EP3028749A1 - Gliding board in which the core includes a highly flexible element - Google Patents

Abstract

Gliding board (1), whose internal structure comprises a core (2) bordered by lateral edges (10), said core (2) separating two lower (3) and upper (4) reinforcement layers, in which the core ( 2) includes at least one additional element (20) formed of a material having a greater flexibility than the remainder of the core, characterized in that said additional element is elongate and curved by at least one curve formed in a plane parallel to the lower face of the board.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to the field of sliding sports on snow or water, and in particular more precisely the field of boards gliding on snow for a downhill course, especially on groomed track, whether alpine skis or snowboarding, or boards for water sports such as surfing or "kite-surfing". The invention relates more particularly to an internal structure of this type of board, which confers interesting mechanical properties.

Background of the invention

In general, boards for gliding on snow, whether skis or surfboards, comprise an internal structure formed mainly of a core separating two layers of lower and upper reinforcement. These reinforcing layers give the board its rigidity, and in particular its rigidity in longitudinal flexion and its torsional stiffness, and allow the transmission of the forces exerted by the user at the edges. Indeed, when the user makes a turn, or more generally that it does not evolve with the flat board on the snow, the board is inclined around the edge by which the forces generated by the snow are exerted on the snow. the user. In order for the steering of the turn to take place as efficiently as possible, it is necessary that these forces be transmitted as directly as possible from the upper face of the board to the edge, through the upper reinforcement, the core and the lower reinforcement. It can thus be seen that the use of very rigid structures makes it possible to improve this transmission.

However, the reaction of the snow on the board causes vibrations, the more important the snow surface is rigid in the case of hard snow, packed or frozen, or the surface is irregular. Direct transmission of this reaction may cause some discomfort to the user.

Presentation of the invention

It is conceivable that it is necessary to make a compromise between on the one hand a good transmission of efforts towards the edge, and on the other hand a feeling of comfort to prevent excessive vibrations from disturbing the user. Thus, the Applicant has designed a board for gliding on snow, the internal structure of which has a core lined with side edges, this core separating at least two layers of lower and upper reinforcement, and in which the core includes at least one additional element, formed of a material having a greater flexibility than the rest of the core.

According to the invention, this board is characterized in that this additional element is elongate and curved in a plane parallel to the underside of the board.

In other words, the invention consists in integrating into the core a more flexible member, of elastomeric type in particular, having a greater deformation capacity than the rest of the core, and which separates the core into at least two distinct regions. In other words, the gliding board according to the invention includes in its core an element of greater flexibility, which allows to give local deformation capabilities of the board. This additional element is housed in a recess of the core which has a shape not rectilinear but curved, with a curvature inscribed in a plane parallel to the gliding sole which forms the underside of the board, when the eventual camber of the board is canceled for example on a horizontal plane. In other words, this additional element is curved in a substantially horizontal plane, after canceling the camber of the board. Thanks to the curved shape of this additional element, the intrinsic mechanical properties of the board are modified in its specific zones near the additional element, with a progressivity for both longitudinal and transverse flexural stiffnesses, as well as torsional stiffness

Thus, the discontinuity of the core formed by the characteristic additional element makes it possible to ensure a certain decoupling of the two regions thus separated, while maintaining a good transmission of forces.

Of course, different configurations and locations are possible for the additional element.

Thus, in a first embodiment, a fraction of the additional element can be inclined angularly with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the board, a angle included 5 ° and 85 °. In this configuration, the additional element locally modifies the stiffnesses in longitudinal and lateral bending, as well as in torsion. This facilitates bending movements of the structure along an axis that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the board. The inclination of this additional element makes the flexural rigidity (transverse or longitudinal) gradually evolve as a function of the location of the forces exerted by the user. Thus, the impact of the properties of the additional element on the transverse and longitudinal flexural rigidity is felt over a larger area than if the additional element were oriented in a purely longitudinal or transverse direction. On the other hand, the fact that this additional element is inclined avoids creating too large stress concentration zones, in the purely longitudinal and / or transverse directions, which avoids weakening the mechanical strength of the structure.

