CN111791989B

CN111791989B - Vertical paddle surfboard equipment

Info

Publication number: CN111791989B
Application number: CN201910206667.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: F·诺利; A·阿法蒂卡蒂
Original assignee: SCOPREGA SpA
Current assignee: SCOPREGA SpA
Priority date: 2019-03-19
Filing date: 2019-03-19
Publication date: 2022-04-29
Anticipated expiration: 2039-03-19
Also published as: CN111791989A

Abstract

A SUP device, comprising: a container (1000) having a first compartment (10), a second compartment (20), and a third compartment (30); an electropneumatic actuator (100) housed in said first compartment (10) and having inflation and deflation capabilities; a vacuum bag (200) housed in the second compartment (20); wherein the third compartment (30) is configured to accommodate a segment of a detachable paddle (300).

Description

Vertical paddle surfboard equipment

Technical Field

The invention relates to a vertical paddle surfboard device.

Background

Paddle surfing (SUP: stand up paddle surfing) is an athletic activity in which an individual propels himself/herself on a floating platform ("board") by means of paddles while standing on the floating platform.

The sporting activity is somewhat similar to surfing, with the fundamental difference being the use of paddles rather than relying on motion from water waves.

The SUP device may comprise: an inflatable panel; a paddle; an inflator for inflating the panel; a plurality of containers (in the form of a cart and/or backpack).

When transporting the apparatus, the plate is deflated and the paddle is disassembled into two or more parts.

Once in place, the user takes the panel out, inflates it by an inflator (usually an electrically powered compressor), assembles the paddle and finally can start the SUP activity.

Once the activity is over, the user deflates the panels, disassembles the paddles, packs the equipment in his/her container and leaves the beach.

Applicant observed that those practicing SUP must typically walk some distance in order to reach a position where they can access the water and begin propelling themselves through the paddle. In other words, most of the time, it is impossible to get to the place where the activity is performed by a car or any other transportation means.

The applicant has therefore realised that the apparatus should be as easy to transport as possible.

In particular, the applicant believes that the overall size of the apparatus, when it is to be transported, should be kept as small as possible.

The prior art does not provide a satisfactory solution to this problem.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a SUP device which is particularly simple and comfortable to carry and move.

This and other objects are achieved by the invention as disclosed in the appended claims.

Drawings

Additional features and advantages will be apparent from the detailed description provided below of preferred embodiments of the invention.

The description is accompanied by non-limiting drawings, in which:

figure 1a shows a front view of a SUP device according to the invention in an open state;

figure 1b shows a back view of the SUP device of figure 1 a;

figures 2a-2d schematically show the steps of a method of folding a deflated SUP plate;

figure 3 shows a perspective schematic view of a SUP paddle in a disassembled configuration that may be used in the present invention;

figures 4a-4b show exploded views of corresponding parts of the SUP paddle of figure 3;

figure 4c shows an enlarged view of figure 4 b; and

figures 5a-5b schematically show different configurations of the SUP paddle of figure 3.

Detailed Description

With reference to the drawings, a SUP device according to the invention is denoted 1.

SUP device 1 comprises a container 1000 (fig. 1a, 1 b).

In an embodiment, the container 1000 is provided with a handle 1001 to enable the container 1000 to be carried by hand.

In an embodiment, the container 1000 is provided with a pair of

straps

1002, 1003 so that the container can be used as a backpack.

Preferably, container 1000 is formed from a first portion 1100 and a second portion 1200.

Preferably, the

straps

1002, 1003 are mounted to the first portion 1100 at the opposite side of the first portion 1100 from the second portion 1200.

The first portion 1100 is coupled to the second portion 1200 to enable the container 1000 to be configured between an open state and a closed state.

More specifically, first portion 1100 has a peripheral edge 1110 that includes a first portion 1111 and a second portion 1112, peripheral edge 1110 preferably being formed from first portion 1111 and second portion 1112.

Second portion 1200 has a peripheral edge 1210 that includes a first portion 1211 and a second portion 1212, peripheral edge 1210 preferably being formed by first portion 1211 and second portion 1212.

A first portion 1111 of the peripheral edge 1110 of the first portion 1100 is non-removably coupled to a first portion 1211 of the peripheral edge 1210 of the second portion 1200.

