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.

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.

Claims

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.