BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates generally to a board attachment mounting assembly that enables the attaching of various attachments to boards. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a board attachment mounting assembly that may allow for one or multiple attachments to attach to a board used in professional or recreational sports. Also, the present disclosure relates to a board attachment mounting assembly that can be configured and dimensioned to affix to or remain locked into a track of a board. Further, the present disclosure is related to a board attachment mounting assembly which can be configured and dimensioned to affix to or remain locked in a track of a board regardless as to if an attachment has been removed from the assembly or not in use. Additionally, the present disclosure is related to a board attachment mounting assembly which can be configured and dimensioned to allow for selective positioning of the assembly when affixed to a board so as to enable ease of attaching attachments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
At present day, the use of boards in professional and recreational sports has increased. More individuals are engaging in various sports such as surfing, kite boarding, wake boarding, skateboarding, among others, which has contributed to the growth and evolution of these sports. As a result, attaching various devices (or “attachments”) to boards has become common practice. Additionally, using one board and swapping different attachments, each different attachment for specified purposes, has become common practice. But, the mechanisms used to attach such devices pose significant problems.
For example, many current “attachment mechanisms” or systems for attachments are not reliable and can lead to a lack of stability during use. Specifically, some attachments either fall out of place or wiggle around on/within a board because of current attachment mechanisms’ designs. Such designs lead to an unstable, non-optimal, unenjoyable, and potentially dangerous experience for riders. Additionally, some attachment mechanisms are not sturdy enough to withstand the forces and pressures of the attachment when the attachment is being used, which leads to attachments coming loose or wobbling excessively when attached to attachment mechanisms.
Moreover, many sports involving boards may use attachments which are tall, long, or large, altering the transportability of the board when an attachment is in place. In effect, when a board has an attachment affixed thereto, it may be too large to transport by conventional means (such as in a trunk of a car). As a result, the users of boards may have to disassemble or reassemble boards with attachments each time the board and attachment(s) are transported.
At current day, disassembling and reassembling boards can take unnecessarily long periods of time because of attachment mechanisms’ designs. Designs generally comprise a multitude of pieces which have to be assembled or fixed to one another, which only adds to the process of mounting/affixing an attachment to a board. Moreover, no attachment mechanisms remain locked in place on a board such that a user may transport a board and attachment mechanism as a single unit. Indeed, attachment mechanisms, when not in use with an attachment, are removable from a board and do not remain in place on a board. As such, no products allow for attachments to be quickly mounted/affixed to an attachment mechanism without the intervening step(s) of assembling the attachment mechanism and/or mounting/affixing an attachment mechanism to a board.
Additionally, following use of a board with an attachment, because a board with an attachment may have to be disassembled, users may commonly lose parts associated with attachment mechanisms because of the many pieces associated therewith and the environments typically suited for board sports (which are generally conducive towards losing small parts or pieces associated with attachment mechanisms).
Further, at current day, attachment mechanisms do not comprise means to adjust the attachment mechanism when affixed/mounted to a board so as to make installation/attaching an attachment easier.
As such, there is a need for a board attachment mounting assembly that can remain mounted/affixed to a board such that attachments can be quickly mounted/affixed thereto, and when attachments are mounted/affixed thereto, the board and attachment(s) can be used in a safe, non-dangerous fashion. Additionally, there is a need for a board attachment mounting assembly that can be adjustable such that when affixed/mounted to a board, the attachment mounting assembly can allow for installing or attaching an attachment to be made simpler.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure provides for a new board attachment mounting assembly.
A board attachment mounting assembly may comprise at least two ends. A first end may be operatively formed by at least one t-nut where a second end may be operatively formed by at least one extended t-nut. The at least one t-nut may comprise at least one through-hole, which may be threaded to receive at least one threaded screw bolt. The at least one threaded screw bolt may be of a configuration and dimension so as to pass through at least one board attachment and screw into the at least one through-hole. However, the at least one threaded screw bolt need not pass through at least one board attachment to screw into the at least one through hole. Also, the at least one through hole may pass through a vertical plane of the at least one t-nut. Further, the at least one t-nut may comprise at least one receiver which may pass through a horizontal plane of the t-nut and be configured and dimensioned to receive, by insertion, at least one flexible rod of the board attachment mounting assembly.
As the board attachment mounting assembly may comprise at least one extended t-nut, the at least one extended t-nut may comprise at least one through-opening, at least one angled through-opening, and at least one receptacle. As the at least one extended t-nut may comprise at least one through-opening, the at least one through-opening may be threaded to receive at least one threaded screw bolt. The at least one threaded screw bolt may be of a configuration and dimension so as to pass through at least one board attachment and screw into the at least one through-opening. However, the at least one threaded screw bolt need not pass through at least one board attachment to screw into the at least one through-opening. Also, the at least one through-opening may pass through a vertical plane of the at least one extended t-nut. Further, the at least one extended t-nut may comprise at least one angled through-opening, which may be threaded. The at least one angled through-opening may receive a threaded grub screw bolt which may screw into the at least one angled through-opening and may traverse at least the depth of the at least one angled through-opening. Additionally, as the at least one extended t-nut may comprise at least one receptacle, the at least one receptacle may pass through a horizontal plane of the at least one extended t-nut and be configured and dimensioned to have at least one flexible rod of the board attachment mounting assembly inserted into the at least one receptacle.
