EP4188790A1

EP4188790A1 - Floating aquatic board

Info

Publication number: EP4188790A1
Application number: EP21743213.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mathieu KAK; Renaud Guyader
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-07-29
Filing date: 2021-07-22
Publication date: 2023-06-07
Also published as: FR3113026B1; WO2022023178A1; FR3113026A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a non-inflatable floating aquatic board comprising a shell made of rigid material defining the outer shape of the board and defining a hollow inner chamber, wherein the shell is composed of at least two separable transverse portions, these portions being equivalent to sections obtained by transverse cutting of the board; and wherein at least one of the transverse portions is composed of a first cover and a second cover, being equivalent to sections obtained by longitudinal cutting of said transverse portions carried out through the thickness of the board; the board being able to take an assembled configuration when the transverse portions are assembled and a dismantled configuration when the transverse portions are separated from one another and themselves separated into a plurality of covers, wherein the bulk volume of the board is less than the volume of the hollow inner chamber in the assembled configuration.

Description

Title: Water Float Board

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is that of floating structures relatively narrow in width, usually designed to carry a single user and which are specially adapted for water sports or leisure activities, and more particularly the field of water sports boards.

More specifically, the invention relates particularly to the field of stand-up paddle boards.

STATE OF THE ART

It is known from the prior art techniques of floating structures, and more particularly water sports boards, rigid, which are usually made of high density foam, possibly accompanied by a surface treatment, or even wood for example.

Techniques for floating structures and inflatable sports boards are also known, made for example from a polyvinyl chloride shell.

The first type of floating structures known from the state of the art has the advantage of a robust design and a rigidity making it possible in particular to resist the stresses of waves during navigation at sea, however this type of structure has the disadvantage of a large mass, making handling and carrying difficult. In addition, the volume of such a structure is not reducible, the size therefore always corresponding to a maximum size without the possibility of reduction. In particular, transport over a long distance, and/or with public transport, is particularly difficult and expensive, if not impossible.

The second type of structure has the advantage of being lighter in their design, and therefore of facilitating their handling, and also of being able to reduce their overall volume in a transport or storage situation. However, the lack of rigidity and hydrodynamics of this type of structure, as well as their vulnerability to the risk of piercing the inflated hull are major drawbacks, and are significant obstacles to intensive and/or professional use. In addition, the known manufacturing processes for the manufacture of rigid water sports boards dedicated to professional practice are not very reproducible and require significant manual work in order to obtain a profile (also called "shape" in English terminology) corresponding to the needs. of the sports professional.

Thus, none of the current devices makes it possible to simultaneously meet all the required needs, namely to propose an aquatic floating board technique which is light, easily handled, compact in a transport and storage situation, and which is both efficient due to high rigidity and high impact resistance, as well as due to a highly hydrodynamic profile. Moreover, the current devices do not make it possible to meet the aforementioned requirements while being able to be produced in a highly reproducible manner and with compliance with narrow tolerances.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

To this end, the invention relates to a non-inflatable aquatic floating board comprising a shell of rigid material defining the outer shape of said board and defining a hollow inner chamber.

Due to its hollow design, the board according to the invention is particularly light in comparison with the aquatic boards known from the state of the art. In addition, due to its design from a shell made of rigid material, the board is also much more rigid, resistant and efficient than hollow boards, in particular inflatable ones, existing in the state of the art. In other words, the board according to the invention combines the advantages of an inflatable hollow board and the advantages of a non-hollow rigid board, in particular of a solid high-density foam board, without having the disadvantages. respective.

While stand-up paddle boards (known as stand-up paddleboards and the acronym "SUP" in English terminology) generally have an average mass of between 9 and 14 kg for rigid boards and between 9 and 11 kg for inflatable boards depending on the size and intended use, the board according to the invention has a mass of between 7 and 8 kg. Thus, its mass is less than the mass of inflatable boards and happens to be, in some cases, half the mass of a rigid non-inflatable board, with equal or better performance.

In a variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, said rigid material is a composite material, being preferably composed of a weave of fibers, preferably carbon, and a resin matrix, preferably epoxy. Thanks to these provisions, it is possible to achieve the aforementioned structural and mass performance. Indeed, the use of composite material composed of fibers and resin matrix is known for high performance applications, particularly in the aeronautical and sports sectors, however it is totally innovative in the design of an aquatic board that can meet extreme constraints, especially in competitive sport. It is pointed out that such a rigid shell, in carbon fiber in particular, is particularly thin and nevertheless has the originality of a design of a load-bearing structure without internal support element, capable of supporting an adult user as well as the natural constraints (waves, etc.).

