Patent Publication Number: US-10321749-B2

Title: Board carrier

Description:
The current application is a 371 of international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application PCT/US2016/055087 filed on Aug. 25, 2016. The PCT application PCT/US2016/055087 claims priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/209,611 filed on Aug. 25, 2015. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to surfboard accessories. More specifically, the present invention is a board carrier that is designed to carry a surfboard more easily and more comfortably. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Surfers have been carrying their surfboards under their arms for decades now. However, the carrying of a surfboard from its point of storage, or from an automobile to the surf, presents a problem due to the size and unwieldy nature of the board. The board can often slip out from underneath the user&#39;s arm, thus requiring the user to constantly readjust the board while walking. While devices has been designed to assist in carrying surfboards, such devices are often unwieldy and complicated to attach. Furthermore, they do not prevent the board from slipping and becoming displaced. 
     Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can be quickly, easily and adjustably fitted on a surfboard and that is just as easily removed therefrom when required. It is another object of the present invention to provide a device by which the board can be carried in hand by the user in a convenient manner despite the size and weight of the board. The present invention provides a carrier body and a retention strap that are used in tandem to encompass a surfboard. A handle and a carrier strap are connected to the carrier body and allow the user to carry the surfboard in a balanced, comfortable manner, to thereby conveniently transport the board to or from the surf. Furthermore, a plurality of grips is integrated into the carrier body and the retention strap to prevent the board from slipping out while in transport. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the retention strap is positioned through the strap fastener. 
         FIG. 2  is a right side elevational view detailing the hook portion and the loop portion of the fastener of the retention strap. 
         FIG. 3  is a left side elevational view detailing the media unit. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view wherein the hook portion is engaged with the loop portion in order to secure the retention strap to the strap fastener. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view wherein the carrier strap is attached to the carrier body via the first strap fastener and the second strap fastener both being loops. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the carrier body, wherein the first strap fastener and the second strap fastener are grommets. 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the carrier body and the retention strap, detailing the plurality of grips. 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of the extension strap, detailing the first extension fastener and the extension strap grip. 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the extension strap, detailing the second extension grip. 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevational view, wherein the first extension fastener is engaged with the fastener of the retention strap and the extension strap is secured to the strap fastener via the second extension strap. 
     
    
    
     DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION 
     All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     The present invention is a board carrier that allows an individual to readily carry a surfboard, paddle board, etc. The present invention comprises a carrier body  1 , a retention strap  2 , a plurality of grips  3 , an extension strap  5 , and a carrier strap  4 . The carrier body  1  wraps around the edge of the board that is to be carried and provides terminal mounting for the retention strap  2 . The retention strap  2  extends around the edge of the board opposite the carrier body  1 , wherein the board is encircled by the carrier body  1  and the retention strap  2 . The extension strap  5  can be used in conjunction with the retention strap  2  for wider boards. 
     In reference to  FIG. 1-3 , the carrier body  1  comprises a central section  10 , a first flap  11 , a second flap  12 , a strap fastener  13 , a handle  14 , and a plurality of pockets  15 . The central section  10  is the portion of the carrier body  1  that is positioned along the edge of the board when the present invention is used to carry the board. As such, the central section  10  is an elongated section of material having a relatively small width. The first flap  11  and the second flap  12  are adjacently connected to the central section  10 , wherein the central section  10  is positioned in between the first flap  11  and the second flap  12 . In this way, the first flap  11  and the second flap  12  extend down along opposing sides of the board when the central section  10  is positioned along the edge of the board. 
     The retention strap  2  is terminally connected to the first flap  11  opposite the central section  10  as depicted in  FIG. 3 , while the strap fastener  13  is adjacently connected to the second flap  12  opposite the central section  10  as depicted in  FIG. 2 . The retention strap  2  is configured to removably engage with the strap fastener  13  such that the retention strap  2  can be positioned around the board and temporarily anchored to the second flap  12 . The retention strap  2  can readily be engaged or disengaged from the strap fastener  13  in order to secure or remove both the carrier body  1  and the retention strap  2  from the board. 
     The retention strap  2  comprises a fastener  20  that is configured to removably secure the retention strap  2  to the strap fastener  13 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fastener  20  is a hook and loop fastener, comprising a hook portion  21  and a loop portion  22 ; the hook portion  21  and the loop portion  22  being positioned adjacent to each other along an exterior side of the retention strap  2  as depicted in  FIG. 2 . Meanwhile, the strap fastener  13  is a loop through which the retention strap  2  can be positioned. When the retention strap  2  is positioned through the strap fastener  13 , the hook portion  21  may be engaged with the loop portion  22  as depicted in  FIG. 4 , securing the retention strap  2  to the strap fastener  13  and in turn the second flap  12 . 
