Apparatus And System For Storing And Protecting Boards Used For Boardsports

Abstract

The present invention is generally related to storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, and more particularly related to one or more embodiments of an apparatus comprising a board ground absorption pad for placement on a horizontal surface in a storage location, wherein the board ground absorption pad protects a boardsport board from damage caused by the surface, protects the surface from damage caused by the boardsport board, and protects the storage location from runoff debris falling off of the boardsport board (such as water, for example). One or more embodiments of a system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports are also disclosed comprising the ground adsorption pad used in combination with a top grip, such as a board wall grip suction pad or a board wall grip stick-on pad, wherein the top grip may be mounted on a vertical surface in a storage location and may assist in keeping the boardsport board upright while also protecting against damage to the boardsport board caused by the vertical surface, and against damage to the vertical surface cause by the boardsport board.

Claims

1. An apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use, comprising: a board ground absorption pad having a runoff-related damage prevention structure.

2. The apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 1, wherein the runoff-related damage prevention structure includes an inside pocket for collecting runoff debris.

3. The apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 2, wherein the inside pocket includes an elevated border spanning a circumference of the board ground absorption pad.

4. The apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 1, wherein the board ground absorption pad is formed of silicon rubber.

5. The apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 2, wherein the inside pocket includes a set of raised drain ridges.

6. The apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 5, wherein the set of raised drain ridges have a board angle.

7. The apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 6, wherein the board angle is between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 45 degrees.

8. The apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 5, wherein the set of raised drain ridges fir a contour of the boardsport board to hold the boardsport board in place.

9. A system for storing a boardsport board while not in use, comprising: a board ground absorption pad having a runoff-related damage prevention structure, and a top grip.

10. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 9, wherein the top grip includes a cushioned surface and an adhesive surface.

11. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 9, wherein the adhesive surface attaches to a vertical surface of a storage location and wherein an upper portion of the boardsport board rests against the cushioned surface.

12. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 9, wherein the top grip includes a cushioned surface and a set of one or more suction cups.

13. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 12, wherein the set of one or more suction cups attaches to an upper portion of the boardsport board, and wherein the cushioned surface rests against a vertical surface of a storage location.

14. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 9, wherein the runoff-related damage prevention structure includes an elevated border spanning a circumference of the board ground absorption pad and an inside pocket for collecting runoff debris.

15. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 14, wherein the board ground absorption pad is a oval disc formed of silicon rubber.

16. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 14, wherein the inside pocket includes a set of raised drain ridges.

17. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 16, wherein the set of raised drain ridges have a board angle of approximately 10 degrees and approximately 45 degrees.

18. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 9, wherein the top grip includes a first adhesive surface and a second adhesive surface.

19. The system for storing a boardsport board while not in use as recited in claim 9, wherein the top grip includes an adhesive surface and a set of one or more suction cups.

20. A system for storing a boardsport board while not in use, comprising: a board ground absorption pad having a runoff-related damage prevention structure, wherein the board ground absorption pad is an oval disc formed of silicon rubber having an inside pocket for collecting runoff debris, and wherein the runoff-related damage prevention structure has an elevated border spanning a circumference of the board ground absorption pad and wherein the inside pocket for collecting runoff debris includes a set of raised drain ridges having a board angle of approximately 15 degrees to approximately 45 degrees; and a top grip having a cushioned surface and an attachment surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a general overview of an embodiment of a system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, in accordance with the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a board ground absorption pad of the herein disclosed system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, in accordance with the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 2B illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a board ground absorption pad of the herein disclosed system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, in accordance with the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 3A illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a board wall grip suction pad of the herein disclosed system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, in accordance with the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a board wall grip suction pad of the herein disclosed system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, in accordance with the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 3C illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a board wall grip stick-on pad of the herein disclosed system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, in accordance with the present invention; and

