Standing type inflatable paddle board

Abstract

A standing inflatable paddle board (2) comprising (i) a board surface (4); (ii) a valve (6) for enabling inflation and deflation of the standing inflatable paddle board (2); (ii i) indicator means for indicating that the standing inflatable paddle board (2) requires at least one longitudinal folding when the standing inflatable paddle board (2) is to be arranged in a deflated state; and (iv) at least one board pad (8, 10) extending in the longitudinal direction of said board (4) and intended to receive a user of the standing inflatable paddle board (2), said standing inflatable paddle board being such that (v) said board pad (8, 10) provides said standing inflatable paddle board with a gap, said gap allowing folding around it.

Description

[0001] The present application is a divisional application of application number 201980011341.X filed on January 28, 2019 with the title "Stand-up inflatable paddleboard". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a stand-up inflatable paddleboard. BACKGROUND

[0003] Stand-up inflatable paddleboards are well known. When not in use, a stand-up inflatable paddleboard is deflated to a deflated state and then folded or rolled up. Folding or rolling up is performed such that the fold or roll is transverse to the length of the paddleboard. In the deflated state, known stand-up paddleboards are bulkier than is preferred. SUMMARY

[0004] It is an object of the present application to reduce the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] Thus, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present application, there is provided a stand-up inflatable paddleboard comprising:

[0006] (i) a deck;

[0007] (ii) a valve for enabling inflation and deflation of the stand-up inflatable paddleboard;

[0008] (iii) an indicator means for indicating that at least one fold in the longitudinal direction is required for the stand-up inflatable paddleboard when it is to be arranged in a deflated state; and

[0009] (iv) at least one deck pad extending in the longitudinal direction of the deck and for receiving a user of the stand-up inflatable paddleboard,

[0010] and the stand-up inflatable paddleboard is such that:

[0011] (v) the deck pad provides the stand-up inflatable paddleboard with a gap that allows a fold to be performed around the gap.

[0012] An advantage of the stand-up inflatable paddleboard of the present application is that the fold used to arrange the stand-up inflatable paddleboard in a deflated state is a longitudinal fold. Thereafter, the stand-up inflatable paddleboard can be folded or rolled up using a transversely extending fold or roll. As a result of having a longitudinal fold, the stand-up inflatable paddleboard has a smaller volume than known stand-up inflatable paddleboards when folded or rolled up using only a transverse fold or roll. Thus, the stand-up inflatable paddleboard of the present application can be more compact in the deflated state, which in turn is very convenient for storage and also for carrying to and from a use area by a user.

[0013] The gap typically has a cross-sectional configuration that allows for easy longitudinal folding, and the folded stand-up inflatable paddle board has a significantly lower tendency to spring back into its expanded state than would be the case without the gap. Without a cross-sectional configuration, the deck of the stand-up inflatable paddle board may tend to wrinkle if folded longitudinally, which is both aesthetically and structurally undesirable. The cross-sectional configuration can be formed by removing material (e.g., planing) from a single large deck pad to form two separate deck pads, or to form a single large deck pad with a longitudinally extending slot forming the gap.

[0014] The stand up inflatable paddle board may be a stand up inflatable paddle board wherein there is at least one pair of deck pads and wherein the pair of deck pads are separated by the gap.

[0015] The stand-up inflatable paddle board may be one in which the gap is a channel. The gap may form a hinge, and preferably a living hinge. This is particularly true when the gap is a channel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the stand-up inflatable paddle board is one in which a pair of deck pads are present, and wherein the gap extends along the longitudinal center axis of the stand-up inflatable paddle board. Folding then positions the two longitudinally extending halves of the stand-up inflatable paddle board atop one another. However, the gap can be off-center if desired, in which case one longitudinally folded half will be wider than the other longitudinally folded half.

[0017] In another embodiment, the stand-up inflatable paddle board is one in which there are two pairs of deck pads and wherein the two pairs of deck pads are symmetrically arranged about a longitudinal center axis of the stand-up inflatable paddle board. This arrangement may provide first, second, and third fold lines, wherein the first pair of deck pads can be folded onto each other about a first longitudinal fold line, the second pair of deck pads can be folded onto each other about a second longitudinal fold line, and then the folded first and second pairs of deck pads can be folded onto each other about a third longitudinal fold line. The third longitudinal fold line may generally be along the center line of symmetry of the stand-up inflatable paddle board.

