A shade structure for a sup board having a mast attachment point

Abstract

The invention relates to a shade structure (100) for a SUP board (10) having a mast attachment point (12), the shade structure (100) comprises a mast base (30) releasably attachable to the mast attachment point (12) of the SUP board (10), a pole (40) having a first and second ends (40a, 40b) the first end (40a) of which is attached to the mast base (30), and a sunshade (50) attached to the pole (40), which pole (40) can be secured in a fixed position relative to the SUP board (10) by means of the mast base (30).

Description

[0001] A shade structure for a SUP board having a mast attachment point

[0002] The present invention relates to shade structure for SUP boards with mast attachment points.

[0003] A "SUP" (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) board, or SUP for short, is a water sports device similar to a kayak, used on the water by paddling with a paddle, standing or kneeling. SUP boards are widely used and have become popular in many parts of the world as they are suitable for a wide range of activities. SUPs are a great way to relax and spend active leisure time, as they can be used in almost any aquatic environment, be it a beach, lake or river. You can get in touch with nature, enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of the aquatic landscape, and Standup paddle boarding can not only be an enjoyable and pleasant way to spend time in nature, but also reduce stress. SUP boards are generally used for recreational purposes such as beaching or family recreation, but they can also be used for fitness training or yoga, as they provide an unstable surface for exercises. Standup paddle boarding exercises the whole body, as you have to balance on the board while moving forward with a paddle. This not only strengthens the body, but also develops the central nervous system and improves endurance.

[0004] SUP boards are manufactured in different sizes and shapes to suit different water conditions and user needs. SUP boards can be rigid or inflatable. Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboards offer an innovative and practical solution for those who want to easily transport and store their board. These boards are usually made of durable PVC material, which allows for easy inflation and deflation. Despite being inflatable, these boards are quite durable and resistant. Their material resists scratches, abrasion and impact, ensuring long life and reliability. It usually only takes a few minutes to inflate the boards and they are ready to use. These boards essentially provide a platform as solid and stable as rigid SUP boards.

[0005] A special and popular type of SUP board is the so-called windsup, also known as windsurf-SUP, which allows a combination of windsurfing and Standup paddle boarding. This type of board has a special feature of having a mast attachment point to which a mast pole and sail can be attached in a detachable way. The mast attachment point is usually designed as an internally threaded socket in the centre or front of the SUP board and is integral with the board body. Note that there are aftermarket adapters (e.g. EXOCET's Mast Base Adaptor) that can be purchased as a mast attachment point on a traditional SUP board, allowing any traditional SUP board to be converted into a Windsurf-SUP board. The advantage of the retrofit is that the position of the mast attachment point can be chosen virtually at will, according to the user's needs, whereas with the factory Windsurf-SUP boards it is predetermined and cannot be changed.

[0006] Windsup boards have the stability and comfort of traditional SUP boards, making them easy to handle on the water. Their larger size and volume make them more stable in the wind, making them easier to sail and manoeuvre. A sail mounted on the board allows users to harness the power of the wind and move through the water without paddling. Windsup boards offer versatility to users as the sail can be easily mounted or dismounted, allowing the board to be used as a SUP board when the wind is not suitable for windsurfing. This combined feature allows users to perform a variety of activities on the water, depending on wind conditions and user needs.

[0007] Connecting the sail to the windsup is usually a simple and easy process. The mast pole and the sail are connected to the mast attachment point by means of so-called mast pins, also known as mast base. Mast base is usually threaded and is simply screwed into the mast attachment point, which is also threaded. The mast pole is attached to the mast base in a detachable manner, e.g. by a threaded connection with a bayonet lock, etc. Mast base can be of different designs and materials to suit different windsup boards and sails. A common feature of mast bases for SUP boards with a mast attachment point is that they are hinged, i.e. the mast pole attached to the mast base can be freely rotated around the mast base as a point, but the mast pole cannot be locked in a specific position. The hinged design is necessary to allow the sail attached to the mast to be set in the correct wind direction.

[0008] Since Standup paddle boarding is an outdoor activity, protection from the sun while SUPing is extremely important. The harmful effects of sunlight can damage your skin in both the short and long term. During a session, our skin is exposed to the sun's rays for longer periods of time, which can pose an increased risk. Strong sunlight and prolonged exposure can cause sunburn. Sunburn can be painful and can cause redness, blisters, peeling and other unpleasant symptoms. Long-term sun exposure and excessive UV radiation can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. UV radiation can contribute to damage to the DNA of skin cells, which can lead to the development of cancer cells. UV radiation can also damage the collagen fibres responsible for skin elasticity and youthfulness, which can contribute to the early development of wrinkles, blemishes and other skin changes.

