EP1405657A1 - Gliding or roller board - Google Patents

Abstract

The board (1), made with reinforced surfaces with a core (22) between them, has the core in the form of a matrix (30) made from a filling material such as a plastic foam with a cavity (32) containing an insert (31). The insert has at least one mechanical property that is greater than that of the matrix, such as resistance to traction, compression or flexure, or limit of elasticity. It is made from wood, either solid, laminated or ply, or a fibre-reinforced plastic, elongated in shape and positioned lengthwise between the board's lateral edges; it can extend between front and rear end reinforcements.

Description

The invention relates to the field of sliding or rolling boards intended for support both feet of a user. Such boards are used for the practice of snow or water surfing, skateboarding, or whatever.

A board according to the prior art has a length measured in a direction longitudinal of the board between a first end and a second end, as well that a width and a height. Generally the board includes a reinforcement in height lower, an upper reinforcement, and at least one core located between the lower reinforcement and the reinforcement superior. The board also has, from the first to the second end, a first end zone, a first intermediate zone, a first reception zone, a central area, a second reception area, a second intermediate area, and a second end zone.

In known manner the core extends in all of the areas of the board. The physical constitution of the nucleus directly influences the mechanical characteristics of the board, as well as its price.

Some cores are made with materials with low mechanical resistance, such as tensile strength, and low cost. These materials can be foam dimpled with a plastic material, such as polyurethane foam. Such a nucleus is easy to perform technically and inexpensively. It reduces the manufacturing cost of a board, and essentially performs a filling function of the volume between the reinforcements.

Other cores are made with materials whose mechanical resistance is more high, but the cost price is also higher. These materials may be wood, used in the form of juxtaposed battens or glulam. Such a core is more technically complicated and more expensive. It increases the cost of manufacturing a board, but gives it a good ability to accumulate and restore energy from a deformation of the board.

One of the aims of the invention is to configure the kernel so, on the one hand, that it is capable of accumulating and restoring a large amount of energy at least in certain cases and, on the other hand, that it is relatively inexpensive to produce. It's about optimizing the price ratio cost compared to mechanical characteristics.

For this, the invention proposes a sliding or rolling board having a length measured in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end, a width measured between a first edge and a second edge, and a height measured between a lower or sliding face and an upper face, in height the board comprising in particular a first reinforcement, a second reinforcement, and at least one core located between the first reinforcement and the second reinforcement, the board also presenting, from the first at the second end, a first end zone, a first intermediate zone, a first reception area, a central area, a second reception area, a second area intermediate, and a second end zone.

The board according to the invention is characterized in that the core comprises a matrix made of a filling material, the matrix having at least one cavity, at least one insert being housed in the cavity of the matrix, in a determined area of the board, the insert having at least one mechanical property greater than that of the matrix, this property can be tensile or compressive strength, flexural strength, limit elastic, or other, so as to locally improve the mechanical properties of the board.

Each insert is housed in the core to locally improve its properties mechanical.

For example a central longitudinal insert, which extends from the first to the second zone reception, improves the ability of the board to accumulate and restore energy related to a bending along a transverse axis.

Or a lateral longitudinal insert, which extends along an edge, improves the ability to the board to register in a curve on hard surfaces like ice.

The invention therefore makes it possible to confer on the board certain specific skills related to the location of the inserts, in combination with control of manufacturing costs linked to the use of an economic matrix. The invention makes it possible to optimize the technicality of the core and manufacturing costs.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a gliding board or of rolling, in which the core comprises a matrix made of a filling material with at least one insert housed in the matrix.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une planche, selon un premier exemple de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une coupe selon II-II de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une coupe selon III-III de la figure 2,
• la figure 4 est une coupe selon IV-IV de la figure 2,
• la figure 5 est une coupe similaire à celle de la figure 3, selon un deuxième exemple de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 6 est une coupe selon VI-VI de la figure 5,
• la figure 7 est une coupe similaire à celle de la figure 2, selon un troisième exemple de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 8 est une coupe selon VIII-VIII de la figure 7.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows, with reference to the appended drawing illustrating, by non-limiting examples, how the invention can be implemented, and in which:

• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a board, according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a section on II-II of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is a section on III-III of FIG. 2,
• FIG. 4 is a section on IV-IV of FIG. 2,
• FIG. 5 is a section similar to that of FIG. 3, according to a second embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 6 is a section on VI-VI of FIG. 5,
• FIG. 7 is a section similar to that of FIG. 2, according to a third embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 8 is a section along VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.

