U.S. patent application number 14/273407 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-27 for handle device for a watersports board.
The applicant listed for this patent is LUCAS MCLELAN. Invention is credited to LUCAS MCLELAN.
Application Number | 20140349531 14/273407 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51935657 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140349531 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MCLELAN; LUCAS |
November 27, 2014 |
HANDLE DEVICE FOR A WATERSPORTS BOARD
Abstract
A handle device for a watersports board. The handle device
includes a base portion configured to protrude from a top surface
of the watersports board, and a handle portion attached to the base
portion, wherein the handle portion is configured to be positioned
offset from a longitudinal axis of said watersports board.
Inventors: |
MCLELAN; LUCAS; (Santa Cruz,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MCLELAN; LUCAS |
Santa Cruz |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51935657 |
Appl. No.: |
14/273407 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61826833 |
May 23, 2013 |
|
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|
61892651 |
Oct 18, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
441/74 ; 16/422;
441/65 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 32/70 20200201;
B63B 32/00 20200201; Y10T 16/469 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/74 ; 441/65;
16/422 |
International
Class: |
B63B 35/85 20060101
B63B035/85; B63B 35/79 20060101 B63B035/79 |
Claims
1. A handle device for a watersports board comprising: a base
portion configured to protrude from a top surface of said
watersports board; and a handle portion attached to said base
portion, wherein said handle portion is configured to be positioned
offset from a longitudinal axis of said watersports board.
2. The handle device of claim 1, further comprising: a releasable
attachment portion configured to releasably attach to said
watersports board.
3. The handle device of claim 2, wherein said releasable attachment
portion is further configured to be selectively positioned at
various locations about said watersports board such that said
handle portion is positioned offset from said longitudinal axis of
said watersports board.
4. The handle device of claim 2, wherein said releasable attachment
portion comprises: a threaded portion at a distal end of said base
portion.
5. The handle device of claim 2, wherein said releasable attachment
portion further comprises: a strap configured to wrap around said
watersports board.
6. The handle device of claim 1, wherein said base portion is
rigid.
7. The handle device of claim 1, further comprising: an insert
configured to be disposed within said watersports board and to
couple with a distal end of said base portion.
8. The handle device of claim 1, wherein said handle portion is
configured to rotate with respect to said base portion.
9. The handle device of claim 1, wherein said base portion is
further configured to protrude at a rear portion of said
watersports board.
10. The handle device of claim 1, wherein said watersports board is
a surfboard comprising at least one fin.
11. A handle device for a watersports board comprising: a base
portion configured to protrude from a top surface of said
watersports board; a handle portion attached to said base portion;
and a releasable attachment portion attached to said base portion,
wherein said releasable attachment portion is configured to
releasably attach to said watersports board at various positions on
said watersports board such that said handle device is able to be
selectively positioned on said watersports board.
12. The handle device of claim 11, wherein said handle portion is
configured to be positioned off-center from a longitudinal axis of
said watersports board.
13. The handle device of claim 11, further comprising; an insert
configured to be disposed within said watersports board and to
attach with said releasable attachment portion.
14. The handle device of claim 11, wherein said releasable
attachment portion further comprises: a strap configured to attach
said releasable attachment portion to said watersports board.
15. The handle device of claim 11, wherein said base portion is
rigid.
16. The handle device of claim 11, wherein said base portion is
further configured to protrude at a rear portion of said
watersports board.
17. A watersports board system comprising: a watersports board; and
a handle device comprising: a base portion configured to protrude
from a top surface of said watersports board; and a handle portion
attached to said base portion, wherein said handle portion is
configured to be positioned offset from a longitudinal axis of said
watersports board.
18. The watersports board system of claim 17, wherein said
watersports board comprises: a surfboard comprising a fin.
19. The watersports board system of claim 17, wherein said handle
device is configured to protrude at a rear portion of said
watersports board.
20. The watersports board system of claim 17, wherein said handle
device is configured to releasably attach to said watersports board
at various selected positions on said watersports board.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of
co-pending U.S. Application No. 61/826,833, filed on May 23, 2013,
entitled "HANDLE DEVICE FOR WATERSPORTS BOARD," by Lucas
McLelan.
[0002] This application claims priority to and benefit of co
pending U.S. Application No. 61/892,651, filed on Oct. 18, 2013,
entitled "WATERSPORTS BOARD," by Lucas McLelan.
[0003] This application is related to co-pending U.S. Application
No ______, filed on ______, entitled "WATERSPORTS BOARD," by Lucas
McLelan.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Learning to surf on a surfboard can be challenging to
various types of surfers. In particular, it is difficult for a
novice or disabled surfer to maintain balance when attempting to
surf on a surfboard.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this Specification, illustrate various embodiments
and, together with the Description of Embodiments, serve to explain
principles discussed below. The drawings referred to in this brief
description of the drawings should not be understood as being drawn
to scale unless specifically noted.
