Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/126,357, filed on Feb. 27, 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Sports boards, such as water skis, have evolved over time in the manner of their construction and operation. Using a water ski as an example, water skis were originally designed from a solid piece of wood. In the early 1970&#39;s wood was replaced with a combination of a core (typically a foam core, or a honeycomb core, etc.) and a fiber reinforced covering around the core. This design provided a lighter weight alternative to wood. Such water skis only allow for a longitudinal flex and/or torsional flex, while restricting a lateral flex. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of a lateral flex sports board are described. In one embodiment, a lateral flex sports board includes an elongated load supporting board having a top major surface, the top major surface configured to support a user, wherein the elongated load supporting board includes a portion that flexes transversely to the top major surface. Other embodiments of lateral flex sports boards are described. Embodiments of lateral flex water sports boards are also described. 
     Other aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrated by way of example of the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a perspective view of a water ski showing the direction of a torsional flex on the water ski. 
         FIG. 1B  depicts a side view of the water ski of  FIG. 1A  showing the direction of a longitudinal flex on the water ski. 
         FIG. 1C  depicts a top view of the water ski of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1D  depicts a cross-sectional view of a cut-away of the board of  FIG. 1C . 
         FIG. 2A  depicts an embodiment of a side view of a lateral flex sports board. 
         FIG. 2B  depicts an embodiment of a top view of a lateral flex sports board showing the direction of a lateral flex. 
         FIG. 2C  depicts an embodiment of a top view of a lateral flex sports board showing the board in flexed position. 
         FIG. 3A  depicts one embodiment of a sports board  300  that allows for lateral flex. 
         FIG. 3B  depicts a top view of an embodiment of a backbone  302 . 
         FIG. 3C  depicts a side view of an embodiment of the backbone  302  of  FIG. 3B . 
         FIG. 3D  shows a cut-away cross-sectional view of the backbone  302  within the sports board  300 . 
         FIG. 3E  depicts a cut-away cross-sectional view of the backbone  302  with a backbone core  308  surrounded by the fiber layers  310 A- 310 C. 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  depict a top view of a sports board  400  with slots  402  in the sports board  400 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a lateral flex sports board  500  with a short backbone  502 . 
         FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of a lateral flex sports board  600  including a short backbone  602  along with slots  608 . 
         FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of a lateral flex sports board  700  including a full length backbone  702  along with forward angled slots  708 . 
         FIG. 8  depicts an embodiment of a lateral flex sports board  800  including a short backbone  802  along with slots  808 . 
         FIGS. 9A-9B  depict an embodiment of a sports board  900  including a vertical knob  902 . 
         FIG. 10A  depicts a top view of one embodiment of a board core. 
         FIG. 10B  depicts a cut-away cross-sectional view of the board core at the cavity. 
         FIG. 10C  depicts a cut-away cross-sectional view of the board core with a backbone inserted into the cavity. 
         FIG. 10D  depicts a cut-away cross-sectional view of the board core with a backbone inserted into the cavity and an overlapping layer that covers the board core and the backbone. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a cut-away cross-sectional view of the board core with a backbone inserted into the cavity and an overlapping layer. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a cut-away cross-sectional view of the board core with a backbone inserted into a cavity and an overlapping layer. 
     
    
    
     It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the invention in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate the various details of the invention in greater clarity. Similarly, not every embodiment need accomplish all advantages of the present invention. 
     While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     Throughout the description, similar reference numbers may be used to identify similar elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, specific details of various embodiments are provided. However, some embodiments may be practiced with less than all of these specific details. In other instances, certain methods, procedures, components, structures, and/or functions are described in no more detail than to enable the various embodiments of the invention, for the sake of brevity and clarity. 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described herein and illustrated could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following description of various embodiments, and as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the description and claims are to be embraced within their scope. 
     Reference throughout to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussions of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
     Reference to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the indicated embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
       FIG. 1A  depicts a perspective view of a water ski  100  showing the direction of a torsional flex  102 - 104  on the water ski  100 . A water ski is subject to many forces during use. Those forces may cause the water ski  100  to flex. The shape of water skis allow for flexing torsionally (directionally shown in  FIG. 1A ) and longitudinally (directionally shown in  FIG. 1B ). Depicted in  FIG. 1A  is a torsional flex in which the rotation of the tip portion of the ski is directed opposite to the rotation on the tail portion of the ski. This is depicted as torsional flex  102 , in which the tip portion rotates counter clockwise, opposite the rotational direction from the tail portion of the ski which rotates clockwise. Torsional flex  104  depicts a torsional flex in the opposite directions of torsional flex  102 . The water ski  100  depicts a board  106 , a fin  108 , and a fin box  122 . 
