FR3131265A3 - Board cover - Google Patents

Abstract

Protective cover for a board Cover (1) for a board comprising a vacuum immobilizing mattress (M) comprising an airtight envelope (3) and delimiting an internal volume filled with balls and a valve allowing the suction of air contained in the envelope (3), the cover (1) being capable of being in a closed state in which the internal volume surrounds a reception volume capable of totally accommodating the board, the mattress (M) comprising first fixing means (FI1) arranged on a first lateral edge (B1) of the mattress (M) and second fastening means (FI2) arranged on a second lateral edge (B2) of the mattress (M), the mattress (M) comprising at least one barrier (JS1, JS2, JI1, JI2, JL, JIC) delimiting compartments within the internal volume (VI), arranged and configured to prevent the passage of beads from one compartment to another through the barrier allowing fluid communication between the compartments. Figure for abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Protective cover for a board Field of the invention

The field of the present invention is that of protective covers for boards, for example surfboards.

State of the art

Some boards, particularly surfboards, are made from fragile materials which are particularly sensitive to shocks.

It is therefore necessary to provide protective covers to ensure their protection in the event of an impact.

From patent application FR2926784 A1, we know a protective cover comprising a pocket intended to face the lower and upper faces of the surfboard or a first pocket intended to come facing the lower face of the surfboard and a second pocket intended to face the upper face of the surfboard. Each pocket is filled with a compact shock absorption material, for example polystyrene balls, and is provided with a valve through which the air trapped in the pocket can be sucked out so as to make the cover rigid .

Such covers provide better protection than a cover with inflatable pockets, particularly in the event of significant impacts.

However, the solutions proposed in patent application FR2926784 A1 have drawbacks. The one-pocket solution does not ensure uniform distribution of the beads around the surfboard and the two-pocket solution requires two valves and two air suction operations to stiffen the cover.

From patent application US 20120118766 A1, we also know a surfboard cover comprising a vacuum immobilizing mattress and means intended to surround the mattress to maintain it in a position in which it completely covers the surfboard. However, this cover is particularly bulky and takes a long time to put in place.

An aim of the present invention is to limit at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a protective cover for a board capable of completely housing the board, the cover comprising a vacuum immobilizing mattress comprising an airtight envelope and delimiting an internal volume filled with balls and a valve allowing the suction of air contained in the internal volume delimited by the envelope, the cover being capable of being in a closed state in which the internal volume surrounds a receiving volume capable of completely housing the board, the mattress comprising first means of fixing arranged on a first side edge of the mattress and second fixing means arranged on a second side edge of the mattress and intended to cooperate with the first fixing means to maintain the cover in the closed state, the mattress comprising a set of at least one barrier delimiting compartments within the internal volume, the set of at least one being arranged and configured so as to prevent the passage of balls from one compartment to another through the barrier while ensuring a fluid communication between compartments.

The protective cover according to the invention makes it possible to protect boards, for example surfboards, against significant shocks, in particular those encountered during transport by plane.

It protects the entire board enclosed in the cover. Its installation is relatively easy and quick and it is not bulky.

This solution is also lightweight, it adapts perfectly to the shape of the board and avoids the use of additional single-use protective covers such as, for example, bubble wrap, plastic foam, or cardboard.

According to one embodiment, the assembly of at least one barrier comprises a first barrier preventing the passage of balls and air through the first barrier.

An advantage of this solution is its simplicity of making the envelope.

For example, the envelope comprises an internal membrane and an external membrane delimiting the internal volume, the internal membrane being intended to be facing the board and the external membrane being intended to be facing the surrounding environment, when the board is housed in the cover and the cover is in the closed state and in which the first barrier is a seal maintaining the internal membrane and the external membrane pressing against each other.

An advantage is the simplicity of making the joint after manufacturing the envelope, for example, by welding.

In one embodiment, the assembly of at least one barrier comprises at least one perforated barrier configured to prevent balls from passing through the perforated barrier while allowing air to pass through the perforated barrier.

This achievement makes it possible to promote uniformity in the distribution of the balls.

