SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING STORAGE ON A MARINE VEHICLE
20230373596 · 2023-11-23
Inventors
Cpc classification
International classification
Abstract
A system for creating additional storage on a marine vehicle is provided. The system of the present disclosure is generally designed to secure to a marine vehicle via a rod holder, wherein parallel bars provide additional storage area for marine equipment, such as innertubes. To this end, the system of the present disclosure may comprise supports and support braces. Straps may be used to attach the marine equipment to the supports. To ensure that the supports are properly secured within the rod holders, a sleeve may be used to increase friction and change size. Board arms may be attached to the supports in order to increase storage area.
Claims
1. A system for marine vehicle storage comprising, a curved support configured to secure to a rod holder of a marine vehicle, wherein said curved support comprises a rod holder section, S-section, and parallel bar section, wherein said rod holder section is generally straight and of a diameter to fit within said rod holder, wherein said S-section has a first bend that curves laterally away from said rod holder section into a generally downward direction, wherein said rod holder section is secured to said S-section at said first bend, wherein said S-section has a second bend that curves laterally away from said rod holder section into a generally horizontal direction, wherein a linear portion of said S-section between said first bend and said second bend is straight, wherein said parallel bar section is secured to said S-section at said second bend, wherein said parallel bar section extends laterally away from said S-section and said rod holder section, wherein said rod holder section, S-section, and parallel bar section are substantially in plane with one another, and a strap configured to hold equipment on said curved support, wherein a first end of said strap is secured to said curved support at said first bend of said S-section, wherein a second end of said strap is secured to said parallel bar section.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve configured to encase said rod holder section, wherein said sleeve is of a second diameter configured to fit within said rod holder.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a buffer secured to said S-section at said linear portion and said second bend, wherein said buffer is positioned outside of said second bend.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said parallel bar section is telescoping.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a board arm, wherein said board arm extends in a generally upward direction and away from said parallel bar section, wherein said board arm is generally perpendicular to said parallel bar section.
6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of buckles configured to secure said strap to said S-section and at least one of said parallel bar section or said board arm.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a support brace having a first end and a second end, wherein said support brace removably secures to at least two said parallel bar sections of at least two said curved supports.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising marine equipment, wherein a first section and second section of said marine equipment are removably secured to at least two said curved supports via said straps, wherein said at least two curved supports are substantially parallel.
9. A system for marine vehicle storage comprising, a first curved support configured to secure to a first rod holder of a marine vehicle, wherein said first curved support comprises a first rod holder section, first S-section, and first parallel bar section, wherein said first rod holder section is generally straight and of a diameter to fit within said first rod holder, wherein said first S-section has a first bend that curves laterally away from said first rod holder section into a generally downward direction, wherein said first rod holder section is secured to said first S-section at said first bend, wherein said first S-section has a second bend that curves laterally away from said first rod holder section into a generally horizontal direction, wherein a linear portion of said first S-section between said first bend and said second bend is straight, wherein said first parallel bar section is secured to said first S-section at said second bend, wherein said first parallel bar section extends laterally away from said first S-section and said first rod holder section, wherein said first rod holder section, first S-section, and first parallel bar section are substantially in plane with one another, and a first strap configured to hold equipment on said first curved support, wherein a first end of said first strap is secured to said first curved support at said first bend of said first S-section, wherein a second end of said first strap is secured to said first parallel bar section, a second curved support configured to secure to a second rod holder of a marine vehicle, wherein said second curved support comprises a second rod holder section, second S-section, and second parallel bar section, wherein said second rod holder section is generally straight and of said diameter to fit within said second rod holder, wherein said second S-section has said first bend that curves laterally away from said second rod holder section into said generally downward direction, wherein said second rod holder section is secured to said second S-section at said first bend, wherein said second S-section has said second bend that curves laterally away from said second rod holder section into said generally horizontal direction, wherein said linear portion of said second S-section between said first bend and said second bend is straight, wherein said second parallel bar section is secured to said second S-section at said second bend, wherein said second parallel bar section extends laterally away from said second S-section and said second rod holder section, wherein said second rod holder section, second S-section, and second parallel bar section are substantially in plane with one another, and a second strap configured to hold said equipment on said second curved support, wherein a first end of said second strap is secured to said second curved support at said first bend of said second S-section, wherein a second end of said second strap is secured to said second parallel bar section, wherein said first rod holder and said second rod holder are situated on said marine vehicle in a way such that said first curved support and said second curved support are arranged parallel to one another on said marine vehicle.