Although the description below relates to snowboards, or snowboards, it must be understood that it also relates to other boards adapted to the practice of sports as mentioned before.

The first embodiment of the invention is presented using FIGS. 1 to 4.

In a known manner as seen in Figure 1, a snowboard 1 has a length measured in a longitudinal direction L between a first end 2 and a second end 3. The board 1 also has a width measured according to a transverse direction between a first lateral edge 4 and a second lateral edge 5, thus than a height measured between a lower face or glide 6 and an upper face 7.

Of course, the transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, and parallel to the underside 6.

Plate 1 also has, from the first end 2 to the second 3 end, a first end zone 8, a first contact line W1, a first zone intermediate 9, a first reception area 10, a central area 11, a second area 12, a second intermediate zone 13, a second contact line W2, and a second end zone 14.

Each reception area 10, 12 is designed to receive a device for retaining a foot of the user. The devices, not shown, can be secured to plate 1 by a medium such as screws. Each reception area 10, 12 is provided for this purpose with threaded orifices 15.

Each of the contact lines W1, W2 is a line, substantially transverse to the board 1, at which the underside 6 touches a flat surface when the board 1 rests on the surface without external influence.

The height of the board 1 is visualized in section in FIG. 2.

From the lower face 6 to the upper face 7, the board 1 has a sole 20, a first reinforcement 21, a core 22, a second reinforcement 23, and a protective layer 24.

The sole 20 is made for example with a plastic material containing polyethylene. The protective layer 24 is made for example with a material plastic containing acetyl-butadiene-styrene.

Each of the reinforcements 21, 23 is preferably made from fibers impregnated with a resin. The fibers can be made with any material, or with any mixture of materials, such as glass, carbon, aramid, metal, or the like.

The reinforcements 21, 23 and the core 22 form a sandwich panel which extends along at least 50% of the surface of the board, and preferably substantially over the entire surface. The core 22 occupies substantially the space delimited between the reinforcements 21, 23, and maintains the gap between the reinforcements 21, 23.

According to the invention as can be understood with the aid of FIGS. 2 to 4, the core 22 comprises a matrix 30 made of a filling material, an insert 31 being housed in the matrix 30, the insert 31 having at least one mechanical property greater than that of the matrix, this property which may be the tensile or compressive strength, the flexural strength, the elastic limit, or whatever.

The matrix 30 extends substantially along the entire surface of the board 1, that is to say in length between the first 2 and second 3 ends, and in width between the first 4 and second 5 side edges.

According to the first embodiment of the invention, the insert 31 is arranged centrally in the longitudinal direction. The matrix 30 connects to each other the first 21 and second 23 reinforcements. A through cavity 32 is formed in the matrix 30 to receive the insert 31. Preferably the shapes of the cavity 32 and of the insert 31 are substantially the same, from so as to ensure a certain continuity of the core 22.

In this case the insert 31 is shown in the form of an elongated part, which extends from continuously from the first reception area 10 to the second reception area 12. The insert 31 is oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction L of the board 1. The insert 31 is located substantially halfway between the first 4 and second 5 side edges.

In a plane substantially parallel to the lower face 6 or to the upper face 7, depending on the Figure 3, the insert 31 has for example a rectangular section. Preferably its length is between 30 and 80% of that of the board 1, and its width is between 10 and 70% of that of plate 1.

In a transverse plane substantially perpendicular to the lower face 6 or to the face upper 7, according to Figure 2, the insert 31 has for example a rectangular section. To the in the same way as the matrix 30, since the cavity 32 is through, the insert 31 connects the first 21 and second 23 reinforcements. This allows continuous framing of the threaded holes 15.