In a variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, said envelope is composed of at least two transverse portions separable from each other, said portions being equivalent to sections obtained by transverse cutting of said board, said board being capable of take a mounted configuration when said transverse portions are assembled and a first disassembled configuration when said transverse portions are separated.

In this way, the board according to the invention can be more easily stored and transported, compared to a usual rigid board. When the board is divided only into two transverse portions, its length is halved (in the case of a central division), which translates into a bulk in the main dimension between 1 meter and 2 meters in the case of a stand-up paddle board, such a board usually measuring between 2 meters and 50 centimeters and 3 meters and 50 centimeters, with an average being around 3 meters. It is therefore clearly visible that such a division of a board according to the invention, even in a minimal configuration, to allow transport by car for example.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the board according to the invention is divided into five transverse portions of generally identical length, therefore corresponding to portions of approximately 60 centimeters in length, in the example of a stand-up paddle with a length of 3 meters. Such a portion length advantageously allows them to be transported in several suitcases of standard size, thus allowing in particular travel by train and plane with the board according to the invention without generating additional cost as bulky luggage.

In a variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of said at least two transverse portions is composed of a first and a second cover, said covers being equivalent to sections obtained by longitudinal cutting of said transverse portions, said board being capable of assuming a second disassembled configuration when said transverse portions are separated from one another and themselves separated into a plurality of covers.

Thanks to these arrangements, the bulk in the direction of the thickness of the board is further reduced, the space delimited by the hull of the transverse portion no longer being unused, the hull being divided into two covers of similar shape which can be arranged one inside the other. Advantageously, all the covers making up the board can be arranged one inside the other, the stack of covers occupying a very low height, preferably substantially equal to the depth of a standard-size suitcase, that is to say a few tens of centimeters. Thus, the board according to the invention can be transported in two, or even a single suitcase of standard size, and can be stored in a box or storage bag of greatly reduced dimensions.

It is also possible to carry a water board of another type, such as a so-called "surf" board or even a so-called "ventral" board (or "bodyboard" in English terminology), in a backpack or a hand-carrying bag, thus allowing comfortable transport and compatible with the limitation of the size of luggage in public transport.

In a variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one tensioning mast extends between a proximal transverse portion and a distal transverse portion inside said board and along a longitudinal dimension of said board, and comprises a device for tensioning said mast, so as to tension and stiffen the succession of at least two transverse portions making up said board.

Thanks to these provisions, the transverse portions are held in position and assembled to each other, the tensioning allowing a stiffening of the board. Such a design also allows intuitive assembly of the board, the portions being threaded onto the masts before tensioning the latter.

In a variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, the board comprises a first and a second tensioning mast parallel to each other and separated from each other by a distance greater than the distance separating each of the masts from the nearest edge of the board. , the first and second mast being equidistant from a main plane of symmetry of the board.

In this way, the assembly of the transverse portions is stable, due to the presence of two masts located at the edge of the board, and the tension forces are exerted symmetrically due to the symmetry of the arrangement of the masts.

In a variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, the device for tensioning the mast comprises means for anchoring said mast on said distal transverse portion and means for tensioning said mast on said proximal transverse portion.

In a variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, each transverse portion is connected to at least one adjoining transverse portion by at least one pair of junction plates, a first junction plate and a second junction plate of said pair being each integral with a separate transverse portion. Thanks to these provisions, the assembly is more secure, the assembly is facilitated, and a seal can be placed between the junction plates in order to avoid any infiltration of water in the board.

In a variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, each junction plate integral with a transverse portion composed of a first and second cover is composed of a first half-plate comprising a male fitting and a second half -platinum comprising a female fitting, said half-plates each being secured to a separate cover and being secured to each other in a removable manner by a form and force connection.

In this way, the transverse portions can be formed quickly and easily during assembly, while allowing secure locking of the two covers one on the other, by a form connection and a mechanical or magnetic force connection. The force connection acts mainly against axial disassembly of the covers (in the direction of the length of the board) at the time of assembly, the risk of axial disassembly being eliminated subsequently when the masts are under tension. In a variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, the tensioning mast comprises a rigid tube composed of at least two consecutive tube sections secured in a removable manner and a tensioning cable passing inside said rigid tube.

Thus, the rigid tube makes it possible to support the transverse portions and to take up the forces, and the cable makes it possible to tension the tube when a tension is exerted on the cable. The tube is advantageously divided into as many parts as there are transverse portions, so as not to increase the size of the disassembled board.

In a variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, the board comprises a protective strip of material capable of absorbing shocks, preferably of rubber, on the periphery of said board or of a portion of said board, said strip protection and said board or board portion forming a single inseparable piece.