10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a first sleeve configured to encase said first rod holder section and a second sleeve configured to encase said second rod holder section, wherein said first sleeve and said second sleeve are adjustable such that a size adjusts to fit said first rod holder and said second rod holder.
11. The system of claim 9, further comprising a first buffer secured to said linear portion of said first curved support and a second buffer secured to said linear portion of said second curved support, wherein said first buffer extends from said linear portion of said first curved support towards said first rod holder section, wherein said second buffer extends from said linear portion of said second curved support towards said second rod holder section.
12. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one of said first parallel bar section of said first curved support or said second parallel bar section of said second curved support are telescoping.
13. The system of claim 9, further comprising at least one board arm of said first curved support and at least one board arm of said second curved support, wherein said at least one board arm of said first curved support extends generally upward from said first parallel bar section, wherein said at least one board arm of said second curved support extends generally upward from said second parallel bar section.
14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of buckles of said first curved support and a plurality of buckles of said second curved support, wherein said plurality of buckles of said first curved support are configured to secure said first strap to said first S-section of said first curved support and at least one of said first parallel bar section of said first curved support or said at least one board arm of said first curved support, wherein said plurality of buckles of said second curved support are configured to secure said second strap to said second S-section of said second curved support and at least one of said second parallel bar section of said second curved support or said at least one board arm of said second curved support.
15. The system of claim 9, further comprising a support brace having a first end and a second end, wherein said support brace removably secures to said first parallel bar section of said first curved support and said second parallel bar section of said second curved support.
16. The system of claim 9, further comprising marine equipment, wherein a first section of said marine equipment is secured to said first curved support, wherein a second section of said marine equipment is secured to said second curved support.
17. A method for creating storage on a marine vehicle comprising steps of, obtaining a first curved support and a second curved support, wherein said first curved support comprises a first rod holder section, first S-section, first parallel bar section, and first strap, wherein said second curved support comprises a second rod holder section, second S-section, second parallel bar section, and second strap, obtaining said marine vehicle having a first rod holder and a second rod holder, obtaining marine equipment that is to be stored on said first curved support and said second curved support, inserting said first rod holder section of said first curved support into said first rod holder and said second rod holder section of said second curved support in said second rod holder, and positioning said first curved support and said second curved support in a way such that said first parallel bar section of said first curved support and said second parallel bar section of said second curved support are generally parallel.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of: obtaining a first board arm for said first curved support and a second board arm for said second curved support, wherein said first board arm removably attaches to said first parallel bar section of said first curved support and said second board arm removably attaches to said second parallel bar section of said second curved support, and securing said first board arm to said first curved support of said second board arm to said second curved support.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of: obtaining a support brace having a first end and a second end, wherein said support brace removably secures to said first parallel bar section of said first curved support and said second parallel bar section of said second curved support, and securing said first end of said support brace to said first parallel bar section of said first curved support and said second end of said support brace to said second parallel bar section of said second curved support.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of: positioning a first section of said marine equipment on said first parallel bar section of said first curved support and a second section of said marine equipment on said second parallel bar section of said second curved support, manipulating said first strap of said first curved support and said second strap of said second curved support about said marine equipment, and tightening said first strap said second strap in a way such that said marine equipment is secured to said first curved support and said second curved support.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features, including method steps, of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with/or in the context of other particular aspects of the embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.
[0019] The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, a system “comprising” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components. Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).
