GB2124157A - A rack structure for connection with at least one elongated float member such as a surfboard - Google Patents

Abstract

A rack structure for connection with at least one surfboard (2) includes a frame structure and a set of fittings to connect the frame structure with each surfboard. The frame structure includes a main frame (4) composed by at least two transverse frame members (6, 8) which are connected or connectable with at least two longitudinal frame members (10, 12). The set of fittings includes a mast-hole fitting (14) and a support fitting (16) for each surfboard (2), each mast-hole fitting including at least one plug for insertion into the usual mast-hole of the surfboard, and the support fitting (16) is adapted for attachment to the top surface of the surfboard at the area aft of the mast-hole fitting. Accordingly, usual surfboards can be used to provide e.g. a catamaran vessel which can be provided with a deck so that several persons can sail together. Moreover, the rack structure may quickly and easily be changed for use as a roof luggage rack for transport of surfboards, masts and sails.

Description

SPECIFICATION A rack structure for connection with at least one elongated float member, such as a surfboard The present invention relates to a rack structure for connection with at least one elongated float mem bp.r, in particular a surfboard, the rack structure comprising a frame structure including at least two longitudinal frame members connected or connectable with at least two transverse frame members to provide a main frame, and leg structures for supporting and connecting said main frame to the float member.

It has already been suggested to use a rack structure to provide a catamaran-like vessel which comprises as its float members two surfboards which are coupled together side by side by means of the rack structure. A sheet of cloth such as canvas may be distended in the main frame of the rack structure to provide a deck for the vessel.

Inherently, rack structures for the above purpose should be of a simple construction which is easy to connect to and disconnect from the surfboards without the necessity of making excessive changes in the structure and shape of the surfboards. On the other hand, when connected to the surfboards, the rack structure shall provide a safe and sufficiently stable construction. Another basic requirement is that the rack structure should be easy to transport, e.g. on the roof of a car together with the surfboards, masts and sails.

The rack structure previously suggested fails to fulfill these basic requirements to a satisfactory extent.

It is, accordingly, an object of the present inven n on or provide an improved rack structure of the type mentioned above which is particularly simple in construction and easy to connect with an disconnect from float members such as surfboards.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rack structure of the type contemplated which is particularly easy to transport on the roof of a car.

According to the present invention there is provided a rack structure for connection with at least one elongated float member, in particular a surfboard, said rack structure comprising a frame structure including at least two longitudinal frame members connected or connectable with at least two transverse frame members to provide a main frame, and leg structures for supporting and connecting said main frame to the or each said float member, each of said leg structures having a free end provided with means for connecting the attachment fitting to said free end.

These and other objects and advantages are attainable with the rack structure of the invention, the basic characteristic featurs thereof being that each of the leg structures comprises a free end which is provided with means for removably connecting an attachment fitting to the free end. The rack structure of the invention may, accordingly, .-apidly and easily be connected with or disconnected from appropriate float members by means of attachment fittings. Depending on the type of float members, the attachment fittings can be permanently or removably mounted on the float members.

However, in particular in connection with usual surfboards, it is preferred that the attachment fittings are easy to remove from each surfboard which thereby still can be used for wing surfing in the usual manner.

Another and very important advantage of the rack structure of the invention is, however, that the attachment fittings or connecting the rack structure to float members rapidly and easily can be replaced by appropriate clamp fittings for connection with edges on a car roof. Thereby, the rack structure in itself can serve or be used directly as a roof luggage rack for transport of float members or su rfboards, sails and masts.

Preferably, the attachment fittings for removably connection with the free ends of the leg structures are parts or accessories to the rack structure. In particular simple embodiment each attachment fitting comprises a foot plate for removable connection with the free end of the leg structure. The underside of the foot plate which is to rest against the upper surface of a float member, can appropriately be provided with a friction increasing layer or coating.

The upper side of the foot plate includes connector means for receiving or connection with the free end of a leg structure.