Further, the at least one t-nut and the at least one extended t-nut may each comprise at least one flange which each may be configured and dimensioned to slide into a groove of a track of a board.
Continuing, a board attachment mounting assembly may also comprise a first extended t-nut operatively forming a first end and a second extended t-nut operatively forming a second end. Both extended t-nuts may comprise at least one through-openings, at least one angled through-openings, and at least one receptacles. As both extended t-nuts may comprise at least one receptacle, the board attachment mounting assembly may comprise a flexible rod configured and dimensioned to be inserted into each extended t-nut’s at least one receptacle.
Continuing, each extended t-nut may consist essentially of stainless steel whereas the flexible rod may consist essentially of a thermoplastic, such as polycaprolactam and/or polyamide (PA). Additionally, the flexible rod may comprise at least two anti-twist structures, where at least one anti-twist structure is located at an end section of the flexible rod and at least one other anti-twist structure is located at another end section of the flexible rod. As the flexible rod may be configured and dimensioned to be inserted into each extended t-nut’s at least one receptacles, each at least one receptacle may also have at least one anti-twist receiving structure within each at least one receptacle.
Moreover, and with respect to the extended t-nuts, both may comprise threading within each’s respective at least one through openings structured to receive at least one threaded screw bolt. That said, the board attachment mounting assembly may comprise at least two threaded screw bolts, each configured and dimensioned to pass through at least one board attachment and screw into a through-opening (of both or either extended t-nuts), thereby affixing the at least one board attachment to the board attachment mounting assembly. However, the threaded screw bolts need not pass through at least one board attachment so as to screw into a through-opening (of both or either extended t-nuts).
Further with respect to both extended t-nuts, both may comprise at least one flange formed on each extended t-nut wherein each flange may be configured and dimensioned to slide into a least one groove of a track of a board. Moreover, as each extended t-nut may comprise at least one angled through opening, each at least one angled through-opening may be threaded so as to receive at least one threaded grub screw bolt. Thus, the board attachment mounting assembly may comprise at least two threaded grub screw bolts structured to screw into and traverse at least the depth of the at least one angled through-opening of the first extended t-nut and at least the depth of the at least one angled through-opening of the second extended t-nut. As threaded grub screw bolts may traverse at least the depth of the at least one angled through-openings of the extended t-nuts, the threaded grub screw bolts may traverse more of the depth of the at least one angled through openings of the extended t-nuts, thereby making contact with a track floor and exerting a force on a track floor.
As such, the at least two threaded grub screw bolts may be configured and dimensioned to cause said at least one flange formed on the first extended t-nut and at least one flange formed on the second extended t-nut to exert a force on at least one surface of at least one groove of a track of a board via the at least two threaded grub screw bolts exerting a force on a track floor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the present disclosure, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a board attachment mounting assembly’s t-nut.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a board attachment mounting assembly’s t-nut.
FIG. 3 is a top or bird’s eye view of a board attachment mounting assembly’s t-nut.
FIG. 4 is an alternative side view of a board attachment mounting assembly’s t-nut.
FIG. 5 is a side view of a board attachment mounting assembly’s extended t-nut.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a board attachment mounting assembly’s extended t-nut.
FIG. 7 is a top or bird’s eye view of a board attachment mounting assembly’s extended t-nut.
FIG. 8 is an alternative side view of a board attachment mounting assembly’s extended t-nut.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a board attachment mounting assembly’s components.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of board attachment mounting assembly.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a board attachment mounting assembly with a vertical plane illustrated for reference thereon.
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a board attachment mounting assembly’s components with a horizontal plane illustrated for reference thereon.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a board attachment mounting assembly.
FIG. 14 is a side, cut away view of a board attachment mounting assembly as installed on/within the track of a board.
FIG. 15 is a top or bird’s eye view of multiple board attachment mounting assemblies as installed on/within the tracks of a board.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a board attachment mounting assembly as installed on/within the track of a board with a board attachment mounted thereto.
FIG. 17 side, cut away view of a board attachment mounting assembly as installed on/within the track of a board and an attachment mounted thereto.
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning now descriptively to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 t-nut 100 from a side view.
In FIG. 1, a t-nut 100 can be seen. The t-nut 100 may be made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel. Should the t-nut 100 be made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, the t-nut 100 may be formed from a metal injection molding process. Alternatively, the t-nut 100 may be made out of an anti-corrosive composition such that if the t-nut 100 is exposed to corrosive elements (such as salt water) for long periods of time, the t-nut 100 will not corrode. Moreover, regardless of the t-nut’s 100 composition, the t-nut 100 may be treated with an anti-corrosive material, such as an anti-corrosive spray.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 2, FIG. 2, illustrates a board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 t-nut 100 from a perspective view.
In FIG. 2, a t-nut 100 can be seen. Additionally, elements such as the t-nut’s 100 at least one through-hole 102, the at least one through-hole’s threading 102′, at least one receiver 104, at least one anti-twist receiving structure 105, at least one flange 106, and at least one cavity 110 can also be seen.
With continued reference to FIG. 2, the t-nut 100 may have at least one through-hole 102. The at least one through-hole 102 may allow for fluids, solids, or gasses to pass through the at least one though-hole 102, thereby allowing for fluids, solids, or gasses to pass through the t-nut 100. However, the at least one through-hole 102 may be an opening with no exit such that the at least one through-hole 102 may allow fluids, solids, or gasses to pass through its opening, but not exit on another side of the t-nut 100. The at least one through-hole 102 need not be circular or accept cylindrical objects, as the present disclosure allows at least one through-hole 102 to embody many shapes and sizes and accept many shapes and sizes.
