US20120118767A1 - Surfboard protector - Google Patents

Surfboard protector Download PDF

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Publication number
US20120118767A1
US20120118767A1 US13/297,084 US201113297084A US2012118767A1 US 20120118767 A1 US20120118767 A1 US 20120118767A1 US 201113297084 A US201113297084 A US 201113297084A US 2012118767 A1 US2012118767 A1 US 2012118767A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
protector
railguards
nose
tail
assembly
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US13/297,084
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English (en)
Inventor
Jared Koett
William H. Wilson
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Individual
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SURF TRAVEL SOLUTIONS Inc
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Priority claimed from US12/870,679 external-priority patent/US8191712B2/en
Application filed by SURF TRAVEL SOLUTIONS Inc filed Critical SURF TRAVEL SOLUTIONS Inc
Priority to US13/297,084 priority Critical patent/US20120118767A1/en
Assigned to SURF TRAVEL SOLUTIONS, INC. reassignment SURF TRAVEL SOLUTIONS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KOETT, JARED, WILSON, WILLIAM H.
Publication of US20120118767A1 publication Critical patent/US20120118767A1/en
Assigned to KOETT, JARED reassignment KOETT, JARED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SURF TRAVEL SOLUTIONS, INC.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B32/00—Water sports boards; Accessories therefor
    • B63B32/57—Boards characterised by the material, e.g. laminated materials

