GB2522394A

GB2522394A - Bodyboard propulsion device

Info

Publication number: GB2522394A
Application number: GB1314562.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon John Moore
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-14
Filing date: 2013-08-14
Publication date: 2015-07-29
Also published as: GB201314562D0

Abstract

A surfboard or bodyboard having a body member 5 and one or more preferably rear facing water scoops 13 that are attached to any appropriate surface of the board and designed to catch waves or suitable power source that come from the rear or any appropriate direction to the board to help propel the board in a preferred direction. The scoops can be rigid or flexible and designed so that the delivered force against them can aid the board in moving.

Description

BODYBOARD HAVING ONE OR MORE PROPULSION DEVICE(S)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1 Field of the Invention

From here on in we will refer to the word bodyboard'. This will mean any version of equipment that could utilise this propulsion device eg: surf board, bodyboard, dinghy etc. The present invention pertains to a bodyboard, and in particular, to a bodyboard having one or more integral or selectively removable extensions, wherein each extension provides a propulsion device preferably on the underside of the bodyboard but could also be on any suitable surface so that fluid impacting on the said propulsion device propels the bodyboard.

2 Description of the Related Art

Recreational aquatic devices, such as bodyboards, surf boards or boogie boards, are well known. These devices provide a buoyant surface on which a person lies, sits, or stands. The user propels the bodyboard by paddling, kicking and/or by positioning the bodyboard in front of an incoming wave so that the bodyboards design helps to surf down the front of the wave. To use a conventional bodyboard, the user lies on the bodyboard so that the upper torso is supported by the bodyboard. The user positions the board relative to the incoming wave so that as a wave moves forward towards the shoreline the force of the oncoming water pushes on the buoyant bodyboard propelling it towards the shoreline enabling the bodyboard and rider to surf the face of the wave. Using a bodyboard in this manner requires a great degree of skill and expertise in order to catch the incoming waves and position the bodyboard properly relative to the waves and to manoeuvre the board when on the wave so as to continue surfing the wave while the wave progresses toward shore.

When using a conventional bodyboard, the propulsion force imparted on the bodyboard and user comes from force of the waves impacting on the rear surface of the bodyboard as well as on the rearward facing surface of the user. However, when using a bodyboard in this manner, the propulsive force imparted on the bodyboard is relatively small due to the small surface area against which the incoming waves impact.

In addition, inexperienced bodyboard users have difficultly catching the passing waves and maintaining their balance on a conventional bodyboard, especially as the waves impact on the bodyboard and user, due to the instability of conventional bodyboards.

Other conventional aquatic devices such as US Pat Nos. 1,865,985 and 1,315,267, include a device attached to the underside of a floating bodyboard. When the speed of the water rushing under the craft is greater than the speed of the craft, the device attached to the underside of the craft actuates so as to provide an obstacle against which the rushing water impacts for propelling the craft forward.

In the conventional aquatic devices described immediately above, the mechanical device is attached to the under-side of the bodyboard. As a result of this configuration, the device attached to the underside of the bodyboard must necessarily be movable so that when the bodyboard is moving faster than the rushing water, the device moves to a closed position.

Drag is slightly reduced but not eliminated because of the bulky nature of the design. The inherent problem with the above said designs is the propulsion devise will also hinder the forward movement of the bodyboard thus slowing down the bodyboard. Providing these moving mechanical devices complicates the manufacture of the bodyboard. Pat No 1,865,985's propulsion devises design causes too much drag against the oncoming water giving the rider an unsmooth and inconsistent ride. This in turn could cause the rider to miss the oncoming wave because of the amount of drag. In addition the bulky nature of the propulsion devise could also be of a hazard to other bodyboarders or people bathing and being hit by the hard mechanical device. Further problems could arise when the device closes. This could trap the user's fingers especially when coming up to the shore or rocks and potentially crushing the user's fingers. Pat No 1,316,267's design also cause's too much drag because of the design of the propulsion devise as above and in addition, the device's lateral fins Fig 2.14 that are needed to create the propulsion devise will also hinder the movement of the bodyboard. As soon as the rider tries to turn the bodyboard the lateral fins would create drag and dig into the water creating a potentially dangerous ride with the possibility to flip over.

