Patent Publication Number: US-8123580-B1

Title: Interface system for segmented surfboard

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of the co-pending and commonly owned U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/225,856 entitled “Segmented Surfboard and Attachment Mechanisms” filed on Jul. 15, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure herein relates generally to waterboards, and more specifically to a segmented surfboard having interchangeable parts. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Surfboards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each having one or more unique performance characteristics. For example, a longboard may be preferable for casual surfing, while a shortboard may be more suitable for competition-style surfing. Although it may be desirable to bring multiple surfboards to a beach (e.g., depending on a surfer&#39;s mood and/or surf conditions), such practice has not always been practical. 
     A typical surfboard is taller than the average human, and generally ranges from about 6 to 10 feet in length. Due to their size and weight, surfboards are difficult to transport from one location to another. For example, many airlines now charge hefty premiums for checking a surfboard on board a plane. Furthermore, the high cost of surfboards may prevent people from purchasing a large number of surfboards in the first place. 
     Accordingly, it may be desirable to have the option of choosing from several different surfboard characteristics without actually having to carry around an equivalent number of surfboards. In addition, it may be desirable to increase the portability of a surfboard (or of multiple surfboards) without having to sacrifice the performance of the board. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure herein is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an embodiment of a segmented surfboard with a flexible connector interface; 
         FIG. 1C  shows a top plan view of the segmented surfboard of  FIG. 1  in the closed or locked position; 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates another embodiment of a surfboard, wherein the widest point of the surfboard is different than its midpoint; 
         FIGS. 1E-1J  illustrate various embodiments of stringer configurations for a segmented surfboard; 
         FIG. 1K  illustrates another embodiment of a segmented surfboard with a flexible connector interface; 
         FIG. 1L  illustrates yet another embodiment of a segmented surfboard with a flexible connector interface; 
         FIGS. 2A-2C  are exploded perspective views of a latching mechanism for attaching the segments of a segmented surfboard, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  are cross-sectional views of the latching mechanism shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C ; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate an embodiment of a segmented surfboard with an interleaved connector interface; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are detailed views of an interleaved connector interface, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a latching mechanism for attaching the segments of a segmented surfboard according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a segmented surfboard; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a segmented surfboard embodiment having multiple sets of latching mechanisms; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a segmented surfboard embodiment having multiple sets of latching mechanisms; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary segmented surfboard showing various possible cut patterns; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate an embodiment of a segmented longboard; 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a latching mechanism used on the segmented longboard; 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of detached head and tail segments of a segmented waterboard including an interface system in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view showing the interface system of  FIG. 13  in more detail; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the head and tail interface connecters of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the head and tail segments of the waterboard  FIG. 14 ; and 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan view of the head and tail segments of the segmented waterboard of  FIG. 13  attached together to form an integrated waterboard. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A segmented surfboard is disclosed that can be disassembled and reassembled for convenient transportation and/or storage. More specifically, a surfboard system in accordance with present embodiments includes head and tail segments that can be interchanged with other corresponding segments using an interface system to create a custom surfboard assembly. By using interchangeable head and tail segments, the performance characteristics of the surfboard may be customized to suit a user&#39;s needs under various levels of experience and/or surf conditions. 
     For some embodiments, the relative lengths of the surfboard segments are designed to allow a high level of customizability for the surfboard. More specifically, the connection interface between the head and tail segments is formed at a location along a length of the surfboard that allows a wide variety of head/tail configurations. The interface system includes a pivoting locking mechanism that removably attaches the head and tail segments together using a cinching action having a tension moment substantially collinear with the axis of the surfboard while allowing the segments to flex relative to one another. For some embodiments, the pivoting locking mechanism is disposed along a central axis of the board, thereby distributing the load from the outer edges of the board to the center of the board. Alternatively, one or more pivoting locking mechanisms can be may be disposed along the rails (e.g., outer edges) of the surfboard, with at least one locking mechanism located along either edge of the surfboard to lock in each rail and further distribute forces toward the center of the board and/or along the rails. 
     Other embodiments describe a twisting interleaved connection interface between surfboard segments. The twisting interleaved connection interface allows stress at the interface to be distributed substantially evenly across both the head segment and tail segment. Additionally, the twisted interface may help guide the segments of the surfboard into a locking (or interlocking) position with one another to form a completed surfboard assembly. 
     The terms “user” and “rider” may be used herein interchangeably to refer to anyone who uses the segmented surfboard in an intended manner (e.g., surfing). Although specific reference is made herein to a segmented surfboard, it should be noted that the techniques and embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to waterboards in general (e.g., bodyboards, kiteboards, skimboards, wakeboards, etc.). Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the techniques and embodiments disclosed herein may be used to improve the portability and/or customizability of boards used in other types of board sports (e.g., skateboards, snowboards, etc.) with little or no modification. 
     Several of the embodiments in this disclosure describe a segmented surfboard composed of a head segment and a detachable tail segment. The tail segment may be detached to provide greater convenience in storing or transporting the surfboard. In addition, the tail segment may be interchanged for other tail segments having different performance characteristics. This affords a user the same (or at least similar) performance and/or customization benefits of having multiple surfboards, while having to carry only one header segment along with a “quiver” (e.g., a plurality) of tail segments to a beach or surf destination. In addition, the connection interface and locking mechanism between the segments provide for improved flex and load distributions between the two segments, while also allowing a greater level of user customization and performance tuning of the surfboard. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an embodiment of a segmented surfboard  100  with a flexible connector interface. The segmented surfboard  100  includes a head segment  110  and a tail segment  120 . For some embodiments, the head segment  110  is longer than the tail segment  120 , and forms the main body of the surfboard. The overall size and/or shape of the head segment  110  may vary. For example, a longer head segment  110  may generally provide a more stable riding experience while a shorter head segment  110  may be more effective in cornering (e.g., making tight turns with the surfboard  100 ). Furthermore, the shape of the front tip (or “nose”) of the head segment  110  may be more rounded or more pointed, for example, to improve the maneuverability or stability of the surfboard  100 . 
     Although not shown, the curvature of the bottom surface of the head segment  110  may range from relatively flat to having a more convex (e.g., “rocker”) curve, which may vary the handling characteristics of the surfboard  100 . In addition, the bottom surface of the head segment  100  may include one or more grooves or ridges for directing water flow along the length of the board (e.g., toward the tail fins). 
     The head segment  110  may be composed of various types of material including, for example, a composite plastic skin laminated with fiberglass, wood, carbon fiber, or similar material. Furthermore, the head segment  110  may be either hollow or filled with a buoyant material (e.g., wood or foam). It should be noted that the material composition of the head segment  110  may affect the weight and/or durability of the surfboard  100 . For some embodiments, the head segment  110  may include one or more structural elements (e.g., “stringers”) for improved strength and flexibility and/or for controlling the weight distribution of the surfboard  100 . 
     In general, the majority of differences among surfboards are a result of variations in the rear, or tail, of the surfboard. For some embodiments, the tail segment  120  is shorter in length than the head segment  110 . This allows a user to carry multiple tail segments  120  for each head segment  110 , which provides the benefits of having multiple surfboards on hand (e.g., while traveling) without substantial sacrifice in size and weight. 