[0018] The stand-up inflatable paddle board may be a stand-up inflatable paddle board wherein the indicator device is located on the board. If desired, the indicator device may be located elsewhere on the stand-up inflatable paddle board.

[0019] Advantageously, the gap can be configured to form an indicator device. Thus, in the case of a pair of relatively long deck pads, the gap between the deck pads forms an intuitive indicator device as to where the folding should take place. Additionally or alternatively, the indicator device can comprise a marking, such as a single longitudinally extending line and / or an inwardly directed arrow. Other indicator markings can also be employed.

[0020] The stand-up inflatable paddleboard can comprise a secondary indicator device, which is located on the underside of the stand-up inflatable paddleboard when the stand-up inflatable paddleboard is in use. In this case, the stand-up inflatable paddleboard can be one in which the indicator device is located on the top side of the stand-up inflatable paddleboard, and in which the secondary indicator device located on the underside of the stand-up paddleboard is aligned with the indicator device. Other relative positions of the indicator device and the secondary indicator device can be employed. The secondary indicator device can be a peripheral gap between two components, a slot in a single component, or a marking such as, for example, a single longitudinally extending line or a pair of spaced apart longitudinally extending lines. Other secondary indicator devices can also be employed.

[0021] The stand-up inflatable paddleboard can comprise at least one reinforcement member for reinforcing the stand-up inflatable paddleboard when the stand-up inflatable paddleboard is in an inflated state for use.

[0022] The stand-up inflatable paddleboard can be one in which at least one of the reinforcement members is present on the top side of the stand-up inflatable paddleboard, and at least one of the reinforcement members is present on the underside of the stand-up inflatable paddleboard. By way of example, mention is made of at least two of the reinforcement members being positioned one on each side of the indicator device. When one or more reinforcement members are present on the underside of the stand-up inflatable paddleboard, typically the number of reinforcement members on the underside of the stand-up inflatable paddleboard is the same as the number of reinforcement members on the top side of the stand-up inflatable paddleboard. However, if desired, different numbers of reinforcement members can be employed on the underside of the stand-up inflatable paddleboard and on the top side of the stand-up inflatable paddleboard. The or each reinforcement member can be made of a flexible material. The reinforcement members can be those known as stringers. The reinforcement members can be made of the same flexible material as is currently used for known stringers. The flexible material enables the stand-up inflatable paddleboard to be rolled up as and when required.

[0023] The valve can be positioned on the left side of the deck. Alternatively, the valve can be positioned on the right side of the deck. The valve can be positioned along the length of the deck at a desired location, for example at the rear of the deck. The valve can be positioned at any location desired and suitable on a stand up inflatable paddleboard. Thus, for example, the valve can be positioned on the rail or the bottom of the stand up inflatable paddleboard. The valve is typically positioned so that it does not interfere with folding.

[0024] The stand up inflatable paddleboard can include anchoring means on the deck for enabling cargo to be secured to the deck. The anchoring means can be a plurality of eyelets. Other types of anchoring means can be employed, such that for example the anchoring means can be a single eyelet or a non-eyelet configuration. The anchoring means is for receiving a tether, for example a length of rope, for being looped around a product to be secured to the deck. The product can be equipment and / or clothing and / or food that can be required during use of the stand up inflatable paddleboard.

[0025] Preferably, the stand up inflatable paddleboard is made from a material known as dropstitch. Dropstitch is a material that comprises two base cloths connected with many strands of material known as dropstitch. The two sheet materials are laminated with a layer of plasticised polymer. The material is made airtight by sealing the edges together using a secondary material, typically but not limited to a material such as reinforced sheet PVC. The base cloths of the dropstitch are made of high tensile strength fibres. This allows the stand up inflatable paddleboard to be inflated to a pressure sufficient to create a rigid structure.

