EP2384964B1 - Snowboard or surfboard - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to the field of boards for gliding for the practice of a sport, such as surfing on snow or water, skiing on snow or water, or other.
Such a board is described for example in the document FR 2 049 841 .

A board traditionally has a length measured in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end, 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.

In the sense of height, the board traditionally comprises a lower reinforcement, a core, and an upper reinforcement. The term "lower" refers to the reinforcement closest to the ground when the board is slipping or rolling under normal conditions of use. By analogy, the qualifier "superior" designates the reinforcement farthest from the ground. The core, meanwhile, is intended to separate the reinforcements. Thus the board has a sandwich structure, which is both lightweight and mechanically resistant. This is particularly the case in snow surfing, or snowboarding.

In this discipline a user has both feet retained on the board, respectively in a first and a second reception area. The feet are each oriented in a substantially transverse direction of the board. This facilitates lateral support, with the heels or toes of the feet.

Of course the driving of the board is in a downhill direction of slopes, more or less strong, even if the ground may momentarily be horizontal, or even go up. In these cases, the momentum provided in advance downhill enough to keep speed. It goes without saying that after going down, the user tries to climb a slope to continue practicing his sport. The use is then to use a means of mechanical lift, such as a chairlift, a cable car, or other.

Sometimes a user tries to climb a slope on his own. To do this it is known to use two narrower boards, which can optionally be subject to one another or separate. Of course the boards are separated and used as hiking skis for the climb. In this case each board receives a single foot of the user. On the other hand, during the descent, the two narrow planks are assembled side by side to form a larger gliding machine. This machine is similar to a wide board, and thus receives the two feet of the user. A gliding machine comprising two narrow boards brings autonomy to the user. This machine has the advantage of behaving in the same way as a traditional wide board. The user can therefore benefit from his driving experience, without special learning.

However a machine comprising two narrow boards has at least one drawback: it is its manufacturing cost and, consequently, its selling price. It is indeed necessary to make two complete boards in the case of the machine, instead of only one for the wide board.

In order to get around the price problem, some users have cut a wide plank in half, in a median longitudinal direction. They have, of course, obtained two narrow planks, which can be secured to one another or separated. In other words it is possible to manufacture a wide gliding device, in the aforementioned sense, from a traditional wide plank. However, this machine, which can be described as derivative, has some disadvantages.

Indeed it is generally observed that a narrow board, obtained by cutting a wide board, deteriorates faster than a narrow board originally manufactured as such.

The deterioration is first mechanical, in the sense that the lower and / or higher reinforcements deform excessively, display break primers, or crack or even break, especially at the level of the cutting of the initial wide plank. It can be said synthetically that the cut weakens each narrow board obtained, mechanically.

The deterioration is also physical, in a broader sense. Indeed, cutting makes each narrow board obtained more or less vulnerable to the penetration, or simply to the action, of foreign bodies. For example the friction of the cut surface, on the snow or on various obstacles such as pebbles in the snow, alters the reinforcements or a core arranged between the reinforcements. Also, it may happen that water enters the structure of the narrow board, at the level of the cut. This intrusion sometimes causes alterations, or connections between the various constituents of the board, or constituents themselves. In other words, the water promotes a deconstruction of the board.

With respect to this, the invention generally aims to improve a so-called narrow board, obtained by cutting a wider board. It goes without saying that the notions of narrowness and width are relative. The invention seeks to slow down, or even avoid, the deterioration of a board obtained by cutting. More specifically, an object of the invention is to reduce or prevent mechanical damage, especially at the cutting. Another object of the invention is to limit or avoid physical deterioration, related to the penetration or action of foreign bodies. For example, the invention also wants to fight against the penetration of water into the structure of the board.

One could say in a general way that the invention seeks to make perennial a final board, obtained by modification of an initial board.

To do this, the invention proposes a gliding board according to claim 1.

