EP1440712A1 - Board for gliding or rolling - Google Patents

Abstract

The board has a length measured based on longitudinal direction between board ends, width measured based on transversal direction between board edges, and height measured between glide (6) and front (7) sides. The board has a sole (21) and a protection layer (25). One of the reinforcements (22,24) in a central zone has a portion (30), whose structure is mechanically weak with respect to remaining reinforcement structures.

Description

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

A board traditionally has a length measured in a direction longitudinal between a first end and a second end, a width measured in a transverse direction between a first edge and a second edge, and a height measured between a sliding or rolling face and a reception face.

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

The board finally includes a sandwich panel, formed by a first reinforcement and a second reinforcement between which is disposed a first core. The reinforcements give the most of its mechanical characteristics, and the core plays a filling role between the reinforcements. Other board constructions with one or more reinforcements can be considered.

A user requests the board to drive it. This is particularly the case in surfing on snow, or snowboard, for example when the board is resting on an edge on a slope. If he wants to initiate a turn, the user can shift the center of gravity of his body towards an extremity. Under the effect of the weight of the user, this end tends to flatten on the ground and slide in the direction of the slope.

At the same time, the other lightened end still grips the ground at the edge. The plank is deformed in torsion along a substantially longitudinal axis, so reversible. Since one end slides along the slope and the other does not, the board turns to register for a turn.

It appeared that it is not always easy to drive the board by deforming it twist, as if to initiate a turn. A light user does not use the board too strongly than a heavier user. A small user shifts his center less gravity than a larger user. A board edge does not hang in the same way according to the inclination of the slope.

One of the aims of the invention is to facilitate the operation of the board, in particular during turn initiation.

For this, the invention provides a gliding 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 transverse direction between a first edge and a second edge, and a height measured between a sliding face and a face reception, the board having at least one first reinforcement in height, the board having, from the first end to the second end, a first end zone, an area central, and a second end zone.

The board according to the invention is characterized in that in the central area, at least one of the reinforcements has at least one portion whose structure is mechanically weakened compared to the rest of the reinforcement structure.

The weakening of the structure of a reinforcement allows a greater deformation of the board for a given stress, or allows the same deformation for a less stress. Thus it is easier to deform the board by stresses. he is especially easier to cause its reversible twist to trigger a turn.

Therefore driving the board is generally easier.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une planche selon un premier exemple de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une coupe selon II-II de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une coupe selon III-III de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une coupe partielle similaire à celle de la figure 3, pour un deuxième exemple de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 5 est une coupe partielle similaire à celle de la figure 3, pour un troisième exemple de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective d'une planche selon un quatrième exemple de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 7 est une coupe selon VII-VII de la figure 6,
• la figure 8 est une coupe selon VIII-VIII de la figure 6,
• la figure 9 est une coupe schématique transversale d'un moule de fabrication de la planche selon le quatrième exemple.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows, with reference to the appended drawing illustrating, by non-limiting examples, how the invention can be implemented, and in which:

• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a board according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a section on II-II of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is a section on III-III of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 4 is a partial section similar to that of FIG. 3, for a second embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 5 is a partial section similar to that of FIG. 3, for a third embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a board according to a fourth embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 7 is a section on VII-VII of FIG. 6,
• FIG. 8 is a section along VIII-VIII of FIG. 6,
• Figure 9 is a schematic cross section of a mold for manufacturing the board according to the fourth example.

Although the examples are for a snowboard, it should be understood that they have also relates to other boards adapted to the practice of sports as mentioned before.

The first example is presented below using Figures 1 to 3.

In a known manner, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 1, a board of snowboard 1 has a length measured in a longitudinal direction "L" between a first end 2 and a second end 3. Plate 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 sliding face 6 and a face 7.

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

Plate 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 end zone 10. The central zone 9 itself successively comprises, between the contact lines W1, W2, a first zone intermediate 15, a first retention zone 16, a second intermediate zone 17, a second retaining zone 18, and a third intermediate zone 19.

Each retaining zone 16, 18 is designed to receive a foot retaining device of a user. The devices, not shown, can be secured to plate 1 by a medium such as screws. Each retention zone 16, 18 is provided for this purpose with orifices threaded 20.

