U.S. patent application number 10/140516 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-13 for magnetic traction device.
Invention is credited to Taylor, William David.
Application Number | 20030211789 10/140516 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29399444 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030211789 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor, William David |
November 13, 2003 |
Magnetic traction device
Abstract
A magnetic traction device includes at least one shoe member
having a sole, the sole having an inner surface and an opposite
surface. The magnetic traction device also includes a plurality of
magnets positioned on at least one surface of the shoe member.
Additionally, the magnetic traction device includes a board member
having a traction pad, wherein the shoe member is detachably
coupled to the traction pad to provide a means to maneuver the
board member.
Inventors: |
Taylor, William David; (Palm
Beach Gardens, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
J. RODMAN STEELE, JR.
AKERMAN SENTERFITT
222 LAKEVEIW AVE.
SUITE 400 P.O. BOX 3188
WEST PALM BEACH
FL
33402-3188
US
|
Family ID: |
29399444 |
Appl. No.: |
10/140516 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
441/74 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 32/47 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/74 |
International
Class: |
B63B 035/79 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A magnetic traction device, comprising: at least one shoe member
having a sole, said sole having a first surface and an opposite
surface; a plurality of magnetic inserts positioned on at least one
of said first surface and said opposite surface of said sole; a
board member having a traction pad, wherein said shoe member is
detachably coupled to said traction pad to provide a means to
maneuver said board member.
2. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, wherein said shoe
member includes a support mechanism affixed to a surface of said
shoe member to secure a user to said shoe member.
3. The magnetic traction device of claim 2, wherein said support
mechanism consists of a strap.
4. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, wherein said shoe
member is composed of a water-proof rubber material.
5. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, wherein said plurality
of magnetic inserts are composed of a magnetic material.
6. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, wherein said plurality
of magnetic inserts are detachably coupled to said sole of said
shoe member.
7. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, wherein said board
member is composed of a material selected from the group consisting
of wood, plastic, rubber, fabric and metal.
8. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, wherein said traction
pad includes a first surface and an opposite surface.
9. The magnetic traction device of claim 8, wherein a protective
coating is affixed to at least one of the first surface and said
opposite surface of said traction pad.
10. The magnetic traction device of claim 9, wherein said
protective coating comprises a textured material to provide an
increase in traction on said board member.
11. The magnetic traction device of claim 10, wherein said textured
material is selected from the group consisting of foam and
rubber.
12. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, wherein an adhesive
coating is affixed to at least one of the first surface and said
opposite surface of said traction pad.
13. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, wherein said traction
pad includes a metal insert.
14. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, wherein said metal
insert comprises a ferrous metal material.
15. The magnetic traction device of claim 11, wherein said metal
insert is shaped in the form of a metal sheet.
16. The magnetic traction device of claim 11, wherein said metal
insert is shaped in the form of a metal fragment.
17. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, wherein said metal
insert is embedded in a surface of said board member.
18. The magnetic traction device of claim 1, wherein the sole of
the shoe member includes a textured material.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates in general to a water sports device,
and in particular to a magnetic traction device utilized in water
sports.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Several attempts have been made to develop a device that can
be utilized during water sport activities to provide increased
traction while also maintaining safety. For instance, a number of
inventions in the prior art have incorporated the use of different
types of shoe devices attached to the surface of water sports
equipment to provide increased handling of such devices during use.
Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,192 to Bryce discloses a binding
apparatus for use with an item of sports equipment, including a
first part adapted to an article of footwear and a second part
adapted for attachment of the sports item. The footwear is attached
utilizing a cylindrical ring that extends from the sports equipment
and is attached to an opening located on the, footwear. While the
Bryce device can be an adequate solution for the basic purpose and
function for which it had been specifically designed, the Bryce
design is deficient with respect to its failure to provide the most
efficient and convenient structure for attachment to the surface of
sporting equipment. The device disclosed by Bryce does not allow a
full range of lateral motion during attachment as a result of the
site of connection being stationary.
[0005] Other device designs in the prior art are deficient in
consequence of malfunctions and misalignment problems occurring
during use. For example, some devices available in the prior art
utilize straps to couple the user to the particular sports
equipment. In devices incorporating the use of straps, the user's
feet are strapped directly to the board in a fixed position.
However, the use of straps are not practical for water sports
activities, such as surfing, as straps limit the user's ability to
adjust his footing while surfing. Additionally, the strapping
components can be difficult to engage and disengage during use and
may result in a significant loss of time. The inherent deficiencies
of these types of devices can result in undesirable delays while
surfing, as timing is extremely important in surfing and other
related water sports.
