Mounting aid for animals on a stand-up paddleboard with adjustable frame platform

Abstract

Device for enabling an animal to ascend from a body of water onto a watercraft, in particular a stand-up paddleboard, comprising the following features: - a frame-like base body with a substantially U-shaped lower section, - two side sections extending upwards from the lower section, wherein these are laterally adjustable, - a flexible wing attached to the base body, - a first strap system for detachably attaching the device to the watercraft, - and a second strap system for adjusting the position of the base body relative to the watercraft between a raised and a lowered position, wherein the base body is at least partially submerged in the water in the lowered position and the wing provides an aid for the animal to ascend.

Description

The invention relates to a device for enabling an animal, in particular a dog, to climb from a body of water onto a watercraft, in particular a stand-up paddleboard. Various climbing aids for animals are known from the state of the art, for example in the form of rigid ramps, inflatable platforms or net constructions that are attached to boats or jetties. However, these existing solutions suffer from the disadvantage of either insufficient stability, particularly when used on small or unstable watercraft such as stand-up paddleboards, or a lack of flexibility in adapting to different usage situations. Specifically, they lack an easy-to-use device that can be moved into a transport position while the watercraft is in use and lowered into a working position when needed. Furthermore, there is no simple way to detach or attach the device to the watercraft. The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an aid for animals to climb onto the board, which offers a lightweight, stable and at the same time flexible entry option and is particularly suitable for use on stand-up paddleboards. The problem is solved by the device specified in the claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description. The device according to the invention has a frame-like base body, which is preferably made of metal, in particular aluminum. The base body comprises a substantially U-shaped lower section, two side parts extending upwards from it, and a cross member. A flexible support surface, preferably made of a tarpaulin, in particular a truck tarpaulin, is attached to the base body. The support surface is arranged between the frame elements in such a way that it forms a support surface for the animal. The device comprises a first strap system by means of which the base body can be detachably attached to a watercraft. In particular, the straps can be arranged on the upper sections of the side panels and serve to fix it to a stand-up paddleboard. The side panels or the arms that can be attached to the watercraft are preferably designed to be laterally adjustable. This allows the distance between the arms to be changed and adapted to the width of different watercraft, especially stand-up paddleboards of varying widths. Lateral adjustability can be achieved in particular through rotating, telescopic, sliding, pluggable, or positionally adjustable arm sections. This makes it possible to adapt the device to different board widths and ensure secure attachment to the respective watercraft. The device can be attached to the watercraft in different ways. In a first embodiment, it is attached using a strap system that is guided around the watercraft. In an alternative embodiment, the base body is attached directly to fastening elements provided on the watercraft, in particular eyelets, D-rings or similar elements. The fastening elements can be arranged, in particular, on the side of a watercraft, preferably a stand-up paddleboard, or subsequently attached, for example by gluing. In this embodiment, the device is connected to the watercraft directly via the fastening elements, in particular without the use of a strap system. The alternative mounting options allow for flexible adaptation of the device to different watercraft and equipment. Furthermore, a second strap system is provided, designed to adjust the position of the device relative to the watercraft. Using this second strap system, the base body can be moved between a raised and a lowered position. In the raised position, the device is above the water's surface and does not interfere with the use of the watercraft. In the lowered position, the lower section of the base is at least partially submerged, so that the flexible wing acts as a climbing aid for the animal. The combination of a frame-like base and a flexible support surface provides a stable yet compliant surface that allows the animal to mount safely. The geometry of the base body, in particular the arrangement of the side parts, can be chosen so that the device assumes a defined angle to the water surface in the lowered position, thereby facilitating entry for the animal. The device can preferably be designed to be disassembled or pluggable in order to allow for easy transport and space-saving storage. Furthermore, the wing can be designed in such a way that it assumes a trough-like shape when under load, thereby providing additional guidance to the animal during ascent. The device according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that it is especially suitable for use on unstable or inflatable watercraft and provides a safe and easy-to-handle boarding aid. Description of the drawings The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the frame-like base body of the device with attached wing and strap system on a Stadup Paddle. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the device. The following numerically labeled components are shown: 1 U-shaped base frame, 2 crossbeams, 3 side arms, 4 curved connecting piece, 5 second belt system for adjusting the platform's height, 6 connecting piece for attaching the structure to the first belt system, 7 U-shaped screw for lateral guidance of the second belt system Fig. 3a shows the basic construction together with a Stadup paddle without a footplate. Fig. 3b shows the basic construction together with a Stadup paddle with footplate (9) Fig. 4 shows the construction mounted on a stand-up paddleboard by means of the first strap system looped through a non-slip rubber plate (10). A detailed view is shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 4 also shows the adjustment options of the platform in a raised position, above the water surface, and in a lowered position, at least partially in the water. Fig. 5 shows the non-slip rubber plate (10) through which the strap system (8) is looped and the ring (11) to which the arms of the construction are attached. Fig. 6 shows the fastening bolt for mounting the arms (3) on the ring (11). Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b show the lateral adjustability of the arms to adapt the construction to different widths of stand-up paddleboards from a side view and a top view.

Claims

Device for enabling an animal to ascend from a body of water onto a watercraft, in particular a stand-up paddleboard, comprising the following features: - a frame-like base body with a substantially U-shaped lower section, - two side sections extending upwards from the lower section, wherein these are laterally adjustable, - a flexible wing attached to the base body, - a first strap system for detachably attaching the device to the watercraft, - and a second strap system for adjusting the position of the base body relative to the watercraft between a raised and a lowered position, wherein the base body is at least partially submerged in the water in the lowered position and the wing provides an aid for the animal to ascend. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the base body is made of metal, in particular aluminium. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support surface consists of a flexible tarpaulin, in particular a truck tarpaulin. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the load-bearing surface is arranged between the frame elements in such a way that it assumes a sagging or trough-like shape in the loaded state. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side parts extend obliquely upwards and transition into fastening sections for the first belt system. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first strap system is arranged on upper end sections of the side parts and is designed for attachment to an inflatable or rigid watercraft. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second belt system enables stepless adjustment of the position of the device between the raised and the lowered position. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is arranged in the raised position above the water surface and does not impair the use of the watercraft. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body is at least partially demountable or pluggable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the geometry of the base body is designed such that the wing assumes a defined angle to the water surface in the lowered position, thereby facilitating entry for the animal. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side parts or the fastening arms formed thereon are laterally adjustable so that the distance between the arms can be adapted to different widths of watercraft, in particular stand-up paddleboards. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the lateral adjustability is provided by rotatable, telescopic, sliding, pluggable or multi-position fixable arm sections.

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