BOARD-ATTACHABLE ACCESSORY BASE LOCK

A board-attachable accessory base lock has an accessory base lock-on that can removably attach to a paddleboard or similar craft. Once the base lock-on is attached, a storage repository can be removably attached to the base lock-on. The storage repository can comprise a cooler, waterproof box, a compartmented fishing box, a crate, a minnow bucket, a fishing live well, a seat, etc. The storage repository can have no top, a hingeably attached top, a removable top, a locking top, etc. The base lock-on can attach to the board via first and second lockdown bars. These bars are designed to fit universally into the hand slot that is commonly found on boards. Once the lockdown bars are situated in the hand slot, the user simply actuates the lockdown handle to secure the lockdown bars in place. Accessory bolts provide attachment of the various storage repositories to the accessory base lock-on.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of water sports; more particularly, to paddleboards and similar conveyances; and more particularly still, to a board-attachable accessory base lock.

BACKGROUND

Anyone who has used a paddleboard has probably experienced a desire for an accessory carrier on the board. Paddleboarders have keys, mobile phones, wallets, cash, drinks, food, fishing gear, and many other items that they would like to bring along with them on an adventure but they have no safe, secure, and dry location in which to carry such items.

There have been a number of attempts to address this problem. For example, one device known in the art utilizes one or more tie-downs affixed to the board surface. However, such tie-downs create a safety hazard as someone could step on, trip over, or otherwise interact negatively with such tie-downs protruding up from the surface of the board. Furthermore, many paddleboard owners do not wish to permanently modify their board by attaching tie-downs or similar mounting points thereto. Because of these issues with tie-downs, a number of “clean” attachment systems have arisen which utilize suction cups. However, these systems are problematic themselves: the cups can be difficult to properly affix, they often do not maintain hold, and they quickly degrade with exposure to sun, salt, surf, etc. These become particularly troublesome when impacted by waves or a user's feet such that the cups are dislodged and the box is lost over the side. People have partially addressed this by using adhesives to adhere the cups or similar pads to the board, but this again introduces modifications to the board as well as “permanent” protrusions from the board's surface which can be cumbersome and result in safety issues.

What is needed is a device that attaches securely to a paddleboard (or similar conveyance) without requiring installation of raised protrusions or the use of problematic temporary attachments such as suction cups.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock comprises an accessory base lock-on that can removably attach to a paddleboard or similar craft. Once the base lock-on is attached, a storage repository can be removably attached to the base lock-on. The storage repository can comprise a cooler, waterproof box, a compartmented fishing box, a crate (with or without water drainage holes), a minnow bucket, a fishing live well, a seat, etc. The storage repository can have no top, a hingeably attached top, a removable top, a locking top, etc. The base lock-on can attach to the board via first and second lockdown bars. These bars are designed to fit universally into the hand slot or carry grip that can be commonly found on boards. Once the lockdown bars are situated in the hand slot, the user simply actuates the lockdown handle to secure the lockdown bars in place. Accessory bolts provide attachment of the various storage repositories to the accessory base lock-on.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a left side and bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 2 illustrates a left side and top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 3 illustrates a right side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 4 illustrates a left side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 9 illustrates a right side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock highlighting a selection of components; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a right side and top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock highlighting first and second lockdown bars and an exemplary lockdown handle.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. Furthermore, lists and/or examples are often provided and should be interpreted as exemplary only and in no way limiting embodiments to only those examples.

Exemplary embodiments are described below in the accompanying Figures. The following detailed description provides a comprehensive review of the drawing Figures in order to provide a thorough understanding of, and an enabling description for, these embodiments. One having ordinary skill in the art will understand that in some cases well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a left side and bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock 10. The board-attachable accessory base lock 10 is shown from the bottom so as to highlight the first and second lockdown bars 50 and 60 and lockdown handle 40. These components extend from the accessory base lock-on 30. Also illustrated is an exemplary storage repository 20, which, in this embodiment, is a five-sided box with an open top. The storage repository can have no top, a hingeably attached top, a removable top, a locking top, etc. Additionally, in other embodiments, other types of storage repositories are contemplated, including, but not limited to: a cooler, a waterproof box, a compartmented fishing box, a crate (with or without water drainage holes), a minnow bucket, a fishing live-well, a seat, etc.

