Water sports board rack

Abstract

The present invention provides a watersports board rack for attaching to a support member (e.g., hanging down from an overhead support tower) of a boat. The rack may have a low profile, superior padding and an increased contact area compared to current rack systems, as well as at least one strap for securing the board against the padding and a coupler for attaching to the overhead support member. The rack may thus be operable to securely hold up to two watersports boards (e.g., two wakesurf boards) without the usual wear and tear (e.g., dents and scrapes) that occurs from regular contact with the tines of current rack systems. The rack may thus increase the boat's capacity to securely store watersports boards while the boat is in motion, and due to the low profile, the rack will not substantially reduce headroom or require removal from a folding tower before folding the tower down for transporting and storing the boat.

Claims

1. A rack system for securing a watersports board operable to connected to an overhead ski boat tower by a single coupler, the system comprising: a. a substantially planar base plate; b. at least one securing device for securing said watersports board against said substantially planar base plate, wherein said substantially planar base plate is operable to interface with a deck of said watersports board such that said deck is substantially parallel to said substantially planar base plate; c. said single coupler for providing a mechanical connection point for attachment of said base plate to a frame member of said overhead ski boat tower, wherein said coupler is the only mechanical connection of the rack system to said overhead ski boat tower, wherein the at least one securing device is operable to secure said watersports board to an underside of the planar base plate when the base plate is suspended below the overhead ski boat tower in a horizontal attitude while a boat in which the ski boat tower is installed is in motion.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said base plate comprises a rigid material.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said base plate comprises at least one attachment element for attaching said securing device to said base plate.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a quick release mechanism between said base plate and said coupler, said quick release mechanism having a nesting arrangement between a first connector in mechanical connection with the coupler and a second connector, wherein, the first and second connectors having complementary interlocking structures that are operable to be coupled in a nested arrangement.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said quick release mechanism includes a securing mechanism that holds said first and second connectors in position when they are in the nested arrangement.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein a width of said base plate is about equal to the width of said watersports board.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable bracket between said base plate and said coupler, said adjustable bracket being operable to allow the base plate to be positioned at various angles relative to said coupler, and said coupler is operable to position said base plate at various angles relative to said coupler in a first plane.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said adjustable bracket having an offset arm, a first attachment point, and a second attachment point, wherein said offset arm provides a radius between said first attachment point and said second attachment point, such that said base plate is offset from said coupler when said first attachment point is mechanically connected to said coupler and said second attachment point is mechanically connected to said base plate, wherein said radius of said offset arm may be positioned at various angles relative to said coupler in said first plane.

9. The system of claim 7, further comprising a quick release mechanism between said adjustable bracket and said coupler, said quick release mechanism operable to allow the entire base plate to be removed from the coupler and having a nesting arrangement between a first connector in mechanical connection with the coupler and a second connector, wherein, the first and second connectors having complementary interlocking structures that are operable to be coupled in a nested arrangement.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pad for providing cushion to said watersports board, wherein said pad comprises a thickness in a range from approximately 2 mm to approximately 10 mm.

11. A rack system for securing a watersports board in a boat, the system comprising: a. a base plate; b. at least one securing device for securing said watersports board to said base plate, wherein a deck of said watersports board interfaces with said base plate such that the deck is substantially parallel to said base plate; c. a coupler for providing the only mechanical connection point for said base plate to a frame member of an overhead ski boat tower in the boat; and d. an adjustable bracket between said base plate and said coupler, said adjustable bracket being operable to allow the base plate to be positioned at various angles relative to said coupler, wherein the at least one securing device is operable to secure said watersports board to an underside of the planar base plate when the base plate is suspended below the overhead ski boat tower in a horizontal attitude while the boat is in motion.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said adjustable bracket having an offset arm, a first attachment point, and a second attachment point, wherein said offset arm provides a radius between said first attachment point and said second attachment point, such that said base plate is offset from said coupler when said first attachment point is mechanically connected to said coupler and said second attachment point is mechanically connected to said base plate, wherein a radius of said offset arm may be positioned at various angles relative to said coupler in a first plane.

