GB2433891A

GB2433891A - An edge protector for a snowboard

Info

Publication number: GB2433891A
Application number: GB0600389A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Aidan Grifiths
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-01-10
Filing date: 2006-01-10
Publication date: 2007-07-11
Also published as: GB0600389D0

Abstract

The invention relates to an edge protector 1 for a snowboard 10. Edge protector 1 comprises an elongate extrusion 2 of resilient material, the cross section shape of the extrusion forming a U-shaped "X" slot to receive and substantially grip the edge of a snow board. In use extrusion 2 is placed around the edge of a snow board with the snow board edge being received in said slot.

Description

Title: Snowboard Edge Protector The present invention relates to a

snowboard edge protector.

Many people transport their snowboards with them, for example in cars, planes, buses, or just walking. If the snowboard is handled carelessly, e.g. the snowboard is dropped onto a solid object, the edges of the board can be damaged. It is known to place snowboards in a bag, but * these do not have sufficient padding to protect the edges. Damage to the edges inhibits the performance of the snowboard as well as causing cosmetic damage.

According to the present invention there is provided an edge protector for a snowboard comprising an elongate extrusion of resilient material, the cross section shape of the extrusion forming a U-shaped slot to receive and substantially grip the edge of a snow board, in use said extrusion is placed around the edge of a snow board with the snow board edge being received in said slot.

Preferably the elongate extrusion is substantially the length of the perimeter of a snowboard.

Preferably the extrusion is formed from rubber or other synthetic flexible material. I I'

Preferably the extrusion is generally U-shaped in cross section with a base and two arms extending from the base. Preferably the width of the base between the two arms is substantially equal to the minimum edge width with of a snowboard.

Preferably one of said arms has a first section extending from the base and a second section extending from the free end of the first section at an angle toward the other arm. Preferably the when the second section is flexed away from and lies parallel to said other arm, the distance between the second section and said other arm is substantially equal to the maximum edge width of a snowboard.

Preferably both arms are angled apart away from said base. Preferably both arms extend from the base at an acute angle from the base.

Preferably the extrusion has a cross section shape generally trapezoidal.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a snowboard with the protector partially in place, Figure 2 shows a cross section view of the profile of the protector prior to use, Figure 3 shows a cross section view of the profile of the protector when fitted to the minimum edge width of a snowboard, and n Figure 4 shows a cross section view of the profile of the protector when fitted to the maximum edge width of a snowboard.

Referring to the drawings there is shown an edge protector 1 for a snowboard 10. Protector I comprises an elongate extrusion 2 of resilient material such as rubber or other synthetic flexible material. The cross section shape of the extrusion forms a U-shaped slot "X" to receive and substantially grip the edge II of a snow board. In use the extrusion is placed around the edge 11 * of snowboard 10 with the snowboard edge 11 being received in slot "X".

The elongate extrusion is cut substantially the length of the perimeter of a snowboard 10 so protecting the entire perimeter edge 11 of the snowboard 10. Snowboards vary in size, so it is envisaged that a length of extrusion would be cut down in length to suit a particular snowboard.

Snow boards have an edge which varies in width from around a minimum of 5mm at the ends to around a maximum of 10mm at its centre.

I

As shown in Figure 2, extrusion 2 is generally U-shaped in cross section with a base 3 and two arms 4,5 extending from the base. Arms 4,5 are angled apart away from the base, and extend from the base at acute angles of 750 and 700 (180 -110 ) as shown. Arm 5 has a first section 5A extending from the base and a second section SB extending from the free end of the first section 5A at an angle towards the other arm 4. When not in use, the extrusion has a cross section shape generally "trapezoidal".

As shown in Figure 3, the width of the base between the two arms is substantially equal to the minimum edge width with of a snowboard, i.e. 5mm. The extrusion can thus grip the minimum edge width.

As shown in Figure 4, when the second section SB is flexed away from and lies parallel to other arm 4, the distance between the second section SB and arm 4 is substantially equal to the maximum edge width of a snowboard, i.e. 10mm. The extrusion can thus grip the maximum edge width.

As shown in Figure, the arms 4 and 5 tend to crease when the extrusion passes around the ends of the snowboard due to the smaller radius of curvature, and this increases the friction between the extrusion and the board.

The invention may take a form different to that specifically described above. For example the tip of the free end of second section SB may be "slanted" instead of "square". This could facilitate the insertion of the edge 11 of a snow board into the U-shaped slot "X", as the slanted free end would ride over the edge of the snowboard so flexing the second section 5B away from other arm 4. Arms 4,5A and SB could also be shorter than that shown.

Further modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the * scope of the present invention. I 1'

Claims

CLAIMS

An edge protector for a snowboard comprising an elongate extrusion of resilient material, the cross section shape of the extrusion forming a U-shaped slot to receive and substantially grip the edge of a snow board, in use said extrusion is placed around the edge of a snow board with the snow board edge being received in said slot.

2. An edge protector according to claim I, wherein the elongate extrusion is substantially the length of the perimeter of a snowboard.

3. An edge protector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extrusion is formed from rubber or other synthetic flexible material.

4. An edge protector according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the extrusion is generally U-shaped in cross section with a base and two arms extending from the base.

5. An edge protector according to claim 4, wherein the width of the base between the two arms is substantially equal to the minimum edge width of a snowboard.

6. An edge protector according to claim 4 or 5, wherein one of said arms has a first section extending from the base and a second section extending from the free end of the first section at an angle toward the other arm.

7. An edge protector according to claim 6, wherein when the second section is flexed away from and lies parallel to said other arm, the distance between the second section and said other arm is substantially equal to the maximum edge width of a snowboard.

8. An edge protector according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein both arms are angled apart away from said base.

9. An edge protector according to claim 8, wherein both arms extend from the base at an acute angle from the base.

10. An edge protector according to any preceding claim, wherein the extrusion has a cross section shape generally trapezoidal.

1!. An edge protector for a snowboard substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.