| CLAIMS 1. A bag for carrying a surfboard, or other elongate and relatively flat sporting or leisure equipment, with a tent incorporated therein, the bag comprising two halves each of which is substantially rectangular, the two halves being joined to each other along a first side and having releasable fasteners along the other sides so the two halves can be secured together around their periphery in a face-to-face arrangement to form a bag, one or more flexible tent poles being housed within the bag, the arrangement being such that the or each pole, when in an assembled state, is constrained by the interior of the bag in a flexed arrangement together with tent fabric which is fastened to the pole(s) and fastened, or fastenable, to part of the bag, the arrangement being such that, when the bag is opened so the two halves thereof lie side by side, and the tent pole(s) released from the constraint of the interior of the bag, the tent pole(s) are able to adopt an erect configuration in which the tent fabric is supported by the pole(s) above the bag halves to form a tent. 2. A bag as claimed in claim 1 in which the two halves of the bag are joined along said first side by a strap which, when the two halves lie side-by-side in the open configuration, extends a long a centre line therebetween. 3. A bag as claimed in claim 2 in which the ends of the or each of the poles are arranged to be secured at the respective ends of said strap. 4. A bag as claimed in claim 3 in which one or more sockets are provided for receiving the distal ends of said pole(s), the sockets being secured, or being securable, to the ends of the strap. 5. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which one or more of the poles is longer than the bag and can be accommodated therein when stored in the bag by flexing the ends of the poles into a curved shape within the ends of the bag. 6. A bag as claimed in claim 5 in which one of the bag halves is provided with pockets in which the distal ends of said one or more poles are located when stored in the bag. 7. A bag as claimed in claim 6 in which the pockets assist in holding the ends of said one or more poles in said curved shape. 8. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim having three poles which, when the tent is erect, each have their ends located on or near the centre-line of the tent and extend longitudinally along the tent. 9. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim having a first zipper for securing the two halves together around their periphery in a face-to-face arrangement to form a bag and a second zipper for securing the perimeter of the tent fabric to the perimeter of the bag halves when these are lying side-by-side. 10. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim in which padding is provided in the two bag halves, the padding serving two functions: to protect the contents of the bag when in the face-to-face arrangement and to provide a soft surface in the base of the tent in the erect configuration, 11. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim having straps for securing a surfboard to the interior of the tent in the erect configuration. 12. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim being of a size which, in the closed configuration, is capable of housing a surfboard having a length of at least 180 cm and in the erect configuration the tent is capable of housing two adults both when lying down and sitting up. 13. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim arranged so as to be converted from a bag to a tent by undoing releasable fasteners, opening the bag, pulling the tent from a folded to an erect configuration and assembling fasteners which attach parts of the tent to the bag halves. |
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a bag suitable for carrying a surfboard, or other elongate and relatively flat sporting or leisure equipment, and which can also be used to provide a tent or shelter.
BACKGROUND ART
There have been previous proposals for a surfboard bag that can be adapted to form a shelter or tent but we are not aware that any of these have been widely used. Examples are described in US5033497 and GB2427819. Both of these known arrangements suffer from disadvantages which the present invention seeks to avoid.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bag for carrying a surfboard, or other elongate and relatively flat sporting or leisure equipment, with a tent incorporated therein, the bag comprising two halves each of which is substantially rectangular, the two halves being joined to each other along a first side and having releasable fasteners along the other sides so the two halves can be secured together around their periphery in a face-to-face arrangement to form a bag, one or more flexible tent poles being housed within the bag, the arrangement being such that the or each pole, when in an assembled state, is constrained by the interior of the bag in a flexed arrangement together with tent fabric which is fastened to the pole(s) and fastened, or fastenable, to part of the bag, the arrangement being such that, when the bag is opened so the two halves thereof lie side by side, and the tent pole(s) released from the constraint of the interior of the bag, the tent pole(s) are able to adopt an erect configuration in which the tent fabric is supported by the pole(s) above the bag halves to form a tent.