Each of the contact lines 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 visualized 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 modified and be lower or greater than two.

The sole 21 is made for example from a plastic material containing polyethylene. The protective layer 25 is made for example from a material plastic containing acetyl-butadian-styrene.

Each of the reinforcements 22, 24 is preferably made from fibers impregnated with a resin. The fibers can be made with any material, or with any mixture of materials, such as glass, carbon, aramid, metal, or the like. The core 23 includes a low density material, such as wood or synthetic foam, which gives a reduced mass. The simultaneous use of wood and foam is of course possible.

The reinforcements 22, 24 and the core 23 form a sandwich panel which extends along at least 50% of the surface of the board, and preferably substantially over the entire surface. This makes the structure of the board homogeneous.

According to the invention, in the central zone 9 at least one of the reinforcements 22, 24 present at minus a portion whose structure is mechanically weakened compared to the rest of the reinforcement structure. The weakening facilitates the reversible deformations of the plate 1.

According to the first embodiment of the invention, as can be understood using the Figures 1 and 3, it is the second reinforcement 24 which has a first portion 30 whose structure is mechanically weakened. The first portion 30 is included in the second intermediate zone 17, between the retaining zones 16, 18. The first portion 30 extends substantially along the entire second intermediate zone 17, from the first 4 to the second 5 edge lateral and between the two series of threaded orifices 20. This localization of the weakening facilitates reversible deformations between the retaining zones 16, 18 and, by way of consequence, between the feet of the user.

The mechanical weakening of the first portion 30 is achieved by reducing the amount of material within the second reinforcement 24. The reduction in material is obtained by removal of material, for example by machining. So just use a traditional reinforcement to make board 1 and then machine the board, for example using a cutter. The protective layer 25 is machined at the same time as the reinforcement. This technique has the merit to be simple.

Of course, any other technique could be suitable. For example, provision could be made for cut the reinforcement 24 before assembling the constituent components of the board.

According to the first embodiment of the invention, the reduction of material is made by grooving.

Without limitation, the second reinforcement 24 has a first groove 31 located at near the first side edge 4, a second groove 32 located substantially halfway between the side edges 4, 5, and a third groove 33 located substantially near the second lateral edge 5. Each of the grooves 31, 32, 33 has a shape which is substantially linear, and is oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction L of the board 1.

This arrangement does little to reduce the extent of the reinforcement 24 in the transverse direction, but reduces it much more in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the board 1 substantially retains its resistance to bending, along a transverse axis, in the second intermediate zone. But the board 1 loses a little resistance to torsion, in the second intermediate zone, according to a longitudinal axis. It is therefore easier to twist it along the longitudinal axis. This translates in driving by a better ability to tilt differently from one another retention zones 16, 18, or the first 15 and third 19 intermediate zones. Thereby a displacement of the user's center of gravity towards an end 2, 3 allows better sliding of one end 2, 3, combined with better grip of the other ends. The registration of Plate 1 on a curve is easier.

A groove can have a length between 5 and 50 centimeters, a width between a few tenths of a millimeter and a few centimeters, and a depth between a few tenths of a millimeter and a few millimeters.

Each groove 31, 32, 33 passes through the reinforcement 24, but this is not an obligation.

A groove 31, 32, 33 preferably has a square or rectangular section, but any other form may be suitable. For example a rounded shape.

In the longitudinal direction each groove can be linear or not. For example a groove can be curved longitudinally, have a succession of straight segments but offset between them, or include both curved and straight parts.

The number of three grooves is not limiting. More, or less, three may be expected grooves.

The grooves may have identical or different lengths with respect to the other.

It can be expected that several grooves are distinct and aligned.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, three linings 34, 35, 36 respectively garnish the three grooves 31, 32, 33. Each lining extends with regard to the protective layer 25, of the second reinforcement 24, and of the core 23. Each lining improves the finish of the face 7. Each lining 34, 35, 36 seals the structure of the board 1, avoiding in particular the infiltration of water between the core 23 and the reinforcement 24.

A lining 34, 35, 36 can be produced for example from a plastic material such than an acetyl-butadian-styrene, a polyurethane, or the like.

