TECHNICAL FIELD
The described examples relate generally to systems, devices, and techniques for a portable and stowable sitting device for use with a standup paddle board.
BACKGROUND
One of the benefits of standup paddle boards is that a rider is able to change positions during use. For example, during one portion of a ride, a rider may desire to sit on the board in a sitting or kneeling position, whereas as on other portions of the ride, the rider may desire to stand on the board in a standing position. The standup paddle board is often maneuvered and at least partially propelled using various different types of paddles and associated features. In the seated position or “kayak” position, it may be desirable to use a first type of paddle, such as a paddle having opposing bladed ends, which is also known as a kayak-style paddle. In the standing position, it may be desirable to use a second type of paddle, such as a paddle having a single bladed end, and an opposing T-handle opposite the single bladed.
Standup paddle boards often have limited storage capacity, and in conventional systems, it is often cumbersome and unwieldy to store multiple different paddles on the board. This can limit the ability of the rider to store any needed equipment (such as a handle or secondary paddle) to transition between the standing and sitting position during use. Further, conventional standup paddle boards are often unsuited to accommodate the rider in the sitting position, particularly during prolonged rides in the sitting position. While conventional chairs or seats can be used with a standup paddle board, such chairs may lack the ability to stabilize the rider, may lack comfortability, and may otherwise require direct physical attachment to a standup paddle board, thereby limiting the ability of conventional chairs to be used with a range of boards. For example, such conventional chairs may lack sufficient comfort to support the rider, particularly on longer rides, in part, because conventional chairs require a rider to exert more energy and balance in order to remain seated in such conventional chairs. Further, conventional chairs may not be portable or convertible in a manner that accommodates the paddle structures used by a rider in both the standing and sitting positions, thereby failing to provide the rider with a storage solution for the paddle components that are otherwise not in use. As such, there is a need for systems and techniques to allow the rider to enjoy both the standing and the sitting position, and to support rider stability and comfortability, particularly while in the sitting position.
SUMMARY
In one example, a convertible chair for a standup paddle board is disclosed. The convertible chair includes a seat portion. The seat portion includes a first fabric structure defining a seat of the convertible chair and a pair of seat portion wings extending away from the seat. The seat portion further includes a first pair of structural members embedded in the first fabric structure and cooperating to define a boundary of the seat. The seat portion further includes a hinge assembly embedded in the first fabric structure and fixed to each structural member of the first pair of structural members. The convertible chair further includes a back portion. The back portion includes a second fabric structure defining a back of the convertible chair and a pair of back portion wings extending away from the back. The back portion further includes a second pair of structural members embedded in the second fabric structure and cooperating to define a boundary of the back. The seat portion and the back portion are moveably coupled along the first fabric structure and the second fabric structure. In a first open configuration of the convertible chair, the pair of seat portion wings is removably coupled to pair of back portion wings, and the hinge assembly defines a rigid bridge between the first pair of structural members that is configured to maintain the convertible chair in the first open configuration when the seat is occupied by a rider. In a second stowed configuration of the convertible chair, the hinge assembly is foldable to collapse the convertible chair along longitudinal axis of the convertible chair when unoccupied by the rider.
In another example, the hinge assembly may include a first hinge portion, a second hinge portion, and a pin. The first and second hinge portions may be pivotally coupled to one another about the pin. The first and second hinge portions may be configured to have a 180° range of motion or less about the pin.
In another example, the first hinge portion may include a first leaf, a first hinge feature arranged at a first end of the first leaf, and a first sheath arranged at a second end of the first leaf opposite the first end. Further, the second hinge portion may include a second leaf, a second hinge feature arranged at a first end of the second leaf, and a second sheath arranged at a second end of the second leaf opposite the first end.
In another example, the first sheath may be fixed to a first structural member of the first pair of structural members. Further, the second sheath may be fixed to a second structural member of the second pair of structural members.
In another example, each of the first sheath and the second sheath may include a slotted feature configured to receive a respective structural member of the first pair of structural members.
In another example, each of the first hinge feature and the second hinge feature may include a stop configured to prevent the hinge assembly from having a range of motion of greater than 180°.
In another example, the range of motion may extend from the rigid bridge along a path extending away from a rider receiving region of the convertible chair.
In another example, the hinge assembly may have a hinge assembly width dimension that runs parallel with a rotational axis of the hinge assembly. Further, the first fabric structure may have a first fabric structure width dimension that run parallel with the first pair of structural members. Further, the hinge assembly width dimension is less than half of the first fabric structure dimension.
In another example, the first pair of structural members may be arranged embedded within the first fabric structure and parallel to one another. In this regard, the first pair of structural members may remain parallel to one another in each of the first open configuration and the second stowed configuration. Further, the second pair of structural members may be arranged embedded within the second fabric structure and parallel to one another. In this regard, the second pair of structural members may remain parallel to one another in each of the first open configuration and the second stowed configuration. In turn, in the first open configuration of the convertible chair, the first pair of structural members may be arranged transverse to the second pair of structural members. And in the second stowed configuration of the convertible chair, the first pair of structural members are arranged parallel to the second pair of structural members.
In another example, the first pair of structural members and the second pair of structural members may each be formed from a material having a rigidity greater than a rigidity of either the first fabric structure or the second fabric structure.
In another example, the convertible chair may further include a pair of first fasteners, in which each fastener of the pair of first fasteners is attached to a respective seat portion wing of the pair of seat portion wings. The convertible chair may further include a pair of second fasteners, in which each fastener of the pair of second fasteners is attached to a respective back portion wing of the pair of back portion wings. In this regard, in the open configuration of the convertible chair, the pair of seat portion wings is removably coupled with the pair of back portion wings via a removable coupling of corresponding first and second fasteners of the first and second pair of fasteners.
In another example, each of the corresponding first and second fasteners may define a buckle having a side-release feature that is configured to release the corresponding first and second fasteners upon depression.
In another example, the convertible chair may be configured to transition between the first open configuration and the second stowed configuration by: (i) first folding the first fabric structure and the second fabric structure toward one another about a seam joining the first fabric structure and the second fabric structure, and (ii) subsequent to the first folding, second folding the first and second fabric structures together in half and along a 180° limited range of motion of the hinge assembly.
