstructions in the water.
In this manner, the kayak mobility aid device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides a smooth and safe kayaking experience in both shallow and deep water. The device is relatively cost-effective, portable and convenient, and enables kayakers to reposition the kayak while sitting in the kayak. The kayaker can also easily move off of, or away from, obstructions in and around the water. Use of paddles and oars for repositioning while kayaking is obviated with the use of the kayak mobility aid tool, which thereby prevents damage to the blades and shaft of the paddles and saves the cost of replacement thereof.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a nun-chuck-like kayaking mobility tool. The nun-chuck-like kayaking mobility tool provides a mobility device for a kayaker to reposition or redirect the kayak. The kayaking mobility tool further comprises: a pair of tubular members connected together by a connecting cord or strap; each of the pair of tubular members includes an ergonomic grip near the top end and an abrasion-resistant cap at the bottom end; a hook at the top end for connecting the connecting cord; each tubular member can be printed or inscribed indicia; the bottom cap can include rubber or leather to provide a gripping surface; and the handles provide pivotal support when the kayaker places the tubular members on an underwater obstruction and applies lateral force for turning the kayak in a desired direction.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a kayak mobility aid device is disclosed. The mobility aid device includes a pair of telescoping tubular members connected together by a connecting cord, each of the pair of telescoping tubular members includes an inner member configured to move longitudinally within an outer member, the inner member fixates at a specific location within the outer member to adjust the length of the tubular member, an ergonomic grip for holding the tubular member and a base cap for providing stable placement of the tubular member on an underwater surface, rock, riverbed or any other surface. A kayaker can securely place the tubular members on a rock to push off the rocks. Similarly, one or both tubular members are used for pushing off the obstruction or other impediment in the kayaking path.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the kayaker can push the kayak in a desired direction while sitting in the kayak when the tubular members are placed and grounded on an underwater surface.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the kayak mobility aid device is not a nunchuck device but a nun-chuck-like device, and is safe and legal to keep in house. The connecting cord can be a nylon cord or rope, or alternatively can be a chain of a metal or stainless steel.
In yet another embodiment, the handles can be made of hard and strong wood, and can have indicia selected from the group consisting of trademarks, graphical designs, logos, design elements, pictures or caricatures.
In yet another embodiment, the bottom caps can be made of leather, rubber, plastic or other abrasion-resistant material, and can be removably-attached to the bottom end of the handles. The ergonomic grips can be removably-attached near the top end of the handles.
The advantage of the kayaking mobility tool of the present invention is that it eliminates the use of paddle blades and oar blades for repositioning and manually freeing a kayak if it is stuck on rocks and other in-water obstructions. The expense of individuals replacing paddles is obviated through use of the kayak mobility tool. The tool can be used with virtually any kayak, canoe or other types of watercraft.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a kayak mobility aid device or repositioning device that can be used by kayakers for safely repositioning or redirecting a kayak while sitting in the kayak. There is also a long felt need in the art for a kayak mobility aid device that can be used for removing obstructions from the path of the kayak. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a kayak repositioning and redirecting aid device that is easy and safe to use. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a kayak mobility aid device that ensures that the kayaker is safe while repositioning the kayak. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a kayak mobility aid device that can be easily carried by the kayaker during kayaking. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a kayak mobility aid device that overcomes the problems of damage to paddles, paddle blades, oars and oar blades, and which prohibits people from falling into the water while repositioning the kayak, and while removing on-surface and underwater obstructions for a smooth kayaking experience.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel nun-chuck-like kayaking mobility tool. The nun-chuck-like kayaking mobility tool is an aiding device for a kayaker for repositioning the kayak. The kayaking mobility tool further comprises: a pair of tubular members connected together by a connecting cord; each of the pair of tubular members includes an ergonomic grip near the top end and a leather, rubber or plastic cap at the bottom end; a hook at the top end for connecting the connecting cord; each tubular member can also include a printed or inscribed indicia; the abrasion-resistant bottom cap provides a gripping surface; and the handles provide pivotal support when the kayaker places the tubular members on an underwater surface and applies lateral forces for turning or redirecting the kayak in a desired direction.