     In other embodiments of the present invention, the fastener  20  and the strap fastener  13  may form other mechanical connections used to secure the retention strap  2  to the second flap  12 . For example, the fastener  20  and the strap fastener  13  could be opposing snap fasteners, a button and a receiving slot, or a zipper connection. Any other suitable mechanical fastening means formed by the fastener  20  and the strap fastener  13  can also be employed in other embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, a magnetic fastening means may be employed, wherein the fastener  20  and the strap fastener  13  are magnets being arranged to magnetically attract each other. 
     The plurality of grips  3  is integrated into the carrier body  1  and the retention strap  2 , wherein each of the plurality of grips  3  is configured to engage with the board. More specifically, the plurality of grips  3  is integrated into an interior surface of both the carrier body  1  and the retention strap  2 . In reference to  FIG. 7 , the plurality of grips  3  comprises a strap grip  30  and a carrier grip  31 ; the strap grip  30  being integrated with the retention strap  2  and the carrier grip  31  being integrated with the carrier body  1 . More specifically, the strap grip  30  is positioned along the interior surface of the retention strap  2 , such that the strap grip  30  engages with the board. Similarly, the carrier grip  31  is positioned about the interior surface of the carrier body  1 , such that the carrier grip  31  engages with the board. 
     The carrier grip  31  comprises a first grip section, a second grip section, and a third grip section. The first grip section is positioned about the first flap  11 , the second grip section is positioned about the second flap  12 , and the third grip section is positioned along the central section  10 . In this way, the carrier grip  31  provides a gripping surface for each side of the carrier body  1 , such that the carrier body  1  can be securely engaged with the board about all sides. 
     The handle  14  is adjacently connected to the central section  10  opposite the plurality of grips  3 . The handle  14  is terminally connected to the central section  10  about two points on opposing ends of the central section  10 . In this way, the handle  14  extends along the central section  10 , and in turn the edge of the board when the carrier body  1  and the retention strap  2  are attached to the board. The handle  14  allows a user to readily lift and transport the board, while the plurality of grips  3  prevents the board from slipping out of the carrier body  1  and the retention strap  2  when the board is lifted using the handle  14 . Furthermore, the handle  14  comprises a padded section to increase the comfort of the user when carrying the board. 
     The carrier strap  4  can be used in place of or in conjunction with the handle  14  to carry the board. While the handle  14  allows the board to be carried by hand, the carrier strap  4  allows the user to carry the board on their shoulder. In reference to  FIG. 5 , the carrier strap  4  is terminally attached to the central section  10  on opposing ends of the handle  14 , such that a closed loop is formed by the carrier strap  4  and the central section  10 . Meanwhile, the handle  14  remains accessible between the anchored ends of the carrier strap  4 . Similar to the handle  14 , the carrier strap  4  comprises a padded section, wherein the padded section of the carrier strap  4  can be slidably adjusted along the length of the carrier strap  4 . When not needed, the carrier strap  4  can be readily detached from the carrier body  1 . 
     The carrier body  1  further comprises a first strap fastener  16  and a second strap fastener  17  that are utilized to anchor the carrier strap  4  to the carrier body  1 . The first strap fastener  16  and the second strap fastener  17  are integrated into the central section  10 , wherein the handle  14  is positioned in between the first strap fastener  16  and the second strap fastener  17 . To attach the carrier strap  4  to the carrier body  1 , the carrier strap  4  is removably engaged with the first strap fastener  16  and the second strap fastener  17 . In reference to  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first strap fastener  16  and the second strap fastener  17  is a hole through the central section  10 ; more specifically, a grommet. In reference to  FIG. 1 , in another embodiment, each of the first strap fastener  16  and the second strap fastener  17  is a loop or material connected to the central section  10 . 
     The carrier strap  4  comprises a first connector  41  and a second connector  42 , wherein the first connector  41  is removably engaged with the first strap fastener  16  and the second connector  42  is removably engaged with the second strap fastener  17 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connector  41  and the second connector  42  are each a clip, wherein the first connector  41  and the second connector  42  can be readily attached to and detached from the first strap fastener  16  and the second strap fastener  17  respectively. In other embodiments of the present invention, other suitable mechanical engagements may be formed between the first connector  41  and the first strap fastener  16  and between the second connector  42  and the second strap fastener  17 . 
