Patent Description:
Performance characteristics of kiteboards can vary widely depending on the shape of the board, the weather and water conditions. Thus, most users own various kiteboards with different performance characteristics to compensatethese effects. Next to being expensive, this has the disadvantage of a high demand of storage space as well as transportation space, if various boards need to be brought along to the water side due to unknown weather and water conditions.

Water boards, such as e.g. surfboards, sail or paddle boards with different configurations, are known. In the following some examples shall be given on adaptable water boards known from the prior art.

<CIT>, relates to a modular floating board. The modular floating board has a nose module, a tail module and an intermediate module. The modules may be coupled together to a functional floating board by an interface connection established between the intermediate module and the nose and tail modules. A tensioning member may compress the modules in longitudinal alignment and prevent the modules of the assembled board from separating. Each of the modules is on its own non-functional.

<CIT>, discloses a system of interchangeable components including various front panels, rear panels, adaptors, and interfaces that can be variably and removably assembled to form various customized waterboards with various performance characteristics.

<CIT>, discloses a separable board with at least two parts, which are connectable via a connection device. The connection device has a locking device for locking the connected portions and at least two bolts, with the bolts being anchored firmly in a part of the board and being insertable into respective holes of the other part of the board.

<CIT>, relates to an assembly, combining a surfboard, a paddle and a sailing boat in one structure. The assembly comprises a base plate, an end buckle plate, a left buckle plate and a right buckle plate, wherein the end buckle plate is of a U shape. The assembly can be used as a surfboard, a paddle board, or sailing boat by fixedly assembling different parts together.

<CIT>, discloses a multiple sport board assembly. The assembly comprises a first platform capable of defining a first sport board and a second platform. The first and the second platform are releasably mounted to each other and, in a mounted state, define a second sport board.

The boards known from the prior art are difficult to assemble and non-practical for easy transportation.

It is an object of the invention to provide a kiteboard, which is adaptable to a wide range of different conditions. A further object of the invention is to provide a board which can be easily stored and transported in a space-saving way.

A kite board according to the invention comprises a base, at least one front extension and/or at least one back extension. The base comprises a top face and a bottom face and an outer edge face. The top face is hereby understood as the face, on which the rider stands during riding and the bottom face as the face that during riding is placed in the direction of the water. The outer edge face of the base is extending in a circumferential direction along an outer contour of the top face and the bottom face and comprises a first mechanical interface. The front extension and/or the back extension also comprise a top face and a bottom face. Furthermore they comprise an inner edge face. The inner edge face extends between the top face and the bottom face along an inner contour in a circumferential direction and is shaped such that it corresponds at least partially to the outer contour of the base. The inner edge face of the front and/or the back extension comprises a second mechanical interface, which - in an assembled position - is foreseen to be engaged with a corresponding first mechanical interface of the base. The first and the second interface are engaged with each other to position the front extension, respectively the back extension with respect to the base. Alternatively or in addition, the first and the second mechanical interface can be arranged adjacent to the inner and the outer edge face in the area of the top face.

