EP1864696A1 - Snowboard geometry - Google Patents

Abstract

The board (1) has a central zone (9) comprising rear and front retaining zones (16, 18) and intermediate zones (15, 17, 19). Rear and front maximum width lines (W3, W4) are located between a rear end (2) of the board and rear contact line (W1) and between a front end (3) of the board and a front contact line (W2), respectively. A center (M0) between the retaining zones is located in rear and front with respect to a center (M1) between the rear and front ends and a center (M3) between the contact lines, respectively. The center (M0) is joined with the center (M2) between the width lines.

Description

The invention relates to the field of snowboards for snowboarding or snowboarding, skiing on snow, or other.

• la figure 1 est une vue de dessus d'une planche selon une première famille connue,
• la figure 2 est une vue de dessus d'une planche selon une deuxième famille connue,
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessus d'une planche selon une troisième famille connue.

In order to facilitate the presentation of the prior art, reference is made hereinafter to an appended drawing, in which:

• FIG. 1 is a plan view of a board according to a first known family,
• FIG. 2 is a plan view of a board according to a second known family,
• Figure 3 is a top view of a board according to a third known family.

For the sake of convenience, the same references are used to designate the same features of a board for each family. This makes it easier to compare families.

In general, as seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, a board 1 traditionally has a length measured along a longitudinal direction Lo between a rear end 2 and a front end 3 of the board, a width measured in one direction transverse Wo between a first edge 4 and a second edge 5, and a height measured between a bottom 6 and a top 7. The board has, from the rear end 2 to the front end 3, a rear end zone 8 , a rear contact line W1, a central zone 9, a front contact line W2, and a front end area 10. The central area 9 comprises successively, between the contact lines W1, W2, a first intermediate zone 15 a rear holding area 16, a second intermediate area 17, a front holding area 18, and a third intermediate area 19.

To facilitate the driving of the board it is known to provide a line of maximum rear width W3, between the rear end 2 and the rear contact line W1, and a line of maximum width before W4 between the front end 3 and the line of contact before W2. Each line of maximum width W3, W4, called maximum width, corresponds to the width of the bottom or bottom face 6 in the rear end zone 8 or before 10, where it has a maximum.

In other words, each maximum width W3, W4 corresponds to a section of the board for which the underside 6 is wider than elsewhere in the rear end zone 8 or before 10.

To the above mentioned characteristics are added others, which give a given board certain skills. Thus we can study three main families of boards.

The first family, presented with the aid of FIG. 1, is that for which the medium Mo of the retaining zones 16, 18 is located behind the middle M1 of the board, behind the middle M3 of the contact lines W1, W2, as well as back of the middle M2 of the maximum widths W3, W4. Of course, each medium M0, M1, M3, M2 is a median line between two limits.

Thus, the middle M1 of the board is halfway between the rear ends 2 and before 3. By analogy the medium M3 contact lines W1, W2 is halfway between the lines of contact, and the middle M2 lines of maximum width W3, W4 is halfway between the maximum widths.

A board of the first family thus has geometric characteristics substantially symmetrical longitudinally, along the central transverse axis Wo. On a board of the first family, a user is held slightly behind the board. The latter is thus suited to driving in "freeride", that is to say in a powder snow on the surface and denser in depth. The surface of the snow is for example between 5 and 30 cm.

The second family, according to FIG. 2, is the one for which the medium Mo of the holding zones 16, 18 merges with the medium M1 of the board, as well as with the middle M3 of the contact lines W1, W2, and with the middle M2 of the maximum widths W3, W4.

A board of the second family thus has geometric characteristics substantially symmetrical longitudinally. On a board of the second family, the user is held in the center of the board. The latter is thus suitable for driving in "freestyle", that is to say on a fairly hard or groomed snow. A board of the second family is well adapted to the performance of figures of style, and also allows to slip as easily in reverse as in forward.

The third family finally, according to FIG. 3, is that for which the medium Mo of the retaining zones 16, 18 is behind the middle M1 of the board, but in front of the middle M3 of the contact lines, and in front of the middle M2 maximum widths.

A board of the third family is asymmetrical longitudinally. On a board of the third family, the user is held behind the board. The latter is suitable for driving in "freeride" thrust, that is to say in powder snow on the surface and in depth. The snow density on the surface is particularly reduced, and the board sinks easily.

