Carrying case and pump for a stand-up paddleboard

Abstract

Carrying case (22) for a SUP (2) called a stand-up paddleboard, comprising - a container (26) which extends in a space spanned by a vertical direction (4), a longitudinal direction (6) transverse to the vertical direction (4) and a transverse direction (8) transverse to the vertical direction (4) and transverse to the longitudinal direction (6) and has a container receiving space (20) which is bounded by a top (30), a bottom opposite the top (30) in the vertical direction (4) and designed as a container bottom (28) and a container wall (32) connecting the top (30) with the container bottom (28), and - a container outer flange (68) held on the top (30) of the container (26) for attaching the container (26) to the SUP (2), which is directed outwards from the container receiving space (20), characterized by - an inlet opening (56) through the bottom of the container (28) for letting air into an interior space of the SUP (2), and - at least one wall rib (34) held on the container wall (26), which is designed to maintain a wall distance between a pump (24) to be accommodated in the container receiving space (20) and the container wall (32).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a carrying case and a pump for a stand-up paddleboard.

[0002] US Patent 2023 / 0 322 337 A1 discloses a carrying case for an inflatable stand-up paddleboard (SUP) comprising a container with a container compartment. The container is bounded by a top, a bottom (container base), and a surrounding container wall, and has an external flange on its top for attachment to the SUP. The invention is characterized in that an inlet opening is provided through the container base for introducing air into the interior of the SUP, and that at least one wall rib is provided on the container wall, which is designed to maintain a defined distance between an insertable pump and the container wall. This wall rib supports the secure guidance of the pump within the container compartment and ensures unimpeded air intake.

[0003] US Patent 2023 / 0 091 732 A1 discloses an inflatable stand-up paddleboard with a housing (carrying case) that includes an installation chamber separate from the board's inflatable chamber. This installation chamber houses an air pump. An internal partition is provided between this compartment and the inflatable chamber, containing a through-hole (valve opening) through which air is introduced from the pump into the SUP's air chamber. The pump is located in a housing that is fixed within the chamber by means of flanges or positive-locking elements. These elements serve to position the pump at a distance from the housing wall to ensure secure guidance and effective air intake. The inlet to the air chamber is provided by an opening in the base of the housing.

[0004] US Patent 2022 / 0 065 257 A1 discloses an inflatable product in which a pump is housed in a casing integrated into the product's outer wall. The casing (pump casing) is designed to have an interior space that communicates with an inflatable chamber of the product via an internal opening. Ambient air can be supplied through an external opening. This air supply is provided by an integrated axial fan unit. A casing cover closes the external opening and separates the product's interior from the ambient air. Closing the cover activates a switch that deactivates the pump. The pump's interior is designed to include structural elements that secure the pump and maintain a defined distance from the casing wall. An inlet opening is located near the internal opening and serves to supply air to the product's interior chamber.

[0005] From WO 2018 / 020 308 A1, a carrying case for a stand-up paddleboard called a SUP is known according to the preamble of the applicable claim 1.

[0006] The purpose of the invention is to improve the known carrying case.

[0007] Starting from a carrying case for a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) with a container extending in a space defined by a vertical direction, a longitudinal direction transverse to the vertical direction, and a transverse direction transverse to the vertical and longitudinal directions, and having a container receiving space bounded by a top, a bottom opposite the top in the vertical direction and designed as the container bottom, and a container wall connecting the top to the container bottom, and with an outer container flange held on the top of the container for attaching the container to the SUP, which is directed outwards from the container receiving space, the carrying case according to the invention comprises an inlet opening through the bottom for letting air into an interior of the SUP and at least one wall rib held on the container wall, which is configured toto maintain a wall clearance between a pump that can be accommodated in the container receiving area and the container wall.

[0008] The design of the carrying case is based on the consideration that conventional carrying cases for SUPs often have the disadvantage that the pump is either permanently installed and cannot be removed after inflating the SUP, or that it is loosely inserted and could fall out during use. This leads either to an unnecessary increase in weight if the pump remains permanently in the SUP, or to a potential impairment of function if the pump is not securely fixed.

