NZ543682A

NZ543682A - Wrap surfboard bag

Info

Publication number: NZ543682A
Application number: NZ543682A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Simon Winter
Original assignee: Curve Internat Ltd
Priority date: 2005-11-21
Filing date: 2005-11-21
Publication date: 2008-07-31
Also published as: WO2007058551A1; US20080260301A1

Abstract

A flexible carry bag 100 designed to carry one or more sports boards within an elongated enclosure 102. The interior volume 104 of the bag can be selectively increased or decreased to envelop the sportsboard or boards as desired, along with varying amounts of accessories. The bag can be securely closed using an adjustable closure assembly 142 which includes a closure flap 106 that allows for variations in bag volume, and is secured with straps 156.

Description

<div class="application article clearfix" id="description"> Please return form by mail to: Intellectual Property Office New Zealand PO Box 30 687 Lower Hutt New Zealand *10052986042* You can confirm the details of registered Intellectual Property at www.iponz.govt.nz IP number/s: *2>£>&~2- -Office use only- 1 Intellectual Property Office of N.z Current Owner: ( {]/?[;& /VT££A/A7(OMA L i JT£> Your reference: •— Patents Act 1953 2 0 NOV 2008 RECEIVED Patent Form No. 5 - Complete Specification (*) No. Date: Z/. . ./VPY.. 2joOS (a)... 7... .. ^<3.. I (orWe) S9.. A<L(/£/22Tc>fiJ ST/eGt.T, .^Mv^l//!0A/.. A Octc/^Mo.. / &££_, ^. '/j/dku.. hereby declare the invention, for which I (or we) pray that a patent may be granted to me (or us), and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement (c) continue application on page 2 Signature Date r?/i'/^of Telephone 02-( 7 V p Email sx//^ .c Total Fee Paid NZ$ l£( \2£T Credit card - Please complete Credit card authorisation Direct Debit - Please provide Customer ID Number Customer Number Cheque - Made out the Ministry of Economic Development Your receipt will be automatically emailed to you. Please tick this box if you wish to receive a receipt by post Continued over.. For assistance completing this form please call 0508 4IPONZ (0508 447 669) Si><v PATENTS FORM NO. 5 intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 2 0 NOV 2006 RECEIVED PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION a) FLEXIBLE CARRY BAG b) WE CURVE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED a New Zealand Company of 59 Alverston Street, Waterview, Auckland, New Zealand do hereby declare this invention to be described in the following statement: -2- c) FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to flexible carry bags, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a flexible carry bag that is adjustable to enable it to securely carry one or more sport 5 boards. BACKGROUND The sport of surfing has developed in recent years and increasingly involves travel to locations where the prevailing conditions suit surfing, to attend competitions, or simply to explore new surf locations. This has resulted in increased domestic and international travel 10 of surfers, complete with their surfboards. Surfboards can be cumbersome and their typical lightweight construction makes them vulnerable to damage. During transportation they require protection, and in the past various surfboard bag designs have been used. Not all surfboards are the same size and typically a bag that will suit one size is not suitable 15 for a board of a different size. Some surfboard bags are relatively small and compact and are designed to fit a specific Surfboard snugly. Others, particularly those of the "coffin" style, which is the informal name used to describe this type of board bag due to their similarity in appearance to the 'box' like appearance of a coffin, are designed to carry two or more Surfboards and can 20 have room for clothing or other equipment. However, they are not specifically designed to carry clothing, and are not typically used to carry clothing, because it is not a 'clean' environment, resulting in the carried clothes becoming soiled and/or wetted. These coffin style bags can be cumbersome, particularly because they are specifically tailored to allow for a fixed maximum load size, wherein any load less than that maximum will result in an 25 oversized, sloppy, and bulky fit. For instance, a coffin style board bag designed to fit two boards results in a poor fit when used to only carry a single board. Further, when not in use, due in part to the semi rigid side walls on some models, they typically take up a lot of room and are not easily folded into a compact size for storage. In addition, the contents can 19I360NZ CAP.doc -3- be relatively loose inside the bag if the bag does not contain the number of surfboards the bag is designed for. Another problem found with previously developed board bags involves the wax that is applied to the surfaces of the surfboard. Moreover, the wax on surfboards can melt during 5 transportation or storage, causing the surfboard to bond to the inside of its bag. Depending on the opening method, some bags can be difficult to get a surfboard out of, particularly if the wax on the board has bonded to the inside of the bag. When a surfer travels he or she may wish to carry one or more surfboards depending