FR2878755A1 - Sliding/rolling board or snowboard for e.g. practicing skiing on snow, has core, on top, with main body, plug, and cavity rendering board structure non symmetric relative to central longitudinal or transversal axis of board - Google Patents

Abstract

The board or snowboard has a two end (2, 3), and a core (23) on the top. Two end zones (8, 10) and a central zone are provided from the end (2) to the end (3). The core has a cavity (30) that renders the board structure non-symmetric relative to a central longitudinal axis (Lo) or relative to a central transversal axis (Wo), of the board. The core has a main body (26) and a plug (50), where body and plug have same thickness.

Description

Board sliding or rolling

  The invention relates to the field of boards for gliding for the practice of surfing on snow or water, skiing on snow or water, skateboard, or other.

  A board traditionally has a length measured in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end, a width measured in a direction transverse between a first edge and a second edge, and a height measured between a bottom and a top.

  The board has, from the first end to the second end, a first end zone, a central zone, and a second end zone.

  The board further comprises a multilayer panel including a first reinforcement and a second reinforcement, between which is disposed a first core. The reinforcements give the board a large part of its mechanical characteristics, the core playing a role of filling between the reinforcements. Other board constructions can be envisaged, but in all cases a board has a flexibility, or stiffness, specific.

  To drive it, a user asks for the board. This is particularly the case in snow surfing, or snowboarding, for example when the board is supported on an edge in a slope or when it advances in a bumpy area. Since the two feet are oriented substantially transversely to the board, the user performs in particular front edges on the side of the toes, rear edges of the side of the heels, or slips flat by example in the direction of the length of the board.

  It has become apparent that it is not always easy to control the conduct of the board in all situations. On the one hand, the board has a certain elasticity, in the sense that it can be relatively rigid or relatively flexible, and on the other hand the behavior adopted may be moderate or, on the contrary, more intense. For example, there have been disparities with respect to edge catches.

  In the case where the adopted course is calm, at moderate speed, as for a beginner or inexperienced user, the rear edges are delicate to make with a rigid board. It is not easy to maintain a stable equilibrium on the rear edge, located towards the heels, the board tending to slip by jerks. Conversely, the front edges, made on the edge located on the side of the toes, are easier to achieve.

  Always during a calm driving but with a more flexible board, one observes the opposite phenomenon. The edge grip is straight at the back, but imprecise at the front.

  In the case of a more lively driving, where the impulses are relatively strong as a more experienced or even sporty user, it is the front edge holds that are difficult to achieve with a rigid board. The user has a harder time staying in stable balance on the front edge. Conversely the rear edge sockets are easier to achieve.

  Always during a driving more lively but with a more flexible board, one observes the opposite phenomenon. The edge grip is frank at the front, but imprecise at the back.

  On the other hand it also appeared disparities in terms of sliding flat in the direction of the length of the board.

  Whatever the driving style, calm or more lively, a rigid board tends to bounce on the bumps especially at its front end. The latter is indeed the most advanced part of the board. The guidance is not very precise at the front. At the rear end, on the contrary, a rigid board allows a more precise guidance.

  Always whatever the driving style, a softer board adapts better to the relief and attenuates the impulses related to the passages on the bumps. Thus the guidance is more precise at the front. At the rear end, on the contrary, a flexible board does not allow very precise guidance.

  Thus a given plate, conducted in a given way, does not behave in the same way in one or the other of its zones. The board has behavioral disparities that disrupt driving. In particular, certain areas allow precise driving, while others leave a lack of driving precision.

  One of the aims of the invention is to make the behavior of the board more homogeneous, in correlation with a driving style.

  For this purpose, the invention proposes a sliding or rolling board having a length measured in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end of the board, a width measured in a direction transverse between a first edge and a second edge, and a height measured between a bottom and a top, the board having in height at least a first core, the board having, from the first end to the second end, a first end zone, a central zone, and a second zone; 'end.

  The board according to the invention is characterized in that the core has at least one recess which makes its structure unsymmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the board, or with respect to a central transverse axis of the board.

  A recess of the core defines a more flexible area, compared to a non-recessed area.

  Thus a given board has, proportionately, one or more rigid areas.

  As a result, the core has different mechanical properties in different areas. This may concern the transverse direction, with an asymmetry along the central longitudinal axis, or the longitudinal direction, with an asymmetry along the central transverse axis, or other.