Thus each board of a family allows easy driving on one type of snow, but more difficult on other types of snow. In other words a board of a family is specialized, in the sense that it is adapted to a type of ground.

The corollary is that the user is comfortable under certain conditions, and embarrassed in others.

In relation to this, one particular object of the invention is to improve the behavior of a board. In particular the invention seeks to make a gliding board more versatile, that is to say, able to facilitate driving on any type of snow, or at least on several types of snow.

In other words the invention seeks to ensure that, for a given board, driving is easier on both hard or groomed snow, powder on the surface and lasts in depth, or powder on the surface and in depth .

For this purpose the invention proposes a gliding board having a length measured in a longitudinal direction, between a rear end and a front end, a width measured in a direction transverse between a first edge and a second edge, and a height measured from below to above, the board having, from the rear end to the front end, a rear end area, a rear contact line, a central area, a forward contact line, and a zone front end, the central zone comprising successively, between the nips, a first intermediate zone, a rear retention zone, a second intermediate zone, a front retention zone, and a third intermediate zone, the plate having a line maximum rear width between the rear end and the rear contact line, and a maximum front width line between the front end and the front contact line.

The gliding board according to the invention is characterized in that the middle of the retaining zones is situated behind the middle of the ends, in that the middle of the retaining zones merges with the middle of the width lines. maximum back and front, and in that the middle of the retaining zones is forward relative to the middle of the nips.

The remote location of the middle of the holding areas, relative to the middle of the ends, makes the board suitable for freeride driving. This means that the board is easy to drive in powdery snow on the surface and denser or harder at depth.

The identical or very close location of the middle of the retention zones and the middle of the lines of maximum width rear and front makes the board suitable for driving in freestyle. The board is thus easy to drive on harder or groomed snow.

Finally the advanced location of the middle of the retaining zones, relative to the middle of the contact lines, makes the board suitable for driving in freeride thrust. This means that the board is easy to drive in powdery snow on the surface and at depth.

In a synthetic manner the board according to the invention is more versatile, in the sense that it facilitates driving whatever the type of snow. A benefit that follows is that with the same board, the user can progress successively on different terrains with the same ease.

• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective d'une planche selon une première forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 5 est une vue de dessus de la planche de la figure 4,
• la figure 6 est une vue de côté de la planche de la figure 4,
• la figure 7 est une vue en perspective d'une planche selon une deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawing illustrating, by non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be realized, and wherein :

• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a board according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 5 is a view from above of the board of FIG. 4,
• FIG. 6 is a side view of the board of FIG. 4,
• Figure 7 is a perspective view of a board according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Although the embodiments relate to a snowboard, it should be understood that they also relate to other boards adapted to the practice of sports as mentioned before.

The first embodiment is presented using FIGS. 4 to 6.

In order to better highlight the specific features of the invention, the characteristics common to the boards according to FIGS. 1 to 3 are designated by the same references.

In known manner as seen in particular in Figure 4, a snowboard 1 has a length measured in a longitudinal direction between a rear end 2 and a front end 3. The longitudinal direction is marked with the axis central longitudinal Lo. The board 1 also has a width measured in a transverse direction between a first lateral edge 4 and a second lateral edge 5, as well as a height measured between a gliding underside or face 6 and a receiving top or face. cross direction is identified using the median transverse axis Wo.

Of course, the transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and is parallel to the sliding face 6.

The board 1 also has, from the rear end 2 to the front end 3, a rear end zone 8, a rear contact line W1, a central zone 9, a front contact line W2, and a rear zone. front end 10. The central zone 9 itself comprises, successively, between the contact lines W1, W2, a first intermediate zone 15, a rear retention zone 16, a second intermediate zone 17, a front retention zone 18, and a third intermediate zone 19.

Each retaining zone 16, 18 is provided to receive a user's foot restraint. The devices, not shown, can be secured to the board 1 by means such as screws. Each retaining zone 16, 18 is provided for this purpose with threaded orifices 20.