Preferred and optional features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and from the subsidiary claims of the specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention will now be further described, merely by way of example, with reference to one or more of the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the bag in a closed configuration;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the bag of Figure 1 when in an open configuration prior to erection of the tent;
Figures 3A to 3D are plan views of one half of the bag as shown in Figure illustrating steps involved in erection of the tent;
Figures 4 and 5 show a side view and plan view, respectively of the bag with the tent erected;
Figure 6 is a sectional view viewed from one side showing a board stored inside the tent;
Figure 7A is a perspective view of the erected tent and Figure 7B is an enlarged detail thereof showing a socket member in which ends of the tent poles are located; and ,
Figures 8A, 8B and 8C show a plan view, side view and end view, respectively, of a second embodiment of the bag with the tent erected.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Surfers have always had the problem of carrying a surfboard bag and a tent on trips away from home. This product combines the two; it is both a surfboard bag and a tent, meaning that it is a vessel to transport a surfboard and belongings, but also a shelter for the day or night. A significant feature is that the padding used to protect the belongings inside, doubles as a soft padding for the bottom of the tent. Having a tent incorporated into the bag gives the traveller a free hand to carry something else and adds very little weight to the bag itself. The design allows the user to transform the surfboard bag into a tent very quickly, in some cases within a minute, by utilizing key features of the product. This can also be done without prior removal of boards or belongings. The product also allows the user to store their board/boards inside the tent whilst inside it themselves so there is no need to worry about leaving belongings outside. Once erect, the tent is wind and waterproof.
Surfboards come in different shapes and sizes and the product can be produced to suit the user. It may also be adapted to carry other sporting or leisure carrying equipment such as bodyboards, snowboards etc.
A typical surfboard bag must:
carry at least one surfboard
be lightweight and easy to carry
have a durable waterproof exterior/interior
have soft padding for surfboard protection along its entire interior body have extra space for personal belongings
be sealed tight when closed
have a sun resistant exterior
be reasonably lightweight
A typical two person tent must:
house 2 average sized adults and their belongings
have a durable waterproof exterior
have a second net layer for protection from insects
have an opening for entering/exiting
have a window for ventilation
be sealed tight when closed
be reasonably lightweight
have a sun resistant exterior
have zippers that are easily accessible and functional from the inside and outside of the tent be compressible into a smaller item
The product described herein includes all the above aspects of a surfboard bag and tent as well as the following additional features:
Interior wall grips for at least one surfboard
Ground padding to lay on
Function either as a surfboard bag or a tent
Have LED lighting from within (optional)
Figures 1-7 show a surf bag 1 comprising two halves 1A and 1 B which, as shown, are substantially rectangular (with rounded corners). The two halves are joined together along a first side 1C, which may comprise a strap (see Fig 2), and have a first zipper (not shown), or other releasable fastening, around the remaining three sides so the two halves 1A, 1 B can be secured together around their periphery in a face to face arrangement to form a bag 1. A handle 1 D is provided on the side opposite the first side 1 C as shown in Fig 1.
When the first zipper is completely undone, the two halves 1A, 1 B of the bag can be opened out about the side 1C and laid down side-by-side as shown in Fig 2. A tent 2 comprising three fibreglass tent poles or rods 2A, 2B and 2C held within tent fabric 2D is provided within one half of the bag 1. Figure 2 shows the tent 2 in a folded state within one half 1A of the bag. The poles within the tent 2 lie adjacent an inner edge 1 E of the bag and their ends are curved around so as to be located in pockets 1 F and 1 G. The tent poles are thus held in a flexed state constrained by said inside edge of the bag and the pockets 1 F and 1 G. Preferably, straps 1 H, 1J with releasable clasps 1 K, 1 L are provided in the bag to help retain the tent 2 in this folded state.
As illustrated in Fig 3A, when the clasps 1 K, 1 L are released, the poles 2A, 2B, 2C can be released from the constraint of the inside edge 1 E so they adopt a more curved shape. The ends of the poles are then removed from the pockets 1F and 1 G as shown in Figure 3B. Figure 3B also shows that the distal ends of the three poles located within socket members 2F (described further below) each of which also carries a clasp 2G. As shown in Figure 3C and 3D, the ends of the three poles 2A, 2B, 2C are then secured to the respective ends of the strap 1 C by connecting the clasps 2G to clasp receivers 1 P provided at the ends of the strap 1C (see Fig 2).
