Abstract:
An equipment carrying device is provided for carrying a wide range of sports boards by releasable attachment to and suspension from a separate shoulder strap, such as a shoulder strap of a backpack. The equipment carrying device features an elongated strap having distal and proximal ends. A connector has a first attachment and a second attachment. The first attachment is attached to the elongated strap at a first attachment point between the distal and proximal ends and the second attachment is configured for releasable attachment to a separate assembled shoulder strap, such as a backpack strap. A carrying hook is attached to the elongated strap at a second attachment point. An elastic section is attached to the elongated strap between the first attachment point and second attachment point and configured to absorb shocks of sudden loads. The carrying hook is an integrated structure having a bottom arcuate cradle with a first end and an opposite second end, an upward extending neck having a free end and an end integrally attached to said first end of the cradle, an eyelet at the free end of the upward extending neck, and a lip attached to the second end of the bottom arcuate cradle.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application 60/899,504, filed Feb. 6, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention generally relates to a carrying sports board, and, more particularly, to a carrying device for cradling a sports board, such as a surfboard, boogie board, or wakeboard, between a hook tethered to a shoulder strap and a user&#39;s armpit thereby freeing the user&#39;s hands. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Individuals, such as recreationalists, sports enthusiasts, and professional athletes, must frequently carry an appreciable distance a plurality of articles. Some of articles are small, lightweight and easy to carry, while others may be large and cumbersome. Small objects such as a folded towel, change of clothing, lotion, keys, wallet, etc., may be carried in a backpack. Advantageously, backpacks are ubiquitous, cost-effective, familiar, durable, unisex, protective carriers. Unfortunately, however, conventional backpacks are not well suited for carrying objects that exceed the capacity of the sack comprising the backpack. A moderate to large sized object, such as a surfboard, boogie board, or wakeboard, must therefore be carried separate from the backpack. 
         [0004]    Unfortunately, large items such as surfboards, boogie boards, wakeboards and the like can be quite difficult to carry appreciable distances. Such items are unwieldy, lengthy and relatively heavy. They typically lack carrying handles. Often they feature ornamental surfaces that can be easily marred if dropped or scraped. 
         [0005]    Devices for hauling (i.e., carrying) recreational equipment, such as a surf board, boogie board, skateboard, or snowboard, are known in the art. For example, United States Patent Application 2005/0184118 by Vella, entitled Article Carrier, describes a carrier for the personal carriage of an elongate article. The Vella carrier features a body-mounting strap, e.g. shoulder strap, and a looped holder portion. The looped holder portion is sized to extend entirely around a portion of an elongate article to hold the article on the side of a person wearing the device. The looped holder includes flaps sized to pass about the article and closed into a loop by suitable fastening means, e.g., a buckle, a snap lock, Velcro® fasteners, drawstrings, ties, buttons, etc. Tightening means, e.g., straps or drawstrings on the looped holder, ensures that the article is gripped firmly in position. Alternatively, a deformable material within the loop holder, such as foam padding or an inflatable bladder, grips against the article to hold it in place. 
         [0006]    As another example, United States Patent Application 2004/0056060 by Tannini, entitled Board Sling, describes a surfboard sling device comprising a substantially rectangular main section made of terrycloth that doubles as a beach towel. A pair of fabric straps (i.e., shoulder straps) are attached at attachment points at opposite ends of the rectangular main section. A user can carry a surfboard hands free by folding the main section in half to form a sling with a folded cavity and aligned shoulder straps. The user wears the device on a shoulder by looping the fabric straps over a shoulder. A surfboard is inserted in the folded cavity. 
         [0007]    As yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,673 to Lang, entitled Universal Carrier for Sports Boards, describes a handle carrier for sport boards such as surfboards. The carrier is a unitary structure formed from a tubular material having a back section which, at its lower end, transitions into a U-shape cradle and a handle. The sport board is received in the cradle and then may be transported by placing the carrier against the side of the user beneath the arm and grasping the handle retaining the board against the side of the user. 
         [0008]    While the known prior art devices seem to fulfill their intended purposes, they have limitations. By way of example, none of the known prior art carriers is configured to securely and openly grip a sports board without fasteners and suspend the item from a backpack strap. None of the known prior art carriers facilitates cradling between a hook suspended from a shoulder strap and an armpit. None of the known prior art carriers is configured to easily connect to a conventional backpack shoulder strap. As yet another example, none of the known prior art carriers includes a means to absorb the shock of sudden loads caused by walking or running with a carried article. 
         [0009]    What is needed is a carrier configured to securely openly grip a sports board without the complexity, hassle and limitations of fasteners. The carrier should also be configured to easily connect to a conventional backpack shoulder strap because backpacks are commonly used. The carrier should also optionally include a means to absorb the shock of sudden loads caused by walking or running with a carried article. The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, a carrier configured to securely openly grip a sports board without the complexity, hassle and limitations of fasteners is provided. The carrier is configured to easily connect to a conventional backpack shoulder strap. The carrier optionally includes a means to absorb the shock of sudden loads caused by walking or running with a carried board. 