In another example, a standup paddle board conversion system is disclosed. The system includes a convertible chair, such as any of the convertible chair described herein. The system further includes a convertible paddle assembly. The convertible paddle assembly includes a main paddle structure. The convertible paddle assembly further incudes a T-handle structure removably couplable to the main paddle structure. The convertible paddle assembly further includes a secondary paddle structure removably couplable with the main paddle structure. In this regard, in the second stowed configuration, the secondary paddle structure may be held within and substantially concealed by the first and second fabric structures.
In another example, the secondary paddle structure may include a secondary paddle. The secondary paddle structure may further include an attachment fitting integrally connected to the secondary paddle.
In another example, the secondary paddle structure may define a receiving slot configured to receive between 4 inches and 6 inches of an end of the main paddle structure.
In another example, the convertible paddle assembly may be configured to transition between: (i) a SUP configuration in which the T-handle is removably coupled to main paddle structure and the secondary paddle structure is held within the convertible chair, and (ii) a kayak configuration in which the T-handle is removed from the main paddle structure and the secondary paddle is removably coupled to the main paddle structure.
In another example, the system may further include a standup paddle board having a netted cargo hold arranged on a top surface of the standup paddle board. In this regard, the convertible chair may be stowable within the netted cargo hold in the second stowed configuration.
In another example, a method of converting a standup paddle board is disclosed. The method includes providing a standup paddle board conversion system, such as any of the standup paddle board conversion systems described herein. Such system has a convertible chair stowed within a netted cargo hold and the secondary paddle structure held therein, and a T-handle structure being coupled to an end of a main paddle structure. The method further includes removing the convertible chair from the netted cargo hold. The method further includes removing the secondary paddle structure from the convertible chair. The method further includes replacing the T-handle structure with the secondary paddle structure. The method further includes unfolding the convertible chair. The method further includes placing the convertible chair on a portion of the top surface of the standup paddle board. The method further includes causing the rider to occupy the seat of the convertible chair.
In another example, the unfolding may include a first unfolding the first and second fabric structures along a 180° limited range of motion of the hinge assembly. Further, the unfolding may include, subsequent to the first unfolding, a second unfolding the first fabric structure and the second fabric structure away from one another about a seam joining the first fabric structure and the second fabric structure.
In addition to the example aspects described above, further aspects and examples will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 depicts a system including a standup paddle board and a convertible chair in use by a rider in a first position.
FIG. 2 depicts the system of FIG. 2 in use by a rider in a second position.
FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of the convertible chair of FIG. 1 in an open configuration.
FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the convertible chair of FIG. 1 with a seat portion and a back portion being laid out for stowage.
FIG. 5 depicts a top view of a hinge assembly for the convertible chair of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 5 in a first configuration.
FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 5 in a second configuration.
FIG. 8 depicts a convertible paddle assembly in a standup paddle board configuration.
FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of the convertible paddle assembly of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 depicts the convertible paddle assembly of FIG. 8 in a kayak configuration.
FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view of the convertible paddle assembly of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 depicts a front view of a system in a first configuration and including the convertible chair of FIG. 1 and a secondary paddle structure of the convertible paddle assembly of FIG. 10.
FIG. 13 depicts a front view of the system of FIG. 12 in a second configuration.
FIG. 14 depicts a back view of the system of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 depicts a front view of the system of FIG. 13 in a third configuration.
FIG. 16 depicts a flow diagram of an example method of converting a standup paddle board.
FIG. 17 depicts a side view of another example hinge assembly for the convertible chair of FIG. 1 in a first configuration.
FIG. 18 depicts a side view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 17 in a second configuration.
FIG. 19 depicts a side view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 17 in a third configuration.
FIG. 20 depicts a top view of a hinge cover for the hinge assemblies of the present disclosure in a first configuration.
FIG. 21 depicts a side view of the hinge cover of FIG. 20.
FIG. 22 depicts a side view of the hinge cover of FIG. 20 in a second configuration.
FIG. 23 depicts a depicts a front view of another system in a first configuration and including the convertible chair of FIG. 1 and a secondary paddle structure of the convertible paddle assembly of FIG. 10.
FIG. 24 depicts a front view of the system of FIG. 23 in a second configuration.
FIG. 25 depicts a front view of the system of FIG. 23 in a third configuration.
FIG. 26 depicts a left side view of the system of FIG. 25.
FIG. 27 depicts a right side view of the system of FIG. 25.
FIG. 28 depicts a depicts a front view of another system in a first configuration and including the convertible chair of FIG. 1 and a secondary paddle structure of the convertible paddle assembly of FIG. 10.
FIG. 29 depicts a front view of the system of FIG. 28 in a second configuration.
FIG. 30 depicts a front view of the system of FIG. 28 in a third configuration.
FIG. 31 depicts a left side view of the system of FIG. 30.
FIG. 32 depicts a right side view of the system of FIG. 30.
The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures.
Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein.
The following disclosure relates generally to a convertible chair and conversion kit for a standup paddle board. As used herein, a “standup paddle board” or “SUP” may include any type of board or water-riding device in which a user or rider stands on a board that floats on water. The rider uses a paddle to maneuver and at least partially propel the board along the water. In a standing position, the rider may stand on a platform or designated portion on the top surface of the board. The rider may use a paddle having a single bladed end, and an opposing T- or other handle opposite the single blade. The paddle may be sufficiently long and durable such that the rider may dip the blade into the water while standing, and displace water with the blade such that the board is propelled and maneuvered across the water. In some cases, it may be desirable to transition from the standing position to a sitting position in which the rider kneels or sits on the top surface of the board. Sitting on the top surface of the board may not be possible for long periods of time absent a chair or other device to support the rider in the sitting position. Conventional chairs may lack the ability to stabilize the rider and may produce rider fatigue due to the lack of a comfortable body position due to a failure to support the rider's legs or by constraining the movement of the rider's legs. Further, conventional chairs may require direct physical attachment to a standup paddle board, thereby limiting the ability of conventional chairs to be used with a range of boards. Further, conventional chairs may not be portable or convertible in a manner that accommodates the paddle structures used by a rider in both the standing and sitting positions, thereby failing to provide the rider with a solution for the paddle components that are otherwise not in use.
