Abstract:
The present disclosure describes an attachment apparatus for a water sport article, the attachment apparatus configured to hold goods having a base plate having an attachment portion for attachment to the water sport article, a shaft coupled to the base plate on a first end, and removable from the base plate and being adjustable in height, a holder coupled to the shaft, the holder being detachable from the shaft. A method for attaching a holder to water sports article is also provided.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates surface water sport devices. More particularly, the invention relates to an attachment apparatus for a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) allowing a user convenient access to an item, such as food, drink and personal items. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Paddleboarding is a surface water sport in which participants are propelled by a swimming motion using their arms while lying or kneeling on a paddleboard or surfboard in the ocean. A derivative of paddleboarding is stand up paddleboarding (SUP) or paddle surfing. SUP is usually performed in the open ocean or in bays and lakes, with the participant paddling and surfing unbroken swells to cross between islands or journey from one coastal area to another. 
         [0004]    According to the World Paddleboard association, millions of Americans enjoyed paddlesport. In 2012. In fact, more than six percent of Americans participated in paddling, totaling more than 19 million individuals. On average, each paddler took seven trips a year, contributing to 202 million annual paddling outings. In 2012, paddling participants made 202 million annual outings, in kayaks, rafts, canoes and stand up paddle boards. Paddlers made an average of seven outings each, with kayakers and canoers making the most outings per year and rafters making the least. Annual Outings. In sum, participation in Paddlesports totaled 19.2 Million Rafting. Participation Rate an average of 7 outings per participant 202 million annual outings. 
         [0005]    Consequently, the market has seen a dramatic increase in sales and accessories for Paddlesports. Paddleboards are typically made of a foam core surrounding a stringer or other structural support, and covered with a fiberglass skin. This structure can also exhibit a relatively soft surface for comfort and safety reasons primarily. Because of this, it can be difficult to attach accessories to the relatively soft surface. 
         [0006]    Prior art designs include suction cup-type attachments. However these are prone dislodgement. Providing some means to alternately attach various types of accessories such as a leash, a temporary mast, a vent plug or a paddle to a water board may require a number of mounts which, when not in use clutter the board and interfere with its use. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,430, issued to William G. Honsby on Oct. 13, 1998, presents a DUAL AQUAPLANING CRAFT, a towed board designed for two riders in a more or less side by side configuration, the board dividing into two separate surfaces sharing a common bow area. Each portion of the hull has a plurality of longitudinal channel passages for stability and an interchangeable skeg for facilitating cutting maneuvers. 
         [0008]    United States Patent Application number 20140004762 provides a paddleboard having a plurality of apertures that can be used to store items such as beverages and personal belongings. The holder (elongated substrate) is releaseably attached to the board by a variety of fastening means including a sheath having webbing and buckles, or ropes or elastomeric ropes that essentially tie the substrate to the board. 
         [0009]    However, SUPs, often used in oceanic and are subjected toe subjected to wet, sandy, and salty environments, components used with the watercraft are often prone to clogging, slippage, and unwanted detachment from the board. Furthermore, the location of these apertures are inconvenient, especially considering a majority of the time on a paddleboard is spent in a prone position. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, there is a need for an improved an attachment apparatus for a surface water sport device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a paddleboard assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is perspective view of the paddleboard of  FIG. 1 , showing the attachment apparatus in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of attachment apparatus of  FIG. 2 , shown separate and apart from the paddleboard in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of attachment apparatus of  FIG. 2 , shown separate and apart from the paddleboard in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a step-wise method in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0018]    Like reference characters designate identical or corresponding components and units throughout the several views, which are not to scale unless otherwise indicated. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    To achieve the forgoing and other aspects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention an attachment apparatus for a surface water sport device. And method of attachment, is described herein. 
         [0020]    In an embodiment of the present invention, An attachment apparatus for a water sport article, the attachment apparatus configured to hold goods, comprising: a base plate having an attachment portion for attachment to the water sport article; a shaft coupled to the base plate on a first end, and removable from the base plate and being adjustable in height; a holder coupled to the shaft, the holder being detachable from the shaft. 
         [0021]    In an embodiment of the present invention, a method for attaching an apparatus to a water sport article, the method comprising: providing a base plate having an attachment portion for attachment to the water sport article; coupling a shaft to the base plate on a first end, the shaft being removable from the base plate and being adjustable in height; attaching a holder to the shaft, the holder being detachable from the shaft. 
         [0022]    Other features, advantages, and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
         [0024]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0025]    It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0026]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0027]    Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application, and that the systems of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any of a wide variety of suitable processes and system modules, and is not limited to any particular computer hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcode and the like. 