A second portion 1112 of the peripheral edge 1110 of the first portion 1100 is removably coupled to a second portion 1212 of the peripheral edge 1210 of the second portion 1200.

For example, the removable coupling may be implemented as a zipper extending along the second portion 1112 of the peripheral edge 1110 of the first portion 1100 and the second portion 1212 of the peripheral edge 1210 of the second portion 1200.

When the container 1000 is in the closed state, the second portion 1112 of the peripheral edge 1110 of the first portion 1100 is constrained to the second portion 1212 of the peripheral edge 1210 of the second portion 1200. The container 1000 may be configured in the open state by releasing the second portion 1112 from the second portion 1212.

In short, the container 1000 can be opened/closed like a book.

The container 1000 has a first compartment 10, a second compartment 20, and a third compartment 30.

Advantageously, the first compartment 10 and the second compartment 20 are formed in the first portion 1100.

Advantageously, the third compartment 30 is formed in the second portion 1200.

Preferably, the first, second and

third compartments

10, 20, 30 are inaccessible to a user when the container 1000 is in the closed state.

Preferably, the third compartment 30 faces the first and

second compartments

10, 20 when the container 1000 is in the closed state.

Preferably, the first, second and

third compartments

10, 20, 30 are accessible to a user when the container 1000 is in the open state.

Preferably, the third compartment is located beside the first and

second compartments

10, 20 when the container 1000 is in the open state, as shown in fig. 1 a.

The SUP device 1 comprises an electro-pneumatic actuator 100 accommodated in the first compartment 10.

Preferably, the electro-pneumatic actuator 100 is removably mounted in the first compartment 10. In an embodiment, the electro-pneumatic actuator 100 is provided with a handle 101, by means of which handle 101 the electro-pneumatic actuator 100 can be easily removed from the first compartment 10.

The electro-pneumatic actuator 100 has an inflation capability as well as a deflation capability.

Indeed, the electropneumatic actuator 100 is capable of both inflating an inflatable article and deflating an inflated article.

Advantageously, the electropneumatic actuator 100 is provided with a user interface 102 by which a user can activate the inflation mode or the deflation mode.

Once the SUP plate is deflated by means of the electro-pneumatic actuator 100, it can be folded as schematically shown in fig. 2a-2 d: first, the SUP sheet is folded along its longitudinal axis, then it is folded along a substantially middle axis (substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis), and finally it is folded twice in order to reduce its length by about 1/3.

Preferably, the SUP device 1 comprises a hose 400 adapted to be connected between the electropneumatic actuator 100 and the item to be inflated/deflated. In use, air flows from/to the actuator through the hose to inflate/deflate an item.

Preferably, the hose 40 is housed in the first compartment 10, as shown in fig. 1 a.

Preferably, a rechargeable battery (not shown) is integrated in the electro-pneumatic actuator 100, so that the electro-pneumatic actuator 100 can operate without being connected to an external power source (e.g., a power supply grid).

In an embodiment, the electro-pneumatic actuator 100 is provided with a pressure gauge 103, and the user may set the pressure gauge 103 in order to adjust the inflation/deflation operation. Preferably, the pressure gauge is mounted on the front wall of the electropneumatic actuator 100 (i.e. the wall that is fully visible when the container 1000 is in its open state).

The SUP device 1 comprises a vacuum bag 200 accommodated in the second compartment 20.

Preferably, the vacuum bag 200 is removably restrained in the second compartment 20. For example, a removable button may be used for the removable restraint.

The vacuum bag 200 is configured for containing the deflated SUP plate.

The vacuum bag 200 has holes for insertion/removal of deflated SUP plates. The aperture is advantageously provided with a gas-tight closure member, such as a gas-tight zipper.

In an embodiment, the vacuum bag 200 has a connection interface 201 (coupled to a valve) which is the same as the connection interface of the SUP-board, so that no joints are needed and the electro-pneumatic actuator 100 can be easily and quickly connected to the board (for inflation/deflation) and to the vacuum bag 200 (for air removal).

The third compartment 30 of the container 1000 is configured to receive a section of the collapsible paddle 300.

In fig. 1a, the paddle 300 is shown in a disassembled configuration. Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the paddle 300 in a disassembled configuration, with lines showing how the paddle must be assembled. Fig. 4a-4b show exploded views of corresponding parts of fig. 3.

