AU2011101093B4

AU2011101093B4 - A Multicomponent Bodyboard

Info

Publication number: AU2011101093B4
Application number: AU2011101093A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Nicholas John Mesritz
Original assignee: MINIKMATI Pty Ltd
Current assignee: MINIKMATI Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-10-14
Filing date: 2011-08-25
Publication date: 2011-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 2019-08-25
Also published as: AU2011101093A4

Abstract

Abstract A multi-component bodyboard including an at least semi-rigid central component, a pair of vertical beams, one on either side of the central component and a pair of outer components which are equal to or less rigid than the central component, 5 one on either side of the respective vertical beam.

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: A MULTICOMPONENT BODYBOARD Applicant: Minikmati Pty Ltd The invention is described in the following statement: 2 A MULTICOMPONENT BODYBOARD Field of the Invention. The present invention relates generally to the field of surf accessories and in particular to bodyboard upon which people kneel, stand, or lie. 5 Background Art. A bodyboard differs from a surfboard in that it is generally much shorter and made of flexible foam. The board consists of a foam 'core' encapsulated by a plastic bottom and a softer foam top known as the deck. The core is made up from polystyrene (EPS), Arcel and EPO or, more recently, polypropylene. Each type of 10 foam gives the bodyboard a different amount of flex and control for the rider. Polyethelene cores are best suited to cooler waters as they can be too flexible in warm water. Polypropylene cores are best suited to warmer waters as they can be too rigid in cold water. Some boards contain one or two rods (usually of carbon or graphite) 15 called stringers to strengthen the board, reduce deformation, and add stiffness and recoil to the core, giving greater speed from bottom turns. If a single stringer is used, it is placed in the center of the board running parallel to the rails. If two are used, they are placed symmetrically about the y-axis. Knowing the number of stringers and their placements is important to prevent damage to the board when punching a hole for a 20 leash plug. Adding a stringer to a polypropylene/arcel core can make it too stiff for cool water. Speed from the bottom turn is increased when a bodyboarder bottom turns and the board flexes and recoils, releasing energy. If the board flexes too little or too easily, speed is lost. Most modern boards are equipped with channels that increase surface 25 area in the critical parts of the board which, in turn, allow it to have greater wave hold and control.. Occasionally, skegs are installed to decrease slippage on a wave face. However, it also decreases the looseness and maneuverability required for many moves, leading to a decrease in their use. Skegs are very rarely used and even then almost exclusively by drop-knee or stand-up bodyboarders. 30 Simple bodyboards are generally constructed from a homogeneous (one piece) foam core material (see figures 1 and 2). Core materials include, but not limited to EPS (expanded polystyrene), PE (polyethylene), EPP (expanded polypropylene, PP (extruded polypropylene) and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate).

