WO2020039369A1

WO2020039369A1 - Docking station

Info

Publication number: WO2020039369A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/057050
Authority: WO
Inventors: João Maria DE ALBUQUERQUE CARVALHO
Original assignee: De Albuquerque Carvalho Joao Maria
Priority date: 2018-08-21
Filing date: 2019-08-21
Publication date: 2020-02-27
Also published as: WO2020039369A4

Abstract

The present application relates to a docking station, in particular, a docking rack for securing and storing surfboards including but not limited to, softboards, funboards, epoxy/fiberglass boards, long boards, and paddle boards, not necessarily with the same sizes and shapes. The docking rack (1) is comprised by a central pole(2) and an element guide (3) where is applied a locking mechanism (4) to block the movement of the surfboard central fin, by means of a pin or padlock (7), for example. The rack (1) also comprises a control unit and a scanning unit (5), that is responsible for detecting the presence of a surfboard in the docking rack. It is also proposed a docking station comprised by one or more docking racks (1).

Description

DESCRIPTION

"DOCKING STATION"

Technical field

The present application relates to a docking station for surfboards .

Background art

Theft of surfboards is regrettably common. Thus, when a surfboard is left unattended in a public space, it would be desirable to use an anti-theft device. Also, surfboards are relatively large smooth platforms and are not readily secured by generic locking devices such as chains or padlocks. In fact, due to geometric constrains is difficult to set up a proper security docking station for a surfboard. In its generic configuration, a surfboard can be comprised by a single central fin or by a thruster setup with three sized fins on the bottom of the surfboard closest to the tail.

Current indoor and outdoor securing solutions for surfboards, such as the one disclosed in US 4,938,040 are not adapted to specific dimensions and shapes of a surfboard or prepared to endure adverse weather conditions such as the being placed in the proximities of the sea, where salt and sand are a constant and do not allow for an efficient storage and friendly usage by surfers, surf schools and surf stores. Furthermore, they do not include security features such as video cameras or include technologies to track/manage its inventory . Summary

The present application describes a docking rack comprising:

- a central pole;

- a guide element comprising a locking mechanism;

- a control unit;

- a scanning unit,

wherein, the guide element is a body attached to the central pole, with a shape adapted to retain a central fin of a surfboard, by means its locking mechanism.

In one embodiment of the rack, the central pole is comprised by a armor body adapted to provide side support and stabilization for a surfboard while inserted in the central pole, by extending vertically along the surfboard's surface.

In another embodiment of the rack, the armor body comprises an enclosure box.

Yet in another embodiment of the rack, the locking mechanism is of a locking pin or padlock type.

In another embodiment of the rack, the closing procedure is manually or remotely controlled by a user.

In another embodiment of the rack, the remotely control closing procedure is performed by means of a local interface or a mobile application.

Yet in another embodiment of the rack, the locking mechanism is an electromagnetic locking system wherein the locking procedure is actuated by means of a metal plate installed in a surfboard. In another embodiment of the rack, the control unit is comprised by a processor module and a communication module, wherein

the processor module configured to collect and process the data collected by the scanning unit (5);

the communication module is configured to configured to establish a bidirectional datalink with a docking station or a remote server unit or database system.

In another embodiment of the rack, the datalink is established through a wired or wireless communication protocol .

Yet in another embodiment of the rack, the scanning unit (5) is embedded in the central pole (2) and is configured to detect the presence of a surfboard in the docking rack.

Finally in one embodiment of the rack, the scanning unit is based on RFID, barcode (laser), QR code scanner, GPS, Bluetooth or Video technology.

The present application also describes a docking station comprising :

- At least one docking rack as herein claimed;

- A central control unit;

- A power unit.

In one embodiment of the station, the central control unit comprises :

a processor module adapted to provide a digital platform for monitoring the surfboards docked in the docking racks of the station; a communication module configured to established bidirectional datalinks with the control unit of each docking rack of the station and with a database system for monitoring purposes .

In another embodiment of the station, the digital platform is accessed by means of an user interface device or remotely using a mobile application.

Yet in another embodiment of the station, the interface device is a touchscreen.

In another embodiment of the station, it comprises video cameras, said video cameras being operated by the processor module .

In another embodiment of the station, the power unit is a of a battery type.