To mitigate these and other challenges, the convertible chair of the present disclosure may be a compact, foldable chair that is configured to provide stability and support to the rider in the sitting position. For example, the convertible chair may be transitionable from a stowed configuration adapted for compactly stowing the chair while not in use, and an open configuration adapted for receiving the rider while in the sitting position. The convertible chair may include one or more features, as described herein, to maintain the rider in the sitting position and support but not constrain the rider's legs, allowing a more stable position on the surface of the paddle board, all without having the convertible chair fixedly attach to the surface of the board. The convertible chair of the present disclosure may further be configured to accommodate, such as by stowing, camouflaging, or concealing, various items of the paddle when such items are not use. For example, the convertible chair may be configured to receive and stow a portion of a blade of the paddle when the rider is in the standing position (and therefore is using a single-bladed paddle). Further, the convertible chair may be configured to receive and stow a portion of handle of the paddle when the rider is in a the sitting position (and therefore is using a double-bladed paddle).
To facilitate the foregoing, the convertible chair may include at least a seat portion and a back portion. The seat portion may include a first fabric structure defining a seat of the convertible chair and a pair of seat portion wings extending away from the seat. In turn, the back portion may include a second fabric structure defining a back of the convertible chair and a pair of back portion wings extending away from the back. The first and second fabric structures are moveably coupled to one another along a seam such that the convertible chair is foldable in half from the open configuration. As described herein, the first and second fabric structures can be folded again in order to transition the convertible chair fully into the stowed configuration.
To promote the stability and comfort of the rider, the pair of seat portion wings may be couplable with corresponding ones of the pair of back portion wings. Further, the convertible chair may include a first pair of structural members embedded in the first fabric structure and a second pair of structural members embedded in the second fabric structure. Each pair of structural members may generally extend along a side of the rider such that the rider is supported in the chair, and may generally sit between each of the pairs of the structural members. The structural members may impart a certain rigidity to the chair, thereby allowing the chair to rest on the top surface of the standup paddle board and be occupied by the rider free from any external attachment structures or features that would otherwise fix the chair to the board. Accordingly, the convertible chair may be used with substantially any standup paddle board regardless of the configuration or features for attachment on the surface of the board.
Further to promote the stability and comfort of the rider, the convertible chair may include a hinge assembly embedded in the first fabric structure and fixed to each of structural member of the pair of structural members. The hinge assembly may generally include a pair of articulable hinge portions that have define a 180° range of motion. The 180° range of motion may be defined extending away from a rider receiving region of the convertible chair. In this regard, hinge assembly may be stopped or prevented from folding into the rider receiving region of the convertible chair. As such, the hinge assembly may prevent the convertible chair from collapsing or folding while in use, which in turn may provide greater stability to a rider because the rider does not need to use undue strength or balance to keep the chair open. For example, upon sitting in the chair, the rider's legs may press onto the hinge assembly and hinge assembly may provide the rider's legs with a rigid frame or bridge of the chair assembly upon which to rest, and which prevents the chair from collapsing upon use. Such arrangement may further allow the user to balance the chair on the surface of the standup paddle board, as described herein.
The convertible chair disclosed herein may also be part of a system including a convertible paddle assembly. The convertible paddle assembly may include a main paddle structure adapted for use by the rider, such as having a single blade end and a handle of various types opposite the single blade. The convertible paddle assembly may be associated with a secondary paddle structure, and convertible paddle assembly may be configured to swap the handle for the secondary paddle structure such that the convertible paddle assembly may be used by the rider in the sitting or kayak position. As described in greater detail herein, the convertible chair may operate to accommodate the convertible paddle assembly, and particularly the components thereof that are not in use, in each of the standing and sitting configuration. For example, in the standing configuration, the convertible chair may be folded into a stowed configuration for storage in a cargo hold or netting of the standup paddle board. In such configuration, convertible chair may hold, including concealing or camouflaging, the secondary paddle structures that are not in use by the rider in the standing position. Further, in the sitting position, the convertible chair may be configured to hold the handle and/or other components of the convertible paddle assembly that are not in use by the rider in the sitting position. In other examples, other uses and configurations of the convertible chair and associated systems and methods are contemplated herein, and described below.
FIG. 1 depicts a system 100 including a standup paddle board 110 and a convertible chair 120, such as the convertible chairs discussed generally above and described in more detail herein below. In the system 100 shown in FIG. 1, the standup paddle board 110 is shown in use by a rider 102 in a standing position A. In the standing position A, the rider 102 may operate the standup paddle board 110 by standing on a top surface 112 of the board 110 and using a paddle assembly 104 to maneuver and at least partially propel the board 110 across the water. In this regard, the standup paddle board 110 is shown as including the top surface 112, a bottom surface 114, a platform region 116, and a cargo hold 118. The top surface 112 and the bottom surface 114 may generally be opposing external surface of the board 110 that cooperate to define a body or structure of the board. Substantially any type of board 110 is contemplated herein that has sufficient rigidity and buoyancy to accommodate an adult rider in the standing position A. The standup paddle board 110 may optionally include a platform region 116 on the top surface 112, which may be a region of enhanced gripping or other structure, such as grip tape, or grooved features, that provides the rider with a designated standing area on the board 110. The cargo hold 118 may be a netted cargo hold that is configured to stow objects while the board 110 is in use. As described herein, the cargo hold 118 may be configured to hold the convertible chair 120 in a stowed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. With continued reference to FIG. 1, the paddle assembly 104 is shown as including a main shaft 106, a T-grip 107, a main paddle structure 108. The rider 102 may manipulate the main shaft 106 and the T-grip 107.