3 There are also foam core materials that are constructed via multiple horizontal layers, sometimes of the same material, but also using multiple layers of dissimilar material. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to 5 herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. Summary of the Invention. The present invention is directed to a multi-component bodyboard, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned 10 disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a multi-component bodyboard including an at least semi-rigid central component, a pair of vertical beams of, one on either side of the central component and a pair of outer components which are equal to or less rigid than the central 15 component, one on either side of the respective vertical beam. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention resides in a multi component bodyboard including an at least semi-rigid central component, a pair of outer components which are equal to or less rigid than the central component, one on either side of the central component and a pair of vertical beams of rigidity above both 20 the central component and the outer components, one on either side of the central component between the central component and the respective outer component. The body board of the present invention may have any shape and be manufactured of any material or set of materials. The body board may have the components identified above provided as a central core and have an outer skin applied 25 over the entirety of the central core in order to provide a coherent appearance which may be more aesthetically pleasing to a purchaser. The provision of an outer skin or skins may additionally maintain the various components together. The body board may be provided with a deck and/or a slick with differing configurations and performance capabilities. 30 The body board may have a variety of tail shapes not limited to "bat" or square tailed but will preferably have a "crescent-tail" shape at the rear. Typically, the body board will include a maximum wide point in a forward portion of the board and 4 the board preferably tapers in front of this wide point and to the rear of this wide point. The body board of the present invention may be used for a rider in any type of body boarding including in the standing, drop-knee or prone positions. The 5 configuration of the particular components in the central core of the body board may be chosen and may differ, depending upon the type of body boarding intended by the rider as different board characteristics may be preferred for different styles. The at least semi-rigid central component of the central core may be rectilinear in shape. In this configuration, the central component will typically be 10 block shaped (shaped like a three-dimensional rectangle) with a top surface and bottom surface, a forward and rear ends and a pair of substantially parallel side edges. Alternatively, and more preferred, is a configuration wherein the central component is preferably shaped with side edges that are substantially parallel to the external side edges of the board itself. As the external side edges of the board 15 are typically arcuate (at least in part), the side edges of the central component will preferably be arcuate as well. Normally, the side edges of the central component will diverge from the rear of the board to a wide point (normally approximately between 2 to 2/3 of the length of the board from the tail) and then converge towards the nose of the board. Normally, the nose or forward edge of the board will be flattened. 20 The central component may be of uniform dimension in the z-axis but preferably tapers at the nose curve of the board typically but not limited to approximately 20 to 30 cm from the front nose edge of the board. The central component will typically widen or increase in dimension in the x-axis from the tail of the board to the wide point and then diminish in dimension in the x-axis towards the 25 nose of the board. The central component is at least semi-rigid. The degree of rigidity of the central component can be important to the functionality of the board in different conditions and for different users and therefore, will normally be chosen to suit the conditions. In all cases of the invention, the central component will be more rigid than 30 the outer components. The size of the central component will typically be dependent upon the degree of rigidity required in combination with the actual rigidity of the material used. For example, if more rigidity is required in the central section, the central component 5 may be made of a smaller size but more rigid material, or of a standard size with a slightly less rigid material, again dependent on the characteristics of the board as required or desired by the rider. It will typically be a combination of the size of the central component and the rigidity of the central component which will preferably 5 define the rigidity of the central core as a whole. Therefore, it is important that the central component be particularly adapted as required or desired by the rider through adjusting the parameters of the central component including size and rigidity for different conditions and the different users. 10 The bodyboard of the present invention also includes a pair of vertical beams, one on either lateral side of the central component. The beams may extend about the nose and tail of the central component. Each of the beams will typically extend through the depth or thickness of the board in the z-axis. Normally, the vertical beams will be relatively small in 15 dimension in the x-axis compared to their z-axis dimension. The vertical beam will therefore typically be "thinner" than it is "tall". The vertical beam will preferably have a uniform thickness in the x axis direction over the length of the body board. The purpose of the vertical beam is to facilitate attachment of the 20 central component to the respective outer components. This attachment may be through any mechanism including particularly lamination. Therefore, the vertical beam may have features which allow it to function as a lamination aid. The material(s) of construction for the vertical beam will be appropriate to the use. Therefore, the material chosen for the particular vertical beam 25 included in the board of the present invention will normally be chosen on the basis of the material of the central component and the material of the outer component. The vertical beam may be a composite material having one or more layers. The vertical beam may be more or less rigid in one direction when compared with a second direction. Therefore, the vertical beam may flex or have 30 increased flexibility in one direction but may be substantially rigid or more rigid in a second direction. Typically, the vertical beam may flex in the x-axis direction but not in the z-axis direction.

6 It is particularly preferred that the vertical beams are more rigid than either the central component and the outer components. They may therefore in addition to facilitating attachment of the central component to the respective outer components act as stiffeners for the board without the need for rod stringers. 5 The body board of the present invention also typically include a pair of outer components which are equal to, or more preferably, less rigid than the central component, one on either side of the respective vertical beam. The outer components may be termed "rails". Preferably, the outer components may be of uniform dimension in the 10 x-axis direction from the rear of the body board to the nose of the body board. According to the most preferred embodiment, the outer components will typically be shaped to match the shape of the external side edges of the board. Normally, the outer components will have an arcuate forward portion with a more planar rear portion when viewed in plan. 15 The outer components will be equal to, but preferably less rigid than the central component. This will allow the "rails" to flex or bend and therefore provide the board rider with superior performance. According to an alternative embodiment, the outer components may be substantially planar and rectangular prism shaped. 20 Normally, the central component will define the shape of the other components if the outer edge of the central component is shaped according to the exterior side edges of the board. Alternatively, the components may have any shape, corresponding to one another or not in order to form the shape of a body board when attached to one another. 25 Without wishing to be limited by theory, the present invention is also configured to provide increased flow characteristics. In particular, due to the vertical beams being more rigid than the outer rails and the central component, when a rider is riding the board in a body of water, the weight of the rider in combination with the buoyant force of the body of water result in the lower surface of the accessory 30 assuming shape similar to a rectified wave anchored around the vertical beams. This shape together with the shape of the central component having a wide point positioned spaced from the nose results in creation of a concave flow channel along an underside of the board in use with a wider entry point and a narrower exit point at the rear of the 7 board. This in turn results in water flowing through the channel exiting at a higher velocity than it enters, increasing performance of the board. Any of the features of the invention disclosed herein may be claimed in any combination with any of the other features. 5 Brief Description of the Drawings. Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a conventional bodyboard. Figure 2 is a sectional view of the bodyboard illustrated in Figure 1 10 through line A-A. Figure 3 is a plan view of a bodyboard according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is an exploded view of the bodyboard illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 5 is an exploded view of the bodyboard illustrated in Figure 6. 15 Figure 6 is a sectional view of the bodyboard illustrated in Figure 3 along line B-B. Figure 7 is a side view of the bodyboard illustrated in Figure 3. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present 20 invention, a multi-component bodyboard 10 is provided. The bodyboard illustrated in Figures 3 to 6 includes a rigid central component 11, a pair of vertical beams 12, one on either side of the central component 11 and a pair of outer components 13 which are less rigid than the central component 11, one on either side of the respective vertical beam 12. 25 The illustrated configuration is one in which the central component 11 is shaped with side edges that are substantially parallel to the external side edges of the board 10 itself. As the external side edges of the board are typically arcuate (at least in part), the side edges of the central component are arcuate as well. Normally, the side edges of the central component will diverge from the rear of the board to a 30 wide point (normally approximately 2/3 of the length of the board from the tail) and then converge towards the nose of the board. Normally, the nose or forward edge of the board is flattened as illustrated.