Preferably, the paddle 300 is generally formed of first, second, third and

fourth segments

310, 320, 330, 340 that are assembled together when the paddle 300 is to be used and separated from one another when the paddle 300 must be placed into the container 1000 (e.g., for shipping).

In particular, the first section 310 and the second section 320 are substantially linear.

The third section 330 is generally "S" shaped. Thus, the radius of motion of the paddle is increased, making the rowing more efficient.

The fourth segment 340 is the operative part of the paddle 300, i.e. the part which, in use, is immersed in water and which, under the action of the user, assists the user in propelling the board.

Preferably, the fourth segment 340 has a dihedral shape (dihedral shape) to allow smoother movement of the paddle 300 in water and to reduce the effort required by the user.

The assembly formed by the first and

second sections

310, 320 is essentially the handle of the paddle 300.

The third section 330 connects the handle formed by the first and

second sections

310, 320 to the handle formed by the fourth section 340.

The first section 310 includes a body 311 (preferably formed as a hollow cylinder) having a first end 311a and a second end 311 b.

At the first end 311a of the body 311, a handle H is provided. The handle H comprises a main portion H1 and a movable element M. When the paddle 300 is in the assembled configuration, the main portion H1 is substantially integral with the body 311 of the first section 310. Preferably, the main portion H1 of the handle H is coupled to the first end 311a of the main portion 311 by means of a snap coupling element Y. The movable element M is movable relative to the main portion H1. As an example, the movable element M may be pivotally coupled to the main portion H1. In the radial cavity of the body 311, a rod B is provided. The rod B is arranged along the longitudinal extension of the body 311. The bar B preferably extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the body 311. The lever B has a first end B1 and a second end B2. The first end B1 is preferably coupled to the movable element M of the handle H by a conversion mechanism T. The conversion mechanism T preferably converts the rotary motion of the movable element M into a linear motion of the rod B. For example, the conversion mechanism T may include a cam mechanism and/or a lever-crank mechanism. Advantageously, the conversion mechanism T is housed in the handle H, and in particular in the main portion H1 of the handle H. The second end B2 of the rod B is coupled to the expander E. The expander E has a tapered shape with a smaller portion connected to the second end B2 of the rod B and a larger portion distal to the second end B2 of the rod B.

The second end 311b of the body 311 has one or more longitudinal cutouts C1, C2. Due to the cutouts C1, C2, the second end 311b of the body 311 is radially deformable. In particular, the second end 311b of the body 311 is radially expandable.

When the paddle 300 is assembled and ready to be used, the first section 310, and in particular its body 311, is telescopically coupled to the second section 320.

More specifically, the first section 310 is partially inserted into the radial lumen of the second section 320.

The fit between the first section 310 and the second section 320 will be disclosed later, which allows the overall length of the paddle 300 to be adjusted.

The second segment 320 has a first end 321 and a second end 322.

The first end 321 of the second section 320 is where the first section 310 (and in particular its body 311) is inserted.

The second end 322 of the second segment 320 is secured to the third segment 330.

More specifically, the third section 330 (which as noted is generally "S" shaped) has a first end 331 secured to the second end 322 of the second section 320, and a second end 332.

The second end 332 of the third section 330 is fixed to the fourth section 340, i.e., to the operational portion of the paddle 300.

Preferably, the second end 322 of the second section 320 is fixed to the first end 331 of the third section by means of a first snap locking element X1.

Preferably, the second end 332 of the third section 330 is fixed to the fourth section by a second snap locking element X2.

The second snap lock element X2 is preferably substantially identical to the first snap lock element X1. Fig. 4c shows an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of the snap lock elements X1, X2.

Preferably, spring biased protrusions X1' extending from the insert X1 "of the first snap lock element X1 engage holes 322', 331' provided at the second end 322 of the second section 320, and at the first end 332 of the third section 330, respectively.

Preferably, spring biased protrusions X2' extending from the insert X2 "of the second snap lock element X2 engage holes 332', 340' provided at the second end 332 of the third section 330, and at the fourth section 340, respectively.

As described above, the length of the paddle 300 may be adjusted according to the cooperation of the first and

second sections

310, 320.

The movable element M of the handle H is movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the main portion H1 of the handle H. For example, the first position as well as the second position may correspond to different orientations of the movable element M with respect to the main portion H1 of the handle H. Fig. 5b, 5a schematically show the first and second position of the movable element M, respectively.