[0006] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of an isometric view of a
handle device.
[0007] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of top view of a handle device
in combination with a board.
[0008] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of cross-sectional view of a
handle device in combination with a board.
[0009] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of an isometric view of a
handle device
[0010] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of top view of a handle device
in combination with a board.
[0011] FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of top view of a handle device
in combination with a board.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0012] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
While various embodiments are discussed herein, it will be
understood that they are not intended to be limiting. On the
contrary, the presented embodiments are intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope the various embodiments as defined by
the appended claims. Furthermore, in this Description of
Embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding. However, embodiments may be
practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other
instances, well known methods, procedures, and components, have not
been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of
the described embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of handle device 100 configured
to releasably attach to a watersports board (e.g., a surfboard). In
general, handle device 100 is utilized to facilitate in the
training of a person to surf or ride a surfboard. For example, a
rider (e.g., a child, adult, physically disabled person, etc.) may
not have the requisite experience, balance, coordination, strength,
etc. to properly ride the surfboard. However, by utilizing handle
device 100, which is attached the surfboard, the rider is able to
hold on to the handle device while riding the surfboard. In some
instances, handle device 100 is utilized as a training tool for
children in learning how to ride a surfboard.
[0014] Handle device 100 includes handle portion 110, base portion
120, and releasable attachment portion 130.
[0015] Handle portion 110 is configured for a rider to grasp while
riding a surfboard. Handle portion 110 is depicted as a straight
bar. However, handle portion 110 can be any shape or configuration
that is compatible for a surfboard rider to comfortably grasp while
riding a surfboard, For example, handle portion 110 may include
grips or the like.
[0016] Base portion 120 is configured to be releasably and securely
retained in a surfboard via releasable attachment portion 130. In
general, base portion 120 is comprised of material that provides
sufficient strength and stiffness such that a rider is able to
grasp onto handle portion 110 and ride the surfboard without the
base portion 120 collapsing, bending, etc. Base portion 120 can be
comprised of, but not limited to, aluminum, PVC, semi-rigid
polymer, etc.
[0017] In one embodiment, base portion 120 is rigid. In another
embodiment, base portion 120 is resiliently flexible. That is, base
portion 120 is able to be rigid, however, it is able collapse or
flex when a certain amount of force is applied to it. For example,
if a rider falls down while riding the surfboard, base portion 120
is able to collapse such that it does not injure the falling rider.
Additionally, the collapsed base portion is able to resiliently
spring back into its original position.
[0018] In another embodiment, base portion 120 is telescopic. That
is, the height of handle portion 110 may be adjusted by
telescopically adjusting base portion 120.
[0019] Releasable attachment portion 130 is configured to
releasably attach to the surfboard. Releasable attachment portion
130 can be any attachment means or mechanism that is able to
quickly and securely attach and detach with the surfboard. For
example, releasable attachment portion 130 can be, but is not
limited to, a friction fit attachment, a threaded attachment, a
quick disconnect attachment, etc.
[0020] Handle device 100 may also include insert 140. Insert 140 is
configured to be inserted into a surfboard and that physically
engages with releasable attachment portion 130. For example, insert
140 can be, but is not limited to, a friction fit attachment, a
threaded attachment, a quick disconnect attachment, etc. that
physically mates with releasable attachment portion 130.
[0021] In various embodiments, handle device 100 or at least
portions thereof are buoyant such that handle device 100 is able to
float.
[0022] FIGS. 2 and 3 depict embodiments of handle device 100
mounted onto a watersports board 200. In particular, FIG. 3 is a
top view of handle device 100 attached to watersports board 200,
and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of handle device attached
to watersports board 200.
[0023] In various embodiments, watersports board 200 is a
surfboard. For example, board 200 can be any various type of
surfboard, such as, but not limited to, a longboard, shortboard,
gun, fish, soft top, paddle board, etc.
[0024] Board 200 can be any watersports board that is able to be
propelled by a naturally occurring wave, such as an ocean wave.
However, board 200 can also be propelled by a human created wave,
such as a wave generated in a wave park.
[0025] In one embodiment, board 200 is a self-propelling. For
example, board 200 generates a forward thrust provided by an
impeller powered by an electric motor. Accordingly, board 200 can
be propelled by both a naturally occurring wave and an
impeller.
[0026] In various embodiments, board 200 is not required to be a
skim board, wake board, snow board, etc. Moreover, board 200 is not
required to include any feet retaining features, such as but not
limited to, straps, bindings, etc. However, board 200 may include a
pad or the like that increases the friction of the foot on the
board but does not physically retain or hold the foot on the
board.
