Kayak Mobility Tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nun-chuck-like kayaking mobility tool that enables easy maneuverability and repositioning of a kayak while obviating damage to a blade of a paddle or oar. The kayaking mobility tool includes a nun-chuck-like appearance, and includes a pair of shafts connected through a connecting cord. The shafts can be used for pushing off rocks, obstructions, the riverbed and other impediments in the kayaking path. The shafts and associated handles enable the kayaker to place the shafts on an underwater obstruction for turning the kayak in a desired direction while sitting in the kayak. The handles can include grips for comfortable holding of the shafts by the kayaker. The shafts can include caps at the respective bottom ends for secure gripping on the riverbed or obstruction. The mobility tool obviates the use of paddles/oars for pushing away from obstructions in order to reposition the kayak.

Claims

1. A watercraft mobility aid device comprising: a first shaft including a top end and a bottom end; a second shaft including a top end and a bottom end; a connecting cord attached to said top end of said first shaft at one end and attached to said top end of said second shaft at another end; a first ergonomic grip proximal to said top end of said first shaft; a second ergonomic grip proximal to said top end of said second shaft; a first abrasion resistant cap at said bottom end of said first shaft; a second abrasion resistant cap at said bottom end of said second shaft; and said first shaft and said second shaft include a length generally from about 1.5 feet to about 4.0 feet.

2. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 1, wherein said first shaft and said second shaft are tubular.

3. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 2, wherein said first shaft and said second shaft are telescoping.

4. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 2, wherein said first shaft and said second shaft include a diameter generally from about 1.0 inches to about 3.0 inches.

5. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 4, wherein said first shaft and said second shaft include a length generally from about 2.0 feet to about 3.5 feet

6. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 5, wherein said connecting cord includes a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, a stainless steel, a rope, and a nylon cord.

7. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 6, wherein said connecting cord includes a length generally from about 3.0 feet to about 6.0 feet.

8. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 7, wherein said first abrasion resistant cap and said second abrasion resistance cap include a material selected from the group consisting of a leather, a rubber, and a plastic.

9. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 8, wherein said first shaft and said second shaft include a material selected from the group consisting of an oak, an loquat and an pasania.

10. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 8, wherein said first shaft and said second shaft include a material selected from the group consisting of a plastic, a polymer, and a metal.

11. A watercraft mobility aid device comprising: a first telescoping shaft including a top end and a bottom end, wherein said first telescoping shaft includes an inner member and an outer member; said inner member of said first telescoping shaft selectively fixed at specific locations within said outer member of said first telescoping shaft to adjust a length of said first telescoping member; a second telescoping shaft including a top end and a bottom end, wherein said second telescoping shaft includes an inner member and an outer member; said inner member of said second telescoping shaft selectively fixed at specific locations within said outer member of said second telescoping shaft to adjust a length of said second telescoping member; a connecting cord attached to said top end of said first telescoping shaft at one end and attached to said top end of said second telescoping shaft at another end; a first ergonomic grip proximal to said top end of said first telescoping shaft; a second ergonomic grip proximal to said top end of said second telescoping shaft; a first abrasion resistant cap at said bottom end of said first telescoping shaft; a second abrasion resistant cap at said bottom end of said second telescoping shaft; and said first telescoping shaft and said second telescoping shaft include an adjustable length generally from about 1.5 feet to about 4.0 feet.

12. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 11, wherein said first telescoping shaft and said second telescoping shaft are tubular.

13. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 12, wherein said first telescoping shaft and said second telescoping shaft include a diameter generally from about 1.0 inches to about 3.0 inches.

14. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 13, wherein said first telescoping shaft and said second telescoping shaft include an adjustable length generally from about 2.0 feet to about 3.5 feet.

15. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 14, wherein said connecting cord includes a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, a stainless steel, a rope and a nylon cord.

16. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 15, wherein said connecting cord includes a length generally from about 3.0 feet to about 6.0 feet.

17. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 16, wherein said first abrasion resistant cap and said second abrasion resistance cap include a material selected from the group consisting of a leather, a rubber, and a plastic.

18. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 17, wherein said first shaft and said second shaft include a material selected from the group consisting of a plastic, a polymer, and a metal.

19. A watercraft mobility aid device comprising: a first telescoping shaft including a top end and a bottom end, wherein said first telescoping shaft includes an inner member and an outer member; said inner member of said first telescoping shaft selectively fixed at specific locations within said outer member of said first telescoping shaft to adjust a length of said first telescoping member; a second telescoping shaft including a top end and a bottom end, wherein said second telescoping shaft includes an inner member and an outer member; said inner member of said second telescoping shaft selectively fixed at specific locations within said outer member of said second telescoping shaft to adjust a length of said second telescoping member; said first telescoping shaft and said second telescoping shaft are tubular; said first telescoping shaft and said second telescoping shaft include a diameter generally from about 1.0 inches to about 3.0 inches; a connecting cord attached to said top end of said first telescoping shaft at one end and attached to said top end of said second telescoping shaft at another end; a first ergonomic grip proximal to said top end of said first telescoping shaft; a second ergonomic grip proximal to said top end of said second telescoping shaft; a first abrasion resistant cap at said bottom end of said first telescoping shaft; a second abrasion resistant cap at said bottom end of said second telescoping shaft; and said first telescoping shaft and said second telescoping shaft include an adjustable length generally from about 1.5 feet to about 4.0 feet.