[0009] The design of this carrying case addresses the need to securely integrate the pump while the SUP is being inflated, while simultaneously making the case multifunctional once the SUP is inflated. The outer flange ensures a stable attachment to the SUP, while the inlet through the base allows for direct airflow into the SUP's interior. The wall rib ensures sufficient air intake by maintaining a gap between the pump and the case wall.

[0010] In addition to these advantages, the carrying case offers the possibility of using it as storage space for personal items such as drinks, towels, or wallets after the SUP has been inflated. The closed carrying case protects these items from water and makes the SUP lighter and more convenient to use. Another advantage is that the carrying case's design increases the structural integrity of the SUP and provides additional stability.

[0011] In a further development, the specified support box includes a base rib designed to maintain a gap between the pump and the bottom of the container. This further improves the pump's air intake, as the distance to the container bottom ensures that the pump does not rest directly on the bottom, thus allowing unimpeded airflow. This contributes to the pump's efficiency and performance and prevents potential blockages or restrictions in the air supply.

[0012] In a further development, the bottom rib and the wall rib are formed as a single piece. This significantly improves the mechanical structure of the support box, as a one-piece rib construction increases strength and stability. This leads to better load distribution and reduces the likelihood of material weaknesses or fractures. Furthermore, it simplifies manufacturing and assembly, as fewer separate parts are required, thus reducing production costs and potential sources of error.

[0013] In a further refinement, the support box comprises at least one, preferably several, additional wall ribs, wherein the wall ribs are arranged rotationally symmetrically to each other around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. This further improves the pump's air intake, as the pump is kept completely spaced from the wall. This ensures a uniform distribution of the airflow and prevents blockages, thereby maximizing the pump's efficiency and performance. Furthermore, the rotationally symmetrical arrangement contributes to the structural integrity of the support box, as it ensures a uniform distribution of mechanical loads.

[0014] In a further development, the support box includes a retaining wall extending around the inlet opening and into the reservoir. This wall features a fastening element, preferably an internal thread, for holding a valve into which the pump nozzle can be inserted. This allows the valve to retain air in the SUP while the pump remains removable. The advantage of the retaining wall is that it prevents water entering the reservoir from penetrating the SUP, effectively protecting the SUP's interior from moisture. Furthermore, the valve is replaceable, significantly improving the system's ease of maintenance. This allows for simple maintenance and replacement of the valve when necessary, without having to disassemble the entire pump or the support box.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the valve includes an external valve flange on its upper surface (viewed vertically), and the base rib has a recess extending downwards in the area of ​​the receiving opening to accommodate the valve flange. This recess provides a stop against which the valve can be positioned, allowing the pump and the mounting box to be aligned so that the nozzle can be inserted precisely into the valve. This ensures a precise and secure connection between the pump and the valve, increasing the efficiency of the air intake and minimizing the risk of leaks. In a further development, the container has an internal flange at the inlet opening, extending inwards from the retaining wall to limit the movement of the valve body. This defines the path of the valve body, increasing the valve's operational reliability. An additional advantage is that this internal flange prevents the valve body from moving beyond its intended position, thus avoiding potential damage and malfunctions. This contributes to the valve's longevity and reliability.

[0016] In a further development, the carrying case includes an extension, specifically a threaded extension, mounted on the flange of the container's top surface for attaching and holding a lid that seals the container. This extension allows the container to be closed. This design offers several advantages: First, the lid presses the pump into the interior, securely pressing the nozzle against the valve and ensuring a reliable air supply. Second, the extension enables a watertight seal of the housing, protecting the pump and other electronic components from moisture and water, particularly in wet environments such as on water.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the invention, a pump for insertion into a container receiving space of one of the specified carrying cases comprises a housing extending in a space spanned by a vertical direction, a longitudinal direction transverse to the vertical direction and a transverse direction transverse to the vertical direction and transverse to the longitudinal direction, and having a pump receiving space bounded by a housing cover, a housing base opposite the housing cover in the vertical direction and a housing wall connecting the housing base to the housing cover with several intake openings, wherein a pump mechanism for discharging an airflow through an opening preferably designed as a mouthpiece in the housing base, pump electrical components driving the pump mechanism and an electrical power supply source supplying the pump electrical components with electrical energy, are accommodated in the pump receiving space and an operating switch is held on the housing cover.

