Covering for Sports Equipment

Abstract

A covering to protect sports equipment, the cover having elasticity to accommodate sports equipment of different sizes, and paddings to protect the edges of the sports equipment, such as snowboards. The paddings are made of durable material, such as rubber. The covering is made of an elastic material. The paddings cover at least a portion of side edges and end edges of the cover. The paddings may be intermittently spaced apart along the side and end edges of the cover to allow the cover to stretch or expand to a larger size. A strap extends from one side edge to the other side edge to secure the sports equipment inside.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/906,809, filed Nov. 20, 2013, entitled “Covering for Sports Equipment” which application is incorporated in its entirety here by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a covering for snowboards and other action sports equipment.

BACKGROUND

Snowboarding, skiing and other action sports have gained enormous popularity in recent years. Modern snowboards and similar boards differ from traditional boards in several ways: (i) modern snowboards have very sharp edges to navigate hard, packed snow, (ii) are wider than traditional skis, and (iii) have two bindings (boot mounts), one for each boot on a single snowboard. Generally, a single snowboard or similar board is used to traverse a ski slope instead of a pair of traditional skis, and is mounted with one foot facing down-slope, rather than both feet oriented in parallel. During transportation, storage or simply sitting around, board edges are not as protected as skis. Since skis come in pairs, they can be mated together at their bottom surfaces to protect their surfaces and edges. A board on the other hand, comes as a single piece, and therefore, is not mated with another board, thereby increasing the susceptibility of the edges and the bottom surfaces getting scraped, cut, marred, marked, and the like, during storage and transportation.

Current covers do not provide adequate protection of the edges while maintaining its versatility to fit various sizes. Therefore, there is still a need for a sport equipment cover that provides adequate protection, while maintaining its versatility and compactability.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a cover for the top, edges, and bottom of a sport equipment, such as a snowboard, snow skis, water skis/boards, and kite skis, and the like, that provides a compactable, scratch-resistant and water repellant material which provides both board protection from scratches and a protective atmosphere for storage and transportation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention partially installed on a snowboard.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows the expansion capabilities of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention comprises an elastic board cover 100 comprising a scratch resistant and water-proof material providing a high degree of protection to the surfaces and edges of a sport board 10 that is also able to collapse into a smaller size for easy transportation and storage. In accordance with the present invention, the preferred form of the cover 100 is an elongated rectangle or oval-shaped cover having a bottom side 102 and a top side 104 bound by two elongated side edges 103, 105 and two end edges 107, 109 at opposite ends of the side edges 193, 105 connecting the side edges 103, 105. The end edges 107, 109 may be curved or straight. The bottom side 102 may be a single continuous piece of material, preferably elastic material. The bottom side 102 transitions upwardly at its side edges 103, 105 and its end edges 107, 109 to become the top side 104, which then overlaps back onto the bottom side 102, but now on the interior side of the bottom side 102 to define a cavity into which a sport board 10 can be inserted. In some embodiments, the bottom side 102 and the top side 104 may be two separate materials fastened together at the side edges 103, 105 and end edges 107, 109.

The top side 104 terminates radially inwardly along an oval or rectangle-shaped topside edge 108 defining a general opening. The opening allows the sport board 10 to be inserted into the cover 100 and allows any binding 12, 14 to be exposed. Therefore, the top side 104 may only cover a portion of the top of the sport board 10.

In some embodiments, the topside edge 108 may deviate from the shape of the general opening around the middle portion of the cover 100 to define a strap 110. This strap 110 may continuously form from one side edge 103 and extend to the opposite side edge 105 terminating at a free end 112. In some embodiments, the strap 110 may be attached to one of the side edges 103, 105 or the topside edge 108 on the opposite side. Thus, the strap 110 may be of the same material as the top side 104, or it may be any other material, such as nylon, leather, neoprene, mesh fabric, bungee cord, and the like. Preferably, the strap 110 has an elastic property.

The free end 112 may comprise a fastener 114, and the opposite side edge 105 may comprise a reciprocal fastener 116 so that the strap 110 can be fastened to the side edge 105. This allows the cover 100 to have a larger general opening to easily insert and remove the sport board 10 when the strap 110 is unfastened, while allowing fasteners 114, 116 to secure the sport board 10 once inserted to provide more coverage of the top side of the sport board 10. With the strap 110, the cover 100 now only defines two smaller openings, preferably for any bindings 12, 14 to protrude through.