[0009] Proper protection during sun exposure can reduce the risks mentioned above. However, we recognised that current solutions used during Standup paddle boarding generally only cover:

[0010] - use of sunscreen cream or spray

[0011] - wearing head protection (e.g. hat, cap)

[0012] - use of sunglasses

[0013] - wearing protective clothing

[0014] - stay in a shaded area (not feasible in open water)

[0015] - appropriate timing, e.g. avoiding midday.

[0016] While the precautions mentioned above can help minimise the risk of sunburn and sun damage, none of them are a compromise-free solution. The disadvantage of sunscreens, for example, is that they need to be applied regularly to the skin if the user is in the sun for long periods of time. Wearing headgear or protective clothing may be uncomfortable, which can reduce the user's sense of comfort. Avoidance of strong sunlight limits the use of SUP and is a constraint that most users are reluctant to accept.

[0017] The task set for the invention is to provide a structure free from the drawbacks of state-of-the-art solutions. In particular, the aim is to provide a shade structure that can be attached to a SUP board having a mast attachment point and that can provide adequate sun protection for the user on the SUP.

[0018] We recognised that the SUP board's mast attachment point, by its design and purpose, can be used to attach not only the mast pole holding the sail, but also other poles in a stable, releasable manner.

[0019] We also recognised that a sunshade can be attached to the pole attached to the mast anchorage point, i.e. the mast attachment point of a SUP board with a mast attachment point can be used to attach a stable shade structure to the SUP board that can provide adequate shade for the user on the SUP.

[0020] We also recognised that the position of the mast attachment point on the SUP board is chosen so that the sail attached to it (usually several metres high) has the least possible impact on the stability of the SUP. For this reason, the mast attachment point can be fitted with a shade structure of a height under which the user can comfortably fit while standing upright, i.e. while paddling, while maintaining the stability of the SUP.

[0021] We also recognised that the releasable attachment means that the shade structure can be easily attached to or removed from the mast attachment point as required, so that if no shade is required, for example, a standard sail can be attached to the SUP.

[0022] We also recognised that the mast of the sail that can be attached to the windsup can be used as the pole of the shade structure according tot he invention, making the shade structure even easier to assemble and disassemble and reducing the manufacturing costs of the shade structure.

[0023] Based on the above recognition, the task was solved by a shade structure comprising a mast base releasably attachable to the mast attachment point of the SUP board, a pole having a first and second ends the first end of which is attached to the mast base, and a sunshade attached to the pole, which pole can be secured in a fixed position relative to the SUP board (at a given angle to the plane of the SUP board) by means of the mast base.

[0024] The gist of the invention is that the a sunshade structure comprising a pole and a sunshade attached to the pole, the pole being attached to the mast attachment point of the SUP board by means of a mast base which holds the pole in a pre-set fixed position relative to the SUP board (e.g. perpendicular to the plane of the board or at a given angle to it).

[0025] Some preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0026] Further details of the invention are explained by means of examples and drawings. In the drawing

[0027] Figure 1 a is a schematic top view of an exemplary SUP board with a factory-fitted mast attachment point;

[0028] Figure 1 b is a schematic side view of the SUP board shown in Figure 1 a;

[0029] Figure 2a is a schematic top view of an exemplary SUP board with retrofitted mast attachment point;

[0030] Figure 2b is a schematic side view of the SUP board shown in Figure 2a;

[0031] Figure 3a is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a shade structure according to the invention with a folding sunshade, shown in its open position mounted on the SUP board;

[0032] Figure 3b is a schematic side view of the shade structure shown in Figure 3a, in its folded condition mounted on the SUP board;

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic top view of the SUP board-mounted shade structure shown in Figure 3a;

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a shade structure according to the invention with an adjustable pitch sunshade, shown as mounted on a SUP board;

[0035] Figure 6 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a shade structure with a mast base with a hinged connection, shown as mounted on a SUP board;

[0036] Figure 7 is a schematic side view of another exemplary embodiment of a shade structure according to the invention, shown as mounted on a SUP board;

[0037] Figure 8 is a schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of a shade structure according to the invention with circular sunshade as mounted on a SUP board.

