FR2867986A1 - Carrier for surfboard or similar has two hinged rigid plastic shells with handle, wheels and pairs of inner elastic foam bands - Google Patents

Abstract

The carrier (1) consists of two rigid hollow plastic shells (I, II) shaped to receive surfboard or similar. The shells are connected by hinges and fastenings with a handle (7), and their inner surfaces have pairs of bands (12) of elastic foam material that hold board firmly inside and protect it from impacts. The lower edge of the closed carrier is fitted with deployable wheels (5,6). The carrier (1) consists of two rigid hollow plastic shells (I, II) shaped to receive a surfboard or similar. The shells are connected by hinges on one edge and fastenings with a handle (7) on the other, and their inner surfaces have pairs of bands (12) of an elastic foam material that hold the board firmly inside and protect it from impacts. The lower edge of the closed carrier is fitted with deployable wheels (5, 6) that allow it to be rolled along, and its inner surface has a number of pockets (16, 17) for accessories or other articles.

Description

The invention relates to a surfboard transport device or

similar

  More specifically, the invention relates to a device also allowing the protection of the board when stored, moved by hand by a user and / or when moved by particular means of transport, such as an automobile (for example on a gallery), or collective: plane, train, etc., that is to say in luggage compartments.

  In the context of the invention, the term "surfboard" must be taken in its most general sense and can not in any way limit the scope of the invention, but for the purpose of simplification, the term "surfboard" will be used hereinafter.

  In this framework of application, it is well known that the transport of a surfboard requires special precautions, this being due to the great fragility of it.

  In addition, the practice of this sport also requires the use of ancillary equipment such as: combination of surf, anti-slip product called "wax", connecting cord called "leach", fins and other organs.

  It is therefore essential to offer optimized protection against shocks caused during all types of travel: air travel, car, pedestrian, etc., to the surfboard itself and also to the aforementioned ancillary equipment.

  It is also necessary to protect them against theft attempts, board and associated equipment is usually a high cost.

  Finally, it is necessary to facilitate the movement of this set easily, including by hand.

  The devices of the known art consist of flexible sheaths consisting of a layer of foam material disposed between two layers of synthetic material, for example nylon. These devices do not offer real protection, so the surfer is forced to pad his board with additional elements. This is particularly true, when it must be transported by air, because it must be stored in the luggage compartment and undergo many manipulations or significant shocks 2867986 2 The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages presented by the devices known art and meet the needs that are felt in the field, some of which have just been recalled.

  The invention aims at a surfboard transport device or the like, providing appropriate protection to the board and equipment associated with this board and / or its user.

  To do this, according to a first important characteristic, the transport device takes the form of a container, which will be called hereinafter "suitcase" for purposes of simplification, consisting of two rigid shells, forming chambers, connected by hinges, closed on all sides, and provided with locks for opening and closing thereof. The shells are advantageously made of polypropylene.

  The suitcase has a predetermined shape for housing a surfboard shaped and given dimensions, compatible with said predetermined shape.

  In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the surfboard is locked by compression between pairs of strips of elastic property material, preferably foam, subject to the two aforementioned shells. These strips of elastic material allow, after closure of the bag, effective maintenance of the surfboard, because of the aforementioned compression.

  In a still preferred embodiment, the equipment associated with the surfboard and / or its user can also be stored in the bag. To do this, it is advantageous to provide storage pockets of flexible material that can accommodate separately, for example, the anti-slip product or "wax", the fins, the drift key and a connecting cord or "leach", etc. These pockets, preferably made of polyvinyl chloride or a similar flexible impermeable synthetic material, are glued on the inner bottom of at least one of the rigid shells, allowing these items not to come rattling during transport.

  In a still preferred variant, the surfboard and the aforementioned equipment generally being of a high cost, as has been recalled, the bag is equipped with integrated anti-theft means, advantageously 2867986 3 security locks, for example code, and a locking central locking, so as to protect them from theft. Thus, the bag does not require any other external security device.

  In a still more preferred embodiment, rolling means are provided, so as to facilitate the movement of the bag by hand. Advantageously, these rolling means comprise four casters placed appropriately under the bag, allowing good stability of the bag. These wheels may, preferably, be retracted in housing provided for this purpose in the hulls. Still preferentially, o two of the four wheels, placed at the front of the bag, are directional and thus offer better handling, while the other two wheels are fixed in line on the back of the bag.