         [0028]    While exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to certain types of paddleboards, a skilled artisan will realize that embodiments of the invention are applicable to any type of an attachment apparatus for water sport devices, such as but not limited to tubes, surfboards, rafts, kayaks, and the like. 
         [0029]    As used herein, a “paddleboard” is water sport recreational device typically constructed from glass-reinforced plastic using polyester or epoxy resin that is compatible with the polyurethane or expanded polystyrene foam used in the core. The paddleboard referred to herein is typically a “Stand-up Paddleboard, also referred to herein as a “SUP”. These SUPs may use a hollow wood construction instead of foam with epoxy resin, and, may be inflatable as well. Generally, although this varies with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, SUPS generally longer than 9 feet (2.7 m), and can be longer than 12 feet (3.6 m), with features such as padded decks and concave hulls; they generally have one or three surfboard-style fins in the stern for tracking. In operation, a user has a paddle which, when paddling on the right side the handle is held with the left hand and the shaft with the right, vice versa on the left side. When paddling, the blade is placed in the water 1 to 2 feet in front of the rider. The paddle “grips” the water and is used to pull the board past the paddle. Importantly, much of the time spent on a SUP is in an upright position. 
         [0030]    As used herein, a “user” is the person using the paddleboard. 
         [0031]    As used herein, the manufacturer is the maker of the paddleboard. 
         [0032]    In exemplary embodiments, of the present invention, to be described in greater detail in relation to  FIGS. 1-7 . 
         [0033]    A first embodiment of the present invention will be described which an accessory for a paddleboard, and an attachment mechanism that advantageously “fits” into multiple types of boards, and has a stable and long-lasting connection. The accessory may comprise a stem and a holder at the tip, to be described more detail with relation  FIG. 2 . 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary paddleboard for use with the present invention will be described.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a paddleboard, shown generally at reference numeral  100 . In this embodiment, the paddleboard  100  comprises a body  102  having a tip  102   a  and a tail  102   b . In optional embodiments of the board  100 , the front  102   a  may be turned up, and the back  102   b  may have a fish tail configuration. The exemplary paddleboard may have camber, rocker, or be flat. It should be noted that the plane of the tip  102   a  and tail  102   b  will have an effect on the attachment mechanism, which will be discussed in greater detail with relation to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0035]    Near the tip  102   a , a recess  104  may be defined that provides space for a user to grasp a handle  106  attached to the body  102 . The handle  106  can be attached, permanently or removably, to the body  102  in any suitable way. In at least one embodiment, the handle  106  is attached to the body  102  with one or more fasteners  108 , such as rivets, pins or screws for example. Embodiments of the paddleboard  100  may include more than one handle  106 , and the handle  106  may be plastic, metal or other material. The paddleboard  100  may include one or more plugs  110  that are configured to removably engage the body  102 . The plugs  110  may be plastic, rubber, metal, or other material, and may enable a user to drain any water that may have collected within the body  102 , and the plugs  110  may include threads configured to engage corresponding threads of the body  102 . Some embodiments of the paddleboard  100  may include one or more plugs  112  that include a loop  112   a  to which a shock cord, rope, or other element can be attached. As discussed in further detail below, the paddleboard  100  may include one or more fins  200 . Finally, at least some embodiments of the paddleboard  100  may include deck covering  114  disposed on at least a portion of the paddleboard  100 . In some embodiments, the deck covering  114  comprises ethylene-vinyl acetate material. The deck covering  114  may constitute, or include, a non-slip material or configuration that may enable a user to better grip the paddleboard  100 . 
         [0036]    Referring still to  FIG. 1 , the body  102  may be formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during a blow-molding process and may include one or more tack-offs. 
         [0037]    The body  102  may include an upper surface  102   c  and a lower surface  102   d . The upper surface  102   c  may be covered with a deck covering  114 . The upper surface  102   c  and/or lower surface  102   d  may incorporate a surface treatment and/or be textured in any desired manner. The texturing can be performed with the use of chemical etching or other processes. A pair of side rails  102   e  running along the sides of the paddleboard  100 . A rib  102   f  is provided that runs longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the paddleboard  100 . In terms of its orientation, the rib  102   f  may be located proximate, or on, a centerline AA of the paddleboard  100 . 
         [0038]    Referring still to  FIG. 1 , the paddleboard  100  comprises one or more recesses  102   g  that may be configured and arranged to facilitate gripping, carrying, and/or maneuvering of the paddleboard  100  by a user. For example, the recesses  102   g  positioned in the rib  102   f  may provide a handhold for a user who desires to carry the paddleboard  100  under his arm. The recesses,  102   g , also referred to herein as “handles” handles are typically shaped recesses, rather than apertures. However, in optional embodiments of the present invention, the attachment apparatus is usable and configurable with a full aperture handle, shown in greater detail with relation to  FIG. 7 . 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of attachment apparatus of shown separate and apart from the paddleboard of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, is shown generally at  200 . 
