EP1935459A1 - Snowboard or skateboard - Google Patents

Abstract

The board (1) has a central zone (9) including two retaining zones (16, 18), where the board has a projected length (Lp) measured between two ends (2, 3) along a longitudinal direction (Lo). Two contact lines (W1, W2) longitudinally separated from each other at a distance e.g. contact length (Lc). Two maximal widths of the board are longitudinally separated from each other at a distance e.g. side lines length (Lk), where a ratio of the side lines length divided by the contact length is greater than or equal to 1.08.

Description

The invention relates to the field of gliding boards provided for receiving the two feet of a user. These boards are intended for snowboarding or snowboarding, surfing on water, or other.

A board has traditionally a projected length measured in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end, within the meaning of ISO 6289. The board also has a width measured in a direction transverse between a first edge and a second edge, and a height measured between a bottom and a top. The board still has two lines of contact. Each of the nips is a line, substantially transverse to the board, at which the underside or sliding face touches a flat surface when the board rests on the surface without external influence. The distance that longitudinally separates the contact lines from each other is called the contact length. Of course, the latter is less than the projected length.

The board also has two maximum widths separated longitudinally from each other by a distance called length of dimension lines. This distance corresponds to the effective edge in contact with the ground during a catch of edge.

In the field of snowboarding, or snowboarding, the first and second ends are each raised relative to the nearest contact line. This gives the board an ability to slide longitudinally in two opposite directions. In other words it is possible to slide forward or backward with as much ease.

The known boards are usually quite long. They measure at least 1, 2 meters, often between 1.3 and 1.7 meters, and sometimes more. Thus the bottom surface is large enough to allow driving in powder snow.

Of course driving on harder snow, or groomed, is also possible. However, it appears that it is not always easy to maneuver, at least in some cases.

For example when the board slips substantially flat, in the longitudinal direction, it can be tiring to initiate turns. The user must give pulses strong enough to cause a flat rotation.

In relation to this observation, the purpose of the invention is in particular to improve the handling of a board.

More specifically, the invention wants for example to facilitate the initiation of turns when the board slides flat.

This is why the invention proposes a sliding board adapted to receive the two feet of a user, the board having a projected length measured in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end, a width measured in a transverse direction. between a first edge and a second edge, and a height measured between a bottom and a top, the board having two contact lines separated longitudinally from each other by a distance called contact length, the board having two maximum widths separated longitudinally from each other by a distance called length of dimension lines.

The board according to the invention is characterized in that the ratio of the length of dimension lines divided by the contact length is greater than or equal to 1.08.

This feature gives the board a reduced contact length for a given length of dimension lines. In other words, the contact lines are closer to one another than on a conventional board of the same length.

This is why, with the board according to the invention, the effort required to initiate a turn is reduced. This is particularly true when driving flat, when the board rests on the ground with its underside without being edge-edged.

Among the resulting benefits include improved handling, or greater ease to initiate turns especially when the board slides flat.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une planche selon la forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une coupe transversale selon II-II de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une coupe similaire à la figure 2, pour une alternative de construction qui fait partie de la première forme de réalisation,
• la figure 4 est une coupe selon IV-IV de la figure 1,
• la figure 5 est une vue de dessus de la planche de la figure 1.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawing illustrating, by a non-limiting embodiment, how the invention can be realized, and in which :

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a board according to the embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 2 is a cross section along II-II of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 is a cut similar to the figure 2 , for a construction alternative which is part of the first embodiment,
• the figure 4 is a section IV-IV of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 5 is a top view of the board of the figure 1 .

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

The embodiment is presented using the Figures 1 to 5 .

In a known manner, as can be seen in particular in the figure 1 , a snowboard 1 has a projected length Lp measured along a longitudinal direction between a first end 2 and a second end 3. The longitudinal direction is marked with the central longitudinal axis Lo. The first 2 and second 3 ends are each rounded. This means that each end 2, 3 has a convex curvature that can be circular, elliptical, parabolic, or comprise a series of portions of different radii of curvature. Alternatively one or the ends could have a different shape like that of a point, or a fin. 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. The edge of the board includes the ends and edges. For each edge, the dimension line according to the embodiment shown is concave with respect to the longitudinal direction Lo.