The lining 34, 35, 36 is added to the structure of the board 1 preferably by gluing, because the adhesive makes the groove 31, 32, 33 waterproof. However, it can be expected another technical, like that using a flexible gasket mounted by force and forming a joint.

Provision may be made for a lining 34, 35, 36 to have a U-shaped section, solid, hollow, or the like. It reduces, or avoids, the filling of a groove 31, 32, 33 with snow. In any case, it also helps absorb vibrations.

The other exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. For reasons of convenience, it is mainly their specifics compared to the first example that are highlighted.

The second example is presented using Figure 4.

A board 50 is formed in height by a stack which comprises a sole 51, a first reinforcement 52, a core 53, a second reinforcement 54, and a protective layer 55. According to the invention a groove 56 is formed on the top of the board 50, through the protective layer 55, the second reinforcement 54, and part of the core 53. Relative to the first example, a lining 57 extends only along the core, to form the bottom of the groove 56 by being flush with the second reinforcement 54 on the side of the core 53.

The board structure presented above allows manufacturing according to the following diagram.

The core 53 is formed alone, and has the lining 57. Then the stack mentioned before is formed and placed in a mold. A rise in temperature and pressure brings the constituent elements of the board 50 between them. Finally the groove 56 is produced by removal of material, for example by machining. According to this manufacturing process, the filling 57 is put in place during an intermediate operation. The packing 57 can be machined in same time as groove 56, but it may not be machined.

The third example is presented using Figure 5.

A board 70 is formed in height by a stack which comprises a sole 71, a first reinforcement 72, a core 73, a second reinforcement 74, and a protective layer 75. According to the invention a groove 76 is formed on the underside of the board 70, through the sole 71 and the first reinforcement 72. The groove 76 is blocked by a lining 77 which in particular prevents water infiltration. The trim can be made with a material identical or similar to that constituting the sole 71. This preserves the ability to slip of the sole 71. The technical effects obtained by a weakening of the first reinforcement 72 are similar to those obtained by weakening the second reinforcement.

The fourth example is presented using Figures 6 to 9.

As seen in Figure 6, a board 90 has a first end 91, a second end 92, a first lateral edge 93, a second lateral edge 94, a face of slides 95, and a receiving face 96.

The board 90 has a first end region 97, a first contact line W3, a central zone 98, a second contact line W4, and a second zone end 99.

The plate 90 has, in the central zone 98, a first intermediate zone 105, a first retention zone 106, a second intermediate zone 107, a second retention zone retainer 108, and a third intermediate area 109. Each of the retainer areas 106, 108 has threaded holes 110.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the board 90 comprises, in the height direction, a sole 111, a first reinforcement 112, a core 113, a second reinforcement 114, and a protective layer 115.

Again according to the invention, in the central zone 98 at least one of the reinforcements 112, 114 has at least one portion whose structure is mechanically weakened compared to the rest of the reinforcement structure. The weakening facilitates reversible deformations of the plate 90.

According to the fourth embodiment of the invention, as can be understood using Figures 6 and 8, it is the second reinforcement 114 which has a first portion 120 whose structure is mechanically weakened. The first portion 120 is included in the second intermediate zone 107, between the retaining zones 106, 108. The first portion 120 extends substantially along the entire second intermediate zone 107, from the first 93 to the second 94 lateral edge and between the two series of threaded holes 110. This localization of the weakening facilitates reversible deformations between the retaining zones 106, 108 and, by way of consequence, between the feet of the user.

The second reinforcement 114 has grooves 121 which give the first portion 120 its mechanical weakening.

Each groove 121 reduces the thickness of the reinforcement 114 where it extends.

The grooves 121 are oriented substantially longitudinally relative to the board 90. Some grooves are near a lateral edge 93, 94 of the board, others are between the edges 93, 94.

The grooves 121 may have different lengths, different depths, and different forms.

As can be seen in Figure 8, the grooves 121 have rounded shapes. It avoids, or at least reduced, the risks of initiation of rupture of the reinforcement 114. But other forms train paths may be suitable.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the arrangement of the grooves 121 is done according to a pattern which recalls the shape of a diabolo. This arrangement is indicative and any other arrangement might agree.