[0018] The design of this pump is based on the principle that the airflow is discharged downwards, while the pump is operated from the top. This offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows for simple and convenient operation, as the operating switch is easily accessible on the top of the pump. Furthermore, the arrangement of the intake openings in the housing wall ensures an efficient air supply, maximizing the pump's performance. Additionally, the downward airflow ensures a direct and loss-free supply of air to the SUP, reducing inflation time and increasing efficiency. Finally, integrating the pump's electrical components and power supply within the pump housing results in a compact design that minimizes space requirements and simplifies handling.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, a stand-up paddleboard called a SUP comprises an inflatable chamber enclosed by an outer skin to which one of the specified carrying boxes is held, wherein a specified pump is inserted into the container receiving space of the carrying box.

[0020] The properties, features, and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1. In a perspective view, part of a stand-up paddleboard with a carrying case and a pump that can be inserted into the carrying case. Fig. 2. The carrying case is shown in a perspective sectional view, and the pump is shown in a perspective full view. Fig. 1 and a lid for closing the carrying case, and Fig. 3 in a perspective view the carrying case of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0021] The figures use identical technical elements with the same reference symbols and describe them only once. The figures are purely schematic and, above all, do not represent the actual geometric relationships.

[0022] It will be on Fig. 1 Reference is made to a stand-up paddleboard called SUP 2 in a space spanned by a vertical direction 4, a longitudinal direction 6 perpendicular to the vertical direction 4 and a transverse direction 8 perpendicular to the vertical direction 4 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 6.

[0023] The SUP 2 is a water sports device designed as a floating, flat platform 10, which serves to carry a user standing in the vertical direction 4 while propelling himself using a paddle not shown.

[0024] The platform 10 of the SUP 2 consists of a standing surface 12 viewed in the vertical direction 4 and a standing surface 12 arranged opposite it in the vertical direction 4 and in Fig. 1. A water-contact surface, not visible from the outside, which is in contact with the water during use and ensures the buoyancy of the SUP 2. A circumferential lateral SUP sleeve 14 connects the standing surface 12 to the water-contact surface and contributes to the shape and rigidity of the SUP 2.

[0025] The standing surface 12, water contact surface and SUP cover 14 are part of an outer skin 16, which is in Fig. One inflatable air chamber, not visible from the outside, encloses the SUP 2. This air chamber gives the SUP 2 its shape and rigidity when inflated and is accessible via a valve (18) through which air can be added and released. The outer skin is made of a robust, film-like plastic material that offers both lightness and durability.

[0026] The SUP 2 can also be equipped with additional elements not shown, such as fins on the water surface, to improve stability and directional stability in the water. The entire construction of the SUP 2 is designed to evenly distribute the weight of the user standing on the platform 12 and ensure a stable and safe paddling experience.

[0027] In the present embodiment, the valve 18 is arranged in a container receiving chamber 20 of the carrying case 22, into which a pump 24 can be inserted. The container receiving chamber 20 is located in a container 26 with a container bottom 28 viewed from the bottom in the vertical direction 4 and an open container top 30 opposite the container bottom 28 in the vertical direction 4, which are connected to each other by a container wall 32. Several wall ribs 34, oriented in the vertical direction 4, are held on the container wall 32.

[0028] For inflating the SUP 2, the pump 24 has a mouthpiece 36 on its underside as seen in the vertical direction 4, which in the perspective of the Fig. 2 can be seen. The pump 24 has a housing 38, which is only visible in the vertical direction 4 on the underside. Fig. The housing is limited by a base 40, a housing cover 42 opposite the base 40 in the height direction 4, and a housing wall 44 connecting the base 40 and the housing cover 42.

[0029] The housing wall 44 of the pump housing has slots 46, of which in Fig. For the sake of clarity, only two are marked with a reference symbol. The slots 46 open the housing 38 to an interior housing space (not shown in the figures) which contains a pump mechanism, pump electronics driving the pump mechanism, and an electrical power supply for the pump electronics.