13. The system of claim 11, further comprising a quick release mechanism between said adjustable bracket and said coupler, said quick release mechanism operable to allow the entire base plate to be removed from the coupler and having a nesting arrangement between a first connector in mechanical connection with the coupler and a second connector, wherein, the first and second connectors having complementary interlocking structures that are operable to be coupled in a nested arrangement.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein said quick release mechanism includes a securing mechanism that holds said first and second connectors in position when they are in the nested arrangement.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein said securing device comprises a plurality of straps, each strap having a strap pad and a tightening element.

16. A rack system for securing a watersports board to a support member of a boat operable to be connected to an overhead ski boat tower by a single coupler, the system comprising: a. a low-profile base plate for attachment to said overhead ski boat tower, said low-profile base plate operable to be installed on a support member of said tower such that the base plate is less than about 5 inches from said support member; b. at least one securing device for securing said watersports board against said base plate such that a deck of said watersports board interfaces with and is substantially parallel to said base plate; c. an adjustable bracket attached to said base plate, said adjustable bracket being operable to allow the base plate to be positioned to hold said water sports board at various angles relative to said tower; and d. said single coupler for providing the only mechanical connection point of said rack system to a frame member of said overhead ski boat tower, wherein the at least one securing device is operable to secure said watersports board to an underside of the planar base plate when the base plate is suspended below the overhead ski boat tower in a horizontal attitude while a boat in which the ski boat tower is installed is in motion.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said adjustable bracket having an offset arm, a first attachment point, and a second attachment point, wherein said offset arm provides a radius between said first attachment point and said second attachment point, such that said base plate is offset from a coupler attached to said tower when said first attachment point is mechanically connected to said coupler and said second attachment point is mechanically connected to said base plate, wherein said radius of said offset arm may be positioned at various angles relative to said coupler.

18. The system of claim 16, further comprising a quick release mechanism between said adjustable bracket and said coupler, said quick release mechanism being operable to allow the entire base plate to be removed from the coupler and having a nesting arrangement between a first connector in mechanical connection with the coupler and a second connector, wherein the first and second connectors having complementary interlocking structures that are operable to be coupled in a nested arrangement.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein said deck interfaces only with said substantially planar base plate.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein said coupler is operable to position said base plate at multiple angles relative to the ski boat tower.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1A shows a top-down view of a watersports board rack with a watersports board secured thereto, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 1B shows a front side view of a watersports board rack with a watersports board secured thereto, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 1C shows a side view of a watersports board rack with a watersports board secured thereto, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 2A shows a top-down view (left) and a bottom-up view (right) of a watersports board rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 2B shows a front view (left) and a rear view (right) of a watersports board rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 2C shows a right side view (left) and a left side view (right) of a watersports board rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 3A shows a top-down view (left) and a bottom-up view (right) of a watersports board rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 3B shows a front view (left) and a rear view (right) of a watersports board rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 3C shows a right side view (left) and a left side view (right) of a watersports board rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 4 shows a shows a top-down view (left) and a bottom-up view (right) of a watersports board rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(11) FIG. 5 shows a watersports board rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(12) FIG. 6 shows a watersports board rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(13) FIG. 7 shows a watersports board rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(14) Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these figures and certain implementations and examples of the embodiments, it will be understood that such implementations and examples are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. References to various features of the “present invention” throughout this document do not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced features. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or features.

(15) Reference will be made to the exemplary illustrations in the accompanying drawings, and like reference characters may be used to designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

(16) As seen in FIGS. 1A-1C, the present invention provides a watersports board rack 100 for securing a watersports board 101 to a support member (e.g., an overhead support tower) of a boat. The rack 100 may comprise a base plate 110, a pad 120 for providing cushion, a securing device 130 for securing the watersports board 101 against the pad 120, and a coupler 140 for attachment to the support member of the boat.

(17) The base plate 110 may comprise metal plate having a flat and relatively thin profile (e.g., in a range of about ⅛ inch to about ¼ inch thick). The securing device 130 may comprise a first strap 131 and a second strap 132. The first strap 131 may be positioned to secure a first end 102 of the watersports board to the base plate 110, and the second strap 132 being positioned to secure a second end 103 of the watersports board to the base plate 110. The base plate 110 may comprise a plurality of attachment elements 111 for attaching the first strap 131 and the second strap 132 to the base plate 110. The attachment elements 111 may each comprise a first slot and a second slot, the first and second slots each traversing the base plate 110, allowing the securing device 130 to attach to the base plate 110 by being routed therethrough.

