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.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

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.

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

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

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.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a top view of a watersports board.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of view of a watersports board including rail handles.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of an isometric view of a handle device.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a side view of a watersports board in combination with a handle device and rail handles.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of an isometric view of a handle device and attachment portion.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a side view of a handle device and attachment portion.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of top view of a handle device in combination with a watersports board.

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of top view of a handle device in combination with a watersports board.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Board 100 includes rail handle retaining features 152 disposed along rail 150 and retaining features 153 disposed along rail 151.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Handles 201 and 202 may be positioned at any selected position along the length of features 152 and 153, respectively.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Handle device 300 includes handle portion 310, base portion 320, and releasable attachment portion 330. In one embodiment, handle device 300 is buoyant.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Referring now to FIG. 7, releasable attachment portion 730 is a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro™) 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.

Additionally, handle portion 310 is able to rotate with respect to base portion 320 to provide additional adjustments to particularly suit a rider.

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.

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.

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.).

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.

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.