An all-terrain board comprises an elongate deck structure 10 having an upper surface on which front and rear axle assemblies 13,14 are mounted, such that the deck structure 10 extends under the axis of wheel rotation. The rear end 12 of the deck structure 10 is upturned and extends rearwardly beyond the rear wheel 15, thereby providing a rear position for one of the rider's feet, which can be used as a kicktail to raise the front end 11 of the board to perform turns and other freestyle maneuvers. The kicktail also enables the front of the board to be raised to clear or mount obstacles.

2. Related Background Art

Boards for use in the sport of all-terrain boarding, or mountain boarding are well known. Typically, such all-terrain boards comprise an elongate deck structure having axles adjacent opposite ends thereof, which extend transversely under the deck structure and respectively carry a pair of wheels. Large all-terrain wheels having a diameter of perhaps 7 to 12 inches are provided, since smaller wheels do not perform well on very uneven or rugged terrain and are therefore limited to being used on fairly smooth off-road terrains.

Known all-terrain boards have had problems in achieving the levels of freestyle performance that are available from other board sports such as skateboarding, surfing or snow boarding. Accordingly, the sport of all-terrain boarding has not managed to become a mainstream board sport and remains a peripheral activity with a very small percentage of board riders participating in the sport. Typically, a mainstream board sport will be dominated by 84 to 99% freestyle products, with only 1 to 16% being accounted for by downhill style products, such as known all-terrain boards.

One of the main reasons that known all-terrain boards have not had comparable freestyle performance to boards used in other board sports is because the large all-terrain wheels correspondingly raise the height of the deck structure, thereby making the deck structure too high off the ground for good balance when riding the board: good balance from a low deck structure is necessary for a successful all-terrain board, since off road terrains can be very uneven.

Another problem of a high deck structure on uneven terrain is that it causes speed wobbles. It has been proposed to overcome this problem by increasing the wheelbase of the board. However, a disadvantage of a long board is that they are unsuitable for effecting freestyle maneuvers, and are thus limited to downhill boarding.

Also, a vital factor in good freestyle riding and board control is the provision of an upturned end or so-called kicktail at the rear of the deck structure, on which the rider can place one foot rearwardly of the rear axle and use his weight to pivot the front end of the board upwardly about the rear axle. In this manner, turns can be effected by redirecting the front of the board whilst only the rear wheels are in contact with the ground. The kicktail also enables the front of the board to be raised to clear or mount obstacles: this also allows the rider to effect considerable jumps by springing off the kicktail.

All-terrain boards are known which comprise a kicktail. However, the combination of a kicktail with the relatively high deck structure makes it very difficult to balance when effecting turns and other maneuvers using the kicktail. In order to overcome this problem, it has been proposed to use smaller wheels to correspondingly lower the deck structure. Wheels on such boards usually range between 4 to 6 inches in diameter, resulting in poor performance on uneven terrain. However, even with a reduced wheel size, known boards still have problems with the deck structure being too high for good balance. In addition to this, the kicktail itself is so high off the ground that its performance is greatly reduced and does not match the sort of freestyle kicktail performance that is available from skate boards.

Another disadvantage of known all-terrain boards is that the axle on the underside of the deck structure can foul obstacles such as rocks and logs. Thus, the board does not have the ability to ride over such obstacles.

I have now devised an all-terrain board which alleviates the above-mentioned problems and which can provide the combination and variety of performance criteria necessary to allow complete board riding in all-terrain environments with a high level of freestyle performance comparable to that which is available from other board sports such as skateboarding, surfing and snow boarding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention, there is provided an all-terrain board comprising an elongate deck structure and wheels mounted at front and rear ends of the deck structure for rotation about respective wheel axes extending transverse the deck structure, the deck structure comprising a central portion disposed between said wheel axes and an upturned rear portion disposed rearwardly of the rearmost wheel axis at said rear end of the deck structure, said central portion of the deck structure extending below the level of a plane defined by said wheel axes and providing a front position for one of the rider's feet, said upturned rear portion of the deck structure extending rearwardly beyond said rearmost wheel and providing a rear position for the rider's other foot.

The all-terrain board has a comparable freestyle performance to boards used in other mainstream board sports, because the deck structure is mounted below the axis of wheel rotation. Thus, even with large wheels, the deck structure is not too high off the ground for good balance when riding the board: good balance from a low deck structure is necessary for a successful all-terrain board, since off road terrains can be very uneven.

Since the board is low, a useable upturned rear end can be provided as a so-called kicktail without significantly affecting the riders balance. In use, the rider can place one foot rearwardly of the rear axle and use his weight to pivot the front end of the board upwardly about the rear axle. In this manner, turns or so-called kick-turns can be effected by redirecting the front of the board whilst only the rear wheels are in contact with the ground. The kicktail also enables the front of the board to be raised to clear or mount obstacles. The kicktail also enables the rider to effect considerable jumps by springing off the kicktail.