[0030] The pump's electrical system consists of various electronic components responsible for controlling and driving the pump's mechanics. It includes control circuits that receive signals from a switch 48 located on the housing cover, and motor controllers that regulate the power supply to an electric motor. The electric motor itself converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, which is necessary to set the pump's mechanics in motion. The pump's electrical system ensures efficient and reliable pump operation by controlling the motor's speed and operating status.

[0031] The pump mechanism consists of the mechanical components directly responsible for generating an airflow. This typically includes a piston or diaphragm driven by the motor's movement. The piston or diaphragm moves within a cylinder to draw in air through the slots 46 and pressurize it, which is then directed through the nozzle 36 into the air chamber of the SUP 2. The pump mechanism is designed to achieve high pressure output and maintain a continuous and even airflow.

[0032] The electrical power supply that powers the pump's electronics can consist of batteries or rechargeable batteries. This power source is housed inside the casing and provides the necessary electrical energy to operate the pump's electronics and electric motor. An efficient power supply is crucial to ensure that the pump has sufficient operating time and can perform its tasks without interruption.

[0033] Switch 48 is used to turn the pump on and off. When the switch is activated, it turns on the pump's electrical system, which starts the electric motor. The electric motor then drives the pump mechanism, which generates the airflow through the mouthpiece 36. The mouthpiece 36 is thus the point of entry through which the generated airflow exits the pump and enters the SUP's air chamber to inflate it. This coordinated function of the pump's electrical system, pump mechanism, and electrical power supply ensures an efficient and user-friendly inflation system for the SUP.

[0034] Furthermore, a charging port, which is not visible further and is guided through the housing 38, can be arranged on the pump 24 in order to recharge the electrical power supply source after the SUP 2 has been inflated.

[0035] In addition to the switch 48, handle elements 50 are molded into the housing cover 42, which will be discussed in more detail later.

[0036] It will now be on Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 Reference is made to which the carrying case 22 and the pump 24 are to be described in more detail.

[0037] The container 26 has bottom ribs 52, which are held at the bottom 28 of the container and directed into the container receiving chamber 20. Each bottom rib 52 is formed integrally with one of the wall ribs 34. The individual rib combinations 34, 52 are arranged rotationally symmetrically about a rotational symmetry axis 54 oriented in the vertical direction 4. This means that the arrangement of the rib combinations recurs regularly when rotated about the rotational symmetry axis 54, but does not necessarily exhibit continuous rotational symmetry.

[0038] Rotational symmetry means that the object can be brought into a position indistinguishable from its initial position by a specific number of rotations (e.g., by 90°, 120°). The rib combinations 34 and 52 are arranged such that they are congruent when rotated around the axis of rotational symmetry in specific angular increments. This enables a uniform distribution of mechanical loads and improves the structural integrity of the container.

[0039] In contrast, rotational symmetry refers to continuous symmetry about an axis. An object with rotational symmetry remains unchanged under any rotation about its axis of rotation. A cylinder or a sphere are typical examples of bodies with rotational symmetry, as they remain unchanged under any rotation about their axis.

[0040] An inlet opening 56 is provided through the bottom 28 of the container, which in the present embodiment is concealed by a valve body 58 of the valve 18 and is therefore not visible. The valve 18 itself is constructed analogously to the valve described in DE 10 2015 105 719 A1, which is why its construction will not be discussed in detail.

[0041] A retaining wall 60 is erected around the inlet opening 56 and is supported against the container bottom 28 by means of support ribs 62. An internal thread (not further referenced) is formed on this wall, into which an external thread of the valve 18, as known from DE 10 2015 105 719 A1, can be screwed.

[0042] Each bottom rib 52 has a recess 64 on its side facing the inlet opening 56 at the upper corner as seen in the vertical direction 4, which forms a bearing shoulder for a valve flange 66 of the valve 18. In operation, the valve is therefore screwed into the retaining wall 60 until the valve flange 66 rests on the recess 64 opposite to the vertical direction 4.

[0043] Once the valve 18 is screwed in and the inlet opening 56 is closed to prevent air from escaping, the pump 24 is inserted into the container receiving chamber 20. The wall rib 34 guides the housing 38 of the housing wall 44, allowing the nozzle 36 to be inserted precisely into the valve 18. The nozzle 18 is designed as a male bayonet locking element, as required for the bayonet closure according to DE 10 2015 105 719 A1. As soon as the nozzle 36 is axially inserted into the valve 18, the bayonet closure can be tightened by turning the pump 24 using the handle elements 50. In this way, the pump is not only securely held in the container receiving chamber 20, but a reliable, airtight connection between the pump 24 and the valve 18 is also established.