By its location, the spacer is an element that is cut when the board is divided into two half boards, which are in comparison with narrow boards. That is to say that at the cutting, a narrow board includes a portion of the spacer. Of course, this spacer portion is at an edge of the board obtained. The spacer portion at an edge constitutes a spar which maintains the lower and upper reinforcements relative to each other along the entire length or section of the cut. This is why the various stresses and stresses, exerted on the narrow board, are better distributed between the lower and upper reinforcements. In other words, the spar limits the intensity of the stresses exerted on a reinforcement. A resulting advantage is a better mechanical strength of the so-called narrow board, especially at the level of the cutting of the initial wide board.

The spar of a narrow board also acts as an obstacle to the penetration of foreign bodies. The spar can completely, or only partially, block the surface defined between the lower and upper reinforcements. This arrangement makes the structure of the board waterproof, or at least resistant to the penetration of water. This keeps the inside of the board structure dry, either permanently or for a significant amount of time. In other words, the constituents of the board, or the connections between the components, are preserved from water or moisture. An advantage that results is a better physical strength of the board. In the end, the life of a board obtained by cutting, according to the invention, is increased.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une planche selon toutes les formes de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une coupe transversale selon II-II de la figure 1, pour une première forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 3 est une coupe similaire à la figure 2, pour une deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 4 est une coupe selon IV-IV de la figure 2,
• la figure 5 est une coupe similaire à la figure 4, pour une alternative de construction qui fait partie de la première forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 6 est une coupe selon VI-VI de la figure 2,
• la figure 7 est une coupe selon VII-VII de la figure 6,
• la figure 8 est une coupe selon VIII-VIII de la figure 3,
• la figure 9 est une coupe selon IX-IX de la figure 8,
• la figure 10 est une vue de dessus de la planche de la figure 1, la planche étant coupée selon une ligne longitudinale médiane pour obtenir deux demi-planches,
• la figure 11 est similaire à la figure 10, pour expliquer les modifications apportées aux demi-planches.

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 may be implemented, and wherein :

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a board according to all embodiments of the invention,
• the figure 2 is a cross section along II-II of the figure 1 , for a first embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 3 is a cut similar to the figure 2 for a second embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 4 is a section IV-IV of the figure 2 ,
• the figure 5 is a cut similar to the figure 4 for a construction alternative which is part of the first embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 6 is a section according to VI-VI of the figure 2 ,
• the figure 7 is a section according to VII-VII of the figure 6 ,
• the figure 8 is a section according to VIII-VIII of the figure 3 ,
• the figure 9 is a section IX-IX of the figure 8 ,
• the figure 10 is a top view of the board of the figure 1 , the board being cut along a median longitudinal line to obtain two half boards,
• the figure 11 is similar to the figure 10 , to explain the changes made to the half boards.

Although the embodiments described below relate to a snowboard, it should be understood that the invention also relates to other boards, such as those intended for monoski. In this case the user still has both feet on his machine, but oriented in a longitudinal direction of the latter.

The first embodiment is presented now using the Figures 1, 2 , 4 to 7 , 10 and 11 .

In a known manner, as can be seen in particular in the figure 1 , a snowboard 1 has a length measured in 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, but they could alternatively have a different shape like that of a tip, 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 first embodiment is concave with respect to the longitudinal direction Lo.

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 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 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 general appearance of the board 1 is that of an elongated plate. According to the first embodiment, the underside 6 is slightly concave between the contact lines W1, W2. He 6 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 first embodiment, the rounding has a regular geometry. The top 7 has two slight prominences made by greater thicknesses 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 different geometries could be provided.

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

From the sliding surface 6 to the reception face 7, the board 1 comprises a sole 21, a lower reinforcement 22, a core 23, an upper reinforcement 24, and a protective layer 25. Of course the lower reinforcement 22 is the one closest to the ground when the board slips under normal driving conditions. By analogy, the upper reinforcement 24 is furthest from the ground under the same conditions. Each reinforcement 22, 24 comprises for example synthetic fibers and / or natural fibers, secured together by a resin or any equivalent means.

Depending on the type of board the number of reinforcements can be changed and be 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.