When the movable element M moves between the first and second positions, it moves the rod B along the body 311 by means of the switching mechanism T. The rod B in turn moves the expander E.

More specifically, when the movable element M is in the first position (which corresponds to the normal use of the handle H and of the paddle 300, and is schematically illustrated in fig. 5B), the rod B is in an axially retracted position with respect to the second end 311B of the body 311 and the expander E is mounted in the second end 311B of the body 311. Arrow a3 schematically illustrates the movement of the movable element M to the first position; arrow a4 schematically illustrates the corresponding movement of lever B.

Thus, the second end 311b of the body 311 is radially expanded (due to the deformability characteristics provided by the cutouts C1, C2) and firmly abuts the radially inner surface of the second segment 320. Thus, the first and

second sections

310, 320 are fixed to each other and the paddle 300 can be used in SUP activities.

When the movable element M is in the second position (which corresponds to a phase in which the user wants to adjust the length of the paddle 300, and is schematically illustrated in fig. 5 a), the rod B is in an axially extended position with respect to the second end 311B of the body 311 and the expander E axially exceeds the second end 311B of the body 311. The arrow a1 schematically shows the movement of the movable element M to the second position; arrow a2 schematically illustrates the corresponding movement of lever B. Accordingly, the expander E does not engage the second end 311b of the body 311, such that the second end 311b does not abut the radially inner surface of the second section 320. As a result, the body 311 may slide telescopically within the radial lumen of the second section 320, thereby modifying/adjusting the length of the paddle 300.

Once the desired length is reached, the movable element M is moved back into the first position. The rod B is thus driven back into the retracted position and the expander E is pulled in the second end 311B of the body 311, again securing the first and

second sections

310, 320 relative to each other. It has to be noted that the paddle 300 disclosed above may also be provided and used separately and independently from the container 1000 and in general the SUP device 1. In other words, the container 1000 (and in general the SUP device 1) may be used with a different paddle than the paddle 300, and the paddle 300 may be provided with a different container than the container 1000 (and in general the SUP device 1) and used with a different container than the container 1000 (and in general the SUP device 1).

Returning to the third compartment 30, it comprises a plurality of engagement elements 31-35 configured to engage the segments 310-340 after the segments 310-340 have been separated from each other and to properly retain them inside the container 1000. Preferably, the engaging elements 31-35 comprise a plurality of strips, in particular elastic strips. Each strap has first and second ends secured to the bottom wall 30a of the third compartment 30. One or more portions of each strip, included between its first and second ends, are unconstrained to the bottom wall 30a, thereby forming a slot/housing for one or more of the first, second, third, and

fourth segments

310, 320, 330, 340 of the paddle 300.

The embodiment shown in fig. 1a has a first 31, a second 32, a third 33, a fourth 34 and a fifth 35 engaging element.

The first engagement element 31 and the second engagement element 32 are configured to engage and properly retain the first and

second sections

310, 320 of the paddle 300.

The third engagement element 33 and the fourth engagement element 34 are configured to engage and properly retain the third section 330 of the paddle 300.

The third engagement element 33 and the fifth engagement element 35 are configured to engage and properly retain the fourth segment 340 of the paddle 300.

Advantageously, the second, fourth and

fifth engagement elements

32, 34, 35 are formed by a single strip fixed to the bottom wall 30a at different positions along its length so as to form three distinct housings.

Preferably, the fifth engagement element 35 may also be used to engage and suitably retain a fin 350, the fin 350 being configured to couple to the SUP plate when the SUP plate is inflated.

Preferably, a sixth engagement element 36 is provided for engaging and suitably retaining a strap 360, which in use is adapted to be secured at one end to the ankle of a user and at the opposite end to the SUP board.

In an embodiment, the container 1000 is provided with one or more pockets in which the user's personal items can be placed while the user is practicing SUP activities. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a, the first portion 1100 of the container 1000 is provided with a pocket 1004.

The invention achieves important advantages.

One container is sufficient to contain and transport all the elements used during SUP activities due to dismantling and/or gassing of said elements in an efficient way.

Furthermore, the overall dimensions of the container (being a backpack or a trolley) are significantly smaller than those typical of prior art containers. For example, a container according to the present invention may be 780mm high, 500mm wide and 200mm thick.

