U.S. patent application number 10/076219 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-14 for inflatable water sports board.
Invention is credited to Weir, James F..
Application Number | 20030153221 10/076219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27660203 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030153221 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weir, James F. |
August 14, 2003 |
Inflatable water sports board
Abstract
An inflatable water sports board, including two parallel
adjacent flexible panels. The panels have a front portion parallel
to the rest of each panel. The panels also have perimeters
connected by a sidewall adherent to the perimeters all the way
around the perimeters, enclosing an air chamber. The distance
separating the panels is upwardly limited by drop stitches between
the panels throughout the air chamber. An inflation port is
installed in one of the panels. When the board is inflated, air
pressure in the air chamber pushes the panels outward, against the
restraint of the stitching, rigidifying the panels sufficiently to
support an adult human, while maintaining a shape suitable for use
in surfing. The surface of the inflated board remains sufficiently
elastic to be unlikely to cause injury by impact. The board may
include an attached leash with bracelet for retention. When
deflated, the flexibility of the panels allows the board to be
rolled up or folded for easy transport or storage. The board may
also include a window, fins, water-cutting edges, handles,
UV-protective coating, pouches, or gas canister. The board may be
in the style of a shorter body board or a longer surfboard.
Inventors: |
Weir, James F.; (La Mesa,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Gary L. Eastman, Esq.
EASTMAN & ASSOCIATES
Suite 306
520 W. Ash Street
San Diego
CA
92101
US
|
Family ID: |
27660203 |
Appl. No.: |
10/076219 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
441/66 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 32/51 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/66 |
International
Class: |
B63B 001/00; B63B
035/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An inflatable water sports board, comprising: an upper panel; a
lower panel substantially facing said upper panel, wherein said
upper panel and said lower panel have a front portion even with the
rest of said upper panel and said lower panel; a sidewall, wherein
said upper panel, said lower panel and said sidewall enclose an air
chamber; and a plurality of thread supports between said upper
panel and said lower panel throughout said air chamber.
2. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: at
least one of said upper panel and said lower panel is at least
partially substantially planar.
3. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: at
least one of said upper panel and said lower panel is at least
partially curved.
4. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: said
upper panel is flexible and has an upper panel perimeter; said
lower panel is flexible, has a lower panel perimeter, and is
adjacent said upper panel; said sidewall has an upper lengthwise
perimeter and a lower lengthwise perimeter, said upper lengthwise
perimeter overlapping and adherent to said upper panel perimeter,
said lower lengthwise perimeter overlapping and adherent to said
lower panel perimeter; and each of said plurality of thread
supports intersects an upper point of said upper panel and an
adjacent lower point of said lower panel, wherein each of said
plurality of thread supports has a length between said upper point
and said lower point, wherein each said upper point is separated
from each said lower point by a distance, wherein said distance is
upwardly limited by said length of each of said plurality of thread
supports, wherein said upper panel and said lower panel are
substantially rigidified by air pressure in said chamber being
greater than air pressure outside said chamber.
5. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: said
lower panel has substantially the same dimensions as said upper
panel.
6. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: at
least one of said upper panel and said lower panel is approximately
rectangular.
7. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: at
least one of said upper panel and said lower panel is approximately
elliptical.
8. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: at
least a portion of at least one of said upper panel, said lower
panel, and said sidewall, has at least one other layer of flexible
material applied thereto.
9. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: said
upper panel and said lower panel are substantially parallel.
10. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: at
least one of said upper panel, said lower panel, and said sidewall,
comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
11. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: at
least one of said upper panel, said lower panel, and said sidewall,
comprises polyurethane.
12. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: at
least one of said upper panel, said lower panel, and said sidewall,
comprises HYPALON.RTM..
13. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: when
air pressure in said chamber is in a range from approximately ten
pounds per square inch (10 p.s.i.) to approximately fifteen pounds
per square inch (15 p.s.i.), said board substantially maintains it
shape when an adult person is upon it, yet said upper panel and
lower panel and sidewall remain sufficiently elastic such that said
board is little likely to cause injury by impact.
14. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: said
plurality of thread supports comprises drop stitches.
15. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: said
plurality of thread supports comprises nylon.
16. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, further
comprising: a tail portion having a swallow-tail shape.
17. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, further
comprising: a leash.
18. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, further
comprising: at least one fin.
19. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, further
comprising: at least one handle.
20. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, further
comprising: a UV-protective substance.
21. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: said
board is in the style of a body board.
22. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, wherein: said
board is in the style of a surfboard.
23. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, further
comprising: at least one pouch.
24. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, further
comprising: a canister for inflating said board.
25. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, further
comprising: a window in said upper panel and said lower panel.
26. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 25, wherein: said
window comprises translucent polymer.
27. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, further
comprising: an inflation port.
28. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 27, wherein: said
inflation port is in said upper panel.
29. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 1, further
comprising: one or more water-cutting edges.
30. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 29, wherein: at
least one of said said one or more water-cutting edges comprises
polymer.
31. An inflatable water sports board as in claim 29, further
comprising: at least one fin, wherein each of said one or more
water-cutting edges is integral with at least one of said at least
one fin.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to water sports
equipment. The present invention relates more particularly, though
not exclusively, to an inflatable water sports board. The present
invention is particularly, though not exclusively, useful for
surfing. Additional possible uses for the present invention include
as a life guard rescue device, a platform for water military
activities, a water exercise or competition board, a windsurfing
board, or as hulls for a para-sail craft.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Water sports boards and craft have existed and been used for
many years and in many forms. Types of water sports boards include
the longer surfboard intended for use in a standing position, and
the shorter body board used primarily in a prone or kneeling
position. Such boards have been made of various materials such as
wood, FIBERGLAS.RTM., rigid plastic, styrofoam, etc. Each of these
materials has advantages and disadvantages. FIBERGLAS.RTM. has the
advantage of being lightweight and sturdy. However, because
FIBERGLAS.RTM. is uncollapsible, a board made of FIBERGLAS.RTM.
cannot be reduced in size for storage or transport. Wood is also
sturdy, but can be heavy, and is also uncollapsible. Wood is also
more vulnerable to surface damage. Because of the hardness of wood
and FIBERGLAS.RTM., a user struck by a floating or flying board
made of either of these materials, can suffer painful injury
thereby. Rigid plastic, though less hard than wood or
FIBERGLAS.RTM., can have the same effect. Plastic is lightweight,
but is somewhat less sturdy than FIBERGLAS.RTM. or wood. Styrofoam
is very lightweight and not likely to cause injury by impact, but
is not very durable. A disadvantage of all of these materials is
that none of them is non-destructively collapsible.
[0003] Advantages of the above materials can be obtained, and
disadvantages avoided, by providing an inflatable water sports
board that is non-destructively collapsible for easy transport and
storage, as well as durable and lightweight, and is unlikely to
cause injury by impact.
[0004] There are types of inflatable water craft or boards in
existence. One type of inflatable water craft has an elongate
housing which has parallel top and bottom walls and a front portion
which extends upwardly with respect to the water level and is at an
angle with the rest of the housing. While this craft may be used
for surfing, it is suitable at best only for novelty surfing. It is
unsuitable for serious surfing, for several reasons. First, a
person using a board for surfing will often stand at or on the
front portion of the board for additional speed and control of the
board on large waves. A skilled surfer may even hang the toes of
both feet over the front edge of a board, or "hang ten". However,
an angled front portion on the existing type of craft prevents a
user from hanging the toes of both feet over the front edge of the
board, or even standing at or on the front portion of the board.
Therefore, the user must stand farther back on the board, which
shifts the center of gravity back and causes the board to slow down
or "snowplow" in the water. Furthermore, if a user were to stand on
the angled front portion, it would push or dive into the water.
Thus, the angled front portion of existing craft deprives the user
of much speed and control of the board.
