Abstract:
Systems, apparatus and methods for gliding on a surface with improved mobility are described. According to various embodiments, boards are provided which are configured to overlap. This innovative overlapping ability helps allow for versatile stance configuration and ensures that collision between the boards occurs between a base and an edge. This type of collision will generally result in a sliding action, allowing one board to ride up onto the top of the edge of the other board. This type of interaction reduces damage to the boards and improves riding experience. Boards with equal height nose and tail shovels are more likely to collide edge-to-edge in a disruptive manner. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/672,310 entitled “SYSTEM FOR GLIDING ON SNOW WITH IMPROVED MOBILITY” filed on Jul. 17, 2012 which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present inventive subject matter relates to the field of snow sports and more particularly to two-piece snowboarding technology. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Boards and similar devices for gliding on surfaces are well known. Snowboards, skis, snowblades, breakboards, wakeboards, surfboards and the like are examples of gliding boards. For purposes of this disclosure, “gliding board” or “gliding boards” refers generally to any of the foregoing boards as well as to other devices which allow a rider to traverse a surface. For ease of understanding, however, and without limiting the scope of the invention, aspects of the invention are discussed below particularly in connection with a snow gliding technology where the gliding device is connected to the rider at the rider&#39;s feet. 
         [0004]    Skis generally attach to the rider&#39;s feet via rigid boots and a releasable binding. The gliding surface is generally long and narrow and the rider glides on the skis in a forward facing manner—with toes pointing in the direction of travel. 
         [0005]    Snowblades or skiboards are similar to skis, only they are generally shorter and wider. Like skis, snowblades are used by the rider in a forward facing manner. 
         [0006]    Snowboards provide a single gliding surface and generally attach to the rider&#39;s feet via a softer boot. As opposed to the rider orientation when wearing skis, the rider of a snowboard will glide on a snowboard in a sideways facing manner—with toes pointing at a substantial angle to the direction of travel (generally around 90 degrees). 
         [0007]    Breakboards or breakboard snowboards are similar to snowboards in that the rider will generally glide in a sideways facing manner. Breakboards allow the rider additional freedom and flexibility over a snowboard because they provide separate gliding boards for each foot. Known breakboards have limitations in their shape, composition and symmetry, however. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Embodiments of inventive subject matter may be best understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings, which illustrate such embodiments. In the drawings: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  includes multiple views of an example gliding board incorporating the inventive subject matter. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1A  includes a side-view of two gliding boards in an example riding orientation according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  includes multiple views of an example gliding board incorporating the inventive subject matter. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  includes multiple views of example gliding boards incorporating the inventive subject matter. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  includes multiple views of an example gliding board incorporating the inventive subject matter. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  includes multiple views of an example gliding board incorporating the inventive subject matter. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  includes multiple views of an example gliding board incorporating the inventive subject matter. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  includes multiple views of an example gliding board incorporating the inventive subject matter. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  includes multiple views of an example gliding board incorporating the inventive subject matter. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  includes multiple views of an example gliding board incorporating the inventive subject matter. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  includes multiple views of an example gliding board incorporating the inventive subject matter. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  includes multiple views of example gliding boards incorporating the inventive subject matter. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11A  includes a top perspective view of two gliding boards in an example riding orientation according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments which may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following description of example embodiments is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a breakboard snowboard  100  having a nose  102 , a tail  104 , a top  105 , a base  106  a running length  107 , a hip width  108 , a waist width  108 A, a sidecut  110 , a side  112 , a primary gliding surface  114 , a nose shovel  116 , a tail shovel  118 , binding mounting  120 , and an edge  124 . 
         [0024]    The breakboard snowboard (or “board”)  100  includes a running length  107  extending between the nose  102  and tail  104 . The nose  102  and tail  104  may have a “shovel” shape where the breakboard snowboard  100  end curves upwardly away from the gliding surface  114 , generally avoiding contact with the snow when riding on smooth terrain. 
         [0025]    The nose  102  and/or tail  104  provide an important function when gliding over uneven, curved or bumpy surfaces, as well as when riding in deep snow or powder. When gliding on such surfaces, the nose  102  and/or tail  104  can prevent an end from digging into or catching on a curve or bump, and instead allow the breakboard snowboard  100  to glide up a curve or over a bump. When riding in deep snow, the leading end of the breakboard snowboard  100  (which could be the nose  102  or tail  104 ) is upturned and contacts the snow so that the board  100  does not dive under the snow surface. Put another way, the upturned nose  102  or tail  104  forces snow under the board  100  onto the gliding surface  114  and keeps the board  100  from sinking excessively into the snow. 