The unique structure of the paddle allows for easy and quick adjustment of the length of the paddle.

The unique shape of the paddle makes the user's activities smoother and more efficient.

Claims

1. A vertical paddle surfing apparatus comprising:

a container (1000) having a first compartment (10), a second compartment (20), and a third compartment (30);

an electropneumatic actuator (100) housed in said first compartment (10) and having inflation and deflation capabilities;

a vacuum bag (200) housed in the second compartment (20);

wherein the third compartment (30) is configured to accommodate a segment (310, 320, 330, 340) of a collapsible paddle (300),

wherein the third compartment (30) comprises a plurality of engagement elements (31-35) configured to engage segments (310, 320, 330, 340) of the collapsible paddle (300),

wherein the engagement elements (31-35) comprise a first engagement element (31), a second engagement element (32), a third engagement element (33), a fourth engagement element (34), a fifth engagement element (35), wherein the first engagement element (31) and the second engagement element (32) are configured to engage and suitably hold a first segment (310) and a second segment (320) of the collapsible paddle (300), wherein the third engagement element (33) and the fourth engagement element (34) are configured to engage and suitably hold a third segment (330) of the collapsible paddle (300), wherein the third engagement element (33) and the fifth engagement element (35) are configured to engage and suitably hold a fourth segment (340) of the collapsible paddle (300),

the prop-surfing apparatus further comprises a disassembled paddle (300), the disassembled paddle (300) comprising: a first section (310), a second section (320), a third section (330) and a fourth section (340), wherein the first section (310) and the second section (320) are substantially rectilinear, the third section (330) is "S" shaped, the fourth section (340) is an operative portion of the detachable paddle (300) configured to exert a propulsive effect in contact with water,

wherein the first segment (310) comprises:

a main body (311);

a handle (H) mounted at a first end (311a) of the body (311), wherein the handle (H) comprises a movable element (M) movable between a first position and a second position;

a rod (B) extending axially in a radial lumen of the body (311), the rod (B) having a first end (B1) coupled to the movable element (M), and a second end (B2);

an expander (E) mounted at a second end (B2) of the rod (B);

wherein the rod (B) is movable between a retracted position corresponding to a first position of the movable element (M) and an extended position corresponding to a second position of the movable element (M);

wherein, when the rod (B) is in the retracted position, the expander (E) is mounted in the second end (311B) of the body (311), thereby radially expanding the second end (311B) of the body and securing the second end (311B) of the body (311) to a radially inner surface of the second section;

wherein, when the rod (B) is in the extended position, the expander (E) is not mounted in the second end (311B) of the body (311) and the body (311) is free to slide along the radially inner surface of the second section (320).

2. The paddle surfing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said vacuum bag (200) is removably restrained in said second compartment (20).

3. The surfing apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein said container (1000) has a first portion (1100) and a second portion (1200), wherein said first compartment (10) and second compartment (20) are formed in said first portion (1100), and wherein said third compartment (30) is formed in said second portion (1200).

4. The prop surfing apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first portion (1100) is coupled to said second portion (1200) such that said container (1000) is configurable between an open state in which said first compartment (10), second compartment (20) and third compartment (30) are accessible to a user and a closed state in which said first compartment (10), second compartment (20) and third compartment (30) are inaccessible.

5. The prop surfing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said third compartment (30) faces said first compartment (10) and said second compartment (20) when said container (1000) is in said closed state.

6. The surfing apparatus of claim 4 or 5 wherein said third compartment (30) is located beside said first (10) and second (20) compartments when said container (1000) is in said open state.

7. A prop surfing apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said first portion (1100) has a first peripheral edge (1110) having a first portion (1111) non-removably coupled to a corresponding first portion (1211) of a second peripheral edge (1210) of said second portion (1200).

8. The paddle surfing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first peripheral edge (1110) of the first portion (1100) comprises a first portion (1111) and a second portion (1112) of the first peripheral edge, wherein the second peripheral edge (1210) of the second portion (1200) comprises a first portion (1211) and a second portion (1212) of the second peripheral edge, wherein the second portion (1112) of the first peripheral edge (1110) of the first portion (1100) is removably coupled to the second portion (1212) of the second peripheral edge (1210) of the second portion (1200).