AU2011250749B2 - Flyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract Buoyant board including wings. Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig 3~.~1 7? 1t 14 Fig . 1 3 -, ..:

Description

The FLYBOARD Abstract: A flyboard is a large form of kite to be flown into the wind whilst piloted by a board rider standing side-on atop the apparatus. This apparatus is a specifically designed piece of sporting equipment that enables an experienced board rider to achieve sustained low level flight. This is achieved by capturing wind in the unique arcuate chute sail and framework configuration, which enables lift and rider control. The present embodiment incorporates a light-weight framework of 3 bowed hollow tubes, with a rider platform and a large taut chute sail. The resulting chute sail form resembles two surfaces of a three sided pyramid. This V-shape lends itself to catching the wind in a large gullet when formed as a chute sail. By resisting this oncoming wind force, an experienced board rider is challenged to balance atop the apparatus whilst aligning the sail to resist the oncoming wind force. A board rider, atop the deck, controls the apparatus facing side-on, in a manner similar to that which skate, surf, and snowboard riders control their boards. 17 claims, 1 drawing sheet. Background of the invention: 1. Field of the invention The present invention relates to a large kite form which enables a proficient board rider to stand atop the apparatus in a side on manner and attempt to fly by resisting the oncoming wind force. 2. Description of Prior Art The sport of board riding, in it's many forms, has evolved to the point by where this apparatus can be utilised by sportsmen and women who are already proficient with the art. Each board riding genre requires a similar skill set. One of balance and control while side-on atop the rider platform that suits the terrain. The use of a fabric material to capture and resist wind force is long established in the prior art. Kites, sails, chutes, windsocks, are all examples of how specifically formed sheets of fabric material can be used to create drive and lift, or decrease the rate of descent. The apparatus employs these same scientific principles in an endeavour to raise the weight of the board rider. The surfboard is a longtime favourite of recreational watermen, and women. It has further spurred the invention of the skateboard, wakeboard, mountain board, sand board, skim board and snowboard to cope with each new terrain that a board rider is challenged to traverse. All these inventions involve the rider being positioned above the board in a side-on stance, while utilising momentum to maintain balance, and allow for manoeuvring. By shifting rider weight from side to side, front to back, optimum flow and various tricks can be achieved. Principles of a hydrofoil's ability to plane over water are considered in the design of the apparatus, as is the V shape of the forward swept wing design used by old combat aircraft. While prior art devices such as kites, chutes, sails, foils and surfboards are well known to those familiar with extreme 1 sports, facets of each are yet to be combined and incorporated into the one device capable of sustained low level flight, hovering and acute manoeuvering whilst standing atop the device in a side-on manner. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION As with a kite, exposing the full surface area of the sail area to the prevailing wind creates lift. The present embodiment consists of 1. a rider platform, as part of a core carriage. 2. The ribs and battens, to extend or modify the kite framework to suit the weather conditions and rider weight. 3.The V-shaped chute sail, and 4. A form of foot fastening system that allows riders to lock themselves into the apparatus safely. This apparatus will enable the rider to launch and fly into the prevailing wind to attempt hovering and acute maneuvering whilst standing atop the device in a side- on manner. It is discovered that the specific design of the apparatus enables the rider to lift off from a water body such as the ocean, a river, lake or similar, whereby a safe dismount can be achieved at any point of the flight. Furthermore. a specially designed deck, kite framework, chute sail and foot binding system enables the rider to pilot the device at low altitude in a side-on manner similar to that of the rider's positioning atop a surfboard. The apparatus is designed to work without relying on any external wind catching device, such as a parachute for the apparatus to function. It has been discovered, according to the present invention, that a light weight object formed in a shape to resemble two surfaces of a 3-sided pyramid will trap the prevailing wind and direct the wind force up and under the object creating lift. It is further discovered that with modification, this pyramidal shape can be adjusted to within the right ratios to support and elevate the weight of a rider atop the apparatus in appropriate wind conditions. This apparatus we will call a flyboard. The resulting shape of this apparatus forms what is known in aeronautics as a FSW or forward swept wing design. This style of wing is synonymous with high maneuverability. The tri-arc framework incorporates the FSW system with a form of leaf spring suspension to enable it to function. Two thirds of this frame is tightly covered with a light weight and waterproof cloth material to form the V-shaped chute sail. It is discovered that this configuration opens the front of the apparatus to the wind like a large 'gullet' and captures and directs the wind's force. With the evolution of modern materials, the apparatus is able to be extremely lightweight for it's span. The framework, while maintaining adequate strength and flexibility to allow for rider weight and wind force, is designed for a degree of impact