WO2017219058A1

WO2017219058A1 - Board arrangement and method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2017219058A1
Application number: PCT/AU2016/000217
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicholas William BLAIR
Original assignee: Blair Nicholas William
Priority date: 2016-06-22
Filing date: 2016-06-22
Publication date: 2017-12-28

Abstract

The present invention relates to a board arrangement and a method of manufacture therefore. The board arrangement includes reinforcing element arrangements for modifying the performance characteristics of the board arrangement in operation. The reinforcing element arrangements can comprise any one of three arrangements, a first reinforcing element arrangement including a central reinforcing element extending from the nose of the board towards the fin region, where it splits into two diagonally extending elements, a second reinforcing element arrangement that comprises a pair of diagonally extending elements that cross over each other reinforcing element arrangement comprising a pair of parallel reinforcing elements that extend substantially the length of the board to either side of the centreline of the board.

Description

BOARD ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD THEREFOR

Field of the Invention

[1 ] The present invention relates to a board arrangement and a method of manufacture therefor.

[2] The invention has been developed primarily for use in/with surfboards and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use, and is also applicable to other boards such as skateboards and snowboards.

Background of the Invention

[3] Surfboards are well-known around the world. Typically, surfboards and manufactured from a lightweight polyurethane or expanded polystyrene foam "blank". The blank is generally ovoid in shape, defining an upper major surface 30 and a lower major surface, and as shown with reference to figure 1 , extends from a nose region 10 to a tail region 20. The edges of the upper major surface 30 and lower major surfaces come together between the nose region and the tail region along edges called rails 40. The blank also typically includes a rigid "stringer" (not shown) that extends between the upper major surface and the lower major surface and also extends along the longitudinal centreline L of the length of the blank from the nose region to the tail region.

[4] During manufacture, the blank is initially shaped to the required shape. After this, fins or "skegs", or skeg attaching formations 50, are attached to the lower major surface of the blank at the tail region, in a referred to as the skeg region 60 in this specification. The blank is then covered with glass fibre textile, after which resin is applied to the glass fibre textile and allowed to harden to form an outer shell. The set resin is then smoothed off by sanding.

[5] In operation, a surfboard is required to flex by differing amounts when it is used in different situations. During very tight turns, the board is leaned over and most of the writers weight is applied to the back of the board, causing it to bow downwardly along its a longitudinal length at the tail region as shown in figure 2. This is referred to as longitudinal flex. It is desirable to engineer more longitudinal flex into the board at the tail region, since more flex allows for a smaller radius of the board during turns, resulting in tighter turns. [6] When a surfer applies their weight to a board to turn it, their weight is typically applied to the side that they wish to turn to. This typically results in the board bending downwardly between the rails of the board when viewed in cross-section transverse to the length of the board, with more flex being found at a region closer to the inside rail. This is referred to as transverse flex in the specification.

[7] When a surfer is applying weight to the inside rail and at the tail region of the board, differing amounts of transfers flex along the length of the board can result in torsional forces being applied to the board, resulting in twisting forces refer to as torsional flex in the specification.

[8] When moving from turn to turn, the "response" of the board is regarded as the ability of the board to recover from the flex (be it longitudinal, transfers or torsional) being applied to the board between turns. Having an increased amount of resilience to recover from the flex is typically desirable. As an example, in theory as a surfer turns into a turn with their board, the kinetic energy in the surfboard is stored as potential energy in the flexed board. As the surfer and their board move out of the turn, the stored potential energy is released, allowing a surfer to use this energy to accelerate out of the corner.

[9] Different surfers of different weights may have different requirements in terms of rigidity of the board and resiliency of the board from a flexed loading. It would be desirable to provide a system that allows for boards to be easily designed to account for the weights, riding styles and preferences of individuals.

[10] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[1 1 ] It is an object of the present invention to provide a surfboard arrangement and method therefore which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[12] According to a first aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a board arrangement for riding by a rider, the board arrangement comprising a. a substantially planar elongate board member defining an upper major surface and a lower major surface, and extending from a nose region to a tail region; b. a reinforcing element arrangement comprising

i. a central reinforcing element extending from the nose region of the board substantially along the longitudinal centreline of the board towards the tail region of the board, and

ii. at least a pair of diagonal tail reinforcing elements extending from the central reinforcing element in a direction diagonally transversely and rearward ly.

[13] In one embodiment, the board member defines a nose region and a tail region, and the diagonal tail reinforcing elements extend diagonally transversely and rearwardly in the tail region.

[14] In one embodiment, the board arrangement is adapted for the connection of at least one or more skegs on a lower major surface of the board member in a skeg region, and the diagonal tail reinforcing elements extend diagonally transversely and rearwardly in the skeg region.

[15] In one embodiment, the elongate board member further comprises a stringer extending from a nose region to a tail region along a centreline of the board member.

[16] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement extends between the upper major surface and the lower major surface of the board member.

[17] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement is a stringer.

