Abstract:
A multiple-section recreational board is formed in two or more sections. Contiguous sections of the recreational board arc coupled together by one or more bridges which provide the structural integrity generally equivalent to an integral one piece recreational board. The bridges may be latched by an integral or separate latch mechanism. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the multiple-section recreational boards are relatively easily disassembled and reassembled and are relatively less complex to manufacture than known multiple-section recreational boards.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/553,585, filed Mar. 16, 2004, hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a recreational board, such as a snowboard, a surfboard, skis, and the like, and more particularly to a multiple-section recreational board, which can be easily disassembled to facilitate transport and reassembled quickly and easily while providing sufficient structural integrity. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Various multiple-section snowboards and skis are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,545,209; 3,026;546; 3,439,928; 3,797,838; 3,819,198; 3,825,360; 4,155,568; 4,458,912; 4,593,926; 4,600,211; 4,645,228; and 4,723,789 all disclose multiple-section skis that are split along a transverse axis. Such multiple-section skis facilitate transport. Unfortunately, the multiple-section skis disclosed in these patents are relatively complicated and are not user-friendly. 
         [0006]    Other known examples of such multiple-section skis are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,104,888; 4,358,130; 4,632,418 and 6,616,170. Unfortunately, the connection mechanisms in these devices are relatively complicated making the skis relatively complex and thus expensive to manufacture and repair. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,692 relates to a multiple-section surfboard. Contiguous sections of the surfboard are coupled together with a rod arrangement. More particularly, one section of the surfboard is provided with a rod extending outwardly from the width of the surfboard and disposed along the board&#39;s longitudinal axis. The other section of the surfboard is provided with an elongated hole for receiving the rod. The arrangement is configured so that when the rod is received in the elongated hole, the contiguous sections of the surfboard are aligned. A latch device is provided to latch the two contiguous sections together. Although such an arrangement for coupling together multiple sections of a surfboard may provide acceptable performance-for a surfboard, such a configuration is not appropriate for recreational boards where the forces involved can be expected to be relatively high. 
         [0008]    Thus, there is a need for a multiple-section recreational board that is user-friendly and is also relatively less complicated and thus less expensive to manufacture and is suitable for applications in which the expected forces are relatively high. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    Briefly, the present invention relates to a multiple-section recreational board, such as a snowboard, surfboard, skis, or the like. The multiple-section recreational board may be formed in two or more sections. Contiguous sections of the recreational board are coupled together by one or more bridges in order to provide sufficient structural integrity generally equivalent to or greater than a one-piece recreational board. The board sections may be latched together by one or more latch mechanisms that are relatively simpler than known latch mechanisms. The latch mechanisms may be either separate devices or integrally formed with the bridge. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the multiple-section recreational board is relatively easily disassembled and reassembled and is relatively less complex to manufacture than known multiple section recreational boards. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0010]    These and other advantages of the present invention will be readily understood with reference to the following specification and attached drawing wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a two piece recreational board in accordance with the present invention that has been joined together with a bridge consisting of a plate and a number of fasteners. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the two-piece recreational board illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3   a  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a bridge that may be used to join contiguous sections of a recreational board together in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3   b  is a side view of the bridge illustrated in  FIG. 3   a.    
           [0015]      FIG. 3   c  is an end view of the bridge illustrated in  FIG. 3   a.    
           [0016]      FIG. 4   a  is another alternate embodiment of a bridge that may be used to join contiguous sections of a recreational board together in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4   b  is a side view of the bridge illustrated in  FIG. 4   a.    
           [0018]      FIG. 4   c  is an end view of the bridge illustrated in  FIG. 4   a.    
           [0019]      FIG. 4   d  is a sectional view along line  4   d - 4   d  of  FIG. 4   a.    
           [0020]      FIG. 4   e  illustrates a multiple-section recreational board with a plurality of bridges illustrated in  FIG. 4   a.    