For a greater understanding of the orientation(s) of the at least one through-hole 102, with brief reference to FIG. 11, it can be seen that the at least one through-hole 102 passes through a vertical plane V of the t-nut 100.
With reference to FIG. 2, the at least one through-hole 102 may be threaded such that the at least one through-hole 102 has threads 102′ formed thereon. Thus, the at least one through-hole 102 may allow for threaded fasteners, such as screws or bolts (or a threaded screw bolt 112, as will be subsequently described) to screw into the at least one through-hole 102 via the at least one through-hole’s 102 threads 102′. Moreover, as the at least one through-hole 102 may allow, but need not allow, for solids to pass through the t-nut 100, the at least one through-hole 102 may allow for a threaded fastener to traverse the entire depth of the at least one through-hole 102, entering at one side of the t-nut 100 and exiting at another side of the t-nut 100. Alternatively, the at least one through-hole 102 may allow for a threaded fastener to screw into the depth of the at least one through-hole 102, but not pass through entirely as the at least one through-hole 102 may have only one entrance/exit point.
With continued reference to FIG. 2, the t-nut 100 may have at least one receiver 104. The at least one receiver 104 may allow for fluids, solids, or gasses to pass through the at least one receiver 104, thereby allowing for fluids, solids, or gasses to pass through the t-nut 100. However, the at least one receiver 104 may be an opening with no exit such that the at least one receiver 104 may allow fluids, solids, or gasses to pass through its opening, but not exit on another side of the t-nut 100. As such, the at least one receiver 104 may receive a solid, or a portion of a solid, such as a rod or a portion of a rod (or at least one flexible rod 300, as will be described in subsequent detail). The at least one receiver 104 need not be circular or accept cylindrical objects, as the present disclosure allows at least one receiver 104 to embody many shapes and sizes and accept many shapes and sizes.
For a greater understanding of the orientation(s) of the at least one receiver 104, with brief reference to FIG. 12, it can be seen that the at least one receiver 104 passes through a horizontal plane H of the t-nut 100.
With reference to FIG. 2, the at least one receiver 104 may comprise an anti-twist receiving structure 105, which may function with other elements of the present disclosure, as will be described in subsequent detail.
With continued reference to FIG. 2, the t-nut 100 may have at least one flange 106. The at least one flange 106 may be of a pre-specified thickness or size so as to be in conformance with a tolerance range of a groove 425 of a track 400 of a board 450 (as will be described in subsequent detail, but brief reference to FIG. 14 may assist in this description of the present disclosure). In effect, the at least one flange 106 may fit tightly or securely within a groove 425 of a track 400 of a board 450. In such a scenario, the at least one flange 106 may fit tightly or securely within a groove 425 of a track 400 of a board 450 so as to be able to smoothly slide within a groove 425 of a track 400 of a board 450. Alternatively, the at least one flange 106 may be of a pre-specified thickness or size so as to allow for a gap or loose fit between the at least one flange 106 and a groove 425 of a track 400 of a board 450 (which would allow for the at least one flange 106 to slide within a groove 425 of a track 400 of a board 450). In such a scenario, the at least one flange 106 may slide within a groove 425 of a track of a board smoothly.
With continued reference to FIG. 2, the t-nut 100 may have at least one cavity 110. The at least one cavity 110 may exist within the t-nut 100 as a weight saving means as in professional and recreational sports, as boards (and the components that are used with boards) with less weight may be a preferred specification for athletes or users. The at least one cavity 110 may be surrounded by material of the t-nut 100 of sufficient thickness so as to ensure stress fractures, cracks, or deformation will not occur on the material surrounding the at least one cavity 110 because of the stresses or forces imparted on the material surrounding the at least one cavity 110 through the use of the board or device the board attachment mounting assembly 10 is used on.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 3, FIG. 3, illustrates a board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 t-nut 100 from a top or bird’s eye view.
In FIG. 3, a t-nut 100 can be seen. Additionally, elements such as the t-nut’s 100 at least one through-hole 102, at least one flange 106, and at least one cavity 110 can also be seen.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 illustrates a board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 t-nut 100 from a side view distinct from FIG. 1.
In FIG. 4, a t-nut 100 can be seen. Additionally, elements such as the t-nut’s 100 at least one through-hole 102, the at least one through-hole’s threading 102′, at least one receiver 104, at least one anti-twist receiving structure 105, at least one flange 106, and at least one cavity 110 can also be seen.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 illustrates a board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 extended t-nut 200 from a side view.
In FIG. 5, an extended t-nut 200 can be seen. The extended t-nut 200 may be made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel. Should the extended t-nut 200 be made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, the extended t-nut 200 may be formed from a metal injection molding process. Alternatively, the extended t-nut 200 may be made out of an anti-corrosive composition such that if the extended t-nut 200 is exposed to corrosive elements (such as salt water) for long periods of time, the extended t-nut 200 will not corrode. Moreover, regardless of the extended t-nut’s 200 composition, the extended t-nut 200 may be treated with an anti-corrosive material, such as an anti-corrosive spray.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 6, FIG. 6, illustrates a board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 extended t-nut 200 from a perspective view.