[18] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement is composed of carbon fibre.

[19] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement is integrally formed in an outer resin layer on the board member.

[20] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement is composed of carbon fibre strands.

[21 ] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element extends along the upper major surface of the board member.

[22] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element extends along the lower major surface of the board member.

[23] In one embodiment, the board arrangement further comprises one or more selected from skegs and skeg connecting formations. [24] In one embodiment, the board arrangement further comprises a second reinforcing element arrangement.

[25] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement comprises at least a pair of parallel reinforcing elements extending along the length of the board member from a nose region to a tail region, the parallel reinforcing elements being spaced apart from each other to either side of the longitudinal centreline of the board member.

[26] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement extends between the upper major surface and the lower major surface of the board member.

[27] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element is a stringer.

[28] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement is composed of carbon fibre strands.

[29] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement is integrally formed in an outer resin layer on the board member.

[30] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement extends along the upper major surface of the board member.

[31 ] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement extends along the lower major surface of the board member.

[32] In one embodiment, the board member is composed of one or more selected from

a. a polyurethane foam,

b. expanded polystyrene foam; and

c. a foamed or expanded plastic.

[33] In one embodiment, the board arrangement further comprises a third reinforcing element arrangement.

[34] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element arrangement comprises a pair of diagonal reinforcing elements, with each reinforcing element being configured to extend diagonally from the nose region of the board on one side, to the tail region of the board on an opposed side.

[35] In one embodiment, the pair of diagonal reinforcing elements of the third reinforcing element arrangement are configured to intersect each other at a region substantially central of the board. [36] In one embodiment, the pair of diagonal reinforcing elements of the third reinforcing element arrangement are configured to intersect each other at or towards the tail region of the board.

[37] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element extends between the upper major surface and the lower major surface of the board member.

[38] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element is a stringer.

[39] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element arrangement is composed of carbon fibre strands.

[40] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element arrangement is integrally formed in an outer resin layer on the board member.

[41 ] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element arrangement extends along the upper major surface of the board member.

[42] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element arrangement extends along the lower major surface of the board member.

[43] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a board arrangement for riding by a rider, the board arrangement comprising:

a. a substantially planar elongate board member defining an upper major surface and a lower major surface, and extending from a nose region to a tail region;

b. a first reinforcing element arrangement comprising

i. at least a pair of parallel reinforcing elements extending along the length of the board member from a nose region to a tail region, the parallel reinforcing elements being spaced apart from each other to either side of the longitudinal centreline of the board member.

[44] In one embodiment, the elongate board member further comprises a stringer extending from a nose region to a tail region along a centreline of the board member.

[45] In one embodiment, the board arrangement further comprises one or more selected from skegs and skeg connecting formations.

[46] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement extends between the upper major surface and the lower major surface of the board member.

[47] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement is a stringer. [48] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement is composed of carbon fibre.

[49] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement is integrally formed in an outer resin layer on the board member.

[50] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement is composed of carbon fibre strands.

[51 ] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element extends along the upper major surface of the board member.

[52] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element extends along the lower major surface of the board member.

[53] In one embodiment, the board arrangement further comprises a second reinforcing element arrangement.

[54] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement comprises a. a central reinforcing element extending from the nose region of the board substantially along the longitudinal centreline of the board towards the tail region of the board, and

b. a pair of diagonal tail reinforcing elements extending from the central reinforcing element in a direction diagonally transversely and rearwardly.

[55] In one embodiment, the board member defines a nose region and a tail region, and the diagonal tail reinforcing elements extend diagonally transversely and rearwardly in the tail region.

[56] In one embodiment, the board arrangement is adapted for the connection of at least one or more skegs on a lower major surface of the board member in a skeg region, and the diagonal tail reinforcing elements extend diagonally transversely and rearwardly in the skeg region.

[57] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement extends between the upper major surface and the lower major surface of the board member.

[58] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element is a stringer.

[59] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement is composed of carbon fibre strands.

[60] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement is integrally formed in an outer resin layer on the board member. [61 ] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement extends along the upper major surface of the board member.

[62] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement extends along the lower major surface of the board member.

[63] In one embodiment, the board member is composed of one or more selected from

a. a polyurethane foam,

b. expanded polystyrene foam; and

c. a foamed or expanded plastic.

[64] In one embodiment, the board arrangement further comprises a third reinforcing element arrangement.

[65] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element arrangement comprises a pair of diagonal reinforcing elements, with each reinforcing element being configured to extend diagonally from the nose region of the board on one side, to the tail region of the board on an opposed side.

[66] In one embodiment, the pair of diagonal reinforcing elements of the third reinforcing element arrangement are configured to intersect each other at a region substantially central of the board.

[67] In one embodiment, the pair of diagonal reinforcing elements of the third reinforcing element arrangement are configured to intersect each other at or towards the tail region of the board.

[68] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element extends between the upper major surface and the lower major surface of the board member.

[69] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element is a stringer.

