FR2866243A1 - All terrain skateboard for sports and leisure, has foot straps placed symmetrically and separated with respect to longitudinal axis of board in order to stabilize support of person, and foot situated at preset distance from axles - Google Patents

Abstract

The skateboard has two foot straps (12) and a foot (6) permitting to integrate a rig (A) and a board (7). The foot is mounted on the board (7) and situated at a preset distance from axles, where the distance varies with respect to a wheelbase according to a specific coefficient. The foot straps are placed symmetrically and separated with respect to longitudinal axis of the board (7) in order to stabilize the support of a person.

Description

2866243 -1-

  The present invention generally relates to sports and leisure gear, and more particularly to an all-terrain inflatable wheeled board, lightweight and transportable structure, simple and robust construction, propelled by a windsurfing rig. On this type of gear, the propulsion is ensured by the use of the force of the wind in the sail. The pilot stands and controls, with his feet, the inclination of the board to move.

  This wind-powered wheeled board, which is piloted like a windsurf board, is designed to operate on flat, smooth or rugged so-called off-road surfaces (beaches at low tide, dirt or grass sports fields, games, parking or meadows).

  Firstly intended for windsurfers, this board must allow the realization of all the figures of modern windsurfing ie pivoting rotations on the front or rear of the board, controlled slips of the front and / or or back of the board and multiple jumps by pilot impulse. These acrobatics refer to the new codifications of the technical movements of the current international competitions in windsurfing, governed by the Association of professional windsurfers: the PWA).

  For a less informed public, the invention is intended for the walk and the easy and effortless discovery of the first gliding sensations of windsurfing.

  The present invention aims to improve existing machines. In this technical field there are two types of supports (the most common) on which a sail is fixed: the skateboard and the long inflatable boards planned to evolve on the beaches at low tide.

  The first existing support, the skateboard sail, is composed of a board about 80 cm long and 20 cm wide whose wheelbase (distance between the axles of the machine) is about 50 cm; the axles of about 20 cm wide each support two solid wheels more or less soft about 5 cm in diameter and intended to roll on the asphalt.

  The lack of general control and stability at high speed is the major disadvantage of this type of board. Indeed, the wheelbase is too short, the axles are not wide enough and the diameter of the wheels is too small. In addition, skateboard wheels do not allow off-road practice.

  The second support cited is however well suited to practice on rough surfaces since it is equipped with large inflatable wheels with a diameter of between 25 cm and 40 cm. The board (from 145 cm to 200 cm long) and the wheelbase are also longer which offers a better stability to the machine. However, the problem of this type of board, due to their technical characteristics, is the lack of maneuverability and overweight.

  In short, the technical problem, given the characteristics of existing machines, is to design an all-terrain wheeled board whose length and wheelbase offer a compromise between maneuverability and directional stability and whose total weight allows everyone to handle the craft with ease.

  Moreover, in order to realize the figures of the modern windsurfing, the board must be equipped with a system allowing the pilot to lift one or the other of the extremities with his feet during his displacement: the pilot must be solidary of the board by the feet (thanks to footpads for example). In addition, correspondingly, the point of attachment of the sail to the board must be placed in such a way that a sufficient force torque (resulting from the action of the force of the wind in the sail and the traction of one or of the two feet integral with the board) is created to rotate the board on the front axle or the rear axle (controlled rockers).

  The device according to the present invention makes it possible to remedy the problems posed. 20 The wind-powered all-terrain wheeled board includes a board, two axles, four inflatable wheels, two footrest straps and a mast foot.

  According to particular embodiments, we can define the location of the foot of the mast within an interval whose limits are calculated according to the wheelbase. In addition, given the stresses exerted on the mast foot, it must be robust to ensure the binding of the sail to the board and may be composed of a silentbloc screwed into a metal insert through the board. The footrest straps, which are essential for controlling the board in a straight line and in the figures, can be placed symmetrically on the board in such a way that the pilot can move in both directions.

  In correlation with this feature, at least one mast base fixing insert can be placed at each end of the board to allow the choice to the pilot to determine its direction of movement.

  In addition, to improve the support, the footrests may be offset relative to the longitudinal axis to the toes of the driver. Finally, in order to facilitate learning of the present invention, the footrest straps can be replaced instead by two open stops to wedge the outer edges of the feet.