The core 23 extends along a substantial surface of the board 1, that is to say, approximately, from the first end 2 to the second 3 in length and from the first edge 4 to the second 5 in width. However, the core 23 could extend along a substantial surface while remaining alternatively recessed with respect to an end or an edge. Without limitation, the core 23 here comprises two distinct parts, namely a first lateral portion 26, located on the side of the first lateral edge 4, and a second lateral portion 27, located on the side of the second lateral edge 5. This arrangement will be detailed below.

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 lateral spar 31 located at the first lateral edge 4, and a second side spar 32 located at the second side edge 5. This gives the board a box-type structure. A spar 31, 32 comprises for example a synthetic material, such as acetyl-butadiene-styrene.

As we understand it not only by using the figure 2 but also from the figure 4 , there is also provided a peripheral edge 33 which borders the sole plate 21. The edge 33 is segmented, and comprises for example a first end subdivision 34 opposite to a second end subdivision 35, as well as a first lateral subdivision 36 opposite a second lateral subdivision 37. The four subdivisions extend each other at the periphery of the plank 1. For example, the subdivisions end 34, 35 are made of metal, such as an aluminum alloy, and the lateral subdivisions 36, 37 are also made of metal, such as steel or any equivalent.

Alternatively, as seen on the figure 5 , there can be provided a square structure which is part of the first embodiment of the invention. According to this alternative, the board 1 comprises a peripheral edge 38 continuous. The latter 38 is made of a metal, a metal alloy, or the like.

According to the invention, as understood by means of figures 2 , 6 and 7 , the board 1 comprises a central longitudinal spacer 45, the spacer being arranged between the lower reinforcement 22 and the upper reinforcement 24. By its arrangement the spacer 45 is halfway, transversely, between the first lateral edge 4 and the second side edge 5. This is why the spacer 45 is cut in two, in the direction of its length, when the board 1 is itself cut longitudinally in the middle. Consequently, each half-board obtained comprises a portion of the spacer 45. This portion maintains or contributes to keeping the lower and upper reinforcements relative to one another. This along all or part of the cut. This is why the mechanical strength of each half-plank is greater than it would have been if the initial plank had been devoid of spacer. It will be seen later that each spacer portion may be structured to improve the physical strength of the board, particularly with respect to water.

According to the first embodiment, the spacer 45 directly connects the lower reinforcement 22 to the upper reinforcement 24. The spacer 45 is secured to each of the reinforcements 22, 24 by any means, such as a bonding. This keeps the reinforcements 22, 24 relative to each other, avoiding their distance or relative approximation. In other words, the improvement of the mechanical strength is optimized by this direct connection. It will be better understood later that this feature strengthens an edge of each narrow board obtained by cutting the initial board 1.

Still to optimize the mechanical strength, the spacer 45 extends from the first end 2 to the second end 3 of the board 1. In other words the spacer 45 runs along the entire board 1 in the middle. This feature has the added benefit of sealing the central longitudinal section of the board 1. Thus after longitudinal cutting, as will be seen later, the cut edge of each half board is waterproof. Of course the sealing prevents the penetration of foreign bodies, such as water. It follows advantageously a longer life of the board.

As we see on the figure 7 the spacer 45 consists of sections 46, 47, 48 of different widths. It goes without saying that the widths of the sections are measured along the transverse direction Wo. More specifically, the spacer 45 comprises, from the first end 2 to the second end 3, a first end section 46, a central section 47, and a second end section 48. The first section 46 extends along the first end 2, and from the first edge 4 to the second lateral edge 5. By analogy, the second section 48 extends along the second end 3, and from the first lateral edge 4 to the second lateral edge 5. These end sections 46, 48 occupy the width of the board 1, and have a reduced thickness. For example the thickness is between 0.5 and 5mm, knowing that values of 1 to 3mm have given good results. It goes without saying that the thickness is measured in the direction of the height of the board 1. The interest of a large width of the spacer 45, at the ends 2, 3, that is to say also at the first 8 and second 10 end zones, is to facilitate the manufacture of the board. Indeed, the latter sees its thickness is reduced to the ends 2, 3. In contrast, between the first 46 and second 48 end sections, the central section 47 is narrow. The latter 47 extends in the central zone 9, and has a width W3 of between 5 and 80 mm, knowing that values between 10 and 40 mm have given good results. It goes without saying that the first 26 and second 27 side portions of the core 23 are disposed respectively on either side of the central section 47 of the spacer 45, in the central zone 9 of the board 1. This preserves the benefits conferred by the spacer 45, while lightening the board. Indeed, the core 23 is made of a lightweight material, low density, such as a plastic foam, a wood species, or any equivalent. The density of the core 23, that is to say also the density of each portion 26, 27, is for example between 0.15 and 0.8, knowing that with values of 0.2 to 0.5 Plate 1 has good inertia characteristics.