[70] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element arrangement is composed of carbon fibre strands.

[71 ] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element arrangement is integrally formed in an outer resin layer on the board member.

[72] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element arrangement extends along the upper major surface of the board member. [74] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a board arrangement for riding by a rider, the board arrangement comprising:

b. a first reinforcing element arrangement comprising

i. a pair of diagonal reinforcing elements, with each diagonal reinforcing element being configured to extend diagonally from the nose region of the board on one side, to the tail region of the board on an opposed side.

[75] In one embodiment, the pair of diagonal reinforcing elements of the third reinforcing element arrangement are configured to intersect each other at a region substantially central of the board.

[76] In one embodiment, the pair of diagonal reinforcing elements of the third reinforcing element arrangement are configured to intersect each other at or towards the tail region of the board.

[77] In one embodiment, the board arrangement is adapted for the connection of at least one or more skegs on a lower major surface of the board member in a skeg region, and the pair of diagonal reinforcing elements are configured to intersect each other in the fin .

[78]

[79] In one embodiment, the elongate board member further comprises a stringer extending from a nose region to a tail region along a centreline of the board member.

[80] In one embodiment, the board arrangement further comprises one or more selected from skegs and skeg connecting formations.

[81 ] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement extends between the upper major surface and the lower major surface of the board member.

[82] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement is a stringer.

[83] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement is composed of carbon fibre.

[84] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement is integrally formed in an outer resin layer on the board member. [85] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element arrangement is composed of carbon fibre strands.

[86] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element extends along the upper major surface of the board member.

[87] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element extends along the lower major surface of the board member.

[88] In one embodiment, the board arrangement further comprises a second reinforcing element arrangement.

[89] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement comprises a. a central reinforcing element extending from the nose region of the board substantially along the longitudinal centreline of the board towards the tail region of the board, and

[90] In one embodiment, the board member defines a nose region and a tail region, and the diagonal tail reinforcing elements extend diagonally transversely and rearwardly in the tail region.

[91 ] In one embodiment, the board arrangement is adapted for the connection of at least one or more skegs on a lower major surface of the board member in a skeg region, and the diagonal tail reinforcing elements extend diagonally transversely and rearwardly in the skeg region.

[92] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement extends between the upper major surface and the lower major surface of the board member.

[93] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element is a stringer.

[94] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement is composed of carbon fibre strands.

[95] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement is integrally formed in an outer resin layer on the board member.

[96] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement extends along the upper major surface of the board member.

[97] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element arrangement extends along the lower major surface of the board member. [98] In one embodiment, the board member is composed of one or more selected from

a. a polyurethane foam,

b. expanded polystyrene foam; and

c. a foamed or expanded plastic.

[99] In one embodiment, the board arrangement further comprises a third reinforcing element arrangement.

[100] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element arrangement comprises a. at least a pair of parallel reinforcing elements extending along the length of the board member from a nose region to a tail region, the parallel reinforcing elements being spaced apart from each other to either side of the longitudinal centreline of the board member.

[101 ] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element extends between the upper major surface and the lower major surface of the board member.

[102] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element is a stringer.

[103] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element arrangement is composed of carbon fibre strands.

[104] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element arrangement is integrally formed in an outer resin layer on the board member.

[105] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element arrangement extends along the upper major surface of the board member.

[106] In one embodiment, the board member comprises a plurality of board member portions.

[107] In one embodiment, the board member portions are separated by a stringer.

[108] In one embodiment, the board member portions are separated by a reinforcing element arrangement.

[109] In another aspect, the invention may be said to consist in a board arrangement for riding by a rider, the board arrangement comprising

a. a substantially planar elongate board member defining an upper major surface and a lower major surface, and extending from a nose region to a tail region; b. at least two or more reinforcing element arrangements selected from the group of:

i. a central reinforcing element extending from the nose region of the board substantially along the longitudinal centreline of the board towards the tail region of the board, and at least a pair of diagonal tail reinforcing elements extending from the central reinforcing element in a direction diagonally transversely and rearwardly;

ii. at least a pair of parallel reinforcing elements extending along the length of the board member from a nose region to a tail region, the parallel reinforcing elements being spaced apart from each other to either side of the longitudinal centreline of the board member; and iii. a pair of diagonal reinforcing elements, with each diagonal reinforcing element being configured to extend diagonally from the nose region of the board on one side, to the tail region of the board on an opposed side.

] In one embodiment, at least one or more of the reinforcing element arrangements is located between adjacent board member portions between the upper major face and the lower major face.