The ends of the poles are thus secured to the bag, which forms the base of the tent, so the poles adopt an arcuate form as shown in Fig 4 in which the tent fabric 2D is supported by and stretched over the poles 2A, 2B 2C, each of which extends longitudinally along the tent, above the bag halves 1A, 1 B.
The fibreglass tents poles may, typically be around 290cm long with a diameter of 4 to 5mm. Such poles are strong enough to hold up the tent but flexible enough to fit along the inside edge of the surf bag in the manner described above. Guy ropes may be included in case of strong winds.
Figure 4 also shows a doorway 2E of the tent in the form of a flap with zippers around three sides thereof (two sides and the bottom in the embodiment shown).
Fig 5 is a plan view of the tent in the erect configuration with the position of the strap 1 C shown in dashed lines. As shown in this Figure, the central pole 2B extends over the centre line of the tent above the strap 1C and the side poles 2A and 2C bow out laterally to support the tent fabric above the respective bag halves 1 A and 1 B.
Figure 6 is a sectional view showing the interior of the tent and shows a surfboard 3 held in a stored position adjacent a side of the tent by two straps 1 , 1 N. These are different straps to those shown in Figs 3A and 2B although dual function straps could also be provided.
In the stored position shown in Fig 2, an edge of the tent fabric is preferably secured along the inside edge 1 E of the bag by a second zipper (not shown). Once the tent poles have been moved to the erect position, the remainder of the edge of the tent fabric is secured to the periphery of the opened out bag halves 1A, 1 B, by the second zipper (or further zippers) so the tent fabric 2D is stretched taughtly over the frame formed by the three tent poles 2A, 2B, 2C.
The bag halves 1A, 1 B thus have two zippers extending around the periphery thereof, a first zipper for securing the bag halves together to form a bag and a second zipper for securing the perimeter of the tent fabric 2D to the perimeter of the bag halves.
If desired, the entire tent fabric can be detached from the bag halves, eg for repair or replacement, by unzipping the zipper by which its perimeter is attached to the perimeter of the bag halves.
In the embodiment shown, the tent fabric 2, including the doorway 2E, is provided in one piece which in the folded condition is stored in one half 1 A of the bag as shown in Fig 2. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the tent fabric may be provided in two parts, a first part which extends from one half 1A of the bag and over tent poles 2A, and 2B to tent pole 2C and a second part which is secured to the opposite bag half 1 B and extends up from this to the tent pole 2C where it can be joined to the first part by a zipper. This second part may form a doorway and/or opening for the tent in place of or in addition to the doorway 2E.
One of the most significant features of the described product is the tent's construction. Its unique design allows the user a quick and easy means of opening and closing the tent. The tent's construction poles 2A, 2B, 2C, which are implanted inside the lining of the bag, once released, pop out on their own. The tent poles are also pre-assembled (or made in one-piece) so there is no need to fix pole sections together. When the bag is closed, the tent poles are held along the inside edge of the bag. Although the poles are pre-assembled (or in one piece), curving the ends of the poles around at the ends of the bag halves in the stored configuration enables longer poles to be used. In particular, the poles are longer than the bag halves themselves. This is important, as the length of the tent poles determines the height at which the tent fabric is supported above the bag halves and thus the height of the tent. If shorter tent poles were used, the height of the tent would be severely limited, eg making it difficult to sit up within the tent.
Figure 7A shows a perspective view of the erected tent and shows one of the socket members 2F locating the ends of poles 2A, 2B and 2C at one end of the centre strap 1C and a flap 2H of the tent fabric used to cover the socket member 2F. Figure 7B shows an enlarged view of the socket member 2F. This comprises three fabric sockets 1 R, 1S, 1T for receiving the respective ends of the three tent poles 2A, 2B, 2C arranged, as shown, at the angles at which the poles lie in the erect configuration. The socket members 2F help locate the pole ends adjacent each other so they can be simultaneously secured to the base of the tent by simply clipping the clasp 2G (not shown in Fig 7) to the respective clasp receiver 1 P in a single action.