The low deck structure makes the board less susceptible speed wobbles. Thus, the board can be made relatively short so that freestyle maneuvers can be effected.

The board is able to ride and slide over irregular obstacles, since the underside of the deck structure is not obstructed by any axles or other structures.

The board thus has a very high level of freestyle performance through providing the combination of a low deck structure, a kicktail, an unobstructed underside and large all-terrain wheels. The all-terrain board also performs very well as a downhill board, therefore providing the variety and combination of performance criteria that are necessary to deliver a complete board riding experience that is comparable skateboarding, surfing or snow boarding in all terrains.

Preferably, the rear upturned end of the board extends upwardly and rearwardly to a point substantially in-line with or above said plane defined by the wheel axes.

The deck structure may comprise raised portions which respectively extend over the wheel axes and a lowered central portion which extends below said plane defined by the wheel axes. However, the deck structure preferably extends under the wheel axes.

Preferably, the wheels are mounted on respective axle assemblies mounted to the upper surface of the deck structure, such that the deck structure is suspended below the wheel axes.

Preferably, the axle assembly of the rear wheels comprises an elongate base that is fixed to the deck structure and extends axially thereof between said central and upturned rear portions of the deck structure. The base thus serves to strengthen the deck structure at the point where it curves upwardly, thereby alleviating the risk of the deck structure breaking under the large forces that would be applied to the upturned end by the rider during use. Alternatively, the deck may be strengthened by a separate longitudinally-extending strengthening member fitted to the surface of the deck structure.

The front end may have a similar structure to the rear end, so that the board can be used in either direction.

Preferably, the axle assemblies comprises an axle the axle being pivotally mounted to the deck structure, so that the rider can steer the board by leaning to cause the assemblies to pivot relative to the deck structure.

Each axle may carry a pair of wheels, respectively mounted at opposite ends of the axle. Alternatively, each axle may only carry a single wheel, thereby creating a board which only has a single front wheel and a single rear wheel.

Preferably, each axle is pivotable against a resilient bias, for example provided by an elastomeric member mounted between the axle and the base of the axle assembly.

In order to prevent undue movement of each end of the axle, each end of the axle is preferably connected to the deck structure or the base of the axle assembly by a member, which limits the angle through which the axle can pivot relative to the board.

Preferably, the member comprises a rigid strut having a coupling at one or both of its ends which allows movement of axle relative to the deck structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 5of the drawings, there is shown an all-terrain board comprising an elongate deck structure10having a front end11and an upturned rear end12. A pair of axle assembles13,14are respectively mounted transverse the deck structure10adjacent the front and rear ends11,12thereof.

A pair of wheels15are mounted at respective opposite ends of each axle assembly13,14for rotation about respective axes which extend transverse the deck structure10. Each wheel15preferably carries a pneumatic tire and has a diameter of 6 to 12 inches.

A substantial portion of the deck structure10, including the central portion between the axle assemblies13,14, is flat and lies in a plane which extends parallel to the ground-contacting bottom surface of the wheels15. The front end11of the deck structure10, which may be slightly upturned, does not project forwardly of the front pair of wheels15. The rear end12of the deck structure10extends rearwardly, substantially beyond the rear pair of wheels15, and upwardly to a point which is disposed above the axis of wheel rotation and below the top surface of the wheels15.

The axle assembles13,14are mounted to the upper side of the deck structure10, such that the axis of wheel rotation extends above the deck structure10. Each axle assembly13,14comprises an elongate axle16, which is connected intermediate its opposite ends to a mounting or so-called base plate17that is securely attached to the upper surface of the deck structure10.

Referring toFIG. 6of the drawings, the axle16comprises an elongate shaft18on which the wheels15are mounted at opposite ends thereof. An elongate axle plate19extends axially of the shaft and projects radially outwards therefrom towards the deck structure10, at an angle (which is inclined rearwardly in the case of the front axle assembly13and forwardly in the case of the rear axle assembly14. Thus, whilst the axle assembles13,14are substantially identical in construction, they are arranged at 180° to each other, as shown inFIG. 1of the drawings.

The base plate17of each axle assembly13,14comprises two opposed L-section elongate members20, which extend axially of the deck structure10, and which are interconnected intermediate their opposite ends by a bar21extending transverse the deck structure10. The center of the axle16is supported intermediate its opposite ends on an elastomeric mounting block22, which is seated between the two elongate members20of the base17.

An inverted U-shaped bar23is attached at its opposite ends to the transverse bar21of the base17, intermediate opposite ends thereof. A U-shaped bolt24extends through the eye formed by the inverted U-shaped bar23, with opposite ends of the bolt24extending through respective apertures formed in the axle plate19of the axle16. A pair of threaded nuts are fastened to respective opposite ends of the U-shaped bolt24to securely clamp the axle16to the base17of the axle assembly.

It will be appreciated that the aforementioned coupling between the axle16and the base plate17of the assembly allows opposite ends of the axle16to move upwardly, downwardly, forwardly and rearwardly within the confines of a circle.