In another embodiment of the station, the power unit is a of a photovoltaic type.

Detailed Description

The present application intends to solve the problem of storing surfboards, in a secure way. According to the principles described herein, a docking station is implemented, being specially adapted to be used with elongated articles, such as surfboards.

With this purpose in mind, it is an object of the present application to provide a docking station suitable for elongated articles, appropriated for surfing and/or floating, including but not limited to surfboards, softboards, funboards, epoxy/ fiberglass boards, long boards, and paddle boards, not necessarily with the same sizes and shapes. For the purpose of the present disclosure the term "surfboard" as used herein will be understood as any elongated article or similar board used in aquatic sports.

It is another object of the present application to provide a docking rack for storing a surfboard, allowing its secure retaining and release through a direct or remote user interaction with the docking rack.

Yet it is another object of the present application to provide a docking station comprised by at least one docking rack, for storing several surfboards.

It is another object of the present application to provide an automated storing, sharing and rental station of surfboards, using the docking station described herein, said docking station being comprising a tracking system able to track surfboards.

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present application will be described in detail in the following description. In accordance with one aspect of the present application, the above and other objects can be accomplished by a docking station comprising at least one docking rack specially configured to store a surfboard.

In accordance with one aspect of the present application, a docking rack is comprised by a central pole, a guide element with a locking mechanism and a control unit. In one aspect of the present application, the docking rack provides a stable and safe support for a surfboard, due to its structural arrangement and shape. It is comprised of a central pole, where the surfboard is to be vertically inserted, having an armor body for proving side support and stabilization of the surfboard while docked by extending vertically along its surface. Therefore, the central pole is suitable to accommodate any type of surfboard with a single central fin or a thruster fin's configuration. The central fin is inserted and locked in the guide element, being stabilized by the structural arrangement and shape of the central pole, formed by its armor body. When in a thruster configuration, the other two side fins of the surfboard can be placed in the rim of the central pole, depending on the size of the surfboard, which provides extra stabilization. The armor body comprises in its interior space an enclosure box to store items among others, surfboard leaches, wetsuits, wax and paddles. The surfboard once docked might block this enclosure, thus being itself the lock.

In another aspect of the present application, the rack also comprises a guide element, with a shape specially adapted to retain the central fin of a surfboard, said guide element having a locking mechanism installed that is used to secure the surfboard by locking its central fin. In particular, it is required a manual movement by an user to dock and lock the surfboard in such a docking rack, implying the surfboard tail to be positioned on top of the docking rack in a vertical position, and force may be applied downwards by the user so the locking mechanism of the rack' s guide element can be triggered . In accordance with another aspect of the present application, the locking mechanism of the guide element is used to lock the central fin of the docked surfboard. This could be achieved using a set of different locking type mechanisms adapted for that purpose, involving the user intervention by means of a locking pin or padlock to close the guide, wherein said closing procedure being manually or remotely, via local interface or mobile application, controlled by the user. Other alternatives to the locking mechanism can be considered involving modifications to the surfboard itself, such as the use of an electromagnetic locking system that holds and releases a modified surfboard with a metal plate inside, or the use of a locking mechanism based on a hooking system with the help of a modified leash, that hooks the surfboard through a leash plug.

In accordance with another aspect of the present application, the docking rack also comprises a control unit having a processor module and a communication module.

In one aspect of the present application, the processor module is configured to collect and process the data collected by a scanning unit, installed in the central pole. The scanning unit is responsible for detecting the presence of a surfboard in the docking rack and it is a sensor-based mechanism that can be implemented using any of the state-of- the-art technologies used for sensing and detecting objects. An exemplary scanning unit is able to monitor the presence of surfboards in the docking rack where it is installed, and to communicate the results to the control unit of the docking rack. The scanning unit may be based on RFID, barcode (laser), QR code scanner, GPS, Bluetooth or Video technology. It is comprised by an emitter and a receptor, both placed in the structure of the central pole in a position suitable to detect the presence or the absence of the surfboard. Depending on the technology used for tagging the surfboards there can be one or more emitters/receptors at the entry and exit docking racks to make sure that the surfboard is scanned consistently. For example, if RFID tags are used for tagging the surfboard, the RFID readers are typically mounted in a way to ensure that when the surfboard is exiting or entering the docking rack the tags on the surfboard are read consistently. There are various RFID technologies including but not limited to low frequency (e.g.125 KHz), high frequency (e.g. 13.5 MHz) or ultra-high frequency (higher than 300 MHz) that can be used for tracking equipment in accordance with the present application. Depending on the technology used, the read range for the RFID tag may be in the range cm to one or more meters. Therefore, the readers may be adjusted in a way to make sure that the tags are read consistently. An identification component including, but not limited to, RFID tags and barcodes, QR codes, or Bluetooth modules, can be attached to the surfboard for tracking and inventory control.