In FIG. 6, an extended t-nut 200 can be seen. Additionally, elements such as the extended t-nut’s 200 at least one through-opening 202, the at least one through-opening’s threading 202′, at least one flange 206, at least one angled through-opening 208, at least on angled through-opening’s threading 208′, and at least one cavity 210 can also be seen.
With continued reference to FIG. 6, the extended t-nut 200 may have at least one through-opening 202. The at least one through-opening 202 may allow for fluids, solids, or gasses to pass through the at least one though-opening 202, thereby allowing for fluids, solids, or gasses to pass through the extended t-nut 200. However, the at least one through-opening 202 may be an opening with no exit such that the at least one through-hole 202 may allow fluids, solids, or gasses to pass through its opening, but not exit on another side of the extended t-nut 200. The at least one through-opening 202 need not be circular or accept cylindrical objects, as the present disclosure allows at least one through-opening 202 to embody many shapes and sizes and accept many shapes and sizes.
For a greater understanding of the orientation(s) of the at least one through-opening 202, with brief reference to FIG. 11, it can be seen that the at least one through-opening 202 passes through a vertical plane V of the extended t-nut 200.
With reference to FIG. 6, the at least one through-opening 202 may be threaded such that the at least one through-opening 202 has threads 202′ formed thereon. Thus, the at least one through-opening 202 may allow for threaded fasteners, such as screws or bolts (or a threaded screw bolt 212, as will be subsequently described) to screw into the at least one through-opening 202 via the at least one through-opening’s 202 threads 202′. Moreover, as the at least one through-opening 202 may allow, but need not allow, for solids to pass through the extended t-nut 200, the at least one through-opening 202 may allow for a threaded fastener to traverse the entire depth of the at least one through-opening 202, entering at one side of the extended t-nut 200 and exiting at another side of the extended t-nut 200. Alternatively, the at least one through-opening 202 may allow for a threaded fastener to screw into the depth of the at least one through-opening 202, but not pass through entirely as the at least one through-opening 202 may have only one entrance/exit point.
With continued reference to FIG. 6, the extended t-nut 200 may have at least one flange 206. The at least one flange 206 may be of a pre-specified thickness or size so as to be in conformance with a tolerance range of a groove 425 of a track 400 of a board 450 (as will be described in subsequent detail, but brief reference to FIG. 14 may assist in this description of the present disclosure). In effect, the at least one flange 206 may fit tightly or securely within a groove 425 of a track 400 of a board 450. In such a scenario, the at least one flange 206 may fit tightly or securely within a groove 425 of a track 400 of a board 450 so as to be able to slide smoothly within a groove 425 of a track 400 of a board 450. Alternatively, the at least one flange 206 may be of a pre-specified thickness or size so as to allow for a gap or loose fit between the at least one flange 206 and a groove 425 of a track 400 of a board 450 (which would allow for the at least one flange 206 to slide within a groove 425 of a track 400 of a board 450). In such a scenario, the at least one flange 206 may slide within a groove 425 of a track of a board smoothly.
With continued reference to FIG. 6, the extended t-nut 200 may have at least one angled through-opening 208. The at least one angled through-opening 208 may allow for fluids, solids, or gasses to pass through the at least one angled though-opening 208, thereby allowing for fluids, solids, or gasses to pass through the extended t-nut 200. With brief reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the at least one angled through-opening 208 will be angled in relation to the horizontal plane H (which may pass through the at least one receiver 104 and the at least one receptacle 204 as will be described) and to the vertical plane V (which passes through the at least one through-hole 102 and the at least one through-opening 202). The at least one angled through-opening 208 may be threaded such that the at least one angled through-opening 208 has threads 208′ formed thereon. Thus, the at least one angled through-opening 208 may allow for threaded fasteners, such as screws or bolts (or a threaded grub screw bolt 218, as will be subsequently described) to screw into the at least one angled through-opening 208 via the at least one angled through-opening’s 208 threads 208′. Moreover, as the at least one angled through-opening 208 may allow for solids to pass through the extended t-nut 200, the at least one angled through-opening 208 may allow for a threaded fastener to traverse the entire depth of the at least one angled through-opening 208, entering at one side of the extended t-nut 200 and exiting at another side of the extended t-nut 200. The entrance to the at least one angled through-opening 208 may simply be known as an opening whereas the exit to the at least one angled through-opening 208 may simply be known as an exit. In such a scenario, a threaded fastener, such as a threaded grub screw bolt 218 may exit at another side of the extended t-nut 200 for more or less than a length of half of the length of the threaded grub screw bolt 218.
With continued reference to FIG. 6, the extended t-nut 200 may have at least one cavity 210 (where FIG. 7 depicts the extended t-nut 200 as having at least two cavities 210). The at least one cavity 210 may exist within the extended t-nut 200 as a weight saving means as in professional and recreational sports, as boards (and the components that are used with boards) with less weight may be a preferred specification for athletes or users. The at least one cavity 210 may be surrounded by material of the extended t-nut 200 of sufficient thickness so as to ensure stress fractures, cracks, or deformation will not occur on the material surrounding at least one the cavity 210 because of the stresses or forces imparted on the material surrounding the at least one cavity 210 through the use of the board or device the board attachment mounting assembly 10 is used on.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 7, FIG. 7, illustrates a board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 extended t-nut 200 from a top or bird’s eye view.