Definitions

  • surfboard protection devices have been disclosed in, e.g., the Geronimo (U.S. Pat. No. 4, 719,952), Mori (U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,451), and Joyce (U.S. Pat. No. 3,374,495) patents. All three designs describe a molded, wrap-around protector. None of these designs, however, provide both comprehensive protection of key areas such as the nose, tail, and rails, nor are they especially versatile to use. Joyce (U.S. Pat. No. 3,374,495) discloses a nose bumper that affixes to the tip of a surfboard by means of an adhesive. Triangular-shaped cut outs are made along its upper and lower walls to increase its flexibility.
  • Mori U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,451 utilizes a system of partial covers to protect the surfboard. These are forced on non-adhesively and fastened by belts. The coverage provided is limited, and it may be unwieldy to transport the numerous parts and awkward belts.
  • Geronimo U.S. Pat. No. 4,719,952 employs a design that provides protection of the areas most susceptible to damage. His design, however, is non-adjustable and would fit the form of just a single surfboard. A user would be required to purchase a custom cover for each surfboard owned.
  • An adjustable and protective cover for the fragile outer perimeter of a surfboard is described. Intended in one embodiment for preparing a surfboard before travel, the light and durable form of protection cushions the surfboard to prevent damage from impact sustained en route.
  • One embodiment employs a nose protector, a tail protector, and railguards that protect the rails of the surfboard.
  • the railguards may be attached to each other and to the nose or tail protector in an adjustable fashion, such as by an adaptor that can attach to the railguards in a number of positions.
  • the invention is directed towards an adjustable assembly for protecting a surfboard during transit and/or in storage.
  • the invention includes a nose protector, the nose protector structured and configured to receive at least a portion of a nose of a surfboard.
  • the invention also includes a tail protector, the tail protector structured and configured to receive at least a portion of a tail of a surfboard.
  • First and second left railguards are included that are structured and configured to receive at least a portion of a left rail of a surfboard, where the first left railguard is configured to be attached to a left side of the nose protector and where the second left railguard is configured to be attached to a left side of the tail protector.
  • First and second right railguards are included that are structured and configured to receive at least a portion of a right rail of a surfboard, where the first right railguard is configured to be attached to a right side of the nose protector and where the second right railguard is configured to be attached to a right side of the tail protector.
  • a left adaptor and a right adaptor are included, the left and right adaptor structured to connect the first and second left railguards and the first and second right railguards, respectively, such that the first and second left railguards and the first and second right railguards may be separated by one of a variety of distances while being held securely by the left and right adaptor, respectively.
  • Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following.
  • At least one of the nose protector, the tail protector, and one of the railguards may be constructed of a bilayer, a first layer constructed of a foam, and a second layer constructed of a hard shell material.
  • the first layer may be made of polyethylene foam or a biofoam
  • the second layer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of Surlyn®, a biodegradable material such as cardboard, ABS plastic, and combinations thereof
  • the assembly may further include a third layer coating the second layer on the face of the second layer opposite the first layer, and the third layer may be made of rubber.
  • a portion of the railguards may define a slot and a portion of the nose or tail protector may have formed thereon a protrusion, such that engagement of the protrusion and the slot causes the railguard to be attached to the nose protector or tail protector a portion of the railguards defines a groove and a portion of the nose protector has formed thereon a tongue, such that engagement of the tongue and the groove causes the railguard to be attached to the nose protector.
  • a portion of the railguards may define a groove and a portion of the tail protector may have formed thereon a tongue, such that engagement of the tongue and the groove causes the railguard to be attached to the tail protector. At least a portion of the railguards may have corrugations formed therein.
  • the adaptor may snap-fit to a pair of railguards.
  • the adaptor may have formed thereon, on one or both edge(s), a nub for engagement with an edge of a railguard. At least a portion of the railguards may have corrugations formed therein, and a height of the corrugations may be substantially equal to a height of the protrusion.
  • the invention may be directed to an adjustable assembly for protecting a surfboard during storage, including a nose protector configured to receive a nose of a surfboard, a tail protector configured to receive a tail of a surfboard, and means to adjust a distance between the nose protector and the tail protector, the adjustment means including one or more railguards configured to receive at least a portion of a rail of a surfboard.
  • Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following.
  • the two railguards may span a length of each surfboard rail.
  • the nose protector and the tail protector may be each composed of a bilayer structure, the bilayer structure including a hard exterior and a soft form interior.
  • Each of the nose protector, the tail protector, and the railguards may be structured and configured to attach to a surfboard by a friction fit.
  • An adaptor may be included that is configured to attach two railguards together, the adaptor attaching to each railguard by a friction fit.
  • At least one railguard may be attached to the nose protector using an attachment mechanism, and moreover at least one railguard may be attached to the tail protector using an attachment mechanism.
  • Another embodied system or assembly employs three basic elements. One piece fits closely to the outer perimeter of the upper half of the surfboard. A second piece does the same for the lower half of the surfboard. A third piece fits over a series of channels that line the sides of each arm creating a union. When necessary, the halves can be spaced apart in order to accommodate a different length of surfboard. The third piece may bridge the divide between the two halves, align with the channels, and help secure the cover to the surfboard. This feature makes the design adjustable and thus effective for multiple surfboards.