[0020]
[0021] The system 500 generally comprises two or more supports 100 configured in a way such that they may be secured in two or more rod holders 315, wherein parallel bars of the two or more supports 100 extend horizontally from said two or more rod holders 315 to create additional storage space. A brace 425 may be used to connect two or more supports 100 in order to increase structural stability. In other embodiments, a board arm 410 may be connected to a support 100 to increase storage functionality. The rod holders 315 of the marine vehicle 305 are preferably spaced from one another in a way such that the distance between a plurality of supports 100 positioned within said rod holders 315 is short enough so that marine equipment 310 may contact two or more supports 100. In a preferred embodiment, the rod holders 315 are located on the gunnel 405 of a marine vehicle 305, as illustrated in
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, a support 100 comprises a holding rod 105, first parallel bar 110, second parallel bar 120, and connecting rod 115. Types of materials that may be used to create the support 100 include, but are not limited to aluminum, steel, polymer, carbon fiber, or any combination thereof. The holding post is configured to fit within a rod holder 315 of a marine vehicle 305. As illustrated in
[0023] The holding post is connected to the first parallel bar 110 at a first end of the first parallel bar 110. In a preferred embodiment, the angle created between the holding post and first parallel bar 110 is such that the first parallel bar 110 is positioned on or near the top of a gunnel 405 of a marine vehicle 305 when said holding post is positioned within the rod holder 315. For instance, the length of the holding post and angle created between the holding post and first parallel bar 110 may be configured such that the first parallel bar 110 is positioned above the gunnel 405 of a marine vehicle 305 by one foot or less. The connecting rod 115 is preferable attached to the second end of the first parallel bar 110 and oriented in a direction that is generally downward when the holding post is positioned within the rod holder 315. In a preferred embodiment, the angle created by the first parallel bar 110 and the connecting rod 115 is such that the connecting rod 115 rests on or near the exterior surface of the marine vehicle 305. For instance, the length of the first parallel bar 110 and angle created between the first parallel bar 110 and holding rod 105 may be configured such that the connecting rod 115 is positioned beside the exterior of a marine vehicle 305 by one foot or less.
[0024] Some preferred embodiments of a first parallel bar 110 and/or connecting rod 115 may further comprise a buffer 420 positioned such that it inhibits the first parallel bar 110 and/or connecting rod 115 from directly contacting the marine vehicle 305, reducing the likelihood that the rigid first parallel bar 110 and/or connecting rod 115 will damage said marine vehicle 305 when connected thereto. Types of material that may be used as the buffer 420 include, but are not limited to, silicon, rubber, foam, or any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the buffer 420 comprises rubber, which may provide a friction force that may reduce movement of the support 100 while the marine vehicle 305 is in motion. For instance, a foam and neoprene pad having a plurality of textured rubber pads on an exterior surface may be used to prevent damage to the marine vehicle 305 while simultaneously providing friction force that may prevent the support 100 from moving while said marine vehicle 305 is in motion.
[0025] The second parallel bar 120 is connected to said connecting rod 115 at a second connector end of said connecting rod 115 and provides a platform on which a user may secure marine equipment 310. In a preferred embodiment, the second parallel bar 120 is connected to the connecting rod 115 generally perpendicularly. In another preferred embodiment, the second parallel bar 120 is connected to the connecting rod 115 such that the second parallel bar 120 is angled slightly away from the water when the marine vehicle 305 is upright in the water and when the holding post is positioned within a rod holder 315 of said marine vehicle 305, as illustrated in
[0026] A strap 130 of the support 100 may be used to secure marine equipment 310 thereto. Materials that may be used to construct the strap 130 include, but are not limited to, nylon, rayon, polyester, polypropylene, rubber, or any combination thereof. Buckles 125 may be used to in combination with the strap 130 in order to secure marine equipment 310 to said support 100. In a preferred embodiment, a first buckle 125 of the first parallel bar 110 and a second buckle 125 of the second parallel bar 120 may be arranged on said first parallel bar 110 and said second parallel bar 120 so that marine equipment 310 may be secured to the top side of the support 100. In another preferred embodiment, a third buckle 125 located between said first buckle 125 and said second buckle 125 may be used in conjunction with said second buckle 125 to allow a strap 130 to secure marine equipment 310 to said support 100 therebetween. In some embodiments, a second strap 130 may be used to secure marine equipment 310 between said second buckle 125 and said third buckle 125. Types of buckles 125 that may be used with the strap 130 include, but are not limited to, cam buckles 125, ratchet buckles 125, roller buckles 125, side-release buckles 125, slide buckles 125, snap buckles 125, or any combination thereof. In one preferred embodiment, the strap 130 and buckle 125 comprise a bungee cord and bungee attachment point, such as a hook or a U-bolt.
