Patent Publication Number: US-8967397-B1

Title: Device and system for securing sports equipment

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 61/265,684, filed Dec. 1, 2009 and entitled SKATEBOARD LOCKERS, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to storage devices and lockers. More specifically, this invention relates to storage devices and lockers for securely storing sports equipment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are often used as a means of transportation. Board sports such as skateboarding, long board skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing, and scooter riding have increasingly become popular in the last couple of decades. Many of these items have also become a common means of transportation and are regularly used in public spaces. Typically, when a bike rider has reached their destination, they are able to secure the bike by passing a lock through the frame or wheels of the bike and locking it to a rack or other object. However, skateboards, long board skateboards, snowboards, skis, and scooters are not able to be secured in this manner due to their configuration. Consequently, after reaching a destination, a user is forced to carry the sports equipment with them or leave it in an unsecured location where it may be lost or stolen. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, a device for securing sports equipment comprises a supporting structure, a body for housing the sports equipment coupled to the supporting structure, and a securing mechanism for securing the sports equipment in the body, wherein a portion of the sports equipment protrudes from the body when it is secured within the body. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism is integrally coupled to the body and rotates between an open position and a closed position about a hinge. In some embodiments the device further comprises a lock hole for an external lock. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a lock integrally attached to the body. In some embodiments, the portion of the sports equipment that protrudes from the body, protrudes through a space of the body. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism covers a protruding portion of the sports equipment. In some embodiments, the supporting structure is a mounting stand coupled to a ground. In further embodiments, the supporting structure is a mounting stand coupled to an object. In some embodiments the body comprises one or more of wood, steel, plastic, fiberglass and a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sports equipment comprises one or more of a skateboard, a long board skateboard, a snowboard, a scooter, and skis. 
     In another aspect, a system for securing one or more item of sports equipment comprises a mounting base, a locker body coupled to the mounting base, wherein a portion of the sports equipment protrudes from the locker body when secured within the locker body, and one or more additional locker body coupled to the mounting base. In some embodiments the system further comprises one or more additional mounting base. In some embodiments, the sports equipment is secured by a securing mechanism that is coupled to the locker body and rotates between an open position and a closed position about a hinge. In some embodiments, wherein the locker body and the one or more additional locker body comprise a lock. In some embodiments, the portion of the sports equipment that protrudes from the locker body, protrudes through a space of the locker body. In further embodiments, the securing mechanism covers a protruding portion of the sports equipment. In some embodiments, the body comprises one or more of wood, steel, plastic, fiberglass and a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sports equipment comprises one or more of a skateboard, a long board skateboard, a snowboard, a scooter, and skis. 
     In a further aspect, a method of securing sports equipment comprises placing the sports equipment within a locker, and closing a securing mechanism over a protruding portion of the sports equipment. In some embodiments, when the securing mechanism is closed a portion of the sports equipment protrudes from the locker. In some embodiments, the locker comprises a lock. In some embodiments, the portion of the sports equipment that protrudes from the locker body, protrudes through a space of the locker. In some embodiments, the sports equipment comprises one or more of a skateboard, a long board skateboard, a snowboard, a scooter, and skis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a device for securing sports equipment in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a back view of a device for securing sports equipment in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a top perspective view of a device for securing sports equipment in an open configuration accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a side view of a device for securing sports equipment in an open configuration accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of a device for securing sports equipment in a closed configuration accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a side view of a device for securing sports equipment in a closed configuration accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a supporting structure of a device for securing sports equipment in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a supporting structure of a device for securing sports equipment in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates a supporting structure of a device for securing sports equipment in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a supporting structure of a device for securing sports equipment in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a close-up view of a mounting tab in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates a supporting structure of a device for securing sports equipment in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a supporting structure of a device for securing sports equipment in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a system for securing sports equipment in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates an exploded view of a device for securing sports equipment in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a method of securing sports equipment in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, numerous details are set forth for purposes of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention may be practiced without the use of these specific details or with equivalent alternatives. