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  Rotatable and extendable locking shaft apparatusUSPTO Application #: 20070184729Title: Rotatable and extendable locking shaft apparatus Abstract: An adjustable locking shaft apparatus is disclosed. A locking adjustment system, fully enclosed within the movable shaft segments enables rapid simultaneous angular and length adjustments to be made to the shaft. An eccentric cam configuration operated by simple twisting of the shaft segments provides the locking pressure for maintaining selected adjustments. The apparatus provides an infinite number of adjustment positions. A kayak paddle implementation of the invention is disclosed. (end of abstract) Agent: Jacobson & Johnson - St. Paul, MN, US Inventor: Dale Kicker USPTO Applicaton #: 20070184729 - Class: 440102000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Marine Propulsion, Oar Or Paddle, Articulated Sectional Oar Or Paddle The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070184729. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to apparatus for extending and positioning support legs, shafts, or handles, and particularly to an improved handle configuration for kayak and canoe paddles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] There are a number of applications where it is desirable to have an extendable shaft or handle that can extend to varied lengths and/or be rotatable to various rotational orientations. It is also often advantageous for such device to easily retract or disassemble for storage or transport in relatively compact configuration. Typically, such handles or shafts involve a plurality of cooperatively telescoping tubular members with various types of internally or externally threaded locking members for selectively fixing the longitudinal and rotational orientation of the tubular members relative to one another. The needs for such structures are wide spread, and include such things as tripod legs for cameras, survey equipment and the like, paint roller handles, ceiling light bulb changers, roof snow rakes, lawn and patio furniture umbrellas, tree branch pruning and trimming implements, golf ball retrievers and recreational implements such as paddles for kayaks and canoes. [0003] For many such applications, it is permissible to have such extendable members lock at predetermined fixed longitudinal and angular positions relative to one another so as to provide handles of predetermined fixed lengths or rotational orientations. Length adjustment by fixed lengths is adequate for many applications such as for patio furniture umbrellas. However, in certain applications it is desirable or critical that the shaft or handle length be infinitely adjustable to fit the particular application or to match the unique size or ability requirements of the user. This also is true for the angular adjustability of the telescoping handle portions of the device. In applications where the adjustable handle is attached to a single implement at only one end of the handle, the relative angular positions of the telescoping handle segments are typically not important, since the handle, once locked in extended position, can simply thereafter be rotated by the user to appropriately position the implement attached to it to the desired rotational position required to perform the implement function. For example, the relative angular positioning of handle extensions for light bulb changers or paint rollers in general, are not critical. [0004] For two-ended implement devices such as kayak paddles, however, it is desirable to have a handle configuration that is continuously or infinitely adjustable in both length and relative angular position between the handle segments. For example, the length can be maximally adjusted to the size of its user and the angles of the paddle blades relative to one another on opposite sides of the handle can be adjusted to maximize response to real-time paddling conditions being experienced. Such paddle adjustment capabilities also allow a single paddle to accommodate multiple users under varying paddling conditions. It is also desirable that each kayak paddle be rapidly adjustable by the user while he/she is paddling the kayak, to accommodate changing water or wind conditions or speed requirements, without requiring the user to remove his/her hands from the paddle to make the adjustments. The paddler should preferably be able to make any adjustments on-the-fly, while continuing to paddle, or if necessary, by missing a minimum number of strokes. [0005] Durability, ruggedness, reliability, simplicity and operability of the adjustment apparatus under severe environmental conditions are also important. This is particularly true for apparatus that would be subjected to gritty materials such as dirt, sand or dust, or to corrosive materials such as salt water, chlorine or the like. Preferably, the adjustable apparatus will be relatively immune to such environmental conditions and to human abuse during use and transport, while having the strength and durability to handle the forces imparted to it during normal use without altering the length and/or angular adjustment settings. [0006] While the invention applies to many tools and implements, it will primarily be described herein with respect to its applicability to a kayak paddle, which represents one of the most demanding use and environmental applications for an implement employing the invention. [0007] Adjustable kayak paddle handles are known in the art. One type of paddle, for example manufactured by Epic Kayaks, Inc., has a two-piece handle that rotates to adjust the relative blade angles. The blade angle is set by pressing a spring biased button on the shaft and by rotating the shaft pieces relative to one another until the button snaps into a desired one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes on the shaft. This configuration does not allow for handle length adjustment and permits blade angle adjustment only at discreet pre-determined angles. The adjustment feature is susceptible to environmental damage and introduces looseness or play between the handle segments. Further, the handle cannot be readily adjusted while the paddle is in inoperative use, and has a natural weakness where the angle setting holes have been drilled through the shaft. [0008] Kayak handle configurations that allow both length and angular adjustments are manufactured by Epic Kayaks, Inc. under its trademark Length Lock.TM. and by Simon River Sports under its E-Z Set.TM. mark. These paddle constructions use telescoping handle portions that are slidable relative to one another to adjust the handle length and relative blade angles. The outer handle tube is threaded adjacent its edge and is circumferentially slotted to form a plurality of moveable compression fingers that slidably engage the inner handle segment. A compression nut threads onto the outer handle threads, and when tightened, radially engages and applies pressure to the fingers, which frictionally grip the underlying shaft segment to lock it in place relative to the outer shaft segment. These handle configurations allow for both handle length