Abstract:
The present invention provides an improved aquatic body surfing board for use by a rider in prone position. The nose of the board has a substantially semi-circular or semi-elliptical outline that defines the maximum width of the board. The under surface of the board is provided with one or more longitudinal channels extending from the forward midsection of the board to the trailing end, wherein such channels provide stability and maneuverability to the board in the waves. The upper surface of the board optionally comprises a shallow concave depression sized to accommodate the width of the body of a user.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/171,801, filed Apr. 22, 2009. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an aquatic body board for recreational use and more specifically to a board with improved stability and reduced drag. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A variety of body boards having specific features that improve handling and performance are known. In some body boards fins are attached to the bottom of the board to provide steering and stability. Also, several patents describe enhancing features disposed or formed on the top of the board. For example, Brown U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,034 teaches a scoop on the top surface of the front nose end that has a concave section on the deck of the board for enhanced gripping of a rider&#39;s arm. U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,269 shows a pair of thumb grooves along two side edges of the top of the board while U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,470 to Sneddon describes elongated ridges extending diagonally across from one side edge of the top surface to the other edge of the top surface. U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,779 to Stewart depicts a body board with top surface region of hourglass shape to better accommodate a human torso. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,074,098 to Acosta describes an aquatic body board with enhanced maneuverability, speed and comfort having a tapered upturned nose, a concave valley extending along the length of the top surface of the board to accommodate the body of the user, at least one concave channel extending the entire length of the board on the bottom surface and at least one fin to aid stability and maneuverability. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,399 to Blumenfeld discloses a body board consisting of a shaped panel of material that is buoyant in water having a top, a bottom and two sides, wherein the bottom of the shaped panel has one or more hour-glass shaped grooves extending through entire length of the panel such that the grooves are opened at each end. 
         [0006]    Advantages of the body boards of the present invention will be apparent from the disclosure that follows. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention describes an aquatic body board for recreational use by a rider in prone or face-down position, wherein typical embodiments have an elongate board with a substantially planar top surface, an under surface, a frontal section, a midsection, a rear section, a rear edge and two side edges; wherein the frontal section is configured to describe a generally semi-circular or semi-elliptical outline that defines the maximum board width and wherein the minimum width of the midsection defines the minimum board width. The under surface is configured to describe one or more elongate channels or grooves disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate board such that the channels extend from a closed proximal end disposed within the midsection of the board to an open distal end extending through the rear edge of the board. 
         [0008]    In certain preferred embodiments the under surface of the board is provided with two parallel elongate channels disposed in mirror image fashion on each side of the longitudinal-axis extending along the center of the board. Such channels provide and enhanced stability and maneuverability to the board in the water. In certain embodiments two elongate parallel channels are disposed in mirror image fashion on each side of the longitudinal-axis such that inner edges of each channel are facing and wherein the distance between the inner edges of the channels is equal to or greater than 10% of the minimum width of the board. In certain preferred embodiments the distance between the inner edges of the channels is equal to or greater than 20% of the minimum width of the board and in certain most preferred embodiments the distance between the inner edges of the channels is equal to or greater than 40% of the minimum width of the board. 
         [0009]    In certain embodiments of the aquatic body board of claim  1  wherein the under surface of the board at the frontal section is gently sloped or tapered toward the top surface and wherein the board is configured such that the proximal ends of the one or more channels do extend beyond into the sloped or tapered area of the frontal section. 
         [0010]    In certain embodiments the upper surface of the board comprises a recess or recessed area or in the form of a shallow concave depression sized to accommodate the chest of a user wherein the recess or recessed area extends from an area generally in the forward midsection of the board through the rear end of the board such that the recess or recessed area is open at the rear end of the board. 
         [0011]    In certain preferred embodiments the board has a smooth upper surface, a smooth under surfaces with edges contoured to provide a gently curved transition between the upper surface, the lower surface, the nose and the tail such that the board lacks any discernible sharp edges. In certain preferred embodiments the nose of the board has a semi-elliptical shape such that the major axis of the ellipse is disposed along the longitudinal x-axis of the board. In other preferred embodiments the nose of the board has a semi-elliptical shape such that the minor axis of the ellipse is disposed along the longitudinal x-axis of the board member. In all such preferred embodiments the left and right edges of the ellipsoidal nose defines the maximum width of the board. 
