WO2004018286A1

WO2004018286A1 - Rotatable control surface for a ride-on device

Info

Publication number: WO2004018286A1
Application number: PCT/AU2003/001048
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rodney Craig Mackay; Christopher Paul Gray
Original assignee: Rodney Craig Mackay; Christopher Paul Gray
Priority date: 2002-08-22
Filing date: 2003-08-19
Publication date: 2004-03-04
Also published as: AU2002950935A0

Abstract

A ride-on device (50) or accessory (10) for a ride-on device including a body (12) and a rotatable disc (14) having a surface (15) for a person to make contact with to control the device (50). In use, the person can maintain control of the device (5) by rotating their body part contacting the surface (15) and thus the disc (14) without needing to change or remove contact of their body part with the disc (14).

Description

ROTATAB E CONTROL SURFACE FOR A RIDE-ON DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to ride-on devices and the provision of a rotatable control surface therefore. Ride- on devices include a device that a person can ride on including, but not limited to, surfboards, body boards, wind surfers, skate boards, etc.

Background of the Invention

Ride-on devices, include at least one control surface which the rider makes contact with to control the movement of the ride-on device. In the case of a surfboard the rider may stand in a variety of stances, but depending on the rider, there are key places on the upper surface of the surfboard that are used to control the board and thus the movement of the board and rider through the water.

In the prior art these surfaces are static, that is, it is simply a surface that forms part of the board upon which the rider uses to control the board. This can limit the control that the rider has on the device or at least make control of the device difficult when undertaking some manoeuvres .

In EP 017424 a rotatable foot strap is shown. However this merely keeps a riders foot in place, it does not allow the riders foot to rotate without moving it in relation to the control surface. Furthermore, slots in the surface allow sand or other debris to enter and possibly clog the device. Also, the foot strap is not readily removable to allow sand or other debris to be released. In addition, it relies on an axle protruding through the ride-on device and/or recessing of a portion of the foot strap in a hollow in the ride-on device.

In FR 2518188 a rotatable foot strap is shown. It suffers from the same problems as EP 017 424.

It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

The present invention provides for different and/or easier control of the ride-on device.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a ride-on device comprising a body and a rotatable disc having a surface for a person to make contact with to control the device, whereby in use, the person can maintain control of the device by rotating their body part contacting the surface and thus the disc without needing to change or remove contact of their body part with the disc.

Preferably the disc is mounted to the body by a mounting means, the disc being removably coupled to the body by the mounting means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an accessory for a ride-on device, the accessory comprising: a mounting means for mounting the accessory to a body of the ride-on device; and a disc having a contact surface for a person to make contact with a control device, the disc being rotatably coupled to the mounting means.

The first and second aspects may include additional preferred features. Preferably the disc is arranged to be removably coupled to the accessory by the mounting means.

Preferably the contact surface is substantially flat. Alternatively, the contact surface is contoured to provide improved grip to the body part.

Preferably the mounting means includes a depression extending into the mounting means from a top of the mounting means, the depression being arranged to receive the disc therein. Preferably the disc includes a radially extending flange. Preferably the mounting means includes an inwardly extending flange arranged to overlap with the radially extending flange when the disc is within the depression, thereby retaining the disc within the depression in normal operation. Preferably the inwardly extending flange is flexible to allow the disc to be removed from the depression.

Preferably the disc is rotatable in the depression through 360°.

Preferably the mounting means includes a ramp for reducing resistance for the body part to slide on to the contact surface.

Preferably the mounting means is coupled to an upper surface of the ride-on device without affecting the integrity of the surface of the ride-on device.

Preferably the mounting means includes a break for slowing or stopping rotation of the disc upon application of the break.

Preferably the disc includes a foot strap coupled thereto.

Preferably the base includes a foot strap coupled thereto, the foot strap passing through a void in the disc to allow the disc to rotate relative to the foot strap.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order to provide a better understanding, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top view of an accessory for a ride-on device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the ride-on device of Figure 1 disassembled with a portion of the mounting means being cut away;

Figure 3 is an upper perspective view of the disassembled accessory of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the accessory of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a top view of a ride-on device (surfboard) with two of the accessories of Figure 1 installed for use;

Figure 6 is a top view of a variation of the accessory of Figure 1, which includes a foot strap;

Figure 7 is a top view of a further variation to the accessory of Figure 1, with a stationary foot strap;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the variation shown in Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the variation shown in Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a side view of another variation to the accessory of Figure 1, with a raised centre, shown disassembled and with a portion of the mounting portion cut away; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a ride-on device with a steerable fin;

Figure 12 is a cross-se.ctional side view of the accessory of Figure 1 with a handle for disassembly;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another variation to the accessory of Figure 1, with a raised portion; and

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional side view with another variation to the accessory of Figure 1 with a contoured grid.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to Figure 1, an accessory 10 for a ride-on device includes a mounting means 12 that forms the base of the accessory and a spinner 14. The base 12 includes streamlining in the form of ramps 16 at opposed ends of the base 12. The ramps 16 also reduces impedance to the rider's hands, feet, knees, etc. when sliding over the surface of the device 10. The base 12 also includes sides 18.