[0005] Second, surfers paddling in the prone position have their
eyes only inches above the surface of the board. In this position,
a surfer needs full view in front of the board, in order to judge
approaching waves when entering the water, to avoid other users
approaching on waves, and to avoid hitting shallow reefs which can
cause injury to both the board and the user. However, if a user is
paddling in prone position on a board having an angled front
portion, with eyes only inches above the surface of the board, the
angled front portion blocks the view of the user. Such blockage
increases the danger that a user will run into other users or into
objects or other hazards.
[0006] Third, on a board that has an angled front portion, the
front portion is not in contact with the water. This destroys much
of the support, stability and buoyancy that the board would
otherwise have if the front portion were in contact with the water.
It also shifts the board's center of gravity, impairing its use for
surfing.
[0007] Fourth, an angled front portion makes existing craft
unsuitable for body boarding. If a board is used as a body board,
part of the body of the user is often extended beyond the front
portion of the board in order to adjust the trim of the board for
best performance. In such a case, if the front portion of the board
is angled, the angled front portion juts into the body of the user,
causing discomfort and difficulty in using the board, and forces
part of the user's body to be raised above the board instead of
allowing it to lie flat and in contact with the board, thus causing
there to be a gap between the board and the user's body adjacent to
the angle. With part of the user's body raised above the board,
both the user's stability on the board, and the user's ability to
control the board, are decreased.
[0008] For these reasons and others, existing craft having an
angled front portion are unsuitable for skilled surfing. Thus,
there is a need for an inflatable water sports board that remedies
these problems and is suitable for skilled surfing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is an inflatable water sports board
that has upper and lower parallel flexible panels that have a front
end which is substantially even with the rest of the panels. The
panels may be planar, in which case the front portion is parallel
to the rest of the panels. Alternatively, the panels may be evenly
curved, in which case the front portion is curved evenly with the
panels. The panels are separated from each other by a small
distance. The perimeters of the panels are connected by a sidewall
adherent to the perimeters all the way around the perimeters. The
panels and sidewall enclose an inflatable space. Drop stitches
connect the panels throughout the inflatable space. An inflation
port is installed in one of the panels for inflation of the space.
When the space is inflated, air pressure in the space pushes the
panels outward against the restraint of the stitching, rigidifying
the panels sufficiently to support an adult human, while
maintaining a shape suitable for use in surfing. The stitching
keeps the panels from separating from each other more than the
length of each stitch. The surface of the inflated board remains
sufficiently elastic to be unlikely to cause injury by impact. The
board may include an attached leash with bracelet for retention.
The space can be deflated by opening the port and expelling the
air. When the space is deflated, the flexibility of the panels
allows the board to be rolled up or folded for easy transport or
storage. The board may also include fins, a window, water-cutting
edges, handles, and/or indentations in the outside surface of the
lower panel that trap air bubbles to decrease friction between the
lower panel and the water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The novel features of this invention, as well as the
invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will
be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar
reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Inflatable Water Sports
Board of the present invention, with planar panels;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the Inflatable Water
Sports Board of the present invention, taken across line 2-2 of
FIG. 1, showing the stitching across the inflatable space; and
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the
Inflatable Water Sports Board of the present invention, showing
curved panels.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0014] A preferred embodiment of the Inflatable Water Sports Board
of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and generally
designated 100. FIG. 1 shows Board 100 in a body board style
typically shorter than a longer surfboard. Alternatively, board 100
may be in a longer surfboard style, or any other shape suitable for
a water craft or sports board. Board 100 has a flexible upper panel
102, a flexible lower panel 104, a sidewall 106 having an upper
lengthwise perimeter 107 and a lower lengthwise perimeter 109, a
leash 108 with a bracelet (or anklet) 110, an inflation port 112 in
upper panel 102, an air chamber (or inflatable space) 114 enclosed
by panels 102 and 104 and sidewall 106, adhesive 116 binding
sidewall 106 to the perimeters of panels 102 and 104, wherein
sidewall 106 overlaps the perimeter of each panel by an overlap
distance 118, thread supports 120 between panels 102 and 104, a
front portion 124, a rear portion 126, and side portions 128.