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

The board 1 also has, from the first end 2 to the second end 3, a first end zone 8, a first contact line W1, a central zone 9, a second contact line W2, and a second zone of contact. end 10. The central zone 9 itself comprises successively, between the contact lines W1, W2, a first intermediate zone 15, a first retention zone 16, a second intermediate zone 17 disposed at the central axis Wo, a second retaining zone 18, and a third intermediate zone 19. It is noted that the end zones 8, intermediate 15, retaining 16, intermediate 17, retaining 18, intermediate 19, and end 10, follow one another longitudinally .

Each retaining zone 16, 18 is provided to receive a one-foot retaining device from the user. The devices, not shown, can be secured to the board 1 by a means comprising screws. Each retaining zone 16, 18 is provided for this purpose with threaded orifices 20.

Each of the contact lines W1, W2 is a substantially transverse line of 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 lines of contact W1, W2 are separated longitudinally from each other by a distance called the length of contact.

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

From the sliding face 6 to the receiving face 7, the board 1 has a sole 21, a first reinforcement 22, a core 23, a second reinforcement 24, and a protective layer 25.

Depending on the type of board the number of reinforcements can be changed and be less than or greater than two. Each reinforcement 22, 24 extends parallel to the underside 6 or above 7. The board may not include any protective layer.

The sole 21 is made for example with a plastic material containing polyethylene. The protective layer 25 is made, for example, of a plastics material containing an acetyl-butadiene-styrene.

According to the embodiment, each of the reinforcements 22, 24 comprises fibers impregnated with a resin. The fibers may be made of any material, or any mixture of materials, such as glass, carbon, aramid, metal, or the like. The core 23 comprises a main body 26 which gives it its general appearance. The main body 26 comprises for example wood, a foam of a synthetic material, or any other material.

The reinforcements 22, 24 and the core 23 form a sandwich panel which extends at least 50% of the surface of the board, and preferably substantially over the entire surface.

The board 1 further comprises a first side spar 30 located at the first lateral edge 4, and a second side spar 31 located at the second edge. Lateral 5. This gives the board a box-type structure. A spar 30, 31 comprises for example a synthetic material, such as acetyl-butadiene-styrene.

Alternatively, as seen on the figure 3 , there may be provided a construction which is part of the first embodiment of the invention. This alternative excludes the side members. The first 22 and second 24 reinforcements join directly. This gives the board a hull type structure.

Of course, any other structure can be provided. For example, a portion of the board may be box type, while another is of the shell type.

It also provides a peripheral edge 32 which borders the sole 21. The edge 32 is continuous but it could also be segmented, or not extend over the entire periphery. For example it could include a portion along the first edge 4 and a portion along the second edge 5. The edge 32 preferably comprises a metal, or a metal alloy, such as steel, or the like.

The general appearance of the board 1 is that of an elongated plate. According to the embodiment shown, as is best seen on the figure 4 , 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.

By corollary, the underside 6 is convex between the first contact line W1 and the first end 2, as well as between the second contact line W2 and the second end 3. This amounts to saying that each end zone 8, 10 get up from a line of contact.

According to the embodiment shown, the top 7 in turn has two slight prominences produced by greater thicknesses in the retaining zones 16, 18. The top 7 is concave between the first contact line W1 and the first end 2, and between the second line of contact W2 and the second end 3.

As can be seen from the figure 5 the first end zone 8 has a first maximum width b8. This is the width of the bottom 6 in the end zone 8, where it has a maximum. This width b8 is oriented transversely along an axis W3. By analogy, the second end zone 10 has a second maximum width b10. This is the width of the bottom 6 in the end zone 10, where it has a maximum. This width b10 is oriented transversely along an axis W4. Note that each of the maximum widths b8, b10 is respectively away from a contact line W1, W2. The first maximum width b8 is located between the first end 2 and the first nip W1. Of course, the second maximum width b10 is located between the second end 3 and the second contact line W2. The distance Lk which longitudinally separates the maximum widths b8, b10 is the length of dimension lines. This length is also called effective square because it corresponds to a length of contact with the ground during a lateral edge.