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of another alternate embodiment of a bridge that may be used to join split sections of a recreational board together in accordance with the present invention, shown mounted on a portion of a recreational board in a disassembled position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is similar to  FIG. 5  but illustrating a smooth covering for the bridge. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the bridge illustrated in  FIG. 5  but with an integral latch mechanism. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of another alternate embodiment of a bridge that may be used to join contiguous sections of a recreational board together in accordance with the present invention, shown mounted on a portion of a recreational board in a disassembled position and also illustrating an separate exemplary latch mechanism. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  are isometric views of another alternate embodiment of a bridge that may be used to join split sections of a recreational board together in accordance with the present-invention, shown in an assembled and disassembled positions, respectively. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  are isometric views of another alternate embodiment of a bridge with an integral latch that may be used to join contiguous sections of a recreational board together in accordance with the present invention, shown in an assembled and disassembled positions, respectively. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11   a  is an isometric view of an alternate bridge with an integral latch for use with the present invention, shown in a latched position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11   b  is similar to  FIG. 11   a  but shown in a disassembled position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11   c  is similar to  FIG. 11   a  but shown in an intermediate unlatched position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    The present invention relates to a multiple-section recreational board. Although the invention is described and illustrated with respect to a multiple-section snowboard, the principles of the present invention are also applicable to multiple-section skis, as well as multiple-section surfboards, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,692. As used herein, multiple section recreational board refers to all types of recreational boards including snowboards, surfboards, skis and the like. Moreover, although the multiple-section recreational board is shown and illustrated split into just two sections, the principles of the present invention also relate to recreational boards that are split into more than two sections, for example, three sections or more. 
         [0031]    Turning to the drawing,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate the simplicity of the invention. In particular, a basic concept of the bridge in accordance with the present invention is configured as a plate with a number of through holes and a plurality of fasteners. In particular,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a recreational board, such as a snowboard, generally identified with the reference numeral  20 , that has been split into two sections  22  and  24 , for example. As shown best in  FIG. 2 , the two sections  22  and  24  are placed together defining a joint  26 . 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the joint  26  is shown cut at a straight vertical angle; generally ninety (90) degrees from the plane of the recreational board sections  22  and  24 . It should also be understood that the joint  26  can be formed with an angled cut and that other types of joints are also considered to be within the broad scope of the invention, such as dovetail and other types of joints common in the woodworking industry. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a plate  28  is used as a one-piece bridge to secure the two recreational board sections  22  and  24  together. The one-piece bridge  28  does not require a latch since the plate is securely fastened to both sections  22 ,  24  of the recreational board. The plate  28  is juxtaposed to span the joint  26  and is attached to the recreational board sections  22  and  24  by way of a number of fasteners, generally identified with the reference numeral  30 . As shown, the plate  28  bridges the joint  26  and strengthens the joint  26  so that its structural integrity, such as its resistance to vertical shear force, is generally the same or greater than a one-piece recreational board. 
         [0034]    Alternate embodiments of the bridge are illustrated in  FIGS. 3   a - 3   c  and  4   a - 4   e , identified generally with the reference numerals  32  and  34 , respectively. The embodiments of the bridge illustrated in  FIGS. 3   a - 3   c ,  4   a - 4   c ,  5 - 8 ,  9   a - 9   b ,  10   a - 10   b  and  11   a - 11   c  are configured as two-piece complementary coupling devices. Returning to  FIGS. 3   a - 3   c  and  4   a - 4   c , both bridges  32  and  34  emulate the plate  28  and act to bridge the joint  26  ( FIG. 2 ) between contiguous recreational board sections  22  and  24 . These bridges  32  and  34  sufficiently strengthen the recreational board sections such that the assembled recreational board can withstand at least as high of a shear force as a one-piece recreational board without damage. 
         [0035]    Both of the bridge designs  32 ,  34  illustrated in  FIGS. 3   a - 3   c  and  FIGS. 4   a - 4   d , respectively, are adapted to be carried on the surface of the split recreational board sections, for example, sections  36  and  38  ( FIG. 4   e ). These bridges  32  and  34  are positioned over split sections of the recreational board so as to span the joint  26 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 3   a - 3   c , the bridge  32  is formed from essentially two parts: a first bridge member  42  carrying a male shank  44  and a second bridge member  40  formed as a complementary female receptacle  41  ( FIG. 3   c ). The first bridge member  42  is secured to one recreational board section (not shown) while the second bridge member  42  is secured to another recreational board section. The bridge members  40 ,  42  are configured so that when the recreational board sections are placed together, the male shank  44  on the bridge member  42  will be inserted into the female receptacle  41 , forming a bridge across the joint. 
         [0037]    An alternate embodiment of a bridge is illustrated in  FIGS. 4   a - 4   d  and generally identified with the reference numeral  34 .  FIG. 4   e  illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which multiple bridges  34  are attached to the recreational board sections  36  and  38 . 
         [0038]    The bridge  34  includes two parts: a first bridge member  50  and a second bridge member  52 . The first bridge member  50  is rigidly secured to one section of the recreational board and includes an extending male shank  54 . The first and second bridge members  50 ,  52  are configured so that the male shank  54  is received in a complementary female receptacle  56  ( FIG. 4   d ) formed in the second bridge member  52 . As shown in  FIG. 4   e , the bridges  34  are positioned to span across the joint  57  between the contiguous sections  36  and  38  of the recreational board. 