         [0026]    According to one embodiment of the inventive subject matter, the board  100  is provided with a nose  102  and a tail  104  which have a respective nose shovel  116  and tail shovel  118  generally defined by the rise of the nose  102  or tail  104  above the gliding surface  114  (or more specifically, the end of the gliding surface  114  nearest the nose  102  or tail  104 ). One of the nose shovel  116  and the tail shovel  118  is of greater height than the other. According to one embodiment of the inventive subject matter, the nose  102  is provided with a nose shovel  116  which has a greater rise above the gliding surface  114  than the rise of the tail shovel  118  above the gliding surface  114 . 
         [0027]    The benefits of having nose  102  and the tail  104  with differing nose shovel  116  and tail shovel  118  is described with respect to  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 1A  includes two boards  100 A and  100 B. These boards are generally used as such, in pairs, with one board for each foot of the rider, in a configuration with the tail  104 A of the front board  100 A facing the nose  102 B of the rear board  100 B. By designing the boards  100 A,  100 B with a larger nose shovel than tail shovel, a benefit is provided wherein the rear board  100 B is able to travel closer to the front board  100 A before contacting. Because the end of the nose  102 B of the rear board  100 B is elevated above the end of the tail  104 A of the front board  100 A, as the rear board  100 B approaches the front board  100 A it is able to overlap rather than crashing edges together. Additionally, when the boards  100 A,  100 B overlap as such, any succeeding collision between the boards  100 A,  100 B would be between the base of nose  102 B the rear board  100 B and the edge of the tail  104 A of the front board  100 A. This type of collision will generally result in a sliding action, allowing the rear board  100 B to ride up onto the top of the edge of the tail  104 A of the front board  100 A. This type of interaction between the boards  100 A,  100 B is less likely to cause damage to the boards  100 A,  100 B or otherwise affect the rider in a way that would impact his or her riding experience. Boards with equal height nose and tail shovels are more likely to collide edge-to-edge. These types of boards are generally configured with a circumferential metal edge. A collision between boards of equal nose and tail shovel heights would likely cause a metal-to-metal impact which has the potential to do damage to the board, and also disrupt movement one or both of the boards in a way detrimental to the riding experience. 
         [0028]    It can be advantageous for a rider to be able to bring the front board  100 A and the rear board  100 B close to each other because the rider&#39;s stance is based on the separation between the boards  100 A,  100 B. While riding, a rider may want to be able to adjust stance on the fly in order to adapt to changing terrain. Additionally, outside of the rider&#39;s control, the terrain may cause a rider to change stance and it is advantageous for the boards to be configured in such a way to be able to smoothly adapt to such circumstances without a hard collision (such as a metal-to-metal impact). 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  shows a board  200  which may be a breakboard snowboard having a minor axis  202  and a major axis  204 , a side edge  206 , a primary base  208  and a concave base  210 . 
         [0030]    According to embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the board  200  has a lateral concavity in its base shape along the major axis  204  such that any line along the surface of the base of the board  200  which is substantially parallel with the major axis  204  will be substantially straight. Any line along the surface of the base of the board  200  which is substantially parallel with the minor axis  202  will have a curvature. 
         [0031]    When set on a substantially flat surface, the concave base  210  will rise up above the surface plane away from the primary base  208  which will contact the surface. Assuming symmetry about the major axis  204 , the concave base  210  will rise from the primary base  208  to a certain height and return to the primary base  208  on the opposite of the major axis  204 . This symmetry is not essential to the inventive subject matter—the invention will be operable where the concave base  210  curvature is not the same on either side of the major axis  204 . Additionally, according to other embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the rise and fall of the concavity of the concave base  210  may vary along the major axis  204 . For example, the concavity near the tip and/or tail of the board  200  may be less dramatic than the concavity near the center of the board where the major axis  204  intersects the minor axis  202 . According to other examples, the concavity near the tip and/or tail of the board  200  may be more dramatic than the concavity near the center of the board where the major axis  204  intersects the minor axis  202 . 
         [0032]    One of the purposes of such base concavity along the major axis  204  is to allow the board to better “grab” onto a terrain park element such as a rail or box edge. The concavity allows the board to better ride on such an element along its center line (the major axis  204 )—the curvature helps force the board to slide in such a manner. Riding along the center line (major axis  204 ) helps the rider better balance himself or herself on the board(s). Another purpose of the of the base convacity is to provide some cushion and/or “snap” to the board so that some energy can be absorbed by the board as it flattens when a rider lands after riding off a jump or other terrain element. Other purposes are considered. 