  When it has a recess lengthened near the edge towards the heel, the core makes the behavior of the board homogeneous in calm driving at moderate speed. Thus the edge grips are frank as well to the tips of the feet as to the heels.

  Differently when it has an elongated recess near the edge located towards the tips of the feet, the core makes the behavior of the board homogeneous in driving more alive or faster. But here again the catch of edge are frank as well towards the tips of the feet as towards the heels.

  Still differently when it has a recess towards the front end, the core allows the board both to absorb the impulses of the relief and to be directive.

  Thus the recess of the core makes it possible to adapt the board to a given use, in particular according to the level of experience of the user. Paradoxically, the inhomogeneity of the core structure allows a homogeneous conduct behavior.

  Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawing illustrating, by non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be realized, and wherein FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a board according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a section along II-II of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 4 is a section on IV-IV of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a view in the spirit of FIG. 1, but in exploded perspective, FIG. similar section to Figure 3, according to a second embodiment of the invention, - Figure 7 is a section similar to Figure 4, according to a third embodiment of the invention - Figure 8 is a similar section in Figure 3, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, - Figure 9 is a shot Similar to FIG. 4, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, FIG. 10 is a section similar to FIG. 4, according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

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

  The first embodiment is presented with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

  In known manner as seen in particular in Figure 1, a snowboard 1 has a length measured in a longitudinal direction between a first end 2 and a second end 3. The longitudinal direction is marked with the axis central longitudinal Lo. The board 1 also has a width measured in a transverse direction between a first lateral edge 4 and a second lateral edge 5, as well as a height measured between a gliding underside or face 6 and a receiving top or face. transversal direction is identified using the central transverse axis Wo.

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

  The board 1 also has, from the first end 2 to the second end 3, a first end zone 8, a first contact line W1, a central zone 9, a second contact line W2, and a second zone of contact. end 10. The central zone 9 itself comprises, successively, between the contact lines W1, W2, a first intermediate zone 15, a first retention zone 16, a second intermediate zone 17, a second retention zone 18, and a third intermediate zone 19.

  Each retaining zone 16, 18 is provided to receive a user's foot restraint. The devices, not shown, can be secured to the board 1 by means such as screws. Each retaining zone 16, 18 is provided for this purpose with threaded orifices 20.

  Each of the lines of contact W1, W2 is a line, substantially transverse to the board 1, at which the sliding face 6 touches a flat surface when the board 1 rests on the surface without external influence.

  The height of the board 1 is shown in section in FIGS. 2 and 3.

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

  Depending on the type of board the number of reinforcements can be changed and be less than or greater than two. The board may not include any reinforcement.

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

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

  The reinforcements 22, 24 and the core 23 form a sandwich panel which extends at least 50% of the surface of the board, and preferably substantially over the entire surface. More precisely, according to the first embodiment of the invention, the second reinforcement 24 is secured peripherally to the first 22 to give the board, at least over part of its length, a shell-like structure.

  It also provides a peripheral edge 27 which borders the sole 21. The edge 27 is continuous but it could also be segmented, or not extend over the entire periphery. For example it could include a portion along the first edge 4 and a portion along the second edge 5. The edge 27 preferably comprises a metal, or a metal alloy, such as steel, or the like.

  The general appearance of the board 1 is that of an elongated plate, slightly convex in the central zone 9 of the bottom side 6, with two slight prominences represented by greater thicknesses in the retaining zones 16, 18 on the above 7, and slightly reduced in width between the edges 4, 5 at the second intermediate zone.

  According to the invention the core 23 has at least one recess 30 which makes its structure unsymmetrical with respect to the central longitudinal axis Lo of the board, or relative to the central transverse axis Wo of the board. The recess 30 is formed in the main body 26.

  According to the first embodiment of the invention, as understood from FIGS. 2 to 5, the recess has the general shape of a C or a hook which extends from the first 15 to the third intermediate zone. This structure softens the core in the transverse direction.

  More precisely, the recess 30 comprises a passage 31, oriented in the direction of the length of the plank 1. The passage 31 delimited between a first end 32 and a second end 33 extends longitudinally from the first intermediate zone 15 At the third intermediate zone 19. With respect to the central transverse axis Wo, the passage 31 is arranged substantially symmetrically. By against the central longitudinal axis Lo, the passage 31 is disposed asymmetrically. In this case, it runs along the core 23 between the first lateral edge 4 and the central longitudinal axis Lo. The passage 31 thus allows the core 23 to flex easily, along a longitudinal axis, to deform near the first lateral edge 4.