] In one embodiment, the board member portions are separated horizontally.] In one embodiment, the board member portions are separated vertically.] In one embodiment, at least one or more of the reinforcing element arrangements are located between horizontally separated board member portions.] In one embodiment, at least one or more of the reinforcing element arrangements are located between vertically separated board member portions.] In another aspect, the invention may be said to consist in a method of manufacture of a board arrangement, the method comprising the steps of:

a. providing at least one or more board member portions configured for together forming a substantially elongate board member;

b. assembling the at least one or more board member portions together with a reinforcing element arrangement comprising one or more selected from:

i. a central reinforcing element extending from the nose region of the board substantially along the longitudinal centreline of the board towards the tail region of the board, and a pair of diagonal tail reinforcing elements extending from the central reinforcing element in a direction diagonally transversely and rearwardly;

ii. at least a pair of parallel reinforcing elements extending along the length of the board member from a nose region to a tail region, the parallel reinforcing elements being spaced apart from each other to either side of the longitudinal centreline of the board member; and iii. a pair of diagonal reinforcing elements, with each diagonal reinforcing element being configured to extend diagonally from the nose region of the board on one side, to the tail region of the board on an opposed side, the diagonal reinforcing crossing over each other; and

[1 16] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of applying resin to the assembled board member portions and reinforcing elements to thereby bond them together.

[1 17] In one embodiment, the step of assembling the board member portions with a reinforcing element arrangement further comprises the step of covering at least the board member portions with a textile.

[1 18] In one embodiment, the step of assembling the board member portions with a reinforcing element arrangement comprises the step of covering at least a board member portions with a textile, and then applying individual reinforcing element strips to create the reinforcing element arrangement.

[1 19] In one embodiment, the textile is glass fibre.

[120] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of applying a reinforcing element arrangement to a textile before assembling the board member portions and reinforcing elements.

[121 ] In one embodiment, the method further comprises step of separating the board member portions horizontally before assembling the at least one or more board member portions together with a reinforcing element arrangement.

[122] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of separating the board member portions vertically before assembling the at least one or more board member portions together with a reinforcing element arrangement.

[123] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[124] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[125] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[126] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[127] Figure 1 : shows a bottom view of a prior art surfboard showing the various regions;

[128] Figure 2: shows a side view of a surfboard, with a zoomed in closer view of the skeg region, showing how application of force, for example by a surfers body weight to the skeg region will result in a longitudinal flexing of the surfboard;

[129] Figure 3: shows a bottom view of a board arrangement with a first embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement;

[130] Figure 4: shows a close-up cutaway bottom view of a board arrangement as shown in figure 3;

[131 ] Figure 5A: shows a top assembly view of a board arrangement showing a plurality of board member portions arranged around a pair of stringers as a second embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement;

[132] Figure 5B: shows a top view of an assembled board arrangement of figure 5A;

[133] Figure 6: shows a hidden view of textile including a third embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement applied to it, being applied to a board member during manufacture;

[134] Figure 7: shows a board arrangement of figure 6 after the textile has been applied to the board member; [135] Figure 8: shows a top wireframe view of a board arrangement showing a first embodiment and third embodiment of reinforcing element arrangements on upper surface and lower surface;

[136] Figure 9: shows a top view of a board arrangement showing third embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement;

[137] Figure 10A: shows a bottom view of a board arrangement including a first embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement;

[138] Figure 10B: shows a top view of a board arrangement including a first embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement;

[139] Figure 1 1 : shows a top view of a board arrangement with a fourth embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement;

[140] Figure 12: shows a bottom view of a board arrangement with a fourth embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement;

[141 ] Figure 13A: shows a shows a top assembly view of a board arrangement showing a plurality of board member portions arranged around stringers as a fifth embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement;

[142] Figure 13B: shows a top view of an assembled board arrangement of figure 13A;

[143] Figure 14: shows a top view of a board arrangement with a 4^th embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement;

[144] Figure 15: shows a cross-sectional view of section A-A in figure 8; and

[145] Figure 16 shows a cross sectional view of a board arrangement showing a sixth embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement

Description of Embodiments

[146] With reference to the above drawings, in which similar features are generally indicated by similar numerals, a board arrangement according to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 1000.

[147] In one embodiment now described, there is provided a board arrangement 1000 for riding by a rider. The board arrangement 1000 comprises a substantially planar elongate board member 1 100 that defines a nose region 1010 and a tail region 1020. The board member 1 100 is preferably made up of a plurality of board member portions 1 1 10 separated by a stringer 1 120 that extends along the longitudinal centreline of the board member 1 100 from the nose region 1010 to the tail region 1020. The board member 1 100 defines an upper major surface 1 130 and a lower major surface 1 140 that meet each other at the periphery of the upper major surface 1030 and lower major surface 1 140 to define a nose 1 150, a tail 1 160 and a pair of edge rails 1 170 that extend at opposed sides of the board arrangement between the nose 1 150 and the tail 1 160.

[148] The board member 1 100 further comprises a hard outer shell 1 105 that is composed of a glass fibre textile that is set into hardened settable resin.

[149] On surfboards as shown in the figures, the board arrangement 1000 further comprises fins 1032 located towards the tail region 1020 in a skeg region 1030. The fins 1032 can be integral informed with the outer shell 1 105, or in another embodiment the fins 1032 can be fitted to fin connecting formations 1034 that are integrally formed with the outer shell 1 105. The board arrangement 1000 can include many fins, as surfboards have been created with five or even more fins, however three fins are typically preferred.