on the nature of the journey. A bag suitable for only one board is of little use if he or she wishes 10 to take two or more boards. Similarly a coffin style bag suitable for carrying two or more surfboards is rather inconvenient if only one board is being transported. Thus, there exists a need for a relatively compact bag that is versatile enough to contain one board securely as well as two or more boards. The bag should be able to accommodate a range of board sizes of different lengths, widths, and thicknesses, and preferably be able to 15 accommodate accessories and other gear. The bag would preferably be able to hold a range of boards securely irrespective of the number of boards inside or their relative sizes. OBJECT It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a flexible carry bag which will at least go some way towards overcoming the above mentioned problems, or at least provide 20 the public with a useful choice. STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION One embodiment of a flexible carry bag formed in accordance with the present invention for carrying one or more sport boards is disclosed. The flexible carry bag may include an interior space having a volume adapted to removably receive the one or more sport boards. 25 The interior space may be defined by a base panel having a predetermined length and a first elongate edge separated by a predetermined width from a second elongate edge. The interior space may also be defined by a first closure panel connected to the first elongate edge of the base panel and a second closure panel connected to the second elongate edge of 191360NZ CAP.doc -4- the base panel. The bag may include a first closable opening permitting temporary access to the interior space to permit insertion and removal of the one or more sport boards from the interior space. The first closable opening may be adapted to be closed by the insertion of the first closure panel underneath the second closure panel such that the first and second 5 closure panels selectively overlap one another, wherein an amount of the overlap is adjustable to permit the volume of the interior space to be selectively adjusted. The bag may further include a closing assembly for removably securing the first closure panel to the second closure panel in an adjustable overlapped relationship. The closing assembly may comprise hook and loop fasteners coupled to the first and second closure 10 panels. The bag may further include a strap assembly having one or more straps adjustable in length to permit adjustment of a circumference of the interior space, each of the one or more straps extending between the first and second closure panels so as to pass over the first closable opening. The bag may include an accessory compartment located within the interior space, the accessory compartment defining a storage space for storing accessories 15 within the interior space. The accessory compartment may include a selectively sealable opening having an open position for permitting accessories to be inserted or removed into the accessory compartment and a closed position for closing off the storage space. The accessory compartment may have a length substantially equal to the predetermined length of the base panel. The accessory compartment may include one or more bindings 20 disposed in the accessory compartment, the one or more bindings adapted to removably couple to an accessory when stored in the accessory compartment. The one or more bindings may have either loop fasteners or hook fasteners. The bag may include a secondary opening assembly for selectively closing and opening a second opening in the flexible carry bag for selectively permitting and blocking access to the interior space. 25 An alternate embodiment of a flexible carry bag formed in accordance with the present invention for carrying one or more sport boards within an interior space is disclosed. The flexible carry bag may include an elongate enclosure made of a flexible material, the enclosure having a predetermined length and a circumference that is adjustable. The enclosure may include an opening extending along at least a majority of the length of the 30 enclosure for permitting access to the interior space to permit insertion or removal of the 191360NZ CAP.doc -5- one or more sport boards from the interior space. The enclosure may also include a closure flap movable between an open position for permitting access to the interior space through the opening and a closed position in which the closure flap blocks the opening to impede access to the interior space through the opening. The enclosure may further include a 5 closure assembly for securing the closure flap to the elongate enclosure in an overlapped configuration when the closure flap is in the closed position. The closure assembly may be adapted to adjustably secure the closure flap to the elongate enclosure such that an amount of overlap of the closure flap relative to the elongate enclosure can be selectively adjusted, thereby permitting the circumference of the elongate enclosure to be selectively adjusted. 