  The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention: FIG. 1 represents the so-called wind-powered off-road wheeled board 5 with its pilot. This representation gives us an overview of the capabilities of the present invention.

  FIG. 2 represents an overall perspective view of the all-terrain wheelboard with the mast foot but without the sail.

  FIG. 3 represents a top view of the all-terrain wheelboard to show the spacing of the footrests and their orientation on the board.

  FIG. 4 represents a view from above of the all-terrain wheelboard making it possible to highlight the placement of the footrests relative to the longitudinal axis of the board.

  FIG. 5a represents the mast foot (intended to attach the sail), the elements that make it up and its attachment system to the board (presented in section).

  FIG. 5b is a perspective view of the metal insert inserted into the board for screwing the mast foot.

  FIG. 6a shows a top view of the off-road wheelboard for highlighting the interval defining the location of the mast foot.

  FIG. 6b shows a top view of the all-terrain wheelboard to show that it is equipped with two inserts for fixing the foot of the mast.

  According to one characteristic of the invention, (FIG 1 and FIG 2) the board (7), the platform on which the pilot places his feet, is made of wood (glulam), of composite materials or by use of these two processes. The number of successive folds varies from 6 to 10 depending on the weight of the pilot.

  Size of the tray: the length of the tray is between 100 cm and 130 cm the width of the tray is between 20 cm and 45 cm the thickness of the tray varies between 1 cm and 2 cm depending on the type of manufacture 2866243 -4- The The present invention specifies the importance of the tone of the plate (the so-called flex), ie the ability of the board to deform under the support of the pilot and resume as soon as possible its initial shape. The energy thus released, according to the reaction action principle, is used by the pilot (1) to take off two or four wheels of the vehicle off the ground. The flex of the plate gives the wind-powered off-road wheelchair its manageable and airy character.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, (FIG 1 and FIG 2) the use of footrests (12) is fundamental to exploit the tone of the plateau but also to obtain better control of the machine at high speed and in the figures (jumps, pivots and slides).

  The wind-powered wheeled board (B), like a windsurf board, receives on the board two footrest straps (12). The latter called footstraps are identical to those used in windsurfing. They consist of a system of webbing straps with three overlapping flaps for adjustment to the feet of the driver and covered with a synthetic foam envelope.

  According to FIG. 3, the distance (L) of the footrests (12) is between 45 cm and 70 cm depending on the size of the plate (7) and the driver (1).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the feet of the pilot (1) are arranged at an angle (a) between 5 and 45 described by the axis of the footrest (17) and the longitudinal axis (16) of the board. The symmetry, which characterizes the placement of the footrests, allows to go forward and back without changing the position of the feet. This feature is fundamental in the present invention because it specifies that the pilot (1) retains a unique and definitive foot position to move in space with the craft. Indeed, this system allows the pilot to multiply the trajectory changes at high speed without losing control.

  FIG. 4, allows us to visualize the location of the footrests (12).

  They are located on an axis (X1-X2) which passes through the centers (54) of the footrests (12) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate (16) and offset towards the edge where the pilot's toes are oriented to a distance (d) from the longitudinal axis (16) which corresponds to a maximum of 1/8 and preferably to a value between 1/12 and 1/10 of the maximum width of the board (7).

  This asymmetric placement (relative to the longitudinal axis (16)) of the tripods is intended to center the pilot's support on the board. Indeed, this shift allows to align the projection of the center of gravity of the pilot with the longitudinal axis of the board (16) and thus obtaining supports on the heels and the identical toes.

  2866243 -5- During tacking (changes of direction relative to the wind), the placement of the feet remains unchanged, the pilot (1) is therefore found in a so-called inverted position, which is found in modern windsurfing . Functionally, this original postural feature is a fundamental feature of the present invention that distinguishes it from any other wind powered wheeled board. To promote piloting learning, the use of foot straps (12) can be progressive. And the machine can be used at the beginning without footpegs, the latter being easily removable, or with stops on which the driver is blocking the outer edges of his feet.