  In a still more preferred embodiment, provision is made for gripping means for moving the assembly. Advantageously, it has implanted on the upper part of the bag, a telescopic handle and retractable allowing the user to position the desired height. This arrangement facilitates the rolling. Still preferentially, other handles are molded on each of the shells of the bag to allow to wear under the arm of the user. In addition, two other handles may be provided, near the ends of one of the two hulls, to allow easy loading and stowage on automobile galleries or equivalent equipment. This provision also allows a better grip for airline baggage handlers during loading and / or unloading aircraft containers.

  The invention therefore has for its main object a surfboard transport device or the like, characterized in that it comprises first and second rigid, hollow and predetermined shape shells correlated with the outer shape of said surfboard or the like, joined together by hinges, in that it comprises closure means for closing said two shells one on the other, and in that it comprises at least one pair of strips of elastic material arranged in vis-à-vis and fixed to the inner walls of said hulls, so as to block said surfboard or the like inside said transport device when in the closed position and to protect it from shocks suffered by this transport device.

  The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a first shell, in side view, of an exemplary carrying case of a board of surf according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a second shell, in side view, of an exemplary carrying case for a surfboard according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; - Figure 3 schematically illustrates a suitcase in the open position consisting of the first and second shells of Figures 1 and 2, these shells being assembled by hinges; Figure 4 illustrates the bag of Figure 3, in the closed position, in a cross-sectional view (A-A) passing through a front docking handle; FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the bag of FIG. 3 in the closed position, with a view from above and from below, respectively; and FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the manner in which the bag of FIG. 3 can be transported, the latter rolling on the ground, on deployed rollers, or under the arm, respectively.

  An embodiment of a transport and protection case of a surfboard according to a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6B.

  In these figures, the identical elements bear the same references and will be re-described only as necessary.

  As illustrated more particularly in FIG. 3, the carrying case 1 of a surfboard 25 (see FIG. 4) comprises two shells, I and II, more particularly illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, these FIGS. representative in side view.

  As shown in Figure 1, the shell I comprises a flat zone 2, molded in the mass, oblong shape. This flat zone 2 will offer a user U (see FIG. 6B) a support on his body C without constraints when he carries the bag 1 under the arm B. The flat zone 2 will also allow, after opening the bag 1, a stable support on the ground S. It is advantageously provided four rubber pads 3, equidistributed on the surface of the flat areas 2. These buffers prevent direct contact of the shells I and / or II with the soil S, and as possible shifts of the whole (suitcase 1). On the lower part of this flat part 2, at the periphery thereof, there is provided a blind cavity 4, forming an additional transport handle (see FIG. 6B), typically of a length of 50 cm and of a width sufficient to the passage of a hand, allowing the user to balance the suitcase 1 when the door under the arm B (see Figure 6B).

  The hull I also has two wheel compartments, front 60 and rear 50, respectively; the corresponding wheels, 5 and 6, being retractable. These compartments, 50 and 60, provide protection of the wheels, 5 and 6, when they are not operational (retracted position). The wheels at the rear 5 are advantageously fixed in line, while the wheels at the front 6 are advantageously orientable or "crazy", that is to say directional, which allows a quick and easy movement of the bag 1 when they are in the deployed state.

  To move the wheel assembly, it is advantageous to provide a handle 7, telescopic and retractable, for example aluminum. The latter is placed on the upper part of the shell I. The fact that it is telescopic allows the user U to adapt it to a height appropriate to the size of the bag 1 and allows easy rolling thereof as will be shown next to the description of FIG. 6A.

  The shell II, more particularly illustrated in FIG. 2, comprises all the elements of the shell I (FIG. 1), with the exception of the telescopic and retractable handle 7. It is therefore unnecessary to re-describe these elements. By cons, there are two additional handles, 8 and 9, allowing, on the one hand, to easily and securely stow the suitcase 1 on a car gallery (not shown), and on the other hand, to the porters , airlines for example, better grip during loading and / or unloading aircraft containers, generally in and out of luggage compartments (eg also a coach).