20. The watercraft mobility aid device of claim 19, wherein said first telescoping shaft and said second telescoping shaft include an adjustable length generally from about 2.0 feet to about 3.5 feet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a kayak mobility aid device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of a kayak mobility aid device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing use of the kayak mobility aid device of the present invention for manually freeing a kayak in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates one potential embodiment of a pouch bag for retaining the kayak mobility aid device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of a kayak repositioning device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a kayak mobility aid device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The kayak mobility aid device 100 can be used for manually freeing a kayak when the kayak is stuck on rocks or other in-water obstructions/impediments. The kayak repositioning device 100 is portable, lightweight and arranged similarly to a nun-chuck-like device that can be carried by a kayaker during a kayaking outing. More specifically, the mobility aid device 100 includes a first tubular member or shaft 102 and a second tubular member or shaft 104, selectively connected through a connecting cord 106. The connecting cord 106 can be one of a metal, stainless steel, rope, nylon cord or strap of any other durable and strong material. The first tubular member 102 includes a top end 1020 and a bottom end 1022. The connecting cord 106 can be connected to the top end 1020 and a first ergonomic grip 108 can be positioned near the top end 1020, for easy and comfortable handling of the first tubular member 102 by a kayaker. At the bottom end 1022, the first tubular member 102 includes an abrasion-resistant cap 110. The cap 110, comprising rubber, leather, or plastic, can be used for a secure grip on an underwater surface when a lateral force is applied on the first tubular member 102 when the member 102 is held by the first ergonomic grip 108.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of kayak mobility aid device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the telescoping tool 200 includes a first telescoping tubular member 202 and a second telescoping tubular member 204. The telescoping nature of members 202, 204 helps a kayaker to adjust the length of the members 202, 204 to allow the kayaker to move, push off an obstruction and release from same in both shallow and deep water. The first telescoping tubular member 202 includes a first inner member 206 and a first outer member 208, with the first inner member 206 selectively-fixed at specific locations within the first outer member 208 to adjust the length of the first telescoping tubular member 202. The first outer member 208 includes a plurality of telescoping slots or holes 210, to which the first inner member 206 can be positioned. Similarly, the second tubular member 204 includes a second inner member 212 and a second outer member 214 with the second inner member 212 selectively positioned at specific locations within the second outer member 214 to adjust the length of the second telescoping tubular member 204. The second outer member 214 includes a plurality of telescoping slots or holes 216 to which the second inner member 212 can be selectively-fixed or positioned.

[0034] 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 FIG. 1 and is not repeated and explained here for brevity purpose.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing use of a kayak mobility aid device of the present invention for manually freeing and/or turning a kayak in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In use, the first tubular member 102 is held in a firsthand 302 using the first grip 108 and the second tubular member 104 is held in a second hand 304 using the second grip 112 by a kayaker 300. The shafts 102, 104 are used on either side of the kayak 306 and can be placed on an underwater surface, rock, or impediment 308 for securing a proper position relative to the surface 308. When the shafts 102, 104 are properly placed on the underwater surface 308, a lateral force can be applied while using a pivoting force by the kayaker 300 to turn and move the kayak 306 in a desired direction. When the mobility aid device is used by the kayaker 300, the kayak paddle 310 can be easily placed on the kayak 306 and once the kayak 306 is released and repositioned, the repositioning aid device 100 can be easily stored in the sitting area of the kayak and the paddle 310 can be used. The shafts 102, 104 can be used in both deep and shallow water and can also be used against a rock or any obstacle obstructing the path of the kayak 306. One or both handles can be used to push off of, or push away from, obstructions and obstacles that may come in the kayak's path. The advantage of the kayak mobility aid device 100, 200 is that the kayaker 300 does not need to get out of the kayak 306 to remove the obstructions, move away from obstacles and/or reposition the kayak 306. Further, the mobility aid device obviates use of the kayak paddle or oar 310 from pushing off of obstructions to free the kayak from the riverbed and to reposition the kayak, thus protecting expensive kayak paddles 310 from physical damage.

[0036] 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.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates one potential embodiment of a pouch bag of the kayak mobility aid device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. For easy storage and carrying of the mobility aid device, a pouch bag 400 can be commercially available with the mobility aid device. The pouch bag 400 includes a lid 402 and a main body 404 that contains an opening 406 to store the mobility aid device 100. The lid 402 secures to the main body 404 to cover the opening 406 using a fastener 408, such as a magnetic fastener, a snap button or hook and loop fasteners.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of kayak repositioning device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment 500, each tubular member 502, 504 includes an indicia 506 such as a logo, trademark, design, personalized name or the like, for personalization, advertising and marketing purposes. The indicia 506 may illuminate in low light areas using a built-in ambient light sensor. The present embodiment can be used by kayak manufacturers as an accessory with their kayaks or as an aftermarket safety product. The logo can be engraved and can have a built-in illumination source such as LEDs that can be helpful for the kayaker in low light areas. The engraved logo can have a waterproof protection in the form of a transparent cover or film.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.