AU784339B2 - Universal carrier for sports boards - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: Name of Applicant: Darrell Richard Lang Actual Inventor(s): Darrell Richard Lang Address for Service: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 AUSTRALIA Invention Title: UNIVERSAL CARRIER FOR SPORTS BOARDS Our Ref: 652923 POF Code: 505/457943 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): -1- UNIVERSAL CARRIER FOR SPORTS BOARDS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a carrier more particularly a carrier for handcarrying sports boards such as surf boards, body boards, wake boards and the like.

Background of the Invention Water sports enthusiasts, such as surfers and those using body boards and wake boards, generally transport the boards to the edge of the water by hand.

Boards are carried by grasping an edge of the board and maintaining the board between the body beneath the arm of the user. For smaller boards, this is not particularly difficult. However, boards, particularly surf boards, can have a length up to 11 feet, a width up to 25 inches and may weigh twenty pounds or more. Thus, carrying of the board in the manner described above a long distance, particularly over sandy or rough terrain, can be difficult and laborious.

This is particularly true if the individual has a smaller physique as it may be difficult for the user to maintain the board in this position as the arm length of the individual may not be sufficient to allow the user to comfortably grab or grasp the lower edge of the board.

There are several devices in the prior art for carrying boards, particularly surf boards. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,733,000 shows a combination beach 25 chair and surf board carrier. The support has a strap that can be attached to the surf board to provide for the convenient transportation of the chair and surf board. Other devices utilize straps or slings in similar arrangement.

I While these devices may provide the user some assistance when transporting an object such as a surf board, these devices are often themselves unwieldy, requiring the user to attach a strap or sling to the board.

The above discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context W Ue'kd8wNM32-01 Amended Pages oc for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in Australia before the priority date of each claim of this application.

In view of the foregoing, there exists a need for a simple and secure hand-held cradle that can be used in hand-carrying boards such as surf boards of any size.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect the present invention a carrier for an elongated object including: a front section having a generally tubular frame having an upper end and a lower end and opposite, spaced apart sides; a back section having a back side and having a generally tubular frame having upper and lower ends, said back section having a height greater than the height of the front section, said height being selected to extend a distance approximate from below the waist of the user along the side of the user to between the user's waist and underarm, said lower ends of said sections being 20 joined at a cradle for receiving said sport board between the front and back sections, said cradle being free of obstructions; said tubular frame having a generally flat surface which is disposed against the user in a carrying position and a curved surface which is disposed against the board in the carrying position and being open in the area of the cradle; and the upper end of said front section forming a handle whereby the user may place the object in the cradle with the back side of the back section held against a side of the body of the user under the user's arm with the user's arm extending over the carrier and object with the user's hands grasping the handle.

The back may include a slot or fastener so that the carrier may be stored by hanging it on a vertical surface when not in use. Preferably, the carrier i.q nnepiece integral unit W UsAeXBda~dSd8382-Ol Amended Pages Ooc constructed of a suitable light-weight material such as polycarbonate acrylic, polyvinylchloride, ABS or similar material by a fabrication process such as injection molding.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the carrier may be constructed as a frame from tube or similar stock.

Brief Description of the Drawings The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, claims and drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of the carrier of the present invention with a surf board shown positioned therein; Figure 2 is a side view similar to Figure 1 without a surf board in position; Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the carrier of the present invention; 20 Figure 4 is a rear view of the carrier; Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the carrier of the present invention; Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the carrier of the present invention; Figure 7 shows the carrier in a use position viewed from the side; Figure 8 shows the carrier used with a board viewed from the rear; Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the carrier of the present invention; Figure 10 is a front view of yet another embodiment of the carrier of the present invention; W. JuelBradSpdc83632-01 Amended Paes doc Figure 11 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure Figure 12 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the carrier of Figure and Figure 13 is a rear perspective view thereof.