[0027] Board 200 includes, among other things, top surface 210 (or
deck), tip 223 (or nose), tail 222 and at least one fin 240.
[0028] Fin 240 is disposed in a back portion 220 of board 200.
Board 200 can include any number of fins that protrude from the
bottom surface.
[0029] Typically, while a rider is riding a wave on board 200, the
rider stands in back portion 220 and also stands off to one side of
center line 230 (e.g., longitudinal axis). That is, to properly
balance while riding a wave, the rider stands off to the side of
board 200.
[0030] Accordingly, in some embodiments, handle device 100 is
positioned in back portion 220 and on either side of centerline
230. In one embodiment, back portion 220 is any portion on top
surface 210 that is in the back half of board 200.
[0031] In various embodiments, insert 140 and insert 141 are
inserted into board 200. For example, insert 140 is placed on the
right hand side of center line 230 and insert 142 is placed on the
left hand side of center line 230.
[0032] In one embodiment, board 200 is a soft top board and a hole
is created in the board such that the inserts are able to be
securely retained within the board.
[0033] If a rider has a regular stance (where the rider's left foot
is the leading foot and the riders right foot is the trailing foot
near the back portion of the board), the rider's body will
generally face the right hand side of the board. Accordingly,
handle device 100 is releasably retained on the right hand side of
center line 230, for example, in insert 140. This enables the rider
to hold onto handle portion 110, that is offset from centerline 230
(on the right hand side) and in back portion 220, such that the
rider has proper position on board 200 to keep his or her balance
while riding a wave (e.g., right or left breaking wave).
[0034] Likewise, if a rider has a "goofy foot" stance (where the
rider's right foot is the leading foot and the rider's left foot is
the trailing foot near the back portion of the board), the rider's
body will generally face the left hand side of the board.
Accordingly, handle device 100 is releasably retained on the left
hand side of center line 230, for example, in insert 141. This
enables the rider to hold onto handle portion 110, that is offset
from centerline 230 (on the left hand side) and in back portion
220, such that the rider has proper position on board 200 to keep
his or her balance while riding a wave (e.g., right or left
breaking wave).
[0035] In one embodiment, handle portion 110 is parallel with
centerline 223. In another embodiment, handle portion 110 is
positioned at an angle with respect to centerline 223 (see FIG.
5).
[0036] It should be appreciated that the cross-sectional view of
board 200, as depicted in FIG. 3, can include other various
surfboard shapes and features, such as one or more rockers, a
thicker middle section and thinner tip and tail sections, etc.
[0037] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of handle device 400. Handle
device 400 it the same as handle device 100, however, releasable
attachment portion 430 is configured to releasably attach to the
top surface 210 of board 200.
[0038] Releasable attachment portion 430 is any feature that
facilitates in releasably securing base portion 120 to top surface
210. Releasable attachment portion 430 is any feature that extends
in the boards longitudinal and latitudinal directions. For example,
releasable attachment portion 430 is a base plate that secures bate
portion 120 in the board's longitudinal and latitudinal directions.
In other words, releasable attachment portion 430 enables handle
device to be securely attached to board 200 when a rider to applies
a force to handle device 100.
[0039] Releasable attachment portion 430 can be any physical shape
or configuration that facilitates in securely and releasably
attaching handle device 100 to the top surface of board 200. For
example, releasable attachment portion 430 can be a square plate,
circular plate, etc.
[0040] In other embodiments, releasable attachment portion 430 is
in the shape of an "X" or an "H," or the like, wherein base portion
120 extends from the middle of the "X" or the "H."
[0041] In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 5, releasable
attachment portion 430 is a hook and loop fastener (e.g.,
Velcro.TM.) that releasably attaches to a mating hook and loop
fastener pad that is adhered to top surface 210. In this
embodiment, releasable attachment portion 430 is positioned on the
left hand side of board 200 such that handle portion 120 is located
on the left hand side of board 200.
[0042] Additionally, handle portion 110 is able to rotate with
respect to base portion 120 to provide additional adjustments to
particularly suit a rider.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 6, releasable attachment portion 430
is retained to board 200 by straps 632 and 633. That is, straps 632
and 633 wrap around the circumference of board 200 to secure handle
device 100 to board 200. The straps can be elastic or non-elastic.
The straps can include various types of buckles or fasteners to
adjust the tension of the straps.
[0044] It should be appreciated, that releasable attachment portion
430 can be positioned such that handle device 100 can located at
any location along the top surface of board 200.
[0045] Example embodiments of the subject matter are thus
described. Although various embodiments of the have been described
in a language specific to structural features and/or methodological
acts, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not
necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described
above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are
disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims and their
equivalents. Moreover, examples and embodiments described herein
may be implemented alone or in various combinations with one
another.
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