In another aspect of the present application, the communication module of the control unit is configured to establish a bidirectional datalink with a docking station or a remote server unit or database system. Said communication module enables exchanging data/ docking rack status over a wired or wireless protocol connection to a supervisory backend software and database system placed at the docking station or at a remote internet server. Said information can be access locally, by means of user interface devices installed in the docking station, or remotely using a mobile application. The data exchange can be related to docking rack status but also to the information update related to user profile.

In accordance with another aspect of the present application, a docking station is developed being a structure where at least one docking rack is to be installed. The station might be a spinning platform with docking racks, to allow the user to better view and select the surfboard. The platform may spin only in one direction, for example clockwise, and for safety reasons the rotation speed of the platform might be limited by a control mechanism. The docking station comprises a central control unit having a processor module and a communication module.

In one aspect of the present application, the processor module of the station' s central control unit is adapted to provide a digital platform for monitoring the surfboards that are docked in the docking racks of the station, said information being accessed by an user locally, by means of an user interface device such as a touchscreen, or remotely using a mobile application. For that purpose, the processor unit is configured to execute a supervisory software to locally manage the interactions with each docking rack, and corresponds accordingly depending on the user commands such as requests for unlock and lock of a surfboard. Also, the central control unit is responsible to monitor the status of different hardware docking rack components and report them to the supervisory software or database. For security purpose, one or more video cameras can be mounted in the station and are operated by the processor module of the station's central control unit. In another aspect of the present application, the communication module of the station' s central control unit is configured to established bidirectional datalinks with the control unit of each docking rack of the station and with database system for monitoring purposes, making possible to connect and manage a network of several docking stations. The interaction between the station and the racks can be executed by means of any wired or wireless communication protocol. The interactions between the docking station and database systems is performed generically by means of an internet connection.

The docking station includes also a powering unit, which supplies the electrical energy to the station and its respective docks . The power source can be from city electrical grid sockets or can be supplied by different means including, but not limited to, a rechargeable battery, or solar panels with batteries. In the particular scenario where solar panels are used, they are installed in the ceiling of the docking station.

In accordance with another aspect of the present application, the docking station are used for share, storage or rental of surfboards. It can further comprise a payment terminal to accept fees from users, which can be integrated with the station through an user interface device, such as a touchscreen, or accessible through a remote mobile application. Payment can reflect rental fees or reservation charges. Additionally, the station might also be equipped with a shower to clean surfboards after usage.

In accordance with another aspect of the present application, there is provided a method for operating the docking station, with the purpose of releasing a surfboard from a docking rack. Said method comprising the steps of: receiving a request from a user to obtain the one or more surfboards from the station; authenticating the user by querying a database to where registered users information is stored to determine if the user is a registered user, wherein if the user is not registered, the database informs the user to register; and if the user is registered, the database sends a lock release command to the station to allow the user to remove the one or more surfboards from the station; identifying the one or more surfboards from the station to associate a user's account, and initiating a period of time for use of the one or more surfboards obtained from the station; sending a confirmation message to the user; wherein after the surfboard is returned to the station, the one or more surfboards are received by the station, scanned and secured, and the user's account is disassociated from the one or more surfboards returned to the station, thereby terminating the period of time for use of the one or more surfboards, and wherein a further confirmation message is sent to the user. The request and confirmation messages can be received through a user information on the station or through a mobile application. Ideally, the user can either pay or register for the use of the surfboard through an interface on the station or through a remote mobile application .