Instead of having a parallelepiped shape, as in the case of Figures 2 and 3, the insert 31 according to Figure 4 has a corrugated face in a central longitudinal plane substantially perpendicular to the lower face 6 or to the upper face 7. This wavy face has successively a first boss 33, a central hollow 34, and a second boss 35. The bosses 33, 35 and the central hollow 34 correspond, respectively, to the reception zones 10, 12 and to the central zone 11 of the board 1. In fact the reception zones 10, 12 are in heightening with respect to the central zone 11, and to the intermediate zones 9, 13. Thus the reception areas 10, 12 are thick enough to accommodate the fixing screws of the retainers. The wavy side follows the profile of the board.

The matrix 30 is preferably made from a foam of plastic material, such as a polyurethane foam. Of course, the matrix 30 could have been made otherwise, by example with a plastic loaded with low density particles.

In all cases the matrix 30 has a reduced density, preferably between 0.1 and 0.6 kg / dm ³ . Thus the matrix 30 contributes to reducing the mass of the core 22, and consequently that of the board 1.

The insert 31 is preferably made from a material comprising wood. he can be plywood, glulam, a solid piece, a juxtaposition of massive pieces, or whatever. It is preferred to orient the wood fibers in the direction of the length of the board. Of course, insert 31 could have been done otherwise, for example with a plastic reinforced with fibers such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid, or any other material with the properties of accumulation and restitution of energy, or others desired. Again it is preferred to orient the fibers of the insert 31 in the length of the board.

The density of the insert 31 can be between 0.2 and 1.2 kg / dm ³ .

A preferred method for making plate 1 is presented below.

The method comprises a step of manufacturing the core 22, as well as a step assembly of the constituent elements of the board.

The step of manufacturing the core 22 consists in placing the insert 31 in a first mold for the shape of the core 22, then making the matrix 30 by injecting foam with material plastic in the mold. The foam extends around the insert 31, to form therewith the core 22. Provision may be made to add two bonding films to the mold, so as to cover the core 22 on both sides.

The step of assembling the constituent elements of the board 1 consists in placing, in a second mold, a stack which includes the sole 20, the first reinforcement 21, the core 22, the second reinforcement 23, and the protective layer 24. Then an increase in temperature and pressure secures the elements to each other.

Of course, other manufacturing processes could be provided. The one according to the invention has the advantage of requiring few successive operations, which contributes to reducing the production time.

Plate 1 obtained is, all other things being equal, relatively inexpensive to manufacture. This is due to the fact that its core 22 is economical. The matrix 30 is obtained by a single operation, and the foam which constitutes it is inexpensive. Insert 31 presents reduced dimensions, compared to those of the board, and also has a simple geometry. In particular, the shaping of the insert is quick to perform.

Plate 1 according to the first example, with its central longitudinal insert 31, is indeed suitable for performing figures of speech. Particularly in cases where board 1 must accumulate and restore energy by bending along a transverse axis. Insert 31 behaves like a leaf spring. Plate 1 therefore benefits considerably from the advantages techniques provided by a wooden core, while having appreciably the advantages economical thanks to a foam core. The core 22 uses the amount of wood, just necessary, located where it is needed to achieve the desired driving behavior.

The second embodiment of the invention is presented below using the figures 5 and 6.

For the sake of convenience, these are essentially the differences from the first example which are highlighted. In this second embodiment example, inserts are arranged along the edges of the core.

A board 50 extends longitudinally between a first 51 and a second 52 ends, transversely between a first lateral edge 53 and a second lateral edge 54, and in height between a lower face 55 and an upper face 56.

Here again the board 50 has, from the first end 51 to the second end 52, a first end region 57, a first intermediate region 58, a first region reception 59, a central zone 60, a second reception zone 61, a second zone intermediate 62, and a second end zone 63.

The board 50 preferably includes, in height, a sole 70, a first reinforcement 71, a core 72, a second reinforcement 73, and a protective layer 74.