In FIG. 7, an extended t-nut 200 can be seen. Additionally, elements such as the extended t-nut’s 200 at least one through-opening 202, at least one receptacle 204 (as will be subsequently described), at least one flange 206, and at least one cavity 210 can also be seen.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 illustrates a board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 extended t-nut 200 from a side view distinct from FIG. 5.
In FIG. 8, an extended t-nut 200 can be seen. Additionally, elements such as the extended t-nut’s 200, at least one receptacle 204, at least one anti-twist receiving structure 205, and at least one flange 206 can also be seen.
With continued reference to FIG. 8, the extended t-nut 200 may have at least one receptacle 204. The at least one receptacle 204 may allow for fluids, solids, or gasses to pass through the at least one receptacle 204, thereby allowing for fluids, solids, or gasses to pass through the extended t-nut 200. However, the at least one receptacle 204 may be an opening with no exit such that the at least one receptacle 204 may allow fluids, solids, or gasses to pass through its opening, but not exit on another side of the extended t-nut 200. As such, the at least one receptacle 204 may receive a solid, or a portion of a solid, such as a rod or a portion of a rod (or at least one flexible rod 300, as will be described in subsequent detail). The at least one receptacle 204 need not be circular or accept cylindrical objects, as the present disclosure allows at least one receptacle 204 to embody many shapes and sizes and accept many shapes and sizes.
For a greater understanding of the orientation(s) of the at least one receptacle 204, with brief reference to FIG. 12, it can be seen that the at least one receptacle 204 passes through a horizontal plane H of the extended t-nut 200.
With reference to FIG. 8, the at least one receptacle 204 may comprise an anti-twist receiving structure 205, which may function with other elements of the present disclosure, as will be described in subsequent detail.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 illustrates a board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 from an exploded perspective view.
In FIG. 9, an exploded board attachment mounting assembly 10 can be seen. Additionally, elements such as the board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 at least one t-nut 100, a first end 100′, at least one through-hole 102, threading 102′ for the at least one through-hole 102, at least one receiver 104, at least one flange 106, at least one extended t-nut 200, a second end 200′ at least one through-opening 202, threading 202′ for the at least one through-opening 202, at least one flange 206, at least one angled through-opening 208, threading for the at least one through-opening 208′, at least one cavity 210, at least one flexible rod 300, and the at least two anti-twist structures 325 of the at least one flexible rod 300 can also be seen.
With continued reference to FIG. 9, the at least one flexible rod 300 can be seen. The at least one flexible rod 300 may be made of a thermoplastic, such as, but not limited to polycaprolactram, which is also known as Polyamide 6 or Nylon 6. The flexibility of the at least one flexible rod 300 may be known as having a flexural limit where, when the at least one flexible rod 300 is inserted into the at least one receiver 104 and the at least one receptacle 204 (as will be subsequently described) the at least one t-nut 100 and at least one extended t-nut 200 are brought in contact. Said differently, the at least one flexible rod 300 will be flexible to the point where, when attached to the at least one t-nut 100 and the at least one extended t-nut 200, the at least one t-nut 100 and the at least one extended t-nut 200 are forced in contact with one another. As such, and with brief reference to FIG. 15, a board attachment mounting assembly 10 may be inserted into a board 450 with tracks 400. Such tracks 400 may be non-linear or diagonally in shape. As a result, where a board attachment mounting assembly 10 is inserted into a track 400 which is non-linear or diagonal in shape, the at least one flexible rod 300 may flex or bend in the shape of such a track 400 to allow for the board attachment mounting assembly 10 to be inserted and used into such a track 400.
With continued reference to FIG. 9, the at least one flexible rod 300 may have at least two anti-twist structures 325. The anti-twist structures 325 may exist at diametrically opposed ends or near the ends of the at least one flexible rod 300. Such anti-twist structures 325 may consist of or have grooves or tabs formed within or on the ends or near the ends of the at least one flexible rod 300. The anti-twist structures 325 may have matching anti-twist receiving structures 105 and 205 which may be formed of grooves or tabs (within either a t-nut’s 100 receiver 104, an extended t-nut’s 200 receptacle 204, or both) such that the anti-twist structures 325 of at least one flexible rod 300 may be inserted into either at least one t-nut’s 100 at least one receiver 104, at least one extended t-nut’s 200 at least one receptacle 204, or both, or two of each (for example, two extended t-nut’s 200 at least one receptacles 204). As such, as at least one t-nut 100 may have at least one receiver 104 with an anti-twist receiving structure 105 and at least one extended t-nut’s 200 may have at least one receptacle 204 with an anti-twist receiving structure 205, the at least one flexible rod’s anti-twist structures 325 may be configured an dimensioned (via tabs or grooves) to be inserted into at least one t-nut’ 100 at least one receiver’s 104 an anti-twist receiving structure 105 and at least one extended t-nut’s 200 at least one receptacle’s 204 anti-twist receiving structure 205. When inserted, the grooves or tabs of the anti-twist structure 325 and the grooves or tabs of the anti-twist receiving structures 105 and 205 may correspond to each other such that rotational movement of the flexible rod 300 is prevented by such grooves or tabs working in a corresponding fashion. With brief reference to FIG. 10, it can be seen that the flexible rod 300 has been inserted into the at least one t-nut’s 100 receiver 104 and the at least one extended t-nut’s 200 receptacle 204. As should be apparent, the anti-twist structures 325 of the flexible rod 300 are inserted into the at least one t-nut’s 100 receiver 104 and the at least one extended t-nut’s 200 receptacle 204 such that the anti-twist receiving structures 105 and 205 may work in corresponding fashion to prevent rotational movement of the flexible rod 300 within the at least one t-nut 100 and the at least one extended t-nut 200.