       FIG. 1B  depicts a side view of the water ski of  FIG. 1A  showing the direction of a longitudinal flex  110  on the water ski  100 . This longitudinal flex typically occurs as the tip and tail portions of the water ski  100  flex up while the middle portion is forced down from the weight of a user. 
       FIG. 1C  depicts a top view of the water ski of  FIG. 1A . Water skis are not designed to flex laterally. The direction of a left lateral flex  112  and a right lateral flex  114  are depicted by the arrows shown in  FIG. 1A . A lateral flex occurs, for example, when the tip and tail portions of the water ski flex opposite of the middle section. Water skis are rigid in the lateral direction, and do not flex in the directions shown in  FIG. 1C . Such rigidity occurs naturally because of the shape of the sports board. Such lateral rigidity is also the case for snowboards, snow skis, surfboards, wakeboards, and other similarly shaped sports boards. 
       FIG. 1D  depicts a cross-sectional view of a cut-away of the board  106  of  FIG. 1C . The board  106  may include fiber layers  118  (for example, carbon fiber materials) wrapped around a core  120  (multiple fiber layers  118  are not depicted). The board  106  may include a coating layer  124 . The fiber layers  118  may be arrayed in various configurations to achieve optimum longitudinal flex while maintaining an acceptable amount of torsional stiffness. The cross-sectional shape of the board  106  restricts lateral flex as the board  106  with corresponding core  120  is typically much wider (the horizontal dimension) than it is thick (the vertical dimension). 
     While many embodiments are described herein, at least some of the described embodiments allow for a lateral flex in a sports board. Embodiments allow for improved performance in sports with an increased ability to turn with less energy loss. The decrease in lost energy allows for more kinetic energy or speed on turns. Embodiments allow for manufacturing boards to achieve optimal lateral flex in the board, while maintaining torsional strength and longitudinal strength. 
     For the sake of brevity the majority of embodiments and discussion surrounds water skis. However, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and may be used on various sports boards including but not limited to snow skis, snowboards, wakeboards, surfboards, and other similar sports boards. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the invention can be practiced on more than the specific water ski embodiments described herein. Some embodiments are limited to water sports boards which include water skis, surfboards, and wakeboards. 
     Continuing the example of a water ski, water skis typically include a fixed fin at the rear of the water ski. The fins are fixed and do not move relative to the board. Fins (and wings on the fins) are adjusted to meet the needs of individual skiers, taking into account an individual&#39;s skiing style and weight, as well as boat speed. Adjustments of even a few thousands of an inch may make large differences in performance. As the fins are fixed, when a water skier attempts to turn the board of a water ski, the fin will move with the board. As the skier turns the board, the angle at which the fin contacts water below the board, shearing the water and creating a spray as the fin displaces the water. The angle at which the fin contacts the water is dependent upon how much the skier turns the board because the fin is fixed to the board and typical water skis will not flex laterally. However, embodiments described herein allow for the board to flex laterally and change the angle at which the fin contacts the water on a turn. With a lateral flex sports board, as a skier turns in the water the forces from the water acting on the fin will resist the turn of the board by the skier. As the lateral flex sports board flexes laterally, the angle at which the fin contacts the water will decrease and thus decrease the amount of shearing of the water and the amount of spray. Such reduction in lost energy results in a skier performing a turn at a higher speed while still maintaining control. The reduction in energy transferred to the spraying water is conserved and available for kinetic energy, allowing skiers to increase the speed of turns. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  depict embodiments of a lateral flex sports board  200 .  FIG. 2A  depicts an embodiment of a side view of a lateral flex sports board  200 . The lateral flex sports board  200  includes an elongated load supporting board  202  along with a fin  204  and a fin box  206 . The illustrated embodiment shows the thickness of the elongated load supporting board  202 . The thickness of the elongated load supporting board  202  is a vertical dimension from the top major surface  208  which supports a user to the bottom major surface  210 . The thickness of the load supporting board  202  may vary along the length of the load supporting board  202 . The thickness of the load supporting board  202  may also vary along the width of the load supporting board  202 . That is, the thickness of the load supporting board may be greater near the sides of the board as opposed to the center of the load supporting board  202 . 