An alternative appliance for practising aquatic water sports is Patent No US4564190 Presently known as Flowrider. Water is ejected up a sloped enclosed area and the rider surfs down the artificial slope using gravity whilst the water ejected up the slope tries to push the rider back up giving a ride similar to surfing natural waves. Although the water on this apparatus hits the bodyboard from in front of the bodyboard a similar surfing experience riding the artificial waves can be attained as with surfing natural waves with the wave coming from behind the board.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bodyboard and a propulsion system for a bodyboard that overcomes the problems associated with the above-described conventional bodyboards. In this regard, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a bodyboard that is easy to use and more stable than conventional bodyboards and that provides a propulsive surface(s) that overcomes the problems of the above-described devices attached to the under side of a floating bodyboard.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the foregoing objects are achieved by providing a bodyboard including a bodyboard having a bow and a stern that provides a surface capable of supporting a person lying thereon.

One or more extensions are fastened to the bodyboard and on any suitable surface. The extension(s) can open or close with the movement of water or any other suitable, propulsion energy which could include wind power, exerting a suitable amount of pressure on them to operate the extensions. Each extension can work independently from any other extension(s) that may be fitted to the bodyboard. Each extension provides a surface generally facing the stern of the bodyboard so that fluid or any other suitable propulsion energy delivered in a direction generally from the stern toward the bow of the bodyboard exerts a force against this generally rearward-facing surface to propel the bodyboard.

The extensions would normally be in a closed position when not in use. They are able to open when a suitable amount of force is upon them thus creating the extension(s) surface(s). This helps to propel the bodyboard forward. Once the bodyboard is moving at a suitable speed, the extension(s) that are in use will automatically lie in a closed position due to the greater speed of the bodyboard forcing the fluid back out enabling the propulsion device(s) to lie flat and not hinder the smooth flow of the bodyboard.

The extension(s) could also enable the user to ride the inward and outward tidal currents in any body of water including estuaries and rivers or anywhere where suitable force could enable the extension(s) to be utilised to help propel the bodyboard.

The design is capable of using very thin materials to produce the extension(s). Once the extension(s) are in a closed position they will potentially create zero drag, no matter which suitable surface the extension(s) are attached. This enables the bodyboard a smoother ride than the other above described devices. A benefit of this design is the production of a safer bodyboard than the above described. Hazards for both the user and any other bather in the vicinity will be reduced because the design does not use bulky, heavy attachments to create the propulsion device. These could, eg: trap fingers or cause injury to the user or others due to the design nature of the above described.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a propulsion system that can be quickly and easily installed onto a conventional bodyboard device post manufacture ie: the propulsion device(s) could be sourced as separate parts that could be retro-fit that would upgrade an existing bodyboard. Or integrated at the manufacture point to enhance the propulsive capability and stability of that bodyboard.

Further objects, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the functions of the related elements of the structure, and the economies of manufacture will become more apparent upon consideration of the foregoing description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of the specification wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts of various figures.

Brief Descriptions of the Drawings

Fig 1 A view of a standard bodyboard in use.

Fig 2 Several illustration views of a standard bodyboard including top view, bottom view, front view, back view, side view.

Fig 3 Shows same views as Fig 2 but with the underside of the bodyboard with propulsion device attached in the open position and in use according to present invention.

Fig 4 Shows same views as Fig 2 but with the underside of the bodyboard with propulsion device attached in the closed position when not in use according to present invention.

Fig S Shows same views as Fig 2 but with any surface having the propulsion device attached in the open position and in use according to the present invention.

Fig 6 Shows same views as Fig 2 but with one large propulsion device that can be attached around the body board encasing it either in full or part.

Fig 7 Shows a surfboard with fins that help steer the craft whilst in use. These fins could be replaced with fin(s) that works in a similar way to our propulsion device.

Detailed Description of the Presently Preferred Embodiments An exemplary embodiment of a body board according to the principles of the present invention is discussed below with reference to Fig 2.

Fig 2 is of several views of a bodyboard which is generally indicated at 10. Bodyboard 10 includes a bow 7 and a stern 8. The illustrated embodiment, bodyboard 10 is substantially flat having an upper surface 9 that supports a person lying thereon. During normal use, the user lies on upper surface 9 of bodyboard 10 so that user's upper torso is supported by upper surface 9 of bodyboard 10 while the user's legs hang over stern 8. A cut-out portion 11 in bodyboard 10 is provided at stern 8 so that the lower portion of the user's body can comfortably extend from stern 8. Bow 7 of bodyboard 10 is rounded 12 to allow the bodyboard lOto move easily through a fluid such as water.

