Abstract:
This invention discloses a sportboard storage apparatus, which is mountable onto a supporting surface, and which can be modified to store a variety of different types of boards which have two opposed ends that are catchable, such as surfboards, skateboards and skis. The apparatus comprises two parts, one part of which is mounted to the support surface, and the other part of which is slideably attached to the mounted part. The sportboard is held in the apparatus by a pair of sleeves, which engage the ends of the sportboard and hold it in place on the apparatus. The apparatus provides an easy way to store sportboards.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates to an apparatus for storage of sportboards which have two opposed ends that are catchable, and in particular an apparatus which is mountable onto a supporting surface.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The proper storage of sportboards such as skateboards, snowboards and surfboards, is necessitated by the fact that if these items are not properly stored they may injure persons, or alternatively the sportboard itself, or surrounding area, may become damaged. Because of their generally unusual shapes, sizes or characteristics (such as wheels or keels), sportboards can generally not be satisfactorily stored on shelves. If leaned against a wall, sportboards tend to fall over because of their rounded ends, and they therefore pose a hazard to anyone nearby who might be hit by the falling board, or to someone who later trips over the board.  
           [0003]    For these reasons, a storage apparatus for sportboards is required which provides a means to stably and securely store the sportboard. This apparatus should be adaptable to different types of sportboards and it should be simple to manufacture, install and use.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    It is thus the aim of this invention to provide an apparatus for storing sportboards that stably and securely restrains the sportboard, is easily adapted to sportboards of different sizes and shapes, is inexpensive and easy to manufacture, and is simple to install and use. The apparatus may also be used for holding a sportboard during servicing or routine maintenance.  
           [0005]    Therefore there is provided an apparatus for storing sportboards, which apparatus comprises a first part and a second part secured together such that the first and second part slide relative to one another along a fixed axis. The first part and the second part each have a sleeve that will grip a portion of the sportboard. The sleeves are positioned such that in the assembled apparatus, the openings of the sleeves, in which the portions of the sportboard will be inserted, face one another. Either the first part or the second part is mountable to a wall or other support structure.  
           [0006]    In use, either the first part or the second part is secured to a wall or other support structure and the other part is positioned substantially above it. To put a sportboard, such as a skateboard, into an apparatus in which the first part is secured and the second part is positioned above it, a first portion of the skateboard, such as the wheels at one end thereof or one of its ends, is placed into the sleeve of the second part. Then upwards force is exerted on the skateboard which force translates to the second part and causes it to slide upwardly, such that the distance between the sleeves is increased. The upwards force on the skateboard is continued until the second part has moved sufficiently far to allow a second portion of the skateboard to be aligned for insertion into the sleeve of the first part. The upwards force is then released and the second part moves downwards because of the force of gravity, which causes the second portion of the skateboard to be inserted in the sleeve on the first part.  
           [0007]    In another embodiment of the invention, the first part and the second part are operatively connected by a resilient member that biases the parts toward one another, such that the operation is not dependent solely on gravity. In use, the part of this embodiment that is secured to a wall or other support structure can be fastened in any position, even a position which places the part that is not secured substantially underneath the secured part. To put a sportboard, such as a skateboard, into an apparatus in which the first part is secured and the second part is not, a first portion of the skateboard, such as the wheels at one end thereof or one of its ends, is placed into the sleeve of the second part. Then force is exerted on the skateboard which force translates to the second part and causes it to slide, such that the distance between the sleeves is increased. The force on the skateboard is continued until the second part has moved sufficiently far to allow a second portion of the skateboard to be aligned for insertion into the sleeve of the first part. The force is then released and the tension created in the resilient member causes the second part to move towards the first part, which causes the second portion of the skateboard to be inserted in the sleeve on the first part. The tension in the resilient member securely holds the skateboard in the sleeves of the apparatus.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the sportboard storage apparatus of this invention.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the sportboard storage apparatus taken along line I-I of FIG. 1.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the sportboard storage apparatus taken along line II-II of FIG. 1, with an elevation view of a skateboard stored therein.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the sportboard storage apparatus of this invention comprising a resilient member.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5A is a back elevation view of the embodiment of the sportboard storage apparatus shown in FIG. 4.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5B is a partial cross-section taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 5A, and showing the end of depression  42  in first part  12 .  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the sportboard storage apparatus of this invention. The section is taken along line III-III of FIG. 4. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the sportboard storage apparatus  10  of this invention, including a first part  12  and a second part  14  each with a sleeve  16 ,  17 . First part  12  and second part  14  slide relative to one another along a fixed axis  18 .  