  To fix the ideas, the shells I and II, are made of rigid and lightweight material, preferably polypropylene, so as to allow optimal protection of the surfboard 25, while maintaining a curb weight of about 8 kg. The width of the case 1 does not typically exceed 25 cm to facilitate carrying under the arm B (Figure 6B) and allow a comfortable movement. The length is naturally determined by that of the board 25.

  FIG. 3 illustrates the rigid suitcase 1, in the open position, the shells I and II being secured to one another by hinges 10 or all equivalent members, which makes it possible to have direct access to surfing equipment, not specifically referenced, which will be placed in various storage pockets, 16 to 20.

  On the shell I, there is a peripheral seal 11 to obtain a tight closure of the bag 1. Inside the bag 1, there are six strips 12, elastic material, preferably thick foam, three on the hull I and three on hull II. These strips of foams 12 are distributed along the shells I and II, and arranged in space in an optimized manner, so that, after closure of the bag 1, they are in facing relation, by pairs. The surfboard 25 (FIG. 4) is then locked by compression between the pairs of foam strips 12, over three strategic zones.

  To provide an anti-theft security, there are means integrated in the shells, I and II, peripherally, preferably one at the front, 13, and one at the rear, 14. Still preferably, these antitheft means , 13 and 14, are constituted by two locks of the code type. It is also possible to provide a central latch 15.

  These arrangements make it possible to avoid having to resort to a security system outside the suitcase 1, which is therefore flying and which can, as a result, be easily misplaced.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, five storage pockets, advantageously made of flexible polyvinyl chloride, 16 to 20, are glued to the bottom of the shell I. Preferably, these pockets, 16 to 20, are equipped with means of closures, 160 to 200: push-buttons, self-gripping fabrics or similar organs.

  To fix ideas, the smallest pocket, 16, is typically provided to house a key that allows to remove or fix fins on the surfboard 25 (Figure 4). The pocket 17 is provided for the two lateral fins of the surfboard 25, while the pocket 18 is provided for the central drift of the same board 25. The pocket 19 is provided to slide a non-slip product, for example of the type called "wax", essential to the surfer to avoid skidding on his board in surfing action. Finally, the pocket 20 is intended to have an organ called "Ieach", that is to say a cord used to connect the board to the surfer.

  All of these storage pockets, 16 to 20, allow the surfer U (FIGS. 6A or 6B) to always have his equipment protected and neat during his transportation and / or storage.

  In free locations, in the hull II, for example four, 21 to 24, can accommodate the accessories and clothing of the surfer U: combination of surf, slippers, and other clothing (not shown). This arrangement has the advantage for the surfer U to have to carry only one luggage during his travels.

  Figure 4 illustrates the bag 1 in section A-A (Figures 1 and 2). This section makes it possible to understand how is protected and "locked" the surfboard 25 inside the bag 1, firmly held between pairs of strips of foam 12, vis-à-vis. These last form elastic buffers and prevent the surfboard 25 comes into contact with the inner walls of the shells I and II, even if the bag 1 undergoes sudden accelerations or shocks on its outer walls.

  We also see in Figure 4 one of the additional lashing handle, in this case the handle 8.

  Figure 5A illustrates the bag 1 closed and in top view. Clearly the arrangement of the retractable handle 7 in a housing provided for this purpose in the shell I: well 70.

  The other elements do not need to be re-described.

  Figure 5B illustrates the bag 1 closed and in view from below. It is clearly seen the arrangement of the wheels, 5 and 6, in their respective housings, 50 and 60. the underside of the shells, comprises a flat area 2a for laying the bag 1 on the ground S (Figures 6A or 6B). In this state, the wheels 5 and 6 are retracted into their housings, 50 and 60, respectively.

  The other elements do not need to be re-described.

  We will now illustrate, with reference to Figures 6A and 6B, two modes of hand transport of the bag 1.

  In FIG. 6A, a rolling transport mode is illustrated on the ground S. The user U holds the bag 1 by the telescopic handle 7. This has been deployed of a length appropriate to the size of the user U, especially the length of his arm B, so that the bag 1 rests on the ground S, through its casters at the front, 6, and at the rear, 5; these wheels being in operational position or output. It then suffices to exert a forward driving force so that the case 1 moves forward and rolls on the aforementioned casters 5 and 6. The casters 6 are orientable. This arrangement facilitates the rolling and, in particular, changes of direction.