  • Additional advantages of the invention may include one or more of the following.
  • the system may be adjusted to fit multiple sizes and can be used interchangeably between surfboards of a similar shape. Further, certain elements of the assembly can be made universal to fit surfboards of a different shape, e.g., railguards may protect the rails of a modern thruster and a modern fish.
  • the system is reusable. The system may be easy-to-use, quick to assemble, versatile, adjustable, effective against damage, durable, practical to store, and may provide a comprehensive solution to the problem of surfboard damage during travel.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of the components of a surfboard protector according to an embodiment of the invention, surrounding a surfboard.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates various views of a nose protector according to an embodiment of the invention, as well as views of the nose protector attached to railguards.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates various views of a tail protector according to an embodiment of the invention, as well as views of the tail protector attached to railguards.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates various views of a railguard and adaptor structure according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative device that may be employed to connect a railguard to the nose or tail protectors.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative adaptor configuration
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of the surfboard protector in use.
  • FIG. 8(A) and (B) illustrate perspective views of a nose protector employing molded pulp.
  • FIG. 9(A) and (B) illustrate perspective views of a tail protector employing molded pulp.
  • FIG. 10 (A)-(D) illustrate perspective views of a nose protector employing molded pulp made in a clam shell design.
  • FIG. 11 (A)-(D) illustrate perspective views of a tail protector employing molded pulp made in a clam shell design.
  • FIG. 12(A) and (B) illustrate perspective views of a rail guard employing molded pulp.
  • FIG. 13(A) and (B) illustrate perspective views of an adaptor employing molded pulp.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a surfboard protector in an exploded view.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates use of a system according to the principles disclosed here, in use for protecting a centerboard for a sailboat.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates use of a system according to the principles disclosed here in connection with protecting any product or object with an extended perimeter, including a tabletop, a laptop computer, a mirror, or the like.
  • FIG. 17 (A)-(D) illustrate various embodiments of corner protectors and edge protectors that may be employed according to the principles disclosed here.
  • FIG. 18 (A)-(E) illustrate an alternative set of embodiments of corner protectors and edge protectors that may be employed according to the principles disclosed here.
  • FIG. 19 (A)-(C) illustrates a corner protector in an unfolded configuration, as well as a rectangular sheet of such unfolded corner protectors, indicating a manufacturing process for the same.
  • FIG. 20 (A)-(E) illustrate perspective and detail views of a system according to the principles disclosed here, in connection with protecting a tabletop. With appropriate sizing, such a system may also be employed for protecting laptops, mirrors, sheets of glass, or the like.
  • FIG. 21 (A)-(B) illustrate embodiments of the system according to the principles disclosed here in both an exploded configuration and an in-use configuration, respectively.
  • FIG. 22 (A)-(C) illustrate views of a device which may accept an object having a nose or tail protector as described, the device allowing the object to be placed into a shipping container and shipped with a minimum of movement.
  • FIG. 23 (A)-(C) illustrate views of a prior art shipping method ( 23 (A)) as well as the device of FIG. 22 (A)-(C) in use shipping five protected objects together.
  • FIG. 1 a perspective view is illustrated of a system or assembly 100 of an embodiment of the invention surrounding a surfboard 10 .
  • the system or assembly 100 includes a nose protector 200 , a tail protector 500 , a left railguard assembly, which in this embodiment has been split into two left railguards 300 a and 300 b , and a right railguard assembly, which in this embodiment has been split into two right railguards 302 a and 302 b .
  • An attachment mechanism such as an adaptor 400 a serves to join the two left railguard portions in a secure fashion and in the same way an attachment mechanism such as an adaptor 400 b serves to join the two right railguard portions. Additional details about the nose and tail protectors and the railguards and attachment mechanisms are described below.
  • the nose protector 200 includes nubs, protrusions, or ramps 202 and 204 , hereinafter termed “protrusions”. These protrusions 202 and 204 engage slots 208 on the railguards 300 a and 302 a to hold the railguards securely to the nose protector.
  • the railguards 300 a and 302 a may be equipped with ribs or corrugations, and the railguards may slide onto the protrusion of the nose protector in a fashion substantially parallel to the corrugations.
  • the protrusions may be slightly sloped and have substantially the same height as a rib or corrugated portion of the railguard.
  • the female part may be a slit near the terminus of the railguard.
  • the nose protector and tail protector would be mounted on to their respective surfboard sections.
  • the raised protrusions would be exposed and ready for insertion.
  • the railguard would be fitted over the rail.
  • the terminus end with the slit or hole defined may be slid over the raised protrusion until the protrusion is fitted into this slit or hole.
  • the adaptor slides over the corrugations of each railguard, connecting both and bridging the gap of exposed surfboard. This procedure is then repeated for the railguards on the other side of the surfboard.
  • the nose protector 200 may have formed thereon an invagination 201 and a groove 203 . These elements may allow the systems 100 to be conveniently stacked. Invagination 201 and groove 203 are also reference points for the insertion of the tip of the surfboard and a means of releasing the protrusions from their slots by squeezing the edges of these grooves.
  • the system 100 may employ a bilayer construction, and this is also true of the nose protector 200 and tail protector 500 . That is, the nose protector 200 may employ a hard shell exterior 205 and the softer foam interior 212 . In the area of the nose protector 200 , a hole 214 may be defined into which a surfboard nose may be inserted.