resistance as well. By exposing the underside span of this kite form into the oncoming wind this apparatus allows for the rider to balance atop the kite framework and apply resistance to that oncoming wind force. The present invention further relates to devices which enable an experienced board rider to balance themselves on a rider platform in a side-on manner, atop an kite form, and achieve controlled flight. The tri-arc domed frame is what forms the tripod like structure which serves as both a wing system and landing gear. It is, by design, a kite that incorporates several other features for the apparatus to function. It offers the required flexibility and rigidness to support the rider and incorporates a leaf spring action that reduces the impact of sudden wind gusts and provides shock absorption upon landing the apparatus. This design also allows for the rider to kick against 2 the oncoming wind and spring up or away in a new direction, similar to that of a bird's flapping motion. Furthermore the design allows for the extremities of the framework to be disassembled for transport and can have the surface area extended or modified to accommodate a larger rider's weight and/or lighter wind conditions. Essentially a flyboard is so designed to operate at very low levels of altitude where a traditional parachute cannot deploy. It is further designed to be used so that the rider can safely dismount into water. More recently surfers have employed the use of jet skis and a tow rope to further increase their speed which has enabled riders to tackle bigger waves and higher speed manoeuvers, previously unachieved. The rider is towed into the wave at rapid velocity. This extra speed generated is a factor by which this present invention and the claims made are more easily achievable. By towing a flyboard into the prevailing wind a smaller surface area is required to lift more weight. The rider platform has it's own special foot fastening system that is recessed predominatley below the surface of the deck to reduce the chance of injury. Designed to replace bindings,it is discovered that this system allows the rider to quickly release themselves from the apparatus as well as eliminating any sharp or bulky protrusions from the deck which previously has been the source of many rider injuries in the snow and wake boarding fraternities. As an alternative to the current foot strap/ binding systems, a kidney shaped depression is recessed into the deck that has a lip on the outer top edge of the recessed area. This lip curves partially over the outside of the rider's foot and enables the rider to hook their feet under this lip to gain traction. A mirror image of this description is formed at each end of the deck, in accordance with the distribution of weight for the apparatus, allowing the rider to lock in by slipping the outer edge of their feet under each lip, as well as release quickly by moving their feet towards each other. It is further discovered that the rider platform will also provides adequate buoyancy to both float the rider and the apparatus, as well as assist lift off from a body of water. The rider is able to stabilize a flyboard in flight by leaning forward, backward and side to side. This transfer of bodyweight not only allows the rider to trim the flight of a flyboard but also execute a range of manoeuvers that test the limits of a flyboard's capabilities. Whether standing in an upright position or crouched, the rider is challenged to maintain enough wind resistance under the V-chute as to keep the apparatus aloft. Time spent in the air is subject to the rider's skill and wind conditions on the day. Also choosing the appropriate configuration of rib extensions and V-chute size will affect the performance of the flyboard and the rider. Like in all board sports, choosing the correct configuration of equipment for the conditions is paramount to good performance. As in surfing waves, weather conditions and natural forces can be unpredictable, forcing the rider to alter the transfer of weight to different parts of the apparatus to maintain flow and keep what is known as a good 'line'. This is a figurative term to describe the ultimate position of the rider's board to maintain momentum and allow the rider to stay atop the board. This is the same for flyboarding, but as in surfing, should the rider come unstuck and need to dismount safely, there is a body of water to break the impact as well as various safety items that can be used to lessen the danger of the sport. Items such as impact vests, life jackets, helmets and wetsuits are all encouraged with a sport such as flyboarding. A flyboard is specifically designed to reduce the chance of 3 injury to the rider should an impact with the apparatus and the rider occur. Considerations have been made to each facet of the flyboard's design to enable a safe flight and dismount. These design elements are what makes the evolution of this board sport possible. Although a flyboard is designed primarily for recreation it is by no means restricted to this one genre. The rider platform is also shaped to provide minimal wind and water resistance.The rider is able to stabilise a flyboard in flight by leaning forward, backward and side to side. This transfer of bodyweight not only allows the rider to trim the flight of a flyboard but also execute a range of manoeuvres that test the limits of a flyboard's capabilities. Whether standing in an upright position or crouched, the rider is challenged to maintain enough wind resistance under the chute sail as to keep the apparatus aloft. Time spent in the air is subject to the rider's skill and wind conditions on the day. Also choosing the appropriate configuration of rib extensions and chute sail size will affect the performance of the flyboard and the rider. Like in all board sports, choosing the correct configuration of equipment