[0006] Other methods utilized to increase traction and coupling to
water sports equipment can include conventional waxing methods. For
instance, in water sporting activities such as surfing, a soft wax
can be applied to the surface of a surfboard to promote the
traction between the user's feet and the surfboard. However, the
conventional waxing methods provide negligible increases in
traction and are only temporary in nature as the surfboards must be
periodically rewaxed to provide renewed traction. In addition to
conventional waxing methods, other methods that are utilized in an
effort to increase traction to a surfboard include attaching a
textured rubber or foam pad to the surface of a surfboard. A
textured rubber or foam pad is an improvement over conventional wax
methods as pads provide the user with a permanent form of traction.
Although pads are generally more beneficial than convention wax
methods, pads still lack the ability to provide an enhanced level
of traction inherent with the coupling of the user to the surface
of a surfboard.
[0007] Many of the available prior art devices can be ineffective
for the purpose of providing a significant amount of traction to
the user when utilizing water sports equipment. In consequence,
often users are compelled to use devices that are very complex and
difficult to use, while also causing significant safety concerns
due to burdensome designs. Whether it is a shoe device that tightly
straps a users feet to the surface of a water sports device thereby
restricting movement or a device that provides a diminutive level
of traction that inadequately supports the corresponding user, the
current devices remain problematic. A water sports device should be
very simple to use; however, what appears to be a simple process
can be extremely difficult and sometimes tedious. Accordingly,
there exists a need for an improved magnetic traction device for
use in water sports activities, such as surfing.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to a magnetic traction device
that can accommodate a plurality of magnetic inserts and provides a
means of increasing the traction of a particular user while
performing various water sports activities, such as surfing.
[0009] According to the invention the magnetic traction device
provides the user the ability to easily disengage from the
corresponding water sporting equipment with a limited amount of
effort. A magnetic traction device can include a shoe member having
a plurality of magnetic inserts positioned to a surface of the shoe
member. The magnetic traction device also includes a board member
having a traction pad that incorporates a material, such as ferrous
metal and the like, to provide a magnetic attraction between the
shoe member and the traction pad. For instance, the magnetic
inserts can be positioned in the sole of a shoe member. The shoe
member can provide a detachable connection to the water sporting
device that allows the user to have an increased level of traction
when utilizing the particular sporting device. The traction pad
component of the magnetic traction device provides increased
traction which allows the user additional control to maneuver the
particular device.
[0010] The plurality of magnetic inserts can be arranged in a
periodic relationship across the surface of the shoe member.
Preferably, the magnetic inserts are positioned on the lowermost
surface of the shoe member. Specifically, in an embodiment having
magnetic inserts positioned in the sole of the shoe member, the
inserts can be arranged to provide the maximum level of attraction.
In addition, the number of magnetic inserts can be varied
accordingly to accommodate the weight of the particular user. For
example, the number of magnetic inserts can be increased to provide
a greater level of traction for an individual user having a larger
weight. Conversely, the number of magnetic inserts can be decreased
to lower the level of traction for an user having a lower
weight.
[0011] The magnetic traction device can be utilized in various
types of water sporting activities. In one embodiment of the
present invention, the magnetic traction device can be can be
utilized to provide a means for coupling the user to the surface of
a wakeboard that is pulled behind a power boat. Similarly, the
magnetic traction device can be incorporated into kite surfboards
and wind surfboards to provide an alternate means of coupling the
user to the water sporting device and to provide a heightened level
of traction while performing such activity. The magnetic traction
device can be adapted to accommodate the dimensions of the
particular board design and allow the user to freely maneuver about
the surface of the board without inhibiting movement in a specific
direction.
[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the traction
pad can include a metal insert encased within the traction pad by
rubber or foam material to provide a means of magnetic attraction
between the traction pad and the magnetic inserts located in the
shoe member. For instance, a metal insert in the form of a sheet
can be embedded in or attached to the surface of a surfboard to
provide a magnetically attractable surface to attract the magnets
inserted within the sole of the shoe member. An alternative to
metal sheets can include metal fragments positioned periodically on
the surface of the board or encased within the traction pad by
rubber or foam material. The metal fragments can distribute the
level of attraction evenly across the surface of the board.
Distributing the fragments across the board also contributes to the
users ability to easily detach the shoe member from the surface of
the board.
[0013] A protective layer of material, such as rubber or foam, can
encase the metal material attached to the surface of the board to
provide additional protection to the user. Additionally, a
protective layer enhances the user's ability to easily break away
from the board surface.
