U.S. patent application number 14/515804 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-23 for watersports board.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lucas McLelan. Invention is credited to Lucas McLelan.
Application Number | 20150111448 14/515804 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52826560 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150111448 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McLelan; Lucas |
April 23, 2015 |
WATERSPORTS BOARD
Abstract
A watersports board includes a first rail handle retaining
feature disposed along a first rail of the watersports board and
configured to releasably attach a first rail handle at various
positions along the first rail. A second rail handle retaining
feature disposed along a second rail of said watersports and
configured to releasably attach a second rail handle at various
positions along the second rail.
Inventors: |
McLelan; Lucas; (Santa Cruz,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McLelan; Lucas |
Santa Cruz |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52826560 |
Appl. No.: |
14/515804 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61892651 |
Oct 18, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
441/74 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 32/60 20200201;
B63B 32/00 20200201; B63B 32/70 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/74 |
International
Class: |
B63B 35/79 20060101
B63B035/79; B63B 35/85 20060101 B63B035/85 |
Claims
1. A watersports board comprising: a first rail handle retaining
feature disposed along a first rail of said watersports board and
configured to releasably attach a first rail handle at various
positions along said first rail; and a second rail handle retaining
feature disposed along a second rail of said watersports and
configured to releasably attach a second rail handle at various
positions along said second rail.
2. The watersports board of claim 1, wherein said first rail handle
retaining feature comprises: a plurality of first rail handle
retaining features disposed at separate positions along said first
rail.
3. The watersports board of claim 1, wherein said second rail
handle retaining feature comprises: a plurality of second rail
handle retaining features disposed at separate positions along said
second rail.
4. The watersports board of claim 1, further comprising: a first
handle retaining feature offset from a longitudinal axis of said
watersports board and configured to releasably attach a handle
device to facilitate in balancing a user while standing on said
watersports board.
5. The watersports board of claim 4, further comprising: a second
handle retaining feature offset from a longitudinal axis of said
watersports board and configured to releasably attach said handle
device to facilitate in balancing said user while standing on said
watersports board.
6. The watersports board of claim 1, further comprising: at least
one fin.
7. The watersports board of claim 1, further comprising: a
leash.
8. A watersports board system comprising: a watersports board; a
first rail handle configured to releasably attach at various
positions along a first rail of said watersports board; and a
second rail handle configured to releasably attach at various
positions along a second rail of said watersports board.
9. The watersports board system of claim 8, wherein said first
handle and said second handle are further configured to attach at
location consisting of: a tip portion, a mid-board portion, and a
rear portion.
10. The watersports board system of claim 8, wherein said
watersports board further comprises: a first plurality of through
holes disposed along said first rail to releasably retain said
first rail handle at said various positions along said first rail,
and a second plurality of through holes disposed along said second
rail to releasably retain said second rail handle at said various
positions along said second rail.
11. The watersports board system of claim 8, wherein said
watersports board further comprises: a first handle retaining
feature offset from a longitudinal axis of said watersports board
and configured to releasably attach a handle device to facilitate
in balancing a user while standing on said watersports board.
12. The watersports board of claim 11, further comprising: a second
handle retaining feature offset from a longitudinal axis of said
watersports board and configured to releasably attach said handle
device to facilitate in balancing said user while standing on said
watersports board.
15. The watersports board system of claim 8, further comprising: a
handle device comprising: a base portion configured to protrude
from a top surface of said watersports board; and a handle portion
attached to said base portion, wherein said handle portion is
configured to be positioned offset from a longitudinal axis of said
watersports board.
16. The watersports board system of claim 15, wherein said handle
device further comprises: a releasable attachment portion attached
to said base portion, wherein said releasable attachment portion is
configured to releasably attach to said watersports board at
various positions on said watersports board such that said handle
device is able to be selectively positioned on said watersports
board.