[150] The area of the board arrangement 1000 extending longitudinally from the start of the fins 1032 and/or the fin connecting formations 1034 to the tail 1 160 defines the skeg region 1032.

[151 ] The board arrangement 1000 further comprises at least one or more reinforcing element arrangements 1200. The envisaged reinforcing element arrangements can be configured in one or more of three configurations as will be described below.

[152] It is further envisaged that the reinforcing element arrangement 1200 on surfboards in particular will preferably be composed of strands of reinforcing fibre such as carbon fibre, Kevlar, basalt fibre or the like that are laid into and impregnated by resin that coats the typically polyurethane or expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam board member 1 100 to form an outer shell 1 105. Such strands of reinforcing fibre can be laid substantially in alignment with the upper major surface 1 130 and/or the lower major surface 1 140 of the board member 1 100. It is envisaged that the board member portions could be composed of any foamed or expanded plastic and/or polymer.

[153] In another embodiment, it is envisaged that the reinforcing element arrangement 1200 can be in the form of a preferably carbon fibre reinforced stringer as shown in figures 5A and 5B and figures 13A and 13B, that extends between the upper major surface 1 130 and the lower major surface 1 140 of the board member 1 100. Alternately, the reinforcing element arrangement 1200 can be in the form of a reinforcing element that is laid alongside a wooden stringer 1 120. It is the configuration and direction of the reinforcing elements that affect the performance of the board arrangement.

[154] A first embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement applied to a lower major surface 1 140 of a board arrangement board member 1 100 is shown in figure 3. The reinforcing element arrangement shown in figure 3 comprises a central reinforcing element 1210 extending from the nose region 1010 of the board member 1 100 substantially along the longitudinal centreline of the board member 1 100, towards the tail region 1020.

[155] The first embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement 1200 shown in figure 3 further comprises a pair of diagonal tail reinforcing elements 1220 extending from the central reinforcing element 1210 preferably at a point in line with the start of the skeg region 1030, to extend in a direction diagonally transversely outwardly and rearwardly. It is envisaged that this first embodiment of a reinforcing element may be located on either the upper major surface 1 130 of the board member 1 100, or on the lower major surface 1 140 of the board member. It is , however also envisaged that the diagonal tail reinforcing elements 1220 can meet with the central reinforcing element 1210 at a point closer to or further away from the tail, and need not necessarily be at a point in line with the start of the skeg region 1030.

[156] It is envisaged in operation that the central reinforcing element 1210 will assist in countering longitudinal flex in the board arrangement 1000 in operation. However, at the skeg region 1030, and more specifically in the region rearwardly of the end of the diagonal tail reinforcing elements 1220 at the longitudinal centreline L of the board arrangement 1000 (shown as reference numeral M in figure 10A) , the longitudinal rigidity of the board arrangement 1000 will be decreased relative to the rest of the board arrangement 1000, allowing for more longitudinal flex in this region, allowing for a decreased bend radius during a bottom turn, which will allow for tighter turns.

[157] In addition, the applicant believes that increasing the rigidity in the transverse direction (i.e. transverse to the longitudinal direction) of the board arrangement 1000 in the tail region 1020, and more specifically in the region (shown as reference numeral T in figure 3 and 4) from one end of the diagonal tail reinforcing elements 1220 at the longitudinal centreline L of the board arrangement 1000 to the opposed end of the diagonal tail reinforcing elements 1220 at the rails 1 170, will allow for increased storage of energy in the board arrangement 1000 during turns when the board arrangement 1000 is transversely flexed, and will allow for increased resiliency as the board comes out of a turn, allowing the stored energy to be translated into acceleration of the board arrangement 1000. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the length of this region T can be increased or decreased by changing the angle at which the diagonal tail reinforcing elements 1220 extend transversely and rearwardly as shown in figure 4 by the shaded diagonal tail reinforcing elements 1220.

[158] A second embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement 1200 is shown in figures 5A and 5B. In this embodiment, the reinforcing element arrangement 1200 has the same layout as the first embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement 1200 shown in figure 3, however the reinforcing element arrangement comprises a pair of kinked carbon fibre stringers 1230 that each extend along the longitudinal centreline of the board member 1 100 from the nose region to the start of the skeg region 1030 and then each kinked carbon fibre stringer 1230 extends transversely outwardly and rearwardly to the opposed rails 1 170. Preferably, each of the kinked carbon fibre stringers 1230 also extends the upper major surface 1 130 and the lower major surface 1 140 alongside the board member portions 1 1 10.