With reference to FIG. 2, the system 100 is shown in which the rider 102 has transitioned to a sitting position A′. To accommodate the rider 102 in the sitting position A′, the convertible chair 120 is shown in an open configuration and being occupied by the rider 102. For example, the convertible chair 120 may be removed from the cargo hold 118 and manipulated from the stowed configuration to the open configuration of FIG. 2 in which the convertible chair 120 may be occupied by the rider 102. The convertible chair 120 may be placed directly on the top surface 112 of the board 110, such as being placed in the platform region 116 free from any hooks, attachment features, rings, and the like, thereby maximizing adaptability for use with a wide variety of standup paddle boards. As further shown in FIG. 2, in the open configuration, the convertible chair 120 maintains the rider 102 in a semi-upright position such that rider's thighs are generally extending at an angle from the top surface 112. As described herein, the convertible chair 120 may include various structural features that promote a rider's comfort, balance and stability in the position shown in FIG. 2.
As further shown in FIG. 2, the paddle assembly 104 is shown converted to a paddle assembly 104′ in which the paddle assembly 104′ includes blades on either end of the assembly. In this regard, the rider 102 may operate the board 110 in a kayak style, in which the paddle assembly 104′ can be used to dip opposing blades into the water on either side of the rider and propel the board across the water. Accordingly, in place of the T-handle 107 shown in FIG. 1, in the FIG. 2 the paddle assembly 104′ is shown having a secondary paddle blade 109. To facilitate the foregoing, the convertible chair 120 in the stowed configuration of FIG. 1, may house the secondary paddle blade 109 while it is not in use. Further, the convertible chair 120 in the open configuration of FIG. 2 may house or hold the T-handle 107 or other structure while not in use. The convertible chair 120 may therefore facilitate handling and storage of all components needed to transition between the standing position A and the sitting position A′.
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the convertible chair 120 is described. The convertible chair 120 may be a fabric based chair primarily including a seat portion 130 and a back portion 150. The seat portion 130 may include various combinations of fabrics, stitching, paddings, supports, straps and the like that collectively define a seat 122 of the convertible chair 120. The back portion 150 may include various combinations of fabrics, stitching, paddings, supports, straps and the like that collectively define a back 124 of the convertible chair 120. The seat portion 130 and the back portion 150 are articulable relative to one another and coupled to one another along a seam 125. In this regard, the seat portion 130 and the back portion 150 may be moveable relative to one another to define a rider receiving region 121 when the convertible chair 120 is in an open configuration B, as shown in FIG. 3. As described in greater detail herein in reference to FIGS. 12-15, the convertible chair 120 may be flattened, and folded multiple times to arrange the convertible chair 120 in a stowed configuration D, for storage in a cargo hold of a standup paddle board.
With reference to the seat portion 130, the seat portion 130 may include a first fabric structure 132 that defines a main portion 132a, and side pieces 132b, 132c. The first fabric structure may be a nylon, synthetic or other material that can withstand water. In some cases, the fabric may be waterproof. The first fabric structure 132 may collectively define the seat 122 and may encapsulate a padding or material therein. The first fabric structure 132 may further include a pair of seat portion wings 134a, 134b extending away from the seat 122. The pair of seat portion wings 134a, 134b may be protruding pieces of the first fabric structure 132 that are used to removably couple the seat portion 130 to the back portion 150.
Further embedded in the first fabric structure 132, and cooperating to define a boundary of the seat 122, the seat portion 1230 may include a first pair of structural members 140a, 140b. Each structural member of the first pair of structural members 140a, 140b may be an elongated structure, such as tubular structure having a rigidity that is greater than a rigidity of the first fabric structure 132. The first pair of structural members 140a, 140b may generally run parallel to a rider's thighs when seated in the rider receiving region 121. Further embedded in the first fabric structure 132, and described in greater detail below, is a hinge assembly 500. The hinge assembly 500 is fixed at either end to the respective structural members of the first pair of structural members 140a, 140b. The hinge assembly 500 may establish a rigid bridge between each structural member 140a, 140b such that thighs of the rider may rest on the hinge assembly 500 when the rider is seated in the rider receiving region 121. The hinge assembly 500 may further be configured to a limited 180° range of motion along a direction away from the rider. Accordingly, upon sitting in the rider receiving region 121, the hinge assembly 500 may generally prevent the convertible chair 120 from collapsing, and as such, the convertible chair 120 is configured to maintain the open configuration B, shown in FIG. 3, during use.
The back portion 150 may be constructed in a similar manner as the seat portion 130 and therefore include a second fabric structure 152 defining a main portion 152a, side pieces 152b, 152c, a pair of back portion wings 154a, 154b. The pair of back portion wings 154a, 154b may be configured for removably coupling the seat portion 130 to the back portion via an operative connection with a corresponding wing of the pair of seat portion wings 134a, 134b. The back portion 150 may further include a second pair of structural members 160a, 160b. Redundant explanation of the foregoing components is omitted for clarity.
With reference to the seat portion wing 134a, the seat portion wing 134a may be associated with a strap 135a, a fastener 136a, and a side release feature 137a. The strap 135a may extend from the seat portion wing 134a and couple the fastener 136a to the seat portion wing 134a. The fastener 136a may be one-half of a buckle, lock or other mechanism that is configured to receive a complementary feature for removable engagement therewith. In this regard, the fastener 136a is shown in FIG. 4 as including a buckle having a side release feature 137a. Analogously, the seat portion wing 134b is shown as being associated with a strap 135b, a fastener 136b, and a side release feature 137b. In other examples, the pair of seat portion wings 134a, 134b may be associated with other components to facilitate the removable coupling of the seat portion 130 to the back portion 150 via the pair of seat portion wings 134a, 134b.
With reference to the back portion wing 154a, the back portion wing 154a may be associated with a strap 155a, a fastener 156a, and a side release feature 157a. The strap 155a may extend from the back portion wing 154a and couple the fastener 156a to the back portion wing 154a. The fastener 156a may be one-half of a buckle, lock or other mechanism that is configured to receive a complementary feature for removable engagement therewith. In this regard, the fastener 156a is shown in FIG. 4 as including a buckle receiver having a side release feature 157a. Analogously, the back portion wing 154b is shown as being associated with a strap 155b, a fastener 156b, and a side release feature 157b. In other examples, the pair of back portion wings 154a, 154b may be associated with other components to facilitate the removable coupling of the seat portion 130 to the back portion 150 via the pair of back portion wings 154a, 154b. In operation, the fasteners 136a, 156a may be removably coupled to one another and the fasteners 136b, 156b may be removably coupled to one another to maintain the convertible chair 120 in the open configuration B of FIG. 3.