         [0011]    A carrying device is provided for carrying a wide range of sports boards by releasable attachment to and suspension from a separate shoulder strap, such as a shoulder strap of a backpack. The equipment carrying device features an elongated strap having distal and proximal ends, a connector having a first attachment and a second attachment, the first attachment being attached to the elongated strap at a first attachment point between said distal and proximal ends and the second attachment being configured for releasable attachment to a separate assembled shoulder strap, and a carrying hook attached to said elongated strap at a second attachment point. The second attachment point may be the distal end (i.e., end nearest the cradle) of said elongated strap. Optionally, an elastic section is attached to the elongated strap between the first attachment point and second attachment point and configured to absorb shocks of sudden loads. The elastic section may be composed of at least one elastic strand forming a core that is covered in a webbing sheath. Fastening joints secure the elastic section (e.g., secure the elastic core) to the elongated strap. The elongated strap may be made of polyethylene, nylon, polyester, para-aramid, cotton, polypropylene, or flax webbing. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment the connector is a two-piece buckle assembly, such as a side release buckle with a female receptacle configured to engage a corresponding male plug. Either the female receptacle or male plug includes a pair of belt holes for insertion and adjustable frictional engagement of the elongated strap. The other of the female receptacle and male plug includes a belt hole with an opening for insertion and engagement of the separate assembled shoulder strap. Alternative connectors may include a center release buckle, a threaded buckle, a cam buckle, a snap buckle, a carabiner and a spring clip. 
         [0013]    The carrying hook features an integrated structure having a bottom arcuate cradle with a first end and an opposite second end, an elongated neck extending upwardly from the bottom arcuate cradle, said elongated neck having a free end and an end integrally attached to said first end of said cradle. An eyelet (i.e., aperture) is formed at the free end of the elongated neck to receive the elongated strap. A lip is attached to the second end of the bottom arcuate cradle. Preferably, the lip is inclined outwardly (i.e., with the free end extending away from the cradle) to provide an entrance to the bottom arcuate cradle that is wider than a diameter of the bottom arcuate cradle. The bottom arcuate cradle may have a carrying surface composed of an overmolded resilient anti-slip pad. The carrying hook may be manufactured of a plastic, which may optionally contain a functionally effective amount of a thermochromic, photochromic or phosphorescent additive. The cradle may have a cross-section diameter of about 0.5 inches to 6.0 inches and a width of about 0.5 inches to 6.0 inches. The lip may be inclined 15° to less than 90° relative to a horizontal plane. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of a first embodiment of an exemplary equipment carrying device according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary equipment carrying device holding a surfboard and suspended from a backpack strap worn by a user according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  shows a first isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an equipment carrying hook according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  shows a second isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an equipment carrying hook according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an equipment carrying hook according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  shows a top isometric view of an exemplary side release buckle assembly according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 6A  shows a top isometric view of an exemplary carabiner according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  shows a top isometric view of an exemplary male portion of side release buckle assembly according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  shows a top isometric view of an exemplary female portion of side release buckle assembly according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an exemplary equipment carrying device without an elastic section according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an exemplary equipment carrying device with an elastic section according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  shows a top dimensioned view of an exemplary equipment carrying hook according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  shows back dimensioned view of an exemplary equipment carrying hook according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  shows a side dimensioned view of an exemplary equipment carrying hook according to principles of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0029]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the types of boards, shapes, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or proportions shown in the figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    Referring to the Figures, in which like parts are indicated with the same reference numerals, various views of an exemplary equipment carrying device and components thereof according to principles of the invention are shown. The invention is not limited to any particular carried sports board as shown in the figures. Instead, the invention may be utilized with any type of sports board capable of being carried using an equipment carrying device as described and claimed herein. Additionally, the term “strap” is used herein to broadly cover all forms of pliable elongated materials suitable for carrying tensile loads, including, but not limited to, elongated strips, tethers, lines, filaments, rope, cords and lanyards. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 10 , a carrying device  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes a strap  105 , one or more connectors  115 ,  110  for attachment to another strap, an elastic section  125  with joints  120  and  130  attached to the strap  105 , and a carrying hook  140  with means such as an eyelet (i.e., an aperture) for attaching to the distal end of the strap  105 . 
         [0032]    In use, the connector is attached to a shoulder strap  210  of a backpack  205  worn by a user  200 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . An object, such as a surfboard  210  is hung in the hook  140 . Thus, the weight of the surfboard  210  is transmitted through the carrying device  100  to the shoulder strap  210 . 