[159] A third embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement 1200 is shown in figures 6, 7 and 9. In these embodiments, the reinforcing elements are composed of carbon fibre, basalt fibre or other similar strands having a high tensile strength, similar to those used in the embodiment shown in figure 3, and also preferably integrally formed with the resin outer shell 1 105 of the board member 1 100. However, the direction and configuration of the reinforcing elements are arranged in a different parallel configuration. The reinforcing element arrangement 1200 shown in figures 6, 7 and 9 comprises a pair of parallel reinforcing elements 1250 extending along the length of the board member from a nose region to a tail region, the parallel reinforcing elements 1240 being spaced apart from each other to either side of the longitudinal centreline of the board member, to define a gap between them. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), reinforcing elements having the same direction and configuration could extend as a pair of stringers between the upper major surface 1 130 and the lower major surface 1 140. In a preferred embodiment, the gap between the two parallel reinforcing elements will be dimensioned to be located under the balls of the feet, and under the heels of a user respectively in operation.

[160] In use, it is envisaged that the third embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement 1200 will affect the torsional flexural rigidity of the board arrangement 1000, dependent on the distance of the gap between each of the parallel reinforcing elements 1240, and the tensile strength of each of the parallel reinforcing elements 1240.

[161 ] The third embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement 1200 is shown when used in association with the first embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement 1200 in figure 8. In this embodiment, the 3^rd embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement 1200 is located on an upper major surface 1 130 of the board arrangement 1000, while the first embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement 1000 is located on a lower major surface 1 140.

[162] A fourth embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement 1200 is shown in figures 11 and 12. The reinforcing element arrangement 1000 comprises a pair of diagonal reinforcing elements 1250, with each diagonal reinforcing element 1250 being configured to extend diagonally from the nose region 1010 of the board member 1 100 on one side, to the tail region 1020 of the board member 1 100 on an opposed side, so that the diagonal reinforcing elements 1250 thereby intersect each other.

[163] The diagonal reinforcing elements 1250 preferably intersect each other over the longitudinal centreline of the board member 1 100 and at or towards the tail region of the board (i.e. between the middle of the length of the board member and the tail 1 160) as shown in figure 12. In another embodiment shown in figure 14, it is envisaged that the diagonal reinforcing elements 1250 can intersect each other further back in the skeg region 1030.

[164] A fifth embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement 1200 is shown in figures 13A and 13B. In this embodiment, the diagonal reinforcing elements 1250 are in the form of a reinforced star shaped stringer 1255 that extends in the same direction and configuration as the diagonal reinforcing elements 1250 of figure 12. In this 5^th embodiment, the diagonal reinforcing elements 1250 are preferably composed of reinforced material such as carbon fibre, basalt fibre, Kevlar or the like, and extends between the upper major surface 1 130 and the lower major surface 1 140 alongside the board member portions 1 1 10. In the embodiment shown in figures 13A and 13B, the diagonal reinforcing elements 1250 are integrally formed with the stringer 1 120. However, it is envisaged that this need not necessarily be the case and the diagonal reinforcing elements 1250 may extend past the stringer 1 120 without being integrally formed with the stringer 1 120. It is also envisaged that in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the diagonal reinforcing elements 1250 can intersect each other in the skeg region 1030.

[165] It is believed by the applicant that by increasing or decreasing the tensile strength of the fourth embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement and fifth embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement, the torsional flex characteristics of the board arrangement 1000 can be tuned to particular preferences of individual users.

[166] A sixth embodiment of a reinforcing element arrangement 1200 is shown in figure 15. In this embodiment, the board member portions have been separated vertically, with one or more board member portions defining the upper major face, and one or more board member portions defining the lower major face. The reinforcing element arrangement 1200 is located between the vertically separated board member portions 1 1 10. It is envisaged that any of the embodiments of the reinforcing element arrangements that are composed of carbon fibre strands or tape can be arranged between such vertically separated board member portions 1 1 10. Clearly, in such embodiments the reinforcing element arrangements would not be bonded or connected to a glass fibre textile that is part of the outer shell, and would instead be either bonded to the board member portions, or be bonded or connected to a larger textiles sheet (not shown) extending between the board member portions.

[167] In another embodiment, it is envisaged that the reinforcing elements of the reinforcing element arrangements 1200 can be composed of a resilient material such as elastic, rubber, plastic or the like.

[168] It is envisaged that any of the embodiments of the reinforcing element arrangements 1200 shown can be used in any combination. It is believed by the applicant that using either individual reinforcing element arrangements 1200, or combinations of reinforcing element arrangements 1200, the particular flex characteristics of each board arrangement 1000 can be tuned to the preferences of each user.

[169] In order to manufacture a board arrangement 1000 as described above, it is envisaged that initially at least one or more board member portions 1 1 10 will be provided that are configured for together forming a substantially elongate board member 1 100. The board member portions 1 1 10 will preferably be arranged around a stringer 1 120, and assembled together with at least one or more of the reinforcing element arrangements 1200 mentioned above. [170] Where the reinforcing element arrangements 1200 are in the form of stringers, then the board member portions will be assembled to locate the reinforcing elements between them, for example as shown in figures 5A and 5B, and in figures 13A and 13B.