         [0033]    According to another aspect of the inventive subject matter, the side edge  206  of the board  200  may be elevated, sloped up from or curved upwards from the primary base  208 . This vertical deviation in the side edge  202  from the plane of the primary base  208  helps allow the edge of the board  200  to ride above the gliding surface. Since the edge of a gliding board may be sharp (in a snowboard or breakboard snowboard for example), it may be beneficial to have the side edge  206  raised to avoid catching the edge on the gliding surface. 
         [0034]    According to various embodiments, the board  200  may be a traditional snowboard or other gliding board. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  shows a board  300  having a first end  306 , a second end  308 , an oblique portion  302 , and an acute portion  304 . The first end  306  (or, alternatively, the second end  308 ) may simply have a traditional curved shape according to some embodiments. According to this example embodiment of the inventive subject matter, at least one of the first end  306  and the second end  308  will have a substantially parallelogram-like shape with an oblique portion  302  and an acute portion  304 . The oblique portion  302  may generally be defined by the substantially oblique angle created by the intersection of a side edge and board end (tip or tail). Similarly, the acute portion  304  may be defined by the substantially acute angle created by the intersection of the other side edge and board end (tim or tail). 
         [0036]    Two boards  300  may be used in conjunction as typical for breakboard snowboards with one board attached to each foot of the rider. A first board  300 A and a second board  300 B may used in a configuration where the oblique portion  302  of the first board  300 A is near the acute portion  304  of the second board  300 B and the acute portion  304  of the first board  300 A is near the oblique portion  302  of the second board  300 B. This configuration allows the rider additional stance options, such as a reduction in the lateral distance between feet (as measured along a board major axis or similar parallel line). The rider may simply move the second board  300 B forward and toward the first board  300 A. The parallellogram-like shape of the adjacent edges of the board allows this movement to take place without the boards  300 A,  300 B intersecting each other. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  shows a board  400  having a nose  402  and a tail  404 , a concave portion  406  and one or more convex portions  408 A,  408 B. 
         [0038]    According to an embodiment of the inventive subject matter, the board  400  will have a shape (when viewed along a major axis cross-section) which is somewhat undulating. The undulating characteristic may be defined by a convex portion  408 A extending from the nose  402  and curving into a concave portion  406  which curves into a further convex portion  408 B which extends from the tail  404 . According to other embodiments of the invention, only one convex portion  408 A,  408 B may be present, allowing the concave portion  406  to extend into the nose  402  or alternatively into the tail  404 . 
         [0039]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the undulating characteristic may only exist in the base of the board, while the top surface remains substantially planar (not including the nose  402  and tail  404 ). 
         [0040]    The concave portion  406 , according to some embodiments, may be approximately the width of a typical snowboard binding, when measured along the major axis of the board  400 . a portion of the concave portion may have a substantially planar shape (rather than being continuously curved) in order to provide a flat mounting surface for a binding. According to another embodiment, the shape of the convex portions  408 A,  408 B or the concave portion  406  may be defined by a substantially curved surface, or alternatively by flat an angled surfaces. 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  shows a board  500  having a nose  502  and a tail  504  and side edges  506  extending along the perimeter of the board  200  between the nose  502  and tail  504 . According to an embodiment of the inventive subject matter, the side edges  506  may define other than straight lines. The side edges  506  may be characterized by an undulating shape whereby the side edges  506  of the board  500  make concave and convex shapes when viewed top-down as shown. 
         [0042]    Side edges  506  allow for better grip on icy and hard packed snow conditions, giving the board  500  a serrated cutting edge  506  that can “bite” into the terrain. In addition the concave and convex shapes increase the overall length of the side edges  506 , improving the traction of the board while carving. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  shows a board  600  having a nose  602  and a tail  604  and core material  606 . According to various embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the core material  606  may be comprised of several individual strips. The core material  606  may be all individual and separate strips of material with no connection between each section, or alternatively, there may be connecting points in order to adjust flexibility or make manufacturing simpler. One advantage of a core composition of this sort is that the spaces or discontinuity between the pieces of core material  606  allow the board  600  to flex more easily in the direction perpendicular to the long axis of the core material  606  segments. For example, where the core material  606  segments generally run from nose  602  to tail  604 , the board  600  is more apt to flex from side edge to side edge (along the minor axis of the board  600 ). In another embodiment, the core material  606  segments may generally run perpendicular to the major axis of the board  600  (e.g. from side edge to side edge between the nose  602  and tail  604 ). This arrangement will generally allow for increased flexibility along the major axis of the board between the nose  602  and tail  604 . Combinations of these described embodiments, splitting the core material  606  in various directions in order to achieve desired flex along any axis of the board are considered and are part of the inventive subject matter. The core material  606  need not be full length strips of material, but rather may be sections of material patterned withing the board with separations or gaps placed to provide additional flexibility. 