         [0040]    The attachment apparatus  200  is attachable or connectable to a structure such as the recess  102   g  of  FIG. 1 . The attachment apparatus may comprise in exemplary embodiments of the present invention a base plate  202 , a surface protrusion  204 , a first connector element  206 , a shaft  208 , a second connector element  210 , and a holder  212 . 
         [0041]    The base plate  202  is configured for attachment into a recess of a paddleboard, in exemplary embodiments. The bottom portion of the base plate (shown in relation to  FIG. 4 , comprise a flange (shown in  FIG. 4 ) for attachment into the recess. The flange may be adjustable via its connecting apparatus, and thus, is a “universal” connector, again, to be discussed in greater detail with relation to  FIG. 4 . The base plate  202  may be formed of plastics, for example, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), LEXAN, or other types of plastic polymers (Polycarbonate). 
         [0042]    The base plate  202  may further comprise a surface protrusion  204 . The surface protrusion  204  is, in optional embodiments, integral to and formed with the base plate  202 . The protrusion  204  may comprise, in optional embodiments, projections  203   a ,  203   b ,  203   c , and  203   d , which extend outwardly from the center portion  205  of the base plate  202 . The projections  203   a - d  are configured to provide enhanced support and stability for use in unstable environments, such as oceans and large bodies of water in which large waves are a factor. While four protrusions are shown, any number of protrusions are applicable with embodiments of the present invention. Also, while the as shown, the base plate  202 , protrusion  204 , and the projections  203   a - d  are formed of the same material as a single integral, each element may be formed on its own, and connected in known manners. 
         [0043]    The protrusion may also comprise a tip  207  which is configured for connection with the first attachment member  206 . The attachment member  206  comprises a first end  214  which is a first connection point, and is configured to couple to the protrusion  204 . The attachment member  204  may be coupled and decoupled to the protrusion through the use of, in this exemplary embodiment, a press friction fit. In other optional embodiments, the coupling and decoupling may occur via screws, clasps, buttons, male and female screw threads and like. In another optional embodiment, the protrusion and attachment member  206  may be formed in single piece. 
         [0044]    The attachment member  206  comprises a second end  216  which is has a second connection point, and is configure to couple to the shaft  208 . The attachment member  204  may be coupled and decoupled to the shaft through the use of, in this exemplary embodiment, a press friction fit. In other optional embodiments, the coupling and decoupling may occur via screws, clasps, buttons, male and female screw threads and like. In another optional embodiment, the shaft and attachment member  206  may be formed in single piece. 
         [0045]    The attachment member  206 , in this exemplary embodiment, is configured and shaped as a “X-type” or crossed member. In this way, of the four protrusions aligns with a corresponding portions of the attachment member to increase stability, and make for a more robust and tighter press fit arrangement. The attachment member  206  may be a hollow element, or, may recesses at each end for coupling of the protrusion  204  and shaft  208  at a first end of the shaft  218 . 
         [0046]    The shaft  208  is also configured and shaped as as a “X-type” or crossed member. In this way, of the four outer edges of the shaft align with a corresponding portions of the attachment member  206  to, again, increase stability, and make for a more robust and tighter press fit arrangement. The shaft  208  may be configured as a hollow instrument to decrease total weight of the apparatus. 
         [0047]    The shaft  208  further comprises a second end  220  which is configured to for connection with a second attachment member  210 . The second attachment member  210  comprises a first end  222  which is a third connection point, and is configured to couple to the shaft  208 . The second attachment member  210  may be coupled and decoupled to the shaft  208  through the use of, in this exemplary embodiment, a press friction fit. In other optional embodiments, the coupling and decoupling may occur via screws, clasps, buttons, male and female screw threads and like. In another optional embodiment, the shaft  208  and attachment member  210  may be formed in single piece. 
         [0048]    The second attachment member  210  comprises a second end  224  which is has a fourth connection point, and is configured to couple to the holder  212 . The attachment member  210  may be coupled and decoupled to the shaft through the use of, in this exemplary embodiment, a press friction fit to each of the shaft  208 , at one end, and the holder at another end. In other optional embodiments, the coupling and decoupling may occur via screws, clasps, buttons, male and female screw threads and like. In another optional embodiment, the shaft  208  and attachment member  210  may be formed in single piece. 