With continued reference to FIG. 9, the at least two anti-twist structures 325 may have micro-abrasions (not depicted in the figures) therein to allow channels to form for adhesive or glue. As a result, adhesive or glue may be applied to the at least two anti-twist structures 325, filling the micro-abrasions. Thereafter, the at least one flexible rod 300 may inserted into the at least one t-nut’s 100 receiver 104 and the at least one extended t-nut’s 200 receptacle 204. As a result, adhesive or glue will set and bond the at least one flexible rod 300 to the at least one t-nut 100 and the at least one extended t-nut 200. The adhesive or glue used may be designed for use in wet environments, such as adhesive or glue which will not de-bond when exposed to water for extended periods of time. Further, as should be apparent, the adhesive or glue used may allow the flexible rod 300 to remain in the at least one t-nut 100 and at least one extended t-nut 200 even if opposing forces are applied at a first end 100 and a second end 200.
As should be apparent and as previously mentioned, the at least one flexible rod 300 need not be inserted into at least one t-nut 100 and at least one extended t-nut 200. The at least one flexible rod 300 may be inserted into at least two t-nuts 100 or at least two extended t-nuts 200 via the means described above. Alternatively, the at least one flexible rod 300 may simply be inserted into one t-nut 100 or one extended t-nut 200.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 illustrates a board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 from a perspective view.
In FIG. 10, a board attachment mounting assembly 10 can be seen. Additionally, elements such as the board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 at least one t-nut 100, a first end 100′, at least one through-hole 102, threading 102′ for the at least one through-hole 102, at least one receiver 104, at least one flange 106, at least one extended t-nut 200, a second end 200′ at least one through-opening 202, threading 202′ for the at least one through-opening 202, at least one flange 206, at least one angled through-opening 208, threading for the at least one through-opening 208′, at least one cavity 210, and at least one flexible rod 300.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 illustrates a board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 with a vertical plane V illustrated for reference thereon. Other elements of the board attachment mounting assembly 10 can be seen. However, FIG. 11 may be used primarily for the purpose of depicting a vertical plane V having the at least one through-hole 102 of a t-nut 100 passing through it and having the at least one through-opening 202 of an extended t-nut 200 passing through it.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 12, FIG. 12 illustrates a board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 with a horizontal plane H illustrated for reference thereon. Other elements of the board attachment mounting assembly 10 can be seen. However, FIG. 12 may be used primarily for the purpose of depicting a horizontal plane H having the at least one receiver 104 of a t-nut 100 passing through it and having the at least one receptacle 204 of an extended t-nut 200 passing through it. However, as depicted, the present embodiment need not have both the at least one receiver 104 of a t-nut 100 passing through the same horizontal plane H as the at least one receptacle 204 of an extended t-nut 200. Said differently, in some orientations of the present disclosure, at least one receiver 104 of a t-nut 100 may pass through a first horizontal plane H1 (not depicted in the figures) whereas at least one receptacle 204 of an extended t-nut 200 may pass through a second horizontal plane H2 (not depicted in the figures).
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 13, FIG. 13 illustrates a board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 from a perspective view.
In FIG. 13, a board attachment mounting assembly 10 can be seen. Additionally, elements such as the board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 at least one t-nut 100, a first end 100′, at least one through-hole 102, at least one receiver 104, at least one flange 106, at least one threaded screw bolt 112 for the at least one through-hole 102, at least one extended t-nut 200, a second end 200′ at least one through-opening 202,, at least one flange 206, at least one threaded screw bolt 212 for the at least one through-opening 202, at least one angled through-opening 208, at least one threaded grub screw bolt 218 for the at least one angled through-opening 208, at least one cavity 210, and at least one flexible rod 300.
With continued reference to FIG. 13, the at least one threaded screw bolt 112 (for the at least one t-nut’s 100 through-hole 102) and the at least one threaded screw bolt 212 (for the at least one extended t-nut’s 200 through-opening 202) can be seen. Each at least one threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 may be known as a threaded fastener. As depicted in FIG. 13, each at least one threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 may traverse the entire depth of the respective through-hole 102 or through-opening 202 the at least one threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 is inserted/screwed into. As such, each at least one threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 may have a length which is longer than the height of the respective through-hole 102 or through-opening 202 each at least one threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 may be inserted/screwed into. Further, each at least one threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 may have a length which is longer than the height of the respective through-hole 102 or through-opening 202 each at least one threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 may be inserted/screwed into, but may have a length with is able to also accommodate passing through an attachment 500 as well (as will be subsequently described). With brief reference to FIGS. 14 and 17, the one embodiment of the length of each at least one threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 can be seen. Within FIG. 14, while no attachment 500 is attached thereto, each at least one threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 is able to reach the track floor 430 when the board attachment mounting assembly is installed in a track 400. Within FIG. 17, an attachment 500 is attached thereto, with each at least one threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 traversing at least a portion of the attachment 500, thereby affixing it to a board 450, where each at least one threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 traverse the entire depth/height of the respective through-hole 102 or through-opening 202 each at least one threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 may be inserted/screwed into.