[0014] The components of the present invention can be composed of
any suitable combination of material, such as rubber, foam,
plastic, wood, fabric, ferrous metals and magnetic materials. For
example, the sole of the shoe member can be composed of rubber
having magnetic inserts, while the surfboard traction pad can be
composed of a metal sheet encased in rubber or foam. The components
of the present invention are not limited to a particular material
and can include combinations of materials that further provide
enhancement of the user's flexibility of movement and coupling
force while performing water sporting activities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] There are presently shown in the drawings embodiments which
are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and
instrumentalities shown.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe member of a magnetic
traction device;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first surface of a traction pad
of a magnetic traction device;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view of an opposite surface of a traction
pad of a magnetic traction device; and
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shoe member detachably
couple to a traction pad of a magnetic traction device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The present invention relates to a magnetic traction device
10. More particularly, the present invention relates to a magnetic
traction device 10 providing increased traction and maneuvering
ability during the operation of water sports equipment, such as
surfboards, wakeboards, and the like. Additionally, the invention
provides convenience and flexibility through the use of a magnetic
traction device 10 that allows an individual user to easily
disengage from an article of water sports equipment while
maintaining elevated levels of traction. The invention further
provides increased support and security to an individual user while
utilizing the magnetic traction device 10 during actual engagement
in water sports activities. Although the illustrations provided
herewith depict the present invention in specific embodiments, it
is understood that the illustrations are intended to be for
illustrative purposes only. Accordingly, it is understood that the
invention can exist in several embodiments.
[0021] FIGS. 1-4, taken together illustrate a magnetic traction
device 10 configured in accordance with the invention arrangements.
A magnetic traction device 10 which has been configured in
accordance with the inventive arrangements can include at least one
shoe member 12 having a sole 14, the sole 14 having a first surface
16 and an opposite surface 18. The invention can include a
plurality of magnets positioned on at least one surface of the shoe
member 20. Additionally, the invention can include a board member
22 having a traction pad 24, wherein the shoe member 12 is
detachably coupled to the traction pad 24 to provide a means to
maneuver the board member 22.
[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the shoe member 12 can include a
plurality of magnetic inserts 20 positioned in the sole 14 of the
shoe member 12. The sole 14 of the shoe member 12 can include a
first surface 16 and an opposite surface 18. The sole 14 of the
shoe member 12 also can include a textured material 32 to provide
added friction and increased traction. The shoe member 12 can be
composed of water proof rubber or foam. Additionally, the shoe
member 12 can include a support mechanism. The support mechanism
can be in the form of a strap or other suitable fastening
apparatus. In one embodiment of the invention, the shoe member 12
can include three looped straps 34. As shown in FIG. 1, two straps
34 can be affixed to secure the instep of the user's foot, while
the other strap is secured across the user's ankle area to provide
further support. The straps 34 can include looped straps 34, which
can be easily strapped and unstrapped during the performance of a
water sports activity by utilizing velcro. The use of straps 34 on
the shoe member 12 during water sports activities, such has
surfing, allow the user to be secured to the shoe member 12 and
provides support while the user navigates the direction of the
water sports equipment. Other types of support mechanisms having
buttons and zippers can also be incorporated, as the design is not
limited to straps 34.
[0023] The magnetic inserts 20 can be affixed to the shoe member
12, as depicted in FIG. 1. In the preferred embodiment of the
invention, the magnetic inserts 20 are positioned periodically on
the sole 14 of the shoe member 12. The magnetic inserts 20 can be
adapted to at least one of the first surface 16 and the opposite
surface 18 of the sole 14 to provide additional traction. The
plurality of magnetic inserts 20 can include various types of
magnetic materials, such as rare earth magnetic materials. The
magnets also can be encased. The magnets can be formed in varying
shapes depending on the particular design. A preferred shape can
include a circular design. The plurality of magnets can be received
by open spaces in the sole 14 of the shoe member 12. For instance,
circular magnets can be received by circular indentations formed in
the sole 14 of the particular shoe member 12. The open spaces can
be formed during the manufacturing process to ensure that the
magnetic inserts 20 are properly lodged in the sole 14 of the shoe
member 12. The magnetic inserts 20 can also be detachably coupled
to the sole 14 of the shoe member 12. Accordingly, an embodiment
having detachably coupled magnetic inserts 20 allows the user to
adjusted the number of magnetic inserts 20 accordingly to suit the
corresponding weight of the user. An increase in the number of
magnetic inserts 20 can result in an increase in magnetism and the
overall traction. A decrease in the number of magnets can result in
a decrease in magnetism and a decrease in traction. For example, a
user having a larger weight can increase the number of magnetic
inserts 20 to provide greater traction, and a user having a lighter
weight can decrease the number of magnetic inserts 20 to decrease
the traction. The detachable magnetic inserts 20 also allow the
user to adjust the number of magnetic inserts 20 depending on
conditions, such as weather conditions and the like, in which the
water sports equipment will be utilized.
