STORAGE DEVICE FOR SURFING EQUIPMENT

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to surf equipment storage devices.

BACKGROUND

Surfing is a popular water sport enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. As with many outdoor activities, surfing requires specific equipment and accessories to enhance performance and safety. Among these, surf wax plays a role in providing traction between the surfer and the board, allowing for better control and maneuverability on the waves.

Traditionally, surf wax has been stored in simple cardboard or plastic packaging, which can be problematic in various situations. When exposed to high temperatures, such as those often encountered in beach environments or inside vehicles, surf wax can melt and become difficult to handle. This melting can lead to waste and inconvenience for surfers who may find their wax unusable when needed.

In addition to surf wax, surfers typically carry various small accessories such as fin keys, grub screws, and leash cords. These items, while essential, are often easily misplaced due to their small size. The lack of a dedicated storage solution for these accessories can result in frustration and potential delays when preparing for a surf session.

Furthermore, the surfing community has become increasingly aware of environmental concerns, including the need to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices. This awareness has led to a growing interest in products that can help minimize environmental impact while still meeting the practical needs of surfers.

Furthermore, it is useful if the wax that is applied to the board is combed for greater traction. Storage of combs is difficult because they are small, break, and easily go missing or are inoperative even if they are at hand.

The storage and organization of surf equipment present ongoing challenges for enthusiasts of the sport. Existing solutions may not adequately address the combination of issues related to wax preservation, accessory organization, and environmental considerations. As such, there remains room for improvement in the design and functionality of surf equipment storage devices.

SUMMARY

Broadly, a storage device for surfing equipment is provided.

In an embodiment, the storage device includes a flexible container including a plurality of compartments, a removable cover configured to seal the container, wherein the cover includes at least one surfboard preparation tool, and an attachment mechanism connected to the container for suspending the device.

According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the storage device may include one or more of the features set out below.

The plurality of compartments may include a first compartment configured to store a surfboard coating material.

The plurality of compartments may include a second compartment configured to store a board adjustment tool, a third compartment configured to store fasteners, and a fourth compartment configured to store a tether.

The third compartment may include a closure to secure the fasteners.

The second compartment may include an opening in a wall to facilitate access to the board adjustment tool.

The removable cover may comprise a first securing mechanism on an upper surface of the container and a second securing mechanism on a lateral surface of the container.

The storage device may further comprise a sealing layer on an interior surface of the removable cover to enhance closure.

The flexible container may be configured to allow extraction of liquefied surfboard coating material.

The attachment mechanism may comprise apertures in the container and a suspension element threaded through the apertures.

The storage device may further comprise a coupling device attached to the suspension element. The flexible container may be configured to allow reconstitution of surfboard coating material fragments to form a consolidated coating element.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of storing and accessing surfing equipment is provided. The method may include providing a flexible container with a plurality of compartments, storing a surfboard coating material in a first compartment, storing surfing accessories in additional compartments, sealing the container with a removable cover that includes at least one surfboard preparation tool, and suspending the container in a vertical orientation.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the method may include one or more of the features set out below.

The step of storing surfing accessories may comprise storing a board adjustment tool in a second compartment, storing fasteners in a third compartment, and storing a tether in a fourth compartment.

The method may further comprise securing the fasteners with an additional sealing element within the third compartment.

The second compartment may include an opening in a wall to facilitate access to the board adjustment tool.

The step of sealing the container may comprise engaging a first securing mechanism on an upper surface of the container and engaging a second securing mechanism on a lateral surface of the container.

The method may further comprise the step of enhancing the seal with a sealing layer on an interior surface of the removable cover.

The method may further comprise the step of extracting liquefied surfboard coating material from the flexible container.

The step of suspending the container may comprise threading a suspension element through apertures in the container and attaching a coupling device to the suspension element.

The method may further comprise the step of reconstituting surfboard coating material fragments within the container to form a consolidated coating element. The method may further comprise using the at least one surfboard preparation tool on the removable cover to prepare a surfboard surface before applying the surfboard coating material from the container.

The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a storage apparatus for surf accessories, according to aspects of the present disclosure, shown without a closure for clarity.

FIG. 2 depicts an end view of the storage apparatus shown in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of (the other end of) FIG. 2, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of FIG. 1, being a storage container, according to an embodiment shown without a closure.

FIG. 5 depicts an isometric view of the storage apparatus with closure and integrated wax tools, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a closure from an underside isometric angle, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a three step method of forming wax pucks in a chamber of the storage device from wax chips.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show section views detailing the design of a seal, showing cooperating ribs and grooves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

Generally indicated in the drawings is a device 10 for surfing equipment. The storage device includes a resilient container 20 with multiple compartments 22, 24, 26, 28 for organizing and storing various surfing accessories.

The storage device 10 comprises a removable closure 30 configured to seal the container 20.