Whilst an exemplary embodiment of a body member 10 is shown in Fig 2 many other enhancements have been included over the years such as handles to hold whilst riding waves; fins to help steer; different shaped of the bottom of boards to help the flow over water. None of these however, have helped to overcome the initial problem of skilfully getting the board to catch the incoming wave.

Fig 3 is of several views of a bodyboard which is generally indicated at 10. It shows the new open wave catching device 13 that will hereon in be called the propulsion device. The present invention is a device that helps to catch the power of the incoming wave that helps the user to propel themselves in the desired direction. The water or other suitable force enters from the rear leading edge 14 and forces the propulsion device to open 13. The greater the force the more the propulsion device opens until it is fully deployed. The water fills the space created 15 by the opening of the propulsion device 13 until it cannot open any further. This water preferably cannot move further along the propulsion devise as the top end would preferably be sealed to the board to contain the water therein or sealed at any suitable point. At this point the bodyboard 10 is then propelled in the desired direction until it attains the speed of the oncoming wave. Once the bodyboard lOis at sufficient speed the full wave power takes over from the open propulsion device 13 to carry the bodyboard 10 forward. At this point the momentum of the bodyboard 10 creates a greater force against the oncoming water. This force in turn pushes the water out of the open propulsion device 13 and so it automatically lays flat or flatter 16 against the surface of the board. Once the user is riding the wave the closed propulsion device 16 is no longer in use and the bodyboard 10 works in the same fashion as a standard bodyboard 10.

The difficulty of bodyboarding has always been catching the speed of the initial wave. The user has to skilfully set the bodyboard 10 in motion before the wave is upon them. Ideally, the user would try to match the speed of the wave just before the wave was upon them. To skilfully attain this speed the user would either push off from the sea bed floor if in shallow enough water, lie on the bodyboard 10 trying to attain the speed using a swimming style stroke to make the board move or to create the speed by the use of small flippers attached to the user's feet. All of the ways of propelling the bodyboard 10 prior to the wave becoming upon them takes great skill and timing. A moment too soon or too late on setting the bodyboard lOin motion will miss the oncoming wave. The user would then have to start a manoeuvre all over again.

The present invention helps alleviate the above problems. The major problem is to get a mass ie: the user and the bodyboard 10 from a stationary position to moving at a similar speed as an oncoming wave. If this is not achieved with perfect timing the full potential of the wave's power will be missed and the user will not be able to surf that wave. Once the power of the wave is upon the closed propulsion device 16 it catches the leading edge 14 and opens and creates the propulsion device 13 creating a larger surface area 15 or barrier to the wave's power. This extended surface area 15 enables the user to catch the full power of the wave more easily than without the device(s) attached. This quickly propels the bodyboard 10 and user to help match the speed of the wave enabling the user to then ride the wave.

Fig 4 is of several views of a bodyboard which is generally indicated at 10. It shows the bodyboard with the attached propulsion device(s) in a closed position 16. The closed propulsion device(s) 16 will preferably lie flat to the surface of the bodyboard 10 when not in use. Whilst in this state the present invention will not be in use and the bodyboard 10 will act as the above standard embodiment Fig 2. It is conceived that the propulsion device(s) would behave in a similar way as a parachute would for a skydiver catching the air and opening but as a parachutist would slow down the present invention would enable the bodyboard user to increase its speed to that of the oncoming wave. Similar thin materials such as in use on a parachute could be utilised to create these open propulsion surfaces 13 adding very little weight to the bodyboard 10. When not in use, these thin materials would lie flat creating virtually zero drag as in keeping with a standard bodyboard 10.

Fig 5 is of several views of a bodyboard which is generally indicated at 10. It shows that all the surfaces of the bodyboard 10 could be utilised to create an even larger propulsion surface than in Fig 3. Any desirable number, designs or combinations of these open propulsion device 13 could be attached during or post production of the bodyboard 10. An added benefit of propulsion devices 13 on any number or all preferred bodyboard surface(s) would be that it could be capable of converting power from potentially more than just the source of the wave ie: the upper and/or side open propulsion device(s) 13 could catch a wave and/or wind power wherever suitably available. Again as in Fig 4 the propulsion device(s) 13 would preferably lie flat in a closed position 16 against the surface(s) of the bodyboard 10 when not in use.