Thanks to these provisions, the deterioration due to the contact of the board with the ground in particular, when it is placed on the edge, can be reduced. In the case of a stand-up paddleboard, damage from accidental paddle strokes can also be reduced.

Furthermore, the integration of the strip in the board so as to form a single piece makes it possible to avoid the separation of the strip, and greatly improves the aesthetics of the board, in particular because the surface of the board can be designed in a perfectly smooth manner.

In a variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, said hollow inner chamber comprises an electronic unit and one or more modules chosen from the following list: geolocation module, wireless network access module, communication module in near field, accelerometer, compass, non-volatile storage memory, sensors and probes.

In this way, it is possible to provide a greatly improved experience of using the board. Indeed, the user can thus find his way around in space, follow his sports practice, communicate with electronic devices, geolocate his board in the event of loss or theft, etc. In other words, it is thus possible to produce a board that can be described as “connected”, fitting into the system of numerous personal devices, in particular connected to the internet network (known as “internet of things”). In a variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, the shell comprises two glazed openings facing each other so as to form a porthole through the thickness of the board.

Thanks to these arrangements, observation of the aquatic environment is made possible. Due to its hollow design, the size of the porthole is not limited, the shell material is simply replaced by a transparent material at the desired porthole location. In a variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, a screen and/or a camera are housed between the panes forming said porthole.

In this way, a screen and a camera can be implemented in a particularly discreet manner in the board, and information relating to the image visible through the window can in particular be displayed.

In a variant of the preferred embodiment of the invention, said outer shape of the shell is a generally convex shape made up of a plurality of planar facets.

In this way, the hull of the board is further stiffened, and the thickness of the board can be reduced while maintaining a similar stiffness to a board without facets of greater thickness. The mass gain associated with the reduction in thickness is of the order of 25% compared to a board having a smooth convex shape, i.e. a final mass of approximately 6 kilograms, and therefore About 65% compared to a classic water board with similar performance. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing all or part of a board according to the invention, comprising the steps of:

- draping of the composite material on a first and a second half-mold;

- provision of an inflatable bladder comprising a valve on the first half-mold;

- assembly of the first and second half-molds so as to place the composite materials face-to-face and to disengage said valve from an opening of the second half-mold;

- inflation of said inflatable bladder;

- vacuum cooking of the assembly;

- deflation and removal of the inflatable bladder through said opening of the second half-mold;

- Separation of the first and second half-molds so as to release the board or the part of the board produced. Thanks to these provisions, it is possible to produce a board that is perfectly sealed, or to produce parts of the board, that is to say portions or covers. This process also has the advantage of being highly reproducible and of respecting very tight tolerances.

The use of such a process in the context of the production of a water board is totally innovative and brings considerable time savings, in particular for the manufacture of competition boards, for which, in the case of a classic rigid board, the he high-density foam shaping operation is a one-off operation that cannot be reproduced.

According to a variant of the process according to the invention, during the step of inflating the internal bladder to a pressure of between 3 and 7 bars, and preferably equal to 7 bars, during the vacuum cooking step of the assembly, the cooking temperature is between 110 and 130 degrees Celsius, preferably 120 degrees Celsius, and the cooking time is between 25 and 35 minutes, and preferably 30 minutes

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the present invention will emerge from the non-limiting description which follows of at least one particular embodiment of the devices and methods which are the subject of the present invention, with regard to the appended drawings, in which:

[Fig 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a board according to a first variant embodiment.

[Fig 2] Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the board of Figure 1.

[Fig 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a board according to a second embodiment.

[Fig 4] Figure 4 is a schematic exploded view of the board of Figure 3.

[Fig 5] Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view along a plane parallel to plane A of detail A of the board of Figure 3.

[Fig 6] Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view along a plane parallel to plane A of detail B of the board of Figure 3.

[Fig 7] Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view along a plane parallel to plane A of detail C of the board of Figure 3. [Fig 8] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a board according to a third embodiment.

[Fig 9] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the board of Figure 8 in the second disassembled configuration.

[Fig 10] Figure 10 is an exploded schematic view of a transverse portion of the board of Figure 8.

[Fig 11] Figure 11 is a variant of detail A of Figure 5, in the case of a board according to a third variant embodiment.

[Fig 12] Figure 12 is a schematic sectional view of the board according to the invention, showing a central unit and a module, and a porthole comprising a screen and a camera.

[Fig 13] Figure 13 is a schematic view of the board according to the invention comprising a shell having multiple facets.

[Fig 14] Figure 14 is a block diagram of the method of manufacturing a board according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This description is given on a non-limiting basis, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

Note that the figures are not to scale.