[0044] To attach the container 26 and thus the carrying case 22 to the SUP 2, the container 26 has a container flange 68 on its upper side as seen in the vertical direction 4. This flange is bonded to the outer skin 16 from the inside of the SUP 2, opposite to the vertical direction 4, so that the Fig. A visible bulge 70 is formed. By bonding the container 26 to the outer skin 16 from the inside of the SUP 2, the mechanical stability of the connection is increased, because when the SUP 2 is inflated, the container flange 68 is pressed against the outer skin 16.

[0045] Furthermore, a container external thread 74 extends from the container flange 68 in the vertical direction, onto which a cover 76 can be screwed to close the container receiving space 20.

Claims

[1] Carrying case (22) for a SUP (2) called a stand-up paddleboard, comprising - a container (26) which extends in a space spanned by a vertical direction (4), a longitudinal direction (6) transverse to the vertical direction (4) and a transverse direction (8) transverse to the vertical direction (4) and transverse to the longitudinal direction (6) and has a container receiving space (20) which is bounded by a top (30), a bottom opposite the top (30) in the vertical direction (4) and designed as a container bottom (28) and a container wall (32) connecting the top (30) with the container bottom (28), and - a container outer flange (68) held on the top (30) of the container (26) for attaching the container (26) to the SUP (2), which is directed outwards from the container receiving space (20), characterized by - an inlet opening (56) through the bottom of the container (28) for letting air into an interior space of the SUP (2), and - at least one wall rib (34) held on the container wall (26), which is designed to maintain a wall distance between a pump (24) to be accommodated in the container receiving space (20) and the container wall (32). [2] Support box (22) according to claim 1, comprising a bottom rib (52) which is arranged to maintain a ground clearance between the pump (24) and the bottom of the container (28). [3] Support box (22) according to claim 2, wherein the bottom rib (52) and the wall rib are formed in one piece. [4] Support box (22) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one further wall rib (34), wherein the wall rib (34) are arranged rotationally symmetrically to each other about a rotation axis (54) formed in the vertical direction (4). [5] Carrying box (22) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a retaining wall (60) extending around the inlet opening (56) into the container receiving space (20), with a fastening means for holding a valve (18) into which a nozzle (36) held on the pump (24) can be inserted. [6] Carrying box (22) according to claim 5, wherein the valve (18) comprises a valve outer bottle (66) on its upper side as seen in the vertical direction and the bottom rib (52) has a recess (64) extending towards the bottom of the container (28) in the area of ​​the inlet opening (56) for receiving the valve bottle (66). [7] Carrying box (22) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the container (26) has an inner flange extending inwards from the retaining wall (60) at the inlet opening (56) to limit the movement of a valve body (58) of the valve (18). [8] Carrying box (22) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a projection (74) mounted on the top (30) of the container (26) on the outer flange (68) of the container for mounting and holding a lid (76) with which the container (26) can be closed. [9] Pump (24) for insertion into a container receiving space (20) of one of the carrying cases (22) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing (38) extending in a space spanned by a vertical direction (4), a longitudinal direction (6) transverse to the vertical direction (4) and a transverse direction (8) transverse to the vertical direction (4) and transverse to the longitudinal direction (8), and having a pump receiving space bounded by a housing cover (42), a housing base (40) opposite the housing cover (42) in the vertical direction (4), and a housing wall (44) connecting the housing base (40) to the housing cover (42) with several intake openings (46), wherein in the pump receiving space a pump mechanism for discharging an airflow through an opening in the housing base (40), pump electrical components driving the pump mechanism, and an electrical power supply source supplying the pump electrical components with electrical energy,recorded and an operating switch (48) is held on the housing cover (42). [10] Standup paddle board (2) comprising an inflatable chamber enclosed by an outer skin (16) on which a carrying case (22) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8 is held, wherein a pump according to claim 9 can be inserted into the container receiving space (20) of the carrying case (22).

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