As described herein, the convertible chair 120 includes the hinge assembly 500. With reference to FIGS. 5-7, the hinge assembly 500 is described in greater detail below. Broadly, the hinge assembly 500 may include any collection of substantially rigid components that cooperate to define a rigid bridge between each structural members of the first pair of structural members 140a, 140b. The hinge assembly 500 may also broadly include such components that define a 180° range of motion for the rigid bridge in a direction extending away from the rider when in the sitting position. In this regard, in the example of FIGS. 5-7, the hinge assembly 500 is shown as including a first hinge portion 510, a second hinge portion 530, and a pin 550. The first and second hinge portions 510, 530 may be pivotably coupled to one another about the pin 550. In this regard, the pin 550 may define a rotational axis 504 about which the first and second hinge portion 510, 530 may rotate. Each of the first and second hinge portions 510, 530 may be constructed from a material having a rigidity that is greater than a rigidity of the first or second fabric structures 132, 152, such as being constructed from a plastic or polymer components. Generally, as shown in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5, the hinge assembly 500 may have a width dimension 502 that runs parallel with the rotational axis 504. In some examples, the width dimension 502 may be less than half a width dimension 133 of the first fabric structure 132, as shown in FIG. 4.
With reference to the first hinge portion 510, the first hinge portion 510 may include a first leaf 512, a first hinge feature 516, and a first sheath 520, as shown in relation to FIGS. 5-7. The first leaf 512 may define an elongated body of the first hinge portion 510 such that the first hinge feature 516 and the first sheath 522 are disposed at opposing ends of the first hinge leaf 512. The first leaf 512 may further define a flat or conforming first leg surface 513 and a first leg contour 514. The first leg surface 513 may define a surface configured for engagement with a leg of the rider and may receive a force of the rider via said leg. Further, the first leg contour 514 may be an edge of the first leaf 512 that is curved or otherwise shaped to fit against a thigh of the rider when seated in the convertible chair 120. In this regard, the rider may sit back into the convertible chair 120 and press into the hinge assembly 500 without discomfort, in part, due to the relief of the first leg contour 515 receiving the thigh of the rider therein. At one end of the first leaf 512, the first sheath 520 is positioned including a sheath aperture 522 defined thereby. The sheath aperture 522 may be configured to receive and be engaged with, including being fixedly engaged with, the structural member 140a. Opposite the first sheath 520, the first hinge feature 516 may be arranged for operatively pivotal coupling with the pin 550. The first hinge feature 516 may define a stop 518 or other surface that operates to prevent movement of the first hinge portion 510 beyond the defined 180° range of motion described herein. The second hinge portion 5230 may be substantially analogous to the first hinge portion 530 and include a second leaf 532, a second leg surface 533, a second leg contour 534, a second hinge feature 536, a second sheath 540, a sheath aperture 542, and a stop 538; redundant explanation of which is omitted here for clarity.
In operation, and as shown with respect to FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, the hinge assembly 500 may define a rigid bridge between the pair of structural members 140a, 140b along an edge of the seat 122 furthest away from the seam 125. The hinge assembly 500 is operable to pivot the first and second hinge portions 510, 530 only in a direction away from the rider receiving region 121. In this regard, when the rider sits in the rider receiving region 121, the rider's legs will press on the leg surfaces 513, 533, and the hinge assembly 500 will operate to maintain the convertible chair 120 in the open configuration B shown in FIG. 3. By way of specific example, the rider's legs will press the leg surfaces 513, 533, and cause the first and second leafs 512, 532 to pivot about the pin 550 until the first and second leafs 512, 532 are stopped at a maximum position by the engagement of the stops 518, 538 (as shown in FIG. 6). As such, the rigid bridge between the structural members 140a, 140b is maintained with the rider sitting in the rider receiving region 121. When the rider is removed from the rider receiving region, the hinge assembly 500 may be subsequently folded along the 180° range of motion to promote a transitioning of the convertible chair 120 to a stowed configuration, as described herein.
While the hinge assembly 500 is shown and described to facilitate a 180° range of motion, in other cases, the hinge assemblies of the present disclosure may be adapted to facilitate a different range of motion. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 17-19, a hinge assembly 1700 is shown which is adapted to facilitate a 170° range of motion. The 170° range of motion may be desirable, for example, so that the wings of the hinge assembly 1700 in which the rider's legs rest are slightly angled or pitched in the open or seated configuration (rather than being flat), which may allow the hinge assembly 1700 to support the rider's leg in a more natural or less stressed seated position. In this regard, the hinge assembly of FIGS. 17-19 may be substantially analogous to the hinge assembly 500 of FIGS. 5-8, and include a first hinge portion 1710, a first leaf 1712, a first sheath 1720, a first sheath aperture 1722, a stop 1718, a first hinge feature 1716, a second hinge feature 1730, a second leaf 1732, a second sheath 1740, a second sheath aperture 1742, a stop 1738, a second hinge feature 1736, and a pin 1750.
As shown with reference to FIG. 18, the stops 1718, 1738 may be configured to in order to prevent the first and second hinge portions 1710, 1730 from rotating more than 170°. For example, the stops 1718, 1738 may be formed from a material that defines an edge that mates or otherwise interferes with one another once the first and second hinge portions 1710, 1730 reach the 170° position, as shown in FIG. 18. It will be appreciated that the stops 1718, 1738 may be adapted in order to facilitate any appropriate range of motion, including in cases that are more or less than the 170° range of motion shown for the example of FIGS. 17-19. As is further shown in FIG. 19, the first and second hinge portion 1710, 1730 may allow for deflection upon receiving a weight of a rider's legs.