         [0039]    Another alternate embodiment of the bridge, in accordance with the present invention, is illustrated in  FIG. 5  and generally identified with the reference numeral  60 . The bridge  60  includes a first bridge member  62  and a second bridge member  64 . The bridge member  62  is formed as a generally elongated rectangular member  62  with an extending shank  76 . In order to enable the bridge members  62 ,  64  to be secured to the recreational board, each bridge member  62 ,  64  is formed with one or-more flanges  66 . Each flange  66  is provided with a through hole for receiving a fastener  68  to enable the flange  66  and thus the bridge member  62 ,  64  to be fastened to a section of the recreational board. 
         [0040]    The bridge member  62  is positioned on section  70  of the recreational board so that a longitudinal axis  78  of the elongated member  74  is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis  80  of the section  70  of the recreational board. In addition, the bridge member  62  is generally placed against an edge  82  of the recreational board section  70  such that the extending shank  76  extends outwardly therefrom. 
         [0041]    The bridge member  64  generally includes a generally rectangular elongated member with a hole  86  defining a receptacle for the male shank  76 . The bridge member  64  may be formed with one or more flanges  92 . The flanges  92  are each provided with an aperture for receiving a fastener  94  to enable the bridge member  64  to be secured to the recreational board section  72 . The bridge member  64  is similarly juxtaposed on the recreational board section  72  such that its longitudinal axis  88  is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis  90  of the recreational board section  72 . The bridge member  64  is secured to the recreational board. 
         [0042]    The rectangular shape of the bridge members  62 -and  64 , as well as the male shank  76 , are merely exemplary. Virtually any cross-sectional area for the bridge member  62  and  64  are possible so long as the cross-section has a generally planar surface along its longitudinal axis to allow the bridge members  62 ,  64  to lay generally flat against the recreational board sections  70 ,  72 . For example, semi-circular, triangular as well as well as other polygonal cross-sections are considered to be within the broad scope of the invention. 
         [0043]    Similarly, the cross-sectional area of the male shank  76  is also exemplary. Various cross-sectional areas for the metal shank  76  are considered to be within the broad scope of the present invention. For example, the cross-sectional area of the metal shank  76  may be other than rectangular or square. Indeed, circular, irregular and various polygonal cross-section are considered to be within the broad scope of the invention. It is only necessary that the receptacle formed in the bridge member  64  be either complementary or otherwise configured to receive the male shank  76 . 
         [0044]    An exemplary embodiment of a snowboard constructed in accordance with the present invention may include virtually any snowboard, cut, for example, in two generally equal-length sections. The bridge  60  may be formed from various materials including virtually any metal, such as, steel, aluminum or titanium, as well as other materials which provide the requisite strength, such as, plastic and composite materials and the like. The bridge  60  may be formed as a generally square member  74 , for example, a generally square steel bar, having a length of, for example, about 5 to 8 inches and a cross-section of, for example ¼ inch to 4 inches, depending on the material. The bridge member  62  may be formed as an elongated solid member having a portion with a reduced cross sectional area forming the shank  76 . The bridge member  64  is formed in a similar manner but with an elongated hole, formed to receive the male shank  76 . 
         [0045]    The flanges  66 ,  92  may be formed from the same material as the bridge members  62 ,  64  and either integrally formed with the bridge members  62 , 64  or attached thereto by various well known methods, as shown, and configured to enable the bridge to be flush mounted on a surface of the board sections  70 ,  72 . The flanges  66 , 92  may be, for example, from ½ inch to the length of the bridge members  60 , 62  and have a thickness, for example 1/16 inch to 1 inch depending an the required strength. The flanges  66 , 92  may be provided with a through hole for receiving a ⅛ to ¾ inch fastener. 
         [0046]    The configuration of the bridge  60 , as generally illustrated in  FIG. 5 , may be configured with the following exemplary characteristic. For example, the bridge  60  may be configured to carry a 225 pound person, standing mid board. Assuming  3  point bending, a force of 1.5 g&#39;s, and a length L =1.22 meters, the force at the midpoint, M(L/2)=F/2*L/2=225/2.2 kilograms*1.5*9.81 meters/sec 2 =1505 Newtons. Assuming the board is 0.01 meters thick and the bridge  60  is mounted on top of the board and the moment of inertia I= 1/12 b*h 3 , where the base of the board b=0.27 meters and the height of the board h=0.01 meters, the stress=My/I=1505N*(0.01/2)m/(2.25e-8m 4 )=103e6 N/m 2 , the torque=F/2*b/2=102 Newton meters, the shear=F/4=376 Newtons and the pull axial=shear=F/4=376 Newtons. 