for the conditions is paramount to good performance. As in surfing waves, weather conditions and natural forces can be unpredictable, forcing the rider to alter the transfer of weight to different parts of the apparatus to maintain flow and keep what is known as a good 'line'. This is a figurative term to describe the ultimate position of the rider's board to maintain momentum and allow the rider to stay atop the board. This is the same for flyboarding, but as in surfing, should the rider come unstuck and need to dismount safely, there is a body of water to break the impact as well as various safety items that can be used to lessen the danger of the sport. Items such as impact vests, life jackets, helmets and wetsuits are all encouraged with a sport such as flyboarding. A flyboard is specifically designed to reduce the chance of injury to the rider should an impact with the apparatus and the rider occur. Considerations have been made to each facet of the design to enable a safe flight and dismount. These design elements are what makes the evolution of this board sport possible. Although a flyboard is designed primarily for recreation it is by no means restricted to this one genre. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a gliding and hovering object on which a rider can stand atop the apparatus and achieve an exhilarating piloting experience in which the rider's entire body is exposed to the elements and thereby is challenged to keep the apparatus aloft, in the same way a surfer would be challenged to keep a surfboard on a wave. Further features and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, discussion and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the illustrations provided. DRAWING SUMMARY Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation, there is illustrated: FIG 1 of 4 is an overhead view of the core carriage. Including rider platform. FIG 2 of 4 illustrates the 3/4 perspective of the entire flyboard framework 4 FIG 3 of 4 is a front on view of the sail chute expanded as it would sit on the framework. FIG 4 of 4 Is a flyboard depicted in flight with the rider atop the apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERED EMBODIMENT Although specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of this invention as further defined in the appended claims. A flyboard spans, but is not restricted to, 3metres from the outer-most points of the leading edge 4-4. 3 lengths of lightweight, reinforced tube 2 are bowed then attached at both their apex and bases to form a tripod-like, domed framework. This resulting framework serves to provide both a sturdy structure by which to attach the chute sail, but also inherits a unique structural shape that is integral in catching oncoming wind while supporting a rider. FIG 4. The core of this kite framework, known as the core carriage FIG. 1 also incorporates a rider platform. The tripod-like framework lends itself to acting as a sturdy base to support a rider atop the platform. Adjustable extension ribs are sleeved into the core carriage to modify the span or shape of the chute sail. The V-shaped chute sail FIG. 2 is integral in the apparatus' function and distinguishes this design from any previous design. The flyboard is symmetrical, left and right side mirror each other, with the leading edge of the apparatus 13 spanning the greatest width of the V-shape. Referring to FIG 1 there is illustrated the core structure to which enables the form of the present invention, a flyboard. Referring to FIG. 1 through 4 it can be seen that a flyboard is essentially 3 arced poles 2, all connected at their apex by the lateral rider platform, and at the base to form the 3D tri-arc frame structure. The resulting form is a strong, lightweight, 3 limbed 'leaf spring' that is capable of resisting impact and supporting the rider's weight against oncoming wind forces. Part of the core structure essentially has three equal arcs 2 that can be fitted with limb extensions 3 of varying lengths to compensate for rider weight and wind conditions. Referring to FIG 1, the core carriage of the frame also embodies the rider platform. This platform connects the three arced poles in the centre at the top of the arc. The rider platform is specifically designed so that the back end of the rider platform is aligned with the rear leg of the apparatus. The remaining two limbs jut forward from the leading edge 13 of the rider platform 1 at a 120 degree angle to the rear limb as in an equilateral tripod. The core structure, in conjunction with the extension limbs, forms the 3D Tri-arc carriage. Fig 2 The main body of a flyboard is comprised of a fabric skin, FIG 3. This skin is fitted over the rear two thirds of the framework as a thin waterproof membrane designed to catch the oncoming wind like a chute and force the wind up and under the rider 14. The chute sail is fitted to the framework via the collar 8 and velcro tabs running the length of the leading edge 13. The span and surface area of the V- chute skin varies with the 5 span of the core carriage's extension poles 3. The tri-Arc framework is designed to accommodate varying wind conditions and rider weights by utilizing these interchangeable and extendable ribs 3 that increase or decrease in size accordingly. As a further extension to the total span and surface area of a flyboard, the V-chute incorporates two symmetrical hooked batons 4 that each connect to the end 12 of the extension ribs 3. The battens 4, core carriage's arced tubes 2 and the extension ribs 3 are sleeved 5 within the chute sail and keep the tension of the skinned surface as well as provide a rounded contour to the leading edge that assists with lift off under tow. This section of the V-Chute 5 also holds small, lightweight foam sections that are shaped to sit snuggly behind the battens. They further the strength and floatation