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a device for securing sports equipment  101  is depicted therein. The device for securing sports equipment  101  comprises a supporting structure  103 , a body  102  for housing sports equipment  104  coupled to the supporting structure  103  and a securing mechanism  106  for securing the sports equipment  104  within the body  102 . In some embodiments, the body  102  comprises a locker body. In some embodiments, the sports equipment  104  comprises a skateboard. In some embodiments, the sports equipment  104  comprises one or more of a long board skateboard, a scooter, snowboard and skis. Particularly, the sports equipment is able to comprise any sports equipment with substantially flat surface such as a board, and a protruding structure such as wheels or bindings which cannot be secured by a traditional u-lock or cable lock. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , when the skateboard  104  is secured within the body  102 , a portion of the skateboard  104  protrudes from the body  102 . In some embodiments, a portion of the skateboard  104  protrudes from a top portion and a bottom portion of the body  102 . In some embodiments, the supporting structure  103  is a mounting stand. The mounting stand is used to secure the device  101  to the ground. In some embodiments, the supporting structure  103  secures the device  101  to a wall or other structure. In some embodiments, the device  101  comprises one or more of steel, sheet metal, wood, plastic, fiber glass, and a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the body  102  and the supporting structure  103  comprise injection molded plastic. In some embodiments, the body  102  is coupled to one or more additional bodies  102 ′ and one or more additional supporting structures  103 ′ for holding an additional skateboard or other sports equipment. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a back view of the device for securing sports equipment  201  in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the sports equipment  204  comprises a skateboard. The device  201  comprises one or more mounting channels  208  and  208 ′, a supporting structure  203  and a body  202 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the one or more mounting channels  208  and  208 ′ couple the body  202  to the supporting structure  203 . In some embodiments, the one or more mounting channels  208  and  208 ′ are coupled to the body and the supporting structure by one or more fasteners  207 . In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners  207  comprise a stainless steel, button head, tamper proof, torx head screw and stainless steel nylock nut. However, the one or more fasteners  207  are able to comprise any fastening mechanism as known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more mounting channels  208  and  208 ′ are coupled to the body  202  and the supporting structure  203  by one or more spot weld and rivet. In further embodiments, the one or more mounting channels  208  and  208 ′ comprise a solid back panel. As also shown in  FIG. 2 , the supporting structure  203  comprises a base  210  for securing the supporting structure  203  and the body  202  to the ground. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a top perspective view of a device  301  for securing sports equipment in an open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. The device  301  comprises one or more mounting channels  308  and  308 ′, a supporting structure  303  and a body  302 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the securing mechanism  306  comprises a lid which rotates about a hinge  312  between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the hinge  312  couples to the lid  306  and the body  302  by one or more fasteners  314 . In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners  314  comprise a stainless steel, button head, tamper proof, torx head screw and stainless steel nylock nut. However, the one or more fasteners  314  are able to comprise any fastening mechanism as known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more fasteners  314  comprise one or more spot weld and rivet. The securing mechanism  306  moves from an open position to a closed position in order to secure the sports equipment (not shown) within the body  302 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the securing mechanism  306  comprises a lid on the top of the body  302 . However, as will be apparent to someone of ordinary skill in the art, the securing mechanism  306  is able to couple to any portion of the body  302 . For example, in some embodiments the securing mechanism  306  couples to a front of the body  302  and opens in the same manner as a traditional locker door. In some embodiments, when the skateboard is placed within the body  302 , a bottom portion of the skateboard or other sports equipment rests on the ground. Alternatively, when the skateboard or other sports equipment is placed within the body  302 , a portion of the skateboard or other sports equipment is supported and/or suspended by an additional securing mechanism  836  as shown in  FIG. 8A . In some embodiments, the additional securing mechanism  836  forms an integral lower part or shelf of the body  302 . In some embodiments, the supported and/or suspended portion of the sports equipment is a wheel assembly. Alternatively, the supported and/or suspended portion is able to be any combination of a deck  424  and/or one or more protruding portions  434  that protrude from the deck  424  (see  FIGS. 4A-4C  and  8 A). In some embodiments, the additional securing mechanism  836  is able to be positioned on the body  302  such that when the sports equipment is supported by the additional securing mechanism  836 , the bottom of the sports equipment is elevated above the ground and any dirt or other objects thereon. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a side view of a device for securing sports equipment in an open configuration in accordance with some embodiments. The device comprises a supporting mechanism  403 , a body  402  coupled to the supporting mechanism  403 , and a securing mechanism  406  in an open position. As shown in  FIG. 4A , a skateboard  404  is positioned within the body  402 . The skateboard  404  comprises a deck  424  and one or more protruding portions  434 . In some embodiments, one or more of the protruding portions  434  are wheel assemblies. Alternatively, any other sports equipment as described above are able to replace the skateboard  404 , wherein the other sports equipment comprises a deck and one or more protruding portions that protrude out from and are coupled to the deck. When the securing mechanism  406  is locked in a closed position, the securing mechanism  406  covers one or more of the protruding portions  434  of the skateboard  404  in order to securely hold the skateboard  404  within the device by blocking one or more of the protruding portions  434  from being removed from the top of the body  402 . Alternatively, when the securing mechanism  406  is locked in the closed position, the securing mechanism  406  covers both the deck  424  and one or more of the protruding portions  434  thereby securely holding the skateboard  404  within the device by blocking both the deck  424  and one or more of the protruding portions  434  from being removed from the top of the body  402 . It is understood that the skateboard  404  is able to be blocked from being removed from the bottom of the body  402  by the ground or other lower surface coupled to by the supporting mechanism  403 . Alternatively, the additional securing mechanism  836  described above and shown in  FIG. 8A  is able to block one or more of the protruding portions  434  and/or the deck  424  from being removed from the bottom of the body  402 . As further shown in  FIG. 4A , in some embodiments, the securing mechanism  406  comprises a lock hole  416  which aligns with a lock hole  418  of the body  402  when the securing mechanism  406  is positioned in a closed position. As described above, the securing mechanism  406  rotates about a hinge  412  between an open position and a closed position. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of a device for securing sports equipment in a closed configuration in accordance with some embodiments. When the securing mechanism  406  is in a closed position, it covers at least one of the protruding portions (not shown) of the skateboard  404  making it impossible to remove the skateboard  404  from the locker body  402 . In some embodiments, when the securing mechanism  406  is in a closed position, a portion of the skateboard  404  protrudes from a space/cavity  430  of the locker body  402 . As shown in  FIG. 4B , when the securing mechanism is in a closed position, the lock hole  416 , as shown in  FIG. 4A , aligns with the lock hole  418 . 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a side view of the skateboard  404  held within the locker body  402  of the device  401  and secured by a lock  420 . The lock  420  is threaded through the lock hole  416  and the lock hole  418  in order to lock the securing mechanism  406  to the locker body  402  and keep the securing mechanism  406  in a closed position. As shown in  FIG. 4C , the lock is a removable pad lock. In some embodiments, the lock  420  is integrally attached to the locker body  402 . In further embodiments, the lock  420  is a coin operated lock. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a supporting structure  503  for use with a device for securing sports equipment in accordance with some embodiments. The supporting structure  503  comprises a vertical tube  502 , a base  510  and one or more mounting tabs  505 . In some embodiments, the supporting structure  503  comprises one or more of welded steel and galvanized steel. However, the supporting structure is able to comprise any material as known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the supporting structure  503  comprises one or more of fiberglass, plastic and wood. In some embodiments, the supporting structure  503  comprises injection molded plastic. In some embodiments, the base  510  comprises one or more mounting holes  511  and  511 ′ for mounting the base  510  and the supporting structure  503  to an object. In some embodiments the one or more mounting holes  511  and  511 ′ mount the supporting structure  503  to the ground. In some embodiments, the one or more mounting holes  511  and  511 ′, mount the supporting structure  503  to a wall. The one or more mounting tabs  505  comprise one or mounting holes  515  for coupling the supporting structure  503  to a locker body (not shown). In some embodiments, the supporting structure  503  comprises one or more additional mounting tabs  505 ′ and one or more additional mounting holes  515 ′. The supporting structure  503  is able to couple to the locker body by any mechanism as known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the supporting structure  503  couples to the locker body by one or more of spot welds, rivets, and push in studs. In some embodiments, the supporting structure  503  couples to the locker body by stainless steel, button head, tamper proof, torx head screw and stainless steel nylock nut. Additionally, in some embodiments, the supporting structure  503  couples to the locker body through one or more mounting channels, as described above. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a supporting structure  503  in accordance with further embodiments. The supporting structure  503  comprises a vertical tube  502 , a base  510  and one or more mounting tabs  505 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the one or more mounting tabs  505  are mounted on an opposite side of the body as the one or more mounting tabs  505  shown in  FIG. 5A . As will be apparent to someone of ordinary skill in the art, the one or more mounting tabs  505  are able to be located at any position on the supporting structure  503 . The one or more mounting tabs  505  comprise one or mounting holes  515  for coupling the supporting structure  503  to a locker body (not shown). In some embodiments, the supporting structure  503  comprises one or more additional mounting tabs  505 ′ and one or more additional mounting holes  515 ′. As described above, the supporting structure  503  is able to couple to the locker body by any mechanism as known in the art. 