         [0012]    In certain embodiments the board has on or more small opening extending through the thickness of the board member which are sized and shaped function to as anchor points for commercially available accessories such as gripping handles, retaining cords, leashes and the like. 
         [0013]    The body boards of the present invention can be fabricated from any known suitable body board or surfboard materials by any known fabrication process. In certain preferred embodiments the board comprises a foamed or cellular core material covered with smooth layers composite polymer materials. In certain embodiments the foamed or cellular core material is a polyurethane and the composite polymer material is a fiberglass and polyester composite, while in certain other embodiments the foamed or cellular core material is a polyurethane and the composite polymer material is a fiberglass/epoxy resin composite. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of the top of an embodiment of a body board. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the bottom an embodiment of the body board illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is an orthogonal top view of an embodiment of the body board illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is an orthogonal bottom view of the embodiment of the body board illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is an orthogonal side view of the embodiment of the body board illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a sectional orthogonal view of the body board illustrated in  FIG. 1  taken through an area near the center of the board. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a sectional orthogonal view of the body board illustrated in  FIG. 1  taken through an area between the center and the tail end of the board. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a sectional orthogonal view of the body board illustrated in  FIG. 1  taken through an area near the tail end of the board. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a sectional orthogonal view of the body board illustrated in  FIG. 3  taken parallel to the longitudinal axis of the board. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a body board having fins attached to the bottom surface. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the body board illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a bottom orthogonal view of a body board having two channels in the bottom surface. 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a bottom orthogonal view of a body board having a single channel in the bottom surface. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]      FIG. 1  illustrates a view from the upper surface of a typical embodiment of a body board  100  and  FIG. 2  is illustrated a view from the underside of the body board  100 . The upper surface of the board is configured to define a shallow concave depression  109  sized to accommodate the width of the body of a user disposed across the majority of the width of the board and extending from the forward  midsection of the board through the trailing end of the board such that the channel is open at the tail end of the board. The underside of the board is provided with two essentially parallel channels  103  and  104  disposed in mirror image fashion on each side of the center longitudinal axis of the board. The channels  103  and  104  is have closed proximal ends  107  and  108  respectively. The channels  103  and  104  are disposed near the midsection of the board wherein the channels extend completely through the rear end of the board such that the distal ends  105  and  106  of the channels are open. The body board  100  further comprises a hole or opening  110  extending through the thickness of the board, which is positioned near the frontal section (nose)  101  of the board and is configured to be suitable for the attachment of a tow rope or leash  115 , and other openings or holes  111 ,  112 ,  113  and  114  extending through the thickness of the board and disposed along and parallel to the outer edges of the frontal section or nose  101  of the board wherein the openings are suitable for the attachment of a grip handles  116  and  117 . 
         [0028]    In  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  are illustrated an orthogonal top view and an orthogonal bottom view respectively of the body board  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  wherein the substantially semi-circular or semi-elliptical shape defined by the edges of the body board nose  101  is clearly depicted. Also depicted in  FIG. 3  are the features defined as the maximum board width labeled W 1 , the minimum board width labeled as W 2  and the board length labeled L. In  FIG. 3  is further illustrated the parallel channels  103  and  104  in the bottom surface of the board. In typical embodiments of the invention the maximum board width W 1  is from about 1.1 to 2.0 times the minimum board width W 2 , in certain other embodiments the maximum board width W 1  width is from about 1.2 to 1.8 times the minimum board width W 2 , while in other certain  preferred embodiments the maximum board width W 1  is from about 1.3 to 1.6 times the minimum board width W 2 . Also, in typical embodiments of the invention the board length L is from about 1.1 to 3.0 times the maximum board width W 1 , and in certain embodiments the board length L is from about 1.2 to 2.5 times the maximum board width W 1 , while in certain preferred embodiments the board length L is from about 1.5 to 2.0 times the maximum board width W 1 . 