[0038] Figures 1 a and 1 b show a schematic top view and side view respectively of an exemplary SUP board 10, which is factory fitted with a mast attachment point 12. That is, in this embodiment, the mast attachment point 12 is incorporated into the SUP board 10 as illustrated by the dotted lines in Figure 1 b. It is noted that the mast attachment point 12 can be retrofitted to the SUP board 10, for example, using a known commercially available adapter 20, as shown in Figures 2a and 2b. The adapter 20 may be fixed to the SUP board 10 with suitable adhesive, as is known to a person skilled in the art. Thus, in the context of the present description, a SUP board 10 is defined as a SUP that is fitted with a mast attachment point 12 at the factory, or a SUP that is retrofitted with mast attachment point 12. The original function of the mast attachment point 12 is to anchor the mast of a sail, and they are typically fitted with an internal thread to allow for releasable attachment. Other known locking mechanisms that allow for releasable attachment are also possible, such as snap locks, bayonet locks, etc., as is obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0039] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 a, 1 b, 2a, 2b, the SUP board 10 is an inflatable SUP and is preferably equipped with the usual elements such as inflation valve 14 and skeg 16 at the bottom of the SUP board 10. Note that the embodiments shown in the figures are inflatable SUP boards 10, however the SUP board 10 can also be a rigid SUP board 10.

[0040] A possible embodiment of a shade structure 100 according to the invention is shown in Figures 3a-3b. The shade structure 100 is for a SUP board 10 with mast attachment point 12. The shade structure 100 comprises a mast base 30 releasably connectable to the mast attachment point 12 of the SUP board 10, a pole 40 having a first end 40a and a second end 40b, the first end 40a of which is attached to the mast base 30, and a sunshade 50 attached to the pole 40, the pole 40 being attachable to the SUP board 10 in a fixed position relative to the SUP board 10 by the mast base 30. In a possible embodiment, the mast base 30 is provided with an external thread which can be screwed into the mast attachment point 12 provided with an internal thread. In addition, embodiments are also conceivable where the mast base 30 is releasably attached to the mast attachment point 12 by other means (e.g. snap-lock, bayonet lock, etc.) as is known to a person skilled in the art. The first end 40a of the pole 40 is attached to the mast base 30, which attachment may preferably be releasable (e.g. screwed), thereby allowing the pole 40 to be removed from the mast base 30. It is noted, however, that embodiments may be envisaged in which the pole 40 and the mast base 30 are integrally formed. By default, the mast base 30 holds the pole 40 in a fixed position relative to the SUP board 10 (e.g. perpendicular to the SUP board 10). In this embodiment, the angle of the pole 40 with the surface of the SUP board 10 cannot be changed. However, in a preferred embodiment, the mast base 30 is configured as a hinged connection that can be fixed at different angular positions. In the context of the present description, a hinged connection of the mast base 30 is understood to be an attachment whereby the angle of the pole 40 connected to the mast base 30 can be adjusted and locked in a given position relative to the SUP board 10 (see, e.g., Figures 5 and 6). Such a connection can be achieved by means of a known hinged connection, such as a threaded or friction-locked connection (e.g., a ball joint), as is known to one skilled in the art.

[0041] The pole 40 is preferably hollow and made of lightweight materials such as plastic, composite materials such as fibreglass, carbon fibre, etc. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pole 40 is configured as a dismountable pole 40 comprising a plurality of pieces (not shown), thereby making the pole 40 easier to transport. The individual pieces of the pole 40 are secured by sliding into each other, as is known for example in the case of mast poles used for SUP boards 10. In another possible embodiment, the pole 40 is a telescopic pole 40 of adjustable length (not shown), the function of which is explained in more detail below. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pole 40 of the shade structure 100 is configured as a mast pole of a sail that can be attached to the windsup.

