Paddleboard Assembly

Abstract

A paddleboard assembly and method of use. A method of assembling the paddleboard includes assembly. The method comprises: positioning a forward arm on top sides of two paddleboards in proximity to a front end of the paddleboards. A rear arm is positioned on the top sides of the paddleboards in proximity to a rear end of the paddleboards. Lateral arms are aligned along inner lateral sides of the paddleboards. A platform is positioned between the first lateral arm and the second lateral arm. The forward arm, rear arm, and lateral arms are attached to the paddleboards.

Claims

1. A method of assembling a paddleboard assembly, the method comprising: unfolding a forward arm, a rear arm, a first lateral arm, and a second lateral arm from a folded orientation to an unfolded orientation; after unfolding to the unfolded orientation: positioning the forward arm on a top side of each of a first paddleboard and a second paddleboard in proximity to a front end of each of the first and second paddleboards; positioning the rear arm on the top side of each of the first paddleboard and the second paddleboard in proximity to a rear end of each of the first and second paddleboards; aligning the first lateral arm that extends between the forward arm and the rear arm along an inner lateral side of the first paddleboard; aligning the second lateral arm that extends between the forward arm and the rear arm along an inner lateral side of the second paddleboard; positioning a platform between the first lateral arm and the second lateral arm; and attaching the forward arm, the rear arm, the first lateral arm, and the second lateral arm to the first and second paddleboards.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning the first paddleboard and a second paddleboard in a side-by-side arrangement and separated by a gap prior to positioning the forward arm and the rear arm on the top side of each of the first and second paddleboards.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising spacing the first and second lateral arms upward above the top side of each of the first and second paddleboards.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising aligning the forward arm and the rear arm in a parallel orientation.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising aligning the first lateral arm and the second lateral arm perpendicular to each of the forward arm and the rear arm.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein attaching the forward arm, the rear arm, the first lateral arm, and the second lateral arm to the first and second paddleboards comprises attaching a first strap attached to the forward arm to the first paddleboard and the second paddleboard and attaching a second strap attached to the rear arm to the first paddleboard and the second paddleboard.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: detaching the forward arm, the rear arm, the first lateral arm, and the second lateral arm from the first and second paddleboards; folding the first lateral arm and the second lateral arm and positioning the forward arm and the rear arm together; and folding the forward arm and the rear arm and positioning the first lateral arm and the second lateral arm together.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning the first lateral arm and the second lateral arm on top of the forward arm and the rear arm.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching the forward arm, the rear arm, the first lateral arm, and the second lateral arm to the first and second paddleboards prior to positioning the platform between the first and second lateral arms.

10. A method of assembling a paddleboard assembly, the method comprising: unfolding horizontal members and vertical members of a base; positioning the base on the top side of a first paddleboard and a second paddleboard with the base spanning across a gap formed between the first paddleboard and the second paddleboard; aligning a platform of the base over the gap; and securing the base to the first paddleboard and the second paddleboard.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: pivoting first and second sections of the horizontal members about first hinges and unfolding the horizontal members; and pivoting first and second sections of the vertical members about second hinges and unfolding the vertical members.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: positioning outer sections of the horizontal members on the top side of each of the first paddleboard and the second paddleboard; and positioning central sections of the horizontal members that are between the outer sections across the gap.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein securing the base to the first paddleboard and the second paddleboard comprises attaching straps attached to the horizontal members to the first paddleboard and the second paddleboard.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising unfolding the platform concurrently with unfolding the base with the platform connected to the base.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising folding the platform and the base together from an unfolded orientation to a folded orientation.

16. A paddleboard assembly comprising: a first paddleboard; a second paddleboard; a base comprising: a forward arm; a rear arm spaced away from the forward arm; a first lateral arm connected to each of the forward arm and the rear arm; a second lateral arm connected to each of the forward arm and the rear arm; wherein each of the forward arm, the rear arm, the first lateral arm, and the second lateral arm comprise multiple sections that are hingedly connected together; wherein the base is adjustable between a folded orientation that has a reduced size and an unfolded orientation that has an enlarged size and is configured to be mounted to the first paddleboard and the second paddleboard.

17. The paddleboard assembly of claim 16, wherein in the unfolded orientation, the forward arm and the rear arm are parallel and the first lateral arm and the second lateral arm are perpendicular to both of the forward arm and the rear arm.

18. The paddleboard assembly of claim 16, further comprising a platform that is connected to each of the first lateral arm and the second lateral arm, the platform constructed from a material sheet and configured to extend over a gap between the first paddleboard and the second paddleboard in the unfolded orientation.

19. The paddleboard assembly of claim 18, wherein the platform is configured to fold together with the base in the folded orientation.