According to the invention, the core 72 of the second exemplary embodiment comprises a matrix 80 made of a filling material, a first side insert 81 and a second side insert 82 being housed in the die 80. Each of the lateral inserts 81, 82 has at least one mechanical property superior to that of the matrix 80, this property possibly being the tensile or compressive strength, flexural strength, yield strength, or other.

Again the matrix 80 extends substantially along the entire surface of the board 50, that is to say in length between the first 51 and second 52 ends, and in width between the first 53 and second 54 side edges.

According to the second embodiment of the invention, the matrix 80 connects the first 71 and second 73 reinforcements. A first 83 and a second 84 cavities not through are formed in the matrix 80 to respectively accommodate the inserts 81, 82. Preferably the shapes of the cavities 83, 84 and of the inserts 81, 82 are substantially the same.

Each of the inserts 81, 82 is shown in the form of an elongated part, which extends from continuously from the first intermediate zone 58 to the second zone intermediate 62. Each of the inserts 81, 82 is oriented substantially along the length of the plate 50. The first insert 81 borders the first lateral edge 53. By analogy the second insert 82 borders the second lateral edge 54.

In a plane substantially parallel to the lower face 55 or to the upper face 56, according to Figure 5, each insert 81, 82 has respectively ends 85, 86, 87, 88 relatively narrow, and a center 89, 90 wider than the ends. This allows, along board 50, to vary the ability of the board to accumulate and restore energy in a transverse direction. Accumulation and restitution are greatest where inserts 81, 82 are wider, in this case in the central zone 11, between the feet of the user.

In the height direction of the board 50, according to FIG. 6, the thickness of each insert 81, 82 is preferably substantially constant. This makes it easier to manufacture.

Each of the inserts 81, 82 is supported on the first reinforcement 71, on the side of the sole 70. This allows each insert to be closer to the sole. It follows that, when taking lateral edge, an insert 81, 82 collects part of the driving forces.

As structured, the board 50 according to the second embodiment is adapted to driving that requires precise edge grips. The lateral arrangement of the inserts 81, 82 promotes precise registration of the board 50 in a curve, in particular on hard floors like groomed or icy snow.

The materials and manufacturing processes used for board 50 according to the second exemplary embodiment, are identical or similar to those used for plate 1 according to the first example.

The third embodiment of the invention is presented below using the figures 7 and 8.

For the sake of convenience, these are essentially the differences from other examples that are highlighted. In this third embodiment example, insert is arranged centrally in the longitudinal direction.

A board 100 extends longitudinally between a first 101 and a second 102 ends, transversely between a first lateral edge 103 and a second lateral edge 104, and in height between a lower face 105 and an upper face 106.

Again the board 100 present, from the first end 101 to the second end 102, a first end zone 107, a first intermediate zone 108, a first reception area 109, a central area 110, a second reception area 111, a second intermediate zone 112, and a second end zone 113.

The board 100 includes in height, preferably, a sole 120, a first reinforcement 121, a core 122, a second reinforcement 123, and a protective layer 124.

According to the invention, the core 122 of the third example comprises a matrix 130 made of a filling material, an insert 131 being housed in the matrix 130, the insert 131 having at least one mechanical property greater than that of the matrix. The insert 131 is arranged centrally in the longitudinal direction. A non-through cavity 132 is formed in the matrix 130 to accommodate the insert 131. Preferably the shapes of the cavity 132 and of the insert 131 are substantially the same, in this case parallelepipedic. The cavity 132 opens on the side of the first reinforcement 121.

At least one groove 133 is provided in the matrix 130. Each groove 133 is of preferably opposite the insert 131. Each groove 133 preferably extends along the longitudinal direction of the board. Each groove 133 defines a closed space occupied by a gas, such as air. This space results in a reduction in the weight of the board.

In general, the boards 1, 50, 100 according to the invention are produced from materials and according to techniques known to those skilled in the art.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples described above, and includes all technical equivalents which may fall within the scope of the claims which follow.

In particular, each insert can have various shapes. An insert can be symmetrical, or not, along a transverse axis of the board. Likewise an insert can be symmetrical, or not, along a longitudinal axis of the board.