With respect to any of the hinge assemblies described herein, in some cases, it may be desirable to include one or more piece of fabric to cover the pin or other rotational joint of the hinge assembly. Such piece of fabric may cover the rotational joint of the hinge assembly while the hinge assembly articulates between a stowed configuration and the open configuration. The piece of fabric may generally mitigate or prevent a rider form being pinched by the hinge assembly during this movement. The piece of fabric may further operate to limit the ability of the hinge assembly to tear or wear on the fabric structure within which the hinge assembly is contained. In this regard, for purposes of illustration, FIGS. 20-22 show a hinge assembly 2000 associated with a hinge cover 2090. The hinge assembly 2000 may be substantially analogous to any of the hinge assemblies described herein, including the hinge assemblies 500, 1700, and include a first hinge portion 2010, a second hinge portion 2030, and a pin 2050; redundant explanation of which is omitted herein for clarity.
The hinge cover 2090 is shown in FIGS. 20-22 as including a rider side 2092, a hinge assembly side 2094, and a middle portion 2096. The hinge cover 2090 may be formed from any appropriate material configured to withstand the repeated movements of the hinge assembly 2000, including being formed from certain nylon and synthetic materials. In some cases, the hinge cover 2090 may include a padding, a deformable material, or other material that allows the hinge cover 2090 to withstand such repeated wear and to provide comfort to the rider. As shown in FIG. 21, the hinge cover 2090 may be coupled to the hinge assembly 2000 with the hinge assembly side 2094 attached to each of the first and second hinge portions 2010, 2030 and substantially covering the pin 2050. The rider side 2092 may face away from the hinge assembly 2000 and be engaged by, such as being partially seated on by, the rider. With reference to FIG. 22, the hinge assembly 2000 is shown in a configuration in which the first and second hinge portion 2010, 2030 are articulated about the pin 2050. The hinge cover 2090 may be adapted to remain coupled to the first and second hinge portions 2010, 2030 during such articulation, in which the middle portion 2090 stretches and bends in order to cover the pin 2050.
As described herein, the convertible chair 120 may be used with paddle assemblies, structures, and systems of various configurations. With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a convertible paddle assembly 800 is shown for use with the convertible chair 120, such for use with the convertible chair in the manner described above in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2. The convertible paddle structure 800 is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in a configuration for use as a standup paddle board paddle, for example, in which a paddle has a single bladed end and an opposing handle. In this regard, the paddle assembly 800 may include a paddle structure 810, main shaft 830, an adjustment tube 850, and a T-handle 870. The paddle structure 810 may include a paddle or blade 812, an attachment fitting 814, a fitting end 816, and an engagement feature 818. In some cases, the paddle structure 810 may have a length of around 30.25 inches, although in other cases, the paddle structure 810 may be longer or shorter, as needed. The paddle 812 may be substantially any appropriate paddle configured to maneuver a standup paddle board across water and include the attachment fitting 814 extending elongated therefrom for attachment of the paddle 812 with the main shaft 830. For example, at end of the attachment fitting 814 opposite the paddle 812, the attachment fitting 812 may have a reduced diameter portion that defines the fitting end 816 with an engagement feature 816, such as a button, knob, or other feature, which may be depressible. The main shaft 830 is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 as defining the main structure, optionally tubular body, of the paddle assembly 800. In some cases, the main shaft 830 may have a length of around 34.25 inches, although in other cases, the main shaft 830 may be longer or shorter, as needed. A shaft first end 832 may be adapted to receive the fitting end 816 for releasable engagement with the paddle structure 810. For example, the fitting end 816 may be received at least partially within the shaft first end 832 such that the engagement feature 818 temporarily and securely locks with a complementary engagement feature 834 of the main shaft 830.
The main shaft 830 may further be configured for attachment of the adjustment tube 850 at a shaft second end 836. For example, the shaft second end 836 may include a clamp 838 that is configured to receive a tube first end 852 therein and lock the adjustment tube 850 at a set length, as may be defined by the graduations 856. In some cases, the graduations 856 may be grooves, lines, ridge, or other features that support the locking of the adjustment tube 850 with the main shaft 830 at certain predefined increments. In turn, the adjustment tube 850 may be configured for mating engagement with the handle 870. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the adjustment tube 850 may include a tube second end 854 have an engagement feature 858. The tube second end 854 may fit within, or otherwise couple with an attachment piece 872 of the handle 870. For example, the tube second end 854 may fit into the attachment piece 872 such that the engagement feature 854 and an engagement feature 874 temporarily and securely lock to one another. The T-handle 870 may include a handle piece or other gripping mechanism opposite the attachment 872 for manipulation by the rider during use.
In some cases, the adjustment tube 850 may have a length of around 27 inches and the T-handle 870 may have a length of around 6.125 inches, although in other cases, the adjustment tube 850 and/or the T-handle 870 may be longer or shorter, as needed. Accordingly, in the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the convertible paddle assembly 800 may have a total adjustable length of between 67 inches to 91 inches.
The convertible paddle assembly 800 may be configured to transition from the standup paddle board configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, to a kayak configuration, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this regard, FIGS. 10 and 11 shown a convertible paddle assembly 800′ in which the handle 870 is replaced by a secondary paddle structure 1070. The secondary paddle structure 1070 may be substantially analogous to the paddle structure 810 and include an attachment piece 1072, an engagement feature 1074, and a paddle or blade 1076. In this regard, the blade 1076 may be a paddle blade opposite the paddle 812 such that convertible paddle assembly 800′ is operable as a dual-blade paddle. To facilitate the transition between the standup configuration of FIGS. 8 and 9 and the kayak configuration of FIGS. 10 and 11, the handle 870 is separated from the adjustment tube 850 by releasing the engagement features 858 and 874 from one another. In turn, the attachment piece 1072 can be received by the tube second end 854 such that the engagement features 858 and 1074 temporarily and securely couple with one another. In some cases, the secondary paddle structure 1070 may have a length of around 19 inches, although in other cases, the secondary paddle structure 1070 may be longer or shorter, as needed. Accordingly, in the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the convertible paddle assembly 800′ may have a total adjustable length of between 80 inches to 91 inches.
With reference to FIGS. 12-15, the convertible chair 120 may be configured to transition between an open configuration in which the rider is able to sit in the chair 120 and a stowed configuration in which the convertible chair 120 is folded one or more times for storage on a standup paddle board. Further disclosed herein is that the convertible chair 120 may be operable to hold, receive, camouflage, conceal, and the like at least a portion of a the convertible paddle assembly 800, 800′ when such portion is not in use. For example, the convertible chair 120 may hold a portion of the secondary paddle structure 1070 when the rider is using the convertible paddle assembly 800 in the standing position configuration. Further, the convertible chair 120 may hold a portion of the T-handle 870 when the rider is using the convertible paddle assembly 800′ in the kayak or sitting position.
