AU2004274040B2

AU2004274040B2 - A water board

Info

Publication number: AU2004274040B2
Application number: AU2004274040A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Janine Massoni
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-09-24
Filing date: 2004-09-24
Publication date: 2009-09-10
Anticipated expiration: 2024-09-24
Also published as: AU2004274040A1

Description

WO 2005/028294 PCT/AU2004/001315 A WATER BOARD FIELD OF THE INVENTION THIS INVENTION RELATES TO a water board, such as body boards, surf boards, knee boards and the like. In particular, relates to providing 5 control and stability when riding a wave. BACKGROUND Body boards are typically constructed from expanded closed-cell foam. The body board has an outer skin; the top portion or deck having some friction creating profile to prevent the rider from sliding off and a 10 smooth slick lower skin. Knee and surf boards are typically made of fibreglass with an estapol glaze which is ideally waxed in the upper surface to provide grip when kneeling or standing on the board. When riding a wave, the object for most riders is to cut across the face to the wave to obtain a longer ride and to perform tricks, such as spinning the board through 360 15 degrees and various turns. To enable the rider to learn to use a body board and preform tricks it is essential that the body board provide stability when cutting across the face of a wave. In particular wave conditions, or through a riders lack of experience or rider error the side of the board may dig into the wave and cause the body board and the rider to slide down the face of the 20 wave usually causing a "wipeout". US 6,203,389 describes a body board which has a contoured under surface, having two tapered longitudinal channels extending longitudinally from about the middle of the board and extending to the tail of the board creating a trimaran type effect. The body board of US 6,203,389 is 25 described as providing greater stability and manoeuvrability. However the board is not particularly effective in surf that is unpredictable or "choppy". SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to overcome or alleviate some of the above disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial 30 alternative.

2 in one form the invention, although not necessarily the broadest form the invention resides in a water board having; a nose and a tail; an upper surface, on which the rider lies, kneels or stands; and 5 a lower surface, contoured in such a way as to provides two water flow passages which are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the water board and which extend from the nose to a location at or adjacent the tail of the water board; and a downwardly projecting fin located on each side of the water board, 10 and whereby in use said water flow passages enhance the stability and manoeuvrability of the water board. In another form the invention the invention resides in a water board having; 15 a nose and a tail; an upper surface, on which the rider lies, kneels or stands; a lower surface contoured in such a way as to provides two elongated generally S shape water flow passages which are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the water board and which extend from the nose to a 20 location at or adjacent the tail of the water board; and whereby in use said water flow passages enhance the stability and manoeuvrability of the water board. In one embodiment, each of the water flow passages extends from the nose to a location adjacent to the tail of the water board. Preferably each of 25 the water flow passages are of an elongated generally S shape concave or elongated C shape. More suitably each of the water flow passages are deeper at or near the nose than the tail of the water board. In another embodiment, each of the water flow passages extends from the nose to a location at the tail of the water board. Preferably each of 30 the water flow passages are concave about the longitudinal axis of the water board. More suitably each of the water flow passages are deeper at or near the nose than the tail of the water board 2A The water board may further comprise downwardly projecting fins located on each side of the water board. Each of the fins may extend from the nose and taper towards the tail of the water board or extend from the nose to the tail of the water board. 5 The nose of the water board has a leading edge that may be scalloped or contoured. The water flow passages of the water board, of the invention, extending from the nose provide greater stability and manoeuvrability than the boards of the prior art. 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: WO 2005/028294 PCT/AU2004/001315 3 FIG. 1 is a three dimensional, wire frame schematic drawing showing multiple cross-sectional views of a first embodiment of a body board of the invention. FIG. 2 is a top view of FIG. 1, with the cross sectional views rotated 5 90 degrees. FIG 3 is a perspective top view of the body board of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lower surface of the body board of FIG 1. FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the body board taken along the line 10 A-A of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the body board taken along the line B-B of FIG. 4. FIG.7 is a cross sectional view of the body board taken along the line C-C of FIG. 4. 15 FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the body board taken along the line D-D of FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the body board taken along the line E-E of FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the body board taken along the line 20 F-F of FIG. 3. FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the body board taken along the line G-G of FIG. 3. FIG. 12 is a top view schematic a second embodiment of a body board of the invention. 25 FIG. 13 is a side view of the second embodiment FIG.14 is a bottom view of the second embodiment FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the underside of the second embodiment from the nose. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the underside of the second 30 embodiment from the tail. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the underside of a third embodiment viewed from the tail.