     In further embodiments, the supporting structure  503  comprises one or more mounting tabs  505  on opposite sides of the supporting structure  503 .  FIG. 5C  illustrates a supporting structure in accordance with further embodiments. The supporting structure  503  comprises a vertical tube  502 , a base  510  and one or more mounting tabs  505  and one or more mounting holes  515  on opposite sides of the supporting structure  503 . In some embodiments, the supporting structure  503  comprises one or more additional mounting tabs  505 ′ and one or more additional mounting holes  515 ′ on opposite sides of the supporting structure  503 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5C , the base  510  comprises one or more mounting holes  511  and  511 ′. The one or more mounting holes  511  and  511 ′ are centered on the base  510  from left to right. However, as will be apparent to someone of ordinary skill in the art, the mounting holes  511  and  511 ′ are able to be implemented in any desired configuration. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a supporting structure  603  in accordance with further embodiments. The supporting structure  603  comprises a vertical tube  602 , a base  610  and one or more mounting tabs  605  and mounting holes  615 . The one or more mounting tabs  605  comprise one or more mounting holes  615  on each side of the mounting tabs&#39;  605  body. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the one or more mounting tabs  605  are able to couple with a locker body (not shown) on each side of the mounting tabs  605 . In some embodiments, the supporting structure  603  comprises one or more additional mounting tabs  605 ′. The base  610  comprises one or more holes  611  and  611 ′ for mounting the supporting structure  603  to an object. In some embodiments, the base  610  secures the supporting structure  603  to the ground. As shown in  FIG. 6A , the one or more holes  611  and  611 ′ are positioned on opposite ends of the base  610 . However, as will be apparent to someone of ordinary skill in the art, the one or more holes  611  and  611 ′ are able to be positioned in any configuration. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a close-up view of a mounting tab  605  comprising one or more mounting holes  615 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , the one or more mounting holes  615  comprise a threaded backer  625 . In some embodiments, the threaded backer is welded to the inside of the one or more mounting tabs  605 . In some embodiments, the supporting structure  603  couples to a locker body (not shown) by a screw threaded through the locker body and the mounting hole  615  and into the threaded backer  625 . 
     In further embodiments, the supporting structure  603  comprises one or more mounting tabs  605  and  605 ′ on opposite sides of the supporting structure  603 .  FIG. 6C  illustrates a supporting structure in accordance with further embodiments. The supporting structure  603  comprises a vertical tube  602 , a base  610  and one or more mounting tabs  605  and  605 ′ and one or more mounting holes  615  and  615 ′ on opposite sides of the supporting structure  603 . As shown in  FIG. 6C , the base  610  comprises one or more mounting holes  611  and  611 ′. The one or more holes  611  and  611 ′ are positioned on opposite ends of the base  610 . However, as will be apparent to someone of ordinary skill in the art, the one or more holes  611  and  611 ′ are able to be positioned in any configuration. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a supporting structure  703  in accordance with some embodiments. The mounting base  703  comprises a vertical section  702  and a base  710 . In some embodiments, the base  710  and vertical section  702  comprise a flange  717  for adding strength to the base  710  and the vertical section  717 . In some embodiments, the vertical section  702  comprises one or more mounting holes  715  for coupling the supporting structure  703  with a locker body, as described above. In some embodiments, the vertical section  702  and the base  710  comprise metal and sheet metal. In some embodiments the vertical section  702  and the base  710  comprise one piece of bended metal. In further embodiments, the vertical section  702  is coupled to the base  710  by a fastener  707 . 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a system for securing sports equipment  801  in accordance with some embodiments. The system  801  comprises a mounting base  803 , a locker body  802  coupled to the mounting base  803  and one or more additional locker bodies  802 ′ coupled to the mounting base  803 . In some embodiments, the mounting base  803  comprises a supporting structure, as described above. In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more additional mounting bases  803 ′. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8A , in some embodiments, a locker body  802 ′ removably holds a skateboard  804 . In some embodiments, the locker bodies  802 ′ removably holds one or more of a long board skateboard, a pair of skis, a snowboard, and a scooter. In some embodiments, when the skateboard  804  is secured within the locker body  802  a portion of the skateboard protrudes from the locker body  802 . In some embodiments, the deck  824  of the skateboard  804  protrudes from a space  830  of the locker body  802 . As shown within  FIG. 8A , when the skateboard  804  is secured within the locker body  802 , a securing mechanism  806 ′ covers one or more of the protruding portions  834  of the skateboard  804  to prevent the skateboard  804  from being removed. 