In another embodiment, the additional element may extend over the entire length of the board, following the coastline. In this case, it allows a local deformation of the board at the edge, in transverse flexion, which allows the edge to better marry the ground, while limiting the transmission of vibrations, providing a feeling of damping and of comfort.

In a particular embodiment, the additional element may extend at the ends of the board according to their outer profiles. In other words, the additional element has a strongly curved shape in the main surface of the board which follows the shape of the outer contour of the spatula and / or heel.

In another configuration, the additional element may extend substantially from one side to the other of the board. In this case, the additional element separates two areas of the board located at different longitudinal levels. When the additional element completely crosses the width of the board, it acts as a hinge, causing effects of localized flexibility and damping effects.

In practice, the additional element can adopt a configuration in which it comprises two regions whose directions are angularly spaced apart by more than 20 degrees. In other words, the additional element, which has an elongated shape has a longitudinal axis which is curved and whose tangents taken in two regions consecutive distinct ones on both sides of a curved zone, and in the horizontal plane, form between them an angle of more than 20 degrees.

In practice, the additional element may have a concavity oriented towards the center of the board. In other words, the additional element may have a V shape or the like, the tip of which is oriented in the direction of the spatula if the additional element is implanted on the front side of the board, or near the heel, if the element additional is implanted in the back part of the board.

In another configuration, the additional element may have a concavity oriented towards the outside of the board. In other words, the curved additional element has a V shape or the like, the tip of which is oriented toward the center of the board, the two branches of the V being oriented towards the lateral edge of the board. Analogous shapes that are more rounded and similar to arcs are also possible.

In practice, this additional element can lead to a lateral side of the core, close to the edge. In other words, the core has a discontinuity zone immediately above the edges. In this case, an additional local deformation is created, generating a more effective point of attachment at the edge located near the additional element.

In a particular configuration, the additional element may have a region that has a wavy shape. In other words, this additional element has a geometry in which its curvature is oriented alternately on either side of its longitudinal axis, always in the horizontal plane. This configuration makes it possible to obtain a specific behavior at the edge, with an alternation of overlapping points and additional localized transversal deformation zones.

In a particular application of the invention to snowboards, also known as "snowboards", or "kite-surf" for which the board is wider and receives both feet of the user, the additional element may partially surround at least one of the implantation zones of a fixation.

In other words, on a gliding board which has two zones of attachment locations, the additional element delimits a region which includes one and / or the other of these implantation zones of the binding.

In a complementary form, this snowboard may comprise two additional additional elements, arranged between the fastening zones of the fasteners, and V-shaped or the like symmetrically arranged relative to the longitudinal axis of the board.

Brief description of the figures

• la figure 1 est une vue en coupe partielle d'une planche de glisse conforme à l'invention
• les figures 2 et 3 sont des vues de dessus de différentes variantes de réalisation d'une planche de glisse selon l'invention, dans lequel l'élément additionnel caractéristique a été mis en évidence.
• les figures 4 à 6 sont des vues de dessus de différentes variantes de réalisation de noyaux de planches conformes à l'invention, dans lequel l'élément additionnel caractéristique a été mis en évidence.

The manner of carrying out the invention, as well as the advantages which result therefrom, will emerge from the description of the embodiments which follow, in support of the appended figures in which:

• the figure 1 is a partial sectional view of a gliding board according to the invention
• the Figures 2 and 3 are top views of various alternative embodiments of a gliding board according to the invention, wherein the characteristic additional element has been highlighted.
• the Figures 4 to 6 are top views of different embodiments of board cores according to the invention, wherein the characteristic additional element has been highlighted.

detailed description

The gliding board 1 illustrated in the figure 1 comprises mainly a core 2 which separates a lower reinforcing layer 3 from an upper reinforcing layer 4. The lower reinforcing layer 3 rests on the sole 5, which is laterally bordered with edges 6 comprising a bead 7 and several fins 8.