20. The paddleboard assembly of claim 16, wherein each of the forward arm and the rear arm are constructed from two pieces that are connected together by a hinge.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paddleboard assembly.

[0027] FIG. 2A is a top view of a paddleboard assembly.

[0028] FIG. 2B is an end view of the paddleboard assembly of FIG. 2A.

[0029] FIG. 3A is a top view of the base in a partially folded orientation with the lateral arms partially folded.

[0030] FIG. 3B is a top view of the base of FIG. 3A now in another partially folded orientation with the lateral arms fully folded.

[0031] FIG. 3C is an end view of the base of FIG. 3B.

[0032] FIG. 3D is an end view of the base of FIG. 3C in a fully folded orientation.

[0033] FIG. 4A is a schematic end view of a platform in an unfolded orientation.

[0034] FIG. 4B is a schematic end view of the platform of FIG. 4A in a folded orientation.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a flowchart diagram of a method of assembling a paddleboard assembly.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a flowchart diagram of a method of assembling a paddleboard assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a paddleboard assembly 10 that include a pair of paddleboards 20 and a base 30. The base 30 connects together the two paddleboards 20. The base 30 also includes a platform 60 that is positioned above the waterline. The assembly 10 forms a secure structure for multiple persons to use while on the water. The assembly 10 also enables use of the paddleboards 20 in additional ways that are otherwise not available, such as a swimming structure, and fishing boat.

[0038] The paddleboards 20 have an enlarged size and are constructed to float. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the paddleboards 20 include a length measured between a first end 21 and an opposing second end 22. A width is measured between opposing lateral sides 23, 24. The top side 25 provides a surface for the user to stand while the bottom side 26 faces into the water. One or more fins (not illustrated) can extend outward from the bottom side 26.

[0039] The paddleboards 20 can be constructed from different materials including but not limited to one or more of fiberglass, expanded polystyrene foam, either alone or in layers that are secured by an epoxy resin. In some examples, one or both paddleboards are inflatable. In some examples, the paddleboards 20a, 20b are substantially the same. In other examples, the paddleboards 20a, 20b include one or more different shapes, sizes, and constructions.

[0040] The base 30 is configured to be positioned on the top sides 25 and extend between the paddleboards 20. The base 30 is sized to space the paddleboards 20 apart to form a gap 90 between the inner lateral sides 24.

[0041] The base 30 includes a forward arm 31 and a rear arm 32. The forward arm 31 is configured to be positioned on the top side 25 in proximity to the front end 21. The rear arm 33 is positioned on the top side 25 in proximity to the back end 22. In some examples, the forward arm 31 and the rear arm 32 are the same to facilitate manufacturing and also assembly by a user. In other examples, the forward arm 31 and rear arm 32 are different.

[0042] The base 30 also includes lateral arms 33, 34 that extend between the forward arm 31 and the rear arm 32. In some examples as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the lateral arm 33 extends along the inner lateral side 24 of the first paddleboard 20a and the lateral arm 34 extends along the inner lateral side 24 of the second paddleboard 20b. The lateral arms 33, 34 are mounted with fasteners 70 to the tops of the forward arm 31 and rear arm 32. This positioning elevates the lateral arms 33, 34 above the top sides 25 of the paddleboards 20. This positioning also elevates the platform 60 as will be explained in more detail below.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the forward arm 31 and the rear arm 32 form horizontal members. The outer sections of these members 31, 32 contact against the respective paddleboards 20. A central sections of the members 31, 32 span across the gap 90 formed between the paddleboards 20. In some examples, the members 31, 32 are parallel when mounted to the paddleboards 20. The lateral arms 33, 34 are referred to as vertical members as these are transverse to the horizontal members. In some examples, the lateral arms 33, 34 are parallel. In some examples, these members are perpendicular to the horizontal members.

[0044] Straps 80 extend from the forward arm 31 and rear arm 32 to secure the base 30 to the paddleboards 20. The straps 80 extend around the outer lateral sides 23a, 23b and bottom sides 26a, 26b and connect to an inner portion of the forward arm 31 and rear arm 32 respectively. In some examples, a total of four straps 80 connect the base 30 to the paddleboards 20. In other examples, two straps 80 connect the base 30 to the paddleboards 20. In some examples, the straps 80 include hook and loop fasteners to secure the positioning. In other examples, the straps 80 include buckles to secure their position.

[0045] The platform 60 is connected to each of the lateral arms 33, 34 and is sized to extend across the gap 90 between the paddleboards 20. In some examples, the platform 60 is formed from a sheet of material such as canvas, nylon, netting, plastic, and aluminum. The platform 60 has adequate strength to support one or more of a person, pet, and supplies (e.g., cooler, life jacket, fishing box). In some examples, the outer edges of the platform 60 are connected with fasteners 70 to the lateral arms 33, 34. In other examples, the platform 60 has sleeves formed along the outer edges that receive the lateral arms 33, 34. Other examples include hook-and-loop fasteners to connect the platform 60 to the lateral arms 33, 34. In yet another example, the platform 60 includes J-clamps to connect to the paddleboards 20.

