WO2017066824A1 - Carrying device for stand up paddleboards and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure related to a carrying apparatus for carrying a stand up paddleboard or similar. The carrying apparatus comprises a hook portion configured to connect with a hand grip or carry handle on the paddleboard and a shoulder strap loop adapted to be worn on or over a user's shoulder.

Description

CARRYING DEVICE FOR STAND UP PADDLEBOARDS AND THE LIKE PRIORITY DOCUMENT

10001 ] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No.

2015904322 titled "CARRYING DEVICE FOR STAND UP PADDLEBOARDS AND THE LIKE" and filed on 21 October 2015, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002 ] The present disclosure relates to carrying devices for standup paddleboards (SUPs). BACKGROUND

[0003] Standup paddleboards (SUPS) have become increasingly popular with water sport enthusiasts as an alternative to surfboards, kayaks, canoes, and other types of watercraft. The user generally stands on the SUP and uses a paddle to move the SUP through the water. SUPs allow users to perform different routines and functions than those afforded by a conventional watercraft.

[0004] SUPs are heavier and larger than conventional surfboards and, for this reason, transporting them from a vehicle or home or the like to the waters edge is more difficult than with a conventional surfboard. With this in mind, various carrying devices have been developed that allow a user to carry the SUP by themselves over a distance, such as from a vehicle to the waters edge. The known devices are typically referred to as "slings". Slings comprise an elongate strip of material with loops at either end. The loops are configured to slide over the front end and back end of the SUP so that the board is held with the loops around the board at positions rearward and forward of the centre of the board. The elongate strip of material can be slung over a user's shoulder so that the user can carry the SUP.

10005] Existing SUP slings can be difficult to use. For example, it can be difficult for some users to balance the SUP correctly when it is carried on the shoulders with the sling. Also, the SUP sling needs to be earned by the user out on the water when the SUP is in use. Carrying pouches that carry the SUP sling are available. The pouches can be fitted or attached to the SUP, typically by mapping a strap that is attached to the pouch around the board at a front end to thereby hold the pouch on the board. Storage of the pouches on the board adds another step to setting up the board prior to use and the pouches can become detached from the board in some circumstances.

10006] There is a need to provide devices for carrying SUPs and the like that overcomes one or more of the problems associated with prior art devices and/or provides the public with an alternative device. SUMMARY

10007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a carrying apparatus for carrying a stand up paddleboard or similar comprising: a hook portion configured to connect with a hand grip or carry handle on the paddleboard and a shoulder strap loop adapted to be worn on or over a user's shoulder.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the carrying apparatus further comprises a tether strap extending between the hook portion and the shoulder strap loop.

10009] In certain embodiments, the shoulder strap loop comprises a connector within the loop, said connector adapted to enable the loop to be opened and closed.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the flexible shoulder strap loop comprises an adjustment device configured to allow the length of the shoulder strap loop to be adjusted.

[001 1 ] In certain embodiments, the tether step comprises an adjustment device configured to allow the user to adjust the length of the strap.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the shoulder strap loop further comprises a padded sleeve.

[0013] Advantageously, the shoulder loop is convertible into a waist belt. This provides a convenient way for the apparatus to be carried by the user while they are on the board on the water.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a paddle retaining section. The paddle retaining section may be part of the hook portion. The paddle retaining section may comprise a generally arcuate paddle shaft bearing surface. In use, the shaft of a paddle may be placed in contact with the paddle arm bearing surface and it may be held in place against the surface by the tether strap.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the hook portion comprises a board hook, a body, and a paddle retaining section. The board hook may have a plurality of strengthening ribs that form a scalloped outer hook surface. A user's fingers may fit into each of the valleys formed between the strengthening ribs, thereby providing a gripping surface on the hook portion that assists a user in gripping the hook portion and the board when attached. The hook portion may be sized to fit comfortably in a user's hand, with the user's fingers wrapped around the board hook and in between the strengthening ribs and the paddle retaining section sitting in the palm of the user's hand. Thus, the paddle retaining section may act as a palm engaging portion of the hook portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