  The recess 30 further comprises two recesses 34, 35 which extend the passage 31 transversely. The first clearance 34 extends transversely from the first end 32, in a direction away from the corridor 31. By analogy the second clearance 35 extends transversely from the second end 33, in a direction away from the corridor 31.

  By corollary the main body 26 of the core 23 comprises a central platform 40, which extends in the central zone 9 of the first 16 to the second 18 retaining zone. The main body 26 also comprises a first end 41 located towards the first end 2 of the board 1, and a second end 42 located towards the second end 3. The first 42 and second 42 ends are connected to the platform 40 , respectively, by a first bridge 43 and a second bridge 44. The latter 43, 44 along the second side edge 5 of the board 1. The first 41 and second 42 ends are connected to one another by a partition 45 which, it, along the first side edge 4 of the board 1.

  Thus the platform 40, the bridges 43, 44, the ends 41, 42 and the partition 45 delimit the periphery of the recess 30. The corridor 31 extends essentially between the partition 45 and the platform 40. first clearance 34 extends substantially between the platform 40, the first bridge 43 and the first end 41. Finally the second clearance 35 extends substantially between the platform 40, the second bridge 44 and the second end 42. As a result, the platform 40 is connected directly to the second lateral edge 5, while it is isolated from the first lateral edge 4.

  The transverse dissymmetry in the core structure 23 causes the threaded orifices 20 to be connected directly to the second lateral edge 5, and isolated from the first lateral edge 4. Since the user's feet are held at the board 1 via the orifices Threaded 20, the impulses related to driving do not transit the same way on both sides of the board.

  On the side of the second lateral edge 5 the pulses pass directly, the core 23 remaining rigid between the threaded orifices 20 and the edge 5. By against the side of the first side edge 4 the pulses pass indirectly. Indeed the core 23 is deformed by the presence of the recess 30. The latter 30 makes the core more flexible between the threaded orifices and the first edge 4. By deformation, it should be understood in particular a transverse flexion along a longitudinal axis of the board.

  The impacts on the conduct of the board include the following.

  If the user has the heels at the height of the first edge 4 and corollary, the tips of the feet at the height of the second edge 5, the board 1 is relatively flexible towards his heels and more rigid towards his toes feet. This position is well suited to calm driving at moderate speed. The edge catches are frank and stable at each edge 4, 5.

  If conversely the user has the heels at the height of the second edge 5 and, corollary, the tips of the feet at the height of the first edge 4, the board 1 is relatively rigid towards his heels and more flexible towards his toes . This position is well suited to driving faster, faster, with stronger impulses. In this case again the edge catches are frank and stable at each edge 4, 5.

  With a non-symmetrical structure transversely of its core 23, the invention gives the board a symmetrical behavior for a given driving style. In other words, the non-homogeneity of structure paradoxically allows homogeneity of behavior. The same board can therefore be used for a calm or lively driving according to the position of the heels of the feet with respect to the weakened zone of the core.

  Of course, the forces and pulses related to driving also pass, according to the first embodiment of the invention, by the first 22 and second 24 reinforcements.

  However, the role of the main body 26 of the core 23 is significant.

  The materials used for the manufacture of the body 26 may be wood, for example in a laminated appearance, or a relatively rigid plastic material, or the like.

  According to the first embodiment, it is provided that the recess 30 is filled with a plug 50. Thus the core 23 comprises in particular the main body 26 and the plug 50. The latter is useful for the manufacture of the board 1, because it supports the reinforcements 22, 24 before their solidification. In addition, the plug 50 opposes the penetration of resin inside the recess 30. This is why it is possible for the plug 50 to completely fill the recess 30, even if it is not obligatory. .

  The plug 50 is shown as a single piece, but it can alternatively include several parts.

  The materials used for making the stopper 50 may include wood, cork, plastic, rubber, fluid, or the like. However, the body 26 remains more rigid than the stopper 50.

  Whether for the corridor 31 or for the clearances 34, 35, there is provided a cross section in the form of a quadrilateral. By corollary the various sections of the cap 50 have a quadrilateral shape. These shapes are easily obtained by machining or stamping. Other cross-sectional shapes may also be provided.

  In the direction of the height, the main body 26 of the core 23 and the plug 50 each have the same thickness. Thus, the recess 30 appears as a slit of the body 26. This gives the core 23 great bending ability at the recess.