         [0016]    Either the first part or the second part is securable to a wall or other support surface. Attachment can be achieved by a number of means, such as for example by using bolts, screws or nails, which pass through holes in the part that is to be secured, or by the use of clamps or glue. As shown in FIG. 1, first part  12  is secured by three fasteners  20 , which pass through holes in the first part and into a support structure such as a wall. The position of fasteners  20  on first part  12  can be varied and more or fewer fasteners can be used, provided that in any event first part  12  is securely attached to a wall or other support surface.  
         [0017]    The first part and second part are secured to one another and operatively connected such that one part slides along fixed axis  18  relative to the other part. This can be accomplished for example by the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, first part  12  has formed therein a channel  22  that is substantially in the center of the first part, and second part  14  forms an extension  24  said extension extending essentially from the center of the second part.  
         [0018]    Channel  22  can be any structure that guides the movement of the second part relative to the first part along axis  18 . As shown in FIG. 1, channel  22  is a “U” shaped opening and is open at one end and closed at the other. Channel  22  could alternatively be rectangular, or open at both ends. Alternatively, channel  22  could be formed as a hole, or as a groove along the face of the part. Channel  22  need not be positioned centrally on the first part, as shown, but rather could be positioned to one side of center, or even along one edge of apparatus  10 . Alternatively, there may be more than one channel, for example two channels on either side of a center axis or on both outside edges of apparatus  10 .  
         [0019]    Extension  24  can be any shape that will fit within and cooperate with channel  22 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, second part  14  has an end portion  26  from which extension  24  extends. Extension  24  is formed to extend to the end of channel  22  where it abuts first part  12 , however it need not extend all the way to the bottom of channel  22  in order to function properly in the apparatus. Extension  24  can be other shapes as well, for instance if channel  22  is a hole, then extension  24  would be in the shape of a rod and if channel  22  is a groove along the face of the other part, then extension  24  would be a tongue to fit within that groove. The size, numbers and position of extension  24  need only be selected to cooperate with channel  22  to slide there along.  
         [0020]    In apparatus  10 , first part  12  and second part  14  are secured to one another, yet movable along axis  18 . Channel  22  and extension  24  can function both to secure the first part and second part together and to direct movement along axis  18 . For example, FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, with the section being taken along line I-I of FIG. 1, and demonstrates how the edge of extension  24  associates with and slides within channel edge  28  of first part  12 . In this embodiment, channel edge  28  of first part  12  has grooves  30  that run along the entire straight portion of the channel edge. The side edges of extension  24  have formed thereon tongues  32  that fit in and slide along grooves  30 . Tongues  32  are continuous along the entire straight portion of the side edges of extension  24 , but the same function can be obtained if tongues  32  extend along only a selected portion of the edge of extension  24 , or by a series of smaller notches that are spaced along the length of extension  24  and that fit within grooves  30 . In an alternative embodiment, the grooves are on the side edges of extension  24 , and the tongues are on the channel edge  28  of first part  12 .  
         [0021]    In alternative embodiments, a tongue and groove mechanism between the channel and the extension is not needed in order to ensure that the first part and second part are secured together. For instance in the embodiment wherein channel  22  is formed from a hole in first part  12 , and extension  24  is therefore in the shape of a rod, first part and second part are secured together because extension  24  fits and is secured within channel  22 .  
         [0022]    In yet another embodiment, the channel and extension function to guide the direction and scope of movement of the first part relative to the second part, and another device is used to secure the parts together. For instance, an apparatus  10  could be constructed with a first part and a second part that are planar and overlap, excepting where the sleeves are positioned. In this embodiment, channel  22  may be a groove along the face of one part and extension  24  may be a tongue that extends from the face of the other part, and which fits within that groove. The first part and second part may be held together by other means, such as brackets that are placed at the edges of the apparatus.  
         [0023]    First part  12  and second part  14  are preferably constructed of a sturdy and lightweight planar material, including Plexiglas, fiberglass, plastic, wood, metal, Intecel™ or PCB. The dimensions of the apparatus can vary depending upon the shape and size of the sportboard that will be stored in the apparatus.  
         [0024]    Each of the first part and the second part has a sleeve  16 ,  17  which functions to grip a portion of the sportboard such that the sportboard is securely held in apparatus  10 . The sleeves are preferably positioned opposite one another at either end of apparatus  10 , with openings  34  facing each other. The openings of the sleeves are of sufficient size that the portion of the sportboard to be stored can be inserted therein by the operator of the apparatus. Sleeves  16 ,  17  may have different dimensions, because some sportboards, such as surfboards, have ends with different shapes, which would best be accommodated by differently shaped sleeves. The sleeves are attached to first part  12  and second part  14  in a manner that will avoid slippage of the sportboard therethrough. This attachment can be accomplished, for instance, by securing the sides of sleeves  16 ,  17  that are opposite to opening  34 , to first part  12  or second part  14  by any one of a number of means, such as nails, rivets, screws, or by forming them integral therewith. As shown in FIG. 1, a series of sleeve fasteners  36  are used. Slippage of the sportboard through the sleeves  16 , 17  could also be avoided by restricting the width of the sleeves at the side opposite opening  34 , such that although the sides opposite opening  34  are open, the opening is too narrow for the ends of the sportboard to slip through. In this embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the sleeve fasteners are positioned along the sides of the sleeve.  