10 The bag may further include a secondary opening disposed at and extending across one end of the flexible carry bag. The secondary opening may be transitionable between a closed position blocking access to the interior space and an open position permitting a secondary access path to the interior space. The bag may further include a strap assembly having one or more straps adjustable in length, each of the one or more straps extending across the 15 opening. The bag may also include an accessory compartment located within the interior space, the accessory compartment defining a storage space for storing accessories within the interior space. The accessory compartment may include a selectively sealable opening having an open position for permitting accessories to be inserted or removed into the accessory compartment and a closed position for substantially closing off the storage space. 20 The accessory compartment may extend substantially the entire length and width of the elongate enclosure. The accessory compartment may include one or more bindings disposed in the accessory compartment, the one or more bindings adapted to removably couple to an accessory when stored in the accessory compartment. Another embodiment of a flexible carry bag made in accordance with the present invention 25 is disclosed. The bag may be at least partly made from a flexible protective material. The bag may have an elongate base portion having similar width and length dimensions to a typical surfboard. The bag may have a first closure panel connected to a first elongate edge of the base portion and a second closure panel connected to a second elongate edge of the base portion, and closure means. The first and second closure panels may be so sized and 191360NZ_CAP.doc -6- shaped, and the closure means so configured, to enable one or more surfboards to be held securely within the bag. Preferably one of the closure panels is also connected to one or both ends of the base portion. 5 Preferably one of the closure panels is configured to enable it to at least partially tuck under or over the other closure panel in an overlapping relationship. Preferably, the closure means includes hook and loop fasteners, such at those sold under the trademark VELCRO. Preferably the bag further includes one or more straps adapted to facilitate closure of the 10 bag. Preferably the one or more straps encircle the bag and are able to hold any contents of the bag securely. Preferably the one or more straps include a strap connector or buckle. Preferably the bag additionally includes cushioning material adapted to protect any contents 15 of the bag. Optionally the bag further includes one or more zippered openings about or adjacent to the periphery of the base portion. The invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, 20 and any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if they were individually set forth. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following 25 description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 191360NZ CAP.doc -7- FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible carry bag formed in accordance with the present invention, the flexible carry bag depicted with a closure flap shown in a partially open position; FIGURE 2 is an exploded view of the flexible carry bag of Figure 1 with some 5 components .of the flexible carry bag omitted to better show underlying parts; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view showing the flexible carry bag of Figure 1 with the closure flap shown in a fully open position and an accessory compartment shown in a closed position; 10 FIGURE 4 is a perspective view showing the flexible carry bag of Figure 1 with the closure flap shown in the folly open position and the accessory compartment shown in a folly open position with an accessory being inserted into the accessory compartment; FIGURE 5 is an elevation view of the flexible carry bag of Figure 1 with the closure 15 flap shown in a closed position; FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible carry bag of Figure 5, the cross-sectional cut taken substantially through Section A-A of Figure 5, the flexible carry bag shown holding a single surfboard; FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible carry bag of Figure 5, the cross-20 sectional cut taken substantially through Section A-A of Figure 5, the flexible carry bag shown holding two surfboards; and FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible carry bag of Figure 5, the cross-sectional cut taken substantially through Section A-A of Figure 5, the flexible carry bag shown holding a single surfboard and a plurality of objects 25 in the accessory compartment. 