[0046] The base 30 is formed from multiple sections that are mounted together into a single unit. The sections of the base 30 can be constructed from a variety of different materials including but not limited to aluminum, plastic, wood, and various metals.

[0047] The base 30 is configured to be selectively adjusted between an unfolded orientation and a folded orientation. In the unfolded orientation as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the base 30 has a rigid shape to connect the paddleboards 20 and support the items that are on the platform 60. In the folded orientation as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, the various components are positioned together to have a reduced overall size to facilitate handling and storage.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, lateral arm 33 includes sections 35, 36 that are pivotally connected at a hinge 41. Likewise, lateral arm 34 includes sections 37, 38 that are pivotally connected at a hinge 42. Fasteners 70 at the ends connect the lateral arms 33, 34 to the forward arm 31 and rear arm 32. The hinges 41, 42 and connectors 70 enable the sections 35-38 to pivot outward to a collapsed position as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In the collapsed position, the sections 35, 36 of the lateral arm 33 and sections 37, 38 of lateral arm 34 are positioned together. In some examples, the sections are in contact with other examples including the sections spaced apart by a small distance. The forward arm 31 and the rear arm 32 are also positioned together and can be in contact or separated by just a small distance. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the lateral arms 33, 34 are positioned on the top of the forward arm 31 and the rear arm 32.

[0049] The base 30 can further collapse in size by folding the forward arm 31 and the rear arm 32. The forward arm 31 includes sections 51, 52 that are connected at a hinge 43. Rear arm 32 includes sections 53, 54 that are connected at a hinge 44. The hinges 43, 44 provide for folding the forward arm 31 and rear arm 32 as illustrated in FIG. 3D.

[0050] Supports 89 are positioned under the lateral arms 33, 34 to provide support since the lateral arms 33,34 are spaced upward away from the top side 25 of the paddleboards 20. In some examples, the supports 89 are attached to the undersides of one or more of the sections 35-38 in proximity to the hinges 41, 42. The supports 89 are sized to extend from the sections 35-38 and contact against the paddleboards 20. In one example, a support 89 is attached to each of the sections 35-38 adjacent to the respective hinges 41, 42.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the hinges 41, 42 of the lateral arms 33, 34 enable pivoting in a first plane. Hinges 43, 44 enable pivoting of the forward arm 31 and the rear arm 32 in a different second plane. This provides for the base 30 to fold into a reduced size to facilitate handling and storage.

[0052] The platform 60 remains attached to the lateral arms 33, 34 of the base 30 in the unfolded and folded orientations. In the unfolded orientation as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the platform 60 has an extended size that is substantially flat between the lateral arms 33, 34. In some examples, the platform 60 is tensioned. In the folded orientation as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the platform is folded together and has a reduced size. In some examples, the platform 60 includes folds 61 that are located together.

[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates a method of assembling a paddleboard assembly 10. The method includes positioning a forward arm on a top side 25 of each of a first paddleboard 20a and a second paddleboard 20b (block 200). The forward arm is positioned in proximity to a front end 21 of each of the first and second paddleboards 20a, 20b). A rear arm is positioned on the top side of the paddleboards 20a, 20b in proximity to a rear end 22 (block 202). A first lateral arm 33 is aligned along an inner lateral side 24a of the first paddleboard 20a (block 204). A second lateral arm 34 is aligned along an inner lateral side 24b of the second paddleboard 20b (block 206). A platform 60 is positioned between the lateral arms 33, 34 (block 208). The arms are attached to the paddleboards 20a, 20b (block 210).

[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates another method of assembling a paddleboard assembly 10. Horizontal members 31, 32 and vertical members 33, 34 of a base 30 are unfolded (block 250). The unfolded base 30 is positioned on the top side 25 of the first and second paddleboards 20a, 20b with the base 30 spanning across the gap 90 (block 252). The base 30 is aligned with the platform 60 positioned over the gap 90 (block 254). The base 30 is then secured to the paddleboards 20a, 20b (block 256).

[0055] In some methods, the base 30 is deployed fully to the unfolded orientation prior to attaching to the paddleboards 20. In other methods, the base 30 is attached to one or both of the paddleboards 20 prior to being fully unfolded. Further, the various steps of the methods of assembling the assembly 10 can be performed in various different sequences.

[0056] Spatially relative terms such as under, below, lower, over, upper, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as first, second, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0057] As used herein, the terms having, containing, including, comprising and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles a, an and the are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0058] The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.