By combining the base with different front and/or back extensions the width (in a lateral direction) and/or the length (in a longitudinal direction) of the overall kiteboard may be adjusted. Hence, a modular setup can be arranged with a fully functional base and one or several front and back extension. One base can be interconnected with one or several front and back extensions via the first and the second mechanical interface thereby covering the full spectrum of different applications of a kiteboard. Thus, for each user an individual a kit may be provided comprising a base and at least two front extensions and/or at least two back extensions such that a user can exchange the front and/or back extension to generate different kiteboards with different performance characteristics. In some applications, the base is a fully functioning kiteboard in itself. In the situation where the base acts as a kiteboard, the outer edge face of the base, respectively transition region of the outer edge face and the bottom face of the base are developed as a so called riding edge which, during riding, is actively taking influence on the riding behavior as it interacts with the water surrounding the kiteboard. In this case the edge acts as flow breakaway edge. Thus, a riding edge is preferably optimized fluid-mechanically as well as in terms of the structural properties since a riding edge experiences a stronger wear than e.g. the top face of a kiteboard. Therefore the edges of kiteboards, respectively the riding edges, are usually strengthened. This may be done e.g. by turning over the fibers at the edge of a fiber reinforced board such that no ends of fiber layers are exposed at the outer edge face and/or by using reinforcing fill materials at the edges. According to the invention, the riding edge comprises a reinforcing element, preferably a reinforcing strip which in placed on and thus reinforces the outer edge face. The reinforcing element may e.g. be made from ABS-plastic. If the base can be used as a kiteboard, the base may represent a narrow kiteboard board which is known to be faster than a wider board. A kiteboard with a greater width can be generated by combining the base with a front and/or a back extension which is results in more stable driving characteristics. Preferably, the width of the base is between WB= <NUM> - <NUM> such that is may be used without front or back extensions. Advantageously, the width of the kiteboard can then be extended up to WK= <NUM> in various steps by using different front and/or back extensions. Depending on the application the length of the base may be changed together with the width or independently.

Next to the width and the length of the kiteboard, the shape of the overall contour of the kiteboard can be adapted. This may be done by either using both extensions (front and back extension), having different shapes or by using only one of the front or the back extension. the base may be a so-called "twin-tip" kiteboard, as known from the prior art, which has a symmetrical and longitudinal form and can be used in the positive and the negative longitudinal direction. However, in combination with the front and/or the back extension an overall shape of a (non-symmetrical) raceboard may be generated. Depending on the application, the front and/or back extension may further comprise an additional floating member.

For the interconnection of the base with the front and or the back extension, the first and the second mechanical interface can comprise a notch and a thereto corresponding tongue at least partly over the circumferential length of the outer edge face and/or the inner edge face. Alternatively or in addition other mechanical interconnection means e.g. such as pins insertable in respective holes may be used. Preferably, the notch is arranged in the outer edge face of the base and the tongue is arranged in the inner edge face of the front and/or the back extension. If the outer edge face of the base is riding edge, as described above, such that the base may be used as a kiteboard alone (without the first and the second extension), this setup is advantageous in terms of water -board interaction since a tongue extending from the base creates unnecessary drag and affects the overall board performance in a negative way.

Advantageously, the front extension and/or the back extension extend in the assembled position around the base and meet each other at a widest area of the base of the kiteboard, i.e. approximately in the middle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the kiteboard. The widest area is hereby defined as the area where the base has in a lateral direction the greatest width (with the kiteboard extending in longitudinal direction). The front extension may additionally comprise a third mechanical interface on a side face between the top and the bottom face foreseen to abut against a respective forth mechanical interface of the back extension on a side face between the top and the bottom face of said back extension. The third and fourth mechanical interfaces may also comprise a notch and a thereto corresponding tongue engaging into each other, as described above.

For an advantageous fluidic design, the bottom face of the front extension and/or the back extension in the assembled position continuously merges into the bottom face of the base. Thus, if the kiteboard is moved over the water surface, the drag is minimized due to a smooth surface with no abrupt gradients in the bottom face due to the interconnection of the base to the front and/or back extension.

For a stable interconnection at least one first locking element is present to (releasable) lock the front extension and/or the back extension with respect to the base in the assembled position. The locking element hereby preferably interconnects (respectively the application of interconnection forces), the base, the front and/or the back extension in longitudinal and in lateral direction of the kiteboard, which yields a more robust structural interconnection. Alternatively or in addition to that, the at least one first locking element may also lock the front extension with respect to the back extension in the assembled position. For an advantageous design in terms of the fluidic drag, the at least one first locking element is located according to the invention on the top face of the base and/or top face of the front extension and/or the back extension, where no direct water-board interaction takes place. A placement on an outer side face of the kiteboard (extending between the top face and the bottom face in circumferential direction around the kiteboard) is also disadvantageous, since the design and shape of the kiteboards edge is also known to influence the board's performance.