8 The central component tapers at the nose curve of the board typically approximately 20 to 30 cm from the front nose edge of the board as illustrated in Figure 7, widens or increase in dimension in the x-axis from the tail of the board to the wide point and then diminishes in dimension in the x-axis towards the nose of the 5 board. The degree of rigidity of the central component can be important to the functionality of the board in different conditions and for different users and therefore, will normally be chosen to suit the conditions. In all cases of the invention, the central component will be more rigid than the outer components. 10 Therefore, it is important that the central component be particularly adapted as required or desired by the rider through adjusting the parameters of the central component including size and rigidity for different conditions and the different users. The bodyboard of the present invention also includes a pair of vertical 15 beams 12, one on either lateral side of the central component 11. According to the illustrated embodiment, each of the beams 12 extend through the depth or thickness of the board in the z-axis. Normally, the vertical beams will be relatively small in dimension in the x-axis compared to their z-axis dimension and are therefore typically "thinner" than they are "tall". 20 The vertical beams 12 illustrated have a uniform thickness in the x-axis direction over the length of the body board. The purpose of the vertical beam is to facilitate attachment of the central component to the respective outer components. This attachment may be through any mechanism including particularly lamination. Therefore, the vertical 25 beam may have features which allow it to function as a lamination aid. The material(s) of construction for the vertical beam will be appropriate to the use. Therefore, the material chosen for the particular vertical beam included in the board of the present invention will normally be chosen on the basis of the material of the central component and the material of the outer component. The 30 vertical beam may be a composite material having one or more layers. The body board of the present invention also typically include a pair of outer components 13 which are less rigid than the central component 11, one on either side of the respective vertical beam 12.

9 As illustrated, the outer components are of uniform dimension in the x axis direction from the rear of the body board to the nose of the body board. According to the illustrated embodiment, the outer components are shaped to match the shape of the external side edges of the board. Normally, the outer components will 5 have an arcuate forward portion with a more planar rear portion when viewed in plan. The outer components are equal to, or preferably less rigid than the central component. This will preferably allow the "rails" to flex or bend and therefore provide the board rider with superior performance. Normally, the central component will define the shape of the other 10 components with the outer edge of the central component shaped according to the exterior side edges of the board and the other components being a uniform dimension over the length of the board. In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated 15 integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an 20 embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be 25 understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. 30

Claims

1. A multi-component bodyboard including an at least semi-rigid central component, a pair of vertical beams, one on either side of the central component and a pair of outer components which are equal to or less rigid than the central 5 component, one on either side of the respective vertical beam.

2. A multi-component bodyboard including an at least semi-rigid central component, a pair of outer components which are equal to or less rigid than the central component, one on either side of the central component and a pair of vertical beams of rigidity above both the central component and the outer 10 components, one on either side of the central component between the central component and the respective outer component.

3. A multi-component bodyboard as claimed in either claim I or claim 2 wherein the vertical beam has a uniform thickness in an x-axis direction over the length of the body board. 15

4. A multi-component bodyboard as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the vertical beam facilitates attachment of the central component to the respective outer components by lamination and therefore functions as a lamination aid.

5. A multi-component bodyboard as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 20 wherein the vertical beam flexes in one direction but is substantially rigid in a second direction.