To facilitate the foregoing, FIG. 12 shows a system 1200 including the convertible chair 120 and the secondary paddle structure 1070. In FIG. 12, a front view of the convertible chair 120 is shown in a first configuration C. The first configuration C of the convertible chair 120 may be a transitional state from the open configuration B of the convertible chair 120, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, in FIG. 3, the respective seat portion wings 134a, 134b and the back portion wings 154a, 154b may be releasably coupled to one another in order to arrange the convertible chair 120 as having the rider receiving region 121. The respective seat portion wings 134a, 134b and the back portion wings 154a, 154b of the convertible chair 120 may be uncoupled from one another (or in some cases sufficiently loosened from one another but still remaining attached) such that the first fabric structure 132 and the second fabric structure 152 may be generally arranged flat to define the first configuration C, as shown in FIG. 12. Because the respective seat portion wings 134a, 134b and the back portion wings 154a, 154b may remain attached to one another after being sufficiently loosened, the convertible chair 100 may be adapted to be stored without having to unbuckle the respective seat portion wings 134a, 134b and the back portion wings 154a, 154b from one another.
As further shown in FIG. 12, the convertible chair 120 may be associated with the secondary paddle structure 1070. For example, the convertible chair 120 may be configured to hold the secondary paddle structure 1070 when the convertible chair 120 is not in use. To facilitate the foregoing, the convertible chair 120 may include a fabric hold 180 that defines a slip 182. For example, the fabric hold 180 may be an adjoining fabric structure that extends from one edge of the convertible chair to a perpendicular edge extending therefrom. In some cases, the fabric hold 180 may be a mesh and/or have an elastic component. The fabric hold 180 may define the slip 182 between the fabric hold 180 bottom surface and a facing surface of the second fabric structure 152. The slip 182 may be sufficiently large to as to fully accommodate the secondary paddle 1076. As further shown in FIG. 12, the convertible chair 120 may include a first fabric patch 184 that defines a pocket 186. For example, the fabric patch 184 may be another adjoining fabric structure that defines a cup of the pocket 186 against the surface of the second fabric structure 152. Similar to the fabric hold 182, the fabric patch 184 may also be constructed from a mesh and/or elastic material. The fabric patch 184 may define the pocket 186 as being sufficiently large so as to receive the attachment piece 1072 of the secondary paddle structure 1070. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 12, in the first configuration C, the secondary paddle structure 1070 can be removably attached to the second fabric structure 152 by placing the attachment piece 1072 in the pocket 186, and by slipping the secondary paddle 1076 into the slip 182. The secondary paddle structure 1070 may therefore be specifically configured to, such as being sized to fit completely within a boundary of the second fabric structure 152. This may facilitate storage of the secondary paddle structure 1070 when not in use, because the secondary paddle structure 1070 will not protrude from the convertible chair or otherwise interfere with the rider when the convertible chair 120 and secondary paddle structure 1070 are stowed.
With reference to FIG. 13, the system 1200 is shown in a second configuration D in which the convertible chair 120 has been folded along the seam 125. In particular, the first fabric structure 132 may be folded about the seam 125 such that the first fabric structure 132 covers at least a portion of the secondary paddle structure 1070 being held on the secondary fabric structure 152. As further shown in FIG. 13, the convertible chair 120 may define or otherwise be foldable along a line of symmetry 126, which may in some cases may be a seam. With reference to FIG. 15, the system 1200 is shown with the convertible chair 120 in a third configuration E, which may also be defined as the stowed configuration. In the third configuration E, the convertible chair 120 has been folded along the line of symmetry 126. Such configuration may permit the system 1200 to be readily stowed in a standup paddle board, such as the standup paddle board 110 of FIGS. 1 and 2.
In addition to storing the secondary paddle structure 1070 when not in use, the convertible chair 120 may further be configured to store the T-handle 870 when not in use. For example, as shown with reference to FIG. 14, a back view of the convertible chair 120 is shown, which may be specifically adapted to accommodate the T-handle. In this regard, the second fabric structure 152 is shown as including a second fabric hold 188 defining a mesh pocket 189. Similar to the fabric hold 182, the second fabric hold 189 may also be constructed from a mesh and/or elastic material. The mesh pocket 189 may be specifically configured to hold the T-handle 870 such that the T-handle 870 fit at least partially (and in some cases entirely) with the mesh pocket 189. By defining a feature for storage of the T-handle 870, the convertible chair 120 may permit the rider to safely and securely store the T-handle 870 when the rider is occupying the convertible chair in the sitting position, and thus using the convertible paddle assembly in the dual-bladed mode.
In some examples, a zipper, buckle, or other feature may be used to facilitate the temporary closure of the convertible chair in the stowed configuration. In this regard, the convertible chair may be prevented from unexpectedly opening, and may thus allow the secondary paddle structures to be stored more securely therein. Accordingly, with reference to FIGS. 23-27, a system 2300 is shown substantially including the convertible chair 120 and secondary paddle structure 1070 described above. Notwithstanding, the convertible chair is shown in FIGS. 23-27 with the second fabric structure 152 including material bands 2310a, 2310b on either side. The material bands 2310a, 2310b may each include complementary zipper pieces 2312a, 2312b. The convertible chair 120 may be folded from the open configuration of FIG. 23 to the stowed configuration of FIG. 25, as described herein. The material bands 2310a, 2310b and the complementary zipper pieces 2312a, 2312b may cooperate to maintain the system 2300 in the stowed configuration. For example, in the stowed configuration, the complementary zipper pieces 2312a, 2312b may be arranged relative to one another in order to zip the pieces together a form a zipper assembly 2314, as shown in FIG. 25. The zipper assembly 2314 may operate to temporarily restrain the system 2300 into the stowed configuration, thereby allowing the system 2300 to operate as a carrying case for the secondary paddle structure 1070. With reference to FIG. 27, the system 2300 is shown with the convertible chair 120 including an optional carrying handle 2316.
