SupVert - Stand Up Paddle Board Vertical Racking System

Abstract

The SUPVERT rack is a multipurpose storage rack for rigid stand up paddleboards. The vertical, parallel tracks facilitate SUP board display and storage in the most space efficient manner. The SUPVERT rack does not contain any full height partitions between boards; rather it uses stacked parallel tracks for spacing, thereby drastically reducing the overall footprint. The versatility of the rack allows it to be used for static displays, freight crates, or mobile SUP business operations.

Claims

1. The SupVert racking system is mathematically the most compact, secure and structurally sound method of transporting, storing, stacking and shipping of rigid SUP boards.

2. Any existing vertical and horizontal racking systems utilize some form of full or partial center partitions, our racking system eliminates partitions and utilizes tracks.

3. SupVert Racking can increase mobile SUP trailer capacity to 14 boards, in a 6 wide trailer instead of only 7 or 8.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 SupVert rack as shown from the rear access point without SUP Boards.

[0022] FIG. 2 SupVert rack as shown from the rear access point with SUP Boards.

[0023] FIG. 3 SupVert rack side view (Ridges run full length of the SUP board).

[0024] FIG. 4 Bottom, Middle, and Top Sections of carpeted track view (Each track level numbered)

[0025] FIG. 5 SupVert as a shipping crate, allowing freight to be stored on top

[0026] FIG. 6 SupVert as a mobile applicationcargo net front and rear for easy access

[0027] FIG. 7 SupVert as a Retail Display or Storage (Depicts Open top)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The SupVert racking system is mathematically the most compact, secure and structurally sound method of transporting, and storing rigid SUP boards. Our working prototype resides in a 612 cargo trailer and doubled the amount of boards we are able to transport.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the SupVert rack incorporates 4 layers of 7 parallel tracks for a total of 14. Each layer is lined up directly above the one beneath it. FIG. 1 shows each layer is composed of 7 tracks and 8 consecutive and parallel ridges. FIG. 3 shows these ridges run the full length of the rack, and act as top and bottom guides for the board. FIG. 1 shows each side of the ridge, and the bottom is padded with commercial grade carpet. The carpet bows up higher than the ridge structure, forming a hollow bulbous space. This makes the slot size flexible and universal to different SUP board widths. The carpet also reduces friction when sliding boards in and out of the rack. Lastly, the carpet has the added benefit of protecting the boards from scratches and provides cushioning while shipping. Loading and unloading the rack is done from the rear, by sliding boards into their respective tracks. (See FIG. 3)

[0030] Sup boards are designed similar to a typical aerofoil. The bottom is flat and the top is convex. This is done for stability reasons; however, it makes the boards thickest in the center. Any existing vertical racking systems utilize some form of full-length center partitions. Using partitions triples or quadruples the amount of space required. Furthermore, none of the existing racks facilitate stacking.

[0031] The tracks in the SupVert rack are aligned and spaced to accommodate the thinnest part of the boardthe edges. Boards lined up sequentially in the SupVert rack have a mere 1 clearance between each board and only 1 clearance between levels. (FIG. 2) This is crucial when operating a mobile business. This translates into being able to haul 14 boards in a 6 wide trailer instead of only 7 or 8.

[0032] Once the rack is loaded with boards it can be enclosed with walls and act as a shipping or storage crate. (FIG. 5). For rental companies who wish to operate out of a cargo trailer the front and rear of the rack would utilize a cargo net to facilitate quicker access. (FIG. 6). Lastly when used as a retail display the top and ends would be left open for visual purposes. (FIG. 7)

[0033] The ease of use for this rack is impressive. We have taken several months to build and re-design our prototype until it facilitated minimum clearance spacing and still be universal for almost all rigid SUP boards. An exhaustive search revealed there was no racking suitable for this purpose. Our necessity for a functional solution led to our design and implementation of this unique racking system.