  Other embodiments of the invention are described below. For reasons of convenience, it is mainly their specificities with respect to the first form that are highlighted.

  The second form is described with reference to Figure 6, in which a board 61 is shown in a central cross-section.

  Here the board 61 has, at least for part of its length, a sandwich-type structure. It comprises a sole 62, a first reinforcement 63, a core 64, a second reinforcement 65, and a protective layer 66. The first 63 and second 65 reinforcements do not meet, but remain separated by the core 64. The latter 64 comprises a main body 70 recessed, by a slot 71, to accommodate a plug 72. At the first 73 and second 74 edges of the board 61, first 75 and second 76 spacers also separate the reinforcements 63, 65. The spacers 75, 76 protect the body 70 from the core 64, for example shocks or water infiltrations. Indeed, according to the second embodiment, the body 70 comprises wood. Again the body 70 is more mechanically strong than the plug 72. The body 70 is also more mechanically resistant than the spacers 75, 76, the latter being made from a plastic material such as an acetyl-butadiene-styrene or other.

  The third embodiment is described with the help of Figure 7, in which a board 81 is shown in a longitudinal section flat. The board may have a shell or sandwich type structure.

  Again the core 82 comprises a main body 83 recessed, by a slot 84, to accommodate a cap 85. However here the slot 84 and the cap 85 have a substantially straight shape. In addition they 84, 85 extend from a first 86 to a second 87 end of the board. Thus the main body is not monobloc, but includes a first 88 and a second 89 parts. This structure softens the board transversely over its entire length. A C-shaped slot as in the first embodiment may be provided.

  The fourth embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 8, in which a board 101 is shown in a central cross-section.

  The board 101 comprises a sole 102, a first reinforcement 103, a core 104, a second reinforcement 105 and a protective layer 106. The core 104 comprises a main body 110 hollowed out, by a groove 111, to accommodate a plug 112. The groove 111 is a recess that does not pass through the main body 110. Thus the weakening of the core is smaller than in the case of a slot. This is a technique that limits the ability of the board to flex. It can be applied in particular to boards of type shell, sandwich, box, or other.

  The fifth embodiment is described with reference to Figure 9, in which a board 121 is shown in a longitudinal flat section.

  The board 121 extends longitudinally from a first 122 to a second 123 end, and transversely between a first 124 and second 125 edges. The plate 121 comprises a first end zone 126, a first contact line W 11, a central zone 127, a second contact line W12 and a second end zone 128. The central zone 127 is broken down into a first zone intermediate 135, a first retention zone 136, a second intermediate zone 137, a second retention zone 138, and a third intermediate zone 139.

  Again a core 150 of the board 121 comprises a main body 151 hollowed by a cavity 152 to accommodate a plug 153.

  According to the fifth embodiment, the cavity 152 is located near an end zone 128. The cavity 152 has a main portion 154, a first extension 155, and a second extension 156. The main portion 154 is located in the third intermediate zone 139, the extensions 155, 156 extending into the second retention zone 138. Of course, the stopper 153 has a main body 157 located in the third intermediate zone 139, and a first 158 and second 159 extensions located in the second retaining zone 138. Preferably the cap 153 matches the shape of the cavity 152.

  This structure makes the core 150 substantially symmetrical transversely, with respect to a central longitudinal axis L10, but dissymmetrical longitudinally, with respect to a central transverse axis W10. Thus the core 150 is weakened mechanically in the third intermediate zone.

  If we consider that the second end 123 is at the front of the board 121, it can be said that the core 150 is more flexible forward than backward. As a result, the board 121 flexes more easily forward 123, along a transverse axis, than towards the rear 122. This allows a more precise driving in bumpy terrain. Forward flexibility cushions driving impulses and provides better stability. The rear rigidity as for it makes it possible to transmit precise directional impulses.

  Of course, the attenuation can also be provided at the rear.

  The sixth embodiment is described with reference to Figure 10, in which a board 171 is shown in a longitudinal flat section.

  Compared to the previous embodiment, the sixth is distinguished by geometry. A core 172 of the plate 171 comprises a main body 173 hollowed out, by a cavity 174, to accommodate a plug 175.

  The cavity 174 and the plug 175 extend transversely in the third intermediate zone 176 from the first 177 to the second edge of the board.

  For all embodiments, the board according to the invention can be manufactured as follows.