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

The board 1 also has a line of maximum rear width W3, situated between the rear end 2 and the rear contact line W1, as well as a line of maximum width before W4, situated between the front end 3 and the front line. contact before W2. In other words, the maximum rear width line W3 is located in the rear end zone 8, and the maximum front width line W4 is located in the front end zone 10.

Each of the lines of maximum width W3, W4, or maximum width, is substantially transverse. At a maximum width W3, W4, the width of the board is maximum within the corresponding end zone 8, 10. It is noted that a maximum width W3, W4 is distant from the ground, with respect to a line of contact W1, W2. In other words, it W3, W4 is not in contact with the bearing surface in the absence of external stresses.

According to the first embodiment described, the line of contact and the maximum width of the same end zone are distinct. This gives board 1 better stability in curve. Indeed, a line of maximum width W3, W4 can be made to contact the ground or bearing surface when taking edge curved.

The general appearance of the board 1 is that of an elongated plate, with the ends 2, 3 rounded. The underside 6 is slightly concave between the lines of contact W1, W2. It has a hollow or inner round which extends along the central zone 9, substantially from the first 15 to the third intermediate zone. In the embodiment shown, the rounding has a regular geometry. The top 7 has two slight prominences in the retaining zones 16, 18. Also, the board is slightly reduced in width between the edges 4, 5 at the second intermediate zone 17. Of course, other modes embodiments may be provided.

According to the invention, as can be understood from FIGS. 4 to 6, the medium Mo of the retaining zones 16, 18 is situated behind the middle M1 of the ends 2, 3, the middle Mo of the zones Retention 16, 18 merges with the middle M2 of the rear maximum width lines W3 and before W4, and the medium Mo of the retaining zones 16, 18 is forward relative to the middle M3 of the contact lines W1, W2.

Of course each medium Mo, M1, M2, M3 is a transverse line of the board, located between and equidistant from two distinct boundaries. Each medium M0, M1, M2, M3 is a median line between the two limits.

In the case of the retaining zones 16, 18 the limit is designated C1 for the rear retention zone 16, and C2 for the front retention zone 18. Each limit C1, C2 is the median line of the zone 16, 18 line that can occupy a retaining device in an area 16, 18. Of course the center line C1, C2 is that in the middle of two extreme positions, one of which is closest to a given end 2, 3 of the board, and the farthest one. Thus, for example, if a retaining zone 16, 18 has two longitudinal and parallel rows of threaded orifices 20, the orifices being in facing relation, the center line C1, C2 is in the middle of the orifices in the sense of length. According to the first embodiment described, the orifices 20 are arranged in rows of five. Thus in the case shown, each limit C1, C2 passes through the third orifice of a row.

Of course, it may alternatively be provided a different number of orifices per row.

The medium Mo of the retaining zones 16, 18 is thus situated at a distance d0 from the center line C1 of the rear retaining zone 16, and at the same distance d0 from the center line C2 of the front retaining zone 18.

By analogy, the medium M1 of the ends 2, 3 is situated at a distance d1 from the rear end 2, and at the same distance d1 from the front end 3.

The medium M2 of the maximum widths W3, W4 is situated at a distance d2 from the maximum rear width W3, and at the same distance d2 from the maximum width before W4.

Finally, the middle M3 of the contact lines W1, W2 is situated at a distance d3 from the rear contact line W1, and at the same distance d3 from the front contact line W2.

The structure of the plate 1 is such that the distance d1 is greater than d2, itself greater than d3, itself greater than d0.

It follows that the gap between the front contact line W2 and the maximum width before W4 is greater than the distance between the rear contact line W1 and the maximum rear width W3. Also the difference between the maximum width before W4 and the front end 3 is greater than the difference between the maximum rear width W3 and the rear end 2.

The difference between the medium M3 and the media M0 and M2 is indicated by the letter α. In the same spirit, the difference between the medium M1 and the media M0 and M2 is indicated by the letter β.

Of course, α and β are longitudinal distances opposite one another. Thus, α measures a gap towards the rear of the board 1, from the media M0 and M2, while β measures a gap towards the front.

It appears that the medium M0 retaining areas 16, 18 is moved back by a value β, with respect to the medium M1 ends 2, 3. This value β, or this decline, can be between 10 and 100 mm. This arrangement facilitates the driving of the board in powdery snow on the surface and denser or harder in depth.