Figures 1 and 2 are schematic views of a board 100 according to the invention.

The board 100 is a non-inflatable aquatic floating board, having a shell 101 made of rigid material. The rigid shell 101 defines the outer shape of the board 100, and defines inside the board 100 a hollow interior chamber 102, as can be seen in FIG. 2, where the board 100 is cut at an angle in order to reveal the interior.

It is understood by a rigid shell 101 a shell which does not deform visibly to the naked eye, unlike a deformable shell which would be inflatable. The shape of all or part of the rigid shell 101 is permanently identical, the shape given to the rigid shell 101 or to the parts of the rigid shell 101 during the manufacture of the board 100 remains the same throughout the life of the board. board 100.

The hollow interior chamber 102 is delimited by the rigid shell 101, and comprises for a major part of the air, although some structural elements or accessories can be placed in the hollow chamber 102. It is therefore understood that the hollow interior chamber 102 is not filled with a solid, porous material, nor is it filled with a support structure comprising hollow spaces. It should be emphasized that the inner chamber 102 also does not need to be pressurized in order to provide satisfactory rigidity to the board 100, but that the rigid shell 101 has of itself a rigidity making it possible to respond to the stresses exerted by the fluid on which the board 100 floats (in particular the force exerted by a wave), the projection of the board 100 on an surrounding element (for example under the effect of a wave), as well as the mass of the user of the board 100.

These characteristics are achieved by making the shell 101 from a material that meets criteria of high rigidity and high impact resistance, with low density. Such characteristics are provided by the use of composite materials, such as weaves of fibers integrated into a resin matrix. Preferably, carbon fibers impregnated in an epoxy resin matrix. Other types of fibers (such as glass fibers, natural fibers, etc.) and other types of matrices (polyester, vinyl ester, biomaterial, etc.) are also possible.

According to a second variant of the particular embodiment of the invention, represented in particular in FIG. 3, the shell 101 is composed of at least two transverse portions 110 separable from each other. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the board 100 has five cross sections 110a to 110e, the first cross section 110a being located at the nose of the board 100 and last cross section 110e being located at the tail of board 100.

The transverse portions 110a to 110e are equivalent to sections obtained by transverse cutting of said board, although said portions are preferably not obtained by cutting a shell 101 in one piece, but by means of a manufacturing process described further down.

It is understood here and subsequently that the board 100 has a length corresponding to the distance separating the nose from the tail of the board 100, a thickness, corresponding to the smallest dimension of the board 100, and a width, corresponding to the remaining dimension. Thus, in this embodiment, the transverse portions 110 have a width and a thickness identical to that of the board 100, and a reduced length.

Preferably, the transverse portions 110 are generally of the same length, and advantageously of length less than 60 centimeters, so as to be able in particular to be contained in a suitcase of standard size.

As represented in FIG. 3, three perpendicular axes X, Y and Z and three perpendicular planes A, B and C represented in FIG. 1 are introduced, the axis X being the axis passing through the nose and the tail of the the board 100, the Y axis being the axis perpendicular to the X axis and parallel to the board 100, and the Z axis being perpendicular to the two axes X and Y, as well as to the board 100. The plane A is the plane containing the X and Z axes, the B plane is the plane containing the X and Y axes, and the C plane is the plane containing the Y and Z axes. So, for example, a cross-section of the board corresponds to a cut along a plane parallel to plane C.

We also introduce the concept of nose and tail of a board, the nose corresponding to the front in the usual direction of travel and the tail to the rear. By virtue of its division into several transverse portions 110, the board 100 is able to assume a mounted configuration when the transverse portions 110 are assembled and a first disassembled configuration, represented in FIG. 4, when the transverse portions 110 are separated.

The mounted configuration therefore corresponds to the configuration of use of the board 100, and in which the external appearance of the board 100 does not differ from a conventional aquatic floating board.

Figure 4 shows the board 100 of Figure 3 in an exploded view. The transverse portions 110 are joined by a first tensioning mast 120a and a second tensioning mast 120b (although the use of a single tensioning mast or a number of tensioning masts greater than two is possible), extending between the distal transverse portion 110e and the proximal transverse portion 110a, that is to say parallel to the axis X, the masts extending inside the board 100 and along a longitudinal dimension of the board 100 The tensioning masts are shown in dotted lines inside the board 100 in Figure 3 and next to the board 100 in Figure 4. The first tensioning mast 120a and the second tensioning mast 120b are parallel to each other and separated them by a distance greater than the distance separating each of the masts from the nearest edge of the board. In other words, the masts are each located near the nearest edge of each mast. It is specified that the first mast 120a and the second mast 120b are located equidistant from a main plane of symmetry of the board, corresponding to the plane B. Thus, when the masts are put under tension, the tension exerted is also symmetrical.