         [0044]    According to yet another aspect of the inventive subject matter, the core material  606  need not be fully separated between segments, rather, variations in thickness (or stacking of core material) may be used to adjust flexibility in a similar fashion that one would use separations in the core material  606 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 7  shows a board  700  having a nose  702  and tail  704 , and core sections  706 ,  708 ,  710 . Similar to the embodiments of  FIG. 6 , the board  700  includes segmented/shaped core material in order to adjust or improve flexibility. According to this embodiment of the inventive subject matter, multiple core sections are provided, a first major axis segment  706  and a second major axis segment  708  are positioned within the board  700  running generally from nose  702  to tail  704 . A minor axis segment  710  is provided, running generally from side-edge to side-edge (along a minor axis) connecting the first major axis segment  706  and the second major axis segment  708 . Additional major axis segments and minor axis segments may be added to adjust flex characteristics of the board  700 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 8  shows a board  800  having a nose  802  and a tail  804 . According to various embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the board  800  is provided with varying core thicknesses. A first lateral core segment  806  is provided, running from nose  802  to tail  804  generally adjacent a one side-edge. A second lateral core segment  808  is provided, running from nose  802  to tail  804  generally adjacent to the other side-edge. A center core segment  810  is provided running from nose  802  to tail  804  generally between the first and second lateral core segments  806 ,  808 . According to various embodiments, the center core segment  810  may be provided with a thickness different from the first lateral core segment  806  and the second lateral core segment  808 . In some embodiments, the center core segment  810  is thicker and in others it is thinner than the lateral core segments  806 ,  808 . 
         [0047]    According to various other embodiments, the described core segments  806 ,  808 ,  810  may be provided running generally perpendicular to the major axis of the board  700 . In such an embodiment, a first core segment may be adjacent to the nose  802 , a second core segment may be adjacent to the tail  804  and a third core segment may be positioned between the first and second core segments. 
         [0048]      FIG. 9  shows a board  900  having a nose  902  and a tail  904 . According to various embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the board  900  includes an ordinary board section  904  and a riser section  906 . Both the ordinary board section  904  and the riser section  906  may be disposed upon a common base material and common layer of fiber/resin. The ordinary board section  904  and the riser section  906  may share a first core layer, and the riser section  906  may comprise an additional or thicker core layer allowing it to rise above the ordinary board section  904 . In this embodiment, one or more layers may substantially continuously cover the ordinary board section  904  and the riser section  906 . The additional layers may include fiber, resin, topcoat, lacquer coat, or other layers. According to other embodiments the riser section  906  may be a separate layer or series of layers set on/above the ordinary board section  904 . The riser section  906  may provide a relatively flat surface for mounting a binding, or the surface may have a contour or wedge shape in any particular direction. 
         [0049]    Riser section  906  raises the binding and boot from the base of the board, reducing the chance of heel and toe drag when carving. 
         [0050]      FIG. 10  shows a board  1000  having a nose  1002  a tail  1004 , a top surface  1006  and a base surface  1008 . According to various embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the base surface  1008  may be comprised of an uneven surface. The vase surface  1008  may include a series of elevated surfaces  1010  and valley surfaces  1012  which may alternate from side edge to side edge. The elevated surfaces  1010  and the valley surfaces  1012  may be arranged generally in parallel with the major axis of the board  1000 , stretching from the nose  1002  to the tail  1004 . The transition between elevated surfaces  1010  and valley surfaces  1012  may be abrupt or gradual. The number of elevated surfaces  1010  and valley surfaces  1012  may be as few as one each to as many as possible to fit on the board given manufacturing constraints. Additionally, the number of elevated surfaces  1010  need not be equal to the number of valley surfaces  1012 , nor do the width of the elevated surfaces  1010  need to be equal or similar to the width of the valley surfaces  1012 . The elevated surfaces  1010  may have a differing surface shape (concave, convex, pointed, flat and so on) than the valley surface  1012 . 
         [0051]    The addition of these elevated surfaces  1010  and valley surfaces  1012  give the board greater directional control with little effort by the operator. This also aids in stiffening the board  1000  down the length of the board. 