The upper reinforcement 4 is covered with a top layer of decoration and protection 9. Laterally, the board comprises a edge element 10 interposed between the lower reinforcing layer 3 and the upper reinforcing layer 4. This edge element 10 is disposed laterally in the extension of the core 2, and is outwardly visible. In the illustrated form, this edge element 10 has a beveled or trapezoidal shape, the width of its base 11 being smaller than the width of its face outer 12. However, the invention covers variants in which these edge elements are rectangular or have an outwardly oriented face which is perpendicular to the principal plane of the board. The invention also covers variants of structural constructions called "shells" in which no edge elements 10 are provided and in which the upper reinforcing layer 4 extends laterally with the upper protective layer 9 until close to square edge 6.

According to the invention, the core 2 has a particular structure, which incorporates an additional element 20, present inside a recess delimited by two walls 21, 22, separating the main part of the core 2 from an outer portion 23. The additional element 20 is therefore positioned inside the core and constitutes one of the elements of the core 2.

In practice, and by way of example, the core 2 can be made from wood, or else from a polymeric foam of polyurethane type. The additional element 20 may in turn be made from a polymeric material including elastomeric such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS). This material must have a greater flexibility than the material constituting the core core 2, that is to say that its compressibility is higher, and that its rigidity, measured by the YOUNG module, is lower. In other words, at the cross-sections of the board where the additional element 20 is present, the core has two materials of different stiffnesses.

In the form illustrated, the additional element 20 is therefore present in a recess formed over the entire thickness of the core, and which thus delimits two regions 23, 24 disposed on either side of the additional element 20. L additional element may be of variable width, but is preferably of constant width for ease of manufacture. This width can be between 5 and 25 mm, preferably between 10 and 20 mm. The additional element can be glued inside the recess without being compressed to maintain a constant density in its three dimensions. The additional element 20 is thus covered on its upper face by at least one reinforcing layer 4 and on its underside by at least one reinforcing layer 3.

The shape and positioning of this additional element in the core may be variable depending on the desired mechanical properties, as well as the type of board on which it is used.

Among the different configurations that can be envisaged, we can note the one illustrated in figure 2 , which represents a snowboard 30. This surf 30 conventionally presents two zones 31, 32 for the implantation of the bindings. These areas 31 32 are materialized by different holes arranged in parallel lines to ensure the mounting of the fasteners.

In this particular embodiment, the additional characteristic element 35 extends over the entire periphery of the board, remaining substantially at a constant distance from the outer lower edge of the edge, and at a constant distance from the edge of the core. In other words, this additional element follows the profile of the dimension line. With respect to the edge of the edge, the additional element 35, and more precisely its outer edge, is located at a distance of between 5 and 30 mm, preferably close to 20 mm for a snowboard. Thus, the additional element 35 comprises two main portions 36, 37 which extend substantially between the contact lines 38, 39. Each of these portions 36,37 is composed mainly of two segments 40,41,42,43 located respectively on either side of the line 46 materializing the transverse medium of the board. These four portions 40 - 43 are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the board at an angle of the order of 5 ° to 10 °

Complementarily, the additional element 35 is extended at the front and rear by two curved portions 46 47 which follow the outline of the spatula and the heel, remaining at a distance from the edge of the board equivalent to that between the portions 40 - 43 of the additional element between the contact lines 38,39. With this arrangement, the peripheral portion 48 49 of the board, located beyond the additional element 35, on the lateral sides of the board, between the contact lines 38 39, has a certain local flexural deformation capacity. transverse to the central zone of the board, conferring a decoupling effect and relaxation of the edge relative to the central portion of the board. For this local effect of softening in transverse flexion, In addition, a damping effect due to the shear created within the additional element gives the board a much softer contact with the snow at the edge.