     In some embodiments, the securing mechanism  806  is a lid, which is coupled to a top of the locker body  802  and rotates between an open position and a closed position by a hinge  812 . However, the securing mechanism  806  is able to couple to the locker body  802  by any mechanism as known in the art. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism  806  comprises one or more flaps  826 . In some embodiments, the securing mechanism  806  comprises a lock hole  816  which aligns with a lock hole  818  of the locker body  802  when the securing mechanism  806  is positioned in a closed position. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a lock  820  is able to be used to lock the securing mechanism  806  in a closed position. The lock  820  is threaded through the lock hole  816  and the lock hole  818  in order to lock the securing mechanism  806  to the locker body  802  and lock the securing mechanism  806  in a closed position. In some embodiments, the lock  820  is a removable pad lock. In some embodiments, a lock  820 ′ is integrally attached to the locker body  802 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , in further embodiments, the lock  820 ′ is a coin operated lock. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8A , the system  801  comprises a locker body  802  and one or more additional locker bodies  802 ′ which are separated by one or more dividers  822 . Additionally, the system comprises a mounting base  803  and one or more additional mounting base  803 ′. In some embodiments, the mounting base  803  comprises one or more mounting holes  815  for coupling the mounting base  803  with the locker body  802 . As will be apparent to someone of ordinary skill in the art, the system  801  is able to comprise any number of lockers and mounting bases depending on the desired application. 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates an exploded view of a device for securing sports equipment  801  in accordance with some embodiments. The device  801  comprises a locker body  802 , a hinge  812 , and a securing mechanism  806 . In some embodiments, the locker body  802 , the hinge  812 , and the securing mechanism  806  are coupled by one or more fasteners  807 . In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners  807  comprise press-in studs. In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners comprise stainless steel, button head, tamper proof, torx head screw and stainless steel nylock nut. However, the one or more fasteners  807  are able to comprise any fastening mechanism as known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more fasteners  807  comprise one or more spot weld and rivet. In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners  807  couple the locker body  802  to the one or more additional locker bodies  802 ′ as shown in  FIG. 8A . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a method of securing sports equipment in accordance with some embodiments. The method starts in the step  910 . In the step  920 , an item of sports equipment is placed within a locker. In some embodiments, the sports equipment is one or more of a skateboard, a long board skate board, a pair of skis, a snowboard, and a scooter. Then, in the step  930 , a securing mechanism is closed over a protruding portion of the sports equipment. In some embodiments, when the securing mechanism is closed, a portion of the sports equipment protrudes from the locker. In some embodiments, the portion of the sports equipment that protrudes from the locker, passes through a space in the locker body. The method ends in the step  940 . 
     In operation, the device and system for securing sports equipment enables a person to securely store a long board skateboard, a skateboard, a scooter, a snowboard, and skis while not in use. Particularly, by placing a device for securing sports equipment at popular locations such as schools, malls, movie theaters, parks and ski areas, users are able to travel to a destination in an enjoyable and environmentally friendly manner and then store their mode of transportation securely and safely. By storing sports equipment in this manner, a user can then enjoy themselves without worrying if their sports equipment is secure and without carrying it with them. Accordingly, the device and system for securing sports equipment has many advantages. 
     The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. Particularly, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the parts of the device may be formed out of sheet metal, which may be formed using a manual or automated brake press. Further, the parts of the device may be formed by plastic injection molding. Additionally, the holes and shapes of the parts may be cut and drilled using hand tools and with a computer controlled machine. Such machines may use a punching, water jet, and laser cutting method of creating the holes and shapes. 
     Additionally, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other various modifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.