As used herein the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term “kayak” and the like, refer to a boating vessel or watercraft that is substantially moved independently by means of a paddle, typically a two-bladed paddle, when the kayaker (or kayakers) is seated inside or upon the kayak and paddles alternatively from one side to another.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Similarly, the second tubular member 104 includes a top end 1040 and a bottom end 1042. The connecting cord 106 can be connected to the top end 1040 and a second ergonomic grip 112 can be positioned near the top end 1040 for easy and comfortable handling of the second tubular member 104 by the kayaker. At the bottom end 1042, the second tubular member 104 includes a second rubber or leather cap 114. The second cap 114 can be used for ensuring a secure grip on an underwater surface or obstruction when a lateral force is applied on the second tubular member 104, when the second member 104 is held by the second ergonomic grip 112.
For securely connecting the first tubular member 102 and the second tubular member 104, the top end 1020 of the first tubular member 102 includes a first hook 116 to which a first end 1060 of the connecting cord 106 is tied or clipped, and the top end 1040 of the second tubular member 104 includes a second hook 118 to which a second end 1062 of the connecting cord 106 is tied or clipped, thereby enabling the connecting cord 106 to connect the first tubular member 102 and the second tubular member 104.
In one potential embodiment, the length of each of the first tubular member 102 and the second tubular member 104 can be in the range from about 1.5 feet to about 4.0 feet. Alternatively, the lengths can be in the range of 2.0 feet to about 3.5 feet. The diameter of the first tubular member 102 and the second tubular member 104 can be in the range from about 1.0 inches to about 3.0 inches. The length of the connecting cord 106 can be in the range from about 3.0 feet to about 6.0 feet to enable a kayaker to use the kayak mobility aid device 100 in both shallow and deep water.
In the present embodiment, the tubular members 102, 104 can be made of strong and hard wood such as of oak, loquat or pasania. The handle material can also be a plastic, a polymer, or a metal with an anti-corrosion coating. The ergonomic grips 108, 112 can be made of leather, soft rubber or abrasion-resistant plastic, thereby enabling easy movement of the shafts 102, 104 in the water and so that force can be applied to displace and free a kayak when the kayak is stuck on rocks and other in-water obstructions. Both the shafts 102, 104 and the grips 108, 112 can be cleaned easily with a dry or wet cloth and can come in a variety of colors and designs.
A connecting strap 218 connects the first telescoping tubular member 202 and the second telescoping tubular member 204. The connecting strap 218 is tied to top end 226 of the first telescoping tubular member 202 and top end 228 of the second telescoping tubular member 204. The members 202, 204 can have grips and leather or rubber caps, similar to what is described in
The present invention doesn't affect the kayaking performance of the kayak, yet greatly improves the maneuverability, mobility and traversal of the kayak, particularly in shallow water. The mobility aid device 100, 200 enables the kayaker to effectively push off and away from impediments to redirect and reposition the kayak while the kayaker is sitting in the kayak.
The repositioning aid device of various embodiments of the present invention can be used with any boat, such as a canoe boat, to reposition the watercraft while traversing obstructions by the paddler. The mobility aid device can be used with both manual and automatic boats.
The mobility aid device of the present invention can be utilized by any kayaker in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. A user would procure the mobility aid device via conventional procurement channels such as kayak stores, mail order, or internet supply houses and the like. Special attention and alternatives to the construction specifics, such as overall length and diameter of the tubular members, length and material of the connecting cord, el. al., are contemplated and fall within the scope of the disclosure herein.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “kayak mobility aid device”, “repositioning aid device”, “nun-chuck-like device”, “kayaking mobility tool”, and “kayak repositioning aid” are interchangeable, and refer to the kayak mobility aid device 100, 200, 500 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the kayak mobility aid device 100, 200, 500 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the kayak mobility aid device 100, 200, 500 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the kayak mobility aid device 100, 200, 500 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the kayak mobility aid device 100, 200, 500 are important design parameters for user convenience, the kayak mobility aid device 100, 200, 500 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/223,093, which was filed on Jul. 19, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63223093 | Jul 2021 | US |