In a preferred embodiment, which is specifically designed for removable connection with at least one surfboard, the rack structure further comprises a set of attachment fittings, the set including for each surfboard a mast-hole fitting and a support fitting, said mast-hole fitting including at least one plug for insertion into a mast-hole of the surfboard and said support fitting being adapted to be attached to the upper surface of the surfboard at an area aft of said mast-hole.

The support fitting of this preferred embodiment may appropriately be designed as the simple embodiment just mentioned having a foot plate which may stand freely on the upper surface of the surfboard. However, if desired, the support fitting can be secured to the surfboard, e.g. by means of screws or by tightening one or more appropriate straps around the surfboard. The mast-hole fitting of the preferred embodiment may also include a foot plate with the mast-hole plug of the mast-hole fitting projecting from the underside of the foot plate.

The leg structures of the rack structure of the invention may be defined by end portions of the longitudinal ortransverseframe members which have been bent down to provide legs with a free end.

Preferably, however, each leg structure comprises a separate leg member, one end thereof being adjustably connected or connectable with a frame member while the opposite free end thereof includes said connecting means for connection with said attach mentfitting. Thereby each leg structure can be displaced or adjusted along a frame member to which the structure is connected and the leg structures can be locked in desired positions.

This adjustability of the leg structures along a frame member of the rack structure is particularly useful when the rack structure is used as roof luggage rack on a car.

Another appropriate possibility of adjustment is obtained, if the longitudinal frame members are adjustable to provide a main frame having longitudinal frame members which are transversely adjustable and displaceable in parallel to each other. In accordance with the invention, the latter possibility of adjustment is preferably obtained by having the ends of the longitudinal frame members displaceably, but lockably connected with the respective transverse frame members. However, a similar possibility of adjustment can also be obtained by providing each of the transverse frame members with a tubular central portion and two end portions, each end portion having one end telescopically inserted into the central portion, while the opposite end of each end portion is connected with a longitudinal frame member.

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a rack structure according to the present invention connected to two surfboards to provide a catamaran structure; Figure2 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a rack structure according to the present invention connected to a single surfboard and provided with buoyancy members for laterally stabilizing the surfboard; Figure 3 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a particular most-hole fitting which can be part of the rack structure of the invention; Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment corresponding to that in Figure 1, but provided with a special deck of cloth material;; Figure 5 is a schematical view of an example of a water cycle frame which can be part of the rack structure ofthe invention; and Figure 6 is a schematic view illustrating a special fitting for clamping around a usual surfboard mast.

Reference is now made to Figure 1 of the drawings showing two conventional surfboards 2 which are arranged side by side and parallel to each other. The two surfboards 2 are connected with a rack structure according to the invention which includes a main frame 4 consisting of two transverse frame members 6, 8, and two longitudinal frame members 10, 12.

The main frame 4 is attached to the two surfboards 2 by means of a mast-hole fitting 14 and a support fitting 16 arranged aft of the mast-hole fitting 14 of each surfboard 2.

Thereby the two surfboards 2 are coupled together into a catamaran form of structure which can be provided with mast, sail and rigging e.g. by means of a mast-foot fitting 20 mounted to the foremost transverse frame member 8 and moreover, the catamaran structure can be provided with a rudder by means of a rudder fitting 22 mounted to the rearmost transverse frame member 6. Furthermore, the main frame 4 can be provided with or carry a deck e.g. a sheet of cloth material which is mounted by means of an appropriate lashing e.g. in a similar manner as the cloth in a trampoline.

