Convertible paddle system

Abstract

A paddle useful for paddle boarding comprises a shaft having a first end and an opposed second end, a first blade at the first end of the shaft, and a handle at the second end of the shaft. There is a second blade proximate the second end of the shaft. The second blade is moveable between first and second positions. The first position allows the handle to be used by the second blade being closer to the first end of the shaft that is the handle, i.e., a single blade configuration. In a double blade configuration, the second blade is in a second position that allows the second blade to be used by a portion of the second blade extending at least as far as the handle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A paddle comprising:
 a) a shaft having a first end and an opposed second end;   b) a first blade at the first end of the shaft;   c) a handle at the second end of the shaft; and   d) a second blade having a blade section, the second blade being proximate to the second end of the shaft, the second blade being movable between first and second positions, wherein in the first position the blade section of the second blade is closer to the first end of the shaft than is the handle so the handle can be used, and in the second position the blade section of the second blade extends along the shaft in the direction of the second end of the shaft.   
     
     
         2 . The paddle of  claim 1  comprising apparatus for attaching the second blade to the shaft, the second blade having a blade section and a mounting section, the apparatus comprising:
 i) a housing; 
 ii) a connector for attaching the housing to the shaft; and 
 iii) a mount for mounting the housing to the mounting section of the second blade, the mount being movable relative to the housing for movement of the second blade between the first and second positions. 
 
     
     
         3 . The paddle of  claim 2  comprising a locking mechanism for releasably locking the second blade in the first position and in the second positions. 
     
     
         4 . The paddle of  claim 3  wherein the locking mechanism comprises detents in the mount about 180 degrees opposed to each other, and a locking pin releasably engageable with the detents. 
     
     
         5 . The paddle of  claim 2  wherein the second blade comprises a laminate and reinforcement in the laminate at the mounting section of the second blade for mounting the second blade to the mount. 
     
     
         6 . The paddle of  claim 5  wherein the reinforcement comprises a substantially planar bracket having a hollow central section. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus attachable to a paddle having a shaft having first and second opposed ends, the apparatus comprising:
 a) a housing;   b) a connector for attaching the housing to the shaft; and   c) a paddle blade having a blade section and a mounting section, the mounting section being movably mounted to the housing for movement of the paddle blade between first and second positions, wherein in the first position the blade section is closer to the first end of the shaft than it is in the second position.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the connector comprises at least one clamp for positioning around the shaft for clamping the housing to the shaft. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7  comprising a mount in the housing, the paddle blade mounting section being attached to the mount, the mount being movable relative to the housing to move the paddle blade between the first and second positions. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  comprising a locking mechanism for releasably locking the paddle blade in the first position and in the second positions. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the locking mechanism comprises detents in the mount 180 degrees opposed to each other, and a locking pin releasably engageable with the detents. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  comprising biasing means biasing the locking pin into engagement with the detents. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 7  comprising a locking mechanism for releasably locking the paddle blade in the first position and in the second positions. 
     
     
         14 . A method for modifying a paddle comprising a shaft having a first end and an opposed second end, a first blade at the first end of the shaft; and a handle at the second end of the shaft; the method comprising the step of attaching the apparatus of  claim 7  to the shaft proximate to the handle without removing the handle from the shaft. 
     
     
         15 . A paddle blade for mounting to a paddle shaft, the blade comprising a laminate of at least three layers with a mounting reinforcement embedded in the laminate. 
     
     
         16 . The paddle blade of  claim 15  wherein the reinforcement comprises a substantially planar bracket having a hollow central section. 
     
     
         17 . A method for paddling on a board comprising the steps of paddling with the paddle of  claim 1  with the second blade in the first position using only the first blade, moving the second blade to the second position, and then paddling with both blades. 
     
     
         18 . A method for paddling on a board comprising the steps of paddling with the paddle of  claim 1  with the second blade in the first position and paddling with both blades, moving the second blade to the first position, and then paddling with only the first blade.