Aquatic board saddle

Abstract

A saddle for an aquatic board is disclosed. The saddle is equipped with a strap or straps and/or edge wise clamps, or other suitably firm fastener, to engage and maintain position on the aquatic board positioned beneath the saddle. A user can then stand on the board and squeeze the saddle between their knees and ankles and maintain an enhanced balance on the board or, if fatigued, can sit or kneel alongside or on the saddle and paddle/ride from a seated or kneeling position. The saddle may be inflatable or solid and may include an inner void for storage for personal effects or equipment. The saddle may further include a speaker, cup holder, handles, or other optional features.

Claims

1. A saddle for an aquatic board having an upper surface for user engagement thereon, said saddle comprising: an upper seat portion sitting atop and associated with a lower base portion, and at least one strap attached to said base portion for attaching said base portion to said upper surface of said board, wherein, said seat portion and lower base portion form a tapered shape increasing from front to back, in a longitudinal orientation along said board, and said seat portion has a slope from back to front, and an overall height, when mounted on said board, of between 10 and 18 inches and an overall width of 6 to 8 inches and a centrally located forward cup holder inset into said lower base portion.

2. A saddle as in claim 1, wherein: said board is a stand up paddle board.

3. A saddle as in claim 1, wherein: said board is a windsurfer.

4. A saddle as in claim 1, further comprising: an internal compartment within said base portion accessible when said seat portion is removed.

5. A saddle as in claim 1, further comprising; a second strap attached to said base portion for attaching said base portion to said upper surface.

6. A saddle as in claim 1, wherein: said seat portion and lower base portion are comprised of buoyant foam.

7. A saddle as in claim 1, wherein: said seat portion and lower base portion are made of inflatable complementary shapes, wherein one nests against and is retained against the other.

8. A saddle as in claim 1, further comprising an integrated speaker.

9. A saddle for an aquatic board having an upper surface for user engagement thereon, said saddle comprising: an upper seat portion sitting atop and associated with a lower base portion, and at least one fastener means attached to said base portion for attaching said base portion to said upper surface of said board, wherein, said upper seat portion and lower base portion form a tapered shape increasing from front to back, in a longitudinal orientation along said board, and said seat portion has a slope from back to front, and an overall height, when mounted on said board, of between 10 and 18 inches and an overall width of 6 to 8 inches and a centrally located forward cup holder inset into said lower base portion.

10. A method of riding an aquatic board, comprising: mounting a saddle, including a seat and base portion, to an upper surface of board using a strap attached to said base portion, wherein, said seat portion and base portion form a tapered shape increasing from front to back, in a longitudinal orientation along said board, and said seat portion has a slope from back to front, and an overall height, when mounted on said board, of between 10 and 18 inches and an overall width of 6 to 8 inches and a centrally located forward cup holder inset into said lower base portion; placing said board onto a water surface; alighting onto said board and placing respective feet of a user on either side of and adjacent said saddle; retaining balance of said user via squeezing said feet on and against either side of said saddle on said board; and, riding on said water surface using said board.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a top view of the saddle invention showing it attached to a standup paddle board.

(2) FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the device of FIG. 1 strapped to the paddle board.

(3) FIG. 3 is a side view of the device as shown in FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 4 is an oblique rear view of one embodiment of the invention.

(5) FIG. 5 is an oblique front view of an embodiment of the invention associated with a paddle board.

(6) FIG. 6 is a side schematic view of a user in a partially kneeling position using the version of the device shown in FIG. 5.

(7) FIG. 7 is an oblique forward view of a single strap alternative embodiment of the invention associated with a paddle board.

(8) FIG. 8 is a side view schematic of a user riding and using the version shown in FIG. 7.

(9) FIG. 9 shows edgewise clamps for attaching any version of the invention to a board located beneath.

(10) FIG. 10 shows a top view saddle device in accord with the present invention with dotted lines indicating interior compartment.