and blade angle adjustment. However, the threaded structure is exposed to the environment and is therefore highly susceptible to damage from dirt and sand, and requires lubricants and frequent cleaning for efficient and reliable operation. [0009] What is lacking in the art is a shaft configuration, particularly useful with kayak paddles, that rapidly provides for both length and angular adjustment and that is highly tolerant to rugged environmental and operative use conditions. The present invention addresses these needs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] This invention provides a simple yet reliable and efficient locking adjustment system for rapidly adjusting the length and angular relationship between the segments of shaft or handle members. While particularly suitable for use with kayak or canoe paddles for adjusting the shaft length and blade feather angles, the invention can be applied to a wide range of products and applications including, for example, handle, leg and shaft members which require rapid or accurate length adjustment or angular adjustments. [0011] The locking adjustment system of this invention is self-contained within the inner cavities of the shaft segments with which it is used, which protects it from harmful environmental elements. The locking adjustment system has no external or loose parts required for its operation. This provides the shaft segments with a clean, smooth look and feel. The user simply grasps the handle elements requiring adjustments and slightly turns or twists them relative to one another to engage and release the locking system. This can be done while a person is using the shaft for its intended purpose. [0012] An eccentrically configured cam and rotatable interlock ring member cooperatively move with the shaft segments being adjusted to selectively release (loosen) or lock the shaft segments at the desired length and/or angular positions. The shaft segments protect the locking assembly and form a unified stable shaft member when locked. [0013] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a workpiece connected to an adjustable shaft apparatus having: (a) a first hollow shaft portion; (b) a second hollow shaft portion configured for axial operative alignment with the first shaft; and (c) a releasable locking assembly mounted within and connecting the first and second shafts in axial alignment wherein the locking assembly is arranged and configured to respond to relative twisting motion between the first and second shafts about their common axes, to selectively fix the angular orientations of the first and second shafts relative to one another to any desired angular positions. According to a further aspect of the invention, the releasable locking assembly is configured in a manner such that it contains no threaded operative parts. According to a further aspect of the invention, the releasable locking assembly is operable to fixedly lock the first and second shafts together when the shafts are relatively twisted in first angular directions about the axis, and is operable to release the locking condition and to allow free angular relative motion between the first and second shafts when the shafts are relatively twisted in second angular directions, opposite to the first angular directions about the axis. According to a further aspect of the invention, the amount of angular rotation or twisting of the first and second shafts about the axis in order to lock and unlock the shaft positions relative to one another is preferably less than about 180.degree., even more preferably less than about 90.degree., and even more preferably yet less than about 45.degree.. The releasable locking assembly is operable not only to adjust the relative angular positions of the shaft segments, but also to provide infinite length adjustments for the composite length of the first and second shafts, within an adjustment length range, by using the same simple twisting locking and releasing motions that are used to lock the relative angular positions of the first and second shafts. A shaft length extension piece may be inserted between the first and second shaft ends that are connected to the releasable locking assembly, or alternatively, one of the shaft pieces may be configured to telescopically slide within the other to form the extension capability. [0014] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an adjustable kayak paddle having: (a) a shaft having first and second ends and being separable near its longitudinal center; (b) paddle blades fixedly attachable to the first and second shaft ends; and (c) a releasable locking assembly within the shaft and bridging the separable portion thereof, wherein the locking assembly is operable in response to relative twisting motion between the separable shaft segments about the shaft axis, to fix the angular orientations of the shaft segments and attached paddle blades about the axis. The angular adjustment provides for infinite blade feathering adjustments by a simple twist of the shaft. The releasable locking assembly is further operable to adjust the length of the shaft at any desired length adjustment position within a length adjustment range provided for the paddle. [0015] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a shaft adjustment locking apparatus of a type that is sized and configured to be entirely operatively inserted within first and second joinable shaft segments to be adjusted relative to one another, and of a type which contain no operable threaded parts. The shaft adjustment includes: (a) a first portion configured for fixed mounting within the first shaft; (b) a second portion configured for slidable movement within and relative to the second shaft. The second portion includes a cam member fixed for movement with the first portion, and a cam follower rotatably mounted on the cam member and engageable with an inner surface of the second shaft for selectively frictionally engaging the inner surface of the second shaft in response to rotation of the cam follower relative to the cam member. The cam member may include a cam surface that is eccentrically oriented in relation to the longitudinal axis of the first and second shafts. [0016] These and other features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a more detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] Referring to the Drawing, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views: [0018] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable handle locking apparatus employing the principles of this invention; [0019] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a two piece handle incorporating this invention, illustrating the handle portions fixed in abutted longitudinal relationship to one another, providing for minimum shaft length; [0020] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the two piece handle of FIG. 1, illustrating the handle portions fixed in a first slightly extended longitudinal relationship relative to one another, providing for a longer shaft length than the structure of FIG. 2; Continue reading... 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