Each mast 120 of the board 100 comprises a tensioning device 130, so as to tension and stiffen the succession of transverse portions 110 making up the board 100.

The tensioning device 130 of a mast 120 comprises an anchoring means 140 of the mast 120 on the distal transverse portion 110e and a tensioning means 150 of the mast 120 on the proximal transverse portion 110a.

It is specified here that the tensioning device 130 can be provided in both directions of possible integration, that is to say an anchoring at the level of the tail of the board, and a tensioning at the level of the nose. , and vice versa.

As can be seen in FIG. 5 on detail A, the transverse portions 110 are interconnected by pairs 160 of junction plates 161. The end transverse portions, that is to say the transverse portions 110a and 110e, are each provided with a single junction plate 161, while the central transverse portions are each provided with two junction plates 161. Thus, in the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, four pairs 160 of Junctions 161 make it possible to connect the five transverse portions 110a to 110e together.

In other words, each transverse portion 110 is connected to at least one (one for the end transverse portions 100a and 110e and two for the central transverse portions 110b, 110c, 110d) adjoining transverse portion 110 by a pair 160 of mounting plates. junction 161, a first junction plate and a second junction plate of each pair each being integral with a separate transverse portion 110.

The junction plates 161 are secured to the shell of the transverse portions 110 by co-molding and are preferably of the same material as the shell 101, or of another light material such as aluminum, in which case a junction plate 161 is assembled by screwing onto a fixing lug of a transverse portion 110, for example.

It is specified that a joint 162 of generally O-ring shape is positioned between the plates 161 of the same pair 160, in order to prevent water infiltration inside the board in the mounted configuration. Each tensioning mast 120 advantageously comprises a rigid tube 121 extending between the two pairs 160 of end plates 161 (that is to say over a length equal to the cumulative length of the three central transverse portions 110 in the present example) and a tensioning cable 122, preferably made of stainless steel wire, passing inside said rigid tube 121 .

Provision is made for the rigid tube 121 to be made up of at least two consecutive tube sections secured in a removable manner, for example by fitting. In the present embodiment, it is particularly advantageous to choose a rigid tube 121 composed of three sections of tube of length substantially equal to the length of the transverse portions 110, so as to limit the size of the tube to the size of the transverse portions 110 in the first (and second, introduced below) disassembled configuration.

The rigid tube 121 is anchored in the distal transverse portion 110e using the anchoring means 140 composed of an external thread 141 on one of the ends of the rigid tube 121, and a threaded opening 142 of the plate 160 integral with the 110th distal transverse portion. The thread 141 is intended to be screwed into the threaded opening 142 in order to anchor the mast 120 in the board 100.

The mast 120, more precisely the tube 121, is tensioned using the tensioning means 150, composed for a part of two locking end pieces 151 (advantageously spherical, similar to a cable end seal) located at each end of tensioner cable 122.

At the distal end of the tensioner cable 122, the locking end piece 151 is retained by a cup 152 with a diameter greater than the inside diameter of the rigid tube 121, pierced with an opening of a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the tensioner cable 122 and less. to the diameter of the locking tip 151 . It is specified that the cup is thus located on the cable, between the two locking end pieces 151 .

At the proximal end of the tensioning cable 122, the tensioning means 150 comprises a positioning nut 153 fitted onto the proximal end of the rigid tube 121 and having a shoulder bearing against said end, said nut having an external thread , and being pierced with a threaded opening. Said threaded opening is configured to receive an adjustment screw 154, itself pierced with an opening of diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the tensioner cable 122, and less than the diameter of the locking endpiece 151. Thus, the tensioner cable 122 passes through the adjustment screw 154, and thus through the positioning nut 153, these elements being in engagement between the locking tips 151 together with the rigid tube 121 and the cup 152.

Thus, when the adjustment screw 154 is loosened, the length of the assembly of the elements constituting the tensioning means 150 is lengthened, while the length of the tensioning cable 122 is not modified, resulting in a tensioning of the rigid tube 121 .

In order to guide the rigid tube 121 inside the board 100, the junction plates 161 of the central transverse portions 110 are provided with support eyelets 163 of diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the rigid tube 121.

In order to allow the transverse portions 110 to be clamped against each other, a clamping nut 155 is screwed onto the positioning nut 153. The clamping nut 155 rests on the plate 161 of the transverse portion 110b adjoining the proximal transverse portion 110a, the transverse portions 110e to 110b are tight against each other, and form an integral block.

It is specified that two junction plates 161 of a pair 160 are advantageously additionally secured by two pins located on either side of plane A and introduced into openings of the plates 161 located opposite each other.