The medium M0 retaining zones substantially coincides with the medium M2 rear maximum widths W3 and before W4. This makes it easier to drive on harder or harder snow.

The medium Mo of the retaining zones 16, 18 is also advanced by a value α relative to the middle M3 of the rear contact lines W1 and before W2. This value α, or this advance, can be between 10 and 100 mm. So the board is easy to drive in powdery snow on the surface and in depth.

Overall, the board 1 according to the invention is versatile, in the sense that its driving is facilitated in any type of snow.

The second embodiment is presented with the aid of FIG. 7. For reasons of convenience, only the differences with respect to the first form are highlighted.

A snowboard 31 has a length measured in a longitudinal direction between a rear end 32 and a front end 33. The longitudinal direction is marked with the central longitudinal axis L1. The board 31 also has a width measured in a direction transverse between a first lateral edge 34 and a second lateral edge 35, as well as a height measured between a bottom 36 and a top 37.

What differentiates the second board 31, with respect to the first 1, is that it comprises a first lateral portion 41 and a second lateral portion 42 associated with each other reversibly by securing means . These include for example reversible locking devices 43, 44, each disposed towards one end of the board. Of course, the number of locking devices is not fixed. This number is for example between 1 and 10.

The boundary between the parts is for example at the central longitudinal axis L1. It is thus possible to separate the parts 41, 42 to form a pair of skis 41, 42 or, on the contrary, to assemble them to form the snowboard 31. The latter is a modular vehicle.

An advantage that arises is to gain greater autonomy for driving. Used as a pair of skis, the machine allows to go down but also to climb. Of course, downhill use as a single board is always possible.

For all embodiments, the invention is made from materials and according to implementation techniques known to those skilled in the art.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes all equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular, it can be provided that the rear end zones 8 and 10 before have widths that are identical or different.

Claims (9)

Gliding board (1, 31) having a length measured in a longitudinal direction (L0, L1), between a rear end (2, 32) and a front end (3, 33), a width measured in a transverse direction (W0 ) between a first edge (4, 34) and a second edge (5, 35), and a height measured between a bottom (6, 36) and a top (7, 37), the board (1, 31) having, from the rear end (2, 32) to the front end (3, 33), a rear end area (8), a rear contact line (W1), a central area (9), a line of front contact (W2), and a front end zone (10), the central zone (9) comprising successively, between the contact lines (W1, W2), a first intermediate zone (15), a rear retaining zone (16), a second intermediate zone (17), a front retention zone (18), and a third intermediate zone (19), the plate (1, 31) having a maximum rear width line (W3) between the extremi rear tee (2, 32) and the rear contact line (W1), and a front maximum width line (W4) between the front end (3, 33) and the front contact line (W2),
characterized in that the medium (M0) of the holding areas (16, 18) is situated rearwardly relative to the middle (M1) of the ends (2, 32, 3, 33), in that the medium (M0) ) retaining zones (16, 18) merge with the middle (M2) of the rear maximum width lines (W3) and before (W4), and that the medium (M0) of the holding areas (16, 18) is forward with respect to the middle (M3) of the contact lines (W1, W2). Board (1, 31) according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the front contact line (W2) and the maximum front width line (W4) is greater than the distance between the rear contact line (W1) and the maximum rear width line (W3). Board (1, 31) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the difference between the maximum front width line (W4) and the front end (3) is greater than the difference between the width line. maximum rear (W3) and rear end (2). Board (1, 31) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the medium (M0) retaining zones (16, 18) is moved back by a value (β) relative to the medium (M1 ) ends (2, 3), the value (β) being between 10 and 100 mm. Board (1, 31) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the medium (M0) retaining zones (16, 18) is advanced by a value (α) relative to the medium (M3 ) contact lines (W1, W2), the value (α) being between 10 and 100 mm. Board (1, 31) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ends (2, 32, 3, 33) are rounded. Board (1, 31) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is reduced in width between the edges (4, 5), at the second intermediate zone (17). Board (1, 31) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the underside (6, 36) is concave between the contact lines (W1, W2), and in that the top (7, , 37) has two prominences in the holding areas (16, 18). Board (31) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a first lateral portion (41) and a second lateral portion (42) reversibly associated with each other.

Images