Energy Response Land Paddle

Abstract

A land paddle having energy storage and recovery capability is provided. The disclosed devices absorb user energy during a paddling stroke and release the energy at the end of the stroke. The force needed to store energy is progressive. In this way, heavier, stronger or taller users and lighter, weaker or shorter users are able to use the device without limitation.

1 . A land paddle for use by a user to propel the user on land while the user rides a wheeled conveyance, the land paddle comprising:
 a multi-part shaft, the multi-part shaft having a relaxed position and a fully compressed position;   a handle configured to be gripped by a user and affixed to a first end of the multi-part shaft;   a tip portion affixed to a second end of the multi-part shaft on an end opposite from the first end of the multi-part shaft; and   an elastomeric energy storage element associated with each of two parts of the multi-part shaft so that compression of the multi-part shaft causes energy to be stored in the energy elastomeric storage element.   
     
     
         2 . The land paddle in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the multi-part shaft comprises a first tubular element and a second tubular element telescopingly engaged with the first tubular element. 
     
     
         3 . The land paddle in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the elastomeric energy storage element is a compression element. 
     
     
         4 . The land paddle in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the compression element is a compressive solid. 
     
     
         5 . The land paddle in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the elastomeric energy storage element is a tension element. 
     
     
         6 . The land paddle in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the tension element comprises a stretched rubber or elastomeric material. 
     
     
         7 . The land paddle in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the elastomeric energy storage element is external to the multi-part shaft. 
     
     
         8 . The land paddle in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the elastomeric energy storage element is internal to the multi-part shaft.