Referring to Figure 2, the spinner 14 includes a disc 22 upon which is affixed a pad 20. The pad 20 is disc like but has a smaller diameter than the disc 22, such that a radially extending portion in the form of a flange 32 results. The top surface 15 of the pad 20 acts as a control surface for the ride-on device. The pad provides cushioning and traction for control of the ride-on device. The base 12 includes a depression 24 extending from the top into the base. The depression extends across the majority of the surface area of the top of the base. From the side wall of the base surrounding the depression 24, a flange 28 projects inwardly to produce an annular recess 30. The flange 28 produces a narrower opening into the depression 24. The opening is designed to be of a lesser diameter than the diameter of the disc 22 so that the radially extending flange 32 overlaps with the inwardly extending flange 28 when the spinner 14 is inserted within the depression 24 as shown in Figure 4. The diameter of the pad 20 is less than the diameter of the opening so as to not substantially contact with the flange 28. It can be seen here that the recess 30 between the flange 28 and the bottom of the depression 24 receives the flange 32. The flange 28 is formed of flexible material, preferably plastics or rubber, so that it can be flexed to allow for insertion and removal of the spinner 14 from within the depression 24. The spinner 14 can be removed from the base 12 to allow for cleaning and removal of sand, salt, dirt, or other accumulated material.

The device 10 is sized so that the foot, hand, or whichever part of the body is appropriate to the ride-on device, may be placed on the surface 15 of the pad 20 to control the ride-on device.

The accessory 10 is mounted to the body of a ride-on device such as a surfboard, body board, wind surfer, skate board or other suitable device, preferably by adhesive. In operation the person riding the ride-on device can stand, kneel, lay, sit or whatever is appropriate on the pad 20 to control the operation of the ride-on device. The spinner 14 is rotatable within the depression 24 which allows rotatable movement of the part of the rider's body making contact with the pad 20. This allows the rider to turn more easily and dynamically (including providing a greater turning angle) and tune (adjust weight to vary speed) without changing or removing contact with surface of the ride-on device. This can reduce learning time for beginners as well as allowing more experienced riders to perform manoeuvres not possible without the accessory 10.

A particular advantageous use of the accessory is on a surfboard 50 as shown in Figure 5. Two accessories 51 and 52 are temporarily (or permanently) attached to the surfboard 50 in positions where the user's feet are placed when riding a wave.

It is also possible to provide a ride-on device with the rotatable spinner received within a depression or recess of the body of the ride-on device thereby eliminating the need for the mounting means. That is, the base as depicted in Figures 1 to 4 is replaced with a substantive part of the ride-on device.

It is noted that the rotatable control surface of the present invention may be used in combination with a static control surface, another control surface or another control means to control the ride-on device.

Modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the basic inventive concept. Such modifications may include: The device may include a brake for providing frictional resistance to movement of the spinner within the base. The brake may be in the form of a screw through a hole 55 in the base (shown in Figure 3) , that when tightened makes contact with the spinner to provide friction against movement of the spinner within the base which will slow the rotation of the spinner. In addition the screw can be further tightened to the point where the spinner is locked in position so that it acts as a deck grip. It is desirable that the screw have a flat enlarged tip to prevent it from falling out of the hole.

Vertically cut slots may be provided in the side of the base to allow water to flow through and release sand, salt, dirt, or other accumulated material without the need to remove the spinner.

The surface 15 of the pad 20 may be contoured (for example as shown in Figure 14) to provide additional padding- or may be contoured to provide better grip and support for the sole of a foot or hand, such as providing a raised foot arch and a raised lip for the toes to grip onto.

A foot strap 60 may be attached to the spinner 14 (as shown in Figures 6 and 8) to allow the foot of the rider to reside under the strap and rotate with the spinner while remaining strapped to the device. The strap 60 may be in the form of a thin, plastic strip sheathed in foam rubber and attached at both ends to the surface of the spinner. Alternatively, one end of the strap may be adjustably attached to the spinner by threading it through a loop in the pad and then attaching it back to itself to allow for different sized feet, boots or shoes, etc.

A foot strap 60 may be attached to the base 12 (as shown in Figures 7 and 9) . The strap passes through curved slots 62 in the spinner 14 to allow it to rotate while the foot strap remains stationary. This will limit the rotation of the spinner 14.

A biasing means may be provided in the form of a spring that urges the spinner to return to a default position. The biasing means may also increase resistance to rotational movement the further the spinner is rotated from its default position.

- A bearing may be provided between the spinner and the base to allow for smoother rotation of the spinner in the base.

The centre of the spinner may be rotationally mounted to the base by use of an axle.