properties of the apparatus. The resulting leading edge 13 with its forward swept wing allows the apparatus to skim across the surface of the water like a sled would skim over snow and ice. These curved batons provide a strong, flexible footing for the framework as well as the front two wing tips 4 of the apparatus. These battens are approximately a metre in length, and hook back towards the trailing edge of the apparatus. Each of these battens forms a hook, or whip-like shape which extends back towards the rear leg. Each batten is concealed within a fitted pocket of the V-Chute. These fitted pockets 5 also enclose foam floatation wedges. Similarly, two more foam wedges are inserted into the V-Chute at the rear leg of the apparatus and enclosed securely inside pockets that are stitched into the cloth material V- Chute skin. One of these foam wedges is located on each side, at the base of the rear leg extension FIG 3, 5, to assist the floatation of the flyboard and the rider without compromising the aerodynamics to any great extent. In this design embodiment, the core structure of this carriage, including the deck 1, spans a metre in each direction from the centre of the apparatus. From above it resembles a delta shape FIG 1. The rider platform 1 mounted from the centre aligns itself with the rear leg and measures approximately 80cm long, which is slightly more than the stance of the rider. The three outer points of the core structure extend from the centre of the apparatus so that they result in an equilateral delta form where these three further most points of the apparatus oppose each other at 120 degrees. From the centre, the carriage tapers in an arc downward to the farther most point of the extension ribs 3. Viewing the apparatus from the front and the side of this form resembles a crescent or a dome shape by which a larger arc of up to, but not restricted to 4m can be achieved by adding these extension ribs 3 and battens 4. These light weight extension ribs are fitted by slotting within the openings located at the 3 extremities of the core carriage structure 11. These extension ribs and interlocking end batons are moderately arced, continuing the domed structure out to approximately a full half circle in appearance. These extension ribs and end battens are comprised of hollow plastic tubing coated in composite materials. They are extremely lightweight, strong, and flexible enough to resist force without breaking. Each of the extension ribs 3, are fitted into the openings 11 of the core carriage. In the present form the openings in each of the 3 corners of the core carriage have a diameter of 18-20mm and sleeve over the extension ribs. The extension ribs meet toward the top of the core carriage arc internally 2. Spacers can be inserted within core carriage's tube structure to add or detract length as required. The arced shape of the core carriage sleeves ensure that each of the extension ribs 3 6 are firmly placed into position and cannot twist so as not to allow any warp or disfiguring of the shape of the apparatus whilst in use. The form of the kite framework is further bolstered by the skinning of the V-Chute FIG. 2, FIG. 4 with internal battens 4 to the frame which, when tightly fitted, also contributes to the integrity of a flyboard's form and strength. In the preferred embodiment a flyboard including the core carriage FIG. 1, the extension ribs 3, battens 4 and the V-chute FIG. 2 are made of lightweight materials so that the total weight of the apparatus remains approximately 5 kilograms, depending on the configuration. Composite materials are used through the main structure and each part is designed to be buoyant. Polyurethane or polystyrene foam is used for the core of the rider platform 1 and is coated in fiberglass to seal and strengthen the part. This part is then formed into the core carriage using the same glassing technique. The core carriage FIG. 1 is further strengthened by incorporating carbon fibre into the layers that coat the pva plastic tubing that forms each arc and the extension ribs that sleeve inside the core carriage. These parts remain hollow and sealed to add to the apparatus's buoyancy. The V-shaped chute sail FIG. 2 is made of a light grade Rip Stop nylon cloth fabric 7, similar to the material used in a parachute. It is waterproof and, as the name suggests, strong in composition. Being one of the lightest and most durable cloth materials available it is ideal for the V-chute as it is particularly designed to trap wind. Pockets for inserts are stitched around the edges of the V-chute to support the internal battens and foam wedges which add to the floatation properties, form and strength of the V-chute. Velcro and webbing are also stitched into the Rip Stop material to further the V-chute's integrity and allow for fitting and removal from the framework. It will be appreciated that a flyboard is not limited to this one specific shape depicted in the illustrations and description. It can be of numerous shapes, composite materials and various forms that are designed to trap oncoming wind in a chute or sail with the express intention of enabling a rider to remain aloft, riding 'atop' the apparatus in the manner described in the present embodiment. Various instruments such as altimeters, wind meters, timers, cameras and lighting may be additionally incorporated into the design. The present embodiment also has provisions for a small propulsion unit to be easily fitted below the rider platform should the sport evolve that way. This invention has been described in considerable detail to comply with patent laws. It provides full public disclosure by way of description and illustration of it's primary form. This detailed description is not intended in any way to limit the broad features or specific principles of this invention, or the scope of patent monopoly to be granted. 7