WO 2005/028294 PCT/AU2004/001315 4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS For ease of description the water board of the invention will be described in detail with reference to body boards, also sometimes known as "boogie boards". It will be appreciated that the invention can be readily 5 adapted to apply to surf boards, knee boards and the like. FIGs 1 to 11 a schematic representations of a first embodiment of a body board of the invention. FIGs. I and 2 shows a water board or body board 10. The body board 10 may be formed from any conventional materials used in the manufacture of body boards or surfboards, such as, 10 hard or soft grade polypropylene, expanded polypropylene, polystyrene covered in epoxy cloth, fibreglass, coated polyurethane, closed-celled foam or any other material having sufficient buoyancy and moldability to form a body board. The body board 10 of FIG I has a nose 11, tail 12, and an upper surface or deck 13. The nose 11 of the body board is formed in such 15 a way that the leading edge 14 is gently curved upwards in its normally orientation as shown in FIG 1 and in longitudinal cross section in FIGs 8 and 9. FIG 3 is a top view of a body board of the invention showing the deck 13. The overall silhouette of the body board 10 is one where the board has a 20 wider nose 11 and tapers along the length of the body board towards a narrower tail 12, with the fins 15 and 16, located on respective sides of the board 10, which also taper along the length of the board 10. FIG 4 is a bottom view of the body board 10, showing the lower surface 20 and the under surface of the fins 15 and 16. In use, the water 25 flows under the body board 10 through water flow passages or channels 21 and 22, shown by the shading on the lower surface, 20 in the region nearthe fins 15 and 16. The water flow passages 21 and 22 in this embodiment extend from the nose 11 to a location adjacent to the tail 12. The water flow passages 21 and 22 are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis H-H of the 30 board, as shown in Fig 4 to be mirrored elongated generally S shaped. FIG 5 is a cross sectional view about line A-A and clearly shows in cross section the shape of fins 15 and 16 which each extend laterally and WO 2005/028294 PCT/AU2004/001315 5 slightly downwardly shown merging in a point or rib 17 and 18, respectively. The bridge portion 19, extending between the fins 15 and 16 is also shown having a slightly convex lower surface 20. The convex lower surface 20 between the fins 15 and 16 does not extend to the same depth as the fins 15 5 and 16. The fins 15 and 16 gradually flatten out or taper as they extend from the nose 11 to tail 12 as shown clear with reference to various cross sectional views in FIGs 5, 6, 7, 10 and 11. The convex lower surface 20 of the bridge portion 19 between the fins 15 & 16 also tends to flatten out from 10 nose 11 to tail 12 as so shown in FIGs 5, 6, 7, 10 and 11. FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view, taken about the line B-B of Fig 4, of the body board 10 at or near the region where the water flow passages 21 and 22 are diverging and the fins 15 and 16 are tapered to become flatter and more elliptical with a slight downturn of the respective ribs 17 and 18. 15 FIG 7 shows a cross sectional view of the body board 10 about line C C of the body board proximal to or adjacent the tail, 12 is tapered to form an approximately flat or slightly elliptical tail 12, where there is no fins in this region. FIG 8 shows a longitudinal cross sectional view of the body board 10 20 about line D-D. It can be clearly seen that in the longitudinal axis the body board 10 has a slight concave deck 13 (to the left of the FIG) and corresponding slightly convex lower surface 20. FIG 9 shows a longitudinal cross sectional view of the body board 10 about line E-E, showing the elongated contouring of the lower surface 20 in 25 the region near the water flow passage 21 in the region between and adjacent the fin 15 and the bridge portion 19 extending from the nose 11 and leading to the flatter or tapered tail 12. FIGs 10 and 11 show cross sections of the body board 10 about lines F-F and G-G, respectively, clearly showing the deck 13 extending 30 downwardly and in a vertical manner at the side edges to form a region or zone of the lower surface 20 having thin downwardly extending edges 23 and 24 which also taper towards the tail to form an elliptical cross section WO 2005/028294 PCT/AU2004/001315 6 illustrated in FIG 7. In use, the nose 11 of the body board 10 in combination with the side fins 15 and 16 provides a degree of lift to the front section of the body board 10 and facilitates gaining speed on the board when riding a wave. As the 5 rider traverses a wave the water passes under the nose 11 between the fins 15 and 16 in channels 21 and 22, and is compressed under the bridge portion 19. As the fins 15 & 16 taper towards the middle to two-thirds the length of the body board 10 and blend into the thin downwardly extending edges 23 and 24 the water becomes is less compressed. The flattened tail 10 region 12 allows the board to skim the surface of the wave adding to the manoeuvrability of the body board. In effect the contoured lower surface 20 with its water flow passages 21 and 22 provide greater stability and manoeuvrability to the board when in use. It is thought that the fins 15 & 16 may also assist in steering the board. 