         [0033]    In an exemplary embodiment, the strap  105  is comprised of webbing, a strong fabric woven as a flat strip or tube. The fabric may be a meshed material, preferably made from high-strength material, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, nylon, polyester or para-aramid synthetic fibers. For a less performance-oriented embodiment, cotton, polypropylene, or flax webbing may be used. Advantageously, webbing is both light and strong, and may be weather and abrasion resistant. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6 through 8 , in an exemplary embodiment, the connector  600  is a two-piece buckle assembly. The exemplary connector  600  includes a female receptacle  115  with a cavity  630  and opposed side cutouts  605 ,  625 . The female receptacle  115  is configured to engage a corresponding male plug  110 . The plug  110  includes a centrally disposed guide bar  645  and a pair of legs  655 ,  670 , each having a shoulder  640 ,  650 . When inserted into the cavity  630  of the receptacle  115 , the legs  655 ,  670  flex inwardly and slide until the shoulders  640 ,  650  snap fit into the respective side cutouts  605 ,  625 . The two buckle pieces  110 ,  115  are unlocked and disengaged by squeezing the shoulders  640 ,  650  protruding through the cutouts  605 ,  625 , thereby freeing the shoulders  640 ,  650  and allowing the two buckle pieces  110 ,  115  to become separated. 
         [0035]    The exemplary connector  600  is configured to engage the carrying device strap  105  as well as the strap  210  of an assembled backpack, without disassembling the backpack. By way of example and not limitation, two belt holes  660 ,  665  are provided on one of the two buckle pieces  110  or  115  for the insertion and adjustable frictional engagement of the strap  105  of the carrying device  100 . Another belt hole  620  defined by a crossbar  610  that is split with an opening  615  is provided on the other of the two buckle pieces  110  or  115  for the insertion and engagement of a backpack strap  210 . The backpack strap may slip into the belt hole  620  through the opening  615 . Because the exemplary opening  615  is narrow, the inserted belt  105  will not unintentionally retreat out of the belt hole  620  through the opening  615 . The split opening  615  may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hole  620  (as shown), or askew. Additionally, the split crossbar  610  segments may be spaced apart (as shown) or releasably interlock or overlap. The crossbar  610  is designed with enough rigidity to hold a determined weight without substantial deformation. Materials having a high modulus of elasticity and structural features such as strengthening ribs, flanges and gussets may be utilized to resist substantial deformation of the split crossbar  610  under normal load carrying conditions. 
         [0036]    Skilled artisans will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the connector  600  described above. Other connectors capable of releasably attaching the strap  105  of the carrying device  100  to a backpack strap  210  may be utilized in addition to or in lieu of the connector  600  described above. The connector may have a piece that releasably attaches to the backpack strap or is threaded onto or permanently attached to the backpack strap. Such other connectors may include for example center release buckles, threaded buckles, cam buckles, snap buckles, carabiners and spring clips. Such connectors may be used alone or as a backup or supplementary connector. Illustratively,  FIG. 6A  reveals a carabiner  675  with a spring clip  680  for releasably engaging a backpack strap  210  and two belt holes  685 ,  690  for the insertion and adjustable frictional engagement of the strap  105  of the carrying device  100 . 
         [0037]    To provide shock relief, optionally, an elastic section  125  is attached with joints  120  and  130  to the strap  105 . The elastic section  125  absorbs shocks caused by bouncing and jostling of the carried object during walking and running. The elastic section  125  is composed of one or more elastic strands forming a core, covered in a webbing sheath. The joints  120  and  130  may comprise stitching, bonding, or other fasteners to secure the elastic core to the strap  105 . An embodiment without an elastic section  125  is conceptually shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0038]    Turning now to  FIGS. 3 through 5 , the carrying hook  140  is conceptually shown. The carrying hook  140  is an integrated structure featuring a lip  315 , a bottom arcuate or bight shaped cradle  320 , a neck  325 , and an eyelet  330  at the terminal end  305  of the neck  325 . The cradle  320  is generally semi-circular and forms a continuous curve connecting the neck  325  to the lip  315 . The neck  325  is generally elongate and extends upwardly from the cradle  320 . The back surface of the neck  325  is preferably smooth to provide a comfortable surface abutting a user. The eyelet  330  is sized to receive the strap  105 . The lip  315  is inclined to provide an entrance to the cradle  320  that is wider than the cradle diameter. The carrying surface of the cradle  320  is lined (e.g., overmolded) with a cushioning anti-slip pad  310 . The exemplary pad comprises a resilient material (e.g., Santoprene, or other cushioning and gripping elastomers) and features ridges or other protuberances to frictionally engage and cushion a carried object. The hook  140  is configured (i.e., shaped and sized) to receive and carry a sports board. 