[0018] FIG. 3D illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a board wall grip stick-on pad of the herein disclosed system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention is generally related to storing and protecting boards used for boardsports, and more particularly related to one or more embodiments of an apparatus comprising a board ground absorption pad for placement on a horizontal surface in a storage location, wherein the board ground absorption pad protects a boardsport board from damage caused by the surface, protects the surface from damage caused by the boardsport board, and protects the storage location from runoff debris falling off of the boardsport board (such as water, for example). In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports is also disclosed. The system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports may comprise the ground adsorption pad used in combination with a top grip, such as a board wall grip suction pad or a board wall grip stick-on pad, wherein the top grip may be mounted on a vertical surface in a storage location and may assist in keeping the boardsport board upright while also protecting against damage to the boardsport board caused by the vertical surface, and against damage to the vertical surface cause by the boardsport board. The herein disclosed apparatus and system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports may also promote presentation of a boardsport board in an aesthetically pleasing manner within the storage location

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, the herein disclosed apparatus and system for storage and protection of boards used for boardsports is illustrated in isometric view. System for storing a boardsport board while not in use 101 comprises board ground absorption pad 110 and top grip 120. Board ground absorption pad 110 is utilized by placing board ground absorption pad 110 on a horizontal surface at the desired storage location, thus providing support, cushioning, and debris collection between a bottom portion of the boardsport board and the horizontal surface (a floor, for example) of the storage location. Top grip 120 may be utilized by attaching top grip 120 to a vertical surface at the desired storage location. Alternatively, top grip 120 may be utilized by attached top grip 120 to the boardsport board, and resting a cushioned surface of top grip 120 on a vertical surface at the desired storage location. In this way, when a user is using system for storing a boardsport board while not in use 101, a bottom portion of the board rests on board ground absorption pad 110, with board ground absorption pad 110 bearing most of the weight of the boardsport board, while the opposite portion of the board may lean (or rests) against a cushioned surface of top grip 120, top grip 120 being attached to the vertical surface at the desired location. Alternatively, top grip 120 is initially attached to the boardsport board, and then a cushioned surface of top grip 120 leans against the vertical surface at the desired storage location.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, board ground absorption pad 110 is illustrated both from a top view (FIG. 2A) and an isometric view (FIG. 2B). Board ground absorption pad 110 may, in an exemplary embodiment, be shaped substantially as an oval (or an oval disc) and may be formed of silicon rubber. Silicon rubber has advantageous characteristics for the herein disclosed apparatus and system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports. For example, silicon rubber is waterproof, non-marking, soft, and easy to wash. But it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be formed of alternate materials (such as rubber, closed cell foam, or plastics, for example), and all such possible construction materials are intended to be included herein. Similarly, board ground absorption pad 110 may be alternatively shaped without drastic reduction in functionality and all such possible shapes are intended to be included herein. For example, board ground absorption pad 110 may be substantially rectangle shaped, or substantially triangle shaped, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0022] Board ground absorption pad 110 includes a runoff-related damage prevention structure. Runoff-related damage prevention structure may be any structure that functions to collect any debris that may fall off of the boardsport board during storage in the herein disclosed apparatus and system for storing and protecting boards used for boardsports. Runoff debris, which may be referred to as debris, may include any type of runoff that may fall, or drip, off of the board after use. Runoff debris may include water, snow, salt, wax, dirt, sand, or any artifacts that have accumulated on the board, for example. In an exemplary embodiment, Runoff-related damage prevention structure may include elevated border 210, which may span board ground absorption pad 110's circumference. In this way, by spanning the circumference of board ground absorption pad 110, elevated border 210 can contain and collect runoff debris and thereby prevent runoff debris from ultimately ending up on the horizontal surface (floor or ground) at the storage location and thus damaging the horizontal surface.

[0023] Board ground absorption pad 110 may also include inside pocket 220. Inside pocket 220 includes the portion of board ground absorption pad 110 that is inside of elevated border 210. Inside pocket 220 functions to collect the runoff debris that is contained within board ground absorption pad 110 by elevated border 210, thus preventing runoff-related damage to the horizontal surface from occurring.

