Multi-Sport Board Shaping and Storage Rack System with Adjustable Stabilization

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications No. 63/636,166, filed on Apr. 19, 2024 and entitled “Surfboard Shaping Rack System,” and the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to modular rack systems for stabilizing board-shaped recreational equipment during shaping, repair, tuning, and storage, more particularly, it pertains to a multi-sport board shaping and storage rack system with adjustable stabilization, comprising multi-configuration rack with adjustable supports and reinforced geometry to accommodate surfboards, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), snowboards, skis, and other planar sporting equipment that require stable support under high-force tasks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional racks often address only basic storage or display, failing to provide robust, ergonomic support for shaping tasks. Moreover, many existing solutions are limited to a single board type (e.g., surfboards only), forcing multi-sport enthusiasts to purchase separate stands or improvise.

Various publications and patents exist, but none disclose a unified approach combining shaping and storage for multiple board categories:

The U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20070062992 A1 discloses water sports equipment rack and methods and focuses on adjustable arms for water-sport storage, lacking angled reinforcement or shaping-specific configurations. The embodiments of the invention provide improved water sports equipment racks and methods for their use. In a set of embodiments, device (such as a rack, for example) for holding one or more pieces of water sports equipment is provided. The rack might have a first pair of forks having parallel prongs adapted to hold one or more water skis, wakeboards, and or the like. In some embodiments, the rack might further comprise a second pair of forks adapted to hold a surfboard. Merely by way of example, each member of the second pair of forks might comprise an upper support surface and a lower support surface disposed approximately parallel with the upper support surface. The upper support surface and lower support surface can be spaces to accommodate a surfboard therebetween. Other embodiments provide methods of using and/or modifying water sports equipment racks.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,968 describes a self-supporting rack system with a freestanding display rack with no mention of shaping tasks or multi-board usage. The self-supporting rack system is comprised of at least two substantially upright and parallel side bars, each having its own foot to support the side bars at a small angle to the vertical. Two cross bars are attached to each side bar to form the rack. Sports equipment is supported on the side bars and cross bars for storage, protection and display. Attachment means such as hooks and/or platforms assist in supporting some types of sports equipment.

The U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20090057251 A1 reveals a universal sport board rack and emphasizes a universal hanging system, omitting shaping or repair stability. A rack for storing and displaying surfboards, sailboards and other kinds of sport boards and sporting equipment. The rack is conveniently though not necessarily wall-mountable, and can also support an additional system for the hanging, drying, storage and display of wet suits and other dampened gear.

The U.S. Pat. No. 8,157,110 B1 describes a surfboard storage rack with a vertical surfboard storage but not ergonomic shaping positions or snowboard storage. Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for supporting and holding items including surfboards, fishing rods, beach items and tabletops in horizontal positions raised above ground surfaces such as at the beach, and be easily transported, assembled, and disassembled when not being used. The racks can include a pair of horizontal beams. Each of the beams can have legs pivotally attached to ends of each beam. The legs can have storage positions with the legs folded up and parallel to the beams, and extended positions with the legs perpendicular to the beams and having lower ends staked into the grounds. The rack can support tabletops and surfboards in horizontal flat positions on top of the assembled horizontal beams. Fishing rods can be stored in horizontal positions in cradle shaped concave recesses so that the fishing rods can be between the surfboards/table tops and the horizontal beams. A storage bag can be used to carry and transport a folded tabletop and folded legs and beams.

The U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20240359776 A1 talks about water sports equipment storage rack with a clamping mechanism for water-sport boards, lacking angled structural supports or winter-sport adaptability. A water sports equipment storage rack includes a seat configured to receive a first portion of a water sport device, an engagement member configured to linearly move in outward and inward directions between extended and retracted positions and to rotatably move about a pivot axis between an open position where the engagement member is spaced from the water sport device and a closed position where the engagement member abuts the water sport device thereby securing the water sport device within the water sports equipment storage rack, and a drive mechanism configured to linearly move the engagement member in the outward direction during a first portion of the linear movement of the engagement member and configured to rotatably move the engagement member from the closed position to the open position during a second portion of the linear movement of the engagement member

The U.S. Pat. No. 7,284,671 B1 discloses a system for storing recreational boards on a wall having a hook-based design providing storage only, unsuited for shaping tasks that demand lateral load stabilization. A system for storing recreational boards on a wall is disclosed, and comprises at least one recreational board storage rack for supporting a recreational board on a wall surface. The recreational board storage rack comprises a base plate for mounting on a wall surface and at least one support hook removably mounted on the base plate. The base plate has front and rear faces, and at least one aperture extending between the front and rear faces of the base plate. At least one depression is formed in the rear face of the base plate. The support hook comprises a hook portion removably positioned in the aperture and an anchor portion removably positioned in the depression of the base plate such that the support hook extends from the rear face to the front face of the base plate.