It is observed in addition that, even if the three sections 46, 47, 48 are different parts, these sections are joined two by two. It follows that the spacer 45 is continuous, from the first end 2 to the second end 3. Of course it could alternatively be provided that these three sections form a single piece. In all cases, the seal mentioned above is preserved. The seal is all the better preserved that the upper reinforcement 24 extends continuously opposite the spacer 45, and the lower reinforcement 22 also extends continuously opposite the spacer 45.

To simplify the manufacture of the board 1, as we see on the figure 2 , the section of the central section 47 of the spacer 45 is parallelepipedic. For example, the section 47 has a square cross section, or rectangular.

The spacer 45 is for example made of a plastic or synthetic material, such as an acetyl-butadiene-styrene, a polyamide, a polyurethane, or any equivalent. These materials are waterproof, and easy to implement, It follows of course that the sections 46, 47, 48 are made with these materials. However it can be expected that each of the sections is made with the same material, or that different sections are made of different materials.

The board 1, with its structural features mentioned before, is intended to be cut as is understood using the Figures 10 and 11 . The cut is made along the longitudinal center line, represented under the reference Lo. For example, the cut is made with a jigsaw or ribbon.

As shown in figure 10 , the only cut of the board 1 provides two half-boards 51, 52. The first half-board 51 extends in length from the first end 2 to the second end 3, and in width between the first side edge 4 and a cutting edge 53. In the same spirit the second half-board 52 extends in length from the first end 2 to the second end 3, and in width between the second side edge 5 and a cutting edge 54 Of course each of the cutting edges 53, 54 is delimited by a subdivision of the spacer 45, which has been cut off.

The half boards 51, 52 can be used separately, like skis, or on the contrary be secured to one another, to form a machine that is similar to the initial board 1.

As shown in figure 11 , it can be expected to round the ends 2, 3 of the half boards 51, 52. This makes them easier to use in skiing. In addition, rounded ends reduce the risk of trauma that would result for example clumsy manipulations.

Now the second embodiment of the invention is presented using the figures 1 , 3 to 5 , and 8 to 11 . For the sake of convenience, the elements common with the first form are designated by the same references.

As we understand it with the help of figures 1 and 3 to 5 , there is found for the second form a board 1, in particular with its ends 2, 3, its lateral edges 4, 5, its sole 21, its lower reinforcement 22, its core 23, its upper reinforcement 24 and its protective layer 25. Here again we have the choice between a segmented edge 33 and a continuous edge 38.

A particularity of Plate 1, shown at figure 3 , is located at its lateral edges 4, 5. In fact, here the lower reinforcements 22 and upper 24 meet directly at the side edges 4, 5. This gives the board 1 a hull-type structure, which avoids the use of the beams 31, 32 seen previously. The board according to the second embodiment is therefore an alternative construction, which gives the board 1 a high resistance to torsion along a longitudinal axis.

As can be seen on the Figures 8 and 9 , the lower reinforcements 22 and upper 24 join directly in the first end zone 8, as well as in the second end zone 10 of the board 1. More specifically, without limitation, a first securing zone 61 reinforcement 22, 24 extends from the first end 2 towards the central zone 9, to a first limit or junction 62. The latter 62 separates the first securing zone 61 from the core 23. junction 62 is for example located at the boundary between the first end zone 8 and the central zone 9, but it is not an obligation. In the same spirit, a second zone of interconnection 63 to each other reinforcements 22, 24 extends from the second end 3 to the central zone 9, to a second limit or junction 64. The latter 64 separates the second securing zone 63 from the core 23. The junction 64 is for example located at level of the boundary between the second end zone and the central zone 9.