Several inserts of the same board can have different shapes. This allows to differentiate the mechanical properties of different parts of the board, laterally and / or longitudinally.

Claims (15)

Gliding or rolling board (1, 50, 100) having a length measured in a longitudinal direction (L) between a first end (2, 51, 101) and a second end (3, 52, 102), a measured width between a first edge (4, 53, 103) and a second edge (5, 54, 104), and a height measured between a lower or sliding face (6, 55, 105) and an upper face (7, 56, 106), in height the board (1, 50, 100) comprising in particular a first reinforcement (21, 71, 121), a second reinforcement (23, 73, 123), and at least one core (22, 72, 122) located between the first reinforcement (21, 71, 121) and the second reinforcement (23, 73, 123), the board (1, 50, 100) also having, from the first (2, 51, 101) to the second ( 3, 52, 102) end, a first end zone (8, 57, 107), a first intermediate zone (9, 58, 108), a first reception zone (10, 59, 109), a zone central (11, 60, 110), a second reception area (12, 61, 111), one two th intermediate zone (13, 62, 112), and a second end zone (14, 63, 113), characterized in that the core (22, 72, 122) comprises a matrix (30, 80, 130) made of a filling material, the matrix (30, 80, 130) having at least one cavity (32, 83, 84, 132), at least one insert (31, 81, 82, 131) being housed in the cavity (32, 83, 84, 132) of the matrix (30, 80, 130) in a determined area of the board, the insert (31, 81, 82, 131) having at least one mechanical property superior to that of the matrix (30, 80, 130), this property possibly being the tensile or compressive strength, the flexural strength, the elastic limit, or the like, so as to locally improve the mechanical properties of the board. Plate (1, 50, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that each insert (31, 81, 82, 131) has an elongated shape, the insert (31, 81, 82, 131) being oriented substantially along the longitudinal direction (L) of the board (1, 50, 100). Board (1, 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises an insert (31, 131), the insert (31, 131) being located substantially halfway between the first (4, 103) and second (5, 104) side edges. Board (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the insert (31, 131) extends continuously from the first reception area (10, 109) to the second reception area (12, 111). Plate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a through cavity (32) is formed in the matrix (30) to receive the insert (31), the insert (31) connecting to each other the first (21) and second (23) reinforcements. Board (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in a plane substantially parallel to the lower face (6) or to the upper face (7), the insert (31) has a rectangular section , and by the fact that in a transverse plane substantially perpendicular to the lower face (6) or to the upper face (7), the insert (31) has a rectangular section. Board (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in a longitudinal plane substantially perpendicular to the lower face (6) or to the upper face (7), the insert (31) has a face corrugated. Plate (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the insert (131) has a parallelepiped shape. Plate (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4 and 8, characterized in that the insert (131) is housed in a non-through cavity (132) of the matrix (130). Board (50) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a first lateral insert (81) and a second lateral insert (82). Board (50) according to one of claims 1, 2 and 10, characterized in that each of the inserts (81, 82) extends continuously from the first intermediate zone (58) to the second intermediate zone (62), a first (83) and a second (84) non-through cavities being formed in the matrix (80) to receive the inserts (81, 82) respectively. Board (50) according to one of claims 1, 2, 10 and 11, characterized in that the thickness of each insert (81, 82) is substantially constant, and in that each insert (81, 82) has relatively narrow ends (85, 86, 87, 88) and a center (89, 90) wider than the ends. Board (1, 50, 100) according to one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 12, characterized in that there is provided in the matrix (130) at least one groove (133). Board (1, 50, 100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the matrix (30, 80, 130) is made from a foam of plastic material, and in that the l 'insert (31, 81, 82, 131) is made with wood. Method for making a sliding or rolling board (1, 50), the method comprising a step of manufacturing a core (22, 72), as well as a step of assembling the constituent elements of the board (1, 50), characterized in that the step of manufacturing the core (22, 72) consists in placing at least one insert (31, 81, 82) in a mold in the shape of the core (22, 72), then in producing a matrix (30, 80) by injecting plastic foam into the mold, the foam extending around the insert (31, 81, 82) to form the core (22, 72) therewith.

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