     For some embodiments, the relative length of the tail segment  120  is also a result of “splitting” the surfboard  100  within a “silent region” of the board. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the silent region  190  is typically located in an area between the widest point  180  (which may be the midpoint) of the surfboard  100  and the tip of the tail (e.g., where one or more tail fins  122  and/or other features are located). The silent region corresponds to a section in which the outline of the surfboard undergoes the least amount of change (e.g., in thickness, width, and/or curvature). In other words, differences in geometry between various tail segments  120  (and/or head segments  110 ) become primarily noticeable beyond this silent region  190 . 
     For example, the characteristic differences in typical unibody surfboards having various tail configurations (e.g., pin tail, swallow tail, fish tail, etc) are typically found in one or more areas outside of the silent region. Segmenting the surfboard within the silent region  190  reduces (or minimizes) the differences in geometry between the head segment  110  and the tail segment  120  at the connection interface, and thus allows for smoother (e.g., seamless) transitions between the two segments for a wide variety head/tail combinations. According to an embodiment, splitting the surfboard  100  within the silent region  190  allows for an optimal level of interchangeability between the head segment  110  and various tail segments  120  (and/or vice-versa). 
     In the example of  FIG. 10 , the widest point  180  of the surfboard  100  also corresponds to the midpoint of the board. However, this may not always be the case. For example, depending on the type and/or design of surfboard, the widest point may be located at a point closer to either the tail or the head of the surfboard.  FIG. 1D  illustrates another embodiment of a surfboard  700 , wherein the widest point  780  of the surfboard is different than the midpoint  785 . In the specific example shown, the widest point  780  is located between the midpoint  785  and the tail segment  720 , thus falling within the silent region  790  of the surfboard  700 . Thus, for alternative embodiments, the silent region  190  is located between the midpoint (which may not be the widest point) of the surfboard  700  and the tip of the tail (e.g., where one or more tail fins  722  and/or other features are located). 
     The overall size and/or shape of the tail segment  120  may also vary. As with the nose of the head segment  110 , the rear tip of the tail segment  120  may also have a unique shape or contour to affect the flow of water beneath the tail of the surfboard  100 . For example, the rear tip may have a rounded edge (e.g., “pin tail”), a blunt edge (e.g. “squash tail”), or a forked edge (e.g., “swallow tail”) configuration. The curvature of the bottom surface of the tail segment  120  may range from relatively flat to having a rocker curve (e.g., similar to that of the header segment  110 ). 
     The tail segment  120  may be composed of various types of material (e.g., similar to those described above with respect to the head segment  110 ). The tail segment  120  may also be hollow or filled with a buoyant material. It should be noted that the material composition of the tail segment  120  may be different from the material composition of the corresponding head segment  110 , to provide the surfboard  100  a more customized weight and feel. For some embodiments, the head segment  110  and/or the tail segment  120  can include one or more stringers (or rods) for distributing forces evenly across the surfboard  100  and for controlling the strength and/or flex of the board. As shown with respect to  FIGS. 1E-1J , the stringers  115  and  125  can be disposed in a number of different configurations throughout the length (and/or width) of the surfboard  100 . 
       FIG. 1E  illustrates a stringer configuration wherein the stringers  125  in the tail segment  120  and corresponding stringers  115  in the head segment  110  are substantially straight and parallel to one another. Each of the three stringers  115  in the head segment connects to and thus combines with a corresponding stringer  125  in the tail segment  120  to provide a substantially linear support structure across the length of the surfboard. 
       FIG. 1F  illustrates a stringer configuration wherein the stringers  125  and  115  running across the center of the board are substantially straight, while the outermost stringers  125  and  115  (e.g. closest to the rails of the surfboard) are curved to substantially coincide with the outer shape or curvature of the surfboard. Accordingly, the outermost stringers may help provide additional structure support along the outer edges or rails of the surfboard, while the middle stringers provide a substantially linear support down the length of the board. 
       FIG. 1G  illustrates a stringer configuration wherein the center stringers  125  and  115  are straight and the outer stringers  125  and  115  are curved. In this embodiment, all three stringers  115  in the head segment intersect one another (and thus terminate) at a single point in the head segment  110 . 
       FIG. 1H  illustrates another stringer configuration wherein the center stringers  125  and  115  are straight and the outer stringers  125  and  115  are curved. However, in this embodiment, the center stringer  115  in the head segment  110  runs only a short length along the central axis of the board. Thus, only the two outer stringers  115  in the head segment  110  intersect each other. 
       FIG. 1I  illustrates a stringer configuration including only two curved stringers  125  and  115  in each of the tail segment  120  and the head segment  110 , respectively. In this embodiment, the stringers  115  intersect (and thus terminate) at a certain point in the head segment  110 , and the stringers  125  also intersect at a certain point in the tail segment  120 . 
       FIG. 1J  illustrates a stringer configuration including two stringers  125  in the tail segment  120  and a single stringer  115  in the head segment  110 . In this embodiment, the stringers  125  and  115  are all substantially straight. The stringer  115  simply runs down the center of the head segment  110 . However, the stringers  125  start out relatively close to one another, at the intersection of the tail segment and the head segment  110 , and fan out towards the rails of the tail segment  120 . 
     In the configurations described above, the stringers  125  and  115  can help distribute forces from the rails of the surfboard towards the center of the board. The various possible configurations allow a rider to more precisely tune the surfboard to have different flex characteristics, and to “even out” the forces applied to the board to affect how the board behaves under the particular rider&#39;s weight. For example, in certain embodiments where the stringers  115  do not extend all the way across the head segment  110 , there may be less swing weight in the front as the board is turned under surf conditions. 
     Although three sets of stringers (e.g., in each of the head segment and tail segment) are shown in most of the embodiments described above, other embodiments may include more or fewer sets of stringer elements. Furthermore, the stringer configurations in the head and/or tail segments for some of the embodiments above may be interchangeable. For example, a tail segment having a certain stringer configuration shown in one of the  FIGS. 1E-1J  may be combined with a head segment having a different stringer configuration shown in a another one of the  FIGS. 1E-1J . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1A , the bottom surface of the tail segment  120  may further include one or more fins  122 , which affect the maneuverability of the surfboard  100 . The fins  122  may vary in shape, size, material composition, and/or placement (i.e., location on the tail segment  120 ). For some embodiments, the bottoms surface of the tail segment  120  may include one or more channels (or grooves) for guiding and/or directing the flow of water across the bottom of the board. 
     A connector interface  124  of the tail segment  120  connects to a corresponding connector interface  114  of the head segment  110 . The edges of the connector interface  114  are contoured to the edges of the connector interface  124  to form a seal at the intersection of the head segment  110  and the tail segment  120 . Additionally, the contoured edges may serve to align the rails (e.g., the outer edges of the surfboard) for a proper fit. 
     For some embodiments, the edges of the connector interfaces  114  and  124  are non-linear. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the edges of the connector interfaces  114  and  124  form a substantially “v” (or “u”) shape. This may help guide the tail segment  120  into proper alignment with the head segment  110  when assembling the surfboard  100 . In addition, the “v” shape interface edges help to distribute forces (e.g., rider weight) from the edges of the surfboard  100  to its center (e.g., lengthwise, along the central axis of the surfboard). The non-linear edges of the connector interfaces  114  and  124  may also help to control the manner in which the tail segment  120  is able to flex (or “vibrate”) relative to the head segment  110 . 
     It should be noted that there may be various other ways to “cut” the surfboard (e.g., to produce the connector interfaces of the head and tail segments) in a non-linear fashion that will still achieve the intended benefits described above.  FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary segmented surfboard  1000  on which various possible cut patterns are drawn. 