10016] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a carrying apparatus for carrying a stand up paddleboard in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] Figure 2 is another isometric view of a carrying apparatus for carrying a stand up paddleboard in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0019] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a CAD model of a stand up paddleboard attached to a carrying apparatus for carrying a stand up paddleboard in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] Figure 4 is a detailed isometric view of a CAD model of a hook portion and part of a tether strap of a carrying apparatus for carrying a stand up paddleboard in accordance with an embodiment of the invention with part of a shaft of a paddle held by the apparatus;

[0021 ] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a CAD model of a hook portion and part of a tether strap of a carrying apparatus for carrying a stand up paddleboard in accordance with an embodiment of the invention with part of a shaft and a handle of a paddle held by the apparatus; and

[0022] Figure 6 is a detailed isometric view of a CAD model of a hook portion and part of a tether strap of a carrying apparatus for carrying a stand up paddleboard in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0023 ] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Referring to the figures, there is shown a carrying apparatus 10 for carrying a stand up paddleboard 12 or similar. The apparatus 10 comprises a hook portion 14 configured to connect with a hand grip 16 or carry handle on the paddleboard 12 and a shoulder strap loop 18 adapted to be worn on or over a user's shoulder. The hook portion 14 may connect directly or indirectly to the hand grip 16.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiments, the carrying apparatus 10 further comprises a tether strap 20 extending between the hook portion 14 and the shoulder strap loop 18. However, it will be appreciated that a tether strap 20 may not be necessary and, for example, the hook portion 14 may be attached or otherwise depend directly from the shoulder strap loop 18.

[0026] An example of the apparatus 10 in use is shown in Figure 3. In use, the hook portion 14 is clipped into or onto the hand grip 16 of the board 12. The apparatus 10 is then lifted to thereby lift the board 12 from its resting position. The shoulder strap loop 18 can be fitted over a user's shoulder either before or after the hook portion 14 is clipped into or onto the hand grip 16. It may be easier for a user to lift the board 12 if the shoulder strap loop 18 is fitted over their shoulder before the hook portion 14 is clipped into or onto the hand grip 16 because this then allows the user to lift the board 12 using their whole body and, in particular, by lifting using their legs.

[0027] The shoulder strap loop 18 can be fitted over the user's shoulder that is nearest the board 12 or it can be fitted over the shoulder that is distal from the board 12. Fitting the shoulder strap loop 18 that is distal from the board 12 has the benefit of angling the shoulder strap loop 18 across the user's chest and back and this can assist by pulling the tether strap 20 into engagement with the upper edge 22 of the board 12 which then keeps the upper edge 22 of the board 12 against the user's body (e.g. against the user's hip).

[0028] Most stand up paddleboards have a hand grip 16 or handle on the board 12 to allow a user to carry the board. Typically, the hand grip 16 or handle is centrally located on the board 12 so that the weight of the board 12 is relatively evenly distributed when it is lifted by the grip 16 or handle. The apparatus 10 described herein takes advantage of this by making connection with the board 12 at that point which means that the weight of the board 12 will generally be evenly distributed when it is carried using the apparatus 10.

[0029] A variety of hand grips 16 or handles are used on stand up paddleboards. In the embodiment that is illustrated in Figure 3, the hand grip is an elongate recess into which a user's fingers can be inserted into in order to lift the board. Still other paddleboards have a strap grip that extends outwardly from one surface of the board and is connected at each end of the board. The apparatus 10 can advantageously be used with either or any type of grip or handle, and with any other form of grip or handle 16. As such, the term "a hand grip or carry handle on the paddleboard" is intended to cover embodiments in which a hand grip is in a recess on a surface of the board or extends outwardly from a surface of the board.

[0030] The shoulder strap loop 18 is formed from a flexible strap of material and comprises a connector 24 within the loop. The connector 24 is adapted to enable the loop 18 to be opened and closed. Thus, the shoulder strap loop 18 can be opened using the connector 24 to permit the shoulder strap to be placed over a user's shoulder after which the loop can be closed to form the shoulder strap loop 18. This allows for relatively easy fitting of the carrying apparatus 10. [003 1 ] The connector 24 can be any suitable device and have any form or configuration that allows two strap ends to be reversibly joined to one another. For example, the connector 24 may be a buckle or clip. Cam buckles, D-rings, ratchet buckles, slide release buckles, and the like are suitable. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 24 is a slide release buckle.