         [0029]    In  FIG. 5  is illustrated an orthogonal side view of the embodiment of the body board illustrated in  FIG. 1  that clearly shows the variation in the depth of the channel  104  from the closed proximal channel end  107  to the open distal channel end  105 . An important functional feature of the body boards of the present invention is the variation in depth of the channels in the bottom surface of the boards wherein the minimum channel depth is at the closed proximal end of the channel and the maximum channel depth is at the open distal end of the channel. In typical embodiments the maximum depth of the channels at the tail end of the board is from about 5% of the maximum board thickness to greater than 50% of the maximum board thickness. In certain embodiments the maximum depth of the channels at the tail end of the board is from about 10% of the maximum board thickness to about 50% of the maximum board thickness, while in certain preferred embodiments the maximum depth of the channels at the tail end of the board is from about 15% of the maximum board thickness to about 40% of the maximum board thickness. Also in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5  the underside  120  of the board  100  at the frontal  101  is gently sloped or tapered toward the top surface of the board. In all such embodiments, wherein the frontal section or nose of the board is so configured, the overall dimensions are rendered such that the proximal ends of channels in the bottom surfaces are closed and do not extend into the sloped or tapered area of the frontal section. 
         [0030]    The cross sectional orthogonal views illustrated by  FIGS. 6 ,  7  and  8  clearly show the variation in depth of the channels  103  and  104  in the body board  100 .  FIG. 6  is a sectional orthogonal view taken through an area near the center of the board while  FIG. 7  is a sectional orthogonal view taken through an area between the center and the tail end of the board and  FIG. 8  is a sectional orthogonal view taken through an area near the tail end of the board. In  FIG. 9  is depicted a sectional orthogonal view of the body board  100  illustrated in  FIG. 3  wherein the section is taken parallel to the longitudinal axis of the board and cuts through the channel  104  showing the variation in depth. This  FIG. 9  also clearly illustrates the concave depression  109 . 
         [0031]    In  FIG. 10  is illustrated a top perspective view of an embodiment of a body board  200  wherein the upper surface of the board is configured to define a shallow concave depression  205  sized to accommodate the width of the body of a user disposed across the majority of the width of the board and extending from the forward midsection of the board through the trailing end of the board such that the channel is open at the tail end of the board. This embodiment of body board  200  also comprises skegs or fins  210  attached to the bottom surface at the tail end. In  FIG. 11  is illustrated a bottom perspective view of the body board  200  as illustrated in  FIG. 10  wherein is clearly shown that the attachment points the fins  210  to the bottom surface of the board  200  are between the channels  206  and  207  and the edges of the tail end of the board. Also, in this and other such embodiments the skegs or fins  210  as well as the longitudinal axes of the channels  207  and  208  are disposed to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the board  200 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is a bottom orthogonal view of a body board  400  configured to define two channels  410  and  411  in the bottom surface. In this embodiments and other similar embodiments the closed channel proximal ends  412  and  413  are disposed in the frontal section of the board forward of the points  415  that define the maximum width of the board  400  and the channels extend through the tail of the board and are open at channel distal ends  416  and  417 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 13  is a bottom orthogonal view of a body board  500  having a single channel  510  in the bottom surface wherein the closed channel proximal end  511  is disposed at in the frontal section of the board near points  515  that define the maximum width of the board  500  and the channel extends through the tail of the board and is open at channel distal end  512 . 
         [0034]    Additionally, the body boards of the present invention can be conveniently fabricated in different sizes to accommodate different sized users without compromising function. Therefore, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification, that would be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0035]    The body boards of the present invention can be fabricated from any suitable body board or surfboard material by any suitable fabrication process. In general such body boards are made of polyurethane or polystyrene foam covered with layers of fiberglass, cloth and polyester or epoxy resin the result of which is a light and strong buoyant. Body boards materials also include, but are not limited to, foamed or cellular expanded polymers including, but not limited to, polystyrene, polyurethane, PVC and the like with coverings of a smooth layer of a polymer or polymer-based composite such as an epoxy resin, a polyester/fiberglass composite. The body boards may also be fabricated by techniques involving foam blanks, cedar stringers and fiberglass composites, gloss coating and the like. 
         [0036]    Certain features of body board configurations depicted in the accompanying figures are for illustrative purposes and many variations are possible and in certain embodiments necessary. Other embodiments of the devices and methods of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the description and drawings of the embodiments presented herein and the present invention is in no way limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.