     The connector interfaces  114  and  124  may be constructed of a different material than the rest of the surfboard  100 . According to an embodiment, the connector interfaces  114  and  124  are made of an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber), in order to facilitate a better connection between the head segment  110  and the tail segment  120 . For example, rubber surfaces have higher coefficients of friction, and may thus help maintain a more stable connection or seal between the tail segment  120  and the head segment  110  when in contact with water (e.g., by preventing the segments of the surfboard  100  from slipping or sliding around at the connection interface). Additionally, the elastomeric material may help dampen or absorb any forces on the connector interfaces  114  and  124 , thus improving the overall durability of the surfboard  100 . 
     The stiffness of the elastomeric material used to construct the connector interfaces  124  and/or  114  may vary, depending on the desired amount of flex in the tail segment  120 . This allows the surfboard  100  to be further tuned to a rider&#39;s height, weight, skill level, and/or handling preference. For example, to limit the flexibility between segments of the surfboard only one of the connector interfaces  124  or  114  may be composed of the elastomeric material. To allow even greater flexibility, both of the connector interfaces  124  and  114  may be constructed of an elastomeric material, however, the stiffness of the material used in the connector interface  124  may differ from that of the connector interface  114 . 
     For some embodiments, the connector interfaces  124  and  114  may be formed from a relatively stiff material (e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber, wood, injection molded plastic, etc.) that is similar, if not identical, to the material used to construct the body of the surfboard  100  (i.e., the majority of the tail segment  120  and head segment  110 , respectively). This may help maintain the overall structural integrity of the surfboard  100  and provide a riding experience that is substantially similar to that of a unibody surfboard. Additionally, a layer of elastomeric material may be disposed on top of the connector interfaces  124  and  114  (e.g., where the connector interfaces  124  and  114  make contact with one another) to form a tight seal, and to absorb vibrations and/or flex between the surfboard segments. 
     According to another embodiment, portions of the connector interface  124  extend beyond a surface, or shell, of the tail segment  120  and connect to corresponding grooves or slots of the connector interface  114  (e.g., depicted in  FIG. 1B  by dotted lines). Specifically, the connector interface  124  includes two “male” connector features that extend in a lengthwise direction, along the width of the tail segment  120 , while the connector interface  114  includes two corresponding “female” connector features to receive (i.e., form a connection with) the connector interface  124 . Interlocking the widths of the head segment  110  and the tail segment  120  further helps to distribute forces applied to the surfboard  100  (e.g., from the outer edges of the board to the center of the board), as well as to align (and lock) the head segment  110  with the tail segment  120  to form the completed surfboard assembly  100 . 
     The male-female interconnection of the connector interfaces  124  and  114  allows the surfboard  100  to have a flush (or substantially “seamless”) surface at the intersection of the head segment  110  and the tail segment  120 . For example, the connector interfaces  114  and  124  may be substantially hidden from view (i.e., beneath the outer shell of the surfboard  100 ) when the tail segment  120  is attached to the head segment  110 . For some embodiments, the entire tail segment and/or head segment (e.g., including the outer shell, inner filling, and connector interface) may be molded as one piece, thus streamlining the manufacturing process. 
     The “overlapping” elastomeric connector interfaces,  124  and  114 , facilitate the flexing of the tail segment  120  relative to the head segment  110 , while also maintaining the structural integrity of the surfboard  100  along the edges (i.e., width) of the interface between the head segment  110  and the tail segment  120 . According to an embodiment, the amount of overlap between the head segment  110  and the tail segment  120  (i.e., the length of protrusion of the connector interface  124  and/or the depth of the corresponding grooves of the connector interface  114 ) may vary for alignment and/or attachment purposes, as well as to allow for different amounts of flex between the head segment  110  and the tail segment  120 . 
     The head segment  110  further includes a latching mechanism  116  for latching (or “locking”) the head segment  110  to the tail segment  120 . Similarly, the tail segment  120  includes a corresponding latching mechanism  126  which forms a connection with the latching mechanism  116  on the head segment  110 . According to an embodiment, the latching mechanisms  116  and  126  are disposed in the center of the connector interfaces  114  and  124 , respectively. This adds structural support to the center of the interface between the head segment  110  and the tail segment  120 , and effectively stabilizes the connection between the connector interfaces  114  and  124  across the entire width of the interface. 
     According to another embodiment, the latching mechanisms  116  and  126  may be designed to “pull” the two segments of the surfboard  100  together. This not only provides a more secure connection between the head segment  110  and the tail segment  120 , but may also improve the flexibility of the tail segment  120  relative to the head segment  110  and may further alter the geometry (e.g., curvature or angle) of the surfboard  100 , as will be described in greater detail below. 
       FIG. 1K  illustrates another embodiment of a segmented  200  surfboard with a flexible connector interface. Specifically, the segmented surfboard  200  includes a head segment  210  and a tail segment  220 . The head segment  210  includes a connector interface  214  and latching mechanism  216  which may be connected to a corresponding connector interface  224  and latching mechanism  226 , respectively, on the tail segment  220  to form a complete surfboard assembly. The features of the segmented surfboard  200  may be substantially similar in function to corresponding (i.e., counterpart) features of the segmented surfboard  100 , with the exception that the male connector features reside on the head segment  210  (i.e., as part of the connector interface  214 ), while the female connector features reside on the tail segment  220  (i.e., as part of the connector interface  224 ). 
       FIG. 1L  illustrates yet another embodiment of a segmented surfboard  250  with a flexible connector interface. The segmented surfboard  250  may be substantially similar (e.g., in form and function) to any of the segmented surfboards discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1K , with the exception that the connector interface now “points” toward the tail segment  254  rather than the head segment  252 . More specifically, the connector interface edges of the head segment now form a “v” shape while the connector interface edges of the tail segment now form a corresponding “w” shape. 
     The embodiments described above provide a segmented surfboard with various means for controlling and/or adjusting the flexibility of the tail segment. This is an advantageous feature, as the flexible tail effectively forms a “variable” rocker curve along the underside of the surfboard. As described above, the amount of curve along the underside of the surfboard directly affects the precision of handling the surfboard. Thus, for example, increasing the amount of flex of the tail segment relative to the head segment (e.g., decreasing the rigidity or stiffness of the connector interfaces  124  and/or  114 ) may allow for tighter cornering on the water. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate a latching mechanism  300  for attaching the segments of segmented surfboards according to present embodiments. The latching mechanism  300  includes a hook feature  316  disposed on a surfboard segment and a corresponding latch fixture  326  disposed on a complementary surfboard segment. For purposes of discussion, it is assumed that the hook feature  316  is disposed on the head segment (e.g., head segment  110  in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) of a segmented surfboard, and the latch fixture  326  is disposed on the tail segment (e.g., tail segment  120 ). In alternative embodiments, however, the hook feature  316  may be included on the tail segment while the latch fixture  326  is included on the head segment. 
       FIG. 2A  shows the latching mechanism  300  in an open (i.e., “unhooked” or “unlocked”) state. A flexible pod  318  covers the interface lever assembly  319  and acts as a partial barrier to the hook feature  316  and latch fixture  326 . For example, the flexible pod  318  may protect the hook feature  316  from being accidentally unhooked from the latch fixture  326  by external forces (e.g., ocean current, debris, a rider&#39;s foot, etc.). The flexible pod  318  may be attached to the head segment and contoured to cover at least a portion of the connector interface of the tail segment when the surfboard is in an assembled state. For some embodiments, the flexible pod  318  includes a hole or opening through which the hook feature  316  may be manually released or unhooked from the latch fixture  326 . 