The poles used for the tent can be removed from the inside of the tent fabric by removal of the socket members. If the poles become damaged, they can thus be removed easily and either repaired or replaced. This is the only time that the poles will be removed as during normal use of the tent, there is no need to remove the poles from the tent fabric.
The tent may also be provided with a window (not shown) on the opposite side from the door. It can be opened using the same kind of zipper as the door.
Figures 8A - 8B illustrate a second embodiment of a bag according to the invention. This is similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 - 7 and described above but with some minor differences:
The ends of the two bag halves 1A, 1 B have 180 degree curves at each end. The centre strap 1C is thus extended beyond the point where the two bag halves 1A, 1 B are joined together so the clasp receivers 1 P are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the maximum length of the two halves 1A, 1 B. In this embodiment, the tent poles 2A, 2B, 2C are constrained in a curved shape by the inner edge 1 E of the bag halves and by the semi-circular shape of the ends of the bag half. The pockets 1 F and 1 G also help constrain the ends of the tent poles in a curved form and serve to locate the ends of the poles.
In another arrangement, the inner edges and curved ends of the bag half may be used to constrain the poles in the curved, flexed state and the pockets 1 F and 1G omitted. The poles may also be constrained in a curved, flexed state by other features of the interior of the bag.
As shown in Figures 8A, B and C, the tent fabric is supported by three arcuate poles which extend longitudinally along the tent. No transverse poles are required and, as in the first embodiment, the poles are pre-assembled so the tent can be quickly and easily erected from the folded configuration. Also, as in the first embodiment, the poles are longer than the bag itself and by curving the ends of the poles in the folded configuration, poles of sufficient length to provide a tent with adequate headroom can be housed within the bag.
Figure 8A also shows a flap 1 P carrying hook and loop fastener strips and which isused to retain the tent in the folded configuration in place of the straps.1 H, 1 J used in the first embodiment. The figure also shows ground cover members 1Q which are provided at the ends of the two bag halves to cover the ground in the space between their curved ends (these members are not required in the first embodiment due to the different shape of the ends of the two bag halves).
In the closed configuration, the product illustrated in Figure 8 resembles a typical surfboard bag. Along the middle of the bag there is a two-way zipper for keeping the bag closed. The zippers must be unzipped entirely in order for the bag to open fully and the bag should be placed on a fairly flat surface in order for the tent to open. The surfboard does not get in the way of opening the tent because the tent is located along the sides of the bag. In order to pop open the tent, clips or fasteners holding it down are undone. As soon as the fasteners are opened, the poles automatically stretch the tent fabric. The tent is then ready to be opened and this can be done in one easy movement. When the tent is in place, the user simply zips up the front section and the fabric stretches over the poles. This keeps the tent erect. Around the base of the tent is a 30cm waterproof nylon fabric to protect the bag from the rain.
The following material may be used in the embodiments described above:
Hook and loop fasteners (such as sold under the trade name VELCRO) is used:
• on the inside of the bag to hold the tent down and in place when not in use
• on the handle used to carry the bag
• on the pole sockets allowing easy access to the poles in case of damage
• on the inside of the tent wall for the support of the surfboard
The hook and loop fasteners may be 4cm wide straps. These have sufficient strength and are economic, waterproof, durable and long lasting.
Nylon zippers for:
the tent door allowing entry to and exit from the tent
• · the opening of the surf bag
Preferably two way nylon zippers are used having two sliders along the teeth of the tape. Nylon is ideal as it's strong, durable and more resistant to moisture, sand and water than a metal zipper.
Fibreglass Poles for:
the tent frame
The frame of the tent comprises three 4-5mm diameter and 290-300cm long solid fibreglass poles. These are strong enough to withstand harsh weather and are flexible enough to be bent into the surfboard bag. Waterproof nylon for the:
surfboard bag exterior
The exterior of the surfboard bag is made of waterproof nylon, a fully waterproof heavy duty proofed fabric produced specifically for rucksacks. It is extremely tough and long lasting and can withstand abrasion. It is also very hard wearing and is light weight.