The removable closure 30 includes at least one surfboard preparation tool 40 integrated therewith.

The tool 40 is a comb 42 disposed on one edge.

The tool 40 can be a wax knife 44 disposed on another edge.

The storage device also includes an attachment mechanism 50 connected to the container 20 for suspending the device 10.

The resilient container 20 is designed to accommodate different types of surfing equipment and accessories. The multiple compartments 22, 24, 26, 28 allow for organized storage of items such as surfboard coating materials, board adjustment tools, fasteners, and tethers.

The removable closure 30 in the embodiment shown serves two purposes: sealing the container 20 and providing a tool 40 for surfboard preparation. This integration of functionality enhances the utility of the storage device for surfers.

The attachment mechanism 50 allows the storage device to be suspended in various orientations. Suspending the device vertically facilitates certain uses or storage configurations.

The storage device is designed to address challenges faced by surfers in maintaining and organizing their equipment. By providing a compact, multi-functional storage solution, the device improves the surfing experience and equipment management for users.

The storage device includes a flexible container. The flexible container is constructed from silicone material. FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of the storage device 10.

The flexible container has a generally rectangular shape with arcuate ends as shown in the FIGS. 1 and 4. The container fits readily in a surfer's palm, about 160 mm long and 80 mm wide.

The flexible container also has an inner height of about 22.5 mm and an outer height 27.5 mm. There is a cutout 29 with a depth of about 10 mm in one wall of a storage chamber in the flexible container and this is to accommodate a fin key head for use with the grub screws stored in compartments 26.

The flexible container includes multiple compartments 22, 24, 26, 28 for storing various surfing accessories. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the flexible container comprises a first compartment 22 for storing a surfboard coating material. The first compartment is designed to accommodate different shapes of surfboard coating material, including square, circular, and rectangular shapes.

A second compartment 24 is included for storing a board adjustment tool. The second compartment features a cutout in the wall to facilitate easy access to the tool, as shown in FIG. 1 with the cutout depth.

The resilient container 20 also includes a third compartment 26 for storing fasteners. The third compartment incorporates additional features to secure the fasteners within the compartment.

A fourth compartment 28 is provided for storing a tether. This compartment is designed to accommodate the length and flexibility of typical surfboard tethers.

In some cases, the flexible container may be customized in size and shape to meet specific user needs or preferences. The device may incorporate different silicone material grades to enhance durability, wall thickness, aesthetics, and thermal protection.

The flexible container may feature double layered airtight walls in some implementations. This design may provide additional protection for the stored items and improve the overall durability of the storage device.

While the flexible container may typically be constructed from silicone, in some cases, the apparatus may be constructed out of hard plastic and include a flexible silicone layer. This configuration may incorporate a pop out or pull out tab to facilitate removal of stored items, particularly in cases where the surfboard coating material may have melted.

The storage device includes a removable closure configured to seal the flexible container. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate isometric views of the removable closure from above and below. The removable cover has a lid width and a lid length. The removable closure is designed to fit securely over the flexible container, providing a seal to protect the contents within. The seal includes cooperating ribs and grooves having a bulb and a neck respectively.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show views of the removable closure, demonstrating its multi-functional design. The removable closure has a container length, which corresponds to the overall length of the flexible container. The removable cover incorporates at least one surfboard preparation tool.

The surfboard preparation tool includes a wax scraper 44 and a comb feature 42 integrated into the removable cover 30. The wax scraper portion of the removable cover is positioned on one side, providing a smooth edge suitable for removing surfboard coating material from a surfboard surface. The comb feature is located on the opposite side of the removable cover, featuring a serrated edge pattern designed for creating texture in the surfboard coating material.

The removable cover incorporates a sealing layer on its interior surface. This sealing layer enhances the closure between the removable cover and the flexible container, providing additional protection for the stored items. The sealing layer is made of a flexible material, such as silicone, to conform to the shape of the flexible container and create an effective seal.

The removable cover may be constructed from various materials to balance durability and functionality. In some cases, the removable cover may be made of nylon, which may provide high durability for the wax scraper and comb features. Alternatively, the removable cover may be constructed from recycled plastics, aligning with eco-friendly design principles while maintaining the necessary structural integrity for its functions.

In Operation

The multi-functional design of the removable cover allows surfers to prepare a surfboard surface before applying the surfboard coating material stored within the flexible container. By integrating these tools into the removable cover, the storage device provides a comprehensive solution for surfboard maintenance and preparation.

The storage device includes multiple compartments for storing various surfing accessories. As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible container comprises compartments for storing a fin key 1, grub screws 2, and a leash cord 3. These compartments are designed to securely hold these accessories and prevent them from becoming disorganized or lost.

The compartment for storing the fin key 1 is located in the upper portion of the flexible container.