     In other embodiments, the flexible pod  318  is assembled in a manner that does not limit the flexibility of the tail segment relative to the head segment. For example, the flexible pod  318  may be composed of an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber) that will take vibrations and flex. The hardness of the elastomeric material forming the pod  318  may determine the amount of flex in the tail, and thus alter the rocker curve of the surfboard. Accordingly, the flexible pod  318  may be customized to match a rider&#39;s weight, skill level, and/or surf conditions. For example, when riding smaller waves, it may be desirable to increase the rocker curve of the surfboard in order for the tail to coincide with the larger “radius” of the wave pocket which the board rides in. 
       FIGS. 2B and 2C  show the hook feature  316  and the latch fixture  326  in a closed (e.g., “hooked” or “locked”) state. The hook feature  316  is pivotally attached to the head segment via an interface lever assembly  319 . To secure the tail segment to the head segment, the interface lever  319  may be lowered into a receiving slit or groove in the latch fixture  326 . The interface lever  319  helps to spread the tail load evenly to the front of the surfboard, through its point of connection to the head segment. For some embodiments, the interface lever  319  is a metal (e.g., steel) rod that is pivotally connected to the head segment. Alternatively, the interface lever  319  may be made from a flexible cord (e.g., constructed out of plastic, polymer, fabric, and/or metal) that is able to bend in relation to forces applied to and/or between the tail and head segments. 
     At least part of the hook feature  316  is wider than the interface lever  319 , and thus “hooks” into the latch fixture  326  when the interface lever  319  is lowered into a locked position. For some embodiments, the hook feature  316  is a ball, or similarly shaped object, which may rotate or pivot while remaining hooked to the latch fixture  326 . This allows the tail segment to flex or bend while being attached to the head segment. 
     The hook feature  316  can be a “screw-on” object attached to the end of the interface lever  319 . The screw-on object may be in the shape of a ball or sphere (as previously described), or alternatively the object may be a simple screw-on bolt. The hook feature  316  may thus be fastened to the latch fixture  326  to form a tighter connection by rotating (or “screwing down”) the hook feature in a first (e.g., clockwise) direction once it is in a locked (or interlocked) position over the latch fixture  326 . Conversely, the hook feature  316  may be loosened from the latch fixture  326  by rotating (or “unscrewing”) the hook feature in an opposite (e.g., counter-clockwise) direction. 
     How tightly the hook feature  316  is fastened to the latch feature  326  may directly affect how much the surfboard segments are able to bend or flex in relation to one another. For example, a greater amount of tension may reduce the flexibility of the segments while less tension may allow for more flex between the segments. Furthermore, the interface lever  319  may pivot with the amount of tension in the hook feature  316 , thus altering an angle of the bottom surface of the surfboard. In alternative embodiments, two or more sets of latching mechanisms  300  may be used to connect the surfboard segments together (e.g., one along each rail or outer edge). 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate cross-sectional views of the latching mechanism  300  shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C . The embodiments of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  show an interface lever assembly  319 , including a hook feature  316 , disposed on a surfboard segment  310 . A corresponding latch fixture  326  is disposed on a complementary surfboard segment  320 . For purposes of discussion, it is assumed that the surfboard segment  310  corresponds to a head segment of a segmented surfboard, whereas surfboard segment  320  corresponds to the tail segment. Of course, for other embodiments, the surfboard segment  310  can correspond to the tail segment, and surfboard segment  320  can correspond to the head segment. 
       FIG. 3A  shows the latching mechanism  300  in an open or unlatched state. The interface lever  319  is in an “up” position, causing the hook feature  316  to be unhooked from the latch fixture  326 . According to an embodiment, the interface lever  319  connects to the head segment  310  via a vertical hinge, and thus is able to pivot in only two directions (i.e., up or down). This provides a simple locking mechanism, as it allows the interface lever  319  to be easily lowered into (and raised from) a locked position. The pivotable interface lever  319  further allows the hook feature  316  to remain locked to the latch fixture  326  even as the geometry of the surfboard changes (e.g., while the tail segment  320  bends in relation to the head segment  310 ). 
     The latch fixture  326  is formed in the shape of an “L”, according to an embodiment. The bottom surface of the latch fixture  326  is fastened or attached to the tail segment  320 . Alternatively, the bottom surface of the latch fixture  326  may be at least partially integrated with the tail segment  320  (e.g., disposed beneath the top surface of the connector interface). The other end of the locking mechanism protrudes vertically (or at least substantially orthogonal) to the surface of the tail segment  320 . 
       FIG. 3B  shows the latching mechanism  300  in a closed or latched state. The interface lever  319  is in a “down” position, and rests within a slit or groove in the latch fixture  326 . The hook feature  316  is substantially wide enough to prevent it from slipping through, or over, the slit in the latch fixture  326 . The hook feature  316  hooks onto the edges of the latch fixture  326  and “pulls” the tail segment  320  in towards the head segment  310 . According to an embodiment, the hook feature  316  is a ball, or similarly shaped object, which may rotate or pivot while in locked position with the latch fixture  326 . 
     The shape of the hook feature  316 , in conjunction with the hinged attachment of the interface lever  319  to the head segment  310 , allows the tail segment  320  to flex or bend while remaining securely attached to the head segment  310 . For example, regardless of how much the latch fixture  326  pivots about the hook feature  316 , the hook feature  316  will continue to pull the latch fixture  326  (i.e., the tail segment  320 ) in toward the head segment  310 . In addition, the vertically-hinged interface lever  319  allows the tail segment  320  to flex in a vertical direction, while also preventing the tail segment  320  from slipping or sliding in a horizontal direction. According to an embodiment, the latching mechanism  300  (i.e., the hook feature  316 , interface lever  319 , and latch fixture  326 ) is disposed in the middle of the interface between the head segment  310  and the tail segment  320 , and further helps to distribute forces along the middle of the surfboard (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C ). 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3A , it should also be noted that at least part of the tail segment  320  overlaps with the head segment  310  when in the locked state. For example, the overlapping portion of the head segment  310  functions to counteract the vertical component of the pulling forces exerted by the latching mechanism  300  on the tail segment  320 , to prevent the tail segment from bending too far (in the vertical direction) or sliding out of lock with the head segment  310 . As shown in  FIG. 3C , the head segment  310  and tail segment  320  essentially form a “v” shape connection (e.g., illustrated by the intersecting lines  321  and  323 ) at the connection interface. Accordingly, forces applied by the latching mechanism  300  (e.g., along the line  321 ) are mitigated by forces applied by the overlapping tail segment  320  and head segment  310  (e.g., along the line  323 ). For some embodiments, the overlapping tail segment  320  and head segment  310  may serve to firmly lock the two segments together in a fixed (e.g., non-adjustable) surfboard configuration. 
     The amount of pull exerted by the hook feature  316  on the latch fixture  326  is adjustable to allow the user to further customize or fine tune the amount of flex in the tail segment  320 . For example, once interface lever  319  is in a down position, and the hook feature  316  is in a locked state with the latch fixture  326 , the hook feature  316  may be tightened (e.g., assuming it is screwed on to the interface lever  319 ) by turning or twisting the hook feature  316  with a finger or a wrench. Thus, the tighter the connection between the hook feature  316  and the latch fixture  326 , the less the tail segment  320  is allowed to bend or flex (and vice-versa). 