In accordance with certain aspects of the present application, a registered user may be first identified by the station and then the user will be able to remove one or more surfboards with unique IDs that have already been identified by the scanning system. To return, the user inserts the rented surfboard and the scanning system at the return docking rack will identify the "ID code", lock it, and the return process is completed. The station may be used to identify when a surfboard has been borrowed and to whom it has been rented. Also, upon return of the surfboard, the station may be used to identify the returned surfboard as well as the user. Interactions with the station or station status may be controlled or managed by a supervisory software .

Brief description of drawings

For easier understanding of this application, figures are attached in the annex that represent the preferred forms of implementation which nevertheless are not intended to limit the technique disclosed herein.

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the docking rack described in this application, in which the reference numbers represent :

1 - docking rack;

2 - central pole;

3 - guide element;

4 - locking mechanism;

5 - scanning unit;

6 - enclosure box;

7 - pin or padlock.

Figure 2 illustrates a different view of an embodiment of the docking rack described in this application, in which the reference numbers represent:

1 - docking rack;

2 - central pole;

3 - guide element; 5 - scanning unit;

13 - armor body.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the docking rack developed, in which the reference numbers represent:

2 - central pole;

3 - guide element;

5 - scanning unit;

6 - enclosure box;

7 - pin or padlock;

8 - hole for pin or padlock;

9 - surfboard;

10 - central fin;

11 - QR code.

Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the docking station disclosed in the present application, in which the reference signs represent:

1 - docking rack;

12 - docking station.

Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the docking station disclosed in the present application, in which the reference signs represent:

1 - docking rack;

9 - surfboard;

12 - docking station.

Best mode for carrying out the invention

Now, preferred embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the annexed drawings. However, they are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

In one embodiment of the present application, the docking rack (1) is comprised by a central pole (2), a guide element (3), a locking mechanism (4), a control unit and a scanning unit ( 5 ) .

The central pole (2) is where the tail of the surfboard (9) is to be docked. Said central pole (2) has an armor body (13), for proving the stabilization of the surfboard (9) by extending vertically along its surface. The docking rack (1) also comprises the guide element (3) where the central fin (10) of the surfboard (9) is to be inserted. In one embodiment of the docking rack (1) the central pole (2) is suitable to support any type of surfboards (9) of an universal size. However, depending on the shapes and dimensions of the desired surfboard and fin(s), alternative embodiments of the docking racks (1) can be applicable. In one embodiment, the central pole (2) is suitable to support surfboards (9) having a single central fin (10) or a thruster configuration. In another embodiment, the armor body (13) comprises in its interior space an enclosure box (6) to store items among others, surfboard leaches, wetsuits, wax and paddles. The surfboard (9) once docked blocks this enclosure

(6), thus being itself the lock.

The locking mechanism (4) is applied to the guide element (3) in order to lock the central fin (10) of the surfboard (9) . For this purpose, a set of different locking type mechanisms can be used, such as a locking pin or a padlock

(7) to close the guide (3), or even an adjustable belt to hold the surfboard (9) in place. In another embodiment of the present application, other alternatives to the locking mechanism (4) are used, these involving modifications to the surfboard (9) itself, such as the use of an electromagnetic locking system that holds and releases a modified surfboard (9) with a metal plate inside, or the use of a locking mechanism (4) based on a hooking system with the help of a modified leash, that hooks the surfboard (9) through a leash plug .

The control unit comprises processor means and a communication module configured to establish a bidirectional datalink with a docking station (12) . In one embodiment, the communication module enables exchanging data/ docking rack status over a wireless protocol connection to a supervisory backend software and database system placed at an internet server. The scanning unit (5) is responsible to detect the presence of a surfboard (9) in the docking rack (1) . In one embodiment, the scanning unit (5) is installed in the central pole ( 2 ) .

In one embodiment, the scanning unit (5) is based on RFID, barcode (laser), QR code scanner, GPS, Bluetooth or Video technology. It is comprised by an emitter and a receptor, both placed in the structure of the central pole (2) in a position suitable to detect the presence or the absence of the surfboard (9) .

In one embodiment of the docking rack (1), passive RFID tags with 125 KHz frequency may be used in conjunction with a scanning unit (5) composed of two coil antennas placed parallel to each other in a configuration that allows for the surfboard (9) to be passed between the antenna coils. This configuration may allow for consistent reading of the tags in more than one direction. A RFID tag can be attached the surfboard (9) so that the tags are always mechanically aligned with the scanning antenna coil as the surfboard (9) exits or being returned to the docking rack (1) .