  • the tail protector 500 is in some ways similar to the nose protector 200 .
  • the tail protector 500 may be equipped with protrusions 502 and 504 which matingly engage corresponding holes 304 b and 306 b defined in railguards 300 b and 302 b , respectively.
  • the tail protector may have the same sort of bilayer construction discussed above in connection with the nose protector.
  • FIG. 4 (A)-(G) embodiments of the railguards and adaptors are illustrated. Besides various views, it is noted that FIG. 4(B) depicts an exterior view of an adaptor and FIG. 4(C) depicts an interior view.
  • a railguard 302 a is illustrated adjacent a railguard 302 b .
  • An adaptor 400 b is shown spanning the same.
  • the adaptor 400 b includes a number of corrugations 404 , and at the base of one or more corrugations is disposed a nub 402 .
  • the adaptor 400 b slides over and fits onto the corrugations in the railguards, and the nub 402 helps hold the adaptor onto the railguards.
  • the corrugations generally allow secure positioning of the railguards at a given distance apart, and thus allow the system or assembly to be rendered adjustable—accommodating various sizes of surfboards. While in FIG. 4 (A)-(G) corrugations are illustrated on both the adaptor and on the railguards, it will be understood that in some embodiments corrugations need only be on the adaptor or on the railguard. So long as the adaptor can be held securely onto the railguard in such a way as to prevent significant longitudinal movement (i.e., movement along the direction of the axis of the surfboard), any adaptor/railguard configuration will work. For example, in FIG. 4(E) , no corrugations are illustrated on the adaptor.
  • a foam section 406 is provided in the center, and the same may be contacted by each railguard in the case that the shortest system or assembly is constructed.
  • the foam section 406 protects the rail of a surfboard in the general case where the railguards are separated by a gap and where the surfboard and protector receive a blow in the midsection. That is, where the adaptor would otherwise strike the rail without any foam protection.
  • FIG. 4(G) illustrates how an adaptor may fit over a snap onto a railguard, and in this case is disposed between two corrugations.
  • the nub is not illustrated for clarity.
  • the adaptor nubs may also snap onto the corrugations themselves.
  • FIG. 4(F) further illustrates the connection of a railguard to the nose protector.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative attachment mechanism between a nose protector 200 ′ and a railguard 300 ′.
  • a tongue 202 ′ formed on the nose protector 200 ′ may be rotatably inserted into a corresponding hole formed in or defined by the railguard 300 ′.
  • one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other attachment mechanisms given these teachings.
  • a left railguard will attach at one point to the left side of a nose protector, and a right railguard will attach at one point to the right side of a nose protector. Analogous attachments will be seen for the left and right railguards and the left and right portions of the tail protector.
  • the system may be made from polyethylene foam reinforced by Surlyn®, a plastic resin.
  • the system overlaps the outer perimeter of the surfboard on its edges. Extended coverage is placed on the nose and tail.
  • Polyethylene foam creates a light, flexible, and shock absorbing core that is reinforced by a strong and durable Surlyn® shell. Together they provide considerable protection against impact.
  • the system may be installed first on the nose protector and tail protector of the surfboard. At this point, the railguards have not been secured to the rails of the surfboard.
  • the railguards are then slid onto the rails of the surfboard.
  • the adaptor attaches to the railguard and secures the system to the surfboard.
  • the nose protector may attach to the railguard by the Surlyn® along the edge, i.e., the nose protector has a horizontal slit where the nose of the surfboard inserts. (Other methods may be employed as well.)
  • the joints between the tail protector and railguards act as hinges that swing open allowing the system to easily accommodate the tail and rails. These joints exist in the upper half as well. In cuts are made along the arms of both the upper and lower halves of the design to decrease rigidity.
  • a series of channels may be employed along the edge where the two halves of the system meet. These channels serve as anchorage points for the adaptor. Cast from a plastic resin, the adaptor is shaped in a complimentary form to the pattern of the channels and arms. This piece connects the two halves, further secures the system in position, and protects the rails of the surfboard from damage.
  • FIGS. 6 (A)-(F) illustrate this alternative adaptor assembly in which an adaptor attaches to a railguard permanently and is capable of moving both forward and back.
  • This system may be difficult to form via the vacuum forming techniques that are one way of creating the prior embodiments, but the system of FIG. 6 may still be formed by other methods.
  • the adaptor may lock on to an opposing railguard and secure both railguards into place by various different methods including, but not limited to, clamps, cinches, ratchets, tongue and groove systems, and/or elastic bands.
  • One method may function in the following way.
  • An adaptor 602 defines a pattern 614 in its side. This pattern serves as a track for an anchor 612 .
  • FIG. 6(B) illustrates how the adaptor 602 may be situated in a rest position on the railguard 300 b ′ when not in use.
  • the adaptor 602 slides along the railguard until the desired position is obtained, then one or more teeth 604 hook into one or more channels 610 of the opposing railguard 300 a ′.
  • the grooves 603 are pulled over the anchor 612 creating a locked-in position.
  • the teeth 604 fit into grooves 610 .
  • the anchor 612 can be moved within the channel 614 when the teeth 604 are not positioned inside the groove 610 .
  • the anchor engages one of several slots 603 along channel 614 causing the adaptor 602 to lock on the railguards, disallowing movement.
  • the teeth 604 lift up out of the groove 610 , disengaging the anchor from its slot 603 , allowing it to move freely along the track of channel 614 .
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a system or assembly 100 in use protecting a surfboard 10 .
  • the corrugations may be, e.g., spaced apart by a range of distances from 0.25 inches to more than 1 inch, e.g., 0.75 inches or 1 inch.
  • the corrugations may have a depth that varies between about 0.12 inches and 0.5 inches, e.g., 1/4 inch.
  • An optional flanged section on the railguard, adjacent the portion forming the slot, may provide a face at an angle to ease attachment/detachment of the railguard to the nose protector or tail protector.