     Additionally, the tighter the connection between the hook feature  316  and the latch fixture  326 , the more the interface lever  319  will pivot. For example, still referring to  FIG. 3C , increasing the tension in the hook feature  316  may “pull” the interface lever  319  to become more vertical with the plane of the surfboard, thus increasing the angle of the “v” shape formed by the intersecting lines  323  and  321 . Meanwhile the hook feature  316 , itself, simply rotates while remaining in a locked position with the latch fixture  326 . 
     In one or more alternative embodiments, interface levers of various (fixed) lengths may be interchangeably attached to the head segment  310 , to allow for various amounts of pull between the hook feature  316  and the latch fixture  326 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate an embodiment of a segmented surfboard with an interleaved connector interface. Specifically,  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C show top, bottom, and isometric views, respectively, of the segmented surfboard  400 . The segmented surfboard  400  includes a head segment  410  and a tail segment  420 . According to an embodiment, the head segment  410  is longer than the tail segment  420 , however, the overall size and/or shape of the head segment  410  may vary (e.g., as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). 
     A connector interface  424  of the tail segment  420  connects to a corresponding connector interface  414  of the head segment  410 . The edges of the connector interface  414  are non-linear, and are contoured to the edges of the connector interface  424  to form a seal at the intersection of the head segment  410  and the tail segment  420 . However, in contrast to the connector interfaces of the segmented surfboard  100 , the connector interface  414  and  424  form an interleaved (or “twisted”) shape. For example, each of the connector interfaces  414  and  424  includes both male and female connector features. For some embodiments, the total amount of overlap between each of the connector interfaces  414  and  424  is substantially equal. For example, the total surface area of the male connector features of the connector interface  414  may be substantially equal to the total surface area of the male connector features of the connector interface  424 . 
     Referring to the top surface of the surfboard  400 , as shown in  FIG. 4A  (and partially in  FIG. 4C ), the middle section of the connector interface  414  extends outward while the sides of the connector interface  414  recede inward, thus forming a “w” shape. Still referring to the top surface of the surfboard  400 , the middle section of the connector interface  424  recedes inward while the sides of the connector interface  424  extend outward, thus forming a “v” shape. 
     Referring now to the bottom surface of the surfboard  400 , as shown in  FIG. 4B  (and partially in  FIG. 4C ), the middle section of the connector interface  414  recedes inward while the sides of the connector interface  414  extend outward, thus forming a “v” shape. Still referring to the bottom surface of the surfboard  400 , the middle section of the connector interface  424  extends outward while the sides of the connector interface  424  recede inward, thus forming a “w” shape. 
     For some embodiments, the extended portions of the connector interface  414  are designed to overlap with the recessed portions of the connector interface  424 , and vice-versa. For example, the “w” shaped edge of the head connector interface  414  is contoured to interconnect with the “v” shaped edge of the tail segment  424 . Similarly, the “v” shaped edge of the head segment  414  is contoured to interconnect with the “w” shaped edge of the tail segment  424 . 
     In other embodiments, the connector interface  414  may include one or more connector rods  411  which connect to corresponding holes or indentations on the connector interface  424  to provide additional structural support along the edges of the surfboard  400 . For example, the connector rods  411  may help direct forces from the edges of the surfboard  400  to the center for improved handling or response. Alternatively, or in addition, the connector rods  411  may direct forces to one or more stringer elements that run through the body of the surfboard  400  for improved structural integrity (e.g., as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1E-1J ). 
     The twisted connector interface design of  FIGS. 4A-4C  has many advantages. For example, the contoured edges (e.g., the “v” and “w” shaped edges) help align the tail segment  420  with the head segment  410  during assembly of the surfboard  400 . In addition, the interleaved manner in which the head segment  410  and the tail segment  420  overlap one another helps to distribute rider weight (and/or other forces on the surfboard) more uniformly across the entire width of the intersection of the two segments. Thus, the segmented surfboard  400 , when fully assembled, may be configured to more closely mimic the response and feel of a typical surfboard having a unibody construction. 
     For some embodiments, connector interfaces  414  and  424  may be formed from a relatively stiff material (e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber, wood, etc.) that is similar, if not identical to the material used to construct the body of the surfboard  400  (e.g., as discussed above in reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). Alternatively, the connector interfaces  414  and  424  may be constructed, at least partially, of a different material than the rest of the surfboard  400 . 
     For example, the connector interface  414  and  424  may be constructed of an elastomeric material, in order to enable the tail segment  420  to flex or bend relative to the head segment  410 . The elastomeric material may also dampen or absorb stresses applied to the connector interfaces  414  and  424 , and thus improve the overall strength and durability of the surfboard  400 . As described above, the stiffness of the elastomeric material may be selected according to a rider&#39;s height, weight, skill lever, or preference. 
     The total overlapping area between the head segment  410  and the tail segment  420  may also vary, depending on the desired level of flex between the two segments. More specifically, the precise shape and/or location (e.g., along the length of the surfboard  400 ) of the twisted interface may be arbitrary as long as there is enough overlap between the connector interfaces  414  and  424  to prevent the head segment  410  from detaching from the tail segment  420  under the stress of the rider&#39;s weight and/or various surf conditions. 
     The head segment  410  includes a latching mechanism  416  for attaching the head segment  410  to the tail segment  420 . The tail segment  420  includes a corresponding latching mechanism  426  which connects to the latching mechanism  416  on the head segment  410 . The latching mechanisms  416  and  426  may be disposed in the center of the connector interfaces  414  and  424 , respectively, to provide additional support at the center of the interface between the head segment  410  and the tail segment  420 . Furthermore, the latching mechanisms  416  and  426  may help pull forces on the board toward the center of the board or toward one or more stringer elements (e.g., as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1E-1J ). 
     It should be noted that the segmented surfboard  400  may include additional features and/or advantages that are similar, if not identical, to those described above, in reference to the segmented surfboard  100  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  (e.g., such as channels for guiding water flow, tail fins, stringers, etc.). 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate detailed views of an interleaved connector interface, according to an embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 5A  shows an isometric view, and  FIG. 5B  shows a cross-sectional view of a head segment  510  and a corresponding tail segment  520 . The head segment  510  includes a twisted connector interface  514  with a hook feature  516  disposed thereon. The tail segment  520  includes a twisted connector interface  524  with a corresponding latch fixture  526 . As discussed above, the connector interface  514  includes both male and female connector features on the top and bottom surface of the head segment  510 . The connector interface  524  includes complementary male and female connector features on the top and bottom surface of the tail segment  520 , which connect to the connector interface  514 . 
     The male-female interconnection of the connector interfaces  524  and  514  allows the surfboard to have a substantially seamless surface. For example, the outer surface of the connector interface  514  may be flush with (or at least substantially similar to) the outer shell of the head segment  510 . Similarly, the outer surface of the connector interface  524  may be flush with the outer shell of the tail segment  520 . This allows the inner portion of the connector interfaces  514  and  524  to be substantially hidden from view when the tail segment  520  is attached to the head segment  510 . 
     For some embodiments, the tips (or outer edges) of the connector interfaces  514  and  524  are relatively thin to allow a greater degree of flex between the head segment  510  and tail segment  520 . For example, each of the connector interfaces  514  and  524  may gradually “thin out” at distances further away from the rest of the head segment  510  and tail segment  520 , respectively. Thus, the thickness (or thinness) of the connector interfaces  514  and  524  may also affect the handling and maneuverability of the surfboard. 
