Breakdown boat paddle with variable configuration

Abstract

A double-bladed kayak paddle (A, B) is disclosed which includes first and second blade sections (10, 12) having a paddle blade (14, 18) carried on one end thereof, and jointed ends (16, 20) carried on opposing ends thereof. The jointed ends are fitted together to form a joint (C) which effectively prevents torque forces from being placed on a latch mechanism (D). The latch mechanism includes a latch button (24) carried within a hollow sleeve (22) which interfits within hollow portions of the first and second blade sections (10, 12). Latch openings (32, 34 and 60, 62) are circumferentially spaced around the first section (10) to provide a number of operational positions for different operational blade configurations. Various right and left hand control configurations are provided for the paddle, as well as feathered and nonfeathered configurations. Angular projections (36, 38) formed in the jointed ends (16, 20) of the first and second sections intermesh with each other to positively prevent rotation between the first and second sections and effectively prevent any torque forces from being imparted through the latch mechanism (D). The angular projections are spaced at 90 degree increments to correspond to the operational locking positions of the latch openings (32, 34 and 60, 62). In this manner, torque stresses are effectively removed from the latch mechanism regardless of the position in which the first and second sections are interlocked.