[0015] Panels 102 and 104 are made of flexible material. The
flexible material may be polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or
HYPALON.RTM.. Alternatively, the flexible material may comprise
neoprene, other rubber, other vinyl, or other material having
comparable flexibility and strength. Each of panels 102 and 104 may
be roughly rectangular or elliptical in shape. Each of panels 102
and 104 may alternatively be of other round or angular shape, or
partly round and partly angular; they may be polygonal or even
polygramal. Upper panel 102 has an upper panel perimeter 132. Lower
panel 104 has a lower panel perimeter 134. Each of upper panel
perimeter 132 and lower panel perimeter 134 may be curved, linear
or angular. The shape of upper panel 102 may be substantially the
same as the shape of lower panel 104, as shown in FIG. 1.
Alternatively, the shape of upper panel 102 may differ from the
shape of lower panel 104.
[0016] Panels 102 and 104 are adjacent and substantially face each
other. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, panels 102 and 104 may be
substantially parallel to each other. Panels 102 and 104 may be
substantially planar. Alternatively, panels 102 and 104 may be
substantially evenly curved from front portion 124 to rear portion
126, or from one side portion 128 to the other, or both. As yet
other alternatives, either or both of panels 102 and 104 may be
substantially curved, or substantially a planar, or partly curved
and partly planar. Each point of upper panel 102 is separated from
each adjacent point of lower panel 104 by a separation distance
136. In FIGS. 1 and 2, separation distance 136 is shown as
substantially constant. Alternatively, separation distance 136 may
vary, such that at least portions of panels 102 and 104 be not
substantially parallel to each other. As an additional alternative,
at one or more points on panels 102 and 104, separation distance
136 may be zero, depending on the desired shape of board 100. For
example, the perimeters of panels 102 and 104 may taper together
such that one or more sides of board 100 taper. As yet other
alternatives, surfaces of panels 102 and 104 may be curved, peaked
or dimpled.
[0017] Panels 102 and 104 have front portion 124. As shown in FIG.
1, front portion 124 is substantially even with the rest of panels
102 and 104. If panels 102 and 104 are substantially planar, then
front portion 124 is substantially parallel to the rest of panels
102 and 104. Referring briefly to FIG. 3, a side view of an
alternative embodiment of the Inflatable Water Sports Board of the
present invention is shown and generally designated 300. In
embodiment 300, panels 102 and 104 are substantially evenly curved
from front portion 124 to rear portion 126. As shown in FIG. 3,
front portion 124 is curved substantially evenly with the rest of
panels 102 and 104. It is also possible that one of panels 102 and
104 be substantially planar while the other be substantially
curved. In such a case, each part of front portion 124 is
substantially even with the contiguous portion of panel 102 or
104.
[0018] Referring back to FIG. 1 again, because front portion 124 is
even with panels 102 and 104, a user can stand at or on front
portion 124, thus allowing the user maximum speed and control of
the board. Also, front portion 124 is generally in contact with the
water when most of the rest of lower panel 104 is in contact with
the water. This increases the support, stability and buoyancy that
board 100 provides to the user. Also, the fact that front portion
124 is even with panels 102 and 104, allows the user greater
visibility in front of board 100 so as to better avoid hazards
while paddling or resting prone on board 100. These advantages
represent great improvements over prior art in inflatable water
sports boards and the like which may be used for surfing.
[0019] Thread supports 120 run between panels 102 and 104
throughout the areas of panels 102 and 104. Thread supports 120 may
be drop stitches. The stitches may be made in zig-zag patterns
across the surfaces of panels 102 and 104. The patterns may be
parallel to each other. Patterns of the stitches may alternatively
be diamond-shaped, criss-cross, trapezoidal, triangular, polygonal,
polygramal, angular, curved, linear, or random.
[0020] The outer surface of lower panel 104 may have indentations
in it. These indentations may be formed by thread supports 120. The
indentations may be in the patterns made by thread supports 120.