         [0047]    The material and size of the material used for the bridges and shank can be used to give the boards different mechanical/performance characteristics. Moreover, the bridges may be designed such that the shanks/bridges are interchangeable to allow the board characteristics to be changed by the user/rider. For example, such a configuration may be used to allow the end user to change the shanks on the bridge so that the board can be tuned, for example, for different snow conditions. 
         [0048]      FIG. 6  illustrates another alternate embodiment of the bridge, generally identified with the reference numeral  92 . In this embodiment, the bridge is formed by a pair of complementary bridge members  94  and  96  and is similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5  and identified with the references numeral  60 . The main difference is that the bridge members  94  and  96  are formed with a generally smooth surface. The smooth surface may be formed by many well-known techniques including over-molding of the bridge members  62 ,  64 , which may be done at the time the recreational board is laminated or afterwards, for example, by covering the bridges with a composite or other material. Such a configuration enables the bridge members  92  and  94  to be used, for example, for surfboards. 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  illustrates another alternate embodiment of a bridge in accordance with the present invention which incorporates an integral latch. This embodiment is generally identified with the reference numeral  98  and is similar to the bridge members  62 ,  64 , discussed above. The bridge  98  includes a first bridge member  100  and a second bridge member  102 . The bridge member  100  includes a generally elongated member  104  and an extending shank  106 . In this embodiment, the extending shank  106  is formed with a notch  112  at one end. The bridge member  100  is formed with one or more flanges  108  to enable the bridge member  100  to be secured to a section of a recreational board by way of one or more fasteners  110 . 
         [0050]    The bridge member  102  includes an elongated member  114  that is formed with an elongated hole  116  for receiving the male shank  106 . The bridge member  102  also includes one or more flanges  118  to enable the bridge member  102  to be secured to a section of a recreational board by way of one or more fasteners  120 . 
         [0051]    An exemplary moveable latch key  122  with an extending tongue  124  may be provided at one end. In this embodiment, the bridge member  102  is provided with a slot (not shown) for receiving the latch key  122 . More particularly, the elongated member i  14  is configured such that the extending tongue  124  on the latch key  122  is in communication with the elongated hole  116 . In an unlatched position, the extending tongue  124  on the latch key  122  is removed from the elongated hole  116  in the elongated member  114 . Once the male shank  106  is inserted into the elongated hole  116 , the latch key  122  can be juxtaposed so that the extending tongue  124  is captured in the notch  112  formed in the male shank  106  to prevent axial movement bridge member  100  with respect to the bridge member  102 . 
         [0052]    The latch key  122  may either be pivotally mounted on one end to enable the extending tongue  124  to be rotated into and out of communication with the elongated hole  116 . In rotational embodiments, a torsion spring may be provided to bias the latch key  122  in a latched position as generally shown in  FIG. 7   
         [0053]    An alternate embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In this embodiment, an alternate bridge is illustrated and generally identified with the referenced numeral  130 . The bridge  130  includes a first bridge member  132  and a second bridge member  134 . The bridge member  132  may be formed as a generally egg-shaped member  136  that is truncated at one end. In this embodiment, the underside of the bridge member  132  may be provided with threaded holes (not shown) that are adapted to be aligned with holes (not shown), for example, counter-sunk holes, formed in the underside of the recreational board section  140 . Such a configuration allows the bridge member  132  to be secured to the recreational board section  140  respectively by way of fasteners (not shown) that are inserted into the underside of the recreational board section  140 . 
         [0054]    The bridge member  132  is formed with an extended male shank  140 . The extended male shank  140  may be formed with a generally circular cross section. The bridge member  132  is juxtaposed on the recreational board section  140  so that a longitudinal axis  144  of the extended metal shank  140  is generally parallel with a longitudinal axis  146  of the recreational board section  140 . 
         [0055]    The bridge member  134  is similarly formed With a generally egg-shaped member  146  truncated at one end, which may be juxtaposed relative to the recreational board section  138  and connected and rigidly secured thereto in the same manner as discussed above. The bridge member  134  is provided with a central hole  148  defining a female receptacle for receiving the extended male shank  142 . 