In one embodiment, the assembly of at least one barrier comprises an intermediate barrier separating a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being intended to cover a first face of the board and the second chamber being intended to cover a second face of the board substantially identical to the first face and facing the first face, when the board is housed in the cover and the cover is in the closed state.

An advantage is to promote homogeneity of the distribution of the balls opposite the two faces of the board and therefore the homogeneity of the protection of the board.

Advantageously, the first chamber is intended to completely cover the first face and the second chamber is intended to completely cover the second face of the board.

Advantageously, the set of at least one barrier comprises a set of at least one internal barrier configured and arranged so as to delimit several individual compartments inside at least one chamber taken from the first chamber and the second chamber bedroom.

An advantage is to promote the homogeneity of the distribution of the balls opposite the face concerned and therefore the homogeneity of the protection of the face.

Advantageously, the assembly of at least one barrier comprises at least one side barrier delimiting a side chamber and separating the side chamber from the first chamber and the second chamber, the side chamber being intended to completely cover a side face connecting and surrounding substantially identical faces of the board, when the board is housed in the cover and the cover is in the closed state.

An advantage is to ensure protection of the side face, the most prone to shock, by balls.

In one embodiment, the cover comprises a plating system comprising at least a first flange and first fixing means making it possible to hold the first flange pressed against the second face to keep the first face pressed against the envelope.

An advantage is to improve the protection of the board.

In one embodiment, the cover comprises an adjustment system making it possible to adjust the size of the cover to that of the board, the adjustment system being arranged outside the receiving volume, the adjustment system comprising at least a second flange and second fixing means making it possible to fix the second flange to the envelope so that it surrounds the cover.

An advantage is to improve the protection of the board.

In one embodiment, the envelope comprises a protective membrane covering the external membrane so that the external membrane is disposed between the protective membrane and the internal membrane.

An advantage is to protect the external membrane and increase the lifespan of the cover

Brief description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:

: a very schematic sectional view of a cover according to the invention enclosing a surfboard, in which the cover is in the closed state;

: a schematic view, from the front in the open state, of an example of a cover according to the invention;

: a schematic perspective view of the cover in the closed state.

Description of the invention

The present invention relates to a protective cover 1 for a board 2.

By board 2 is meant an object having generally the shape of a board, that is to say an object having a first face F1 and a second face F2, elongated along an axis, for example generally rectangular or oblong, substantially identical and located opposite each other connected by a side face FL having a thickness e smaller than the length L and the width of the first and second faces F1, F2. Cover 1 may be able to accommodate several stacked boards.

The board 2 is, for example, a board intended for a board sport, for example for sliding on water or on snow, for example, a surfboard, a wakeboard, a bodyboard, a kitefoil, a board windsurfing, a paddle board or SUP in reference to the Anglo-Saxon expression “stand-up paddle” or the like.

Board 2 does not have a fin. Alternatively, the board includes means for mounting a fin on the board 2 in a removable manner in order to allow the fin to be dismantled before accommodating the board 2 in the cover 1.

The board, within the meaning of this patent application, may also be, in a non-limiting manner, a board, a canoe, a portable keyboard instrument having generally the shape of a board, a guitar, a laptop, a touchscreen tablet or a screen.

Cover 1 includes a vacuum immobilizer mattress also called MID (acronym for “vacuum immobilizer mattress”) or shell mattress.

The vacuum immobilizing mattress M comprises an airtight and flexible envelope 3 delimiting an internal volume VI filled with balls B so that the envelope 3 is able to conform to and completely enclose the board 2 or a set of stacked boards 2 when the internal volume VI is filled with balls B and air so that when the internal volume VI is emptied of air, the atmospheric pressure of the environment surrounding the mattress presses the balls B against each other and the mattress becomes rigid and immobilizes board 2.

The vacuum immobilizer mattress M comprises a valve 4 through which it is possible to suck the air contained in the internal volume VI delimited by the envelope 3. The valve 4 is able to be in a closed state in which it closes the envelope 3 hermetically and in an open state allowing the suction of the air contained in the internal volume VI through the valve 4, for example, by means of a pump.

The balls B are elastically deformable.