[0026] The deck pad can be made from ethylene vinyl acetate or polyurethane. Thermoplastic polyurethane is able to impart a soft feel and also to allow good folding and rolling up. Other materials can also be employed.

[0027] The stand up inflatable paddleboard can include a handle, and wherein the handle is offset from the crease.

[0028] The stand up inflatable paddleboard can include a pair of fins, and wherein the fins are offset from the crease. The stand up inflatable paddleboard can have any suitable number of fins, for example it can have one, two or three fins. The fins will typically be positioned so that they do not interfere with folding. Thus, typically there are no fins on any fold lines. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front and one side of a first stand up inflatable paddleboard of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2is Figure 1 a top plan view of the stand up inflatable paddleboard shown in

[0032] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a side view of the stand up inflatable paddleboard shown in

[0033] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a bottom plan view of the stand up inflatable paddleboard shown in

[0034] Figure 5 is a front and side perspective view of a second stand up inflatable paddleboard of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 is a front and side perspective view of a third stand up inflatable paddleboard of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 is a top plan view of a fourth stand up inflatable paddleboard of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 is Figure 7 a side view of the stand up inflatable paddleboard shown in

[0038] Figure 9 is Figure 7 a bottom plan view of the stand up inflatable paddleboard shown in

[0039] Figure 10 is an exploded view of a fifth stand up inflatable paddleboard of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 11 is an exploded view similar to Figure 10 but with the various components of the inflatable paddleboard closer together;

[0041] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the stand up inflatable paddleboard shown in Figure 11 ; and

[0042] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the stand up inflatable paddleboard shown in Figure 12 but with some components omitted for greater clarity of other components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , a stand up inflatable paddleboard 2 is shown, which includes a deck 4 and a valve 6 for enabling the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2 to be inflated and deflated.

[0044] A pair of deck pads 8, 10 extend in the longitudinal direction of the deck 4. The deck pads 8, 10 are for receiving a user of the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2. The user can stand or kneel on the deck pads 8, 10 as desired.

[0045] The stand up inflatable paddleboard 2 includes an indicator device 12 for indicating that a longitudinal fold is required of the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2 when the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2 is to be arranged in a deflated condition. The pair of deck pads 8, 10 are spaced apart by a gap 14. The gap 14 allows a fold to be implemented about the gap 14. Thus, a fold is implemented about the indicator device 12.

[0046] The indicator device 12 extends along a longitudinal central axis of the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2. The indicator device 12 is shown in dotted form in Figure 1 If desired, the indicator device 12 can simply be the gap 14 between the deck pads 8, 10 instead. Furthermore, in other embodiments of the invention, the indicator device 12 can be in dotted form, or the indicator device 12 in the form of a gap 14 can be supplemented or replaced by other indicator devices, such as an arrow pointing in the opposite direction, which indicates where the fold is to be made.

[0047] The stand up inflatable paddleboard 2 has the valve 6 located on the left side of the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2 and at the rear of the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2. As Figure 4 shown, the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2 has a pair of fins 16, 18. The fins 16, 18 are mounted on a mounting structure known as a fin box. From Figure 3 It can be seen that the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2 has a forward portion 20 which curves upwardly as shown.

[0048] Figure 4 An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in which an auxiliary indicator device 22 is provided. The auxiliary indicator device 22 is provided on the underside 24 of the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2 and is shown by the dashed-dot line. The auxiliary indicator device 22 is present on the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2 and acts as an additional to the indicator device 12 which then becomes the primary indicator device 12. In use of the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2, the auxiliary indicator device 22 is aligned with the primary indicator device 12, i.e. directly below the primary indicator device. Thus, if the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2 is facing upwards or downwards, there is always an indicator device 12, 22 to indicate that when the stand up paddleboard 2 is to be arranged in a deflated condition, e.g. by folding or rolling up, then a longitudinal fold is initially required and such that the fold is along the indicator device 12, 22.