The fastener 114, 116 can be any type of fastener 114, 116, such as hook-and-loop fastener, snap buttons, zippers, and the like. Preferably, the fastener 114, 116 is one that can withstand constant exposure to snow and water and still maintain functionality, for example, maintaining a closed state during transportation and storage. In the preferred embodiment, the multiple fasteners 114a-c, 116a-c are aligned in parallel rows along the strap 110 to provide regions of flexibility in between the rows of fasteners 114a-c, 116a-c so that the cover 100 can be more easily folded for transportation and storage without obstruction from the fasteners, and without increasing the susceptibility of damage to the fasteners 114a-c, 116a-c.

In some embodiments, the rows of fasteners 114a-c, 116a-c may run parallel to the strap 110 to facilitate folding in the direction from the first end edge 107 to the second end edge 109. In some embodiments, the rows of fasteners 114a-c, 116a-c may run perpendicular to the strap 110 to facilitate folding in the direction from the first side edge 103 to the second side edge 105. In some embodiments, the rows of fasteners 114a-c, 116a-c may be broken rows to create an elastic space within a row so that the cover 100 can be folded or rolled up in any direction.

In some embodiments, the strap 110 may extend perpendicularly from one side edge 103 to the other side edge 105. In other embodiments, the strap 110 may extend from one side edge 103 to the other side edge 105 at an oblique angle.

In some embodiments, the cover 100 may comprise an auxiliary cover (not shown) fastened to the edges defining the smaller openings. This option allows the bindings 12, 14 to also be covered, if the user so chooses. The auxiliary cover can be dimensioned so that once fastened to the top side 104 of the cover, the auxiliary cover functions like a hood to cover one or more of the bindings. In some embodiments, there may be two auxiliary covers to cover each smaller opening separately. In other embodiments, one large auxiliary cover may be used to cover the entire general opening.

In some embodiments, along the side edges 103, 105 and end edges 107, 109 on the interior side may be a padding 120. The padding 120 may have a C-shaped cross-section facing interiorly away from the side edges 103, 105 or end edges 107, 109 to which it is attached, so that the opening defined by the C-shape faces interiorly. Once the sport board 10 is inserted into the cover 100, the edges 16 of the board 10 can be inserted into the opening of the padding 120 so that the padding 120 covers the edges 16 of the board 10 to provide additional protection. To maintain versatility of the cover 100 to fit different sized boards, the padding 120 may be a series of small segments intermittently spaced apart along the edges 103, 105, 107, 109 of the covering 100. This will allow the covering 10 to still be able to stretch unhindered at the spacings created in between the series of small segments. The padding 120 may be made of durable material such as foam, rubber, cork, plastic, leather and the like and can be fastened to the edges 103, 105, 107, 109 of the cover by stitching, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, and the like.

More than one type of padding 120 can be used. For example, paddings 120 with different types of characteristics, such as different colors, material, durability, and the like, can be used to improve the functionality of the cover or for aesthetic appeal.

In some embodiments, the paddings 120 may be provided as a separate attachable component. The user can cut the padding 120 into a desired shape and attach the padding anywhere along one of the edges 103, 105, 107, 109 to customize the design of the paddings 120 on the cover.

In some embodiments, portions of the cover 100 may be made from the elastic material 124 and portions of the cover 100 may be made from the padding 120. For example, at least a portion of one of the side edges 103, 105 or end edges 107, 109 may comprise the padding 120. Since the edges of a board are particularly susceptible to damage, at least a portion of each of the side edges 103, 105 and the end edges 107, 109 should be comprised of the padding 120. In other words, the edges may comprise patches of padding 120, such that for each edge 103, 105, 107, 109 at least 50% of each edge 103, 105, 107, 109 should comprise padding 120. Preferably, at least 75% of each edge 103, 105, 107, 109 should comprise padding 120. Most preferably, at least 90% of each end edge 107, 109 should comprise padding 120. By applying patches of padding 120 to the edges 103, 105, 107, 109 areas of elasticity are created in between the padding 120. These areas of elasticity allow the cover 100 to be stretched to fit boards of different sizes as shown in FIG. 4. These patches of padding 120 also create decorative features as they can be made in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs so long as the padding 120 provides some protection to the edges of the board.