Plate 90 is manufactured as best understood with the aid of FIG. 9.

The sole 111, the first reinforcement 112, the core 113, the second reinforcement 114 and the layer protection 115 are stacked in a mold 130. The latter comprises a base 131 and a lid 132. The closing of the mold 130, its pressurization and its elevation temperature give board 90 its cohesion. Tabs 133 formed in the mold cover 130 shapes the grooves 121. Where a tab 133 presses, the reinforcement 114 is deformed to make way for a groove 121. This phenomenon occurs because the tongue 133 exerts a high pressure, like a knife in a material to cut. In addition, before its solidification, the reinforcement 114 is easily deformable. Indeed, the reinforcement 114 is a mixture of viscous resin and fibers. So a localized overpressure forms a groove 121 by causing fibers to move in the reinforcement 114, before it is solidified. The fibers are pushed on either side of the groove 121.

It appeared that the protective layer 115 naturally follows the shape of the reinforcement 114, keeping a substantially constant thickness.

The structure of the grooves 121 hardly reduces the extent of the reinforcement 114 in the transverse direction, but reduces it more in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the board 90 substantially retains its resistance to bending, along a transverse axis, in the second intermediate zone 107. But the board 90 loses a little resistance to torsion, in the second intermediate zone 107, along a longitudinal axis. It is therefore easier to twist it along the longitudinal axis. it further improves the registration of the plate 90 in curve.

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

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

In particular for any board, provision may be made to weaken either the first reinforcement or the second reinforcement, or both.

On the same board, the weakening techniques can be standardized, or diversified.

A weakened portion may extend into a containment area, or beyond the area of detention.

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

Claims (10)

Gliding or rolling board (1, 50, 70, 90) having a length measured in a longitudinal direction (L) between a first end (2, 91) and a second end (3, 92) of the board (1, 50, 70, 90), a width measured in a transverse direction between a first edge (4, 93) and a second edge (5, 94), and a height measured between a sliding face (6, 95) and a face reception (7, 96), the board (1, 50, 70, 90) having in height at least one first reinforcement (22, 52, 72, 112), the board (1, 50, 70, 90) having , from the first end (2, 91) to the second end (3, 92), a first end zone (8, 97), a central zone (9, 98) and a second end zone (10, 99),
characterized in that in the central zone (9, 98), at least one of the reinforcements (22, 24, 52, 54, 72, 74, 112, 114) has at least one portion (30, 120) of which the structure is mechanically weakened compared to the rest of the reinforcement structure (22, 24, 52, 54, 72, 74, 112, 114). Board (1, 50, 70, 90) according to claim 1, characterized in that the central zone (9, 98) successively comprises a first retaining zone (16, 106), a second intermediate zone (17, 107) and a second retaining zone (18, 108), and in that the portion (30, 120) whose structure is weakened is included in the second intermediate zone (17, 107). Board (1, 50, 70) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mechanical weakening of the portion (30) is achieved by reducing the amount of material within the reinforcement (22, 24, 52, 54, 72, 74). Board (1, 50, 70) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reinforcement (22, 24, 52, 54, 72, 74) has at least one groove (31, 32, 33) , each groove (31, 32, 33) having a substantially linear shape, and being oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction (L) of the board (1, 50, 70). Board (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that a lining (34, 35, 36) delimits the interior of the groove (31, 32, 33), the lining extending opposite the reinforcement (22 , 24) and the nucleus (23). Board (50) according to claim 4, characterized in that the core (53) has a housing for a lining (57), the lining (57) extending only along the core (53) to form the bottom d 'A groove (56) of the reinforcement (52, 54), flush with the reinforcement (52, 54) on the side of the core (53). Board (70) according to claim 4, characterized in that a groove (76) of the reinforcement (72, 74) is blocked by a lining (77). Board (90) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reinforcement (112, 114) has at least one groove (121), the groove (121) reducing the thickness of the reinforcement (112, 114) where he's stretching. Board (90) according to claim 8, characterized in that the groove (121) is oriented substantially longitudinally relative to the board (90). Board (90) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the groove has a rounded shape.

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