[0024] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a set of raised drain ridges 221. The raised drain ridges may be formed within inside pocket 220 by the material forming board ground absorption pad 110, or alternatively, can be formed a another material (or the same material) and attached to the structure of board ground absorption pad 110. Raised drain ridges 221 may rise from a floor of board ground absorption pad 110 at a board angle. The set of raised drain ridges may be formed at the board angle so that the board angle is roughly perpendicular to an angle at which the boardsport board angles off the vertical surface (the wall, for example) at the storage location. In an exemplary embodiment, board angle is approximately 10 degrees to approximately 45 degrees. The word approximately is used in order to include similar angles that may fall just outside the stated range, but nonetheless function to store the board at a desirable (or aesthetically pleasing) angle. The set of raised drain ridges 221 contrast with lower levels 222 within inside pocket 220, so that debris (including water) is collected within lower levels 220 of inside pocket 220, while the raised drain ridges 221 provide heightened support for the board, so that the board is stored above, and ideally out of, the collected debris. Alternative embodiments of raised drain ridges 221 may include: a deeper pocket formed so as to allow collection a larger volume of debris, raised ridges that are contoured to better fit particular boards, or raised ridges that are contoured to hold the board in a particular region of board ground absorption pad 110.

[0025] Board ground absorption pad 110 may be described as an apparatus for storing a boardsport board while not in use, as opposed to the system for storing a boardsport board while not in use which comprises the board ground absorption pad 110 in combination with a top grip 120, also disclosed herein. Board ground absorption pad 110 may include additional features, such as one or more compartments to hold boardsport accessories such as wax or tools, routing for drainage of accumulated debris, a grippy surfaces on the bottom of board ground absorption pad 110 functioning to keep the pad from slipping, or one or more imprinted logos or phrases for identifying a product brand or an owner/user, for example.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, and FIG. 3D, various embodiments of top grip 120 are illustrated. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate a top grip 120 having a set of one or more suction cups. Set of one or more suction cups 121 are located on one side of top grip 120, while the opposite side of top grip 120 includes a cushioned surface 125. In this exemplary embodiment, a user may attach set of suction cups 121 directly to the boardsport board. With set of suction cups 121 attached to the board, the cushioned surface 125 can then be leaned against the vertical surface of the storage location, thus storing the board in a vertical orientation without damaging the vertical surface of the storage location. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other attachment means besides suction cups may be utilized to attach top grip 120 to the boardsport board, and all such attachment means are intended to be included herein.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D, top grip 120 is illustrated as including adhesive surface 131 and cushioned surface 135, with the cushioned surface 135 being opposite adhesive surface 131. In this embodiment, a user may attach adhesive surface 131 of top grip 120 to the vertical surface of the storage location. With top grip 120 attached to the vertical surface, the boardsport board may be leaned against cushioned surface 135 and thus prevent damage to the vertical surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive portion of adhesive surface 131 may encompasses less than the entirety of adhesive surface 131. For example, an adhesive strip, such as hook and loop fasteners, may provide the adhesiveness to adhesive surface 131, and the hook and loop fasteners may take up less than the entirety of adhesive strip 131. In this exemplary embodiment, one side of the hook and loop fasteners may be attached to top grip 120 at adhesive surface 131, while the opposing side of the hook and loop fasteners may be attached to the vertical surface at the storage location. In this way, this exemplary embodiment of the herein disclosed system for storing boardsport boards allows for removal from the vertical surface with possible re-attachment at a later time.

[0028] An alternative embodiment of the herein disclosed system for storing boardsport boards includes a board ground absorption pad and a top grip, wherein the top grip has a first adhesive surface and a second adhesive surface, as opposed to the top grip having a cushioned surface and an adhesive surface. In this alternative embodiment, a user may attach the top grip to a boardsport board via a first adhesive side, and attach the second adhesive surface to the vertical surface of the storage location. An additional alternative embodiment includes an arrangement wherein the top grip includes an adhesive surface and on the opposite surface, includes a set of one or more suction cups. In this alternative embodiment, a user may attach the top grip to the boardsport board via the set of one or more suction cups, and attach the top grip to the vertical surface of the storage location via the adhesive surface.

[0029] While the present invention has been illustrated and described herein in terms of a preferred embodiment and several alternatives, it is to be understood that the apparatus described herein can have a multitude of additional uses and applications. Accordingly, the invention should not be limited to just the particular description and various drawing figures contained in this specification that merely illustrate a preferred embodiment and application of the principles of the invention.