With continued reference to FIG. 13, the threaded grub screw bolt 218 can be seen. As depicted in FIG. 13, the threaded grub screw bolt 218 may pass from an opening to an angled through-opening 208 to an exit of an angled through-opening 208, thus allowing the threaded grub screw bolt 218 to pass from one side of the extended t-nut 200 to another side of the extended t-nut 200 (said differently, traversing the depth of the at least one angled through-opening 208). As previously mentioned, the threaded grub screw bolt 218 may enter at an opening of an angled through-opening 208 where, when the threaded grub screw bolt 218 exits, more or less than half of the length of the threaded grub screw bolt 218 may be exposed past the exit to the angled through-opening 218. As not previously mentioned, in such a scenario, the threaded grub screw bolt 218 may have more or less than half of the length of the threaded grub screw bolt 218 exposed before the opening to the angled through-opening 208. With brief reference to FIG. 14, it can be seen that the length of the threaded grub screw bolt 218, when it traverses the depth of the at least one angled through-opening 208, may make contact with a track floor 430 of a track 400 of a board 450.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 14, FIG. 14 illustrates a board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 within a track 400 of a board 450 from a cutaway view. Said differently, the track 400 of a board 450 with a board attachment mounting assembly 10 installed therein is split vertically in half and depicted in FIG. 14.
In FIG. 14, a board attachment mounting assembly 10 can be seen. Additionally, elements such as the board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 at least one t-nut 100, a first end 100′, at least one receiver 104, at least one threaded screw bolt 112 for the at least one through-hole 102, at least one extended t-nut 200, a second end 200′, at least one receptacle 204, at least one threaded screw bolt 212 for the at least one through-opening 202, at least one angled through-opening 208, at least one threaded grub screw bolt 218 for the at least one angled through-opening 208, at least one cavity 210, and at least one flexible rod 300, at least two anti-twist structures 325 can also be seen within at least one track 400, at least one groove 425 which exists within a track 400, at least one track floor 430, and in relation to at least one track entrance surface 435.
With continued reference to FIG. 14, it can be seen that each at least one threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 (or portions thereof) may exist above the at least one track entrance surface 435. The at least one track entrance surface 435 may be described as a surface of a board 400 which runs and slopes into becoming a track 400. Alternatively, the at least one track entrance surface 435 may have drill holes therein to allow each at least one threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 to protrude therefrom (wherein the board attachment mounting assembly 10 may exist beneath the at least one track entrance surface 435 in a track 400). While not depicted, the at least one threaded screw bolts 112 and 212 may rise or fall in relation to the at least one track entrance surface 435 as a result of the at least one threaded grub screw 218, which may also exist (at least partially) above the at least one track entrance surface 435. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one t-nut 100 and at least one extended t-nut 200 may rise or fall in relation to the at least one track entrance surface 435 as a result of the at least one threaded grub screw bolt 218. Further, and with brief reference to FIG. 17, as the at least one threaded grub screw bolt 218 may be angled in relation to the at least one extended t-nut (by virtue of the at least one angled through-opening 208), the at least one threaded grub screw bolt 218 may also be accessed even when a board attachment 500 is installed, as may be seen in FIG. 17. In yet further embodiments, the at least one grub screw bolt 218 may be dimensioned to protrude above the track entrance surface in order to enhance access to the at least one threaded grub screw bolt 218 even while an attachment(s) 500 is/are attached to the board attachment mounting assembly 10.
As such, and as previously described, the at least one threaded grub screw bolt 218 may exert a force on the track floor 430 (for example, when it is screwed into and exits the at least one angled through-opening 208). In turn, and dependent on the pre-specified thickness or size of the at least one flange 106 of the at least one t-nut 100 and/or the pre-specified thickness or size of the at least one flange 206 of the at least one extended t-nut 200, when the at least one threaded grub screw bolt 218 makes contact and exerts a force on the track floor 430, the at least one threaded grub screw bolt 218 may move the board attachment mounting assembly 10 closer to the at least one track entrance surface 435. The ability of the at least one threaded grub screw bolt 218 to move the board attachment mounting assembly 10 closer to the at least one track entrance surface 435 may be limited by the tolerance range(s) of the at least one flange 106 of the at least one t-nut 100 and/or the tolerance range(s) of the at least one flange 206 of the at least one extended t-nut 200 within the groove 425 of a track. For example, should the at least one flange 106 of the at least one t-nut 100 and/or the at least one flange 206 of the at least one extended t-nut 200 fit loosely within a groove 425 of a track 400, then, as the threaded grub screw 218 exerts more of a force on the track floor 430, the at least one flange 106 of the at least one t-nut 100 and/or the at least one flange 206 of the at least one extended t-nut 200 will move towards the track entrance surface 435 within the groove 425 until the at least one flange 106 of the at least one t-nut 100 and/or the at least one flange 206 of the at least one extended t-nut 200 cannot move past the groove 425 (or exerts a significant force upon the groove 425). In turn, the board attachment mounting assembly 10 will be locked in place or mounted within a track 400 of a board 450 as forces will be acting in diametrically opposed fashions, keeping the board attachment mounting assembly 10 in place. In effect, the at least one flange 106 of the at least one t-nut 100 and/or the at least one flange 206 of the at least one extended t-nut 200 will have a force acting downward upon the board attachment mounting assembly 10 by the groove 425 whereas the threaded grub screw 218 will have a force acting upward upon the board attachment mounting assembly 10 by the track floor 430. Such forces will be of the kind so as to not only allow for the board attachment mounting assembly 10 to remain locked in place, but also be of the kind such that when at least one attachment 500 is used in conjunction with the board attachment mounting assembly 10, the at least one attachment 500 will not wobble or come loose from the board attachment mounting assembly 10.