A similar configuration can be used for alpine skiing, as illustrated in figure 3 . In this case, the ski 50 has two additional elements 56 57, arranged essentially in the lateral zones. More specifically, the element 56 has a first segment 60 extending between the rear contact line 58 and the line 66 appearing the narrowest point of the pad. A second segment 61 extends between the line 66 and the front contact line 59. With respect to the edge of the edge, the additional element 56, and more precisely its outer edge, is located at a distance of between 5 and 15 mm, preferably close to 10 mm for a ski board. These two segments are located at a distance of about 10 mm from the outer edge of the board, at the edges and therefore follow the side line of the ski. These two segments 60,61 are extended by more curved portions 67,68 disposed rearward of the rear contact line 58 and in front of the front contact line 59. The portions 67 68 were separated from the outer edge of the board. a distance equivalent to that separating the additional element 56 from the same edge of the board between the contact lines 58 59.

In this configuration, the portion 69 of the board located beyond the additional element 56 has a certain latitude of movement relative to the rest of the board, which gives the board depreciation and decoupling properties already mentioned giving an effect of softness and comfort on the edge when the ski is inclined during the turns phases.

Another variant of embodiment, concerning a snowboard is illustrated in FIG. figure 4 . This board 70 has two areas of implantation of the fasteners 71 72. This board 70 has four additional elements characteristic of two different types.

Two of these additional elements 73 are disposed beyond the implantation areas of the fasteners 71 72. Each additional element 73 78 has a general V shape, comprising two segments 74 75 77 79, connected by a curved connection zone. 80 80. These curved connection areas 76 80 are arranged in the middle of the additional element, and positioned on the center of the board. They are directed towards the end 80, 81 closest to the board. In other words, the additional element has a concavity oriented towards the implantation zone of the fastener. The two segments of the same additional element have tangents which form between them an angle greater than 20 °, preferably between 45 ° and 135 °, and in the illustrated form close to 90 °. Segments 74,75,77,79 each open laterally on the dimension line. The V configuration of these additional elements 73, 78 generally surrounds the outer portion of the implantation zone of the closest fastener 71 .

With this configuration, when the board is inclined to one edge, the central portion 94 of the board has a certain degree of decoupling with respect to the end zones 95, 96, located beyond the additional elements 71,72. Thus, this flexibility allows some localized additional twist of the board, and prevents the vibrations generated at the ends 95 96 of the board are transmitted too intensely to the central portion 94 where the fasteners are located. The additional elements 73,78 open to the edge of the edges and create areas of local flexibility and therefore over-hooking the board on the snow.

Complementarily, the board also comprises two additional additional elements 85 86. Each of these additional elements 85 86 also has a general V shape, composed of two segments 87 88 91 92 opening laterally at the level of the dimension line. In other words, the additional element has a concavity oriented towards the outside of the board. The two segments of the same additional element have tangents which form between them an angle greater than 20 °, preferably between 45 ° and 135 °, and in the illustrated form close to 90 °. Each pair of segments 87,88,91,92 and connected by a central curved portion 89,90, which is oriented towards the longitudinal axis of the board 93.

With this configuration, the portions 98,97 of the board located outside of the additional elements 85,86 are mechanically slightly decoupled from the central zone 94 on which the fasteners are located. It follows that the local deformations in flexion and torsion are modified, and that the vibrations collected at the zones 97, 98 are not entirely transmitted to the central zone 94, and therefore to the foot of the user. This configuration also creates overlap points at the ends of the additional element opening on the sides of the core.

In the case of alpine skiing, the configuration may be adapted with additional elements having their center on the longitudinal axis located in the front and / or rear part of the ski, in front of and / or behind the area receiving the fixation. The concavities of these additional elements may be oriented towards the front or rear of the board. Independently of the previous configuration, the additional elements associated in pairs and symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the board may be located in front and / or rear of the area receiving the attachment. Other combinations are possible.