     If the retention strap  2  is not able to fully encompass the board, then the extension strap  5  can be utilized to provide additional length in order to fully encompass the board. The extension strap  5  is designed to engage with both the retention strap  2  and the strap fastener  13  of the carrier body  1 , wherein the extension strap  5  comprises a first extension fastener  51  and a second extension fastener  52 . In reference to  FIG. 10 , the first extension fastener  51  is configured to be removably engaged with the fastener  20  of the retention strap  2 , while the second extension fastener  52  is configured to removably secure the extension strap  5  to the strap fastener  13  of the carrier body  1 . 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fastener  20  comprises the hook portion  21  and the loop portion  22 , the first extension fastener  51  comprises a hook portion  21  and/or a loop portion  22 . If used standalone, the hook portion  21  of the first extension fastener  51  or the loop portion  22  of the first extension fastener  51  is positioned along an interior surface of the extension strap  5  as depicted in  FIG. 8 . If used in conjunction with one another, the hook portion  21  of the first extension fastener  51  and the loop portion  22  of the first extension fastener  51  are positioned adjacent to each other along the interior surface of the extension strap  5 . When the first extension fastener  51  is engaged with the fastener  20 , the hook portion  21  of the first extension fastener  51  engages with the loop portion  22  of the fastener  20 , while the loop portion  22  of the first extension fastener  51  engages with the hook portion  21  of the fastener  20 . 
     Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second extension fastener  52  comprises a hook portion  21  and a loop portion  22 ; the hook portion  21  of the second extension fastener  52  and the loop portion  22  of the second extension fastener  52  being positioned adjacent to each other along an exterior surface of the extension strap  5  as depicted in  FIG. 9 . When the first extension fastener  51  is engaged with the fastener  20 , the extension strap  5  is positioned through the strap fastener  13 , wherein the hook portion  21  of the second extension fastener  52  is engaged with the loop portion  22  of the second extension fastener  52 , securing the extension strap  5  to the strap fastener  13 , and in turn the second flap  12 . 
     The plurality of grips  3  further comprises an extension strap grip  32  that is integrated into the extension strap  5 , wherein the extension strap grip  32  is configured to engage with the board. More specifically, the extension strap grip  32  is integrated into the interior surface of the extension strap  5  as depicted in  FIG. 8 . When the extension strap  5  is positioned about the board, the interior surface of the extension strap  5  is positioned adjacent to the board, wherein the extension strap grip  32  engages with the board. Similar to the strap grip  30  and the carrier grip  31 , the extension strap grip  32  prevents the board from slipping when the board is carried. 
     The plurality of pockets  15  allows the user to store and transport various objects within the carrier body  1 . For example, the plurality of pockets  15  can be used to store keys, wallets, phones, snacks, etc. The plurality of pockets  15  is integrated into the first flap  11  and the second flap  12 , such that storage space is provided on both sides of the carrier body  1 . As the present invention is used around bodies of water, each of the plurality of pockets  15  is waterproof in order to protect the contents stored within the plurality of pockets  15 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of pockets  15  is secured closed using hook and loop fasteners, wherein a pull tab is also provided for each of the plurality of pockets  15  in order to open the plurality of pockets  15 . 
     Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of pockets  15  comprises a first pair of pockets  151  and a second pair of pockets  152 . The first pair of pockets  151  is integrated into the first flap  11  as depicted in  FIG. 3 , while the second pair of pockets  152  is integrated into the second flap  12  as depicted in  FIG. 2 . The first pair of pockets  151  has an innermost pocket and an outermost pocket, wherein the outermost pocket is stacked on top of the innermost pocket. Similarly, the second pair of pockets  152  has an innermost pocket and an outermost pocket, wherein the outermost pocket of the second pair of pockets  152  is stacked on top of the innermost pocket of the second pair of pockets  152 . 
     The carrier body  1  may further comprise a compass  18  and a media unit  19 . In reference to  FIG. 1 , the compass  18  is integrated into the central section  10  and is positioned adjacent to the handle  14 . The compass  18  allows the user to readily view the cardinal direction in which the user is oriented. In reference to  FIG. 3 , the media unit  19  is integrated into the first flap  11  and allows the user to view data such as the time, weather, swell height, swell direction, tide, weather watches and warnings, tsunami watches and warnings, location data (e.g. global positioning system [GPS] coordinates), etc. 
     The media unit  19  comprises a transceiver, a microcontroller, and a display screen. The transceiver is used to connect with wireless networks in order to retrieve the desired information. Signals received by the transceiver are sent to and processed by the microcontroller. The microcontroller then dictates the information that is presented to the user through the display screen. The media unit  19  may further comprise one or more controls used to select the information that is presented on the display screen. Alternatively, the display screen may be a touch screen. 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.