[0024] The board member 22 of the magnetic traction device 10, as
shown in FIG. 4, can include a traction pad 24. In the particular
embodiment, the board member 22 is utilized for surfing. The
traction pad 24 provides an area that can be directly engaged to
the shoe member 12 to provide increased traction. The traction pad
24 can include a first surface 26 and an opposite surface 28. A
protective layer 36 can be affixed to at least one of the first
surface 26 and the opposite surface 28 of the traction pad 24, as
illustrated in FIG. 2. Also, an adhesive layer 38 can be affixed to
at least one of the first surface 26 and the opposite surface 28 of
the traction pad 24, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In a preferred
embodiment, the protective layer 36 is located on a surface of the
board member 22 in a position directly in contact with the shoe
member 12. The protective layer 36 can also comprise a textured
material 40 to further increase the traction. The textured material
40 can include foam, rubber, or any other suitable material. The
textured material 40 can provide cushioning and prevent injury in
the event an individual user contacts the outer surface of the
board during usage in a harmful manner, such as during an
accident.
[0025] The traction pad 24 can include at least one metal insert
42. The metal insert 42 can be embedded in the traction pad 24. The
metal insert 42 can comprise a ferrous metal material. The metal
insert can be in the form of a metal sheet or metal fragment. For
example, in one embodiment, a metal sheet can be used to form the
traction pad 24 having a protective layer 36 on the first surface
26 and an adhesive layer 38 on the opposite surface 28.
Alternatively, the traction pad 24 can include a plurality of metal
inserts dispersed throughout the surface of the traction pad 24,
instead of a larger sized metal sheet. The use of metal inserts 42
within the traction pad 24 provides a magnetically attractable
surface that can be attracted to the magnetic inserts 20 located in
the shoe member 12. The magnetized surface allows the shoe member
12 to be firmly secured to the traction pad 24 during usage by
increasing the level of traction. The magnetic attractability of
the traction pad 24 can be altered by providing an additional
coating of material to buffer the attractability of the metal. For
example, the protective layer 36 can be composed of a rubber or
foam material to provide such a buffer. Also, the metal inserts can
be comprised of a thin metal sheet or small metal fragments
dispersed across the traction pad 24 to decrease the field of
magnetization created by the metal inserts.
[0026] The magnetic traction device 10 can be utilized to increase
traction while performing a number of water sporting activities.
Preferably, the magnetic traction device 10 is utilized for
surfing. The magnetic traction device 10 allows the user to
magnetically enhance the friction force between the shoe member 12
and the surface of the board member 22. The magnetic traction
device 10 also provides the user with a coupling force to the board
member 22. The increase in frictional force provides the user, such
as a surfer, with greater traction and handling ability. The surfer
is also provided with the flexibility of uninhibited movement about
the surface of the board instead of being isolated to a specified
area. Further, the surfer can freely engage and disengage from the
surface of the board member 22 without extending considerable
amounts of force. The shoe member 12 allows a surfer to easily
breakway from the traction pad 24 of the board member 22 by
applying a force extending outward in a direction perpendicular to
the surface of the board. For example, a surfer can easily
disengage from the board member 22 while surfing by simply prying
his foot sideways and upward from the board member 22. Providing
the surfer with the ability to easily breakaway from the board
member 22 is an improvement over conventional devices utilizing
straps to secure the user to the actual surfboard, which can be
dangerous in large waves, as well as other situations.
[0027] The magnetic traction device 10 also can be utilized in
other water sports activities, such as wakeboarding, to provide a
means for coupling the user to the surface of a wakeboard.
Similarly, the magnetic traction device 10 can be incorporated into
use for kiteboards and wind-surfboards to provide a means of
coupling the user to the water sporting device and increase the
level of traction while performing such activity. The magnetic
traction device 10 can be adapted to accommodate the dimensions of
the particular board design and allow the user to freely maneuver
about the surface of the board without inhibiting movement in a
specific direction.
[0028] The components of the magnetic traction device 10 can be
composed of any suitable material providing a means of increasing
traction while performing the corresponding water sports activity,
and is not limited to any particular material. Suitable materials
can include rubber, foam, plastic, wood, fabric, ferrous metals and
magnetic materials. For instance, the shoe member 12 may be
composed of soles 14 made from rubber and include velcro straps,
while the board member 22 is composed of plastic and metal
material.
[0029] It will of course be understood that the invention is not
limited to the specific details described herein, which are given
by way of example only, and that various modifications and
alterations are possible within the scope of the invention as
defined therein. Those skilled in the art may make modifications
that include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function
and manner of operation, without departing from the principles and
concepts set forth herein.
* * * * *