(11) FIG. 11 is a side view of the saddle shown in FIG. 10.

(12) FIG. 12 is an oblique rear view of the device shown in FIG. 10.

(13) FIG. 13 is a forward view of the device shown in FIG. 10.

(14) FIG. 14 is an embodiment of the invention showing hook and loop fasteners between the saddle and the underlying board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(15) With reference to the drawing figures: The saddle 30 has an upper portion for seating and lower portion 40 for attachment to strap(s) 50 which wrap around a paddle board 10 located beneath the saddle. The saddle may include optional foot locator pads 36 (shown dotted) alongside the saddle on each lateral side to give a user a certain foot location when standing, and may also include a forward cup holder/storage pocket 32 with receptacle 64 for a drink/keys/sunscreen, etc. The seat portion may also be latched (at handle 80) and hinged (forwardly or rearwardly) to lift upwardly and reveal an inner void 100 comprising a water proof and/or insulated compartment. The seat portion may also simply lift off the base 40. Handles 80 may be strategically located along side portions of the saddle 30 for lifting and carrying the saddle alone, or helping to lifting and move the related saddle 30 and board assembly 10. The handles 80 are also useful by a user to haul themselves onto the board when alighting from the water. This embodiment is also shown with a speaker (waterproof, battery activated, with Bluetooth, for example) 62 and a USB connector 82 for a music player or phone, etc.

(16) The saddle 30 may be made of an inflatable material with gussets and seams to maintain shape, like an inflatable life jacket or air mattress, or can be made of buoyant foam, like a watercraft seat. The respective seat and base portion are made from complementary shapes which nest and fit together and are retained in that position in use. The straps 50 are made of a woven non-stretching product or, alternatively, a relatively resilient bungy style cord, that can be equipped with hook and loop or buckle type or bayonet clip fasteners to relate one end to the other or wrap around the board and attach to an opposing side of the saddle, and firmly locate the saddle 30 atop the aquatic board 10 located beneath. Edgewise clamps 90 (FIG. 9) may also be used to attach the saddle 30 the board 10. The edgewise clamps can be slide related elements designed to clamp at a given length and be tightened using a threaded retainer, ie, bolt and wingnut, or can be, themselves, resilient cord elements with edge hooks to clamp over and retain the board 10 edge. Hook and loop patch fasteners can also be used in lieu of or in addition to straps, to retain the saddle in place atop the board 10. (See FIG. 9).

(17) The forward cup holder 32 can likewise be made from an inflatable shaped form or from a solid buoyant foam. The covering materials should be UV and water resistant to enhance longevity in the water and outdoor environment of intended use. The overall length can be in the range or 18 to 30 inches and the height can be selected according to the user, but in the range of 10-18 inches with a slope from back to front, and the width, ideally with a taper increasing front to back and being 6-8 inches wide.

(18) The embodiment of the saddle shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is associated with a paddle board. This embodiment is also shown with a speaker (waterproof, battery activated, with Bluetooth, for example) 62 and cup holder 32 with receptacle 64. In use, the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 is adapted for a kneeling posture when seated. This is shown in side view in FIG. 6 with a user manipulating a paddle 11 to create propulsion. When standing, in FIG. 7, a user places their feet alongside the saddle 30 and squeezes the seat/saddle with their feet and ankles and lower leg to retain balance.

(19) The embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 shows a single strap 50 version of the saddle wherein the user sits on the device 30 seat portion, their knees rest directly on the upper surface of the board 10. The device 30 can also be solid foam or inflatable and is shown with a single strap 50 attaching the device 30 to the board 10. This version of the device is also suitable for smaller aquatic boards, like boogie boards, knee boards, and wake boards, and can be used as a ride-a-long for windsurfers who desire company when they surf. The single strap 50 may be augmented, or replaced altogether, via hook and loop patch fasteners 102, 103 on the respective upper surface of the board 10 and bottom surface(s) of the base portion 40 as shown in FIG. 14.