To install the board-attachable accessory base lock 10 onto a board, the user first simply inserts the first and second lockdown bars 50 and 60 into the hand slot/carrying grip on the board. Because such slots are commonly found on most boards, no modification to the board need be done. Once the bars 50 and 60 are in place, the user can then securely lock them in position by actuating the lockdown handle 40. In the embodiment illustrate in FIG. 1, the lockdown handle 40 comprises a lockdown knob and threaded adjustment rod. The first lockdown bar 50 is mounted on the threaded adjustment rod such that turning the lockdown knob forces the lockdown bar 50 towards or away from the lockdown knob. Once the lockdown bar 50 reaches the limit of the hand slot on the board, the lockdown bars 50 and 60 are forced tightly against the sides of the hand slot, thereby locking the accessory base lock-on 30 to the board. And since the storage repository 20 is attached to the base lock-on 30, the repository 20 becomes removably affixed as well.

FIG. 2 illustrates a left side and top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock 10. This illustration shows how the storage repository 20 rests atop the base lock-on 30 as well as highlighting some components of this particular exemplary storage repository 20. The bottom plate 21 of the storage repository fits against the base lock-on 30. The front wall 24 extends upwards from the bottom plate 21. Attached to either side of the front wall 24 and extending upwards from the bottom plate 21, are the left wall 23 and right wall 22. Finally, attached to both the right and left walls 22 and 23 opposite the front wall 24 is the rear wall 25. The rear wall 25 also extends upwards from the bottom plate 21. Together the bottom plate 21 and the four walls 22-25 form a five sided box with an open top. This is an extremely useful configuration and hence is illustrated as an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a right side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock 10. In this view, the lockdown knob portion of the lockdown handle 40 is shown protruding from the front face of the base lock-on 30. In other embodiments, the lockdown knob is recessed within the base lock-on 30 so as to minimize any potential tripping hazard. Regardless of its location, turning the knob actuates the lockdown handle and moves the first lockdown bar 50 left and right (i.e., towards and away from the second lockdown bar 60). The lockdown bars 50 and 60 fit down into the hand slot on most paddleboards. Think of the slot as being similar to that found on a toaster, although slightly larger and perhaps with finger grooves. Since the device can utilize this built in slot, no modifications to the board are necessary.

FIG. 4 illustrates a left side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock 10. This view is the opposite side of that shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock 10. Here, the lockdown handle 40 is referenced although only the lockdown knob portion of the lockdown handle is readily apparent (see FIG. 10 for a more complete understanding of the lockdown handle and its subcomponents).

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock 10. As the lockdown knob portion of the lockdown handle 40 is located on the front side, it is not visible in this Figure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock 10. Note the rounded corners of the exemplary storage repository 20. Although not strictly necessary, the corners help create a safer repository 20 as sharp edges/corners can otherwise be safety issues. A plurality of accessory bolts 29 are also illustrated in this view. The accessory bolts 29 serve to removably attach the storage repository 20 to the base lock-on 30. In other embodiments, other means of attaching the storage repository to the base lock-on 30 are contemplated such as dovetail slides and a lock, a lever arm that expands a member locking it in a slot, a plurality of wing-nut connectors, one or more straps/buckles, etc. The user can remove a given storage repository 20 and install other variations, as described above, as the user's needs change.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock 10. The accessory base lock-on 30 blocks the view of the storage repository 20. In this view, a plurality of accessory bolts 29 are visible. Additional base bolts 39 serve to keep the subcomponents of the lockdown handle 40 and the lockdown bars 50 and 60 in place within the base lock-on 30. In other embodiments, other type of connectors besides base bolts 39 are contemplated. A plurality of cut-outs 90 are also illustrated. Such cut-outs reduce the weight and material needs of the base lock-on 30, provide for water drainage, etc.

FIG. 9 illustrates a right side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock highlighting a selection of components including the first and second lockdown bars 50 and 60, the lockdown handle 40 (including both the lockdown knob 42 and the threaded adjustment rod 44), and the plurality of accessory bolts 29. Although the first and second lockdown bars 50 and 60 are shown with approximately straight-sidewalls in this exemplary embodiment, in other embodiments they may flare at the bottom or otherwise be made to flare outwards once in place within the hand slot so as to better engage the slot and remain within it when pressure is applied to pull the board-attachable accessory base lock 10 from the board.