         [0052]      FIG. 11  shows a board  1100  having a nose  1102  and tail  1104 , a nose tip  1108  and a tail depression  1108 . According to various embodiments of the inventive subject matter, when two boards  1100  are used in conjunction with the rider feet facing approximately perpendicular to the direction of gliding (i.e. the direction generally along the line created by the tail  1104  and nose  1102 ), the nose  1102  of a rear board may be able to cross the plane of the tail  1104  of the front board. This action happens when the nose tip  1108  of the rear board is able to maneuver into the tail depression  1108  of the front board. The tail depression  1108  may be shaped in a way to engage with the nose tip  1108 . This construction and orientation allows for the two boards, when used together to move closer together, allowing the rider to have more versatility in their stance. 
         [0053]    According to other embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the tail  1104  of the board  1100  may have a shovel which rises and flattens (or creates a suitable engagement surface). A first board  1100 A and a second board  1100 B may be brought together tail-to-tail and an engagement mechanism  1110  may be used to connect the boards  1100 A,  1100 B. The connection between the boards  1100 A,  1100 B may be semi-permanent, temporary or momentary according to various embodiments. The rider may utilize the engagement mechanism  1110  when ready to glide, and disengage when finished or walking (or on a lift for example). According to another alternative, the rider may utilize (engage or disengage) the engagement mechanism on the fly while riding. The engagement mechanism may comprise a mechanical latch, one or more magnets, or other mechanism to secure two boards to each other. According to various other embodiments, the engagement mechanism  1110  may not be an integral part of the first board  1100 A or the second board  1100 B, but may rather be an additional element added to the boards. It should be noted that the nose tip  1108  and/or the tail depression  1106  are not necessary for the implementation of the embodiments whereby the boards  1100 A,  1100 B are connected via an engagement mechanism  1110 . 
         [0054]    The boards described herein may be constructed in a number of ways, Typical construction types are described below, although others are considered as well. 
         [0055]    A cap-type snowboard is typically constructed from several components including a core, e.g., made of wood, top and bottom reinforcing layers that sandwich the core, a top cosmetic layer and a bottom gliding surface, or base. The top reinforcing layer typically overlaps the side edges of the core to protect the core from the environment and provide structural support to the board. Since the core in a cap-type board typically extends into the nose and tail ends of the snowboard, tapering the core at the nose end results in a board having a tapered nose and improved float. 
         [0056]    Another construction type of snowboard is the sidewall-type board (also known as sandwich construction). Similar to a cap board, sidewall boards typically have a core, top and bottom reinforcing layers, a top cosmetic layer and a bottom gliding surface. However, in contrast to cap boards, the top reinforcing layer does not cover the side edges of the core. Instead, a sidewall support member is positioned between the top and bottom reinforcing layers (and/or a metal edge at the bottom of the board). The sidewall is bonded to the top and bottom layers to protect the interior of the board, including the core, from the environment. The core in sidewall boards does not normally extend into the nose and tail ends of the board. Instead, the core terminates near the transitions at the nose and tail, and a spacer made from a flat sheet material is positioned between the top and bottom reinforcing layers in the nose and tail. The spacer typically has a constant thickness and forms a significant portion of the thickness of the nose and tail ends. Thus, prior sidewall-type boards have not been provided with a tapered nose or other features to improve the float of the board. 
         [0057]    To improve on the ability of a board to force a proper amount of snow under the board and keep the rider at a suitable position relative to the surface of snow, a board may have a core that has a tapered or substantially reduced thickness at the nose (or tail). This tapered thickness increases in flexibility from the transition or contact area toward the tip of the nose. This increased flexibility allows the nose to flex upward to a varying degree along the nose when contacted by snow, thereby increasing the frontal area on the nose and the amount of lift provided to the board. 
         [0058]    According to other embodiments, the core material may be provided with a similar material as used on the base of a board. This will result in a board that has increased flexibility due to the absence of a rigid core material. Other semi-rigid or flexibile core materials may be considered as well with varying thickness/taper to increase or decrease flexibility in different areas or directions on the board. 
         [0059]    The inventive subject matter describes a device gliding on a surface, the device providing improved mobility for the rider. For example, by providing separate boards to be attached to each foot of a rider for riding sideways (approximately perpendicular to the facing of the rider&#39;s feet), and the boards having tips and tails of differing heights, the riding experience can be substantially improved. In this example, the inventive subject matter allows the rider to have improved mobility by allowing the front and rear board to slide closer to each other and also decrease the effects of a collision between the boards. 
         [0060]    Embodiments of the system for gliding on a surface with improved mobility are disclosed. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present teachings can be practiced with embodiments other than just those disclosed. The disclosed embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Various components are presented for the purpose of describing example embodiments. Just because a component is described with respect to an example embodiment does not require that it is a necessary component with respect to the inventive subject matter. 
         [0061]    The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.