Fig 6 is of several views of a bodyboard which is generally indicated at 10. It shows potentially that one large open propulsion device 13 could be used to envelop whole or part of the bodyboard 10. This could be as big or small as desired. Different variations could be utilised dependent upon eg: size of wave; speed of wind etc. This could potentially capture the power of a wave and wind from a greater number of directions than a standard bodyboard 10. As in Fig 4 once not in use the closed propulsion device(s) 16 would lay flat against the surface of the bodyboard 10.

Fig 7 shows a standard surfboard 17 which could utilise all of the different embodiments of the propulsion device(s). 17a is a side view. 17b is a perspective view of the underside of the surfboard. 17c is a rear view of the surfboard showing propulsion devices in an open position.

A surfboard 17 usually has standard fins 18 attached to help steer/stabilise the surfboard 17 once it is riding upon a wave. The similar design as above could be utilised to create a propulsion device(s) as described in Figs 3-6. This potentially could use stiffer materials but any suitable materials could be used as in those envisaged for Figs 3-6. In a similar manner as described above Figs 3-6 water forces the propulsion surface(s) to an open position 19.

Once the surfboard 17 is moving at sufficient speed the propulsion surface(s) would close 20 but remain in a suitable position on the board to re-create the original standard fin shape 18 as desired. This would only create a similar amount of drag as a standard fin 18. This particular fin design has the added advantage of being dual purpose ie: as a steering/stabilising device and as a propulsion device, in one.

Drawing Numbers IDs 1 Bodyboard in use 2 Bodyboard top view 3 Bodyboard bottom view 4 Bodyboard front view Bodyboard back view 6 Bodyboard side view 7 Bodyboard bow 8 Bodyboard stern 9 Bodyboard upper surface Standard bodyboard 11 User cut out portion 12 Curved bow 13 Open propulsion device(s) 14 Rear leading edge of propulsion device(s) Extended surface area of propulsion device(s) 16 Closed propulsion device(s) 17 Standard surfboard 17a Standard surfboard side view 17b Standard surfboard bottom view 17c Standard surfboard end view propulsion device(s) open 18 Standard surfboard fin 19 Open fin propulsion device(s) Closed fin propulsion device(s) a

Claims

Claims 1 A bodyboard having a propulsion device(s) on any suitable surface to help propel the bodyboard.
2 A bodyboard having a propulsion device(s) on one or more surfaces to help propel the bodyboard.
3 A propulsion device that can harness the power of several natural relevant power sources eg: rivers, streams, waves, wind and/or artificial power sources etc. 4 A propulsion device that can harness the power of one or more sources at the same time eg: wave and wind power.A propulsion device that does not require additional equipment to assist in its operation other than said power source(s).6 A design creating one or more propulsion devices that creates little or no extra drag when in use, than a standard bodyboard.7 The use of thin material to create propulsion device(s) that when not in use will preferably lay flat and not hinder the smooth flow of the bodyboard as it travels creating no extra drag as compared to a standard bodyboard.8 The impelling device could be made from thin materials that would preferably lay flat to the surface, as necessary, to which it is fastened.9 The propulsion device(s) can be rigid, non-rigid or any preferred combination.The propulsion device(s) could have the properties of a pocket, parachute or similar to help catch suitable forces to help propel the bodyboard.11 Any relevant power source coming from any suitable direction hitting any suitable surface or combination thereof, could be used to propel the bodyboard.12 The propulsion device(s) can be created to any suitable size or combination(s) thereof.13 The propulsion device(s) can be an integral part of a rigid protrusion eg: fin(s) that are attached to the body board.14 A propulsion device(s) that can be attached to any surface or attachment of the body board eg: the leash string.A propulsion device(s) that can be created using just one piece of suitable material; or any number of pieces of suitable material could be used to produce the propulsion device(s).16 A propulsion device that can be produced as an integral part of the bodyboard at the point of manufacture; or can be added post manufacture to enhance the performance of a standard bodyboard.