The beads B can be spherical or have any other shape, for example cubic or irregular, like aggregates.

The balls B are, for example, made of polystyrene, for example expanded polystyrene, for example graphitized expanded polystyrene, or plastic.

The cover 1 is capable of being in a closed state in which the internal volume VI delimited by the envelope 3 completely surrounds a receiving volume VR capable of receiving the board 2, as visible in .

More precisely, the internal volume VI comprises a first part C1 and a second part C2 intended to cover, preferably completely, respectively the first face F1 and the second face F2 of the board 2.

The cover 1 is advantageously capable of being in an open state, shown in , in which the internal volume VI is substantially planar, that is to say the cover 1 is substantially planar.

We place, for example, the board 2 on the first part C1 so that the first face F1 rests on the first part C1 and we fold the envelope 3 onto the board 2 so that the second part C2 completely covers the second side F2. The cover 1 is then in the closed state represented in .

As visible in , the mattress M comprises first fixing means FI1 arranged on a first lateral edge B1 of the mattress M and second fixing means FI2 arranged on a second lateral edge B2 of the mattress M and intended to cooperate with the first fixing means FI1 to hold the side edges B1 and B2 against each other so as to maintain the cover 1 in the closed state shown on the .

The arrangement of the fixing means FI1, FI2 on the edges B1, B2, makes it possible to obtain a cover 2 of relatively limited size and to close the cover easily and quickly.

The fixing means FI1, FI2 include, for example, a zipper and/or hooking means, for example buttons.

According to the invention, and as visible in , the mattress M comprises a set of at least one barrier JS1, JS2, JI1, JI2 delimiting compartments within the internal volume VI, the set of at least one barrier JS1, JS2, JI1, JI2 being arranged and configured so as to obstruct the passage of balls B from one compartment to another, via the barrier JS1, JS2, JI1, JI2, while ensuring fluid communication between the compartments.

The set of at least one barrier ensuring fluid communication between the compartments formed within the volume V1 allows fluid communication between each of the compartments formed within the volume V1 and the valve 4.

This solution makes it possible to constrain the positioning of the balls B in the different compartments, which makes it possible to promote the uniformity of the distribution of the balls B within the internal volume VI delimited by the envelope 3 and thus the uniformity of the protection of the board 2. This solution makes it possible to limit the duration of installation of the cover 1, by limiting the efforts to be made to standardize the positioning of the balls B before extracting the air from the internal volume VI delimited by the envelope 2 via the valve 4. Furthermore, the fact that the compartments communicate fluidly with each other makes it possible to install a single valve 4 and to extract the air from the internal volume VI delimited by the envelope 3 in a single operation.

We will describe cover 1 in more detail. It should be noted that the is a very schematic view on which certain elements, for example the fixing means, and the barriers are not represented.

The envelope 3 comprises an internal membrane MI and an external membrane ME delimiting the internal volume VI.

The internal membrane MI is intended to be facing the board 2 and the external membrane ME is intended to be facing the surrounding environment, when the board 2 is housed in the receiving volume VR and the cover 1 is in the state closed, as shown in .

The internal and external MI, ME membranes are flexible and airtight, and preferably watertight. They are, for example, made of rubber, of waterproof fiber fabric, for example a polyester or polyamide fiber, for example of nylon, coated with a waterproof material, preferably, but not necessarily thermoplastic, for example of polychloride of Vinyl or PVC, an acronym for the Anglo-Saxon expression PolyVinyl Chloride in polyurethane or PU.

In a particular embodiment, the assembly of at least one barrier comprises at least one barrier preventing the passage of the balls B and the air from passing from one compartment to another through the barrier.

For example, in the non-limiting realization of the , the assembly of at least one barrier comprises several joints JS1, JS2, JI1, JI2, JL, JIC.

Each of the seals JS1, JS2, JI1, JI2, JL, JIC maintains the internal membrane MI and the external membrane ME pressing against each other so as to prevent the balls B and the air from passing from one compartment to the other through the joint.

The joints JS1, JS2, JI1, JI2, JL, JIC are, for example, made by welding, for example by high frequency or ultrasonic welding, and/or by bonding, for example heat-sealing.