  According to FIG. 2, to improve the comfort and control of the machine, all or part of the tray is covered with a non-slip material (14): rubber material with raised or non-slip skateboard grooves (self-adhesive material close to the abrasive paper for DIY). These non-slip portions (14) may be of multiple thicknesses. Indeed, they can be thicker under the heels and under the toes to prevent the foot is dislodged too easily from the board (12).

  FIG. 2 highlights another feature of the present invention: the axles (8), fixed to the board to support the wheels and allow, by inclination of the plate (7) the changes of trajectories are of two types.

  The first is a model of extended skateboard axles whose width varies between 25 cm and 50 cm and whose height varies from 5 cm to 7 cm.

  This type of axle is usually built in aluminum or composite materials, and has a light weight and a high reactivity in the changes of trajectory. The tilting system of the board is provided by rubber or plastic gums that compress under the support of the pilot. They will preferably equip models designed to perform extreme figures or for the lighter pilots.

  The second is a model from a newer technology, whose width varies between 30 cm and 55 cm and the height of 5 cm to 12 cm (see Patent No. US 5997018). On this model, the system allowing the inclination of the board (7) is provided by springs inside which are rubber or rubber buffers.

  The springs provide the system with a more regular compression whose hardness can be modified by removing the springs (several positions of possible settings) or by varying the nature of the springs and / or gums. Made of steel, aluminum or composite materials, these axles provide better handling of the machine 2866243 -6- (especially at high speed) and a more comfortable ride. These will rather equip models designed for practice on very rough terrain, initiation or walk.

  Whatever the type of axle (8) used, these are fixed through the board (7) by means of a set of four screws (15) metal and stainless.

  According to another characteristic of the present invention, the wheels, four in number, are composed (FIG 2) of a rim (10) made of composite materials, plastic or aluminum, a tire (9) and an inner tube. The four wheels of the same board are identical in diameter and width, only the design of the tires (9) can vary between the axle (8) front and rear.

  The wheels are fixed to the axles by a nut (13) screwed on a thread provided for this purpose. The wheels turn effortlessly thanks to a system of two ball bearings (11) integrated in each rim and rotating around the axle (8).

  Depending on the model, the dimensions vary: diameter of the gentes: between 10 cm and 25 cm outside diameter of the tires: between 15 cm and 30 cm thickness of the tire (distance between the inner edge and the outer edge): between 3 cm and 10 cm.

  tire width seen from the front: between 3 cm and 10 cm.

  The design of the tires, which induces the adhesion of the machine, varies according to the nature of the coatings encountered. Indeed, for use on parking, road or any other hard, flat and smooth, tires (9) are preferred smooth or longitudinal grooves to improve adhesion.

  On the contrary for all the other uneven and uneven ground (earth, sand, grass, gravel) one will prefer tires (9) in relief with crampons or diamond-like drawings for example. In general, the softer and heavier the ground, the greater the diameter and width of the tires.

  According to another characteristic of the present invention, the rigging (A) is the element that allows the pilot to propel the craft by transmitting the sailing thrust (wind force in the sail) to the board via his feet and the mast foot (6) (FIG 1).

  The rigging (A) used in the context of the present invention is the same as that of a windsurfer except that a general weight gain can be beneficial. A reinforcement of the sail, adapted to the constraints of the activity (fabrics and materials used) on certain zones (border and panels under the wishbone, luff, fall, headrest and protection of laths of the sail) can be the object of a specific development to avoid early wear.

  According to FIG. 1, the rigging (A) is composed of a mast (4), a mast base (5), a sail (2) and a wishbone (3) which is the part on which the pilot (1) puts his hands to handle the wing.

  As can be seen in FIG. 5a, the mast foot (6), according to another feature of the present invention, may be composed of the following elements: a rubber diabolo (rubber mount 22) comprising a threaded rod (21) and (23) on each of its bases and allowing the articulation of the mast in all positions) equipped, in its upper part of a tip (20) said universal, screwed and glued on the upper threaded rod (21) of the diabolo, in which comes to fit mast base (5) (which itself receives the mast) and, in its lower part, a threaded rod (23) for receiving a washer (25) and a nut (26).

  It should be noted that said universal end piece (20) is a piece with precise and common dimensions on the windsurfing accessories market, most often it is provided when purchasing a mast base (5).