Claims (17)

1. A flyboard comprising: a. A core carriage of 3 by 1 metre long curved tubes connected at each base to form a tripod and at each top by the rider platform. b. a set of 6 similarly curved extension ribs which slot into the 6 tube ends of the core carriage to form a larger kite framework that spans approximately 3m c. a V-shaped chute sail spanning, but not limited to, 8 square metres as it covers two thirds of the framework. d. a hooked left chute sail batten. e. an opposing hooked right chute sail batten. f. rear foam bouyancy inserts. g. left and right foam buoyancy chute sail inserts. h. left, right and rear chute sail pockets for foam buoyancy inserts j .A lateral rider platform spanning approximately 80cm, or slightly larger than the board rider's stance. k. A front foot traction system recessed within the deck of the rider platform appearing as a kidney shaped depression with a lip on the outer edge. I. An opposing rear foot traction system recessed within the deck of the rider platform, appearing as a kidney shaped depression with a lip on the outer edge.

2 A flyboard in accordance with claim one wherein the entire framework is arcuate, the leading edge of the main body is inverted and spans the width of the apparatus.

3 A flyboard in accordance with claim 2 wherein the lower surface of the main body is curved in unison of said upper body.

4 A flyboard in accordance with claim 1 wherein the said ribs extend from the core carriage to approximately 3/4 of the length of the lower surface of the flyboard to connect as 3 limbs/wing tips/legs at the extremity of the apparatus.

5 A flyboard in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of the 6 sail ribs arc to form a domed tripod.

6 A flyboard in accordance with claim 1 wherein: a. said core carriage includes means for removably attaching all 6 tubular extension ribs b. said V-chute sail includes means for removably attaching all 6 tubular extension ribs. 8 c. said extension ribs include means for removably attaching the chute sail tensioning battens. d. said core carriage has a rider platform that is fixed to align with the rear extension ribs.

7 A flyboard in accordance with claim 1 wherein said framework ribs extend from the core carriage so that each of the three extreme points of the framework are at 120 degrees from the adjacent outer point of the apparatus to form the basis of this equilateral triangular form.

8 A flyboard in accordance with claim 1 wherein the left and right side of the apparatus are a mirror image of each other.

9 A flyboard in accordance with claim 1 wherein 6 extension ribs combine to form the 3 legs that make up the framework of the apparatus.

10 A flyboard in accordance with claim 1 wherein said foot traction system is specifically designed to replace traditional shoe bindings.

11 A flyboard in accordance with claim 1 wherein said foot traction system is located adjacent to the centre of gravity of the flyboard, within the stance of the rider.

12 A flyboard in accordance with claim 1 wherein the core carriage, extension ribs and batons are made of carbon fibre, polymer resin, fibreglass and foam.

13 A flyboard in accordance with claim 1 wherein the chute sail is comprised mainly of Rip Stop material and thin neoprene.

14 A flyboard in accordance with claim 1 comprising of: a. A core carriage having an arcuate upper surface, an arcuate lower surface, 2 adjustable tubular extension ribs fitted with a chute sail to form a left forward swept wing, two adjustable tubular extension ribs skinned with same chute sail to form a right forward swept wing, and 2 adjustable tubular extension ribs skinned with the same chute sail to extend to the rear of the apparatus forming an arced V shape. b. A chute sail comprising of means for sleeving the extension ribs to tension the cloth material. c. A chute sail with means for sleeving the battens and foam inserts at specific points to tension and make buoyant the cloth material. d. extension ribs that have means by which to sleeve and connect the chute battens at the wingtips.

15 A flyboard in accordance with claim 1 utilises a framework that incorporates the apparatus wings as a landing platform.

16 A flyboard in accordance with claim 1 wherein the entire framework, skinned with the V-shaped chute sail embodies: 9 a. An adjustable left arcuate forward swept wing form. b. An opposing adjustable right arcuate forward swept wing form.

17 A flyboard in accordance with claim 1 wherein a rider platform or deck is incorporated laterally onto the top of the core carriage. a. the rider platform has recessed depressions in the deck within the rider's stance to act as points of foot traction. b. the foot traction points are mirrored laterally on the rider platform on either side of the apparatus's centre of gravity. 10