[171 ] At this stage, either the skeg is 1032 or skeg connecting formations 1034 will be located in position on the lower major surface 1 140 of the board member 1 100.

[172] Where the reinforcing element arrangements 1200 are in the form of high tensile strands that is applied to one or both of the upper major surface 1 130 and the lower major surface 1 140, then it is envisaged that the reinforcing element arrangements will be bonded to a sheet of glass fibre textile 1 180 as shown in figure 6. The sheet of glass fibre textile 1 180, together with the reinforcing element arrangement 1200 will be fitted to the surface of the board member portions 1 1 10 and trimmed as shown in figure 7.

[173] After this, the sheet of glass fibre textile 1 180 and the reinforcing element arrangement or arrangements 1200 will be coated in resin. The resin will then be allowed to set, forming the outer shell 1 105. After this, the board arrangement 1000 will be sanded to smooth out any surface imperfections.

Interpretation

Markush Groups

[174] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Chronological sequence

[175] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be carried out in chronological order in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

Embodiments:

[176] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[177] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[178] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[179] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives

"first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[180] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth.

However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology

[181 ] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[182] For the purposes of this specification, the term "plastic" shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

[183] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

[184] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Comprising and Including

[185] 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" are 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.

[186] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[187] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[188] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[189] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the surfboard, snowboarding and skating industries.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1 ) A board arrangement for riding by a rider, the board arrangement comprising

a) a substantially planar elongate board member defining an upper major surface and a lower major surface, and extending from a nose region to a tail region;

b) a reinforcing element arrangement comprising

i) a central reinforcing element extending from the nose region of the board substantially along the longitudinal centreline of the board towards the tail region of the board, and

ii) at least a pair of diagonal tail reinforcing elements extending from the central reinforcing element in a direction diagonally transversely and rearwardly.

2) A board arrangement as claimed in claim 1 ), wherein the board member defines a nose region and a tail region, and the diagonal tail reinforcing elements extend diagonally transversely and rearwardly in the tail region.

3) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 ) to 2), wherein the board arrangement is adapted for the connection of at least one or more skegs on a lower major surface of the board member in a skeg region, and the diagonal tail reinforcing elements extend diagonally transversely and rearwardly in the skeg region.

4) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of any one of claims 1 ) to 3),, wherein the elongate board member further comprises a stringer extending from a nose region to a tail region along a centreline of the board member.

5) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 ) to 4),, wherein the first reinforcing element arrangement extends between the upper major surface and the lower major surface of the board member.

6) A board arrangement as claimed in claim 5), wherein the first reinforcing element arrangement is a stringer.

7) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 ) to 4), wherein the first reinforcing element arrangement is integrally formed in an outer resin layer on the board member.

8) A board arrangement as claimed in claim 7), wherein the first reinforcing element extends along the upper major surface of the board member. 9) A board arrangement as claimed in claim 7), wherein the first reinforcing element extends along the lower major surface of the board member.

10) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 ) to 9), wherein the board arrangement further comprises one or more selected from skegs and skeg connecting formations.

1 1 ) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 ) to 10), wherein the board arrangement further comprises a second reinforcing element arrangement.

12) A board arrangement as claimed in claim 1 1 ), wherein the second reinforcing element arrangement comprises at least a pair of parallel reinforcing elements extending along the length of the board member from a nose region to a tail region, the parallel reinforcing elements being spaced apart from each other to either side of the longitudinal centreline of the board member.

13) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 1 ) to 12), wherein the second reinforcing element arrangement extends between the upper major surface and the lower major surface of the board member.

14) A board arrangement as claimed in claim 13), wherein the second reinforcing element is a stringer.

15) A board arrangement as claimed in any one claims 1 1 ) to 14), wherein the second reinforcing element arrangement is integrally formed in an outer resin layer on the board member.

16) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 ) to 15), wherein the board arrangement further comprises a third reinforcing element arrangement comprising a pair of diagonal reinforcing elements, with each reinforcing element being configured to extend diagonally from the nose region of the board on one side, to the tail region of the board on an opposed side.

17) A board arrangement as claimed in claim 16), wherein the pair of diagonal reinforcing elements of the third reinforcing element arrangement are configured to intersect each other at a region substantially central of the board.

18) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 16) to 17), wherein the pair of diagonal reinforcing elements of the third reinforcing element arrangement are configured to intersect each other at or towards the tail region of the board. 19) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 16) to 18), wherein the third reinforcing element extends between the upper major surface and the lower major surface of the board member.

20) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 16) to 19), wherein the third reinforcing element is a stringer.

21 ) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 16) to 20), wherein the third reinforcing element arrangement is integrally formed in an outer resin layer on the board member.

22) A board arrangement for riding by a rider, the board arrangement comprising:

b) a first reinforcing element arrangement comprising

i) a pair of diagonal reinforcing elements, with each diagonal reinforcing element being configured to extend diagonally from the nose region of the board on one side, to the tail region of the board on an opposed side.