Detailed Description of the Drawings Turning now to the drawings, the carrier is generally designated by the numeral 10. The carrier has a back section 12 which may be generally rectangular or may be configured *i* W Isharon\DanefSpeoaDMC 83832-01 8nov05 doc having opposite tapered edges 14 and 16 and upper end 18S. The bottom of the rear section is formed into an arcuate or bight section 20. The bight is generally semi-circular and forms a continuous curve connecting to front section 30. It will be seen that front section 30 is spaced-apart a distance from the rear section typically between 2.5 and 3.5 inches. The area between the front and rear sections form cradle 32 for receipt of the surf board S" as seen in Figure 1. The front and rear sections, as seen in Figures 1 to 8, are shown as solid panels.

The front section has opposite side edges 33 and 34 that extend upwardly a distance less than the overall height of the rea wall. Generally the front section will extend upwardly approximately one-third to one-half of the height of the rear section. The front section is forwardly curved at its upper end at 40. The forward curve 40 extends to a curved section .:terminating at a reversely bent end 44. The reversely bent end 44 extends -and engages the underside of the upper curved end of the front section. The curved surface 50 forms a comfortable gripping surface for the user as will be explained hereafter. One or more reinforcing gussets 54 may extend between the sections in the area of the underside of the 15 curve in order to reinforce the structure.

The back section 12 is provided with a hanger 60 near its upper edge. The hanger preferably in the form of a keyhole slot so that the carrier may be suspended on a hook, nail or fastener on a vertical surface when not in use.

Preferably the carrier 10 of the present invention is constructed by injection molding made from a suitable plastic material such as polycarbonate, acrylic PVC, TAC Fil, Polly Pro or ABS. These materials have the necessary strength and can be enhanced by the addition of a !TV inhibitor. 'Wh"illz these materials are preflerme 1 i il biu 'at h carrier CW calso be made from other materials such as light weight aluminum or stainless steel and powdercoated or coated with a rubberized surface to minimize heat conduction and provide comfort to the user.

As discussed above, surf boards come in many different lengths, widths and heights.

The larger boards may run up to nine feet long. Surf board is normally carried by the individual with the board held tightly against the side of the body beneath the arm. The user's arm extends over the outer surface of the board and the tips of the fingers grasp the lower edge of the board supporting the weight of the board. This method of hand-carrying can become uncomfortable particularly if the user must carry the board a great distance or over rough terrain.

With the carrier of the present invention, the user will be able to conifortably bandcarry the board safely and comfortably. The carrier receives a surf board, as shown in Figures l and 7. An edge of the surf board is placed in the cradle portion 32 of the carrier and maintained between the front and rear sections of the carrier. The board will be positioned so 15 that the center of gravity of the surf board is aligned with the center line 70 of the carrier. The user cat then comfortably grasp the handle at 50 and lift the board to a position beneath the usr's arm maintaining the back of the carrier against the side of the user. It will be seen that the grip 50 provides a comfortable and convenient location for supporting the weight of the *.:board. Further, since the grip 50 is elevated a- distance above the lower edge of the board, the user's arm will not be as extended. This also permits comfortable transportation of a surf board by individuals such as younger persons not having arms sufficiently long enough to reach around the board and grasp the lower edge while maintaining the board against the side of the user.

The carrier may also be provided with graphic indicia 80 such as a design or a logo of a manufacturer. The carrier may be provided in various colors.

Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the invention designated by the numeral 100. The carrier 100 has a back 112, front 130 connected by cradle 132. The front has a handle 150 which may be conveniently gripped when carrying a sport board. The embodiment 100 may be fabricated from formable, strong tube stock of plastic or metal, such as aluminium, and formed by bending or thermal forming into the general shape shown in Figure 9. The term "tube stock" comprehends various cross-sectional shapes including round, square, oval and the like.

Figures 10 to 13 illustrate yet another embodiment of the carrier of the present invention which is generally designated by the numeral 200 in these figures.

In this embodiment, the carrier is fabricated from formable stock such as a tube 20 stock of plastic or metal preferably having a generally semi-circular cross section with a rounded or curved front surface 202 and a flat rear surface 204 as best seen in Figure 13. The curved frame surfaces are disposed to engage the board when in a carrying position.

25 The carrier frame 216 is formed having a back section 212, and a front section 230 connected by a cradle 232. The cradle 232 is generally U-shaped having a width of approximately 2" to 3" to accept the edge of most styles of surf boards such as a 50/50 board, down rail board or concave down rail styles.