         [0025]    Sleeves  16 ,  17  are preferably constructed of a flexible material such as rubber, plastic or cloth and openings  34  are created where the flexible material is not attached to first part  12  or second part  14 . In some instances it may be desirable to use a support  25  as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, that is positioned between the material from which the sleeve is made and the end of the sleeve fasteners  36 . Support  25  acts as a reinforcing agent, and prevents the holes on sleeves  16 ,  17  through which sleeve fasteners  36  pass, from ripping or tearing. Alternatively sleeves  16 ,  17  could be made of a rigid material such as metal or plastic, if a more defined structure of the sleeve is needed to selectively engage a portion of a sportboard. For instance, if the wheels of a skateboard, or the keel of a surfboard is to be held in the sleeves, it may be preferable that the sleeve be comprised of a rigid material rather than a flexible material.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of apparatus  10  holding a skateboard  38 , which is shown in elevation view. To put a sportboard, such as a skateboard into a vertically wall-mounted apparatus  10  as illustrated in FIGS.  1 - 3 , the first end of a skateboard is placed into sleeve  17  of second part  14 , with the wheels pointing away from the apparatus. Then upwards force is exerted on the skateboard, which force translates to second part  14  and causes second part  14  to slide upwards. The upwards force on the skateboard is continued until second part  14  has moved sufficiently far to allow the second end of the skateboard to be positioned above the opening in sleeve  16  on first part  12 . The upwards force is then released and the force of gravity causes the second part to move downwards, which results in the insertion of the second end of the skateboard into sleeve  16  of the first part. In order to remove the skateboard from the apparatus, upwards force is exerted on the skateboard, which force causes second part  14  to slide upwards. The upward force on the skateboard is continued until second part  14  has moved sufficiently far to allow the second end of the skateboard to be removed from sleeve  16  of first part  12 . The upward force is then released and the first end of the skateboard is removed from sleeve  17  of second part  14  and the force of gravity causes second part  14  to move downwards along channel  22 .  
         [0027]    In an alternative embodiment  10   a  of this invention, shown in FIG. 4, a resilient member  40  connects first part  12  and second part  14 . Resilient member  40  connects first part  12  and second part  14  as shown in FIG. 5A, which shows the back side of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5A, resilient member  40  sits in an oblong depression  42  which extends along the back of both first part  12  and second part  14 . This depression allows apparatus  10  to be mounted flush against the support surface. Resilient member  40  must be fastened, either permanently or reversibly to apparatus  10 , to ensure that it does not fall out of depression  42  during or between uses. As shown in FIG. 5B, which is a partial cross section of FIG. 5A taken along line IV-IV, and shows the bottom part of depression  42 , resilient member  40  is reversibly fastened by the fact that at each end of depression  42 , there is a lip  44  underneath which the resilient member fits.  
         [0028]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, resilient member  40  is an elastic band that is reversibly fastened to apparatus  10 . Resilient member  40  could also be a spring, or any other material or device that can be stretched or expanded to allow insertion of the sportboard into the apparatus, using the method described herein below. Therefore, resilient member  40  must allow the first part and second part to slide apart sufficiently such that the sportboard to be stored can be inserted into the sleeves of the apparatus. Instead of being reversibly attached, resilient member  40  may also be permanently attached to first part  12  and second part  14 , for example by screws or nails. Resilient member  40  functions to ensure that parts  12  and parts  14  do not become separated during use, but in a preferred embodiment also functions to bias the sleeves towards one another with sufficient force to bring the two sleeves together thus securing the sportboard firmly between them.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 6 is a cross section of apparatus  10   a  taken along line III-III of FIG. 4. This cross section demonstrates how resilient member  40  is situated in depression  42  within second part  14 . In yet another embodiment of this invention, lip  44  extends along the entire edge of depression  42 , to hold resilient member  40  in place. While it is preferred that resilient member  40  be situated in depression  42  of apparatus  10 , so that the apparatus can be held flush against a support surface, alternative embodiments with a resilient member  40  that is positioned on, rather than within, the rear planar surface of the apparatus are intended to be included in this invention.  