Alternatively, at least one barrier is made of hermetic material. It is possible, for example, to fix a barrier made of hermetic material to the internal membrane MI and to the external membrane ME to delimit relatively fixed compartments in relation to the envelope 3.

Alternatively, the assembly of at least one barrier comprises at least one perforated barrier configured so as to prevent the balls B from passing through the perforated barrier while allowing air to pass through the perforated barrier.

We can, for example, make perforated barriers in the form of fabrics, or nets arranged within the internal volume VI.

Openwork barriers can be provided in the form of individual closed envelopes, enclosing balls within the individual envelope.

The individual envelopes can be arranged inside the internal volume VI without being fixed to the internal membrane MI nor to the external membrane ME, the compartments are then movable in the envelope or, preferably, fix the individual envelopes to the membrane internal MI and/or to the external membrane ME in order to promote homogeneity and control of the distribution of the beads B in the internal volume VI.

One or more of the joints JS1, JS2, JI1, JI2, JL, JIC of the or all these joints, could be replaced by an airtight barrier or an openwork barrier.

In the example of the , the envelope 3 comprises intermediate barriers JS1 and JS2 delimiting two compartments which are the parts C1 and C2 which we call in the rest of the text the first chamber C1 intended to cover the first face F1 of the board 2 and the second chamber C2 intended to cover the second face F2, when the board 2 is housed in the cover 1 and the cover is closed, as shown in .

Advantageously, the first chambers C1 and C2 are intended to completely cover the respective faces F1 and F2 when the board 2 is housed in the cover 1 and the cover is closed, as shown in .

The internal volume VI comprises at least one channel, for example two channels CA1, CA2 allowing the passage of balls B and air from one of the chambers C1, C2 to the other and vice versa.

Chambers C1, C2 extend longitudinally along parallel axes x1, x2.

In the non-limiting embodiment of the figures, the mattress M comprises two separation joints JS1, JS2 elongated along axes parallel to the axis x1 and spaced along a transverse axis perpendicular to x1 in the open state.

In the particular example of the , the mattress M comprises internal barriers, for example, internal joints JI1, JI2, configured and arranged so as to delimit, inside each of the two chambers C1, C2, several compartments communicating fluidly with each other.

The internal joints JI1, JI2 make it possible to constrain the positioning of the balls in the compartments delimited within the chamber C1 or C2 considered.

In the non-limiting realization of the , the internal joints JI1 and JI2 are elongated along the axes x1 and x2 of the respective chambers C1 and C2 and spaced along a transverse axis perpendicular to the axes C1 and C2 so as to delimit three compartments within each chamber C1, C2.

Advantageously, the internal joints are configured and arranged so as to prevent the movement of the balls B from one compartment to another compartment in several directions. This helps to promote the confinement of the balls in the compartment.

For this purpose, the mattress M in the example of the comprises continuous internal JI1, JI2 curved joints obstructing the movement of the balls from one compartment to another compartment, in several directions.

In the example of the , the separation joints JI1 and JI2, extend generally in a zigzag and are configured and arranged relative to each other so as to divide the compartment delimited by the two joints JI1 and JI2 of each chamber C1, C2 into elementary compartments generally diamond-shaped.

In the example of the , the mattress includes central JIC joints arranged in the center of the respective diamonds making it possible to limit the passage of the balls from one elementary compartment to another.

Alternatively, the limitation of the movements of the balls B from one compartment to another in several directions is achieved by providing joints elongated in different respective directions.

Thus, as a variant and/or in addition, the mattress M comprises at least one joint elongated along an axis perpendicular to the axes x1 and x2 so as to delimit, in at least one of the chambers C1, C2, adjacent compartments along the axis x1 or x2.

As a variant and/or in addition, the mattress M includes joints elongated along axes inclined relative to the longitudinal axis x1 or x2 at an angle different from 90°.

It is possible, for example, to provide a chamber comprising joints arranged like a fish skeleton or ears of wheat comprising a central joint elongated in the longitudinal direction of a chamber and a first set of lateral joints arranged on one side of the central joint and a second set of side seals disposed on the other side of the central seal relative to the seals of the first set.