[0049] Reference is made to Figure 4In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, if there are two or more primary indicator devices (e.g., primary indicator device 12), there will typically be an equal number of auxiliary indicator devices (e.g., auxiliary indicator devices 22) that are aligned with, i.e., directly below, the primary indicator devices when using the stand-up inflatable paddle board 2. In the stand-up inflatable paddle board 2, the auxiliary indicator devices can be considered to be aligned with, but spaced apart from, the primary indicator devices.

[0050] Now refer to Figure 5 , a second stand-up inflatable paddle board 26 is shown. Stand-up inflatable paddle board 26 is similar to stand-up inflatable paddle board 2. Similar components have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In stand-up inflatable paddle board 26, it will be seen that valve 6 is on the right side of deck 4 rather than on the left side as in stand-up inflatable paddle board 2.

[0051] Now refer to Figure 6 , a third stand-up inflatable paddle board 28 is shown. Stand-up inflatable paddle board 28 is similar to stand-up inflatable paddle board 2. Similar parts are given the same reference numerals to facilitate comparison and understanding. Stand-up inflatable paddle board 28 is provided with four eyelets 30. These eyelets 30 can receive straps (not shown) for attaching luggage to the deck 4 of stand-up inflatable paddle board 28.

[0052] Now refer to Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9A fourth stand up inflatable paddleboard 32 is shown in Figure 4. Like parts in the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. The stand up inflatable paddleboard 32 is provided with two pairs of deck pads, with the first pair of deck pads consisting of deck pads 34, 36 and the second pair of deck pads consisting of deck pads 38, 40. The deck pads 34, 36 are spaced apart by a gap 42. The gap 42 allows a first longitudinal fold to be made about the gap. The deck pads 38, 40 are spaced apart by a gap 44. The gap 44 allows a second fold to be made about the gap 44. The first and second folds made about the gaps 42, 44 can be made inwardly so that opposite longitudinal edges 46, 48 of the stand up inflatable paddleboard 32 are folded inwardly and lie in a gap 50 between the deck pads 36, 38. The stand up inflatable paddleboard 32 can then be rolled up or can be folded again about the gap 50 and then rolled up. In an alternative way of folding the stand up inflatable paddleboard 32, the user can fold the stand up inflatable paddleboard 32 once longitudinally about the gap 50. Thus, the user can fold the stand up inflatable paddleboard 32 in different ways as they see fit. Again, as the user sees fit, the user can make a single longitudinal fold about either of the gaps 42 or 44. The fourth stand up inflatable paddleboard 28 is such that there are two pairs of deck pads 34, 36 and 38, 40. The two pairs of deck pads 34, 36 and 38, 40 are arranged symmetrically about a longitudinal central axis of the stand up inflatable paddleboard. The gap 50 is along the longitudinal central axis and the gap 50 is also between the two pairs of deck pads 34, 36 and 38, 40.

[0053] Reference is now made to Figures 10 to 13 A fifth stand up inflatable paddleboard 52 is shown in Figure 5. Like parts in the stand up inflatable paddleboard 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. The stand up inflatable paddleboard 52 is provided with reinforcing members 54, 56, 58, 60. The reinforcing members 54, 56, 58, 60 are flexible reinforcing members and they can be reinforcing members known as stringers.

[0054] Each of the reinforcing members 54, 56, 58, 60 comprises a first strip 62 and a second strip 64. The second strip 64 is wider than the first strip 62 and covers the first strip 62. The first and second strips 62, 64 can be glued together. By way of example, it is mentioned that the first strip 62 can be 50 mm wide and the second strip 64 can be 80 mm wide. The first and second strips 62, 64 can also take other widths.

[0055] As can be seen from Figure 12As can be best understood in FIG, there is one of the reinforcement members 54, 56 on the top side of the stand up inflatable paddle board 52, on either side of the gap 14, and there is one of the reinforcement members 58, 60 on the bottom side of the stand up inflatable paddle board 52, on either side of the gap 52. The reinforcement members 58, 60 on the bottom side of the stand up inflatable paddle board 52 are aligned with the reinforcement members 54, 56, respectively, on the top side of the stand up inflatable paddle board 52. The reinforcement members 54, 56, 58, 60 can be bonded to the surface of the stand up inflatable paddle board 52 by any suitable adhesive, such as one of the adhesives currently used to secure known reinforcement members to known stand up inflatable paddle boards.