As should be apparent, as screwing at least one threaded grub screw 218 into the at least one angled through-opening 208 may allow a board attachment mounting assembly 10 (and its components/elements) to rise or fall in relation to at least one track entrance surface 435, the board attachment mounting assembly 10 allows for selective positioning within the track 400 of a board 450. Moreover, and as previously described, as the at least one flange 106 of the at least one t-nut 100 and/or the at least one flange 206 of the at least one extended t-nut 200 may slide within a groove 425 of a track 400, the board attachment mounting assembly 10 again allows for selective positioning within the track 400 of a board 450.
As should be apparent and as previously mentioned, the present disclosure and the present disclosure as depicted in FIG. 14 need not comprise at least one t-nut 100 and at least one extended t-nut 200. The present disclosure and the present disclosure as depicted in FIG. 14 may comprise at least two t-nuts 100 or at least two extended t-nuts 200 via the means described above. Alternatively, the present disclosure and the present disclosure as depicted in FIG. 14 may comprise one t-nut 100 or one extended t-nut 200.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 15, FIG. 15 illustrates three board attachment mounting assemblies 10 within tracks 400 of a board 450 from a top or bird’s eye view.
In FIG. 15, a board attachment mounting assembly 10 can be seen. Additionally, elements such as the board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 at least one t-nut 100, at least one extended t-nut 200, and at least one flexible rod 300 can also be seen. In addition, these elements can be seen within tracks 400 of a board 450.
With continued reference to FIG. 15, a board 450 can be seen. A board 450 may be, but is not limited to such as a surfboard, wake board, stand-up paddleboard, kite board, body board, skim board, skateboard, long board, or mountain board. Further, the board’s 450 tracks 400 can be seen. As previously mentioned, tracks 400 need not be linear or straight, and can be angled/diagonal, including in a three-dimensional plane. For reference, FIG. 15 depicts two angled/diagonal tracks 400, where board attachment mounting assemblies 10 are mounted therein. As previously mentioned and as should be apparent, within the depicted two angled/diagonal tracks 400 are angled/diagonal board attachment mounting assemblies 10, able to become angled/diagonal because of each assemblies’ 10 at least one flexible rod 300. As should also be apparent, as a board 450 may have multiple tracks 400, a multitude of different attachments 500, including more than one attachment 500, may be mounted to a board 450 via at least one board attachment mounting assembly 10.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 16, FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective of two board attachment mounting assemblies 10 as installed on/within the track 400 of a board 450 with a board attachment 500 mounted thereto.
In FIG. 16, portions of a board attachment mounting assembly 10 can be seen as protruding from a track 400 of a board 450 (from at least one track entrance surface 435). Additionally, elements such as the board attachment mounting assembly’s 10 threaded screw bolt 112 pertaining to a t-nut 100, threaded screw bolt 212 pertaining to an extended t-nut 200, and threaded grub screw bolts 218 can also be seen. In addition, these elements can be seen within tracks 400 of a board 450 with an attachment 500 mounted thereto.
With continued reference to FIG. 16, an attachment 500 can be seen. An attachment 500 may be, but is not limited to a fin, a hydro foil, a foil, a truck, an axel, wing, a mast, or a plate. As is depicted in FIG. 16, the threaded grub screw bolts 218 extend beyond the track 400 (and the track entrance surfaces 435), as do each threaded screw bolts 112 and 212.
Turning now descriptively to FIG. 17, FIG. 17 illustrates a side, cut away view of a board attachment mounting assemblies 10 as installed on/within the track 400 of a board 450 with a board attachment 500 mounted thereto.
In FIG. 17, portions of a board attachment mounting assembly 10 such as the at least one t-nut 100, a first end 100′, a threaded screw bolt 112 of a t-nut 100, an extended t-nut 200, a second end 200′, a threaded screw bolt 212 of an extended t-nut 200, a threaded grub screw bolt 218, and a flexible rod 300. Such portions an be seen within a track 400 of a board 450, wherein the track 400 and board 450 has portions such as a groove 425, track floor 430, and track entrance surface 435. Additionally, an attachment 500 can be seen as mounted to a board 450 via the board attachment mounting assembly 10.
With continued reference to FIG. 17, as previously mentioned, each threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 may traverse through an attachment 500, into a track 400, and through each’s respective through-hole 102 or through-opening 202 (which are not directly depicted in FIG. 17, but as should be apparent). As a result, each threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 may traverse through an attachment 500 so as to then screw into the board attachment mounting assembly 10, thereby mounting at least one attachment 500 to a board 450 via the board attachment mounting assembly 10. While a gap is depicted between the attachment 500 and the track entrance surface 435 in FIG. 17, the present disclosure allows for no gap, or a minimal gap to exist as each threaded screw bolt 112 and 212 are screwed and tightened into the board attachment mounting assembly 10. Additionally, while not depicted, washers (of any composition, including silicone) may exist at any point between an attachment 500, threaded screw bolt 112 and 212, and board 450.
It is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Patent Application
20230278677