         [0049]    Like the first attachment member  206 , the second attachment member  210 , in this exemplary embodiment, is configured and shaped as a “X-type” or crossed member. In this way, it aligns with the shape of the shaft, and with the corresponding portions of the shaft  208  to increase stability, and make for a more robust and tighter press fit arrangement for each of the shaft  208  and the holder  212 , which is described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the holder  212  of  FIG. 2  is shown generally at  300 . For perspective, the shaft can be seen at reference numeral  208 . The holder  212  comprises a cylinder  302  having a chamber  304 , the cylinder and chamber  302 ,  304  together, configured for storage of items. A opening  306  is disposed in the front side of the cylinder  302  to allow a user to more easily retrieve items. 
         [0051]    The holder  212  comprises a top portion  306 , side portion  308 , and bottom portion  310 , with those three sides defining longitudinal cylinder  302 . The width of the top portion is preferably similar to the width of the bottom portion. The top portion  36  preferably defines the holder, and optionally includes a plurality of removable cup holder inserts  312 . While the embodiment of  FIG. 3  has a generally cylindrical shape, it should be understood that a variety of shapes could be used. 
         [0052]    Still with reference to  FIG. 3 , connected to the shaft  208  are a pair of hooks  314  and  316  configured to hang items such as looses clothes, bags, purses and the like. A front hook  318  is disposed on the front facing side of the cylinder  306 , noting however that the term front facing refers to the position relative the user, which is side facing relative the SUP. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an exploded view of the attachment apparatus is shown generally at  400 . For perspective, the attachment apparatus may comprise in exemplary embodiments of the present invention a base plate  202 , a surface protrusion  204 , a first connector element  206 , a shaft  208 , a second connector element  210 , and a holder  212 . A flange  404 , in the form of an elongated substrate, is integrally connected to the base plate on a bottom side for connection into the recess or aperture  102   g  of the SUP. This connection can be connected to the SUP is different ways. In optional embodiments, the attachment element is fastened via adhesive, for example, any substance applied to the surfaces of materials that binds them together and resists separation, for example, glue, cements, mucilage, or paste. Other types of bonding such as, mechanical fastening, thermal bonding, and the like. Mechanical fastening may be employed in other optional embodiments of the present inventing, for example, cinching mechanism, such elastomeric substances. The holder is optionally 30 inches off the board. 
         [0054]    In optional embodiments of the present invention, each of the of the support portions  206  and  210  are fitted with adjustable slide  402 . The adjustable slides operate to shorten or lengthen the height of the holder. In exemplary embodiments, the holder is approximately 30 inches from the surface of the Sup, but in other embodiments, the of the support portions such that a user can alter the length of each of the support portions. The adjustable slide  402  may comprise any adjustable or cinching mechanism. wherein the recess is adjustable in an x, y and z plane. 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a flow chart to better help illustrate a method for attaching an attachment member to a SUP is shown generally at  500 . While the flowchart shows an exemplary step-by-step method, it is to be appreciated that a skilled artisan may rearrange or reorder the steps while maintaining like results. 
         [0056]    Providing a shaft, holder, base plate and at least an attachment member step  502  comprise the elements of  FIG. 2 , for example, the base plate  202 , a surface protrusion  204 , a first connector element  206 , a shaft  208 , a second connector element  210 , and a holder  212 . 
         [0057]    Attaching the portions together step  504  comprises using a press or friction fit, the base plate to the first attachment member via protrusion, shaft to the first attachment member, and the holder to second attachment member. 
         [0058]    Attaching an attachment member to a SUP step  506  may comprise connecting, via adhesive or cinch mechanism. In this exemplary embodiment, adhesives this connection can be connected to the SUP is different ways. In optional embodiments, the attachment element is fastened via adhesive, for example, any substance applied to the surfaces of materials that binds them together and resists separation, for example, glue, cements, mucilage, or paste. Other types of bonding such as, mechanical fastening, thermal bonding, and the like. Mechanical fastening may be employed in other optional embodiments of the present inventing, for example, cinching mechanism, such elastomeric substances. 
         [0059]    The method may further comprise adjusting the holder of in a vertical direction though use of adjustable slides on each of the attachment member. The adjustable slides operate to shorten or lengthen each end of the shaft. 
         [0060]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 2  together with the SUP of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0061]    While the present invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to these herein disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present invention is intended to cover all of the various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
         [0062]    Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, the feature(s) of one drawing may be combined with any or all of the features in any of the other drawings. The words “including”, “comprising”, “having”, and “with” as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensively and are not limited to any physical interconnection. Moreover, any embodiments disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as the only possible embodiments. Rather, modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.