In a preferred variation of the invention, the at least one first locking element comprises a tension element, at least two deflecting members and one cord. Hereby, the cord is wound around the at least two deflecting members and the tension element tightens the chord around said deflecting members. The deflecting member deflects the cord in a way that a deflection angle is generated between the incoming cord and the outgoing part of the cord at the deflecting member. Preferably, the deflecting member features therefore a guiding indentation such that the chord is prevented from slipping of. In one variation, the tension element may also deflect the chord. The advantage of this arrangement is the easy handling and the possibility to assemble different combinations. A further advantage is the low profile arrangement which does not significantly stick above the top surface of the board.

If the parts which shall be interconnected are engaged by means of the first and the second mechanical interface (pre-assembled position), the cord is wound around the respective deflecting members and tensioned by the tension element. For an easy storage of the cord it is further advantageous, if the tension member comprises a feeder roll wish can stash excessive cord and/or the cord over the full cord length if the cord is not in use.

If both extensions (front and back extension) are used, two first locking elements are preferably placed on the top face of the base and/or the top face of the front and/or the back extension, with each locking element located in the area of the intersection of the base, the front extension and the back extension. In this case, at least three but preferably four deflecting members may be used for each locking element. In the case of four deflecting members, the cord forms a rectangle with a deflecting member at each corner of the rectangle, deflecting the cord by 90deg. Thus, if one deflecting member is placed on the front extension, one deflecting member on the back extension and two deflection members on the base the front extension and the back extension are secured against each other meanwhile at the same time the front and the back extension are secured, respectively braced, against the base and against each other- which generates strong and evenly balanced interconnection forces in the lateral as well as longitudinal direction if the cord is retensioned by the tension member. The latter is hereby preferably placed along a straight part of the (rectangular formed) chord on either part of the kiteboard (base, front or back extension) such that only uni-directional forces apply on the tension member.

For a space saving design, the base may further be dividable in at least two parts. This minimizes further the transportation space needed. Therefore a first and a second base part may be provided, each comprising an interconnection face extending between the top face and the bottom face of the base foreseen to abut against each other. Each interconnection face may comprise a mechanical interface, as described above. Furthermore, the first and the second base parts may be secured in an interconnected position by the at least one first locking element in the same way as described above and/or by at least one second locking element, interconnecting the first and the second part of the base independently. The second locking element may be e.g. a buckle.

In a further variation of the invention, at least one fin is releasably attached to the base and/or the front extension and/or the back extension. Therefore, the base and/or the front extension and/or the back extension may comprise at least one first insert for the attachment of the fin on the bottom face. Since the optimal placement of a fin depends on the size of each board, the fin's position is preferably adaptable. Furthermore, the exact placement influences certain board characteristic such as the turning ability and the grip. Therefore, advantageously, different fins having different sizes and shapes may be places on various locations on the kiteboard and can be easily exchanged and/or relocated. The fin may e.g. be attached by means of a thread or a quick fastener. Depending on the application, the base may comprise at least one second insert for the releasable attachment of a foil on the bottom face. Due to the higher forces on a foil in respect to the forces on a fin, the second insert may be designed, respectively scaled, differently than the first insert. Furthermore, the front and/or back extension may comprise an additional floating member to compensate the added weight of the foil. Preferably, the first and the second inserts are designed in a way that no reach-through is generated from the bottom face to the top face. Otherwise the pressure differences from the top and the bottom face, caused by the moving kiteboard, might cause the water to be pressed though the insert when the kiteboard is in use and create a fountain.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the concepts disclosed.

The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings. The scope of the invention is described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing:.

Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be understood as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

<FIG> shows a first variation of the kiteboard <NUM> according to the invention in a perspective view and in the assembled position from above. The shown kiteboard <NUM> comprises a base <NUM>, a front extension <NUM> and a back extension <NUM> such that the front extension <NUM> and the back extension extend around the base <NUM> and meet each other at a widest area (in the lateral direction y) of the base <NUM>. It can further be seen that in the shown variation the base <NUM> may be divided in a first part 2a and a second part 2b. In the perspective view of <FIG>, a top face <NUM> of the base <NUM>, respectively a top face <NUM> of the front and the back extension <NUM>, <NUM> are facing upwards (positive z-direction) and can be thus seen in said view. In the assembled position an outer side face <NUM> extending in a circumferential direction along an outer contour <NUM> of the top face <NUM> and the bottom face <NUM>, cannot be seen directly however, an edge of the top face <NUM> of the base <NUM> being flush mounted to an edge of the top face <NUM> of the front and back extension <NUM>, <NUM> can be detected. Furthermore, it can be seen that the bottom face <NUM> of the front extension <NUM> and/or the back extension <NUM> in the assembled position advantageously merge continuously into the bottom face <NUM> of the base <NUM>, such that fluidic drag can be reduced, when in use.

On the top faces <NUM>, <NUM> first and second locking elements <NUM>, <NUM> can be seen, which are illustrated in more detail in <FIG>. The first locking element <NUM> locks the front extension <NUM> and/or the back extension <NUM> with respect to the base <NUM> in an assembled position. Preferably, the at least one first locking element <NUM> also locks the front extension <NUM> with respect to the back extension <NUM> in the assembled position. Meanwhile, the first and the second part 2a, 2b of the base <NUM> may be interconnected separately by at least one second locking element <NUM>, placed on the top face <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The first locking element <NUM> herby comprises preferably a tension element <NUM>, at least two deflecting members <NUM> and one cord <NUM>. Hereby, the cord <NUM> is first wound around the at least two deflecting members <NUM> in a pre-assembled position (with the base and front and/or back extension interconnected at least through the first and second mechanical interfaces) and then the tension element <NUM> tightens the cord <NUM> around said deflecting members <NUM>. In the shown application, the deflecting member <NUM> deflects the cord <NUM> by a deflecting angel of alpha = <NUM> deg between the incoming cord 23i and the outgoing part of the cord 23o at the deflecting member <NUM> (compare <FIG>, deflection member 22d). However, depending on the amount of deflecting members <NUM> used, the deflection angle may vary. To avoid that the cord <NUM> may slip from the deflecting members <NUM>, the deflecting members <NUM> may comprise a guiding indentation <NUM>, in which the cord <NUM> is guided and secured over the length of the deflection. (In the assembled position the cord <NUM> is taut and thus straight between each deflecting member <NUM>.

In <FIG> a kit <NUM> is illustrated comprising a base <NUM> and at least two front extensions 3a, 3b and/or at least two back extensions 4a, 4b (3b not shown here). In the shown example, combining the base <NUM> with the back extension 4a and the respective front extension 3a generates a wider and also a longer kiteboard 1a than a kiteboard 1b using the base, the front and back extension 3b, 4b. However, also other front and back extensions shapes may be used in a kit <NUM>. The illustrated kiteboard kit <NUM> can be seen in a partly disassembled position which offers a view on the outer and inner edge faces <NUM>, <NUM>. An outer edge face <NUM> of the base <NUM> can be seen that is extending in a circumferential direction along an outer contour <NUM> of the top face <NUM> and a bottom face <NUM>. Said outer edge face <NUM> is comprising a first mechanical interface for the interconnection of the front and/or the back extension via a second mechanical interface of the front and/or the back extension. Hereby an inner edge face <NUM> of the front and/or the back extension extends between the top face <NUM> and the bottom face <NUM>, corresponds at least partially to the outer contour <NUM> of the base <NUM> and comprises said second mechanical interface. In the assembled position the first and the second mechanical interfaces are engaged with each other to position the front extension <NUM> and/or the back extension <NUM> with respect to the base <NUM>. In the illustrated case, the first and the second mechanical interfaces comprise a notch <NUM> and a thereto corresponding tongue <NUM> with the notch <NUM> being arranged in the outer edge face <NUM> and the tongue <NUM> being arranged in the inner edge face <NUM>. However, other mechanical interconnection means such as e.g. pins party insertable in respective holes may be used.