In another embodiment of the present application, it is described a docking station (12) . It is a structure where at least one docking rack (1) is installed in a spinning platform. In one embodiment, the platform spins only in one direction, for example clockwise, and for safety reasons the rotation speed of the platform might be might limited by a control mechanism. The docking station (12) is configured to provide also a digital platform for managing the share, storage or rental of boards, through an automated station managed by a supervisory software and database system, which interacts with the docking station (12) using an internet connection .

In one embodiment, the docking station (12) comprises a central control unit, which is in straight communication with the control units of the racks (1) mounted in the station (12), and a communication module adapted to establish datalinks over the internet to a supervisory backend software and/or database server systems, making possible to connect and manage a network of docking stations (12) . The central control unit has processor means adapted to locally manage the interactions with each docking rack (1), and corresponds accordingly depending on the user commands such as requests for rental and returning of the surfboards (9) . Also, the central control unit is responsible to monitor the status of different hardware docking rack (1) components and report them to the supervisory software or database. Said information can be access locally, by means of user interface devices installed in the docking station (12), or remotely using a mobile application. The data exchange can be related to docking rack status but also to the information update related to user profile.

In one embodiment, for security purpose, one or more security cameras are mounted in the station (12) and are operated by the central control unit.

In one embodiment, the docking station (12) includes a powering unit, which supplies the electrical energy to the station (12) and its respective docks (1) . In one embodiment, the power source is from city electrical grid sockets. In another embodiment, the power source is provided by a rechargeable battery, or solar panels with. In another embodiment, the docking station (12) is comprises also a payment terminal to accept fees from users, which can be integral with the station (12) through a touchscreen or accessible through a remote mobile application.

This description is of course not in any way restricted to the forms of implementation presented herein and any person with an average knowledge of the area can provide many possibilities for modification thereof without departing from the general idea as defined by the claims. The preferred forms of implementation described above can obviously be combined with each other. The following claims further define the preferred forms of implementation.

Claims

1. Docking rack comprising:

- a central pole;

- a guide element comprising a locking mechanism;

- a control unit;

- a scanning unit,

2 . Docking rack according to claim 1, wherein the central pole is comprised by a armor body adapted to provide side support and stabilization for a surfboard while inserted in the central pole, by extending vertically along the surfboard's surface.

3 . Docking rack according to claim 2, wherein the armor body comprises an enclosure box.

4 . Docking rack according to any of the previous claims, wherein the locking mechanism is of a locking pin or padlock type .

5 . Docking rack according to claim 4, wherein the closing procedure is manually or remotely controlled by a user.

6. Docking rack according to claim 5, wherein the remotely control closing procedure is performed by means of a local interface or a mobile application.

7 . Docking rack according to any of the previous claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking mechanism is an electromagnetic locking system wherein the locking procedure is actuated by means of a metal plate installed in a surfboard.

8. Docking rack according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit is comprised by a processor module and a communication module, wherein

9. Docking rack according to claim 8, wherein the datalink is established through a wired or wireless communication protocol .

10. Docking rack according to any of the previous claims, wherein the scanning unit (5) is embedded in the central pole (2) and is configured to detect the presence of a surfboard in the docking rack.

11. Docking rack according to claim 10, wherein the scanning unit is based on RFID, barcode (laser), QR code scanner, GPS, Bluetooth or Video technology.

12. Docking station comprising:

- At least one docking rack as claimed in claims 1 to 11;

- A central control unit;

- A power unit.

13. Docking station according to claim 12, wherein the central control unit comprises: a processor module adapted to provide a digital platform for monitoring the surfboards docked in the docking racks of the station;

a communication module configured to established bidirectional datalinks with the control unit of each docking rack of the station and with a database system for monitoring purposes .

14. Docking station according to claim 12, wherein the digital platform is accessed by means of an user interface device or remotely using a mobile application.

15. Docking station according to claim 14, wherein the interface device is a touchscreen.

16. Docking station according to any of the previous claims 12 to 15, comprising video cameras, said video cameras being operated by the processor module.

17. Docking station according to any of the previous claims 12 to 16, wherein the power unit is a of a battery type.

18. Docking station according to any of the previous claims 12 to 16, wherein the power unit is a of a photovoltaic type.