The proximal transverse portion 110a is itself secured to the adjoining transverse portion 110b using a pair of assembly screws 103, said screws being advantageously aimed at an angle through the pair 160 of plates 161 located between said portions transverse 110b and 110a, so as to be accessible from the upper part of the board 100. In this way, the nose of the board 100 is secured to the rest of the board and the five transverse portions 110 form an integral and sealed block.

The foregoing description directly follows the assembly and disassembly process of a board 100 according to this second variant embodiment, however the main steps are repeated below.

First, the rigid tube 121 is mounted and the tensioner cable 122 as well as the adjustment screws 154, the positioning nut 153, and the cup 152 are positioned on the tensioner cable 122. It can be expected that the board 100 is delivered to a user the cable 122 having its locking end pieces 151 already fixed and therefore the aforementioned elements already positioned on the tensioning cable 122. Secondly, the rigid tube 121 is anchored in the distal transverse portion 110e, and the rigid tube 121 is stretched.

Thirdly, the central transverse portions 110b to 110d are threaded onto the rigid tubes 121, through the support eyelets 163.

Fourthly, the succession of transverse portions 110e to 110b is stiffened by tightening the clamping nut 155.

In a fifth step, the proximal transverse portion 110a is fixed using assembly screws 103.

It follows from this assembly method the method of dismantling the board 100 according to this second variant embodiment, in which the steps are carried out globally in the opposite direction.

According to a third variant of the particular embodiment of the invention, a transverse portion 110 is composed of a first cover 111 and a second cover 112. The covers 111 and 112 are equivalent to cross-sections of cross-portion 110 obtained by longitudinal cut of a transverse portion 110, as shown in Figure 8.

Thus, the board 110 is able to assume a second disassembled configuration when the transverse portions 110 are separated from each other and themselves separated into a plurality of covers 111 and 112.

In the present example of the third variant of the particular embodiment of the invention, the covers 111 and 112 are equivalent to a longitudinal cut made through the thickness of the board 100, that is to say along the plane B. It is specified that a longitudinal cut made according to plane A (plane of symmetry of the board) is also possible, and can be carried out in a manner analogous to the description which will follow.

In the example chosen here, the distal transverse portions 110e and proximal 110a are not divided into two covers, but made from a single shell portion, in order to increase the rigidity of these portions. In particular the distal portion 110e, that is to say at the tail of the board 100, is configured to accommodate one or more fins 104, via for example a fixing by rail and screwing, and must be particularly rigid. Thus, in the present example, only the central transverse portions 110b to 110d are each composed of a first lower cover 111 and a second upper cover 112. It is however possible to divide one, all, or an intermediate quantity of transverse portions 110 of the board 100 into two covers. The division of a transverse portion 110 into two covers 111 and 112 has the advantage of greatly reducing the size of the board 100 in the second disassembled configuration, represented in FIG. 9. Indeed, the empty volume defined by the hull 101 is not reducible in the preferred embodiment and in the second variant of the preferred embodiment, whereas it is reduced in the second disassembled configuration of the third variant of the preferred embodiment. Advantageously, the covers 111 and 112 are stacked one inside the other in the second disassembled configuration, thus making it possible to reduce the bulk volume almost to the volume of the material of the shell 101, which is much lower than the volume of the inner chamber 102 in the mounted configuration. It is also understood that the mass of the board 100 is not significantly increased in this third variant, compared to the preferred embodiment and its second variant.

In order to join the first cover 111 and the second cover 112 to form a transverse portion 110, the junction plates 161 are also divided into a first lower half-plate 164 and a second upper half-plate 165, as shown in Figure 10 , or the portion 110c is exemplarily shown with its two covers arranged one above the other offset by 90°. In other words, each junction plate 161 secured to a transverse portion 110 composed of a first cover 111 and second cover 112 is composed of a first half-plate 164 comprising and a second half-plate 165, the half-plates each being secured to a separate cover.

The half plates 164 and 165 are removably secured together by a form and force connection. More specifically, a form connection can be made by interlocking, hooking, clipping, etc. of two parts, and advantageously by fitting a finger 166 of a male fitting 167 into an opening of a female fitting 168, said finger 166 being generally parallel to the axis X of the board 100. In order to avoid a separation along the X axis, the finger 166 has a wedge shape allowing a force connection to be made, by a frictional force, between the two fittings 167 and 168, as can be seen in FIG. 11 . Thus, a connection of the two cowls is achieved, the connection along the X axis being further reinforced when tightening the transverse portions using the tensioning masts 120. It is specified that it is possible to achieve the force connection by d other mechanical or non-mechanical means, such as press-fitting (force of friction due to elastic deformation) or by magnetic force (fittings comprising magnetic parts).