     The tail segment  520  may be secured to the head segment  510  by lowering the hook feature  516  into a locked position with the latch fixture  526  (e.g., as described above in reference to  FIGS. 2A-3B ). For example, the hook feature  516  may be pivotally attached to the connector interface  514  via a hinge. The top surface of the connector interface  514  includes a hole or slot through which the hook feature  516  may pivot into locked and unlocked positions. The hook feature  516  may be in the shape of a ball, such that when hooked onto the latch fixture  526 , the tail segment  520  may be allowed to flex relative to the head segment  510 . Thus, the hook feature  516  may continuously pull on the latch fixture  526  regardless of how the tail segment  520  bends or flexes. 
     For some embodiments, the connector interface  514  may include one or more connector rods  511  which connect to corresponding holes or indentations on the connector interface  524 . The connector rods  511  may provide additional structural support along the edges of the surfboard, while further directing forces from the edges of the board to the center and distributing stress throughout the surfboard to control the flex of the board. Furthermore, the connector rods  511  can be used to connect or distribute forces to one or more stringer elements disposed across the head segment  510  and/or the tail segment  520  (e.g., as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1E-1J ). 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a latching mechanism  600  for attaching the segments of a segmented surfboard, according to another embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 6A  shows an isometric view, and  FIG. 6B  shows a cross-sectional view of the latching mechanism. The embodiments of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  show a rotatable latching feature  617  disposed on a surfboard segment  610 , and a corresponding latch fixture  627  disposed on a complementary surfboard segment  620 . For purposes of discussion, it is assumed that the surfboard segment  610  corresponds to a head segment of a segmented surfboard, whereas the surfboard segment  620  corresponds to the tail segment. 
     According to an embodiment, the latching feature  617  may be rotated (e.g., twisted or turned) to either engage or disengage with the latch fixture  627 . For example, the latching feature  617  may be “spring-loaded” and thus configured to automatically lock onto the latch fixture  627  when the tail segment  620  is connected to the head segment  610 . A user may then twist the latch feature  617  to unlock the latching feature  617  from the corresponding latch fixture  627  when disassembling the segmented surfboard. Alternatively, the latching feature  617  may be turned manually (e.g., using a coin or a screwdriver) to both lock and unlock the latching feature  617  from the latch fixture  627 . 
     The latching mechanism described in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  provides a simple and secure way to attach the tail segment  620  to the head segment  610 . Because no moving parts pivot up or out from the surface of the board, the top of the latching feature  617  may be disposed in a manner that is flush with the outer shell of the head segment  610 . In addition, a tighter seal may be formed between the head segment  610  and the tail segment  602  as there is no hole or opening on the surface of the board when the two segments are connected. In alternative embodiments, two or more sets of latching mechanisms  600  may be used to connect the surfboard segments  610  and  620  together (e.g., one along each rail or outer edge). 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a segmented surfboard  700 . The segmented surfboard  700  may be functionally similar to any of the embodiments described above, with respect to  FIGS. 1-5B , with the exception that the hook feature  726  is now located on the tail segment  720  while the latch fixture  716  is located on the head segment  710 . In operation, the hook feature  726  is pivotable while latched to the latch fixture  716 , thus allowing the tail segment  720  to bend and flex in relation to the head segment  710 . In alternative embodiments, the hook feature  726  and latch fixture  716  may be substituted for a rotatable latching feature  617  and latch fixture  627 , respectively, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 6A and 6B . 
     In the embodiment shown, the connector interfaces  714  and  724  form a twisted or interleaved shape (e.g., as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4C ). Alternatively, the connector interfaces may be cut in any of the non-linear shapes described above (e.g., with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1L  and  FIG. 10 ), to help guide the head segment  710  into place with the tail segment  720  and/or lock the two segments together. 
     In addition, one or more connector rods  711  can be used to provide additional structural support along the rails of the surfboard  700  by directing forces from the edges of the surfboard  700  toward the center and/or one or more stringer elements (e.g., as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1E-1J ). 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a segmented surfboard embodiment having multiple sets of latching mechanisms. Specifically, in this embodiment, the head segment  810  includes two hook features  816  and  818  that latch on to corresponding latch fixtures  826  and  828 , respectively, on the tail segment  820 . The two sets of latching mechanisms provide additional structural support along the rails of the surfboard  800  and may further help to direct forces toward the center and/or one or more stringer elements disposed along the length of the surfboard. Both hook features  816  and  818  may be pivotally coupled to the latch fixtures  826  and  828 , respectively, thus allowing the tail segment  820  to bend and flex in relation to the head segment  810 . 
     In alternative embodiments, one or more of the hook features  816  and/or  818  may be substituted for a rotatable latching fixture  617 , the latch fixture  826  and/or  828  may be substituted for a latch fixture  627 . Although shown in the twisted configuration, the connector interfaces  814  and  824  may alternatively be cut in any of the non-linear shapes described above (e.g., with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1L  and  FIG. 10 ), to help guide the head segment  810  into place with the tail segment  820  and/or lock the two segments together. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a segmented surfboard embodiment having multiple sets of latching mechanisms. The segmented surfboard  900  may be functionally similar to the segmented surfboard  800 , of  FIG. 8 , with the exception that the hook features  926  and  928  now reside on the tail segment  920  while the latch fixtures  916  and  918  are both located on the head segment  910 . In alternative embodiments, one or more of the hook features  926  and/or  928  may be substituted for a rotatable latching feature  617 , while the latch fixture  916  and/or  928  may be substituted for a corresponding latch fixture  627 . 
     Although shown in the twisted configuration, the connector interfaces  914  and  924  may alternatively be cut in any of the non-linear shapes described above (e.g., with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1L  and  FIG. 10 ), to help guide the head segment  910  into place with the tail segment  920  and/or lock the two segments together. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate an embodiment of a segmented longboard  1100 . The segmented longboard  1100  includes a head segment  1110  having a hook feature  1116  which pivotably couples to a corresponding latch fixture  1126  on the tail segment  1120 . For some embodiments, the head segment  1110  is longer than the tail segment  1120 , and forms the main body of the longboard  1100 . As with the segmented surfboard embodiments described above, the shape of the nose of the head segment  1110  may be more rounded or more pointed, for example, to improve the maneuverability or stability of the longboard  1100 . 
     The head segment  1110  may be composed of various types of material including, for example, a composite plastic skin laminated with fiberglass, wood, carbon fiber, or similar material. Furthermore, the head segment  1110  may be either hollow or filled with a buoyant material (e.g., wood or foam). It should be noted that the material composition of the head segment  1110  may affect the weight and/or durability of the longboard  1100 . For some embodiments, the head segment  1110  may include one or more stringer elements (e.g., as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1E-1J ). 
     As with the nose of the head segment  1110 , the rear tip of the tail segment  1120  may also have a unique shape or contour to affect the flow of water beneath the tail of the longboard  1100  (e.g., pin tail, squash tail, swallow tail, etc.). The tail segment  1120  may be composed of various types of material (e.g., similar to those described above with respect to the head segment  1110 ). Alternatively, the tail segment  1120  may be hollow or filled with a buoyant material. For some embodiments, the tail segment  1120  may also include one or more stringer elements (e.g., as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1E-1J ). 