  The lower threaded rod (23) of the diabolo passes through the plate (7), thanks to a perforation 25 (50) provided for this purpose. A washer (25) and a nut (26) with integrated plastic ring (non-screw nut) come to block it under the plate (7).

  According to FIG. 5b, it is specified according to the present invention that the perforation (50) of the plate will be equipped with a cylindrical metal insert (24) threaded, allowing to screw the threaded rod (23) of the diabolo to increase the strength of the together and prevent the hole (50) in the tray from deforming with time.

  FIG. 6a represents the fundamental characteristic of the wind powered all-terrain vehicle according to the present invention: the location of the mast base (6). Indeed it is guarantor of the behavior of the craft and its handling (maneuverability, ability to allow the realization of the figures of modern windsurfing, control in jumps and high speed). The mast foot (6) will be placed on the longitudinal axis (16) of the plate (7) and in a particular position in correlation with the wheelbase (E) of the machine, that is to say the distance separating the axes of the axles from this one.

  Said mast base (6) is mounted on the board (7) at a location between the front axle and the rear axle at a point which is at a distance (i) from either these axles which is at most equal to 1/6 of the wheelbase (E) of the wheeled board (B).

  This relation related to the value of the wheelbase (E) makes it possible to calculate precisely the limit point (18) of placement of the mast foot in its most retracted position relative to the advancement of the machine; the limit of the placement of the mast foot towards the front of the machine is, whatever its wheelbase (E), the center of the axis of the front axle (17).

  Indeed, the force torque resulting from the thrust transmitted by the foot of the mast (pointing downwards) and the traction force of the rear foot (pointing upwards), is ideal (control of the front rocker of the board around the axis of its front axle) as long as the mast foot is placed on the limits of the interval (i) or inside it.

  However, if the mast foot is placed in front of the center of the axis of the front axle (17), the front rocker is excessive and becomes uncontrollable especially when the wind is strong (pushed sailing too much). Conversely, if the mast foot is placed behind the rear limit (18), the force torque is not sufficient enough to trigger a front rocker around the axis of the front axle and the behavior of the desired board no longer exists.

  The location of the mast foot will be positioned over the interval (i) depending on the length of the proposed board models, the pilot's size and the manner in which it is to be flown.

  As described in FIG. 6b, it is provided according to the present invention that at least one cylindrical metal insert (24) is placed at both ends of the board (at the front and at the back) so that the machine can be used in placing the sail (A) in one or the other according to the preferences of the pilot.

  That is to say that the driver will be able to realize figures by alternating the directions of displacement: left leg in the front and leg left in the back. The alternation of the work of laterality allows the pilot to improve on both tack (side from where the pilot receives the wind).

  The manufacturing technology and the materials used are very close to the know-how of the skateboard, snowboard and windsurfing industries, so the industrial application of this wind-powered all-terrain wheeled board comes directly from these industries.

Claims (4)

  1) All-terrain wheeled board (B), wind propelled by means of a rigging (A) for windsurfing, comprising a board (7), two axles (8), four wheels (9), two straps footrest (12) and a mast base (6) for securing the rigging (A) and the board (7), characterized in that said mast base (6) is mounted on the board (7) in a location between the front axle and the rear axle at a point that is located at a distance from either axle that is not more than 1/6 of the wheelbase (E) of the wheelboard (B), that is to say the distance between the front and rear axles.   2) a wind-powered off-road wheelchair according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting of the mast foot (6) on the board (7) is carried out using a threaded metal insert (24) immobilized in a hole (50) formed by the board (7) at the location chosen for the mast foot, the latter having a threaded rod (23) which is screwed into the insert (24).   3) wind-powered off-road wheeled board according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the board (7) comprises at least two holes (50) in each of which is housed a fixing insert (24) , the holes (50) being located respectively at each of the front and rear axles.   4) wind-powered off-road wheeled skateboard according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the axis X1-X2 which passes through the centers (54) of the footrests (12) is located in the direction from the edge towards which the pilot's toes are oriented at a distance (d) from the longitudinal axis (16) of the board (7), this distance (d) corresponding to a maximum of about 1/8 and preferably to a value between 1/12 and 1/10 of the maximum width of the board (7).