  • the flange may allow the railguard to be more easily and conveniently mounted to/dismounted from the nose or tail protectors by lifting the same to slide over the protrusion smoothly.
  • the face of the flange may at an angle of, e.g., 30°.
  • the thickness of the hard shell exterior e.g., the Surlyn®
  • the thickness of the softer foam material may be, e.g., 1 ⁇ 4′′ to 1 ⁇ 2′′. These thicknesses may vary, however, not only from surfboard protector to surfboard protector, but also within a given surfboard protector.
  • the system or assembly may be made to fit surfboards of varying designs including hybrids, fish, longboards, SUPs, and so forth.
  • the system or assembly may be employed to protect other fragile products, especially those whose length may vary but whose overall shape remains constant, e.g., snowboards, artwork, laptops, airplane wings, foils, or the like.
  • the system or assembly may be made stackable by pressing a groove into the top of each assembly and an invagination into the bottom of each assembly. It will be understood that variations of this design may also be employed to provide a stackable feature.
  • the surfboards and protectors may not be centered one atop the other, but so long as an invagination is engaging a groove somewhere on the railguards or nose or tail protectors, the surfboards may be securely stacked.
  • the system may be supplemented by being removably encased in a surfboard bag, the bag serving to further protect the surfboard as well as the nose and tail protectors and railguards.
  • the railguards and nose and tail protectors may be equipped with attachment mechanisms, e.g., buttons or snaps, by which flat bags may be spanned and attached. These flat bags may be opened by zippers or other known techniques. By inserting clothing, blankets, towels, wetsuits, or the like into the flat bags, additional storage may be gained for travel, and additional protection is afforded to the top and bottom of the surfboard.
  • two layers of threaded mesh may be sewn together around their perimeter.
  • flexible foam sheets may be attached in the same way.
  • the flexible foam sheets provide protection against damage, and may be employed during a trip as a yoga mat, pillow, or as an extra cushion. Additional pockets may be sewn into the mesh or foam to provide storage for small items.
  • large bands e.g., similar to large rubber bands or bungee cords, may further be employed to retain the protective pieces by circling the same in a rail-to-rail fashion around the board and protector.
  • the disclosed adaptors may be replaced with various other designs. For example, to connect together two railguards in an adjustable fashion, elastic bands may be employed. Alternatively, one railguard may have mounted thereon a mechanism that can matingly engage with another railguard in a variety of positions.
  • one mechanism may be an invagination, formed on a piece hingedly mounted to one railguard, that is rotated into one of a set of grooves on another, the insertion allowing a friction-fit, the groove chosen to allow a suitable length of the combined railguards to be achieved.
  • Other mechanisms may be Velcro® straps, clamps, bindings such as those found on ski boots, or the like.
  • one or more (or all) components may be constructed from a single layer of a variety of materials, including but not limited to: postconsumer recycled paper (molded pulp), a plant—based material such as molded roots, molded fungus, cardboard, wheat, reed, bamboo, or rubber.
  • postconsumer recycled paper molded pulp
  • a plant—based material such as molded roots, molded fungus, cardboard, wheat, reed, bamboo, or rubber.
  • a coating or slurry additive may further be employed to provide an even greater layer of reusability.
  • Such coatings and/or additives may include water-based glues or vapor inhibitors or the like to prevent surface corrosion.
  • FIGS. 8-14 illustrate such an implementation involving molded pulp. While not required, this implementation employs corrugated molded pulp for additional durability and reusability.
  • a nose protector is illustrated made of molded pulp.
  • a “deep-draw” method of fabrication may be employed.
  • the “deep-draw” method may be employed where the depth (the height of the triangle formed by the product, in the distance along the corrugations) of the product required is less than about 5 ′′.
  • a clamshell system is employed which is disclosed in FIGS. 10-11 .
  • the nose protector 701 is made of corrugated molded pulp.
  • the corrugations are made by valleys 705 and peaks 706 .
  • a central invagination 702 is formed on one side of the nose protector, and a corresponding protrusion 703 is formed on an opposite side.
  • the invagination and protrusion generally run in the center of the product, and provide for convenient stacking.
  • Tabs 704 are provided on each side of the product as well as on the top and bottom, for a total of four.
  • the tabs 704 are employed to cooperate with the rail guards (see FIG. 12 ) to attach one to the other.
  • FIG. 9 (A)-(B) is generally similar to FIG. 8 .
  • the tail protector 711 is made of corrugated molded pulp. The corrugations are made by valleys 715 and peaks 716 .
  • a central invagination 712 is formed on one side of the tail protector, and a corresponding protrusion 713 is formed on an opposite side. The invagination and protrusion generally run in the center of the product, and provide for convenient stacking.
  • Tabs 714 are provided on each side of the product as well as on the top and bottom, for a total of four.
  • the tabs 714 are employed to cooperate with the rail guards (see FIG. 12 ) to attach one to the other.
  • a primary difference of the tail protector is that the same may have a slightly different shape to accommodate the shape of the typical surfboard tail.
  • FIG. 10 (A)-(C) illustrate various views of a molded pulp nose protector 727 in a clamshell design. The same is shown in use protecting a nose of a surfboard 728 . In this case, the corrugations are illustrated by valleys 725 and peaks 726 . Tabs 724 are provided to interlock in the rail guards in the same way tabs 704 / 714 did in FIGS. 8 and 9 .
  • an indentation 724 ′ may be employed on opposite sides of the product to allow a rubber band to be held securely around the product, keeping the clamshell together. The rubber band would run perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the surfboard.
  • FIG. 11 (A)-(D) illustrate various views of a molded pulp tail protector 738 in a clamshell design. The same is shown in use protecting a tail of a surfboard 739 .
  • the corrugations are illustrated by valleys 735 and peaks 736 .
  • Tabs 734 are provided to interlock in the rail guards in the same way tabs 704 / 714 did in FIGS. 8 and 9 .