Figure 2 shows another embodiment wherein a rack structure according to the invention and including a main frame corresponding to frame 4 in Figure 1, is connected to one single surfboard 2. The two longitudinal frame members 10, 12 have, moreover, been combind with schematically shown buoyancy members 24 which, preferably, are located at a somewhat higher level than the surfboard 2 so that the buoyancy members 24 only come into contact with the water, when the surfboard 2 heels over laterally. This embodiment is particularly useful for unskilled windsurfers who at the first instance can concentrate on maneuvering mast and sail which can be mounted in the fitting 20.In both embodi menus the longitudinal frame members 10,12 are laterally adjustable on the two transverse frame members 6, so that the spacing between the two surfboards 2 of Figure 1, and the spacing between the two buoyancy members or pontoons 24 in Figure 2, can be adjusted as desired.

In both embodiments, there are used mast-hole fittings 14 and support fittings 16 which include or whereto it belong, leg members 18, one end thereof being connected with one of the frame members for support thereof. Each mast-hole fitting 14 includes at least one plug for insertion into the usual mast-hole ofthe surfboard 2, and each support fitting 16 may stand freely on the upper surface of the surfboard 2.

Alternatively, each support fitting 16 can be secured to the surfboard 2 by means of screws or by tightening one or more straps around the surfboards 2. Such straps can also extend over the frame members and thereby laterally stabilize the entire rack structure.

Figure 3 illustrates schematically an example of a mast-hole fitting 14 for use on a surfboard with two mastholes. The fitting includes a foot plate 26 which, at the underside thereof, carries two parallel projecting mast-hole plugs 32,34. One, plug 34, of these plugs is mounted adjustably and displaceably in parallel in a slot in the foot plate 26. On the upper side of the foot plate 26 has a socket 28 which, in the embodiment shown, is removably attached by means of a threaded plug or pin 30. One end of a leg member 18 is retained in the socket 28, while the other end of the leg member 18 is provided with a fitting which has two portions that simultaneously can be clamped around the leg member 18 and one of the frame members.

As an alternative to the structure shown in Figure 3, the mast-hole fitting 14 may also be include only one projecting plug which may be mounted in alignment with the leg member 18.

The support fittings 16 may be designed in a corresponding manner, but without projecting plugs corresponding to plugs 32 and 34 in Figure 3.

The frame members 6,8 and 10, 12 in Figures 1 and 2 may, moreover, be connected at the corners of the main frame by means of clamp fittings as that shown in the upper part of Figure 3.

With mast-hole fittings 14 and support fittings 16 of the type mentioned above, the rack structure according to the invention can quickly by mounted to and disassembled from one or more surfboards 2.

The foot plate belonging to the support fittings 16 may be permanently mounted on each surfboard 2, since the leg member 18 can be unscrewed from the foot plate.

As an alternative to the threaded plug or pin 30 in Figure 3, the socket 28 may also be replaced by or designed as a snap coupling wherein the free end of the leg member 18 quickly and easily can be inserted and removed.

With sockets 28 or similar means which quickly and easily can be removed from the foot plates associated therewith, a rack structure according to the invention can also be used as a roof luggate rack, since suitable clamp fittings quickly and easily can be attached to each socket instead of a foot plate.

As mentioned, the rack structure of the invention and in particular the main frame 4 in Figure 1 may appropriately be provided with a deck. Figure 4 shows a special design of such a deck which by means of two struts can be erected to provide a windscreen or a tent which can be used at sea and on the beach as well.

Figure 5 shows an example of a water cycle framework which may belong to or be part of the frame structure of the rack structure of the invention.

The framework can be removably mounted to the main frame of the rack structure and the framework includes stems 40 for mounting of pedal drives, and cross bars 42 on which a suitable seat can be suspended. In the rear part of the framework, a paddle wheel can be mounted on a cross bar 44 and the paddle wheel can be connected with the pedal drives by means of belt or chain transmissions.

The frame structure in the rack of the invention is, preferably, built of tubular pieces which suitably can be coupled together by means of clamp fittings so that the structure is quick and easy to disassemble and to adjust as needed. In practice, the frame structure can appropriately be provided with suitable reinforcements and staying. In particular, it will be expedient to provide embodiments as that in Figure 2 with suitable struts in the transverse direction.