FIG. 10 illustrates a right side and top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock 10 highlighting first and second lockdown bars 50 and 60 and an exemplary lockdown handle 40. In this embodiment, many of the other components are hidden so that we can highlight the fixed-attachment on the second lockdown bar 60 (which, in other embodiments, can also be repositionable and/or part of the lockdown process, like the first lockdown bar 50). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the threaded adjustment rod 44 is attached to the base lock-on 30 such that it can rotate freely, but not move in or out. This free rotation allows the rod 44 to spin, which causes the first lockdown bar 50 to be moved left or right as the lockdown knob 42 is turned. This, in turn, causes the distance between the two lockdown bars to increase (reverse to decrease) allowing them to press against the outer limits of a hand slot and thereby lock the base lock-on 30 to a board. In other embodiments, other means of locking the lockdown bars within the hand slot besides the use of the knob 42 and rod 44 are contemplated. In yet other embodiments, both lockdown bars are adjusted by turning the knob (both towards each other when turned in a first direction, both away from each other when turned in a second direction).

In another embodiment, the second lockdown bar 60 can be spring-loaded so that once it is within the hand slot, the user can stretch to get the first lockdown bar 50 into the hand slot as well. Once the tension has been relaxed, the lockdown handle 40 can be tightened to secure the bars.

In yet another embodiment the lockdown handle 40 can comprise a pressure arm that is lifted out and turned to tighten and then it can fold back into its resting configuration (i.e., like the adjustable locks on a ski-boot).

While particular embodiments have been described and disclosed in the present application, it is clear that any number of permutations, modifications, or embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of this disclosure.

Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the embodiments should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the claims encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the claimed subject matter.

The above detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise embodiment or form disclosed herein or to the particular fields of usage mentioned above. While specific embodiments and examples are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the embodiments provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

Any patents, applications and other references that may be listed in accompanying or subsequent filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references to provide yet further embodiments.

In light of the above “Detailed Description,” the Inventor may make changes to the disclosure. While the detailed description outlines possible embodiments and discloses the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, embodiments may be practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the spirit of the embodiments as disclosed by the inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the embodiments with which that terminology is associated.

While certain aspects are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects.

The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations of the described systems, articles of manufacture and methods. It is important to note that many implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A board-attachable accessory base lock, comprising:

an accessory base lock-on;
a first lockdown bar extending downwards from the accessory base lock-on;
a second lockdown bar extending downwards from the accessory base lock-on;
the first and second lockdown bars adapted to fit within at least one carry handle on a paddleboard;
a lockdown handle attached to at least one of the first and second lockdown bars and adapted to movably adjust the position of at least one of: the first lockdown bar relative to the second lockdown bar and the second lockdown bar relative to the first lockdown bar;
the lockdown handle further adapted to lock in place to firmly secure the first and second lockdown bars to the paddleboard; and
a storage repository adapted to attach to the accessory base lock-on.

2. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 1, further comprising:

wherein the lockdown handle comprises at least a lockdown knob and an adjustment rod; and
the first lockdown bar is mounted on the adjustment rod such that turning the lockdown knob a first direction causes the first lockdown bar to move towards the second lockdown bar and turning the lockdown knob a second direction causes the first lockdown bar to move away from the second lockdown bar.

3. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 1, further comprising:

wherein the lockdown handle comprises at least a lockdown knob and an adjustment rod; and
the second lockdown bar is mounted on the adjustment rod such that turning the lockdown knob a first direction causes the second lockdown bar to move towards the first lockdown bar and turning the lockdown knob a second direction causes the second lockdown bar to move away from the first lockdown bar.

4. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 1, wherein the storage repository comprises:

a front wall extending upwards from a bottom plate, the bottom plate removably attached to the accessory base lock-on;
a left wall attached to a left side of the front wall and extending upwards from the bottom plate;
a right wall attached to a right side of the front wall and extending upwards from the bottom plate;
a rear wall attached to both the right wall and the left wall and extending upwards from the bottom plate; and
the walls and bottom plate configured such that together a five sided box with an open top is formed.

5. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 1, wherein the storage repository has at least one rounded corner.

6. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 4, wherein the storage repository has at least one rounded corner.

7. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of accessory bolts adapted to removably attach the storage repository to the base lock-on; and
the plurality of accessory bolts bolting the storage repository to the base lock-on.

8. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 2, further comprising:

a plurality of accessory bolts adapted to removably attach the storage repository to the base lock-on; and
the plurality of accessory bolts bolting the storage repository to the base lock-on.

9. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 3, further comprising:

a plurality of accessory bolts adapted to removably attach the storage repository to the base lock-on; and
the plurality of accessory bolts bolting the storage repository to the base lock-on.

10. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 6, further comprising:

a plurality of accessory bolts adapted to removably attach the storage repository to the base lock-on; and
the plurality of accessory bolts bolting the storage repository to the base lock-on.

11. A board-attachable accessory base lock, comprising:

an accessory base lock-on having a plurality of cut-outs, the cut-outs adapted to provide for water drainage therethrough;
a first lockdown bar extending downwards from the accessory base lock-on;
a second lockdown bar extending downwards from the accessory base lock-on;
the first and second lockdown bars adapted to fit within at least one carry handle on a paddleboard;
a lockdown handle attached to at least one of the first and second lockdown bars and adapted to movably adjust the position of at least one of: the first lockdown bar relative to the second lockdown bar and the second lockdown bar relative to the first lockdown bar;
the lockdown handle further adapted to lock in place to firmly secure the first and second lockdown bars to the paddleboard; and
a storage repository adapted to attach to the accessory base lock-on, the storage repository configured to comprise as at least one of: a cooler, a waterproof box, a fishing box, a crate, a minnow bucket, a fishing live well, and a seat.

12. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 11, further comprising:

wherein the lockdown handle comprises at least a lockdown knob and an adjustment rod; and
the first lockdown bar is mounted on the adjustment rod such that turning the lockdown knob a first direction causes the first lockdown bar to move towards the second lockdown bar and turning the lockdown knob a second direction causes the first lockdown bar to move away from the second lockdown bar.

13. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 11, further comprising:

wherein the lockdown handle comprises at least a lockdown knob and an adjustment rod; and
the second lockdown bar is mounted on the adjustment rod such that turning the lockdown knob a first direction causes the second lockdown bar to move towards the first lockdown bar and turning the lockdown knob a second direction causes the second lockdown bar to move away from the first lockdown bar.

14. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 11, wherein the storage repository comprises:

a front wall extending upwards from a bottom plate, the bottom plate removably attached to the accessory base lock-on;
a left wall attached to a left side of the front wall and extending upwards from the bottom plate;
a right wall attached to a right side of the front wall and extending upwards from the bottom plate;
a rear wall attached to both the right wall and the left wall and extending upwards from the bottom plate; and
the walls and bottom plate configured such that together a five sided box with an open top is formed.

15. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 11, wherein the storage repository has at least one rounded corner.

16. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 14, wherein the storage repository has at least one rounded corner.

17. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 11, further comprising:

a plurality of accessory bolts adapted to removably attach the storage repository to the base lock-on; and
the plurality of accessory bolts bolting the storage repository to the base lock-on.

18. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 12, further comprising:

a plurality of accessory bolts adapted to removably attach the storage repository to the base lock-on; and
the plurality of accessory bolts bolting the storage repository to the base lock-on.

19. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 13, further comprising:

a plurality of accessory bolts adapted to removably attach the storage repository to the base lock-on; and
the plurality of accessory bolts bolting the storage repository to the base lock-on.

20. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 16, further comprising:

a plurality of accessory bolts adapted to removably attach the storage repository to the base lock-on; and
the plurality of accessory bolts bolting the storage repository to the base lock-on.
Patent History
Publication number: 20170267321
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 15, 2016
Publication Date: Sep 21, 2017
Inventors: Brian Racanelli (Denver, CO), Brennan Nacol (New York City, NY)
Application Number: 15/070,080
Classifications
International Classification: B63B 35/85 (20060101); B65D 55/02 (20060101); B65D 43/16 (20060101); B65D 43/02 (20060101); B63B 35/79 (20060101); B65D 81/00 (20060101);