(18) The base plate 110 may comprise a width which is comparable to the width of the watersports board 101, and a length which is substantially smaller than the length of the watersports board 101, such that the base plate is no wider or longer than required to safely secure the watersports board to the boat. The length of the base plate may be of a length that allows the tower or other overhead structure to which the base plate is attached to be lowered into a stored position with the base plate attached, without the base plate contacting the interior structures or surfaces of the boat.

(19) Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C. FIG. 2A provides a top-down view (right) and a bottom-up view (left) of a base plate 110, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The base plate 110 may comprise rigid material (e.g., a metal, composite or other rigid material such as a milled metal—stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) and a substantially rectangular shape with extensions at each of the four corners, the extensions each comprising an attachment element 111 for attaching a securing device 130 to the base plate 110.

(20) The pad 120 may comprise a layer of a padding material which is strong but somewhat compressible (e.g., vulcanized rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) material, etc.), and operable to provide a cushion between the base plate 110 and the secured watersports board 101. The pad 120 may comprise a thickness in a range of about 4 mm to about 15 mm (e.g., about 6 mm), such thickness being sufficient to provide cushion and prevent damage to the watersports board secured in the rack 100, but not so thick as to add unnecessary weight or overall thickness to the rack 100.

(21) The pad 120 may comprise a substantially rectangular shape complementary to the shape of the base plate 110, such that the pad 120 covers a substantial portion of the surface of the base plate 110 which comes in contact with the secured watersports board 101. The pad 120 may not cover the extensions at the corners of the base plate 110 in order to prevent unnecessary rubbing between the securing device 130 and the pad 120.

(22) FIG. 2B provides a front view (left) and a rear view (right) of a watersports board rack 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first strap 131 and second strap 132 of the securing device 130 may each comprise a woven material and each may have a tightening element 133 operable to tighten the respective strap (e.g., shorten the length of the strap under tension) around a watersports board 101. The tightening element 133 may comprise a tension lock. The strap may further comprise a strap pad 134 positioned between the tightening element 133 and the secured watersports board 101 so as to prevent damage from contact between the board 101 and the tightening element 133 (e.g., damage from a metal strap tensioner rubbing against the board).

(23) FIG. 2C provides a right side view (left) and a left side view (right) of a watersports board rack 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The coupler 140 may be operable to secure the rack 100 of the present invention to a support member of a boat (e.g., a beam of a support tower). As seen in FIG. 2C, the coupler 140 may comprise an outer rigid layer 141 (e.g., a metal layer) and an inner cushioning layer 142 (e.g., EVA material). The coupler 140 may comprise an inner aperture 143 having a shape complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the boat's support member (e.g., a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape complementary to the shape of a round cross-member of the boat tower). The coupler 140 may have a hinge 144 on a first side of the coupler 140 and a locking device 145 on a second side of the coupler 140, allowing the coupler 140 to swing open via the hinge 144, be placed around the support member of the boat, and then be closed and locked down via the locking device 145. The locking device may comprise a screw, bolt, or other fastening mechanism.

(24) The coupler 140 may be attached to the base plate 110 on the opposite side of the pad 120 via a bracket 146. The bracket 146 may comprise a plurality of apertures for passing an end of an attachment device 147 (e.g., a bolt) through the bracket 146 and into a complementary aperture in the base plate 110 (e.g., a hole with threading complementary to the threading of the bolt).

(25) FIG. 3A provides a top-down view (left) and a bottom-up view (right) of a watersports board rack 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rack 200 may comprise a base plate 210, a pad 220 for providing cushion, a securing device 230 comprising a first strap 231 and a second strap 232 attached to the base plate 210 via a plurality of attachment elements 211 for securing the watersports board 101 against the pad 220, and a coupler 240 for attachment to the support member of the boat. The base plate 210 may comprise a comprise a stylized X shape having four extensions, one extension at each corner of the X shape, the extensions each comprising an attachment element 211 for attaching a securing device 230 to the base plate 210.