The one-piece frame has an upper end 220 that diverges outwardly at 222 to the opposite sides 224 which extend parallel to one another converging slightly inwardly in the area of the cradle.

W 1JuhedrSaXped43320 Aeded Pages doc The sides of the front 230 extend outwardly and forwardly and handle 250 extends horizontally to provide a grip. A gusset 252 extends between the sides 226 of the front section leaving an opening 228 for the fingers of the user.

Another flat gusset 258 extends across the upper portion of the back section to reinforce the carrier. A keyhole opening 260 is defined in this gusset.

The frame configuration of the carrier provides a generally flat rear surface 204 which is disposed against the side of the body of the user in a use position providing stability and comfort. The curved cross-sectional portion of the tubular frame is disposed away from the body of the user so that the supported board rests against these rounded or curved surfaces 202 to prevent damage to the board. Further cushioning is provided by a plurality of resilient pads 280 disposed at spaced locations on the front of the frame.

The pads 280 are shown as rubber or plastic strips or pads adhesively attached on opposite sides of the cradle and on the upper portion of the front of the frame. In use, the flat rear surface is disposed against the side of the body of the user. Preferably the overall height of the carrier is less than about 12" so 20 the carrier can comfortably by positioned as seen in Figure 8. The forwardly extending handle is located at an intermediate location with respect to the height of the back section so that the board projects well above the handle and back section resting against the back so the user's arm may extend against the side of the board as seen in Figure 8 to stabilize the board as it is transported.

25 The open, tubular frame allows sand and grit that may be on the board to drop from the board to the ground.

It will be seen that the present invention provides a secure, hand-held cradle to be used in carrying sport boards of various sizes, types and weights. The device can be inexpensively manufactured and is light weight and may be easily stored in an out-of-the-way position when in use. The device may also be secured on a vertical wall used as a hook for drying towels, wet suits and may be used as a hanger for a surf board.

W UU JeU\BradSOc8332-O1 Amended Pages doc It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to make various changes, alterations and modifications to the invention described herein. To the extent these various changes, alterations and modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims they are intended to be encompassed therein.

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Claims (13)

1. A carrier to enable a user to manually transport an elongated sport board in a carrying position along the side of the user, the carrier including: a front section having a generally tubular frame having an upper end and a lower end and opposite, spaced apart sides; a back section having a back side and having a generally tubular frame having upper and lower ends, said back section having a height greater than the height of the front section, said height being selected to extend a distance approximate from below the waist of the user along the side of the user to between the user's waist and underarm, said lower ends of said sections being joined at a cradle for receiving said sport board between the front and back sections, said cradle being free of obstructions; said tubular frame having a generally flat surface which is disposed o* .oo 15 against the user in a carrying position and a curved surface which is disposed against the board in the carrying position and being open in the area of the cradle; and the upper end of said front section forming a handle whereby the user 2 may place the object in the cradle with the back side of the back section held against a side of the body of the user under the user's arm with the user's arm extending over the carrier and object with the user's hands grasping the handle. oelol

2. The carrier of Claim 1, wherein said carrier is integrally formed as a unitary structure.

3. The carrier of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said handle is formed by reversely curving the upper edge of said front section.

4. The carrier of any one of the preceding claims, further including hanger means associated with said back section. Til-e carrier of any uone of the precudin g1aims, whee.si.arrieri fabricated from a plastic material.

W t nDa eOSpeoADMC 83632-01

6. The carrier of Claim 5, wherein said carrier is formed by injection molding.

7. The carrier of any one of the preceding claims, further including reinforcing means extending between the front section and the handle.

8. The carrier of any one of the preceding claims, further including indicia means carried on at least one of said front and back sections.

9. The carrier of Claim 1, further wherein said carrier is fabricated from tubular material.

The carrier of Claim 9, wherein said carrier is a continuous section of tubular material.

11. The carrier of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said curved surface of said frame is provided with cushioning pads.

12. The carrier of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cradle is 20 generally U-shaped having a width of approximately 2" to 3" to accommodate conventional surf boards.

13. A carrier substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any •one of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. SI: 1 DATED: 28 September, 2005 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK o" Attorneys for: DARRELL RICHARD LANG W 'JieOBWf'SOedB332-1 Amended PageS OOC