These indentations may trap air bubbles between lower panel 104 and
the water. Board 100 moving over these bubbles may experience
reduced friction between lower panel 104 and the water due to these
bubbles. This action may be similar to that of ball bearings in a
machine or rollers on a conveyor belt.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, thread supports 120 may be substantially
parallel to each other. Alternatively, thread supports 120 may be
angled to each other. Thread supports 120 may comprise nylon or
cotton or other fibrous or polymeric material. Each of panels 102
and 104 and/or sidewall 106 may optionally be overlaid with one or
more other layers of flexible material to form a laminate(s)
enclosing portions of thread supports 120 that may be outside
chamber 114. Such other layer(s) of flexible material may also be
applied to increase strength or durability of board 100. Such other
layer(s) of flexible material may be sprayed on as an overcoat, or
may be applied in sheet form and bonded by means well known in the
art. Any other part of board 100 may also have another layer of
flexible material applied to at least of portion of it. Any of the
flexible materials used in board 100 may be translucent or opaque.
Also, any part of board 100 may comprise a UV-protective substance
to prolong the life of board 100. The UV-protective substance may
be applied to any part of board 100 by coating or spraying or other
means known in the art. Alternatively, any material used to make
any part of board 100 may be impregnated with the UV-protective
substance.
[0022] FIGS. 1 and 2 show sidewall 106 as a band running all the
way around the perimeters of panels 102 and 104. Sidewall 106 may
be planar, curved, angular, or partly angular and partly curved.
Sidewall 106 can comprise the same or different materials as panels
102 and/or 104. Upper lengthwise perimeter 107 overlaps the
perimeter of upper panel 102 by overlap distance 118, all the way
around the perimeter of upper panel 102. Lower lengthwise perimeter
109 overlaps the perimeter of lower panel 104 by overlap distance
118, all the way around the perimeter of lower panel 104. Sidewall
106 may also have end perimeters (not indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2)
that overlap each other. As shown in FIG. 2, the overlaps are
sealed by adhesive 116. The overlaps may alternatively be sealed by
heat, pressure, etc. Sidewall 106 has a width equivalent to
separation distance 136 plus two times overlap distance 118. The
width of sidewall 106 may be constant as shown in FIG. 1, or it may
vary with separation distance 136 at the perimeters of panels 102
and 104.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, rear portion 126 may be concave or
cleft. This shape of rear portion 126 may be referred to as a
"swallow-tail." Alternatively, rear portion 126 may be convex,
peaked, straight, or partly curved and partly angular.
[0024] Panels 102 and 104 and sidewall 106 enclose air chamber 114.
Thread supports 120 run between panels 102 and 104 throughout air
chamber 114. Inflation port 112 is installed in either upper panel
102 or lower panel 104 to allow introduction of compressed air into
chamber 114. Inflation port 112 may alternatively be placed in
sidewall 106. When air pressure in chamber 114 exceeds air pressure
outside chamber 114, the air pressure differential rigidifies
panels 102 and 104, while each thread support 120 upwardly limit
separation distance 136 to the length of each thread support 120
between the points of panels 102 and 104 intersected by each thread
support 120. If air pressure in chamber 114 is in a range from
approximately ten pounds per square inch (10 p.s.i.) to
approximately fifteen pounds per square inch (15 p.s.i.), board 100
rigidly supports an adult person and substantially retains its
shape, yet remains sufficiently elastic that if board 100 hits a
person or thing it is little likely to cause injury. If air
pressure in chamber 114 is greater than approximately fifteen
pounds per square inch (15 p.s.i.), the rigidity of board 100 is
even greater, yets still remains more elastic than FIBERGLAS.RTM.,
wood, rigid polymer or other materials having comparable rigidity.
Thread supports 120 are spaced closely enough to control the shape
of panels 102 and 104. Generally the more closely thread supports
120 are spaced, the more planar panels 102 and 104 are. Thread
supports 120 may alternatively be more widely spaced to cause
panels 102 and/or 104 to be curved, peaked or dimpled when
inflated.
[0025] Board 100 may have leash 108 with bracelet 110 attached so
that the user does not lose board 100 if the user falls off or lets
go of board 100. Leash 108 may be attached to panel 102 or 104 or
sidewall 106 or inflation port 112.