     A connector interface  1124  of the tail segment  1120  connects to a corresponding connector interface  1114  of the head segment  1110 . The edges of the connector interface  1114  are contoured to the edges of the connector interface  1124  to form a seal at the intersection of the head segment  1110  and the tail segment  1120 . Additionally, the contoured edges may serve to align the rails of the board for a proper fit and/or lock the two segments in place. The non-linear edges of the connector interfaces  1114  and  1124  may also help to control the manner in which the tail segment  1120  is able to flex (or “vibrate”) relative to the head segment  1110 . 
     Due to the relatively large size and weight of the longboard  1100 , the connector interface  1114  on the head segment  1110  includes a “tongue” feature which inserts into a corresponding groove of the connector interface  1124  on the tail segment  1120 . Because of its length, the longboard  1100  is much more prone to bending when even the slightest external forces are applied. Thus, the overlapping tongue-and-groove interface forms a much stronger connection between the two segments of the longboard  1100 . 
     Although not shown in  FIG. 11 , the segmented longboard  1100  may further include one or more additional features such as those described above with respect to the segmented surfboard  100  (e.g., tail fins, curved or flat surfaces, etc.). Furthermore, alternative ways of “cutting” the longboard in a non-linear manner (e.g., to form the connector interfaces  1114  and  1124 ) are discussed above with respect to  FIG. 10 . 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a latching mechanism  1200  used on the segmented longboard  1100 . The embodiments of  FIGS. 12A and 12B  show an interface lever assembly  1219 , having a hook feature  1216 , disposed on a longboard segment  1210 . A corresponding latch fixture  1226  is disposed on a complementary longboard segment  1220 . For purposes of discussion, it is assumed that the longboard segment  1210  corresponds to a head segment of a segmented longboard, whereas longboard segment  1220  corresponds to the tail segment. 
       FIG. 12A  shows the latching mechanism  1200  in an open or unlatched state. The interface lever  1219  is in an “up” position, causing the hook feature  1216  to be unhooked from the latch fixture  1226 . As with the interface lever  319  of  FIGS. 3A-3B , the interface lever  1219  connects to the head segment  1210  via a vertical hinge, and thus is able to pivot in only two directions (i.e., up or down). The pivotable interface lever  1219  further allows the hook feature  1216  to remain locked to the latch fixture  1226  even as the geometry of the longboard changes (e.g., while the tail segment  1220  bends in relation to the head segment  1210 ). 
     The latch fixture  1226  is located within a recessed cavity of the tail segment  1220  (or a connector interface disposed thereon). For some embodiments, the latch fixture  1226  is integrally formed with the connector interface of the tail segment  1220 . The latch fixture  1226  includes an opening or slit leading up to the recessed cavity (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ) which allows the interface lever  1219  to be lowered into as the hook feature  1216  is locked into place. 
       FIG. 12B  shows the latching mechanism  1200  in a closed or locked state. The interface lever  1219  is in a “down” position, and rests within the slit or groove in the latch fixture  1226 . The hook feature  1216  is substantially wide enough to prevent it from slipping through the slit in the latch fixture  1226 . The hook feature  1216  hooks onto the edges of the latch fixture  1226  and pulls the tail segment  1220  in towards the head segment  1210  (or vice-versa). According to an embodiment, the hook feature  1216  is a ball, or similarly shaped object, which may rotate or pivot while in locked position with the latch fixture  1226 . 
     The shape of the hook feature  1216 , in conjunction with the hinged attachment of the interface lever  1219  to the head segment  1210 , allows the tail segment  1220  to flex or bend while remaining securely attached to the head segment  1210 . In addition, the vertically-hinged interface lever  1219  allows the tail segment  1220  to flex in a vertical direction, while also preventing the tail segment  1220  from slipping or sliding in a horizontal direction. The latching mechanism  1200  is disposed in the middle of the connector interface of the head segment  1210  and the tail segment  1220 , and further helps to distribute forces along the middle of the longboard. 
     Additional features and advantages of the latching mechanism  1200  may be similar, if not identical, to those of the latching mechanism  300  discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3C . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a segmented surfboard system  1300  in accordance with other embodiments. Surfboard system  1300  includes a head segment  1310 , a tail segment  1320 , and an interface system  1330  for removably attaching the head segment  1310  and tail segment  1320  together to form the integrated surfboard  1300 . The interface system  1330  includes a head interface connecter  1331  and a tail interface connecter  1332  that can be cinched together within a tension having moment substantially collinear with a central axis  1340  of the surfboard  1300 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 14-16 , the head segment  1310  includes a concave rear edge  1311  that mates with and attaches to a corresponding convex surface  1331 A of the head interface connecter  1331 , and the tail segment  1320  includes a concave front edge  1321  that mates with and attaches to a corresponding concave surface  1332 A of the tail interface connecter  1332 . The head interface connecter  1331  includes a main portion  1331 C that inserts into a corresponding slot  1312  formed in head segment  1310  such that the lip portion  1331 A of head interface connecter  1331  is flush with the outer surface of head segment  1310  when connected together, as depicted in  FIG. 13 . Screws  1331 J provided on head interface connecter  1331  can be used to firmly secure head interface connecter  1331  to head segment  1310 . Further, for some embodiments, the head interface connecter  1331  includes rods  1331 H that can be received by corresponding bores (not shown for simplicity) formed in head segment  1310 , thereby providing additional alignment between head interface connecter  1331  and head segment  1310 . For other embodiments, screws  1331 J and/or rods  1331 H can be omitted, and the head interface connecter  1331  can be attached to head segment  1320  using a suitable adhesive or bonding material. 
     The head interface connecter  1331  also includes a blade element  1331 D that extends from the main portion  1331 C along the direction of the board&#39;s central axis  1340 , and includes a cavities  1331 K formed within corresponding housings  1331 G positioned on each side (e.g., close to the outer rails of the waterboard) of the head interface connecter  1331 , as depicted in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
     A lever assembly  1410  including a bolt  1411  having a joint  1412  formed at a first end thereof is pivotally connected to the surface  1331 B of the head interface connecter  1331  via a pin (not shown for simplicity) embedded in the main portion  1331 C. A lug  1413  is attached to a second end of the bolt  1411  that allows the bolt to removably attach the head interface connecter  1331  and the tail interface connecter  1332  together, as explained in more detail below. For some embodiments, the lever assembly  1410  is constructed of metal. For other embodiments, lever assembly  1410  may be constructed of a flexible material (e.g., plastic, polymer, fabric) that is able to bend in relation to forces applied to and/or between the tail and head segments. 
     The tail interface connecter  1332  includes a main portion  1332 C that inserts into a corresponding slot  1322  formed in tail segment  1320  such that the lip portion  1332 A of tail interface connecter  1332  is flush with the outer surface of tail segment  1320  when connected together. For some embodiments, the tail interface connecter  1332  can be attached to tail segment  1320  using a suitable adhesive or bonding material. For other embodiments, screws (not shown for simplicity) similar to screws  1331 J of head interface connecter  1331  can be used to firmly secure tail interface connecter  1332  to tail segment  1320 . In addition, tail interface connecter  1332  can include rods similar to rods  1331 H to provide additional alignment between tail interface connecter  1332  and tail segment  1320 . 
     Tail interface connecter  1332  includes a central housing portion  1332 D that includes a slot  1332 K adapted to receive the blade element  1331 D of head interface connecter  1331 , and includes tab elements  1332 G that are adapted to be inserted into corresponding cavities  1331 K of head interface connecter  1331 . Thus, when head interface connecter  1331  and tail interface connecter  1332  are connected together, the male portion  1331 D of head interface connecter  1331  mates with female portion  1332 K of tail interface connecter  1332 , and the male portions  1332 G of tail interface connecter  1332  mate with corresponding female portions  1331 K of head interface connecter  1331 , thereby ensuring a secure connection between the head and tail interface connecters. 