  • an indentation 734 ′ may be employed on opposite sides of the product to allow a rubber band to be held securely around the product, keeping the clamshell together. The rubber band would run perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the surfboard.
  • FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 other ways of keeping the clamshell together may also be employed, such as by interlocking tabs and protrusions on the product itself.
  • FIG. 12 (A)-(B) illustrates an exemplary rail guard 740 made of, e.g., molded pulp.
  • the rail guard 740 includes a plurality of ribs 742 which in themselves serve to strengthen the rail guard.
  • the ribs 742 engage with inter-cooperating ribs and the valleys in an adapter (see FIG. 13 ).
  • Pilot holes 741 are provided on the rail guard 740 through which the tabs on the nose and tail protectors enter and engage in a secure fashion to hold the rail guards to the nose and tail protectors.
  • the pilot holes 741 and rail guards 740 also can serve to hold the clamshell closed. It will be understood that variations of this design may be seen. For example, holes may be provided on the nose and tail protectors which engage tabs on the rail guards. Other closure and fixation devices may also be employed, such as clips, and the like.
  • an adapter 750 is illustrated made of, e.g., molded pulp.
  • a number of ribs 751 are illustrated, which are placed between the ribs 742 of the rail guard 740 . Because of the number of parallel ribs 751 and ribs 742 , the adapter 750 may be employed to securely hold two rail guards 740 in a variety of distances apart from each other in a friction fit.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a system 760 in an exploded configuration, showing how the various components may be located in use.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a system analogous to system 760 that may be employed to protect a centerboard 713 of a sailboat.
  • a centerboard 713 is illustrated with a top area 774 requiring protection, a bottom area 776 requiring protection, and rail areas 775 requiring protection.
  • a top protector 777 is provided, and on the opposite end of the centerboard 713 a bottom protector 779 is disposed.
  • Rail guards 778 are provided which engage the top protector and bottom protector by tabs or the like.
  • the adapters 780 allow a variety of lengths of centerboards to be accommodated without requiring changing the size of the components. The only change needed is where the adapter attaches to the rail guards.
  • the implementations of the principles disclosed here may be employed to protect other fragile objects, such as other items related to action sports, e.g., skis, wake boards, snowboards, and other action sports boards.
  • Implementations may also be employed in packaging and/or protecting objects wherever a fragile edge or object having a perimeter needs protection, e.g., mirrors, tabletops, sheets of glass, table legs, and the like.
  • a system is provided for protecting virtually any object which has a perimeter on which a rail guard may be placed.
  • corner protectors are also disclosed below. As will be seen, corner protectors may be constructed and employed that protect a corner that extends laterally beyond the extent of an underpiece such as molding or, e.g., table legs.
  • corner protectors 829 Such protectors are shown by corner protectors 829 , and generally protect a, e.g., table corner, on both a top and a bottom as well as on two sides, i.e., four total planar surfaces. Corner protectors may also be constructed and employed that protect just on three planar surfaces (see corner protectors 828 ), and the same may be particularly appropriate for, e.g., table corners that are flush with table legs. Corner protectors 829 generally engage with rail guards 824 and 834 , and corner protectors 828 generally engage with rail guards or edge protectors 831 .
  • edge protectors 831 and rail guards 824 are provided with a number of holes spanning their entire length. The same may span two corner protectors, and be affixed securely thereto, even in the absence of an adapter. Thus in such a system, illustrated by the rail guard 824 of FIG. 20(A) , no adapters are required. It is noted that such rail guards may also be employed in the action sports board protectors described in FIGS. 1-15 , thus providing an adjustable assembly for protecting at least a portion of a perimeter of an object during transit and/or storage including corner (or nose/tail) and rail/edge protection without the use of an adapter. The perforations between the holes may allow a convenient way to cut the edge protectors 831 and rail guards 824 to a desired size.
  • FIG. 16 protection of an object 800 is illustrated with rail guards 834 connected by adapters 835 .
  • rail guards 834 and adapters are provided along each of the edges.
  • the rail guards 834 and adapters 835 act basically similarly to those discussed above in connection with surfboard protection.
  • corner protectors or end caps 829 are provided.
  • the rail guards are provided with pilot holes to attach to the end caps 829 , the latter having been provided with tabs which engage the pilot holes.
  • an end cap 829 is illustrated having tabs 830 cooperating with pilot holes in a rail guard.
  • the end cap 829 is of the type that would be appropriate for a tabletop, where the tabletop extends beyond the extent of the legs.
  • rail protectors 824 for use with end caps 829 are illustrated as provided with pilot holes 823 and perforations 822 , for the same reasons as the corresponding elements in FIG. 17 .
  • the rail protectors 824 have a shape to conform around the edge of a table (around three surfaces) or around three surfaces of a leg.
  • FIGS. 17 (C)-(D) illustrate alternative rail guards or edge protectors 831 , the same serving to protect two sides of a rail or leg instead of three.
  • the edge protector 831 further includes a number of pilot holes 832 . Between the pilot holes are perforations 833 which may be employed to allow a user to conveniently cut the edge protector to any desired length.
  • the rail guards or edge protectors 831 cooperate with corner protectors 828 (see FIG. 18 (D)-(E)) to protect, e.g., table corners having flush legs. That is, the corner protectors 828 are provided which when folded protect corners of objects and further provide tabs for connection to edge protectors 831 .
  • the corner protectors 828 include pilot holes 825 and tabs 826 .
  • FIG. 18(E) the corner protector is shown in an unfolded configuration 827 .
  • the flat unfolded corner protector is shown in FIG. 19 (A)-(C) as well, and FIG. 19(C) in particular illustrates how a number of such corner protectors may be formed from a single sheet, e.g., of molded pulp.
  • corner protectors have the advantage that they ship flat, and allow for maximum yield during processing. The same engage the edge protectors (rail guards) without the use of adhesive. Such provide a benefit over current corner protectors because current corner protectors are shipped in the same form as when they are used, e.g., in a triangular or pyramidal shape.