191360NZ_CAP.doc -8- DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The following description will describe the invention in relation to preferred embodiments of the invention, namely a flexible carry bag. The invention is in no way limited to these preferred embodiments as they are used purely to exemplify the invention only and 5 variations and modifications are readily apparent without departing from the scope of the inventioa Although the illustrated embodiment will be illustrated and described as a flexible carry bag for carrying surfboards, it is noted that this is done purely for illustrative purposes, and the flexible carry bag may be used to carry any object, including sport boards of types other than surfboards, a few suitable examples being kite surfing boards, 10 windsurfing boards, boogie or body boards, etc. Referring to Figure 1, one embodiment of a flexible carry bag 100 formed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated and described. Generally described, Hie flexible carry bag 100 includes a soft and flexible elongate enclosure 102 adapted to securely hold one or more surfboards and/or accessories therein The enclosure 102 is adjustable in 15 circumference such that an interior volume 104 of the enclosure 102 can be selectively increased or decreased to accommodate and securely store individual boards of different sizes, a varying number of boards, and a varying amount of accessories. To accomplish the change in circumference, the flexible carry bag 100 employs a closure flap 106 which is inserted an adjustable distance into an opening 108 in the flexible enclosure 102 and 20 secured in position. In light of the above general description of the flexible carry bag 100, the structure of the flexible carry bag 100 will now be described in greater detail. Turning to Figures 1 and 2, the flexible enclosure 102 may be formal from a base panel 110, a closure panel or flap 106, and a top panel 112 (may also be called a closure panel). The base panel 110 is 25 preferably of a length and width which are substantially equal to or greater than a length and width of the largest surfboard which the flexible carry bag 100 is designed to carry. Preferably, the base panel 110 has a length that is greater than a minimum length, a few examples of suitable minimum lengths being about 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, and 7.5 feet, and has a length less than a maximum length, a few examples of suitable maximum lengths being 6, 30 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 9 or 10 feet. Preferably the width of the base panel 110 is greater than a 19136GNZ CAP.doc r—=g^5f^TROpePT'; OFFICE OF ku 25 JUN2008 RECE -9- minimum width, a few examples of suitable minimum widths being about 0.5,1,1.5,2, and 2.5 feet, and less than a maximum width, a few examples of suitable maximum widths being 2,2.5,3, and 3 feet. It is common to select or use a flexible carry bag 100 that is no more than six inches longer than the longest surfboard to be carried. The ends of the base 5 panel 110 may be arcuate in shape, and preferably are convex in shape so as to bow outward from a centre of the flexible carry bag 100. The closure flap 106 is preferably coupled along a first elongate edge 114 of the base panel 110. The first elongate edge 114 is preferably substantially straight; however, it may alternately be curved. The ends of the closure flap 106 and the outer edge 116 of the 10 closure flap 106 may be arcuate in shape, and preferably are convex in shape so as to bow outward from the centre of the flexible carry bag 100. The top panel 112 is preferably coupled along a second elongate edge 118 of the base panel 110. The ends of the top panel 112 awl the outer edge 120 of the top panel 112 may be arcuate in shape, and preferably are convex in shape so as to bow outward from a centre 15 of the flexible carry bag 100. The edge 122 of the top panel 112 opposite the outer edge 120 is also preferably arcuate in shape, and moreover, preferably is curved so as to be bowed inward toward the outer edge 120 and away from the closure flap 106. An end panel 124 may be coupled to one end of the base panel 110. Hie end panel 124 preferably extends between the base panel 110 and the top panel 112 and is oriented 20 substantially perpendicular to the base panel 110. The end panel 124 can be arcuate in shape so as to bow outward from the centre of the carry bag 100. The carry bag 100 may include an accessory compartment 126. The accessory compartment 126 may be located within the interior space 104. Preferably, the accessory compartment 126 defines a storage space 128 for storing accessories within the interior 25 space 104. The accessory compartment 126 may include a selectively sealable opening 130 having an open position as shown in Figure 2 for permitting accessories to be inserted into or removed from the accessory compartment 126 and a closed position as shown in Figure 8 for substantially sealing the storage space 128. Preferably, the accessory compartment 126 is made from a substantially or completely waterproof material such that 30 the accessory compartment 126 is substantially waterproof. Thus, accessories, a few I91360NZ CAP.doc INTELLECTUAL i OFFICE Of v / 2 5 JUN 20® RECE i - 10- suitable examples being clothes, towels, wetsuits, tents, supplies, board parts, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags, are kept clean and dry. In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory compartment 126 is formed by attaching a waterproof accessory panel 131 to the interior surface of the carry bag 100. Preferably, the 5 accessory panel 131 extends substantially the entire width and length of the carry bag 100 and is permanently coupled along the elongate edge 114 of the base panel 110, and detachably coupled along the remaining periphery of the accessory panel 130 to or in proximity