It is here provided that the first half-plate 164 comprises two male fittings 167 located on either side of plane A and that the second half-plate 165 comprises two female fittings 168 located on either side of plane A, although the reverse is also possible. Provision is also made for the fittings to be formed by parts screwed onto the half-plates, although any other execution is possible.

It is understood that for sealing reasons, a seal 107 is positioned at the junction of the covers 111 and 112 and the junction half-plates 164 and 165.

It is also understood in the light of the preceding description, the method of assembly and disassembly of this third variant comprises the steps of assembly and disassembly of the second variant, preceded, respectively followed, by the following steps:

The half-plates 164 and 165 are fixed to the covers 111 and 112 (although the board 100 can be delivered to a user with half-plates secured to the covers), and the seal is positioned.

Then, the covers 111 and 112 are positioned on top of each other slightly offset, so as to introduce the finger 166 into the opening of the female fitting 168 by relative translation of the covers along the axis X.

At the end of this step, the covers 111 and 112 are secured and a transverse portion 110 is formed. These steps are repeated for all the transverse portions 110 comprising two covers, before the portions are mounted as described further upstream.

The dismantling method globally comprises the same steps, carried out in the opposite direction and following the steps for dismantling the portions from each other. In all the variants of the preferred embodiment of the invention, the board 100 comprises a protective strip 105 of material capable of absorbing shocks, preferably rubber, on the periphery of the board 100.

In the second and third variant of the preferred embodiment, the protective strip 105 comprises several sections of strip located on the transverse portions 110.

Advantageously, the protective strip 105 has the particularity of forming a single inseparable part with said board or board portion forming a single piece inseparable from the board 100 or the board portions 100 on which the strip sections are arranged.

This characteristic is achieved by the co-molding of said strip in the composite material, allowing an improved aesthetic rendering compared to an added strip, and eliminates the risk of dissociation of the strip 105 from the board 100.

Furthermore, the hollow design of the board 100 according to the invention allows the integration of various elements in the hollow interior chamber 103, as can be seen in FIG. 12. In particular, the board 100 can thus comprise an electronic unit 170 and one or more modules 171 chosen from the following list: geolocation module, wireless network access module, near-field communication module, accelerometer, compass, non-volatile storage memory, sensors and probes. These modules are advantageously encapsulated in a waterproof envelope 172, and allow the user to follow his activity, locate himself, share his performance, geolocate his board remotely, etc. Advantageously, the modules and the electronic unit are powered by a battery or rechargeable battery, advantageously coupled to a solar panel integrated into the shell 101, or to a kinetic energy generator.

The hollow design of the board 100 according to the invention also makes it possible to integrate openings in the shell 101, and more particularly two glazed openings facing each other so as to form a porthole 173 through the thickness of the board. 100. Such a porthole allows observation of the aquatic environment when using the board, and can also accommodate a screen 174 and/or a camera 175 housed between the panes forming said porthole. It is thus possible to display information relating to the use of the board 100, such as the current and average speed, the distance traveled, etc. or even geolocation data such as so-called "GPS" coordinates, a map of the surroundings of the board, or even a compass, or even data on the aquatic environment such as the temperature of the water measured using a a temperature sensor. Advantageously, such a screen is transparent so as not to obstruct the view through the window.

Furthermore, the outer shape of the hull 101 is advantageously a generally convex shape (such as a usual wakeboard), having the particularity of being made up of a plurality of flat facets 106, as illustrated in FIG. In other words, the plank shape 100 is a complex polyhedron made up of a large number of polygons, varied or identical, regular or not. A such a structure makes it possible to further stiffen the shell 101, and in particular makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the board 100 while maintaining a rigidity similar to a board 100 without a facet of greater thickness. The weight gain associated with the reduction in thickness is of the order of 25% compared to a 100 board having a smooth convex shape, and therefore 65% compared to a conventional aquatic board (a smooth 100 board according to the invention having a reduction of about 50% compared to a usual water board).

Advantageously, the board 100 is provided with a sealed storage space located substantially in the middle of the board, allowing personal effects to be stored. This space is sealed by a sealed cover which advantageously has a recess serving as a handle when transporting the board 100 in the mounted configuration, advantageously having a profile of hollows and reliefs allowing the fingers of the user's hand to be accommodated. .

Advantageously, all or part of the upper surface of the board 100 is covered with an anti-slip coating.