(26) FIG. 3B provides a front view (left) and a rear view (right) of a watersports board rack 200, and FIG. 2C provides a right side view (left) and a left side view (right) of a watersports board rack 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further aspects of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C may be similar in function and scope to the aspects of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C.

(27) FIG. 4 provides a top-down view (left) and a bottom-up view (right) of a watersports board rack 300, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rack 300 may comprise a base plate 310, a pad 320 for providing cushion, a securing device 330 comprising a first strap 331 and a second strap 332 attached to the base plate 310 via a plurality of attachment elements 311 for securing the watersports board 101 against the pad 320, and a coupler 340 for attachment to the support member of the boat. The base plate 310 may comprise a substantially rectangular outer shape with a plurality of open areas (e.g., cut-outs) and four extensions, one extension at each corner. The extensions may each comprise an attachment element 311 for attaching a securing device 330 to the base plate 310. Further aspects of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 may be similar in function and scope to the aspects of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C.

(28) FIG. 5 shows a front view of a watersports board rack according to an embodiment of the present invention that is similar to that of FIGS. 2A-2C, having the same set of reference numbers and components, with some variations. The watersports board rack includes an adjustable bracket 248 that is operable to mechanically connect to bracket 146a of the coupler 140. The adjustable bracket 248 may be operable to be mechanically connected to the base plate 110. The adjustable bracket 248 may include concentric rings of fastening slots 249 and fastening holes 250. The plurality of fastening holes 250 may be equidistantly positioned relative to the center point of the adjustable bracket 248, and may be operable to receive connecting fasteners 147 to mechanical connect the adjustable bracket 248 to the coupler 140. The plurality of curved fastening slots 249 may be equidistantly positioned relative to the center point of the adjustable bracket 248. These fastening slots 249 may be operable to receive connecting fasteners (e.g., bolt and nut, or other device) from the base plate 110. The curved, arch-like slots 249 allow the base plate 110 to be rotated relative to the adjustable bracket 248 and coupler 140, thereby allowing the user to position the base plate 110 in a range of angles relative to the coupler 140 before tightening down the connecting fasteners. This feature may be utilized, e.g., if the overhead cross-beam of the tower has a curve or bend therein that would position the base plate such that a board attached thereto points obliquely, away from the front of the boat. An oblique orientation of the baseplate and attached board may create drag, and is thus undesirable. The adjustable bracket allows the base plate to be adjusted and oriented such that the attached water sports board is aligned parallel with the boat.

(29) FIG. 6 shows a front view of a watersports board rack according to an embodiment of the present invention that is similar to that of FIGS. 2A-2C, having the same set of reference numbers and components, with some variations. The watersports board rack includes an adjustable bracket 348 having an offset arm 351. The adjustable bracket 348 may be operable to mechanically connect to bracket 146a of the coupler 140 and to mechanically connect to the base plate 110. The adjustable bracket 348 may include concentric ring of fastening slots 349 around a second attachment point and a concentric ring of fastening holes 350 around a first attachment point. The plurality of fastening holes 350 may be equidistantly positioned relative to the center point of the first attachment point, which may be a plate-like structure at a first end of the adjustable bracket 348. The plurality of fastening holes 350 may be operable to receive connecting fasteners 147 to mechanical connect the adjustable bracket 348 to the coupler 140. The plurality of curved fastening slots 349 may be equidistantly positioned relative to the center point of the second attachment point, which may be a plate-like structure at a second end of the adjustable bracket 348. These fastening slots 349 may be operable to receive connecting fasteners (e.g., bolt and nut, or other device) from the base plate 110. The curved, arch-like slots 349 allow the base plate 110 to be rotated relative to the adjustable bracket 248 and coupler 140, thereby allowing the user to position the base plate 110 in a range of angles relative to the coupler 140 before tightening down the connecting fasteners.