By way of example only, the first end edge 107 and the second end edge 109 may have a longitudinal area of elasticity 126a where the padding is not present. A longitudinal area of elasticity 126a is one that extends generally or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cover. This allows the cover 100 to expand width-wise to increase the width from one side edge 103 to the other 105. Preferably, the cover can expand width-wise approximately 15% or more of its original width. The side edges 104, 105 may have transverse areas of elasticity 126b. This allows the cover 100 to expand length-wise to increase the length from one end edge 107 to the other 109. The cover 100 can expand at least approximately 20% of its original length. Preferably, the cover 100 can expand at least approximately 30% of its original length. Areas of transition from the ends to the sides can also have areas of elasticity.

A substantial portion of the bottom 102 may be elastic so that the cover 100 can expand in any direction as shown in FIG. 4. For example, over 50% of the bottom 102 may be elastic. Preferably over 60% of the bottom 102 may be elastic. More preferably, over 70% of the bottom 102 may be elastic. In some embodiments over 80% of the bottom 102 may be elastic.

Preferably, the elastic material 124 of the cover 100 is composed of a high-strength, scratch-resistant, and water-proof material. Such material may comprise reinforced nylon or a comparable material, spandex, neoprene, and the like, or any combination thereof, which has scratch resistance properties, yet maintains its water-proofing and compactable characteristics over numerous stretching cycles. Accordingly, not only will the elastic material be highly effective in causing a form-fitting engagement with the board, but it will provide protection to the board by ensuring the maintenance of the fastening means 114, 116 and scratch resistant properties of the cover 100. The elastic material 124 can be stretched both along its width and length and is capable of being manually stretched over 5% of its natural size to fit numerous board sizes. In some embodiments, a fabric stitching secures the entire perimeter of the top side 104 to the bottom side 102. In other embodiments, the top side 104 and bottom side 102 are one continuous sheet.

Like the top side 104, the bottom side 102 is composed of a sheet of the same or similar elastic material 124 which may be reinforced, with a padding 120, such as a rubberized or foam material. The elastic material 124 can be stretched both along its width and length and is capable of being manually stretched across boards of many different sizes. Padding 120 may be supplemented around the perimeter of the bottom side 102, the perimeter of the top side 104, and/or along the edges 103, 105, 107, 109. These elements may afford added protection when the snowboard Is stood upright on any of its edges 16.

The relative inexpensiveness of the invention makes it suitable for large markets, particularly the growing youth population of snowboarders. The cover 100 can be used for promotional purposes as various marketing messages can be screened or otherwise applied to the expansive bottom 102 and top 104 sides of the cover 100. The marketing messages can comprise the name of an event sponsor, a logo, trademark, a name, or any other message of interest. The marketing message may also perform the dual function of providing a non-slip bottom side. As such, the bottom side may thither comprise a non-slip material 128, such as rubber, silicon, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the non-slip material 128 is on the inside of the cover 100 on the bottom side 102. This also allows the cover 100 to stick to the board 10.

The board cover 100 of this invention can be quickly fitted onto a board 10 whether out-of-doors or indoors. In the preferred embodiment, the cover 100 is slipped on the first end edge 107 of the board 10 and stretched across the entirety of the board 10, then around the second end edge 109 on the other opposing end of the board 10. The strap 110 then attaches between the boot bindings 12, 14, securing the top side and dividing the general opening into a front binding gap and rear binding gap. When the board 10 is not in use, the cover 100 can be collapsed into a storage form, which can easily be placed into a large pocket.

Because the top side 104 and the bottom side 102 can be essentially the same material, the cover 100 can be used in a variety of different ways. For example, for surf boards, it may be desirable to have the bottom side 102 of the cover 100 cover the top of the surfboard, and the top side 104 of the cover 100 cover the bottom of the surfboard. This allows the bottom surface of the surf board to be exposed, if desired, and the top of the surf board, which may be covered in wax, to be protected by the cover 100.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A covering to protect sports equipment, comprising:

a. a bottom side;

b. a top side opposite the bottom, side, the top side comprising a topside edge;

c. a first side edge adjacent to the bottom side and the top side;

d. a second side edge opposite the first side edge and adjacent to the bottom side and the top side;

e. a first end edge adjacent to the first and second side edges and the bottom and top sides;

f. a second end edge opposite the first end edge and adjacent to die first and second side edges, and the bottom and top sides, wherein the bottom side, the top side, the two opposing side edges, and the two opposing end edges define a cavity accessible through an opening defined by the topside edge into which a sport board can be inserted, wherein the topside edge terminates radially inwardly relative to the side edges and the end edges;