  The sole 21, 62, 102, the first reinforcement 22, 63, 103, the core 23, 64, 104, the second reinforcement 24, 65, 105 and the protective layer 25, 66, 106 are stacked in a mold. The latter includes a base and a cover. The closure of the mold, its pressurization and its rise in temperature give the board 1, 61, 81, 101, 121, 171 its cohesion. Of course a square, a spacer, or any other element, can be inserted into the mold.

  For all embodiments, the invention is made from materials and according to implementation techniques known to those skilled in the art.

  Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes all equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

  In particular for any board it can be provided different forms of recesses and plugs. These recesses are compatible with any type of board construction, such as a shell, a sandwich, a box, or other.

  A recess of the core may be a slot, that is to say through the core, or a non-through cavity. In the latter case, the cavity may be located towards the bottom or towards the top of the board.

  A recess may be unique in the board, or the board may include several recesses.

  The invention is also not limited to a snowboard, but can be applied to any board gliding or rolling for which the same or similar problems must be solved.

Claims (16)

  A sliding or rolling board (1, 61, 81, 101, 121, 171) having a length measured in a longitudinal direction (Lo, L10) between a first end (2, 86, 122) and a second end ( 3, 87, 123) of the board (1, 61, 81, 101, 121, 171), a width measured in a transverse direction (Wo, W10) between a first edge (4, 73, 124, 177) and a second edge (5, 74, 125, 178), and a height measured between a bottom (6) and a top (7), the board having in height at least a first core (23, 64, 82, 104, 150, 172), the board having, from the first end (2, 86, 122) at the second end (3, 87, 123), a first end region (8, 126), a central area (9, 127). , and a second end zone (10, 128), characterized in that the core (23, 64, 82, 104, 150, 172) has at least one recess (30, 71, 84, 111, 152, 174) which makes its structure unsymmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal axis (Lo, L 10) of the board, or relative to a central transverse axis (Wo, W10) of the board.   2- sliding or rolling board (1, 61, 81, 101) according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess (30, 71, 84, 111) extends longitudinally between the first edge (4, 73) and the central longitudinal axis (Lo).   3- sliding board or rolling (1, 61, 81, 101) according to claim 2, characterized in that the recess (30, 71, 111) comprises two recesses (34, 35) which extend transversely.   4- sliding or rolling board (1, 61, 81, 101) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the central zone (9) comprises a first intermediate zone (15), a first zone retainer (16), a second intermediate zone (17), a second retention zone (18), and a third intermediate zone (19), and in that the recess (30, 71, 84, 111) comprises a corridor (31) extending longitudinally from the first intermediate zone (15) to the third intermediate zone (19), the corridor (31) being disposed between the first edge (4, 73) and the longitudinal axis central (Lo).   5- sliding board or rolling (81) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the recess (84) extends from the first (86) to the second (87) end of the board.   6- sliding or rolling board (121, 171) according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess (152, 174) is located near an end zone (128).   7- sliding or rolling board (121, 171) according to claim 6, characterized in that the central zone (127) comprises a first intermediate zone (135), a first retention zone (136), a second zone intermediate (137), a second holding zone (138), and a third intermediate zone (139, 176), and in that the recess (152) has a main portion (154) located in the third intermediate zone ( 139) or in the first intermediate zone (135).   8- gliding board or rolling (171) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the recess (174) extends transversely from the first (177) to the second (178) edge of the board.   9- sliding or rolling board (1, 61, 81, 121, 171) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the recess (30, 71, 84, 152, 174) is a slot.   10- sliding or rolling board (81, 101, 121, 171) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the recess (84, 111, 152, 174) comprises a groove (111) or a cavity (154, 155, 156) that does not pass through the core (82, 104, 150, 172).   11- sliding or rolling board (1, 61, 81, 101, 121, 171) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the recess (30, 71, 84, 111, 152, 174) is filled with a plug (50, 72, 85, 112, 153, 175).   12- sliding or rolling board (1, 61, 81, 101, 121, 171) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a sole (21, 62, 102), a first reinforcement (22, 63, 103) and a second reinforcement (24, 65, 105).   13- sliding or rolling board (1, 61, 81, 101, 121, 171) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a protective layer (25, 66, 106) .   14- sliding or rolling board (1, 61, 81, 101, 121, 171) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it has, at least for part of its length, a shell type structure.   15- sliding or rolling board (1, 61, 81, 101, 121, 171) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it has, at least for part of its length, a sandwich type structure.   16- sliding or rolling board (1, 61, 81, 101, 121, 171) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it has, at least for part of its length, a caisson type structure.