Paddle bumper

Abstract

In an example, a paddle bumper may include a band configured to extend around and at least partially encase at least a portion of a lateral edge of a paddle. The band includes a first portion, a second portion, and a handle portion. The handle portion includes an aperture, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. The first portion of the band connects to the first lateral side and the second portion of the band connects to the second lateral side.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A paddle bumper comprising:
 a band configured to extend around and at least partially encase at least a portion of a lateral edge of a paddle, the band comprising:
 a first portion; 
 a second portion; and 
 a handle portion, the handle portion comprising:
 an aperture; 
 a first lateral side; and 
 a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, wherein the first portion of the band connects to the first lateral side and the second portion of the band connects to the second lateral side. 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The paddle bumper of  claim 1 , wherein the band is continuous from the first lateral side to the second lateral side. 
     
     
         3 . The paddle bumper of  claim 1 , wherein the band further comprises at least one protrusion extending from an edge of the band to extend over a portion of at least one of a first surface or a second surface of the paddle. 
     
     
         4 . The paddle bumper of  claim 1 , wherein the band further comprises a band aperture formed in the band. 
     
     
         5 . The paddle bumper of  claim 1 , wherein the band has a thickness that is uniform along the band. 
     
     
         6 . The paddle bumper of  claim 1 , wherein the band has a thickness that is non-uniform along the band. 
     
     
         7 . The paddle bumper of  claim 1 , wherein the handle portion is integrated with the band. 
     
     
         8 . The paddle bumper of  claim 1 , wherein the handle portion is separate from the band. 
     
     
         9 . A paddle bumper comprising:
 a band configured to extend around and at least partially encase at least a portion of a lateral edge of a paddle, the band comprising:
 at least one protrusion extending from an edge of the band to extend over a portion of at least one of a first surface or a second surface of the paddle; and 
 a band aperture formed in the band to correspond to a location of a handle of the paddle and shaped to allow the handle to pass through the band. 
   
     
     
         10 . The paddle bumper of  claim 9 , further comprising a handle portion separate from the band and shaped to receive and contact the handle of the paddle. 
     
     
         11 . The paddle bumper of  claim 10 , wherein the handle portion comprises at least one boss extending inward to compress against the handle of the paddle when inserted into the handle portion. 
     
     
         12 . The paddle bumper of  claim 10 , wherein the handle portion has a material composition similar to a material composition of the band. 
     
     
         13 . The paddle bumper of  claim 10 , wherein the handle portion has a material composition distinct from a material composition of the band. 
     
     
         14 . The paddle bumper of  claim 9 , wherein the band has a geometry corresponding to a geometry of the paddle when separate from the paddle. 
     
     
         15 . The paddle bumper of  claim 9 , wherein the band comprises at least one hole formed in the band to be separate from the band aperture. 
     
     
         16 . The paddle bumper of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one hole is shaped to receive a fastener. 
     
     
         17 . The paddle bumper of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one hole is configured to a target weight of the paddle with the paddle bumper. 
     
     
         18 . A method of making a paddle bumper, the method comprising:
 identifying a performance characteristic to be imparted to a paddle by a paddle bumper;   selecting at least one material to be used in the paddle bumper to contribute the identified performance characteristic; and   forming the paddle bumper based on the at least one material and the identified performance characteristic.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the performance characteristic comprises at least one of:
 paddle weight;   paddle protection;   customization;   adjustability;   vibration reduction; or   sound damping.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one material comprises at least one of:
 thermoplastic polyurethane;   silicone rubber;   polyurethane;   silicone;   nitrile;   vinyl; or   neoprene.