Yet, the U.S. Pat. No. 10,040,172B2 describes a ski or snowboard holding device with a holder system for supporting sports equipment, specifically designed for tuning but not storage. The disclosure relates to a bolder system for supporting sports equipment. The holder comprises a vise assembly comprising: a vise base; two moveable vise jaws provided with respective vise screw bores and guide bores, the two moveable vise jaws engageable with a first section on the sports equipment; a vise screw extending substantially horizontally through the vise base and oppositely disposing the movable vise jaws through the vise screw bores, and having two sections of threads allowing for movement of the movable vise jaws, the two sections being separated by a thread-free section; and one or more guide bars fixed in a substantially horizontal orientation in the vise base and extending through the respective guide bores.

However, none of the above prior art describes features that are being proposed in the present invention. Consequently, there is a need for a multi-sport rack system that accommodates both shaping and storage for various boards, offering ergonomic flexibility and robust force distribution

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the present invention is to provide a modular rack system for stabilizing board-shaped recreational equipment during shaping, repair, tuning, and storage.

The other object of the present invention is to provide a multi-sport board shaping and storage rack system with adjustable stabilization.

The other object of the present invention is to provide a multi-configuration rack with adjustable supports and reinforced geometry to accommodate surfboards, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), snowboards, skis, and other planar sporting equipment that require stable support under high-force tasks.

The following summary is an explanation of some of the general inventive pad and method of its manufacture in the description.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The following is a summary of the invention, which is not an extensive overview of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention or in any way to delineate the scope.

The present invention describes a modular rack system for stabilizing board-shaped recreational equipment during shaping, repair, tuning, and storage. It discloses a multi-sport board shaping and storage rack system with adjustable stabilization.

In one embodiment, the invention has a multi-configuration rack with adjustable supports and reinforced geometry to accommodate surfboards, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), snowboards, skis, and other planar sporting equipment that require stable support under high-force tasks.

The multi-sport board shaping and storage rack system comprises a base as a stable footing on a floor or ground surface, upright members extending from the base, potentially adjustable via telescoping or pin-lock joints.

Further, the rack system has angled Supports arranged between 15° and 45° from vertical, bridging the base and upper structures; one or more angled supports may include notches or recesses for securing board edges.

In another embodiment, the invention provides cross-members placed as horizontal beams that can also include notches or recesses, depending on the embodiment, for receiving and securing board edges.

Yet in another embodiment, the invention presents a rack system with fasteners such as bolts or quick-release pins, permitting assembly, folding, or disassembly for transport or off-season storage.

By integrating angled reinforcement, adjustable components, and universal notching, this system enables ergonomic shaping and multi-board storage, all within a compact, easily transportable design.

The above summary is not an extensive overview of the invention and does not intend to limit the scope beyond what is described and claimed as a summary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the illustrative embodiments are outlined in the appended claims. The illustrative embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and descriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of one or more illustrative embodiments of the multi-sport board shaping and storage rack system when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front/horizontal view of a multi-sport board shaping and storage rack system as described in the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an assembled or unfolded states of the multi-sport board shaping and storage rack system of FIG. 1 as described in the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded multi-sport board shaping and storage rack system as described in the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the multi-sport board shaping and storage rack system as described in the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of assembled or unfolded state of multi-sport board shaping and storage rack system as described in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a folded/compact arrangement illustrating the rack system (01) collapsed by removing or loosening fasteners (09) for easy transport or storage.

FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view showing the base, angled supports and optional notches.

The above figures describe the components of the rack system, their layout, and relative position. The drawings identify the various parts and their configuration in both assembled and disassembled states. The figures depict the standard arrangement of accessory locations, and customization of the rack for specific equipment or models is possible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, numerous details, examples, and embodiments of the invention are described. However, it will be clear and apparent to those knowledgeable in the field that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth and that the invention can be adapted for a wider range of applications.

In this description, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method acts, but also include the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” and grammatical equivalents thereof. As used herein, the term “may” with respect to a material, structure, feature or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure and such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term “is” so as to avoid any implication that other, compatible materials, structures, features and methods usable in combination therewith should or must be, excluded.