The joints of the first set of side joints are advantageously elongated joints along parallel axes inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the central joint, preferably, but not necessarily, different from 90°. These joints are, for example, rectilinear. Alternatively, these joints are curved.

Advantageously, the mattress M comprises at least one side barrier JS1, JS2, JL, for example a side seal JL, delimiting a side chamber CL filled with balls and intended to completely surround and cover the side face FL of the board 1 when the board 2 is completely enclosed in cover 1 and the mattress is in the closed state.

In the non-limiting example of the , the side chamber CL completely surrounds the first chamber C1. The envelope 3 comprises a side seal JL and the separation seal JS1 configured and arranged to separate the first chamber C1 from the side chamber CL and allow fluid communication between the first chamber C1 and the side chamber CL via the channels CA1, CA2 . The lateral seal JL extends continuously from the first channel CA1 to the second channel CA2.

In the non-limiting example of the , the two separation joints JS1, JS2 are arranged so as to delimit the side chamber CL and to separate the side chamber CL from the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2.

Advantageously, the cover 1 comprises an internal plating system comprising at least one flange L and first fixing means making it possible to maintain the first flange L pressed against the second face F2 to maintain the first face F1 pressed against the envelope 3, by example against one of the rooms C1 or C2.

In the non-limiting example of the , the internal plating system comprises three flanges L represented in dotted lines, distributed along the axis x1, and fixing means F1, F2 making it possible to fix the flanges L to the envelope 3 and to the board 1 so as to maintain board 2 against room C1.

The fixing means comprise, for example, two loops F1 arranged on either side of the axis x1 and each comprising an anchor fixed to the envelope 3 and a body connected to the anchor and comprising a slot in which the flange L is intended to pass and an adjustable fixing device F2, for example a hook-and-loop fastener or a snap-fit fixing device making it possible to fix two parts of the flange L to each other.

The adjustable fixing device makes it possible to adjust the length of the part of the flange L extending between the two loops F1.

Advantageously, the cover 1 includes, as visible on the , an external SA adjustment system shown in dotted lines making it possible to adjust the size of the cover 1 to that of the board 2 and possibly making it possible to ensure attachment to a roof or a roof bar of a motorized vehicle or not with two or four wheels.

This adjustment system SA is arranged so as to be outside the reception volume VR. This adjustment system SA comprises, for example, at least one flange and fixing means, not shown, as described previously.

Advantageously, the cover 1 includes at least one carrying strap B allowing an individual to carry the cover 1 when the board 2 is housed in the cover 1.

Advantageously, the cover 1 includes one or more handles, making it easier to carry the cover manually.

In the non-limiting example of the , the cover 1 comprises three handles, two of which are arranged at the respective longitudinal ends of the cover 1 in the closed state and one occupying a central position along the longitudinal axis of the cover 1 in the closed state.

Advantageously, at least one handle P and/or at least one carrying strap B is fixed opposite the side chamber CL.

Advantageously, the cover 1 comprises at least one pocket PO, attached to the envelope 3, intended to receive accessories such as, for example, a fin of the board or papers.

The cover 1 advantageously comprises at least one pocket placed outside the receiving volume VR and/or at least one pocket placed inside the receiving volume VR of the board.

Advantageously, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the envelope 3 comprises at least one protective membrane MP covering the external membrane ME so that the external membrane M is arranged between the protective membrane MP and the internal membrane ME. This helps protect the ME outer membrane from abrasion, tears, cuts and puncture of the ME outer membrane.

The protective membrane MP advantageously covers part of the external membrane ME delimiting the side chamber CL. In fact, the CL side chamber is the part of the cover most exposed to shocks.

In the realization of the , the first fixing means FI1 are fixed on the edge B1 of the protective membrane MP. This allows total coverage of the board by the internal volume VI and therefore optimal protection of the board 2.

This protective membrane MP is, for example, sewn to the external membrane ME, for example at the JL joint.

The envelope 3 may include other protective membranes each covering a part of the external membrane ME delimiting one of the chambers C1 or C2.