Referring toFIG. 7of the drawings, in order to initiate turning and prevent undue movement of each end of the axle16, each end of the axle16is connected to the deck structure10by a strut26, which is connected at its opposite ends to the axle plate19and the deck structure10respectively. The strut26comprises a metal strip having apertures at its opposite ends which receive respective bolts27that secure the strut26to the relevant structure. An elastomeric O-ring28is positioned on the bolt27on opposite sides of the strut26. A pair of washers29are also positioned on the bolt27, such that the strut26is resiliently constrained between the two O-rings28, when the securing nut30is tightened. The bolt27which fastens the strut26to the deck structure10, preferably comprises a head which is countersunk into the underside of the deck structure, so that the underside of the deck structure is free from protrusions.

The base plate17of the rear axle assembly14is more elongated than that of the front axle assembly13, in order to provide the additional strength that is required to enable the board to be ridden with the front wheels15raised off the ground, as will be described hereinafter. The elongate members20of the rear base17are curved upwardly at their rear ends to follow the shape of the upturned rear end12of the deck structure10. The members20, which are L-shaped in section, thereby serve to strengthen the upturned end and prevent the deck structure10from breaking when the necessary large forces are applied to the upturned end12during use.

In use, a rider stands on the upper surface of the deck structure, placing one foot between the axle assembles13,14and the other foot behind the rear axle assembly14, on the upturned rear end12of the deck structure10. Foot straps (not shown) are preferably provided at these positions.

In order to manoeuver the board, the rider can apply their weight either to the right or left side of the deck structure, to cause the axle16to pivot relative to their bases17, about the central mounting block22thereof. In order to perform freestyle turns, the rider may apply weight to the upturned rear end12of the deck structure, to cause the front wheels15to lift off the ground. The board may then be redirected whilst the front wheels15are off the ground. Also, the upturned end enables the rider to raise the front of the board to ride over obstacles or to mount objects such as logs.

It will be appreciated that the underside of the deck structure10is completely free of any protrusions and thus the board is able to slide over any obstacles which may be encountered. Also, the rider is able to deliberately slide the board along obstacles such as logs. Considerably jumps can also be performed by springing off the kicktail or by using the kicktail as a lever.

The arrangement of the deck structure10below the axle16substantially lowers the center of gravity and makes the board much easier to ride and steer than conventional boards, in which the deck structure extends over the axles. The low center of gravity also helps to reduce speed wobbles. Most importantly, the low deck structure enables an upturned rear end12of sufficient size to be provided to form a kicktail.

Referring toFIGS. 8 to 14of the drawings, there is shown an alternative embodiment of all-terrain board, which is similar in construction to the previous embodiment, and like parts are given like reference numerals.

In this embodiment, smaller wheels15are provided, with the wheels15of each axle assembly13,14being closer together and positioned in respective recesses50formed on opposite sides of the deck structure10.

The main difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment is the construction of the axle assemblies13,14. This, referring particularly toFIGS. 12 and 13of the drawings, the axle assemblies13,14each comprise a base17in the form of an elongate strip of metal, which is securely fastened to the upper side of the deck structure by countersunk bolts passed through the deck structure10. The elongate base17of each assembly extends actually of the deck structure10and comprises a bridge portion51intermediate its opposite ends.

Referring toFIG. 15of the drawings, a U-shaped bolt52extends under the bridge51and has its opposite balms extending through axially-spaced apertures in the axle plate19. A pair of elongate tubular elastomeric members54are captively remounted on respective opposite sides of the U-shaped bolt52, between the axle plate19and respective washers or other members55disposed on opposite sides of the base17. Threaded nuts53are applied to respective opposite ends of the U-shaped bolt to securely fasten the axle16thereto.

It will be appreciated that the aforementioned coupling between the axle16and the base plate17of the assembly allows opposite ends of the axle16to move upwardly, downwardly, forwardly and rearwardly in the confines of a circle.

Referring toFIG. 16of the drawings, in order to initiate turning and prevent an undue movement of each end of the axles16, each end of the axle16, is connected to the deck structure10by a strut56, which is connected at its opposite ends to the axle plate19and the deck structure10respectively. The strut56comprises an elongate bar having balls57at its opposite ends, which are captively and rotatably received in respective sockets59secured to the relevant structure.

The board of the second embodiment can be ridden in exactly the same manner as that of the first embodiment. However, the wheels of each pair are mounted closer together and offer increased maneuverability, so that the board can be used by a high performance riders or younger riders with less height and body weight.

It will be appreciated that the board can be provided with a motor, brakes and suspension members. The underside of the deck structure may also be coated with a friction-reducing layer to enable the board to slide over obstacles.

An all-terrain board in accordance with this invention provides the combination and variety of performance criteria necessary to allow complete board riding in all-terrain environments with a high level of freestyle performance comparable to that which is available from other board sports such as skateboarding, surfing and snow boarding.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes of modifications may be made thereto without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.