  • a disadvantage to this is that transporting a stack of such pyramidal protectors is limited by its size.
  • a flat design capable of being assembled by the end-user as a pyramid has significant advantages when shipping, and further has significant functionality when used.
  • molded pulp corners is limited by the number of parts that can be constructed in one cycle. In other words, their size and dimensions allow a certain number to be produced at one time.
  • an assembly line of parts may be provided for manufacturing at one time, while limiting the amount of molded pulp waste.
  • the square shape of each part allows for a high yield and minimal waste because the same can be arranged side-by-side. It is noted that corner protectors 829 may also be constructed in this manner.
  • the tabs of the corner protectors engage pilot holes in the edge protectors. This interface creates a union that does not require adhesive.
  • the simple connection can be made very rapidly, e.g., while preparation is made to shrink wrap products. It further reduces the need for tape and other expensive adhesives.
  • FIG. 20 (A)-(E) illustrates use of corner protectors 829 in combination with edge protectors or rail guards 834 , the rail guards 834 being secured together using adapters 835 .
  • a rail guard 824 may further be employed to engage tabs on the corner protector 829 instead of the use of rail guards 834 and the adapter 835 .
  • Such a system may be conveniently employed when the perimeter of the tabletop extends beyond (is not flush with) the extent of the legs.
  • FIG. 21 (A)-(B) illustrate the use of edge protectors 831 connected to corner protector 828 .
  • FIG. 21(A) an exploded configuration is illustrated.
  • FIG. 21(B) the parts are shown in use.
  • Such a system may be conveniently employed when the perimeter of the tabletop does not extend beyond (i.e., is flush with) the extent of the legs.
  • first corner protector typically a first corner protector is connected to a second corner protector using first and second edge protectors or rail guards and adapters according to the principles disclosed above. In many cases, full perimeter protection will be provided having such edge protectors or rail guards and corner protectors surrounding the entire perimeter.
  • marketing materials such as trademarks, instructions for folding or for use in packaging, advertising, and the like may be conveniently molded or printed thereon.
  • Codes which may be unique, may be imprinted on the product to enable giveaways in known manner, as well as to enable products to be tracked wherever the product travels. Such can provide a highly useful online or (e.g., for actions sports usage or other consumer uses) social networking aspect, depending on implementation.
  • FIG. 23(A) an end cap 901 is illustrated for engaging the nose and tail protectors of the surfboard.
  • surfboards Normally when surfboards are shipped, they are packaged and placed inside boxes, with void spaces being filled with foam, bubble wrap, etc.
  • FIG. 23(A) illustrates such a prior art situation, in which a surfboard 913 is placed in a box 918 having only foam pieces 917 . The problem is that such objects shift around inside the box, causing damage.
  • the end caps shown in FIG. 22 (A)-(C) solve this problem.
  • the nose and tail protectors slide inside the end caps 901 and are held in place by friction fit protrusions 910 of various heights and depths that engage the nose and tail protector, holding the board firmly in place.
  • a cap on the nose and tail protector may then interlock with one or more pilot holes 907 , further securing its position.
  • Grooves 904 and tongues 905 allow for stacking.
  • Wings 902 extend outward and abut the inside walls of the box, preventing shifting. Depending on the width of the box, the wing's length can be adjusted by cutting along perforations 908 .
  • FIG. 22(B) depicts the inside of the end cap 901 .
  • Protrusions 910 - 912 vary in height and spacing so as to accommodate nose and tail protectors of different widths and thicknesses.
  • FIG. 22(C) demonstrates end cap 901 adjacent to three different surfboard noses. Viewing the end cap 901 from the top looking down, the varying depths of protrusions 910 - 912 can be seen. For example, longboard 915 is the widest. Therefore, it would generally engage end cap 901 being held in place by protrusions 910 and stopping at protrusions 911 .
  • Hybrid board 914 engages end cap 901 being held in place by protrusions 911 and stopping at protrusions 912 .
  • Short board 913 the narrowest, engages end cap 901 being held in place by protrusions 912 and stopping at the abutting wall.
  • the end caps 901 situate objects that are protected by a nose or tail protector or the like within a shipping box. Of course, it will be understood that such may also situate, within boxes in a secure fashion, objects that are protected by other embodiments of the invention, including those described with respect to furniture.
  • the end caps 901 generally define a pocket having a top wall and a bottom wall. The pocket is open in one section and in the remainder is sealed together in a seam. Protrusions are in the interior of the pocket, and an object encased in a protector may bypass some protrusions and abut others, when the object is slid into the end cap in a longitudinal direction.
  • the width of the object and nose protector determine which protrusions are slid the past, which are abutted against, and which touch, if any, the top and bottom exterior portions of the nose or tail or other protector.
  • Wings may extend from the pocket which abut the interior sides of a box to limit movement of the object situated within the box.
  • the wings may have perforations formed thereon to allow different sizes or widths to be conveniently accommodated.
  • FIG. 23(B) is a top view of a surfboard packaged with a nose and tail protector and end caps inside a box according the principles described here.
  • the protector 919 provides full rail protection to the short board 913 in the manner described above.
  • End cap 901 engages the nose protector 920 and tail protector 921 and protects the same when the object is placed inside a shipping or storage container.
  • FIG. 23(C) is a profile view of several actions sports boards 913 packaged with protection 919 according to principles described here with end caps 901 and stacked on top of one another inside a box.
  • the end caps 901 may be employed for shipping stacked objects such as tabletops, laptops, mirrors, sheets of glass, or the like.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
US13/297,084 2009-08-28 2011-11-15 Surfboard protector Abandoned US20120118767A1 (en)