[0026] Board 100 can be deflated by opening port 112 and expelling
the air from chamber 114. When board 100 is deflated, the
flexibility of panels 102 and 104 allows board 100 to be rolled up
or folded for easy transport or storage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, board 100 may have a window 140 (shown
in phantom line) in panels 102 and 104. Window 140 may comprise
clear plastic. Alternatively, window 140 may comprise plexiglas,
other translucent polymer, glass, or other translucent material
durable in water and in the presence of human contact. As another
alternative, board 100 may have more than one window 140. Window
140 may be useful for viewing fish, for locating lost objects, or
for locating drowning victims.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, board 100 may have one or more fins
150 on lower panel 104. Fins 150 may be adjacent rear portion 126.
Fins 150 may be elastomeric. Fins 150 may comprise an elastomer
such as a urethane. Alternatively, fins 150 may comprise another
rubber, or another polymer. Fins 150 may be attached to board 100
by means of cementing or vulcanization or other attaching means
well known in the art.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, board 100 may have water-cutting
edges 160, each along a portion of either side portion 128 adjacent
rear portion 126 and adjacent lower panel 104. Each edge 160 may be
formed by material integral with one or more fins 150.
Alternatively, any edge 160 may be formed by material separate from
any fin 150. Each edge 160 may be elastomeric. Each edge 160 may
comprise an elastomer such as a urethane. Alternatively, each edge
160 may comprise another rubber, or another polymer. Each edge 160
may be attached to board 100 by means of cementing or vulcanization
or other attaching means well known in the art. Each edge 160 may
have an angle of approximately ninety (90) degrees. Alternatively,
the angle of any edge 160 may be greater or less than 90 degrees.
As another alternative, the angle of any edge 160 may vary along
the length of the edge 160. Edges 160 may help a user of board 100
have improved control of board 100 by "cutting" the water. Edges
160 can particularly help a user of board 100 on the wave face when
crossing an unbroken wave, similarly to the edges of a snow ski
traversing a snow-covered slope.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, board 100 may have one or more
handles 170 Each handle 170 may be attached to upper panel 102 or
sidewall 106 or both. Each handle 170 may be attached adjacent one
of side portions 128. Alternatively, one or more handles 170 may be
attached to lower panel 104, or adjacent front portion 124 or rear
portion 126. Each handle 170 may comprise braided nylon rope.
Alternatively, handles 170 may comprise other fibrous or polymeric
material of similar strength. Handles 170 may be attached by means
of cement, heat, pressure, a knot through a hole in a panel 102 or
104 or in sidewall 106, or any combination of these, or by other
means well known in the art. Handles 170 may be useful for persons
to hold onto, in connection with water rescue, for example.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, board 100 may have one or more
pockets or pouches 180 for stowing gear. Each pouch 180 may be made
of nylon. Alternatively, each pouch 180 may be made of the same
material as panel 102 or 104. If a pouch 180 is made of nylon, it
may be 400 dernier or heavier. However, if desired, the nylon may
be lighter than 400 dernier. Each pouch 180 may be placed on upper
panel 102. However, if so desired, any pouch 180 may be placed
anywhere else on board 100. Each pouch 180 may be sewed or glued
onto board 100, or attached by other means known in the art.
Alternatively, any pouch 180 may be formed integrally with a part
of board 100, such as panel 102 or 104 or sidewall 106. Each pouch
180 may have a closure made of hook-and-loop (e.g., VELCRO.RTM.)
material, snaps, zippers, buttons, ties, or other closure means
known in the art.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, board 100 may have a canister 190 for
holding compressed gas which may be used to inflate board 100.
Canister 190 can be useful for inflating board 100 rapidly or
without a pump, such as in a remote location or in an emergency
situation. The compressed gas can be CO.sub.2 or other compressed
gas suitable for inflating an inflatable board, which gases are
well known in the art.
[0033] While the particular Inflatable Water Sports Board as herein
shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the
objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to
be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are
intended to the details of construction or design herein shown
other than as described in the appended claims.
* * * * *