An alternative embodiment is illustrated in the figure 5 wherein the snowboarding board 100 has two additional elements 101,111, which are arranged around the attachment locations of the fasteners 106, 107, symmetrically with respect to the transverse axis 109 marking the middle of the board. Specifically, the additional element 101 is composed mainly of two segments 102, 103 which extend over the entire width of the board, which are connected by a connecting portion 104 curved, which comes tangent to the dimension line. In the illustrated form, the opposite ends of the segments 102, 103 open onto the opposite side line located on the tip-to-tip side of the user, with a slightly curved portion 107, 108. The curved portion 104 is at the Plumb with the edge located on the back side of the user's feet. The inclination between the two segments 102, 103 of the same additional element 101 is of the order of 30 ° to 90 °. Note that the inclination of the segment 103, situated between the zone of implantation of the fasteners 106 and the the central axis of the board 109 is lower relative to the transverse axis of the board than that of the segment 102 located between the implantation area of the fastener and the end closest to the board. The choice of these inclinations makes it possible to find a compromise between the position of the points of overlap on the edge and the feeling of comfort.

In the same way, the additional element 111 comprises two segments 112 113 and a curved connection portion 114 implanted symmetrically with the other additional element 101 with respect to the central transverse axis 109.

This configuration allows to delimit five different zones within the board. The two end zones 121, 125 are located beyond the outer segments 102, 113 of the additional elements 101. 111. A central zone 123 is defined between the inner segments 103, 112 of the two additional elements 101, 111. 122, 124 are also delimited inside additional elements 101 111, and form integral regions of the fasteners. With this configuration, when the board is on the front edge located on the toe-tip side of the user, the vibrations experienced in the central zone 123 and the end zones 121, 125 are not fully transmitted. regions 122, 124 in which the fasteners are implanted, with greater comfort resulting for the user. Conversely, when the user exerts efforts to tilt the board on the rear edge, located on the side of his heels, the transmission of these forces by the zones 122, 124 is not integral towards the end zones. 121, 125, and the central zone 123, thus conferring a flexibility of driving the board. It should be noted that the transmission of forces at the front edge is effected by four over-hooking points, while only two over-hooking zones are present at the rear edge. It follows that the sensation of the radius of curvature of the sidecut is different on the rear and front edges, with a radius felt at the front which is larger than the radius felt at the rear.

Another variant illustrated in the figure 6 Wherein the board 140 to surf the type of snow, has two additional elements features 151, 152. These two additional elements are illustrated in the shape symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the board, so that one of the two will not be described in detail. However, the invention also covers other configurations in which these two elements are not strictly symmetrical.

The additional element 150 has a generally wavy shape having three corrugations, and extends near the edge of the core, between the front and rear ends of the board. The substantially rectilinear regions of the additional element have, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the board, an inclination of the order 5 ° to 20 °. Specifically, this additional element 150 has 153,155,157,159 zones in which it comes to tangent the edge of the core, near the dimension line. Outside and between these tangent zones, the additional element has curved regions 152, 154, 156, 158 and 160 that are slightly offset inwardly of the core. We take note that the zones 155, 157 of the same additional element 150 tangential to the edge of the core are situated at the transverse level of the mounting zones of the fasteners 161, 162. With this configuration, the additional element defines specific zones 172, 173, 174 of the line of odds that are partially decoupled from the rest of the board. The forces thus transmitted by the user are at the tangent regions 153, 155, 157, 159 which are mechanically directly connected to the central portion of the board 163 on which the fasteners are located. At these tangent regions, an over-hooking and created at the edge because of the upper local deformation. In contrast, the regions outside the additional element 150, namely the regions 171, 172, 173, 174, 175 are slightly decoupled from the center of the board, and allow additional local deformation in transverse flexion. , as well as an attenuated transmission of the vibrations undergone on the edge.

It emerges from these different configurations that, at a cross section of the board, the core can integrate either no additional element, or a single additional element, or two additional elements, depending on the longitudinal position of this section in the longitudinal direction. of the board. A larger number of additional elements at a cross section can be envisaged, however, taking care not to weaken locally the strength of the board.