to the elongate edge 118 and end edges of the base panel 110 by any suitable means, a few suitable examples being via a zipper 132 and more preferably, hook and loop 10 fasteners. Turning to Figures 2 and 4, an accessory attachment assembly 134 may be disposed within the accessory compartment 126 to securely hold one or more accessories within the accessory compartment 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory attachment assembly 134 includes one or more bindings 136 that are adapted to be removably coupled 15 to an accessory 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the bindings 136 include hook or loop fasteners which are adapted to removably couple to hook or loop fasteners disposed on attachment panels 140 disposed on the accessory 138. Although the accessory 138 shown in the illustrated embodiment is a sleeping pad, it is noted that this is done for illustrated purposes, and any accessory of any type may be designed to be securely held in the 20 accessory compartment 126 by any fastening assembly hereto known or to be developed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, although a single accessory compartment 126 is illustrated and described, it is noted that multiple accessory compartments may be used, and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 25 Referring now to Figure 1, the carry bag 100 preferably includes a closure assembly 142 for releasably coupling the closure flap 106 to the top panel 112 to temporarily close the opening 108 and block access to the interior volume 104. More specifically, the opening, which extends the majority of the length of the carry bag, and preferably substantially the entire length of the carry bag 100, permits temporarily access to the interior volume 104 to 30 permit insertion and removal of one or more boards from the interior volume 104 when 191360NX CAP.doc -11 - opened. The opening 108 may also be closed to block access to the interior volume 104. The opening 108 is preferably closed by inserting the closure flap 106 underneath the top panel 112 such that the closure flap 106 and top panel 112 overlap one another a selected distance. The amount of overlap may be adjustable to permit the circumference of the 5 carry bag 100, and thus the volume of the interior space 104, to be selectively adjusted. The closure assembly 142 may be used to removably secure the closure flap 106 to the top panel 112. Preferably, the closure assembly 142 permits the closure flap 106 to be coupled to the top panel 112 in a plurality of positions such that the circumference of the carry bag 100 can be varied between a range of different circumferences. This enables the 10 contents to be held securely within the bag 100, providing a "custom fit", or a snug fit, irrespective of the width and thickness of the board being carried, or the quantity of boards being carried. In the illustrated embodiment, a hook and loop closure assembly 142 is used, which incorporates one or more fastening panels 144 having hooks or loops on them disposed on 15 the outer surface of the closure flap 106 which are adapted to removably couple to one or more fastening panels 146 having the other of hooks or loops, the fastening panels 146 disposed on the underside of the top panel 112. This type of closure has the advantage of being able to permit the circumference of the flexible carry bag 100 to be adjusted selectively and in small increments. Although not preferred, it is noted that the closure 20 flap 106 may be placed over the top panel 112 and the fastening panels 144 and 146 relocated accordingly. Alternately, the closure assembly 142 may be eliminated all together with the panels overlapped, but not secured to one another by a fastening assembly. Referring to Figure 6, the base panel 110, closure flap 106, and top panel 112 are each 25 preferably made from a flexible material. Preferably each includes an outer wear resistant fabric layer 148, an inner fabric layer 150, and a cushioning middle layer 152 interposed between the outer and inner layers. In one working embodiment, the outer layer 148 is formed from a 900 denier polyester fabric, waterproofed with a water repellent spray and/or aPVC coating. The inner layer 150 formed from nylon, and preferably exhibits reflective 30 qualities to reduce heat absorption, one suitable example of how to provide this reflective property is to coat the outer surface with a reflective silver coating. The cushioning middle 191360NZ CAP.doc - 12- layer 152 is preferably formed from shock absorbing foam having a thickness between about 3 and 20 mm, and most preferably is about 10 mm in thickness. Referring to Figure 1, the flexible carry bag 100 includes a strap assembly 154. The strap assembly 154 may include one or more straps 156 which are adjustable in length. Each of 5 the straps 156 preferably extends across the opening 108 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the flexible carry bag 100, and is attached on each side of the opening 108, i.e. to the top panel 112 on one side of the opening 108 and to the closure flap 106 on the other side. Preferably, the straps 156 encircle the entire flexible carry bag 100. The straps 156 may include a buckle 158 for permitting