Polyurethane (PU) coated ripstop nylon is used for:
the exterior of the tent
the interior of the surf bag
This is a fabric used in the construction of tents because it is light (70g/m 2 ), waterproof and tough. The reason that it is used for the interior of the surfboard bag is for easy cleaning. A surfboard needs to be waxed before every surf, but the wax is rarely scraped off the board before storing it inside the bag. The wax rubs off onto any surface that it lays on and as a result the material on the inside of the tent needs to be easily washable. The nylon is a non-stick material and will not let any water through to the sponge padding.
Breathable ripstop nylon is used to provide a mosquito net for:
the tent window
the tent door
This nylon fabric is used for mosquito netting on tents. The netting will be on the inside of the door and window on a separate zipper. It will be opened in the same way as the door and window flaps.
Polyethylene foam for:
• the padding of the surfboard bag (top, bottom and sides)
Lightweight, 5mm thick polyethylene foam weighing at 150g/m 2 is spread along the entire surf bag for two reasons: padding for the protection of the surfboard, and a soft mat to sleep on.
Nylon straps: nylon straps are used for the hand and shoulder handles for carrying the bag. It is a heavy duty, lightweight fabric that is often used in these situations.
LED Light Wire (Optional): Three straps of AA battery-run LED light wires may be sewn along the fibreglass poles inside the tent to illuminate the inside of the tent when needed.
10 Steel Pegs: 4-8 Pegs are used to keep the tent secure to the ground surface, whether it is sand, grass or mud.
The product is preferably designed to accommodate two adults both lying down and when sitting up in the tent. Specific dimensions which achieve this are as follows:
Length of bag: 2250mm
Width of each bag half: 598mm
Width of centre strap: 200mm
Length of poles: 290-300cm
Radius of curvature of each pole in erect configuration: 1165mm
Height of centre of central pole in erect configuration: 860mm
Height of centre of side poles in erect configuration: 588mm
It will of course be understood that many variations may be made to the above- described embodiments, including the above dimensions (which might typically vary by plus or minus 15%), without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In particular, it will be appreciated that the use of zippers, straps with clasps, loop and hook fasteners described above can be interchanged as required or replaced by other types of fastener, particularly those used for other types of bags, shelters or tents. Whilst the above embodiments use three tent poles, and this is the preferred number, it will be appreciated that other numbers of poles can be used, both fewer and more. It will also be appreciated that whilst the product is designed to be used with the tent poles in an assembled state (if the poles are made up of sections which can be secured end to end), the product may initially be supplied with the poles in a dis-assembled state, or as a separate item. However, once the poles have been assembled and inserted within the tent fabric, they do not need to be removed except for repair or replacement.
The product described above provides a bag that has a relatively simple construction, is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and can be used by a wide range of surfers. It is preferably designed to accommodate a surfboard having a length of at least 180 cm and be designed to accommodate two average/large adults in two positions: laying down and sitting up.
This invention also provides a 'surf tent' which is an all-in-one surfboard bag and tent. There are no 'clip on' parts and it is therefore a complete product in itself.
In preferred arrangements, the 'surf tent' has one or more of the following features:
• The tent design is specific to the shape of the board bag. There are no gaps or attachments.
• When the bag is closed the tent poles/rods are incorporated into the bag itself.
When opened they form the frame of the tent
• When closed, the bag's padding protects the items inside. When open, and the tent is erect, the padding serves as a surface for laying or sitting on
• Items inside the bag (including surfboards) do not have to be removed when constructing the tent.
• Surfboards can be strapped to the sides of the tent, and other belongings can be stored inside, meaning no items need be left outside, even when the users is inside the tent.
• The tent parts add little weight to the bag and will be ideal for the travelling surfer. Once opened, the tent and bag are windproof and waterproof
The product can sleep one or two people comfortably (possibly three in larger model).
One person can easily put up and take down the tent.
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