15 The body board of the preferred embodiment is particularly suitable in conditions where the surf is considered unpredictable or "choppy" in providing stability to the ride as the flow of water through the channels 21 and 22 and possibly the side fins 15 and 16 cut into the water, preventing the board from being moved around as much in these types of conditions, 20 resulting in smoother and faster ride. FIGs 12 to 16 are schematic representation of a second embodiment of a body board of the invention. FIG 12 is a top view of a second embodiment of the body board 210, showing an upper surface, or deck 220. The leading edge 230 of the board 210 is formed or contoured to have a 25 slight scalloped shape. The leading edge 230 is slightly narrower than the nose 211 before tapering very slightly towards the tail 212. Also shown in FIG1 2, 14, 15 and 16 is an arm or leg rope attachment device 240 located in or near the nose, in the usual manner. FIG 13 is a schematic view of the side profile of the board 210 of the 30 second embodiment, having a deck 220, and lower surface 250. It can be seen from FIG 13 that the deck 250 is substantially flat, whilst the board 210 is slightly thicker through the nose 211 than the tail 212, reflecting the slight WO 2005/028294 PCT/AU2004/001315 7 tapering of the fins 215 and 216, shown more clearly in Fig 15 and 16. The side profile of the board 210 may vary between 6-7.5cm (approximately 2.5 3inches). The thicker tail 212 in this embodiment has been found to add buoyancy and manoeuvrability to the board. This embodiment with the 5 thicker fins and tail is believed to provide greater sidewards thrust for the board in the surf, giving more effective control and wave grip for the rider. FIG 14 is a schematic view of the lower surface 250 of the board 210. It can be seen that the lower surface 250 is contoured in such a manner to form two water flow passages 251 and 252, symmetrical about a longitudinal 10 axis J-J, extending from the nose 211 to a location at the tail 212 The channels 251 and 252 have a generally concave or mirrored elongated C shapes about a longitudinal axis J-J of the board 210. At the tail 212 on respective sides of the board 210 are elongated triangular portions 253 and 254 which are substantially flat and assist in defining the channels 251 and 15 252. FIG 15 is a perspective view of the board 210 looking at the lower surface 250 from the leading edge 230. The deck 220 is substantially flat in the centre and as it extends to the sides of the board 210 and curves upwardly to form fins 215 and 216. The deck 220 may be formed of 20 polyproplene, preferably with a non-slip surface. The lower surface 250 may be coated with Suryn (Trademark). The middle section or bridge 254 of the lower surface 250 can be seen to be of the same depth or thickness as the fins 215 and 216. FIG 16 is a perspective view of the underside of the board 210 viewed 25 from the tail 212. The end 212A of the board 210 can be seen to be almost flat with the channels 251 and 252 being shallower at the tail region 212 than the nose 211. The fins 215 and 216 taper towards the tail 212. In another embodiment, the fins 215 and 216 may be shallower than the centre of the board 254 at the longitudinal axis that may provide the rider 30 with the option of rocking onto the fins to spin the board or cut into a wave. In a third embodiment, shown in FIG 17, the fins 315 and 316 extend from the nose 311, along each side of the board 310 to the tail 312. In a WO 2005/028294 PCT/AU2004/001315 8 similar manner to the second embodiment the lower surface 250 is contoured to form water flow passages or channels 351 and 352 extend from the nose 311 to the tail 312. The fins 315 and 316 may be either the same depth, shallower or deeper than the longitudinal axis of the board. 5 The water flow passages or channel arrangement of the board of the invention provides the necessary stability and manoeuvrability in the surf to provide riders of varying experience the ability to catch and ride waves in a broad range of surf conditions. Furthermore, for the novice the board provides such stability that the novice rider can readily start performing tricks 10 or more advanced manoeuvres such as riding tubes than would normally be achieved on regular boards. It will be appreciated that the upper surface of the board may be further contoured to provide for comfort to the rider. Additional contouring may include the formation of shallow depressions on the deck to assist in 15 retaining the riders elbows when riding the board. Alternatively the board may be covered with a slightly body conforming resilient material to provide rider comfort. The lower surface of the board at the leading edge or nose may be contoured to provide hand holds or grips to provide the rider with a ready 20 place to hold the board at or near the leading edge during a ride. It will be appreciated that the deck or upper surface of the board may be modified in a number of ways to increase attractiveness and/or ridability of the board, this may include the addition of grip pads or gorilla pads, decals, painted layered surfaces and/or waxes. 25 It will be appreciated that the board may be formed by hand or moulded using known moulding techniques including rotational and injection moulding. It will also be appreciated that the water board of the current invention may be fitted with a leg or wrist rope to removably secure the body board to 30 the rider, so that the board is not lost in the event that the rider falls from the board. It will be appreciated that the water board may be made in various WO 2005/028294 PCT/AU2004/001315 9 sizes to suit different age groups, skill levels and surf conditions. It may also be possible to adapt the water board of the invention to engage a sail type arrangement, such as a wind sail, through the provision of a securing means such as a universal joint on the deck of the board. 5 Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention. 10