[0027] As mentioned previously, two or more supports 100 may be used in conjunction with one another to create a support rack 400, wherein marine equipment 310 may be secured to said supports 100 of said support rack 400. For instance, as illustrated in
[0028] In some preferred embodiments, at least one of the holding rod 105, first parallel bar 110, second parallel bar 120, connecting rod 115, and brace 425 may be adjustable. In one such embodiment, at least one of the holding rod 105, first parallel bar 110, second parallel bar 120, connecting rod 115, and brace 425 is configured to extend in length. This may allow the support 100 to fit multiple marine vehicles 305 and marine equipment 310 of varying sizes as well as allow for a user to create support racks 400 from supports 100 positioned within rod holders 315 at varying distances. In one such embodiment, the holding rod 105, first parallel bar 110, second parallel bar 120, connecting rod 115, and brace 425 may be partially or fully telescopic. Users may lock the holding rod 105, first parallel bar 110, second parallel bar 120, connecting rod 115, and brace 425 into a desired position using a locking element and, in some embodiments, an at least one aperture of the holding rod 105, first parallel bar 110, second parallel bar 120, connecting rod 115, and brace 425. Apparatuses that may act as the locking element include, but are not limited to, push-pull pins, clamps, set knobs, snap locks, spring buttons, and clutch locks, or any combination thereof.
[0029] Some preferred embodiments of the support 100 may also comprise at least one rotating mechanism, allowing the even more of a custom fit to a marine vehicle 305 as well as giving the user the option to reduce the profile of the support 100 when not in use, making it easier to store. In a preferred embodiment, the rotating mechanism comprises hinges 415 and pivots. For instance, the holding post may be rotatably attached to the first parallel bar 110 via a hinge 415 such that the holding post may be folded in a generally parallel position relative to said first parallel bar 110 when not in use. For instance, the first parallel bar 110 may be rotatably attached to the connecting rod 115 via a stop hinge 415 such that the first parallel bar 110 may be folded in a generally parallel position relative to said holding post when not in use. For instance, the holding post may be rotatably attached to the second parallel bar 120 via a pivot hinge 415 such that the holding post may be folded in a generally parallel position relative to said second parallel bar 120 when not in use.
[0030] By using a plurality of hinges 415, a user may fold a support 100 into a much smaller profile as illustrated in
[0031] In another preferred embodiment, a flag holder of the support 100 may be used to secure a flag to the marine vehicle 305. The flag holder is preferably situated on said support 100 such that a flag placed in said flag holder is situated in an upright position. In some preferred embodiments, the flag holder may be moveably attached to the support 100, allowing a user to orient the flag holder in a way that changes the orientation of the flag when placed in said flag holder. For instance, a user may rotate a flagpole holder about said support 100 via a pivot hinge 415, wherein a locking element of said pivot hinge 415 allows a user to adjust friction of the pivot hinge 415 to prevent the flagpole holder from rotating about said support 100 when said flagpole holder reaches a desired orientation. Therefore, users may secure the holding rod 105 to the marine vehicle 305 via the rod holder 315 and orient the various pieces of the support 100 as described herein without having to worry about the orientation of the flag holder since said user can subsequently adjust it as needed.
[0032] In yet another preferred embodiment, a board arm 410 may be attached to at least one of said first parallel bar 110 and said second parallel bar 120. In a preferred embodiment, the board arm 410 is oriented in a vertical direction when said support 100 is secured to said marine vehicle 305. A strap 130 of said board arm 410 may be used to secure marine equipment 310 thereto. In some preferred embodiments, a buckle 125 of said board arm 410 may be used to secure said marine equipment 310 in conjunction with a buckle 125 of said support 100, as illustrated in
[0033] In some preferred embodiments, the holding rod 105 may be secured to the second parallel 120 bar via an S-section 605 to create a curved support 600, as illustrated in
[0034] The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and subcombinations of several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flow depicted in the accompanying figures and/or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. It will be readily understood to those skilled in the art that various other changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts and method stages which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this inventive subject matter can be made without departing from the principles and scope of the inventive subject matter.