The present invention also relates to a method 200 for manufacturing all or part of the board 100, more precisely of the shell 101 of the board 100, illustrated in FIG. 14, comprising

- a step of draping (210) the composite material making up the hull 101 on a first and a second half-mold, the assembly of the half-molds forming the negative of the shape of the board 100;

- a step of placing an inflatable bladder (220) comprising a valve on the first half-mold;

- an assembly step (230) of the first and second half-molds so as to place the composite materials facing each other and to disengage said valve from an opening of the second half-mold;

- a step of inflating (230) said inflatable bladder to an internal pressure greater than 7 bars, and preferably equal to 7 bars;

- a vacuum cooking step (240) of the assembly at a cooking temperature of between 110 and 130 degrees Celsius, preferably 120 degrees Celsius, and for a cooking time of between 25 and 35 minutes, and preferably of 30 minutes. ;

- a step of deflating (250) and removing the inflatable bladder through said opening of the second half-mold; - a separation step (260) of the first and second half-molds so as to release the board 100 or the manufactured board part.

It is understood that this manufacturing method makes it possible to manufacture an entire board 100, according to the first variant of the embodiment of the board 100 according to the invention, or portions 110 or covers 111 and 112.

It is also specified that this process can be used to manufacture two half-boards, corresponding to halves of a board 100 cut longitudinally along plane A, these two half-boards being subsequently glued in order to form a rigid board 100 which cannot be dismantled according to the first variant of the preferred embodiment of the board 100.

Claims

1. Non-inflatable water floating board (100) characterized in that it comprises a shell (101) of rigid material defining the outer shape of said board and defining a hollow inner chamber (102); wherein said shell (101) being composed of at least two transverse portions (110) separable from each other, said portions being equivalent to sections obtained by transverse cutting of said board; and in which at least one of said at least two transverse portions (110) is composed of a first cover (111) and a second cover (112), said covers being equivalent to sections obtained by longitudinal cutting of said transverse portions carried out through the thickness of the board; said board being capable of assuming a mounted configuration when said transverse portions are assembled and a disassembled configuration when said transverse portions are separated from each other and themselves separated into a plurality of covers, in which the bulk volume of the board is lower to the volume of the hollow inner chamber in the mounted configuration.

2. Board (100) according to claim 1, wherein said rigid material is a composite material, being preferably composed of a weaving of fibers, preferably carbon, and a resin matrix, preferably epoxy.

3. Board (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, comprising at least one tensioning mast (120) extending between a transverse portion (110a) proximal and a transverse portion (110e) distal inside said board and along a longitudinal dimension of said board, and comprising a device for tensioning said mast, so as to tension and stiffen the succession of at least two transverse portions making up said board.

4. Board (100) according to claim 3, comprising a first tensioning mast (120a) and a second tensioning mast (120b) parallel to each other and separated from each other by a distance greater than the distance separating each of the masts from the edge of the nearest board, the first and second mast being equidistant from a main plane of symmetry (A) of the board.

5. Board (100) according to claim 4, in which the device for tensioning the mast comprises an anchoring means (140) of said mast on said portion distal transverse (110e) and a tensioning means (130) of said mast on said proximal transverse portion (110a).

6. Board (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each transverse portion (110) is connected to at least one adjoining transverse portion by at least one pair (160) of junction plates (161), a first junction plate and a second junction plate of said pair each being integral with a distinct transverse portion.

7. Board (100) according to claim 6, wherein each junction plate (161) integral with a transverse portion (110b, 110c, 110d) composed of a first cover (111) and a second cover (112 ) is composed of a first half-plate (164) comprising a male fitting (167) and a second half-plate (165) comprising a female fitting (168), said half-plates each being integral with a cover separate and being joined together removably by a connection of form and strength.

8. Board (100) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the tensioning mast (120) comprises a rigid tube (121) composed of at least two consecutive tube sections secured in a removable manner and a cable tensioner (122) passing inside said rigid tube.

9. Board (100) according to one of the preceding claims comprising a protective strip (105) of material capable of absorbing shocks, preferably rubber, on the periphery of said board or of a portion of said board, said protective strip and said board or board portion forming a single inseparable piece.

10. Board (100) according to one of the preceding claims, said hollow inner chamber (102) comprising an electronic unit (170) and one or more modules (171) chosen from the following list: geolocation module, access module to a wireless network, near field communication module, accelerometer, compass, non-volatile storage memory, sensors and probes.

11. Board (100) according to one of the preceding claims, the shell (101) comprising two glazed openings facing each other so as to form a porthole (173) through the thickness of the board.

12. Board (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein a screen (174) and / or a camera (175) are housed between the panes forming said porthole (173).

13. Board (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said outer shape of the shell (101) is a generally convex shape consisting of a plurality of facets (106) planar.