This invention presets an indoor storage, in particular to devices, apparatus, systems and methods for supporting and holding items including surfboards and tabletops in horizontal positions raised above ground surfaces such as at the beach.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, a multi-sport board shaping and storage rack system (01) is illustrated in various embodiments. The following description outlines possible configurations; those skilled in the art may adapt details without departing from the appended claims.

In FIG. 3, the invention shows an exploded view of the rack system with a base (10) and upright members (02). The base (10) serves as the primary contact with the floor. Upright members (02) extend upward from the base (10), and may include pin-lock or telescoping segments to adjust overall height for user ergonomics (e.g., waist-level shaping). The top portion of the upright members (02) or an upper cross-member (04) can act as a shaping plane. The angled supports (11) with notches (07) (curved portion). At least one angled support (11) is disposed between the base (10) and another component (e.g., cross-member (04) or the upper portion of upright members (02). These angled supports (11) typically form a 15°-45° inclination from vertical, stabilizing the rack by converting lateral shaping forces into compressive loads directed into the base (10).

Embodiment: In some designs, the angled supports (11) themselves include notches (07) or recesses (7B) sized for board edges or rails. This lets users slot boards into the angled support (11), effectively storing them at an inclined position beneficial for storage or easy access.

In FIG. 1, the invention teaches about the front/horizontal view) and FIG. 5 (perspective). Here, the Cross-Members (04) with Optional Notches (07), a cross-member (04) may be placed horizontally near the top or mid-level, allowing boards to lie across it. Notches (07) in the cross-member (04) can secure different board thicknesses (4″, for instance). Alternatively, the cross-member (04) might be purely structural, and the angled supports that hold all the notches (07), or vice versa.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 illustrate a multi-functional rack in assembled states with fasteners (09) and assembly. fasteners (09)—e.g., bolts, wing nuts, quick-release pins-join the base (10), upright members (02), angled supports (11), and cross-members (04). Users can remove or loosen certain screws or fasteners (09) and/or cross-members (04) creating a compact kit. This arrangement (two or more separated sections) is convenient for transport or off-season storage.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the multi-sport board shaping and storage rack system as described in the present invention.

Operation and Usage Examples

Surfboard Shaping: As in FIG. 1, a surfboard (06A) may be placed horizontally at waist level, supported by a cross-member (04) or angled support (11) that includes notches (07). The angled geometry reduces rack (01) wobble when planning or sanding.

Snowboard Tuning: A snowboard (06B) can rest on another cross-member (04) or in a different notch (07) on the angled support (11) for aiding folding mechanism of the rack, facilitating waxing or edge sharpening.

Multi-Board Storage: Several boards can be slotted into notches (07) simultaneously, whether those notches (07) are on angled supports (11) or cross-members (04).

Foldable for Transport: In line with FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the user removes certain fasteners (09) to fold or separate the entire rack system (01) into a smaller footprint.

FIG. 6 is a folded/compact arrangement illustrating the rack system (01) collapsed by removing or loosening fasteners (09) for easy transport or storage. It also shows the head (05) attached at the far end of the upright members (02) that are fixed to the base arms (10) with notches (07).

FIG. 7 is an exploded and disassembled isometric view showing the base (10) fixed to the upright members (02) by hole (07A) and fasteners such as screws (09A) insert (09B) or nut (9C), angled supports (11), cross-members (04), and optional notches (07) in either the angled supports (11) or cross-members (04). The fasteners (09) further comprises quick-release pins, permitting assembly, folding, or disassembly for transport or off-season storage.

Materials and Dimensions

Each component (base (10), upright members (02), cross-members (04), angled supports (11) can be made from rigid materials (e.g., metals, woods, composites) robust enough to withstand repeated shaping forces. Notches (07) may have protective inserts (e.g., rubber or nylon) to avoid damaging board edges.

Additional advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will be obvious from that description or can be learned from practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained by the inventions particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Furthermore, the processes or methods could be implemented using several sub-processes, or as part of a larger macro process. Thus, one of ordinary knowledge in the field would understand that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The present invention applies to modular rack systems for stabilizing board-shaped recreational equipment during shaping, repair, tuning, and storage. It pertains to a multi-sport board shaping and storage rack system with adjustable stabilization, comprising multi-configuration rack with adjustable supports and reinforced geometry to accommodate surfboards, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), snowboards, skis, and other planar sporting equipment that require stable support under high-force tasks.