17. The watersports board system of claim 16, wherein said
releasable attachment portion comprises: a base plate configured to
be seated on a top surface of said watersports board; and an end
portion configured to be disposed within said watersports
board.
18. The watersports board system of claim 8, further comprising: at
least one fin.
19. The watersports board system of claim 8, further comprising: a
leash.
20. A handle device for a watersports board comprising: a base
portion configured to protrude from a top surface of said
watersports board; a handle portion attached to said base portion,
wherein said handle portion is configured to be positioned offset
from a longitudinal axis of said watersports board; and a
releasable attachment portion comprising: a base plate configured
to be seated on a top surface of said watersports board; and an end
portion configured to be disposed within said watersports board.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S.
Application No. 61/892,651, filed on Oct. 18, 2013, entitled
"WATERSPORTS BOARD," by Lucas McLelan.
[0002] This application is related to co-pending U.S. application
Ser. No. 14/273,407, filed on May 13, 2014, entitled "HANDLE DEVICE
FOR A WATERSPORTS BOARD," by Lucas McLelan.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Learning to surf on a surfboard can be challenging to
various types of surfers. For example, it is difficult for a novice
or disabled surfer to learn to stand up on the surfboard and
maintain balance when attempting to surf on a surfboard.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments
and, together with the Description of Embodiments, serve to explain
principles discussed below. The drawings referred to in this brief
description of the drawings should not be understood as being drawn
to scale unless specifically noted.
[0005] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a top view of a watersports
board.
[0006] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of view of a watersports board
including rail handles.
[0007] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of an isometric view of a
handle device.
[0008] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a side view of a watersports
board in combination with a handle device and rail handles.
[0009] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of an isometric view of a
handle device and attachment portion.
[0010] FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a side view of a handle
device and attachment portion.
[0011] FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of top view of a handle device
in combination with a watersports board.
[0012] FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of top view of a handle device
in combination with a watersports board.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
While various embodiments are discussed herein, it will be
understood that they are not intended to be limiting. On the
contrary, the presented embodiments are intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope the various embodiments as defined by
the appended claims. Furthermore, in this Description of
Embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding. However, embodiments may be
practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other
instances, well known methods, procedures, and components, have not
been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of
the described embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of watersports board 100 (e.g.,
a surfboard). FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of watersports board 100
that includes rail handles 201 and 202.
[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, board 100 is utilized for
training of a person to surf or ride a surfboard. For example, a
rider (e.g., a child, adult, physically disabled person, etc.) may
not have the requisite experience, balance, coordination, strength,
etc. to properly ride the surfboard. However, by utilizing board
100 and additional components (which will be described in further
detail below), the rider is able to gradually increase his/her
surfing skills. In some instances, board 100 is utilized as a
training tool for children in learning how to ride a surfboard.
[0016] Board 100 can be any watersports board that is able to be
propelled by a naturally occurring wave, such as an ocean wave.
However, board 100 can also be propelled by a human created wave,
such as a wave generated in a wave park.
[0017] In various embodiments, board 100 can be any various type of
surfboard, such as, but not limited to, a longboard, shortboard,
gun, fish, soft top, paddle board, etc.
[0018] In one embodiment, board 100 is a self-propelling. For
example, board 100 generates a forward thrust provided by an
impeller powered by an electric motor. Accordingly, board 100 can
be propelled by both a naturally occurring wave and an
impeller.
[0019] In various embodiments, board 100 is not required to be a
skim board, wake board, snow board, etc. Moreover, board 100 is not
required to include any feet retaining features, such as but not
limited to, straps, bindings, etc. However, board 100 may include a
pad or the like that increases the friction of the foot on the
board but does not physically retain or hold the foot on the
board.
[0020] Board 100 includes, among other things, top surface 110 (or
deck), tip 123 (or nose), tail 122, first rail 150 (or edge), and
second rail 151 (or edge) and at least one fin (e.g., fin 440) that
is disposed in a back portion 120 of board 100. Board 100 can
include any number of fins that protrude from the bottom
surface.