[0032 ] The flexible shoulder strap loop 18 also comprises an adjustment device 26 configured to allow the length of the shoulder strap loop 18 to be adjusted. Any suitable adjustment device can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment device is a strap length adjuster. Strap length adjusters are known in the art and generally comprise an element having a first opening and a second opening each sized for jointly accepting a strap therethrough and a crossbar disposed between the first and second opening whereby the size of the loop 18 can be adjusted by moving the strap length adjuster along the strap.

[0033 ] In the illustrated embodiments, the adjustment device 26 is part of the connector 24 and forms one part of the buckle or clip.

[0034 ] The tether strap 20 also comprises an adjustment device 28 that is configured to allow the user to adjust the length of the strap. Again, the adjustment device 28 may be a strap length adjuster, as described earlier. This allows a user to adjust the position of the board 12 relative to the user's body and/or relative to the ground. For example, it may be most convenient for one or more hand grips 16 or carry handles on the board 12 to be at arms length so that the user can hold the board 12 with one hand whilst it is supported by the carrying apparatus 10.

[ 0035] The shoulder strap loop 18 and the tether strap 20 are formed from a single length of strap material. The strap can be formed from a suitable inelastic material. Webbing material made from nylon, polypropylene (light weight or heavy weight) or polyester is suitable for this purpose. Suitable materials are available commercially.

[0036] To manufacture the apparatus 10, a first free end of the strap is connected to one locking component of connector 24. In the illustrated embodiments, the locking component of connector 24 has a slot through which the strap passes. A length of strap is then folded back onto the main body of the length of strap and is connected thereto by stitching or other suitably joining methods. A second free end of the strap is journaled through a slot in the hook portion 14 and short length of strap is then folded back along and onto the main body of the length of strap and attached thereto. In this case, the folded back length is feed through adjustment device 28 along with the main body of the length of strap.

[0037] The shoulder strap loop has a padded sleeve 30. The padded sleeve 30 is formed from a padded material and provides an additional level of comfort for a user. The padded sleeve 30 is wider than the strap. [0038] The padded sleeve 30 comprises one or more pockets 32. The one or more pockets 32 may provide a waterproof or water resistant pouch or pocket. The one or more pockets 32 may be suitable for containing a user's personal effects, such as keys, money, mobile phone, etc.

[0039 ] The hook portion 14 is formed from a web of rigid material, such as a plastic or metal, and comprises a board hook 34, a body 36, and a paddle retaining section 40. The hook portion 14 further comprises a strap retaining slot 38 suitable for connection with shoulder strap loop 18 or the tether strap 20. The hook portion has a low profile form. The board hook 34 is semicircular in cross section and it is slightly wider than the tether strap 20. The width of the board hook 34 helps to form a stable connection with the board 12 when it is engaged with hand grip 16. The board hook 34 has a plurality of

strengthening ribs 42 that define a scalloped outer hook surface. A user's fingers are able to fit into each of the valleys formed between the strengthening ribs 42, thereby providing a gripping surface on the hook portion 14 that assists a user in gripping the hook portion 14 and the board (when attached). Thus, the outer hook surface has a geometry or shape that conforms to a user's fingers. The strengthening ribs 42 also help to strengthen the hook. The strap retaining slot 38 is in the form of two elongate slots 38a and 38b that are formed in a raised section 44 on a boardward face of the body 36.

[0040] The paddle retaining section 40 is in the form of a generally arcuate paddle shaft bearing surface 48. In use, a shaft 50 of a paddle may be placed in contact with the paddle shaft bearing surface 48 and it may be held in place against the surface 48 by the tether strap 20. It will be appreciated that the weight of the board 12 on the hook portion forces the tether strap 20 to press the shaft 50 into engagement with the shaft bearing surface 48. The arcuate cross section shape of the paddle retaining section wraps around part of the surface of the shaft 50 and prevents it from moving as the shaft 50 is effectively "wedged" between the paddle shaft bearing surface 48 and the tether strap 20. However, the paddle can be readily removed by releasing tension on the tether strap 20 (e.g. by placing the board 12 on a surface) and sliding the shaft 50 out from between the paddle shaft bearing surface 48 and the tether strap 20. This then provides a simple and quick method for retaining and removing a paddle from the apparatus 10.