Claims

1. A water board having; a nose and a tail; an upper surface, on which the rider lies, kneels or stands; 5 a lower surface contoured in such a way as to provides two water flow passages which are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the water board and which extend from the nose to a location at or adjacent the tail of the water board; and a downwardly projecting fin located on each side of the water 10 board, and whereby in use said water flow passages enhance the stability and manoeuvrability of the water board.

2. The water board of claim 1, wherein each of the water flow passages 15 extend to a location adjacent to the tail of the water board.

3. The water board of claim 1, wherein each of the water flow passages extend to a location at the tail of the water board. 20

4. The water board of claim 1, wherein each of the water flow passages are of an elongated generally S shape.

5. The water board of claim 4, wherein each of the water flow passages are deeper at or near the nose than the tail of the water board. 25

6. The water board of claim 1, wherein each of the water flow passages are concave or an elongated C shape about the longitudinal axis of the water board. 30

7. The water board of claim 6, wherein each of the water flow passages are deeper at or near the nose than the tail of the water board.

8. The water board of claim 1, wherein each of the fins extend from the nose to the tail of the water board. 35

9. The water board of claim 1, wherein the nose has a leading edge which is scalloped. 11

10. A water board having; a nose and a tail; an upper surface, on which the rider lies, kneels or stands; a lower surface contoured in such a way as to provides two 5 elongated generally S shape water flow passages which are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the water board and which extend from the nose to a location at or adjacent the tail of the water board; and whereby in use said water flow passages enhance the stability 10 and manoeuvrability of the water board.

11. The water board of claim 10, wherein each of the water flow passages extend to a location adjacent to the tail of the water board.

12. The water board of claim 10, wherein each of the water flow passages extend to a location at the tail of the water board. 15

13. The water board of claim 10, wherein each of the water flow passages are deeper at or near the nose than the tail of the water board.

14. The water board of claim 10, further comprising a downwardly projecting fin located on each side of the water board.

15. The water board of claim 14, wherein each of the fins extend from the 20 nose to the tail of the water board.

16. The water board of claim 10, wherein the nose has a leading edge which is scalloped.