[0021] Board 100 includes rail handle retaining features 152
disposed along rail 150 and retaining features 153 disposed along
rail 151.
[0022] Features 152 are configured to releasably attach first rail
handle 201 at various positions along first rail 150. Likewise,
features 153 are configured to releasably attach first rail handle
202 at various positions along first rail 151.
[0023] In various embodiments, features 152 and 153 are various
attachment means or mechanism that are able to quickly and securely
attach and detach with the mating portions of rail handles 201 and
201. For example, features 152 and 153 can be, but are not limited
to, a friction fit attachment, a threaded attachment, a quick
disconnect attachment, inserts, etc. It is noted that features 152
and 153 travel along the length of rails 150 and 151,
respectively.
[0024] In one embodiment, features 152 and 153 are a slot or rail,
such that the handles may slide within the slot or over the rail to
a selected position and then locked in place.
[0025] In one embodiment, features 152 and 153 are through holes.
Accordingly, a fastener and/or a portion of the mating portions of
rail handle are inserted into features 152 and 153 to releasably
fasten the rail handles to top surface and along the rails of board
100.
[0026] In one embodiment, handles 201 and 202 are positioned
towards tip 123, as depicted in FIG. 2. As a result, a novice rider
(such as a child) is able to lie down (face first) on the top
surface of board 100 and grasp handles 201 and 202 to securely
maintain the position on top of the board, while the board is being
propelled. The board may be propelled by a wave, by a push from
behind by an instructor, etc.
[0027] In contrast, if no handles were present, the rider would be
required to grasp onto rails 150 and 151 which are wet and
slippery. As a result, the difficulty in grasping rails 150 and 151
increases the likelihood that the rider of losing the proper
positioning/balance on top of the board, while laying down, and
falling off of the board.
[0028] Handles 201 and 202 may be positioned at any selected
position along the length of features 152 and 153,
respectively.
[0029] In one embodiment, handles 201 and 202 may be positioned in
the mid-portion of board 100. That is, handles 201 and 202 are
positioned such that a rider, when laying down and hands at
mid-chest level (similar to the position of the hands while
attempting to do a push-up), is able to grasp handles 201 and 202
and subsequently push himself up into a standing position on board
100.
[0030] In another embodiment, handles 201 and 202 may be positioned
towards back portion 120. That is, handles 201 and 202 are
positioned such that another person who is behind the board is able
to grasp handles 201 and 202 to control the board and/or push the
board while the rider is on the board (e.g., laying down, standing,
etc.)
[0031] Handles 201 and 202 may be any handle that is able to be
releasably attached to the top surface of the board via features
152 and 153, respectively. In various embodiments, the handles are,
cushioned, rigid, flexible, buoyant, etc.
[0032] Board 100 also includes handle retaining features 140 and
141. Features 140 and 141 are configured to releasably attach a
handle device (e.g., handle device 300) to facilitate in balancing
a user while standing on said watersports board, which will
described in further detail below.
[0033] In one embodiment, features 140 and 141 are inserts disposed
on the right hand side of center line 130 and on the left hand side
of center line 130, respectively.
[0034] In various embodiments, board 100 may also include various
sets of fins (e.g., soft fins), stickers (e.g., adhesive decals),
leash, leash plug, etc.
[0035] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of handle device 300 configured
to releasably attach to a watersports board (e.g., a surfboard). In
general, handle device 300 is utilized to facilitate in the
training of a person to surf or ride a surfboard. By utilizing
handle device 300, which is attached the surfboard, the rider is
able to hold on to the handle device while riding the surfboard. It
should be appreciated that handle device 300 can be utilized alone
and/or in combination with handles 201 and 202.
[0036] Handle device 300 includes handle portion 310, base portion
320, and releasable attachment portion 330. In one embodiment,
handle device 300 is buoyant.