         [0039]    Dimensions (in inches) of an exemplary carrying hook  140  are provided in  FIGS. 11 through 13  for illustrative purposes. While a cradle width of 1.75 inches provides a broad stable support surface, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the width may vary from 0.5 inches to several inches (e.g., 6 in) within the scope of the invention. While a cradle diameter of 2 inches (as shown in  FIG. 13 ) provides ample space to receive and grip many items, including many surfboards, the diameter may vary from about 0.5 inches to several inches (e.g., 6 in) depending upon the articles to be carried, within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, while the lip is shown inclined outwardly (i.e., with the free end of the lip extending away from the cradle) at an angle 73.25° relative to the horizontal in  FIG. 3 , other acute angles relative to the horizontal, ranging from about 15° to almost 90° may be utilized, within the scope of the invention. 
         [0040]    The carrying hook  140  receives an object to be carried, such as a surf board, as shown in  FIG. 1 . An edge of the surf board may be placed in the cradle  320  of the carrying hook and maintained between the neck  325  and lip  315  of the carrying hook  140 . The board is preferably positioned so that the center of gravity of the surf board is approximately aligned with the center line of the carrying hook  140 . The carrying hook  140  is attached to the strap  105 , which is coupled to a backpack shoulder strap  210  to facilitate carrying by a user. 
         [0041]    The carrying hook  140  is attached to the strap  105 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  9  and  10 , the strap  105  can be looped through the eyelet  330  of the carrying hook  140 , wherein a portion of the strap  135  becomes overlapped upon itself. The overlapped portion can be maintained by clasping, bonding or by stitching at least some of the overlapped portion  135  of the strap  105 . Alternatively, releasable attachments such as buckles, tie downs, hook and loop fasteners, spring clips and the like may be utilized to secure the hook  140  to the strap  105 . 
         [0042]    The carrying hook  140  may be comprised of various materials, such as metal and/or plastic. In an exemplary implementation, the carrying hook  140  is comprised of a rigid plastic or polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylics, cellulosics, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymers, urethanes, thermo-plastic resins, thermo-plastic elastomers (TPE), acetal resins, polyamides, polycarbonates and polyesters. While many other materials may be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned materials and/or other materials, without departing from the scope of the present invention, preferably the material is relatively inexpensive, easy to use in manufacturing operations and results in an aesthetically acceptable, durable, weather resistant product. The material may further include additives to provide desired properties such as desired colors, structural characteristics, glow-in-the dark properties and thermal reactivity (e.g., color changes according to heat). 
         [0043]    By way of example and not limitation, the carrying hook  140  may optionally be formulated to change color when it reaches a predetermined or higher temperature. This can be accomplished by mixing a thermochromic additive to the base material in an amount that is sufficient to achieve a desired color changing range. As an example, a mixture of approximately 5% to 30% (pbw) of Matsui International Co., Inc.&#39;s Chromicolor concentrate may be introduced to the base material, to provide a plastic structure that visibly changes color at a determined elevated temperature, such as approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. 
         [0044]    Alternatively, a photochromic additive may be added to the base material in an amount that is effective to achieve a desired color change when the base  100  is exposed to certain lighting conditions. As an example, a mixture of approximately 5% to 35% (pbw) of Matsui International Co., Inc.&#39;s Photopia® additive may be introduced to the base material, to provide a plastic structure that visibly changes color in the presence of sunlight or ultraviolet light. 
         [0045]    As another alternative, phosphorescent polymer additives, such as aluminate based phosphors, may be added to adsorb light energy and continue to release that energy as visible light after the energy source is removed. Advantageously, such an embodiment provides a base that is easy to locate in darkened conditions, making the device easy to spot even at nighttime. 
         [0046]    The carrying hook  140  may be produced using any suitable manufacturing techniques known in the art for the chosen material, such as (for example) injection, compression, structural foam, blow, or transfer molding; polyurethane foam processing techniques; vacuum forming; and casting. Preferably, the manufacturing technique is suitable for mass production at relatively low cost per unit, and results in an aesthetically acceptable product with a consistent acceptable quality. 
         [0047]    The carrying hook  140  is preferably sufficiently strong and weather resistant such that it does not structurally fail from the stresses and environmental conditions encountered during use. Within these parameters, the carrying hook  140  may feature a formulation and construction that exhibits rigidity such that the carrying hook  140  resists substantial deformation during normal use. Strengthening ribs, flanges, gussets and arcuate surfaces may be utilized to strengthen the carrying hook  140  without excessive weight. 
         [0048]    In use, a sports board is suspended from the carrying hook  140  of the device  100 . A user may conveniently cradle the board between the user&#39;s armpit and the hook, with the weight of the board suspended from the user&#39;s shoulder and the user&#39;s hands free. 
         [0049]    While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components and steps of the invention, including variations in order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.