As mentioned above a conventional surfboard mast and sail can be used in a holder or fitting 20.

Thereby, outrigger embodiments as that shown in Figure 2 can be used to practice the windsurfing technique. The buoyancy members 24 may be built into or define the longitudinal frame members 10,12 which, thereby, can be shaped as pontoons. Alternatively, the buoyancy members may be separate units which are attached to the frame members as needed and in a desired number.

However, a surfboard mast or a special mast with sail can also be mounted in the holder 20 by means of suitable wires or lines. Figure 6 shows a special fitting, whereby such wires can be connected with a usual surfboard mast without the necessity of performing changes in the structure of the mast, e.g. by drilling holes therein.

Float members other than surfboards can be used in connection with the rack structure of the invention to build outriggers, catamarans, trimarans or other types of vessels. However, the rack structure of the invention provides a substantial extension ofthe possibilities of use of usual surfboards. Thus, e.g. a boat hirer-out can, with limited costs of materials, have a very flexible equipment with which usual surfboards, outriggers, catamarans or water bicycles can be assembled and hired out in accordance with instantaneous customers' demands. To be able to do so only requires a certain number of surfboards with masts and sails and a number of rack structures according to the invention.

A basic aspect of the invention resides in the fact that one or more usual surfboards can be connected with a rack structure and thereby be made laterally stable. Simultaneously the rack structure gives the possibility of mounting a deck so that several persons can sail together. The rack structure is rapid and simple to mount, in particular if the rack structure is assembled in advance and has been used as a roof luggage rack for the transport of surfboards etc.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments it is intended that the invention as set forth in the following claims, also includes equivalent structures, some of which may be immediately apparent and others of which may be apparent only after some study.

Claims (10)

1. A rack structure for connection with at least one elongated float member, in particular a surfboard, said rack structure comprising a frame structure including at least two longitudinal frame members connected or connectable with at least two transverse frame members to provide a main frame, and leg structures for supporting and connecting said main frame to the or each said float member, each of said leg structures having a free end provided with means for connecting the attachment fitting to said free end.

2. A structure as claimed in claim 1, in which each attachment fitting comprises a foot plate for connection with said free end of said leg structure.

3. A structure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, for removable connection with at least one surfboard, comprising a set of attachment fittings, the set including, for each surfboard, a mast-hole fitting and a support fitting, said mast-hole fitting including at least one plug for insertion into a mast-hole of the surfboard, and said support fitting being capable of standing on or being attached to the upper surface of the surfboard at an area aft of said mast-hole.

4. A structure as claimed in claim 2, including at least for leg structures, said set of attachment fittings further comprises a clamp fitting for connection with said free end of each leg structure.

5. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, in which each of said leg structures comprises a separate leg member, one end thereof being adjustably connected or connectable with a frame member, while the opposite, free end thereof includes said connecting means for connection with said attachment fitting.

6. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which said longitudinal frame members are adjustable to provide a main frame having longitudinal frame members which are transversely adjust able and displaceable in parallel to each other.

7. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, in which said frame structure further comprises a water cycle frame which can be removably mounted to said main frame.

8. A rack structure for connection with at least one surfboard, said rack structure comprising a frame structure including at least two longitudinal frame members connected or connectable with at least two transverse frame members to provide a main frame, and at set of attachment fittings for supporting and connecting said main frame to each surfboard, said set of attachment fittings including, for each surfboard, a mast-hole fitting and a support fitting, said mast-hole fitting including at least one plug for insertion into a mast-hole of the surfboard, and said support fitting being capable of standing on or being attached to the upper surface of the surfboard at an area aft of said mast-hole.

9. A rack structure as claimed in claim 8, in which each of said mast-hole fittings and support fittings comprises a leg member having one end which is adjustably connected or connectable with one of said frame members to provide support of said main frame.

10. A rack structure substantially as herein before described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.