[0037] Handle portion 310 is configured for a rider to grasp while
riding a surfboard. Handle portion 310 is depicted as a straight
bar. However, handle portion 310 can be any shape or configuration
that is compatible for a surfboard rider to comfortably grasp while
riding a surfboard. For example, handle portion 310 may include
grips or the like.
[0038] Base portion 320 is configured to be releasably and securely
retained in a surfboard via releasable attachment portion 330. For
example, releasable attachment portion 330 seats in feature 140 or
141.
[0039] In general, base portion 320 is comprised of material that
provides sufficient strength and stiffness such that a rider is
able to grasp onto handle portion 310 and ride the surfboard
without the base portion 320 collapsing, bending, etc. Base portion
320 can be comprised of, but not limited to, aluminum, PVC,
semi-rigid polymer, etc.
[0040] In one embodiment, base portion 320 is rigid. In another
embodiment, base portion 320 is resiliently flexible. That is, base
portion 320 is able to be rigid, however, it is able collapse or
flex when a certain amount of force is applied to it. For example,
if a rider falls down while riding the surfboard, base portion 320
is able to collapse such that it does not injure the falling rider.
Additionally, the collapsed base portion is able to resiliently
spring back into its original position.
[0041] In another embodiment, base portion 320 is telescopic. That
is, the height of handle portion 310 may be adjusted by
telescopically adjusting base portion 320.
[0042] Releasable attachment portion 330 is configured to
releasably attach to the surfboard. Releasable attachment portion
330 can be any attachment means or mechanism that is able to
quickly and securely attach and detach with the surfboard. For
example, releasable attachment portion 330 can be, but is not
limited to, a friction fit attachment, a threaded attachment, a
quick disconnect attachment, etc.
[0043] Insert 340 is configured to be inserted into a surfboard and
that physically engages with releasable attachment portion 330. For
example, insert 340 can be, but is not limited to, a friction fit
attachment, a threaded attachment, a quick disconnect attachment,
etc. that physically mates with releasable attachment portion 330.
In various embodiments, features 140 and 141, as described above,
are an insert, such as insert 340.
[0044] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiments of board 100 including handle
device 300 and handle 202 (handle 201 is also attached to board 100
but is not depicted in the side view).
[0045] Typically, while a rider is riding a wave on board 100, the
rider stands in back portion 120 and also stands off to one side of
center line 130 (e.g., longitudinal axis). That is, to properly
balance while riding a wave, the rider stands off to the side of
board 200.
[0046] Accordingly, in some embodiments, handle device 300 is
positioned in back portion 120 and on either side of centerline
130. In one embodiment, back portion 120 is any portion on top
surface 110 that is in the back half of board 100.
[0047] In various embodiments, inserts (e.g., insert 340) are
inserted into board 100. For example, the inserts are placed on the
right hand side of center line 130 and the left hand side of center
line 130.
[0048] In one embodiment, board 100 is a soft top board and holes
(e.g., features 140 and 141) are created in the board such that the
inserts (e.g., insert 340) are able to be securely retained within
the board.
[0049] If a rider has a regular stance (where the rider's left foot
is the leading foot and the rider's right foot is the trailing foot
near the back portion of the board), the rider's body will
generally face the right hand side of the board. Accordingly,
handle device 300 is releasably retained on the right hand side of
center line 130, for example, in feature 140. This enables the
rider to hold onto handle portion 310, that is offset from
centerline 130 (on the right hand side) and in back portion 120,
such that the rider has proper position on board 100 to keep his or
her balance while riding a wave (e.g., right or left breaking
wave).
[0050] Likewise, if a rider has a "goofy foot" stance (where the
rider's right foot is the leading foot and the rider's left foot is
the trailing foot near the back portion of the board), the rider's
body will generally face the left hand side of the board.
Accordingly, handle device 300 is releasably retained on the left
hand side of center line 130, for example, in feature 141. This
enables the rider to hold onto handle portion 310, that is offset
from centerline 130 (on the left hand side) and in back portion
120, such that the rider has proper position on board 100 to keep
his or her balance while riding a wave (e.g., right or left
breaking wave).