Note that each junction 62, 64 is rectilinear, and oriented in the transverse direction Wo of the board 1. Thus the board is symmetrical about the median longitudinal axis Lo.

According to the invention, the spacer 45 extends from the first junction 62 to the second junction 64. Here the spacer 45 comprises a single section 67, which is similar to the central section 47 of the first form. Of course, according to the spirit of the invention, the section 67 is arranged in the median longitudinal direction Lo of the board 1. The section 67 of the second form has the same technical characteristics as those of the section 47 of the first form. . In particular, the section 67, or here the spacer 45, has a constant width W4 from the first junction 62 to the second 64. This facilitates the manufacture. But it could be expected that the width of the section 67 varies.

Note also that the structure of the spacer is continuous, and full, for better sealing after cutting.

It is further observed that the core 23 comprises a first lateral portion 26 and a second lateral portion 27.

Finally, the board 1, according to the second embodiment, can be cut into two half boards 51, 52 as seen in the first form using the Figures 10 and 11 .

In general, 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 embodiment described above, and includes all technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular, many structures or various materials may be provided for making the spacer 45.

Plate 1 may be devoid of core, in whole or in part. In this case the board 1 has two cavities, one between a lateral edge 4 and the spacer 45, the other between the other side edge 5 and the spacer 45.

Claims (15)

1. Gliding board (1) having a length measured in 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 side (4) and a second side (5), and a height measured between a bottom surface (6) and a top surface (7), the gliding board (1) comprising

   - a lower reinforcement (22),

   - an upper reinforcement (24),

   - a core (23) arranged between the lower reinforcement (22) and the upper reinforcement (24),

   - a median longitudinal spacer (45) dividing the core (23) into two parts (26, 27),
   the spacer being arranged between the lower reinforcement (22) and the upper reinforcement (24), characterized in that the gliding board is intended to be cut in order to obtain two half-boards (51, 52), and in that the spacer (45) is made of impermeable material and is sufficiently wide such that once the gliding board (1) has been sectioned longitudinally in its centre, each half-board (51, 52) obtained comprises a portion of the spacer (45) enabling the parts (26, 27) of the core (23) to be sealed.
2. Gliding board (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the spacer (45) directly connects the lower reinforcement (22) to the upper reinforcement (24).
3. Gliding board (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spacer (45) extends from the first end (2) to the second end (3) of the board (1).
4. Gliding board (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the spacer (45) is made up of sections (46, 47, 48) of different widths.
5. Gliding board (1) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the spacer (45) comprises, from the first end (2) to the second end (3), a first end section (46), a central section (47) and a second end section (48), and in that, by contrast, the central section (47) is narrow between the first (46) and second (48) end sections.
6. Gliding board (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a first zone (61) for securing the reinforcements (22, 24) extends from the first end (2) to a junction (62), in that a second zone (63) for securing the reinforcements (22, 24) extends from the second end (3) to a junction (64), and in that the spacer (45) extends from the first junction (62) to the second junction (64).
7. Gliding board (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the spacer (45) has a constant width (W4) from the first junction (62) to the second (64).
8. Gliding board (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the central section (47, 67) of the spacer (45) is parallelepipedal.
9. Gliding board (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the spacer (45) is produced with a plastic or synthetic material.
10. Gliding board (1) according to Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the core (23) consists of a lightweight material of low density.
11. Gliding board (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the structure of the spacer (45) is continuous.
12. Gliding board (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a segmented edge (33).
13. Gliding board (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a continuous peripheral edge (38).
14. Gliding board (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a first lateral spar (31) and also a second lateral spar (32).
15. Gliding board (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the lower (22) and upper (24) reinforcements join at the lateral sides (4, 5).

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