the straps 156 to be 10 selectively separated and reattached to facilitate the opening and closing of the opening 108. Further, the buckles 158 may permit the straps 156 to be adjusted in length such that the adjustment of the circumference of the flexible carry bag 100 can be adjusted and held, with the closure flap 106 sliding further under the top panel 112 to accommodate a decrease in the circumference. A shoulder or carry strap 160 may be coupled to the 15 straps 156 to facilitate the carrying of the bag 100. The flexible carry bag 100 may include a secondary opening assembly 162. The secondary opening assembly 162 permits a second way for the flexible carry bag 100 to be opened and the interior volume 104 accessed. Preferably, the secondary opening assembly 162 is located at one end of the flexible carry bag 100, and most preferably is located at the end of 20 the flexible carry bag 100 designed to hold the tail end of the board. The secondary opening assembly 162 permits the flexible carry bag 100 to be opened at one end and the board slid out substantially parallel to the length of the flexible carry bag 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary opening assembly 162 comprises a zipper 164 extending from one side of the flexible carry bag 100 to the other and across the end 25 panel 124. Although a zipper 164 is illustrated and described, it is noted that other opening assemblies are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, one example being hook and loop based opening assemblies. The flexible carry bag 100 may include one or more secondary compartments for storing items. For instance, the illustrated embodiment includes two secondary compartments 166 30 located on the top panel 112 for storing additional items. One of the secondary 191360NZ CAP.doc - 13- compartments 166 may have a clear panel for permitting name or other identification material to be clearly visible while present in the secondary compartment 166. In light of the above description of the components of the flexible carry bag 100, the use of the flexible carry bag 100 will now be described. Referring to Figure 1, first the flexible 5 carry bag 100 is opened by releasing buckles 158 and removing the closure flap 106 from the top panel 112, thereby placing the flexible carry bag 100 in the position shown in Figure 3. Turning to Figure 4, next the accessory compartment 126 can be opened by undoing zipper 132. Accessories are then placed in the accessory compartment 126 such as shown in Figure 8. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 4, the accessory 138 of a 10 foldable sleeping pad is shown being secured in the accessory compartment 126 by coupling the sleeping pad to the bindings 136. In addition, or alternatively, other items for example clothing, wetsuits etc can be carried in the accessory compartment (126). The accessory compartment 126 is then closed, thereby separating the contents of the accessory compartment 126 from the contents of the main compartment. 15 One or more boards 168 are then placed into the interior space 104. For instance, Figure 7 shows two boards (one with fins 170 and one without) being held in the interior space 104. Although only two boards are shown stowed within the interior space, it is noted the interior space may be designed to hold any number of boards, such as even six or more boards. The closure flap 106 is then inserted underneath the top panel 112 and inserted as 20 far under the top panel 112 as possible such that the one or more boards 168 are securely held as the circumference of the flexible carry bag 100 is decreased. The closure flap 106 is then secured in position by using the closure assembly 142. The buckles 158 are reattached and the straps 156 tightened to further secure the one or more boards 166, and accessories, in the flexible carry bag 100. Preferably the contents of the flexible carry 25 bag 100 are removed by reversing the above steps. Due to the flexible materials used in the construction of the flexible carry bag 100, the flexible carry bag 100 may be folded for compact storage after the contents are removed or spread out and used as a ground cover for sitting, standing, or lying on. Although the above describes items being loaded and unloaded through the main opening 108, it is noted that the secondary opening 30 assembly 162 provides a secondary means of accessing the contents, and thus they may be removed, or loaded, by this alternate method. 191360NZ CAP.doc - 14- VARIATIONS Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof. 5 DEFINITIONS Throughout this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. ADVANTAGES 10 Thus it can be seen that at least the preferred form of the invention provides a flexible carry bag which is adjustable to contain either one or many boards, and to hold the board or boards securely and in a compact manner. The bag is also adjustable to accommodate boards of various sizes securely. Further, the flexible carry bag is able to carry accessories, or other items, securely while keeping them dry and clean. When not in use, the flexible 15 carry bag can be rolled or folded up for compact storage, or spread out and used as ground cover. 19I360NZ CAP.doc </div>