[0051] In one embodiment, handle portion 310 is parallel with
centerline 130 (see FIG. 8). In another embodiment, handle portion
310 is positioned at an angle with respect to centerline 130 (see
FIG. 7).
[0052] It should be appreciated that the cross-sectional view of
board 100, as depicted in FIG. 4, can include other various
surfboard shapes and features, such as one or more rockers, a
thicker middle section and thinner tip and tail sections, etc.
[0053] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of handle device 500. Handle
device 500 is the same as handle device 300, however, releasable
attachment portion 530 is configured to releasably attach to the
top surface 110 of board 100.
[0054] Releasable attachment portion 530 is any feature that
facilitates in releasably securing base portion 320 to top surface
110. Releasable attachment portion 530 is any feature that extends
in the board's longitudinal and latitudinal directions. For
example, releasable attachment portion 530 is a base plate that
secures base portion 320 in the board's longitudinal and
latitudinal directions. In other words, releasable attachment
portion 530 enables handle device to be securely attached to board
100 when a rider to applies a force to handle device 500.
[0055] Releasable attachment portion 530 can be any physical shape
or configuration that facilitates in securely and releasably
attaching handle device 500 to the top surface of board 100. For
example, releasable attachment portion 530 can be a square plate,
circular plate, etc.
[0056] In other embodiments, releasable attachment portion 530 is
in the shape of an "X" or an "H," or the like, wherein base portion
320 extends from the middle of the "X" or the "H."
[0057] FIG. 6 depicts a side-view of an embodiment of handle device
600. Handle device 600 is similar to handle device 300, as
described above. Additionally, handle device 600 also includes
releasable attachment portion 630, which is similar to releasable
attachment portion 530 of handle device 500. In such an embodiment,
releasable attachment portion 330 seats within the body of board
100, and releasable attachment portion 530 seats on the top surface
of board 100.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 7, releasable attachment portion 730
is a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro.TM.) that releasably
attaches to a mating hook and loop fastener pad that is adhered to
top surface 110. In this embodiment, releasable attachment portion
730 is positioned on the left hand side of board 200 such that
handle portion 310 is located on the left hand side of board 100.
Regarding FIG. 7, in one embodiment, board 100 includes features
152 and 153 (but not depicted for brevity and clarity). In another
embodiment, board 100 does not include features 152 and 153.
[0059] Additionally, handle portion 310 is able to rotate with
respect to base portion 320 to provide additional adjustments to
particularly suit a rider.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 8, releasable attachment portion 830
(e.g., a rigid or semi-rigid plate) is retained to board 100 by
straps 832 and 833. That is, straps 832 and 833 wrap around the
circumference of board 100 to secure handle device 300 to board
100. The straps can be elastic or non-elastic. The straps can
include various types of buckles or fasteners to adjust the tension
of the straps.
[0061] It should be appreciated, that releasable attachment portion
830 can be positioned such that handle device 300 can located at
any location along the top surface of board 100. Regarding FIG. 7,
in one embodiment, board 100 includes features 152 and 153 (but not
depicted for brevity and clarity). In another embodiment, board 100
does not include features 152 and 153.
[0062] In one embodiment, a watersports board system or kit is
provided that includes board 100, handles 201 and 202, and handle
device 300 with releasable attachment portions (e.g., releasable
attachment portions 530). Additionally, the system may also include
one or more of, stickers, fins (e.g., soft fins), training material
(e.g., pamphlet, surf instructional video, etc.).
[0063] Example embodiments of the subject matter are thus
described. Although various embodiments have been described in a
language specific to structural features and/or methodological
acts, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not
necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described
above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are
disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims and their
equivalents. Moreover, examples and embodiments described herein
may be implemented alone or in various combinations with one
another.
* * * * *