Bodyboard with variable stiffness
US5224890A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B32/22
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A bodyboard is provided which incorporates selected regions of differing stiffness in order to combine in one board the speed associated with relatively stiff bodyboards and the maneuverability of soft bodyboards. Laminated into the layered structure of the bodyboard is a fiber mesh which has a size and orientation designed to stiffen the rear four-fifths of the bodyboard. The remainder of the board, adjacent the nose, incorporates a pattern of parallel arcuate channels which increase the bendability of the nose portion of the board. Because the board is stiff in the region supporting most of the weight of the rider, it has less drag than soft bodyboards and is fast. The flexibility in the nose area enhances maneuverability. The design of the reinforcing mesh and the bendability-enhancing nose inhibits the formation of permanent creases and allows the board to retain the overall general appearance and internal laminated structure of prior art bodyboards.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.