Claims

<div class="application article clearfix printTableText" id="claims"> -15- Ctaims:

1. A flexible carry bag for carrying one or more sport boards within an interior space, the flexible carry bag comprising: (a) an elongate enclosure made of a flexible material, the enclosure having a 5 predetermined length and a circumference that is adjustable; (b) an opening extending along at least a majority of the length of the enclosure for permitting access to the interior space to permit insertion or removal of the one or more sport boards from the interior space; (c) a closure flap movable between an open position for permitting access to the 10 interior space through the opening and a closed position in which the closure flap blocks the opening to impede access to the interior space through the opening; and (d) a closure assembly for securing a closure panel to the elongate enclosure in an overlapped configuration when the closure flap is in the closed position, 15 wherein the closure assembly is adapted to adjustably secure the closure flap to the elongate enclosure such that an amount of overlap of the closure flap relative to the elongate enclosure can be selectively adjusted, thereby permitting the circumference of the elongate enclosure to be selectively adjusted. 20

2. The flexible carry bag of Claim 1, the closing assembly comprising hook and loop fasteners coupled to a first and second closure panel.

3. The flexible carry bag of any of Claims 1 to 2, further including a strap assembly having one or more straps adjustable in length to permit adjustment of a circumference of the interior space, each of the one or more straps extending 25 between the closure flap so as to pass over the elongate enclosure.

4. The flexible carry bag of any of Claims 1 to 3, further including an accessory compartment located within the interior space, the accessory compartment 191360NZ CAP.doc INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 2 5 JUN 2008 RECEIVED -16- defining a storage space for storing accessories within the interior space, and wherein the accessory compartment includes a selectively seal able opening having an open position for permitting accessories to be inserted or removed into the accessory compartment and a closed position for closing off the storage 5 space.

5. The flexible carry bag of Claim 4, wherein the accessory compartment has a length substantially equal to the predetermined length of a base panel.

6. The flexible carry bag of Claim 5, wherein the accessory compartment includes one or more bindings disposed in the accessory compartment, the one or more 10 bindings adapted to removably couple to an accessory when stored in the accessory compartment.

7. The flexible carry bag of Claim 6, wherein the one or more bindings comprise either loop fasteners or hook fasteners.

8. The flexible carry bag of any of Claims 1 to 7, further comprising a secondary 15 opening assembly for selectively closing and opening a second opening in the flexible carry bag for selectively permitting and blocking access to the interior space.

9. A flexible carry bag for carrying one or more sport boards within an interior space, the flexible carry bag comprising. 20 (a) an elongate enclosure made of a flexible material, the enclosure having a predetermined length and a circumference that is adjustable; (b) an opening extending along at least a majority of the length of the enclosure for permitting access to the interior space to permit insertion or removal of the one or more sport boards from the interior space; 25 (c) a closure flap movable between an open position for permitting access to the interior space through the opening and a closed position in which the closure 191360NZ CAP.doc INTFL15CTUAI PP 0 " z*"' OFRCE OF .M.Z. 2 5 JUN 2008 RECEIVED -17- 10 • 10. 15 11. 12. 20 25 13. flap blocks the opening to impede access to the interior space through the opening and (d) a closure assembly with hook and loop fastening for securing the closure flap to the elongate enclosure in an overlapped configuration, whereby the hook mid loop become fastened when the closure flap is in the closed position, and wherein the closure assembly is adapted to adjustably secure the closure flap to the elongate enclosure such that an amount of overlap of the closure flap relative to the elongate enclosure can be selectively adjusted, thereby permitting the circumference of the elongate enclosure to be selectively adjusted. The flexible carry bag of Claim 9, further including a secondary opening disposed at and extending across one end of the flexible carry bag, the secondary opening transitionabie between a closed position blocking access to the interior space and an open position permitting a secondary access path to the interior space. The flexible carry bag of any of Claims 9 or 10, further including a strap assembly having one or more straps adjustable in length, each of the one or more straps extending across the opening. The flexible carry bag of any of Claims 9 to 11, further including an accessory compartment located within the interior space, the accessory compartment defining a storage space for storing accessories within the interior space, and wherein the accessory compartment includes a selectively seal able opening having an open position for permitting accessories to be inserted or removed into the accessory compartment and a closed position for substantially closing off the storage space. The flexible carry bag of Claim 12, wherein the accessory compartment extends substantially the entire length and width of the elongate enclosure. The flexible carry bag of Claim 12, wherein the accessory compartment includes one or more bindings disposed in the accessory compartment, the one 191360NZ_CAP.doc INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY] OFFICE OF M.Z j 2 5 JUN 2008 -18- or more bindings adapted to removably couple to an accessoiy when stored in the accessory compartment. END OF CLAIMS S6QNZ CAP.doc i>n ' I V OFRCE OF 2 5 JUN 2008 RECEIVE </div>