[0042] Sunshade 50 is attached to the pole 40 of the shade structure 100 according to the invention. In embodiments shown in Figures 3a, 3b, and Figures 5 and 6, the sunshade 50 is attached to the second end 40b of the pole 40, but embodiments can also be envisaged where the sunshade 50 is attached to the pole 40 between ends 40a and 40b (see Figure 7). Note that the sunshade 50 may be fixed or, where appropriate, releasably attached to the pole 40. In the latter case, a releasable attachment between pole 40 and sunshade 50 can be achieved, for example, by means of an adapter 45. Preferably, the adapter 45 may be, for example, an O-ring slidably mounted on the pole 40 and threadably attachable thereto, whereby the sunshade 50 may be secured in the desired position along the length of the pole 40 (see, for example, Figure 7). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sunshade 50 is attached to the second end 40b of the pole 40 by a hinged connection that can be fixed at different angular positions, i.e., the adapter 45 is provided as a hinged connection. In the context of the present description, the hinged connection of the adapter 45 is understood to be an attachment by means of which the angle of the sunshade 50 connected to the pole 40, closed by the SUP board 10, can be adjusted and locked in a given position (see e.g. Figure 5). Such an attachment can be achieved by means of a hinged connection known per se, for example by means of a thread or friction lock, as is known to a person skilled in the art. The sunshade 50 may, for example, be rectangular (see Figure 4), circular (see Figure 8), or any other shape. In embodiments where the shape of the sunshade 50 is not axisymmetric, the sunshade 50 is preferably pivotally mounted to the pole 40 as an axis, so that the sunshade 50 can be turned towards the sun. The sunshade 50 should preferably be sized to provide adequate shade for the user standing underneath it. Note that in embodiments with adjustable length telescopic poles 40, the height of the sunshade 50 can be adjusted according to the height of the user, so that a larger shade area can be created by bringing the sunshade 50 closer to the user, or an adequate shade area can be provided even if the user is seated on the SUP board 10. Similarly, in embodiments where the sunshade 50 can be fixed in the desired position along the length of the pole 40 by means of the O-ring adapter 45, an optimally sized shade can be created according to the height or posture of the user. In embodiments where the pole 40 is attached to the mast attachment point 12 by means of a hinged connection, and in embodiments where the sunshade 50 is attached to the pole 40 by means of a hinged connection, the shade structure 100, and thus the shade created by the sunshade 50, can be adjusted according to the direction of the sun.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the sunshade 50 is configured as foldable sunshade 50 as shown in Figure 3a. The advantage of the foldable design is that in higher winds, folding the sunshade 50 improves the stability of the SUP board 10 and makes the sunshade 50 easier to transport. The sunshade 50 is preferably made of water and UV resistant material such as polymer, impregnated polyester, etc., as is known to a person skilled in the art. The material of the sunshade 50 may also be a mesh, openwork material, which provides a more natural semi- shade. In an exemplary embodiment, the sunshade 50 comprises radial stiffeners, between which stiffeners a net is stretched and to which net textile pieces are attached.

[0044] Various modifications to the above disclosed embodiments will be apparent to a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection determined by the attached claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A shade structure (100) for a SUP board (10) having a mast attachment point (12), characterized by comprising a mast base (30) releasably attachable to the mast attachment point (12) of the SUP board (10), a pole (40) having a first and second ends (40a, 40b) the first end (40a) of which is attached to the mast base (30), and a sunshade (50) attached to the pole (40), which pole (40) can be secured in a fixed position relative to the SUP board (10) by means of the mast base (30).

2. The shade structure (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the sunshade (50) is attached to the second end (40b) of the pole (40).

3. The shade structure (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the attachment between the sunshade (50) and the pole (40) is a releasable attachment.

4. The shade structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the attachment between the mast base (30) and the first end (40a) of the pole (40) is a releasable attachment.

5. The shade structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the mast base (30) is configured as a hinged connection that can be fixed in different angular positions.

6. The shade structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the pole (40) is a mast pole of a sail attachable to a windsup.

7. The shade structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6,characterized in that the sunshade (50) is attached to the second end (40b) of the pole (40) by a hinged connection that can be fixed in different angular positions.

8. The shade structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sunshade (50) is made of water and UV resistant material.

9. The shade structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sunshade (50) is configured as a foldable sunshade (50).

10. The shade structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pole (40) is configured as a dismountable pole (40) comprising a plurality of pieces.

11. The shade structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the pole (40) is a telescopic pole (40) of adjustable length.

12. The shade structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that the sunshade (50) is pivotally mounted to the pole (40) about an axis of the pole (40).

13. The shade structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the sunshade (50) comprises radial stiffeners, between which stiffeners a net is stretched and to which net textile pieces are attached.

Images