Of course, the precise positioning of the different undulations in a substantially horizontal plane, and the particular geometry of the surfaces of the decoupling zones can be adapted according to the type of desired practices. In particular, for alpine skiing, one or more undulations can be envisaged, with one or more over-hooking points formed in the area of the pad. Among the variants envisaged, it is possible that the additional element opens not only on the edge of the core, but also at the edge of the side edge in which a corresponding recess will be made.

Complementarily, the use of a transparent material for the additional element makes it possible to give particular visual effects, since it creates a translucent zone allowing a fraction of light to pass through the overall thickness of the board. This effect is all the more interesting as the elements above and / or below the additional element consist of layers of translucent reinforcements, a transparent protective layer and a transparent or translucent sole.

• de créer des points de sur-accrochage au niveau de la carre qui permettent une conduite plus efficace, lorsque l'élément additionnel débouche sur les bords latéraux du noyau,
• de modifier la flexion transversale à proximité des bords latéraux de la planche lorsque l'élément additionnel est décalé vers l'intérieur du noyau d'une distance adaptée pour donner de la douceur et du confort
• de modifier localement les flexions longitudinales, transversales et les propriétés de torsion de façon progressive dans la longueur de la planche lorsque l'élément additionnel s'étend sensiblement d'un côté à l'autre du noyau
• de découpler certaines zones périphériques de la ligne de côtes pour modifier la sensation du rayon de la ligne de côtes lorsque l'élément additionnel débouche sur les bords latéraux du noyau
• de limiter également la transmission des vibrations au sein de la planche et de créer de l'amortissement local autour de l'élément additionnel pour un confort et une conduite améliorée.

It follows from the foregoing that the boards according to the invention have the advantage

• to create over-hooking points at the edge which allow a more efficient driving, when the additional element opens on the lateral edges of the core,
• to modify the transverse flexion near the lateral edges of the board when the additional element is shifted towards the inside of the core a distance adapted to give softness and comfort
• locally modifying the longitudinal, transverse and torsional flexures in a progressive manner in the length of the board when the additional element extends substantially from one side to the other of the core
• to decouple certain peripheral zones from the rib line to modify the sensation of the radius of the rib line when the additional element opens on the lateral edges of the nucleus
• to also limit the transmission of vibrations within the board and create local damping around the additional element for comfort and improved driving.

In addition, the configurations presented for boards gliding on snow can also be reproduced for boards gliding on water, especially for kite-surf boards or surfing. In this case, the coast line of the board will no longer be convex as for snow boards but will be concave and the edge will not be a separate element of the sole of the board.

Claims (12)

Gliding board (1), whose internal structure comprises a core (2) bordered by lateral edges (10), said core (2) separating two lower (3) and upper (4) reinforcement layers, in which the core ( 2) includes at least one additional element (20) formed of a material having a greater flexibility than the rest of the core, characterized in that said additional element is elongated and curved by at least one curvature formed in a plane parallel to the lower face of the board. Gliding board according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a fraction (75) of the additional element (73) is angularly inclined with respect to the central longitudinal axis (93) of the board, at an angle between 5 ° and 85 °. Gliding board according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional element (37) extends over the entire length of the board along the coastline. Gliding board according to claim 3, characterized in that the additional element (37) extends at the level (44, 47) of the ends of the board following their outer profile. Gliding board according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional element (150) has a region which has a corrugated shape, comprising at least two corrugations. Gliding board according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the additional element (37) extends substantially from one side to the other of the core. Gliding board according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the additional element (73) has a concavity oriented towards the center of the board. Gliding board according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the additional element (86) has a concavity oriented towards the longitudinal axis of the board. Gliding board according to one of claims 1, 2 or 7, characterized in that the additional element (73) comprises at least two regions (74, 75) whose directions are spaced angularly by more than 20 degrees. Gliding board according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two V-shaped additional elements (86) symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis (93) of the board. Gliding board according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional element (73) opens on at least one lateral side of the core, close to the edge. Gliding board according to claim 1, intended for the practice of snowboarding or kite surfing, characterized in that the additional element (101) partially surrounds the implantation zone of a binding.

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