[0041 ] Conveniently, the hook portion 14 is sized to fit comfortably in a user's hand, with the user's fingers mapped around the board hook 34 and in between the strengthening ribs 42 and the paddle retaining section 40 sitting in the palm of the user's hand. Thus, the paddle retaining section 40 acts as a palm engaging portion of the hook portion 14. This then provides a user with a great deal of control over the hook portion 14 with one hand and aids in fine positioning of the hook portion 14 and ergonomics which, in turn, makes carrying the board 12 easier. To achieve this ergonomy, the hook portion 14 may have a height of from about 90mm to about 100mm.

[0042 ] An advantage of the apparatus 10 is that the shoulder strap loop 18 is convertible into a waist belt. Thus, the carrying apparatus 10 can be used to carry a board 12 to the waters edge, the board 12 can be removed from the apparatus 10 and the shoulder strap loop 18 moved down over the user's body to their waist at which point the size of the loop 18 can be adjusted so that it sits comfortably and firm on the user's waist. This provides a convenient way for the apparatus 10 to be carried by the user while they are on the board on the water. This overcomes problems with prior art devices for carrying SUPs that have to be stored on the board 12 during in water use. Furthermore, when the shoulder strap loop 18 comprises a padded sleeve 30 as discussed above, the pockets 32 in the sleeve 30 allow the user to carry personal effects on their waist.

[0043 ] The shoulder strap loop 18 and/or the padded sleeve 30 further comprise(s) a hook keeper 52 adapted to retain the hook portion 14 on the shoulder strap loop 18 and/or the padded sleeve 30. This is particularly beneficial when the apparatus 10 is fitted to a user's waist and the hook portion 14 can be engaged with the hook keeper 52 to retain the hook portion 14 and tether strap 20 around the user's waist.

[0044] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

10045] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

10046] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A carrying apparatus for carrying a stand up paddleboard or similar, comprising a hook portion configured to connect with a hand grip or carry handle on the paddleboard and a shoulder strap loop adapted to be worn on or over a user's shoulder.

2. The carrying apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a tether strap extending between the hook portion and the shoulder strap loop.

3. The carrying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a connector within the shoulder strap loop, said connector adapted to enable the loop to be opened and closed.

4. The carrying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shoulder strap loop comprises an adjustment device configured to allow the length of the shoulder strap loop to be adjusted.

5. The carrying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tether strap comprises an adjustment device configured to allow the user to adjust the length of the tether strap.

6. The carrying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the shoulder strap loop further comprises a padded sleeve.

7. The carrying apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the padded sleeve comprises one or more pockets suitable for containing a user's personal effects.

8. The carrying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the shoulder strap loop is convertible into a waist belt.

9. The carrying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a paddle retaining section.

10. The carrying apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the paddle retaining section is part of the hook portion.

1 1. The carrying apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, in use, a shaft of a paddle can be placed in contact with the paddle retaining section and the paddle may be held in place by the tether strap.

12. The carrying apparatus according to claim 1 1 , wherein the weight of the board on the hook portion forces the tether strap to press the shaft of the paddle into engagement with the paddle retaining section so the paddle shaft is wedged between the paddle retaining section and the tether strap.

13. The carrying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the hook portion comprises a board hook, a body, and a paddle retaining section.

14. The carrying apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the board hook has a plurality of strengthening ribs that form a scalloped outer hook surface.

15. The carrying apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a user's fingers are able to fit into each of the valleys formed between the strengthening ribs, thereby providing a gripping surface on the hook portion that assists a user in gripping the hook portion and the board when attached.

16. The carrying apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the hook portion is sized to fit comfortably in a user's hand, with the user's fingers wrapped around the board hook and in between the strengthening ribs and the paddle retaining section sitting in the palm of the user's hand.

17. The carrying apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the paddle retaining section acts as a palm engaging portion of the hook portion.