         [0056]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a separate exemplary latch mechanism  150  is utilized. The latch mechanism  150  may include a catch  148 , rigidly attached one of the recreational board sections  138 ,  140 . The catch  148  is formed with a generally horizontal bar. When the recreational board section  138 ,  140  are placed together the catch is adapted to be captured by a latch mechanism  150  rigidly secured to the adjoining or contiguous section  138  of the recreational board. The latch mechanism  150  includes an extending lever  152  which is hooked at one end. The hooked end of the lever  152  is adapted to capture the horizontal bar of the catch  148 . The lever  152  is pivotally mounted to a second lever  154 , which, in turn, is pivotally mounted to a base member  156 . When the sections  138 , 140  of the recreational board are placed together, the hooked portion of the lever  152  captures the horizontal rod on the catch  148 . The other lever  154  is then rotated in a counter clockwise direction until the latch mechanism  156  is in a latched position. 
         [0057]    An alternate bridge in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  and generally identified with the referenced numeral  160 . The bridge  160  includes a first bridge member  162  and a second bridge member  164 . For added stability, the bridge members  162  and  164  may be formed with keels  166  and  168  respectively. These keels  166 , 168  are adapted to be received in elongated slots (not shown) formed in the sections of the recreational board. Each bridge member  166 , 168  is formed with a flange  170  on each side. The flanges  170 ,  172  are configured with through holes (not shown) for receiving fasteners to fasten the bridge members  162 ,  164  to the sections of the recreational board. 
         [0058]    The bridge member  162  includes an extended flange portion  174 , formed as a generally rectangular plate. The extended flange portion  174  is configured to be received in a slot  176  formed in the bridge member  164 . The bridge member  162  also includes a vertical plate portion  178 . The vertical plate portion  178  provides additional strength to the bridge  160 . 
         [0059]      FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  illustrate an alternate embodiment of the bridge, generally identified with the reference numeral  180 . The bridge  180  includes a bridge member  182  and a bridge member  184 . The bridge member  182  is formed with an irregular shape having a generally smooth surface with an extending male shank  186 . The bridge member  182  includes a pair of flanges  188  and  190 . The flanges  188  and  190  are formed with through holes  192  for receiving fasteners (not shown) to enable the bridge member  182  to be secured to a section of a recreational board. 
         [0060]    The bridge member  184  includes a generally irregular shape, smooth base member with an elongated hole  194 . The elongated hole  194  defines a receptacle for receiving the extended male shank  186 . The bridge member  184  also includes a flange  196  and  198  on each side. The flanges  196 , 198  are provided with through holes  200  to enable the bridge member  184  to be secured in place with fasteners (not shown). 
         [0061]    The bridge  180  may also be formed with an integral latch mechanism  202 . The latch mechanism  202  may be formed from a pair of slots  204 ,  206  which may be formed on each side of the bridge members  182  and  184 . A flexible metal strap  208  with hooked ends may be used to secure bridge members  182  and  184  together. 
         [0062]    An alternate bridge with an integral latch is illustrated in  FIGS. 11   a - 11  c and generally identified with the reference numeral  210 . The bridge  210  includes a bridge member  212  and a bridge member  214 . These bridge members  212 ,  214  may be formed with threaded holes on the underside to enable the members  212 ,  214  to be fastened to sections of a recreational board with suitable fasteners (not shown). 
         [0063]    The bridge member  212  is formed with a base section  216  and on extending shank  218 . An irregular shaped latch member  220  is formed at the end of the extending shank  218 . The extending latch member  220  is formed with a generally circular cross section with a planar surface. 
         [0064]    The latch member  220  is adapted to be received in a pair of irregularly shaped notches  220 ,  224  formed in the bridge member  214 . As best shown in  FIG. 11   c,  the recreational board sections are brought together, the sections of the recreational board are manipulated so that the bridge member  212  (including the recreational board section to which it is attached) is rotated upwardly to allow the latch member  22  to be received into the irregularly shaped notches  220 ,  224  in the bridge member  214 . As the bridge member  212  is rotated in a clockwise direction the latch member  220  becomes captured within the regular shaped notches  222 ,  224  to its latched position as shown in  FIG. 11   a.    
         [0065]    The bridge member  212  may be provided with a deadbolt  226  which is slideably received within the bridge member  212 . The deadbolt  226  is adapted to be received in a generally square aperture in a bow portion  228  of the bridge member  214 . 
         [0066]    The bridge members  212  and  214  may be formed with threaded apertures (not shown). These threaded apertures may be aligned through holes formed in sections of the recreational board to enable the bridge members  212 ,  214  to be secured thereto. 
         [0067]    Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above.