23) A board arrangement as claimed in claim 22), wherein the pair of diagonal reinforcing elements of the third reinforcing element arrangement are configured to intersect each other at a region substantially central of the board.

24) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 22), wherein the pair of diagonal reinforcing elements of the third reinforcing element arrangement are configured to intersect each other at or towards the tail region of the board.

25) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 22) to 24), wherein the board arrangement is adapted for the connection of at least one or more skegs on a lower major surface of the board member in a skeg region, and the pair of diagonal reinforcing elements are configured to intersect each other in the skeg region.

26) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 22) to 25), wherein the elongate board member further comprises a stringer extending from a nose region to a tail region along a centreline of the board member.

27) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 22) to 26), wherein the board arrangement further comprises one or more selected from skegs and skeg connecting formations. 28) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 22) to 27), wherein the board arrangement further comprises a second reinforcing element arrangement, the second reinforcing element arrangement comprising.

a) a central reinforcing element extending from the nose region of the board substantially along the longitudinal centreline of the board towards the tail region of the board, and

b) a pair of diagonal tail reinforcing elements extending from the central reinforcing element in a direction diagonally transversely and rearwardly.

29) A board arrangement as claimed in claim 28), wherein the board member defines a nose region and a tail region, and the diagonal tail reinforcing elements extend diagonally transversely and rearwardly in the tail region.

30) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 28) to 29), wherein the board arrangement is adapted for the connection of at least one or more skegs on a lower major surface of the board member in a skeg region, and the diagonal tail reinforcing elements extend diagonally transversely and rearwardly in the skeg region.

31 ) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 28) to 30), wherein the board arrangement further comprises a third reinforcing element arrangement comprising a) at least a pair of parallel reinforcing elements extending along the length of the board member from a nose region to a tail region, the parallel reinforcing elements being spaced apart from each other to either side of the longitudinal centreline of the board member.

32) A board arrangement as claimed claim 31 ), wherein any one or more selected from the first reinforcing element arrangement, the second reinforcing element arrangement and the third reinforcing element extends between the upper major surface and the lower major surface of the board member.

33) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 31 ) to 32), wherein any one or more selected from the first reinforcing element arrangement, the second reinforcing element arrangement and the third reinforcing element arrangement is integrally formed in an outer resin layer on the board member.

34) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 28) to 32), wherein the board member comprises a plurality of board member portions.

35) A board arrangement for riding by a rider, the board arrangement comprising a) a substantially planar elongate board member defining an upper major surface and a lower major surface, and extending from a nose region to a tail region;

b) at least two or more reinforcing element arrangements selected from the group of: i) a central reinforcing element extending from the nose region of the board substantially along the longitudinal centreline of the board towards the tail region of the board, and at least a pair of diagonal tail reinforcing elements extending from the central reinforcing element in a direction diagonally transversely and rearwardly;

ii) at least a pair of parallel reinforcing elements extending along the length of the board member from a nose region to a tail region, the parallel reinforcing elements being spaced apart from each other to either side of the longitudinal centreline of the board member; and

iii) a pair of diagonal reinforcing elements, with each diagonal reinforcing element being configured to extend diagonally from the nose region of the board on one side, to the tail region of the board on an opposed side.

36) A board arrangement as claimed in claim 35), wherein at least one or more of the reinforcing element arrangements is located between adjacent board member portions between the upper major face and the lower major face.

37) A board arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 35) to 36), wherein at least one or more of the reinforcing element arrangements located on one or more selected from the upper major surface and the lower major surface.

38) A method of manufacture of a board arrangement, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing at least one or more board member portions configured for together forming a substantially elongate board member;

b) assembling the at least one or more board member portions together with a reinforcing element arrangement comprising one or more selected from:

i) a central reinforcing element extending from the nose region of the board substantially along the longitudinal centreline of the board towards the tail region of the board, and a pair of diagonal tail reinforcing elements extending from the central reinforcing element in a direction diagonally transversely and rearwardly; ii) at least a pair of parallel reinforcing elements extending along the length of the board member from a nose region to a tail region, the parallel reinforcing elements being spaced apart from each other to either side of the longitudinal centreline of the board member; and

iii) a pair of diagonal reinforcing elements, with each diagonal reinforcing element being configured to extend diagonally from the nose region of the board on one side, to the tail region of the board on an opposed side, the diagonal reinforcing crossing over each other; and

39) A method as claimed in claim 35), wherein the method further comprises the step of applying resin to the assembled board member portions and reinforcing elements to thereby bond them together.

40) A method as claimed in any one of claims 38) to 39), wherein the step of assembling the board member portions with a reinforcing element arrangement further comprises the step of covering at least the board member portions with a textile.

41 ) A method as claimed in any one of claims 38) to 40), wherein the method further comprises the step of applying a reinforcing element arrangement to a textile before assembling the board member portions and reinforcing elements.