With reference to FIGS. 28-32, a system 2300 is shown substantially including the convertible chair 120 and secondary paddle structure 1070 described above. Notwithstanding, the convertible chair 120 is shown in FIGS. 23-27 in which a buckle is used to facilitate the temporary closure of the convertible chair 120 in the stowed configuration with the second fabric structure 152 including straps 2810a, 2810b on either side. The straps 2810a, 2810b may each include complementary buckle pieces 2812a, 2812b. The convertible chair 120 may be folded from the open configuration of FIG. 28 to the stowed configuration of FIG. 30, as described herein. The straps 2810a, 2810b and the complementary buckle pieces 2812a, 2812b may cooperate to maintain the system 2800 in the stowed configuration. For example, in the stowed configuration, the complementary buckle pieces 2812a, 2812b may be arranged relative to one another in order to buckle the pieces together a form a buckle assembly 2814, as shown in FIG. 30. The buckle assembly 2814 may operate to temporarily restrain the system 2800 into the stowed configuration, thereby allowing the system 2800 to operate as a carrying case for the secondary paddle structure 1070. With reference to FIG. 32, the system 2800 is shown with the convertible chair 120 including an optional carrying handle 2816.
FIG. 16 depicts a flow diagram of an example method 1600 of converting a standup paddle board. At operation 1604, a standup paddle board system is provided, including a convertible chair and a convertible paddle assembly. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 3 and 8, the convertible chair 120 and the convertible paddle assembly 800 may be provided. The convertible chair 120 may be operable to transition between a stowed configuration in which the chair is folded multiple times and an open configuration in which the convertible chair is opened to define a rider receiving region for placement of the rider. The convertible chair 120 may be provided in the stowed configuration in the method 1600 and received within a cargo hold, such as the cargo hold 118 of FIG. 1. In this stowed configuration, at least the secondary paddle structure 1070 of the convertible paddle assembly 800 may be arranged therein. At operation 1608, the convertible chair is removed from a netted cargo hold of the standup paddle board. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the convertible chair 120 may be removed from the cargo hold 118 when the rider 102 desires to transition from the standing position A to the sitting position A′. In so removing the convertible chair 120 from the cargo hold 118, the rider 102 may also be removing the secondary paddle structure 1070 form the cargo hold 118.
At operation 1612, a secondary paddle structure is removed from the convertible chair. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 12-15, the secondary paddle structure 1070 may be removed from the convertible chair 120 by causing the secondary paddle 1076 to be taken out of the slip 186 such that the rider 102 may then pull the secondary paddle structure 1070 from the pocket 186. At operation 1616, a T-handle structure of the convertible paddle assembly is replaced with the secondary paddle structure. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 2, 8 and 10, the rider 102 may decouple the T-handle structure 870 from the adjustment tube 850 by disengaging the engagement feature 858 and 874 from one another. In turn, the secondary paddle structure 1070 may be engaged with the adjustment tube 850 by engaging the engagement feature 858 with the engagement feature 1074 of the secondary paddle structure 1070.
At operation 1620, the convertible chair is unfolded. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 12-15, the convertible chair 120 is initially unfolded from the third or stowed configuration E of FIG. 15 to the second configuration D of FIG. 13. Such unfolding may occur by manipulating the first and second fabric structures 132, 152 about the line of symmetry 126. Further, the convertible chair 120 is unfolded from the second configuration D to the first configuration C by manipulating the first and second fabric structure 132, 152 about the seam 125. In some cases, the convertible chair 120 may be further unfolded or arranged to define the open configuration B of FIG. 3, including the rider receiving region 121, by coupling respective wings of the pair of seat portion wings 134a, 134b and the pair of back portion wings 154a, 154b. It will be appreciated that operations 1616 and 1620 may be performed in any appropriate order. For example, in some cases, the convertible chair 120 may be unfolded as described in operation 1620, and then subsequently, the rider may replace the T-handle with the secondary paddle structure 1070, as described in relation to operation 1616. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of operations 1616 and 1620 may occur together or as a single combined or integrated operation with the rider completing some portions of said replacing of operation 1616 and completing some portion of said unfolding of operation 1620 before then completing operation 1616 and vice versa.
At operation 1624, the convertible chair is placed in the standup paddle board. For example, and with reference to FIG. 2, the convertible chair 120 is placed on the top surface 112 of the standup paddle board 110. The convertible chair 120 may be placed on the top surface 112 and does not require any additional straps, attachment features, rings, and the like for coupling with the board 110. In this regard, the convertible chair 120 can be used with a substantially wide array of boards. At operation 1628, a rider is caused to occupy a seat of the convertible chair. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the rider 102 may sit in the rider receiving region 121 and be arranged in the sitting position B and with the convertible paddle assembly in the dual-bladed kayak position.
It will be appreciated that the method 1600 may be performed in substantially reverse order to facilitate the transition from the sitting position to the standing position. For example, in order to transition from the sitting position to the standing position, the rider 102 may caused to be removed from the convertible chair 120. Next, the convertible chair 120 may be removed from the top surface 112 of the standup paddle board 110. Next, the convertible chair 120 may be folded, such being first folded along the seam 125, and second folded along the line of symmetry 126 such that the convertible chair 120 defines the stowed configuration of FIG. 15. Next, or in relation or during any of the previous steps, the secondary paddle structure 1070 may be removed from the paddle assembly 800′ and stowed with the convertible chair 120, as described herein. Next, or in relation or during any of the previous steps, the T-handle structure 870 may be removed from storage with the convertible chair 120 (as shown in FIG. 14) and engaged with the convertible paddle assembly 800, as described herein. Next, the convertible chair 120, including the secondary paddle structure 1070, may be stored in the cargo hold 118 of the standup paddle board 110. In such stowed configuration, the secondary paddle structure 1070 may not protrude from the convertible chair 120 or otherwise interfere with the rider 102 during operation of the standup paddle board 102 in the standing position A.
Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described examples. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described examples. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific examples described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the examples to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.
Patent Application
20240400164