(30) The offset arm 351 may have a length in a range of about three inches to about 15 inches (e.g., about 4 inches to about 12 inches, about 5 inches to about 10 inches, or any value or range of values therein). The offset arm 352 may connect the first and second attachment points. The fastening holes 350 may be positioned relative to the coupler at various angles, allowing the adjustable bracket 348 to be positioned relative to the coupler such that the offset arm may be positioned at incremental angles (e.g., in increments of about 45°) relative to the longitudinal axis of the boat, e.g., at about 0°, about 45°, about 90°, about 135°, about 180°, about 225°, about 270°, and at about 315°. The offset arm 351 may allow more positioning options for the base plate 110 to accommodate different boat tower designs while avoiding contact or damage to the interior of the boat when the boat tower is collapsed. The offset arm 351 may also allow the base plate 110 position to be adjusted to accommodate other structures mounted on the boat tower, such as speakers.

(31) The plurality of curved slots 349 at the second attachment point may be operable to receive connecting fasteners (e.g., bolt and nut, or other device) from the base plate 110. The curved, arch-like slots allow the base plate 110 to be rotated relative to the second attachment point, thereby allowing the user to position the base plate 110 in a range of angles relative to the second attachment point before tightening down the connecting fasteners. As shown in FIG. 6, this feature may allow the base plate 110 to be positioned such that it positions a board attached thereto in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the boat. For example, and without limitation, the adjustable bracket 348 may be connected to the coupler 140 suspended from tower crossbar 600 such that the offset arm 351 is positioned at 45° relative to the longitudinal axis of the boat, the base plate 110 may be positioned at 135° relative to the offset arm 351 such that the length of a board attached to the base plate 110 will be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boat. This adjustability of the attachment angle of the base plate 110 to the second attachment point allows the user to avoid the drag that may result from an oblique or perpendicular orientation of the board.

(32) As shown in FIG. 7, the rack system may include a quick release mechanism 400 for quickly releasing the base plate 110 from the coupler 140. For example, the quick release mechanism 400 may include a male connector 448a and a female connector 448b, where the male connector 448a includes a protrusion having a first shape (e.g., a trapezoidal prism) that can be inserted or slotted into a receiver having a complementary shape in the female connector 448b (it is to be understood that the position of the male and female connectors may be reversed, such that the female connector is attached to the coupler 140 and the male coupler is attached to the base plate 110 or adjustment bracket 440). The quick release mechanism may also include a locking bolt, latch, pin, or other securing member 450 that secures the male connector 448a to the female connector 448b once the protrusion is fully inserted into the receiver. The male connector 448a and the female connector 448b may have securing member holes 449a and 449b, respectively, as shown in the cross-sectional view of quick release 400 provided in FIG. 7. The securing member 450 may be inserted through securing member holes 449a and 449b when the protrusion is fully inserted in the receiver, placing securing member holes 449a and 449b in alignment with one another. The securing member 450 secures the male connector 448a and female connector 448b in their mutually engaged position. The securing member 450 may include an R-clip or cotter pin 451 that prevents the securing member 450 from dislodging from the securing member holes 449a and 449b.

(33) The female connector 448b may be operable to be connected to an adjustment bracket 440, which in turn may be connected to the base plate 110. The position of the adjustable bracket 440 may be adjustable relative to the female connector 448b to allow the base plate 110 to be oriented at varying angles. For example, and without limitation, the female connector 448b may have a receiver plate for attachment to the adjustable bracket 440, and the adjustable bracket 440 may have a plurality of curved slots arranged in arches equidistantly positioned relative to the center point thereof. These slots may be operable to receive connecting fasteners (e.g., bolt and nut, or other device) from the receiver plate of the female connector 448b. The curved, arch-like slots allow the adjustable bracket 440 to be rotated relative to the receiver plate, thereby allowing the user to position the adjustment bracket 440 such that the base plate 110 can be positioned in a range of angles relative to the coupler 140 before tightening down the connecting fasteners.

(34) In some embodiments, the quick release mechanism 400 may be paired with the adjustable bracket having the offset arm. In such examples, the second attachment point of the adjustable bracket may be a plate-like structure that can be adjustably connected to the receiver plate of the female connector 448b. The second attachment point may have a plurality of curved slots arranged in arches equidistantly positioned relative to the center point thereof. These slots may be operable to receive connecting fasteners (e.g., bolt and nut, or other device) from the receiver plate. The curved, arch-like slots allow the receiver plate to be rotated relative to the second attachment point, thereby allowing the user to position the receiver plate in a range of angles relative to the second attachment point before tightening down the connecting fasteners.

(35) It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention, and uses thereof, may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.