  In Figure 6B, there is illustrated a mode of transport of the bag 1 under the arm B of the user U. The telescopic handle 7 is completely retracted (not visible in this figure: retracted position). The user U engages his hand M in the blind hole 4 forming a handle, so that the bag 1 is disposed between his body C and his arm B. The latter rests, for the most part, on the flat area 2 , which facilitates the portage. The wheels, front 6 and rear 5 (not visible in this figure: see Figure 6A) are fully retracted (retracted position) in their housing, 60 and 50, respectively.

  From the foregoing, it is easy to see that the invention achieves the goals it has set for itself.

  The device according to the invention has many advantages and in particular the following. The transport device is in the form of a rigid protection and travel suitcase that protects the surf equipment from shock, theft and fouling. Because of its design, the 2867986 9 offers several possibilities of movement, including carrying under the arm (indifferently for a right-handed or left-handed), and rolling. The bag allows direct access to the equipment it contains, a clear organization of the stored material and avoids the same material to come rattling during transport. It offers baggage handlers, for example airlines, a great comfort of handling. It protects efficiently, thanks to the rigid material which composes it, the material of the often abrupt handling of these employees. The suitcase also makes it possible to secure the lashing on a car gallery in a safe and easy way.

  It should be clear, however, that the invention is not limited to the only examples of embodiments explicitly described, particularly in relation to FIGS. 1 to 6B.

  The invention is not limited either to the sole application of the transport of a surfboard, but to any similar object.

Claims (10)

  1. Surfboard transport device or the like, characterized in that it comprises first and second rigid shells (I, II), hollow and of predetermined shapes in correlation with the outer shape of said surfboard or the like (25), joined by hinges (10), in that it comprises closing means (13 - 15) for closing said two shells (I, II) one on the other, and in that it comprises at least one pair of bands of elastic material (12) arranged facing each other and fixed on the inner walls of said shells (I, II), so as to block said surfboard or the like (25) to the inside of said transport device (1) when it is in the closed position and to protect it from shocks to this transport device (1).   2. Transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that said rigid shells (I, II) are made of polypropylene and in that said pairs of strips of elastic material (12) are three in number and foam.   3. Transport device according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it is provided with at least one retractable and telescopic handles (7), and casters located at the front (6) and at the rear ( 5) said shells (I, II), allowing rolling on the ground (S) by exerting a driving force (t) on said handle (7).   4. Transport device according to claim 3, characterized in that said casters located at the front (6) are steerable and said casters located at the rear (5) are fixed in line and in that, said casters (5 , 6) being able to assume two positions, an operational position or an exit position, and a retracted position, recesses (50, 60) are provided for retracting said wheels (5, 6) when they are in said retracted position.   2867986 11 5. Transport device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shells (I, II) each comprise, on their outer wall, a flat zone (2) of oblong shape provided with rubber pads (3). ) for placing said transport device (1) on the ground (S) without direct contact.   6. Transport device according to claim 5, characterized in that said shells (I, II) comprise, at said low periphery of said planar areas (2), a blind cavity (4) forming a handle and allowing a user (U) carrying said transport device (1) by sliding one (M) of its hands and placing the transport device (1) between an arm (B) and its body (C).   7. Transport device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said closure means consist of two padlock codes (13, 14), at the front and rear, and a padlock central (15), and in that said locks (13 - 15) being integrated in said shells (I, II).   8. Transport device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one (I) of said shells comprises, fixed on its inner wall, a plurality of pockets (16 - 20) provided with closure means (160). - 200), and in that these pockets (16 - 20) are for storing accessories associated with said surfboard or the like (25) and / or a user (U) thereof 9. Transport device according to claim 8, characterized in that said storage pockets (16 - 20) are made of polyvinyl chloride 10. Transporting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shells (I, II) are provided with a pair of additional handles (8-9) arranged in end zones of one of said hulls (I, II), so as to facilitate the securing of said transport device (1) on a vehicle gallery and / or its loading / unloading in and out of a luggage compartment.