In <FIG> a second variation of the kiteboard <NUM> according to the invention can be seen from a perspective view from below on the bottom faces <NUM>, <NUM>. In this variation the kiteboard <NUM> further comprises at least one first insert <NUM> to which at least one additional fin <NUM> may be attached. In the shown application two (not used) first inserts 17a, 17b are located in the base <NUM>. Furthermore, in total four fins 18a, 18b are illustrated attached to the base <NUM> and the back extension <NUM> via further first inserts <NUM>, which are concealed by the presence of the fins 18a, 18b. However, a user may change the position of the fins 18a and 18b due to personal preferences or according to the local weather and water conditions using other insert positions such as e.g. the positions of the first inserts 17a, 17b. The amount and the position of the first inserts <NUM> may vary depending on the individual application.

In the variation of the kiteboard <NUM> according to <FIG>, the base <NUM> as well as the overall kiteboard <NUM> have a shape of a so-called twin-tip board with the front and back extensions <NUM>, <NUM> being essentially U-shaped. However, other shapes of base2, the front and back extensions <NUM>, <NUM> are also possible: The fins 18a 18b as illustrated in <FIG> are therefore also applicable to a kiteboard <NUM> in the shape of e.g. a raceboard.

<FIG> illustrate a third variation of the kiteboard <NUM> according to the invention. <FIG> shows the perspective view on the top face <NUM>, <NUM> and <FIG> on the respective bottom face <NUM>, <NUM>. The third variation of the kiteboard <NUM> is an example of the front extension <NUM> and the back extension <NUM> being different from each other such that an overall new shape of the kiteboard <NUM> is generated in view of the base <NUM>. In this case, the base <NUM> has the shape of a "twin-tip" board, meanwhile the kiteboard <NUM> in the assembled position has the shape of a race board, which has a greater extension in longitudinal direction and may additionally feature a triangular cutout <NUM> at the end of the back extension. Additionally, the kiteboard <NUM> may be supplemented with a foil <NUM>. In this variation the kiteboard <NUM> therefore comprises at least one second insert <NUM> over which at least the additional foil <NUM> may be attached. Due to the higher forces acting on the foil <NUM>, the at least one second insert <NUM> may be larger in dimension than the first insert <NUM>. Additionally of alternatively, the base <NUM> may comprise a feed-through to insert part of the foil <NUM> and fixate the foil <NUM> on the top face <NUM> (not shown here).

The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A kiteboard (<NUM>) comprising
a. a base (<NUM>) comprising
i. a top face (<NUM>) and a bottom face (<NUM>) and
ii. an outer edge face (<NUM>) extending in a circumferential direction along an outer contour (<NUM>) of the top face (<NUM>) and the bottom face (<NUM>) and comprising a first mechanical interface;
b. a front extension (<NUM>) and/or a back extension (<NUM>) comprising a top face (<NUM>) and a bottom face (<NUM>) and an inner edge face (<NUM>) extending between the top face (<NUM>) and the bottom face (<NUM>) along an inner contour (<NUM>), wherein
c. the inner edge face (<NUM>) corresponds at least partially to the outer contour (<NUM>) of the base (<NUM>) and comprises a second mechanical interface, wherein
d. in an assembled position the first and the second mechanical interfaces are engaged with each other to position the front extension (<NUM>) and/or the back extension (<NUM>) with respect to the base (<NUM>), wherein
e. the outer edge face (<NUM>) of the base (<NUM>) is a riding edge such that the base is a fully functioning kiteboard in itself, and wherein the riding edge comprises a reinforcing element, which in placed on and thus reinforces the outer edge face;
f. at least one first locking element (<NUM>), wherein the at least one first locking element (<NUM>) is located on the top face (<NUM>) of the base (<NUM>) and/or top face (<NUM>) of the front extension (<NUM>) and/or the back extension (<NUM>).