Apparatus for simulating kayaking

Abstract

An article for simulating the activity of kayaking is provided comprising a base including a seat portion, a shaft operatively associated with said base and extending upward from said base, a paddle attached on the uppermost portion of said shaft whereby said paddle is constructed and arranged relative to a person seating in said seat portion such that said paddle is in position that simulates the activity of kayaking.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An article for simulating the activity of kayaking comprising:
 a base including a seat portion;   a shaft operatively associated with said base and extending upward from said base;   a paddle attached on the uppermost portion of said shaft whereby said paddle is constructed and arranged relative to a person seating in said seat portion such that said paddle is in a position that simulates the activity of kayaking.   
     
     
         2 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said shaft includes an adjustable mounting mechanism for holding said paddle whereby said adjustable mechanism is a user selected adjustment along the length of said shaft. 
     
     
         3 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said shaft is constructed of a durable lightweight material. 
     
     
         4 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said shaft is constructed of aluminum, carbon fiber, or other suitable material. 
     
     
         5 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said shaft includes at least one indexing grip on at least one side of said shaft. 
     
     
         6 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said base is formed of a single unitary piece. 
     
     
         7 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said base is formed of a plurality of pieces secured to form a single base. 
     
     
         8 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said base includes at least one footboard. 
     
     
         9 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said base includes at least one footboard adjustable along the upper horizontal surface of said base. 
     
     
         13 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said paddle includes at least one mechanism for adjusting tension of said paddle, whereby said tension is imparted when said paddle is moved. 
     
     
         14 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said paddle includes at least one mechanism for adjusting tension of said paddle when said paddle is moved in an x-plane, y-plane, or combinations thereof, said plane defined relative to the upper horizontal surface of said base. 
     
     
         12 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said paddle rotationally moves about a central axis in the region including a center portion of said paddle and a connector of said paddle on said shaft, in x, y, and z planes relative to the upper horizontal surface of said base. 
     
     
         13 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said shaft includes at least one ball detent clevis pin mechanism or ball lock pin mechanism configured to selectively adjust said paddle mount along the length of said shaft. 
     
     
         14 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said paddle includes a rotationally adjustable paddle blade on each terminal end of said paddle. 
     
     
         15 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said shaft is dependent on a rotational swivel ball mounted on or associated with said base. 
     
     
         16 . The article of  claim 1  whereby said shaft is dependent on a rotational swivel ball mounted on or associated with said base said ball configured with at least one mechanism for imparting adjustable resistance to movement. 
     
     
         17 . A method for simulating kayaking comprising the steps of:
 providing an article according to  claims 1 ;   seating a user on the seat of said article;   grasping said paddle by said user;   moving said paddle in a movement to simulate kayaking.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 18  whereby any resistance applied is imparted my mechanical and/or electrical and/or hydraulic and/or pneumatic means. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  whereby said method is utilized by an individual in need of physical and/or rehabilitative therapy.