The spinner may be provided with a shock absorber to absorb impacts on the ride-on device to smooth the ride of the rider.

- A quick release tool for removing the spinner from the base may be provided. The release tool may be in the form of a small strap 64, loop, or other attachment at the centre of the spinner as shown in Figure 12. - Streamlining in the form of ramps may extend around the entire base. Alternatively, instead of one of the ramps, a raised portion 66 may be provided to act as a heel stop or a toe grip as shown in Figure 13.

A raised portion 58 may be provided at the centre of the depression 24 to reduce the surface area over which the disc 22 is in contact with the bottom of the depression as shown in Figure 10.

A shaft 68 may be fixed to the base 12 at the bottom of the spinner which extends through the base 12 and the ride-on device 50. The shaft 68 may then be affixed to a steering means such as a wheel or a fin 70 to provide steering or, in the case of the fin, finer control of the movement of the board through the water as shown in Figure 11. Alternatively the shaft may be attached to a breaking means.

Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the concept of the present invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows :

1. A ride-on device comprising a body and a rotatable disc having a surface for a person to make contact with to control the device, whereby in use, the person can maintain control of the device by rotating their body part contacting the surface and thus the disc without needing to change or remove contact of their body part with the disc.

2. A ride-on device according to claim 1, wherein the disc is mounted to the body by a mounting means, the disc being removably coupled to the body by the mounting means.

3. A ride-on device according to claim 1, wherein the contact surface is substantially flat.

4. A ride-on device according to claim 1, wherein the contact surface is contoured to provide improved grip to the body part.

5. A ride-on device according to claim 2, wherein the mounting means includes a depression extending into the mounting means from a top of the mounting means, the depression being arranged to receive the disc therein.

6. A ride-on device according to claim 5, wherein the disc includes a radially extending flange.

7. A ride-on device according to claim 6, wherein the mounting means includes an inwardly extending flange arranged to overlap with the radially extending flange when the disc is within the depression, thereby retaining the disc within the depression in normal operation.

8. A ride-on device according to claim 7, wherein the inwardly extending flange is flexible to allow the disc to be removed from the depression.

9. A ride-on device according to claim 5, wherein the disc is rotatable in the depression through 360°.

10. A ride-on device according to claim 2, wherein the mounting means includes a ramp for reducing resistance for the body part to slide on the contact surface.

11. A ride-on device according to claim 2, wherein the mounting means is coupled to an upper surface of the ride- on device without affecting the integrity of the surface of the ride-on device.

12. A ride-on device according to claim 2, wherein the mounting means includes a break for slowing or stopping rotation of the disc upon application of the break.

13. A ride-on device according to claim 1, further comprising a foot strap coupled to the disc.

14. A ride-on device according to claim 2, further comprising a foot strap coupled to a base of the mounting means, the foot strap passing through a void in the disc to allow the disc to rotate relative to the foot strap.

15. An accessory for a ride-on device, the accessory including: a mounting means for mounting the accessory to the body of the ride-on device; and a disc having contact surface for a person to make contact with the control device, the disc being rotatably coupled to the mounting means.

16. An accessory for a ride-on device according to claim 15, wherein the disc is arranged to be removably coupled to the accessory by the mounting means.

17. An accessory for a ride-on device according to claim 15, wherein the contact surface is substantially flat.

18. An accessory for a ride-on device according to claim 15, wherein the contact surface is contoured to provide improved grip to the body part.

19. An accessory for a ^• ride-on device according to claim 15, wherein the mounting means includes a depression extending into the mounting means from a top of the mounting means, the depression being arranged to receive the disc therein.

20. An accessory for a ride-on device according to claim 19, wherein the disc includes a radially extending flange.

21. An accessory for a ride-on device according to claim 20, wherein the mounting, means includes an inwardly extending flange arranged to overlap with the radially extending flange when the disc is within the depression, thereby retaining the disc within the depression in normal operation.

22. An accessory for a ride-on device according to claim 21, wherein the inwardly extending flange is flexible to allow the disc to be removed from the depression.

23. An accessory for a ride-on device according to claim 19, wherein the disc is rotatable in the depression through 360°.

24. An accessory for a ride-on device according to claim 15, wherein the mounting means includes a ramp for reducing resistance for the body part to slide on the contact surface.

25. An accessory for a ride-on device according to claim 15, wherein the mounting means is coupled to an upper surface of the ride-on device without affecting the integrity of the surface of the ride-on device.

26. An accessory for a ride-on device according to claim 15, wherein the mounting means includes a break for slowing or stopping rotation of the disc upon application of the break.

27. An accessory for a ride-on device according to claim 15, further comprising a foot strap coupled to the disc.

28. An accessory for a ride-on device according to claim 15, further comprising a foot strap coupled to a base of the mounting means, the foot strap passing through a void in the disc to allow the disc to rotate relative to the foot strap.