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US13/297,084 US20120118767A1 (en) 2009-08-28 2011-11-15 Surfboard protector

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

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US27537809P 2009-08-28 2009-08-28
US27893709P 2009-10-14 2009-10-14
US33403810P 2010-05-12 2010-05-12
US12/870,679 US8191712B2 (en) 2009-08-28 2010-08-27 Surfboard protector
US45694910P 2010-11-15 2010-11-15
US13/297,084 US20120118767A1 (en) 2009-08-28 2011-11-15 Surfboard protector

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102014113855A1 (de) * 2014-09-24 2016-03-24 Boards & More Gmbh Boardtasche
WO2017117082A1 (fr) * 2015-12-27 2017-07-06 Michiaki Ishida Appareils et procédés pour emballer des planches de surf et d'autres objets
WO2018035352A1 (fr) * 2016-08-18 2018-02-22 Stephen Kenneth Warll Boîte protectrice pour embarcation/planche
WO2018035351A1 (fr) * 2016-08-18 2018-02-22 Stephen Kenneth Warll Planche nautique à âme en papier
WO2018144652A1 (fr) * 2017-01-31 2018-08-09 Michiaki Ishida Appareils et des procédés pour emballer des objets allongés
US20180263348A1 (en) * 2017-03-16 2018-09-20 Shenzhen Tomtoc Technology Co., Ltd. Anti-Collision Corner Armor for Laptop Bag

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6015376U (ja) * 1983-07-13 1985-02-01 森　康三 サ−フボ−ドプロテクタ
US4719952A (en) * 1986-11-24 1988-01-19 Geronimo John D Surfboard horizontal control surface protection method and apparatus
US4838427A (en) * 1988-07-26 1989-06-13 Hurley Richard D Shipping protector
US5310221A (en) * 1991-10-30 1994-05-10 Richard Schmidt Protective cap for ski tips
US20090189045A1 (en) * 2008-01-28 2009-07-30 Peckovich William N Edge Protector

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102014113855A1 (de) * 2014-09-24 2016-03-24 Boards & More Gmbh Boardtasche
WO2017117082A1 (fr) * 2015-12-27 2017-07-06 Michiaki Ishida Appareils et procédés pour emballer des planches de surf et d'autres objets
WO2018035352A1 (fr) * 2016-08-18 2018-02-22 Stephen Kenneth Warll Boîte protectrice pour embarcation/planche
WO2018035351A1 (fr) * 2016-08-18 2018-02-22 Stephen Kenneth Warll Planche nautique à âme en papier
US10583901B2 (en) 2016-08-18 2020-03-10 Stephen Kenneth Warll Paper-based watercraft board
US10661864B2 (en) 2016-08-18 2020-05-26 Stephen Kenneth Warll Protective watercraft board container
WO2018144652A1 (fr) * 2017-01-31 2018-08-09 Michiaki Ishida Appareils et des procédés pour emballer des objets allongés
US20180263348A1 (en) * 2017-03-16 2018-09-20 Shenzhen Tomtoc Technology Co., Ltd. Anti-Collision Corner Armor for Laptop Bag
US10357088B2 (en) * 2017-03-16 2019-07-23 Shenzhen Tomtoc Technology Co., Ltd. Anti-collision corner armor for laptop bag

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Owner name: SURF TRAVEL SOLUTIONS, INC., CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KOETT, JARED;WILSON, WILLIAM H.;REEL/FRAME:027639/0193

Effective date: 20111205

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Owner name: KOETT, JARED, CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SURF TRAVEL SOLUTIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:029524/0274

Effective date: 20121220

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

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