     For some embodiments, tab elements  1332 G are oriented in a direction parallel with the central axis  1340  of the waterboard  1300 . For other embodiments, tab elements  1332 G are oriented at a slight angle (e.g., between 10 and 20 degrees) to facilitate self alignment when connecting the head segment  1310  to the tail segment  1320 . For such other embodiments, receiving cavities  1331 K are oriented at a similar angle to ensure proper alignment. 
     The tail interface connecter  1332  also includes a T-shaped notch  1420  formed on a top surface of central housing member  1332 D. The T-shaped notch  1420  is adapted to receive the lever assembly  1410  of the head interface connecter  1331 . More specifically, to removably attach the head segment  1310  to the tail segment  1320 , the head segment  1310  and tail segment  1320  are joined together so that the blade element  1331 D of head interface connecter  1331  is positioned within slot  1332 K of tail interface connecter  1332  and the tab elements  1332 G of tail interface connecter  1332  are positioned within corresponding slots  1331 K of the head interface connecter  1331 . In this manner, the concave surface  1331 B of head interface connecter  1331  mates with the convex surface  1332 B of tail interface connecter  1332  to connect the head segment  1310  and tail segment  1320  together. Then, the bolt  1411  attached to head interface connecter  1331  is pivoted from its open position (e.g., the vertically-oriented direction perpendicular to central axis  1340 ) to its closed position (e.g., the horizontally-oriented direction collinear to central axis  1340 ) such that bolt  1411  rests in the elongated portion  1421  portion of notch  1420  and the bolt lug  1413  rests within the wider portion  1422  of notch  1420 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
     For some embodiments, a flexible pad or cover (not shown for simplicity) can be provided over notch  1420  to hide notch  1420  and lever assembly  1410  from view. For one embodiment, the flexible pad includes a hole or opening through which the lever assembly  1410  may be manually released or unhooked from the notch  1420 . 
     Note that the lever assembly  1410  is connected to head interface connecter  1331  via a pivoting hinge, and is thus able to pivot in only two directions (i.e., up or down). This provides a simple locking mechanism because it allows the lever assembly  1410  to be easily lowered into a locked position within notch  1420 , and easily raised from notch  1420  into an unlocked position. The pivotable lever assembly  1410  further allows the bolt  1411  to remain locked within the notch  1420  even when the geometry of the surfboard changes (e.g., while the tail segment  1320  bends in relation to the head segment  1310 ). 
     When the lever assembly  1410  is in the locked position within the corresponding notch  1420 , the lug  1413  hooks onto the edges of the wide portion  1422  of notch  1420  and pulls the tail segment  1320  towards the head segment  1310 . More specifically, because the lever assembly  1410  is substantially horizontal (i.e., collinear with the central axis  1340  of the board  1300 ) when in the locked position, the lug  1413  of lever assembly  1410  pulls the tail segment  1320  in towards the head segment  1310  in a cinching action having a tension moment that is substantially collinear with the central axis  1340  of the board  1300 , thereby advantageously aligning the force that pulls the head segment  1310  and tail segment  1320  together with the direction of the board  1300  when in the water. 
     The shape and pivoting nature of the lever assembly  1410  allows the tail segment  1320  to flex while remaining securely attached to the head segment  1310 . For example, regardless of how much the lever assembly  1410  pivots relative to the central axis  1340 , the bolt lug  1413  will continue pulling the notch (i.e., the tail segment  1320 ) toward the head segment  1310 . In addition, the vertically-hinged lever assembly  1410  allows the tail segment  1320  to flex in a vertical direction, while also preventing the tail segment  1320  from slipping or sliding in a horizontal direction. For the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13-16 , the lever assembly  1410  and notch  1420  are disposed in the middle of the interface system  1330  to distribute forces along the middle of the surfboard. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , when the head segment  1310  is properly attached to the tail segment  1320  using interface system  1330 , the blade element  1331 D of head interface connecter  1331  fits entirely within the slot  1332 K formed in the tail interface connecter  1332 , and the tab elements  1332 G of the tail interface connecter  1332  fit entirely within corresponding slots  1331 K formed in the head interface connecter  1331 . Thus, no portion of head interface connecter  1331  overlaps the tail segment  1320 , and no portion of tail interface connecter  1332  overlaps the head segment  1310 . As a result, the lateral forces exerted upon the board  1300  during use (e.g., while surfing) are absorbed by the interface system  1330 , which is constructed of injection molded plastic and is therefore significantly stronger than the foam portions of the head and tail segments  1310  and  1320 . 
     For other embodiments, the various components of interface system  1330  can be constructed of other suitable elastic molded materials (e.g., self skinning foam, woven fiberglass, carbon fiber). 
     For some embodiments, the amount of pull exerted by the lever assembly  1410  on the notch  1420  is adjustable to allow the user to further customize the amount of flex in the tail segment  1320 . For example, once the lever assembly  1410  is placed in the locked position within notch  1420 , the bolt lug  1413  may be tightened (e.g., for embodiments in which lug  1413  is screwed onto bolt  1411 ) by turning or twisting the lug  1413  with a finger or a wrench. Thus, the tighter the connection between the lever assembly  1410  and notch  1420 , the less the tail segment  1320  is allowed to bend or flex relative to the head segment (and vice-versa). 
     Referring again to  FIG. 13 , a protective coating of suitable material (e.g., fiberglass) is used to encapsulate head interface connecter  1331  and head segment  1310  together to form an integrated head portion such that only the surface  1331 B and blade element  1331 D of head interface connecter  1331  are visible. Similarly, a protective coating of suitable material (e.g., fiberglass) is used to encapsulate tail interface connecter  1332  and tail segment  1320  together to form an integrated tail portion such that only the surface  1332 B and tab elements  1332 G of tail interface connecter  1332  are visible. In this manner, when the head and tail segments  1310  and  1320  are connected together to form the integrated waterboard  1330 , the interface system  1300  is not visible and does not interfere with the riders&#39; feet or hands, as depicted in  FIG. 16 . This not only enhances the aesthetic features of the waterboard, but also reduces drag and thus maximizes performance. 
     Note that although the exemplary interface system  1330  described herein includes a T-shaped notch  1421  to receive the lever assembly  1410 , other suitable attachment mechanisms described herein may be used for the segmented waterboard  1300 . In addition, for other embodiments, an attachment mechanism (e.g., the T-shaped notch  1421  and the lever assembly  1410 ) can be located near each side or rail of the waterboard. 
     The interface system  1330  described above may provide a universally-applicable solution for removably attaching head and tail segments of a waterboard together. For example, segmented surfboards of varying sizes, shapes, and performance characteristics can be constructed by a variety of different manufacturers to have cavities of uniform dimensions (e.g., size, shape, depth) formed in the head and tail segments so that interface system  1330  described herein can be used to removably connect the head and tail segments together in the manner described herein. In this manner, the start-up cost of designing and configuring the tools necessary to constructed interface connecters  1331  and  1332  can be distributed across a large number of pieces, and the interface system  1330  of present embodiments can be made available to removably attach a wide variety of different head and tail segments constructed by any number of manufacturers. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. For example, features or aspects of any of the embodiments may be applied, at least where practicable, in combination with any other of the embodiments or in place of counterpart features or aspects thereof. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.