g. a strap extending from the topside edge adjacent to the first side edge to the second side edge, the strap terminating at a free end, the strap comprising a fastener, and the second side edge comprising a reciprocal fastener so that the strap can be fastened to the second side edge, the fastener comprising a plurality of parallel rows with a region of flexibility in between each row; and

h. paddings intermittently spaced apart along the side and end edges of the covering, wherein the paddings are made of rubber,

i. wherein portions of the cover is made from an elastic material,

j. wherein the first end edge and the second end edge each have a longitudinal area of elasticity and the side edges have transverse areas of elasticity allowing the cover to expand width-wise by about 15% and to expand length-wise by about 20% to about 30%, and

k. wherein the bottom side comprises a non-slip material in the form of a marketing message.

2. A covering to protect sports equipment, comprising:

a. a bottom side;

b. a top side opposite the bottom side, the top side comprising a topside edge, the topside edge defining an opening;

c. a first side edge adjacent to the bottom side and the top side;

d. a second side edge opposite the first side edge and adjacent to the bottom side and the top side;

e. a first end edge adjacent to the first and second side edges and the bottom and top sides;

f. a second end edge opposite the first end edge and adjacent to the first and second side edges, and the bottom and top sides, wherein the bottom side, the top side, the two opposing side edges, and the two opposing end edges define a cavity accessible through the opening into which a sport board can be inserted; and

g. paddings intermittently spaced apart along the side and end edges of the covering.

3. The cover of claim 2, further comprising a strap extending from the first side edge to the second side edge, the strap terminating at a free end, the strap comprising a fastener, and the second side edge comprising a reciprocal fastener so that the strap can be fastened to the second side edge.

4. The cover of claim 3, wherein the fastener and reciprocal fastener are arranged in corresponding parallel rows with a region of flexibility in between each row.

5. The cover of claim 3, wherein the strap extends from the first side at an oblique angle.

6. The cover of claim 2, wherein a portion of the cover is made from an elastic material.

7. The cover of claim 6, wherein the first end edge and the second end edge each have a longitudinal area of elasticity to allow the cover to expand width-wise by about 15%.

8. The cover of claim 6, wherein the side edges each have transverse areas of elasticity allowing the cover and to expand length-wise by about 20% to about 30%.

9. The cover of claim 2, wherein the bottom side comprises a non-slip material.

10. The cover of claim 2, wherein the paddings are made of durable material selected from the group consisting of rubber, foam, cork, and plastic.

11. A covering to protect sports equipment, comprising:

a. a bottom side;

b. a top side opposite the bottom, side, the top side comprising a topside edge, the topside edge defining an opening;

c. a first side edge adjacent to the bottom side and the top side;

d. a second side edge opposite the first side edge and adjacent lo the bottom side and the top side;

e. a first end edge adjacent to the first and second side edges, and the bottom and top sides;

f. a second end edge opposite the first end edge and adjacent to the first and second side edges, and the bottom and top sides, wherein the bottom side, the top side, the two opposing side edges, and the two opposing end edges define a cavity accessible through the general opening into which a sport board can be inserted; and

g. paddings covering at least a portion of the side edges and end edges.

12. The cover of claim 11, wherein the paddings are attachable along the side and end edges of the covering.

13. The cover of claim 11, wherein the paddings are intermittently spaced apart along the side and end edges of the covering.

14. The cover of claim 11, wherein the paddings are made of durable material selected from the group consisting of rubber, foam, cork, and plastic.

15. The cover of claim 11, wherein portions of the cover is made from an elastic material.

16. The cover of claim 15, wherein the first end edge and the second end edge each have a longitudinal area of elasticity to allow the cover to expand width-wise by about 15%.

17. The cover of claim 15, wherein the side edges have transverse areas of elasticity allowing the cover to expand length-wise by about 20% to about 30%.

18. The cover of claim 11, wherein the bottom side comprises a non-slip material.

19. The cover of claim 11, further comprising a strap extending from the first side edge to the second side edge, the strap terminating at a free end, the strap comprising a fastener, and the second side edge comprising a reciprocal fastener so that the strap can be fastened to the second side edge.

20. The cover of claim 19, wherein the fastener and reciprocal fastener are arranged in corresponding parallel rows with a region of flexibility in between each row.