The compartment for storing the grub screws 2 is adjacent to the fin key compartment, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4. The grub screw compartment includes an additional sealing element to secure the grub screws 2. This additional sealing element helps prevent the small grub screws 2 from becoming dislodged or lost when the storage device is opened or moved.

A compartment for storing the leash cord 3 is included in the flexible container. FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of the removable cover, which seals the leash cord compartment. The leash cord compartment has a lid width and a lid length, providing adequate space for storing the leash cord 3.

The compartment for storing the fin key 1 includes an opening in a wall to facilitate access to the fin key 1. This opening is similar to the cutout depth shown in FIG. 1, allowing users to easily retrieve the fin key 1 when needed.

The compartment configuration of the storage device may be varied in some cases. For example, the flexible container may be designed with one large storage cavity instead of multiple smaller compartments. Alternatively, the flexible container may be configured with one compartment for storing surfboard coating material and one compartment for storing accessories, rather than three separate accessory compartments.

The storage device includes a compartment for storing a surf wax 4. FIG. 4 illustrates the compartment allocation of the storage device, showing the surf wax 4 compartment located in the lower portion of the flexible container. The surf wax 4 compartment is designed to accommodate different shapes and sizes of surf wax 4, including square, circular, and rectangular forms.

The flexible container allows for the extraction of liquefied surf wax 4. When exposed to high temperatures, the surf wax 4 stored within the compartment melts. The flexible nature of the container permits users to easily remove the liquefied surf wax 4 by manipulating the container's walls.

Described below and shown in the drawings is a process for recycling and reconstituting surf wax 4 fragments within the storage device. The first step is “Chuck It In,” second step is “Blaze her Up,” and the third step is “Pop it out.”

In the first step, surf wax 4 fragments are placed into the surf wax 4 compartment of the flexible container. The second step involves orienting the storage device to be positioned vertically and exposed to heat, such as sunlight, to melt the surf wax 4 fragments. The flexible container allows the melted surf wax 4 to flow downward and collect at the bottom of the compartment due to gravity.

The storage device is suspended vertically during the melting process. The attachment mechanism, which includes apertures in the container and a suspension element, facilitates this vertical orientation but it could be stood up and/or wedged vertically. This positioning helps ensure that the melted surf wax 4 consolidates at the bottom of the compartment.

The third step is removing the wax from the flexible container. The flexible nature of the container allows users to easily extract the consolidated surf wax 4 element by manipulating or squeezing the container walls. This process enables surfers to recycle small or fragmented pieces of surf wax 4 into a usable form, reducing waste and extending the life of their surf wax 4.

The flexible container is designed to withstand the temperatures required to melt and reconstitute surf wax 4 without compromising the integrity of the container or other stored accessories. The material properties of the flexible container also prevent the melted surf wax 4 from adhering to the container walls, facilitating easy removal of the reconstituted surf wax 4.

The storage device includes an attachment mechanism to enhance portability and functionality. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the storage device features apertures located at the top of the flexible container. These apertures are designed to accommodate a suspension element, such as a cord or rope.

FIG. 2 provides a more detailed view of the apertures, showing their positioning at the upper portion of the flexible container. The apertures are reinforced to withstand the stress of supporting the weight of the storage device and its contents.

The suspension element is threaded through the apertures, creating a loop or handle for carrying or hanging the storage device. This configuration allows users to easily transport the storage device or suspend it from various objects, such as hooks, branches, or vehicle interiors.

A coupling device is attached to the suspension element. A carabiner can be used as a coupling device, connected to the suspension element. The carabiner provides additional versatility, allowing users to quickly attach and detach the storage device from different anchor points.

The attachment mechanism enables users to suspend the storage device in a vertical orientation. This vertical positioning is particularly useful when reconstituting surfboard coating material. Suspending the container vertically allows gravity to pull melted material towards the bottom, facilitating the formation of a consolidated coating element.

The attachment mechanism enhances the overall functionality of the storage device. By providing a means to hang or suspend the device, users keep their surfing equipment organized and easily accessible in various environments, such as beach areas, vehicles, or storage spaces. The ability to suspend the device vertically also contributes to more efficient use of space in confined areas.

In some cases, the suspension element may serve a dual purpose. When not used for hanging the storage device, the suspension element may be removed and utilized as a spare leash cord or for other surfing-related purposes. This multi-functionality may further enhance the utility of the storage device for surfers.

The design of the attachment mechanism takes into account the potential stress on the flexible container when suspended. The placement and reinforcement of the apertures are engineered to distribute the weight of the storage device and its contents evenly, minimizing the risk of damage or failure during use.

In some cases, the storage device may be manufactured using 3D printing techniques. Flexible filaments such as PLA (Polylactic Acid) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) may be used in the 3D printing process. This manufacturing method may allow for customization of the device's design and potentially reduce production costs. The use of flexible filaments may contribute to the device's ability to withstand manipulation and provide the necessary flexibility for extracting stored items.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.