         [0030]    When there is no sportboard in the apparatus, sleeves  16 ,  17  will be spaced apart a predetermined distance. The force of gravity in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, resilient member  40  as shown in FIG. 4, or both, will pull the sleeves towards one another until some form of resistance which stops the movement is encountered. The apparatus of this invention will therefore comprise an element that functions to stop the movement of the sleeves towards one another when the apparatus is empty. As shown in FIG. 1 or  4 , movement of the sleeves towards one another would be stopped either when the end of extension  24  abuts the end of channel  22 , or when the edge of end portion  26  abuts the edge of first part  12 . It is apparent that extension  24  need not extend all the way to the end of channel  22 , or alternatively, that the flat edge of end portion  26  need not abut the edge of first part  12 , as either of these two arrangements will independently achieve the same result of halting the movement of second part  14  towards first part  12 . Other means of stopping the movement of the sleeves towards one another include placement of channels or extensions to restrict the movement of the first part and the second part relative to one another, or the use of a device such as a peg, to obstruct the movement of the first part and the second part relative to one another.  
         [0031]    Apparatus  10   a  shown in FIGS.  4 - 6  would hold a skateboard  38 , in the same manner as shown in FIG. 3. Sleeves  16 ,  17  would hold skateboard  38  in position, however resilient member  40  would provide additional tension force to hold the skateboard in position, because it biases the sleeves towards one another. To put a sportboard, such as a skateboard into a vertically wall-mounted apparatus  10   a  as illustrated in FIGS.  4 - 6 , the first end of the skateboard is placed into sleeve  17  of second part  14 , with the wheels pointing away from the apparatus. Then upwards force is exerted on the skateboard, which force translates to second part  14  and causes second part  14  to slide upwards. The upward force required is greater than in the embodiment shown without the resilient member. This upwards force on the skateboard is continued until second part  14  has moved sufficiently far to allow the second end of the skateboard to be positioned above the opening in sleeve  16  on first part  12 . The upwards force is then released and the tension created by resilient member  40 , as well as the force of gravity, cause the second part to move downwards, which results in the insertion of the second end of the skateboard into sleeve  16 . The tension in the resilient member assists in securely holding the skateboard in the sleeves of the apparatus. In order to remove the skateboard from the apparatus, upwards force is exerted on the skateboard, which force causes second part  14  to slide upwards. The upward force on the skateboard is continued until second part  14  has moved sufficiently far to allow the second end of the skateboard to be removed from sleeve  16  of first part  12 . The upward force is then released and the first end of the skateboard is removed from sleeve  17  of second part  14  as the tension in resilient member  40  and the force of gravity cause second part  14  to move downwards along channel  22 .  
         [0032]    As is apparent, apparatus  10   a  of the invention shown in FIGS.  4 - 6  need not be substantially vertically mounted, with the moveable part above the attached part, in order to operate to hold a sportboard. It can be mounted horizontally, or upside-down to that shown in FIG. 1, or at any angle in-between. If the apparatus is to be used by small children for instance, it may be easier for them to apply downwards force to second part  14 , rather than upwards force, in order to mount a sportboard into the apparatus, and therefore the apparatus would be mounted upside-down to that shown in FIG. 4. In this arrangement, the resilient member would be selected such that it could withstand the weight of the sportboard itself.  
         [0033]    As is also apparent, apparatus  10  of this invention shown in FIGS.  1 - 3  would also operate to hold a sportboard if it were mounted substantially horizontally, or at any angle between vertical and horizontal, as long as the part of the apparatus which slides is not below the part that is affixed to the support surface in such a manner that the part which slides would fall out of the apparatus. However, the further that the apparatus is removed from a vertical position as shown in FIG. 1, the lesser will be the force of gravity on the movement downwards of the part which slides and the greater will be the need of the operator of the apparatus to physically push sleeves  16 ,  17  together.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIGS. 1 and 4 show the shape of the preferred embodiment of this apparatus, with first part  12  formed in the shape of a planar “U” and defining channel  22 , and second part  14  being in mushroom shaped and forming extension  24  that fits within the channel. It is apparent that apparatus  10  or  10   a  could be constructed in any one of a number of shapes and still function on the same principles. For instance, the rounded edges in the apparatus could be square, such that second part  14  is T-shaped, and the end of channel  22  has right angles, rather than curves. Second part  14  and first part  12  need not each be comprised of one piece, but could be formed from several pieces that are attached, for example by bolts, screws, nails or glue. Alternative shapes of apparatus  10 , which function on the principle that there is a first part and a second part each containing a sleeve, said parts being secured together and operatively connected such that they move along a fixed axis relative to one another, are intended to be included in this invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIGS. 1 and 4 show an embodiment of this apparatus, in which the first part forms channel  22  and is fixed to a support surface, and the second part is moveable and has extension  24  that fits in the channel. In an alternative embodiment of this invention, the part with the extension is secured to the support surface, and the part that forms the channel is moveable.  
         [0036]    While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that numerous variations, modifications and embodiments are possible and all such variations and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the invention.