The MP protective membrane is, for example, made of fabrics, for example synthetic fibers or recycled materials. The membrane is for example made of fabrics of the registered trademark Cordura or the registered trademark Kevlar.

Claims (10)

Protective cover (1) for a board (2) capable of completely housing the board, the cover (1) comprising a vacuum immobilizing mattress (M) comprising an airtight envelope (3) and delimiting an internal volume (VI) filled of balls and a valve (4) allowing the suction of air contained in the internal volume (VI), the cover (1) being able to be in a closed state in which the internal volume (VI) surrounds a receiving volume (VR) capable of completely housing the board, the mattress (M) comprising first fixing means (FI1) arranged on a first lateral edge (B1) of the mattress (M) and second fixing means (FI2) arranged on a second lateral edge (B2) of the mattress (M) and intended to cooperate with the first fixing means (FI1) to maintain the cover (1) in the closed state, the mattress (M) comprising a set of at least one barrier (JS1, JS2, JI1, JI2, JL, JIC) delimiting compartments within the internal volume (VI), the set of at least one barrier (JS1, JS2, JI1, JI2, JL, JIC) being arranged and configured so as to prevent the passage of balls from one compartment to another through the barrier while ensuring fluid communication between the compartments. Protective cover (1) according to claim 1, in which the assembly of at least one barrier comprises a first barrier preventing the passage of balls and air through the first barrier. Protective cover (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the envelope (3) comprises an internal membrane (MI) and an external membrane (ME) delimiting the internal volume (VI), the internal membrane (MI) being intended to be facing the board (2) and the external membrane (ME) being intended to be facing the surrounding environment, when the board (2) is housed in the cover (1) and the cover (1) is outside closed state and in which the first barrier is a seal maintaining the internal membrane (MI) and the external membrane (ME) pressing against each other. Protective cover (1) according to claim 1, in which the assembly of at least one barrier comprises at least one perforated barrier configured so as to prevent the balls (B) from passing through the perforated barrier while allowing air to cross the perforated barrier. Protective cover (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the assembly of at least one barrier comprises an intermediate barrier (JS1, JS2) separating a first chamber (C1) and a second chamber (C2), the first chamber (C1) being intended to cover a first face (F1) of the board (2) and the second chamber (C2) being intended to cover a second face (F2) of the board (2) substantially identical to the first face ( F1) and facing the first face (F1), when the board (2) is housed in the cover (1) and the cover (1) is in the closed state. Protective cover (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the set of at least one barrier comprises a set of at least one internal barrier (JI1, JI2) configured and arranged so as to delimit several individual compartments at the interior of at least one room taken from the first room (C1) and the second room (C2). Protective cover (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, in which the assembly of at least one barrier comprises at least one side barrier delimiting a side chamber (CL) and separating the side chamber from the first chamber (C1) and the second chamber (C2), the side chamber being intended to completely cover a side face (FL) connecting and surrounding substantially identical faces (F1, F2) of the board, when the board (2) is housed in the cover (1) and the cover (1) is in the closed state. Protective cover (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plating system comprising at least a first flange (L) and first fixing means making it possible to maintain the first flange (L) pressed against the second face ( F2) to keep the first face (F1) pressed against the envelope (3). Protective cover (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an adjustment system (SA) making it possible to adjust the size of the cover (1) to that of the board (2), the adjustment system (DA) being arranged outside the receiving volume (VR), the adjustment system (SA) comprising at least a second flange (L) and second fixing means making it possible to fix the second flange to the envelope (3) so that it surrounds the cover (1). Protective cover (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the envelope (3) comprises an internal membrane (MI) and an external membrane (ME) delimiting the internal volume (VI), the internal membrane (MI ) being intended to be facing the board (2) and the external membrane (ME) being intended to be facing the surrounding environment when the board (2) is housed in the cover (1) and the cover (1) is in the closed state and in which the envelope (3) comprises a protective membrane (MP) covering the external membrane (ME) so that the external membrane (ME) is arranged between the protective membrane (MP) and the inner membrane (IM).