[0056] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings are provided by way of example only and that modifications may be implemented. Thus, for example, the deck pad 8 may be longer or shorter than shown. The stand-up inflatable paddle board of the present invention may have a single deck pad provided with grooves or other features to provide clearance to allow for initial longitudinal folding of the stand-up inflatable paddle board. The valve 6 may be provided at other locations on the stand-up inflatable paddle board 2, 26, 28. Other types of indicator devices 12 may be used with the arrangements shown and described above. More than two fins 16, 18 may be used, in which case the fins may be of various configurations. A single fin may also be used if desired. The various components shown in the accompanying drawings are not limited to their use in the accompanying drawings; they may be used in the other drawings and in all aspects of the present invention. The present invention also extends to the use of the various components mentioned and / or illustrated above, either individually or in any combination.

Claims

1. A stand-up inflatable paddle board, comprising: (i) board surface; (ii) a valve for enabling inflation and deflation of the stand-up inflatable paddle board; (iii) an indicator device for indicating that the stand-up inflatable paddle board requires at least one longitudinal fold when the stand-up inflatable paddle board is to be deployed into a deflated state; and (iv) at least one deck pad extending in the longitudinal direction of the deck and adapted to receive a user of the stand-up inflatable paddle board, The stand-up inflatable paddle board allows: (v) The deck pad provides the stand-up inflatable paddle board with a gap that allows for folding around the gap.

2. The stand-up inflatable paddle board of claim 1, wherein: There is at least one pair of deck pads separated by the gap.

3. The stand-up inflatable paddle board according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The gap is a channel.

4. A stand up inflatable paddle board according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein There is a pair of deck pads, and the gap extends along a longitudinal center axis of the stand up inflatable paddle board.

5. The stand-up inflatable paddle board according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: There are two pairs of deck pads that are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal center axis of the stand up inflatable paddle board.

6. A stand up inflatable paddle board according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The indicator device is located on the panel.

7. A stand up inflatable paddle board according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The gap is configured to form the indicator means.

8. The stand up inflatable paddle board according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising auxiliary indicator means located on the underside of the stand up inflatable paddle board when the stand up inflatable paddle board is in use.

9. The stand-up inflatable paddle board of claim 8, wherein: The indicator device is located on a top side of the stand up inflatable paddle board and the auxiliary indicator device is located on a bottom side of the stand up inflatable paddle board and is aligned with the indicator device.

10. The stand up inflatable paddle board of any preceding claim, comprising at least one reinforcement member for reinforcing the stand up inflatable paddle board when inflated for use.

11. The stand-up inflatable paddle board of claim 10, wherein: There is at least one of the reinforcing members on a top side of the stand up inflatable paddle board, and there is at least one of the reinforcing members on a bottom side of the stand up inflatable paddle board.

12. The stand-up inflatable paddle board according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: At least two of the reinforcement members are positioned one on each side of the indicator device.

13. The stand up inflatable paddle board according to claims 11 and 12, wherein: The number of reinforcement elements on the bottom side of the stand up inflatable paddle board is the same as the number of reinforcement members on the top side of the stand up inflatable paddle board.

14. The stand-up inflatable paddle board according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein: The or each reinforcing member is formed from a flexible material.

15. A stand up inflatable paddle board according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The valve is positioned on the left side of the deck.

16. The stand up inflatable paddle board according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein The valve is positioned on the right side of the deck.

17. A stand up inflatable paddle board according to any preceding claim, comprising anchoring means on the deck for enabling items to be secured to the deck.

18. The stand-up inflatable paddle board of claim 17, wherein: The anchoring device includes a plurality of eyelets.

19. A stand up inflatable paddle board according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The stand up inflatable paddle board is made of brushed cloth material.

20. The stand up inflatable paddle board of any preceding claim, comprising a grab handle, and wherein the grab handle is offset from the fold.

21. The stand up inflatable paddle board of any preceding claim, comprising a pair of fins, and wherein the fins are offset from a fold.

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