The periphery of the board is such that each end zone 8, 10 is convex between the maximum width b8, b10 and the end 2, 3 itself.

The edges 4, 5 give the board a reduced width at least at the second intermediate zone 17. Since the first maximum width b8 to the second b10, the edges 4, 5 are close to one another to go away afterwards. This is why, seen above, the silhouette of the board is reminiscent of a diabolo.

According to the invention, the ratio of the length of dimension lines Lk divided by the contact length Le is equal to or greater than 1.08. That is to say that, compared to a board according to the prior art, the board 1 according to the invention has contact lines W1, W2 closer to one another.

For example it can be expected that Lk equals 1240 mm, and that equals 1140 mm. In this case the ratio Lk / Lc = 1.087.

It follows advantageously that the board 1 is more manageable. For example, flat turns are easier to trigger. Indeed the torque exerted on the board by the ground, along a vertical axis placed between the retaining zones 16, 18, is reduced following the approximation of the contact lines W1, W2.

The reduction of the contact length Lc brings the first contact line W1 near the retaining zone 16, and the second contact line W2 near the retaining zone 18. Each contact line W1, W2 can be located at a distance of distance between 1 and 15 cm from the retaining zone 16, 18.

The maximum widths b8, b10 meanwhile, along the transverse axes W3, W4, are further away from the contact lines W1, W2. The maximum widths b8, b10 are in fact respectively close enough to the ends 2, 3. For example at distances of between 5 and 15 cm.

That is to say that the length Lk of each dimension line remains classic, and therefore quite large. This allows the board a good grip when making a edge. It follows that the stability of the board is very good curve.

The projected length Lp also remains conventional, that is to say relatively high. For example, the ratio of the projected length Lp divided by the contact length Lc is equal to or greater than 1.8. Since the width of the board is large enough to accommodate the feet, which are oriented substantially transversely, the bottom surface 6 is important. This gives the board a good ability to slide on the surface of a powdery, sparse snow.

In the end, the board according to the invention combines the advantages of a large board, namely curvature stability and the emergence of powder snow on the surface, with those of a small board, namely maneuverability and aptitude. at the initiation of flat turns.

By way of example, a board according to the invention may have a projected length of the order of 1.5 meters. In this case the contact length is less than or equal to 0.83 m.

According to the embodiment described, the plate 1 is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis Lo with respect to its geometry. It is also symmetrical geometrically along the transverse axis Wo. This gives it homogeneity of behavior, especially for changes of direction of driving in the longitudinal direction. However, it may alternatively be expected that the board is not symmetrical, in whole or in part.

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 technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular, different combinations of values can be provided for the projected lengths, the contact lengths, the lengths of dimension lines, and the maximum widths.

Claims (8)

Gliding board (1) adapted to receive the two feet of a user, the board (1) having a projected length (Lp) measured along a longitudinal direction (Lo) between a first end (2) and a second end (3) ), a width measured in a transverse direction (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 (1) having two contact lines (W1, W2) separated longitudinally from one another by a distance (Lc) called contact length, the board (1) having two maximum widths (b8, b10) separated longitudinally from one of the other of a distance (Lk) called length of dimension lines,
characterized in that the ratio of the length of dimension lines (Lk) divided by the contact length (Lc) is greater than or equal to 1.08. Board (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first line of contact (W1) is near a first holding area (16), and in that the second line of contact (W2) is close a second holding area (18). Board (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the maximum widths (b8, b10) are respectively close enough to the ends (2, 3). Board (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ratio of the projected length (Lp) divided by the contact length (Le), is greater than or equal to 1.8. Board (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is symmetrical about a central longitudinal axis (Lo). Board (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is symmetrical about a central transverse axis (Wo). Board (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first (2) and second (3) ends are each rounded. Board (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it has, from the first end (2) to the second end (3), a first end zone (8), the first contact line (W1), a central zone (9), the second nip (W2), and a second end zone (10), the central zone (9) itself comprising a first retaining zone ( 16) and a second holding area (18).

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