       FIG. 2B  depicts an embodiment of a top view of a sports board  200  showing the direction of a left lateral flex  212  and a right lateral flex  214 . The general natural shape of a sports board is shown. While the width of the elongated load supporting board  202  may vary along the length of the board (as shown), the elongated load supporting board  202  has a width greater than the thickness. This is necessary so that a user may balance on the board. This shape naturally resists lateral movement in favor or longitudinal movement. As depicted the axis of the fin box  206  (and corresponding fin, not visible) aligns with the axis of the elongated load supporting board  202 . 
       FIG. 2C  depicts an embodiment of a top view of the lateral flex sports board  200  of  FIG. 2B , showing the board in the laterally flexed position of a right lateral flex  214 . In some embodiments, the lateral flex occurs at a localized point on the load supporting board  202 . In some embodiments, the lateral flex occurs along a length of the load supporting board  202 . In some embodiments, the lateral flex occurs along the length of load supporting board  202  in between a tail portion  216  (including the fin and fin box  206 ) of the board  200  and a foothold support portion  218  of the board  200 . The length upon which the lateral flex occurs is the flexing portion  220  of the board  200 . As the board flexes laterally, the axis (shown by dotted line  222 ) of the fin box  206  (and corresponding fin, not visible) is no longer aligned with the axis (shown by dotted line  224 ) of the foothold portion. This means that when a skier is performing a turn, the skier will exert a force upon the load supporting board  202  at the foothold support portion  218  and the water will exert a force upon the fin, but the opposing force of the water on the fin will cause the board to flex laterally and the fin will more closely follow the turn of the board. In some embodiments, the flexing portion  220  of the board  200  may overlap into the foothold portion  218  of the board  200 . The amount of lateral flex may vary. In some embodiments, during a lateral flex, the angle between the fin box axis  222  of the fin box and the foothold axis  224  is 0.1 degrees. In some embodiments, during a lateral flex, the angle between the fin box axis  222  of the fin box and the foothold axis  224  is greater than 0.1 degrees. In some embodiments, during a lateral flex, the angle between the fin box axis  222  of the fin box and the foothold axis  224  is greater than 0.2 degrees. In some embodiments, during a lateral flex, the angle between the fin box axis  222  of the fin box and the foothold axis  224  is greater than 0.5 degrees. In some embodiments, during a lateral flex, the angle between the fin box axis  222  of the fin box and the foothold axis  224  flexes from 0 to 1 degrees. 
       FIGS. 3A-3E  depict embodiments of a lateral flex sports board  300 .  FIG. 3A  depicts a cut-away top view of one embodiment of a sports board  300  that allows for a lateral flex. Within the sports board  300 , the elongated load supporting board  302  includes a backbone  304  (an elongated structure that is typically a centrally located and internal structure). The backbone  304  is shaped to allow for a lateral flex. As is shown in  FIGS. 3B-3C , the backbone  304  comprises a lateral flex portion  306  and a tail portion  308 . The flex portion  306  allows for lateral flex. The tail portion  308 , which is not necessary, may allow for the securing of a fin, a component of a finished water ski. As depicted the tail portion  308  may include a void  310  that allows for a fin and fin box to be secured.  FIG. 3B  depicts a top view of an embodiment of the backbone  304  outside of the load supporting board  302 .  FIG. 3C  depicts a side view of an embodiment of the backbone  304  of  FIG. 3B  outside of the load supporting board  302 . 
       FIG. 3D  shows a cut-away cross-sectional view of the elongated load supporting board  302  including the backbone  304 . The flex portion  306  of the backbone  304  may be constructed or formed into various shapes to allow for lateral flex of the backbone  304  and thus the load supporting board  302 . In the illustrated embodiment, the backbone  304  comprises a backbone core  310  surrounded by fiber layers  312 A- 312 C. The thickness of the fiber layers  312 A- 312 C are shown exaggerated for clarity. The number, thickness, orientation, and material of the fiber layers  312 A- 312 C may vary. The fiber layers  312 A- 312 C are depicted as wrapped around the backbone core  310 . However, embodiments may include a different number of layers on the top, bottom, or sides of the backbone core  310 , respectively. 
     The cross-section of the flex portion  306  of the backbone  304  depicts a cross-section for the backbone  304  that allows a lateral flex in contrast to the cross section of the board  106  shown in  FIG. 1D . The core of the board  106  shown in  FIG. 1D  will not allow a lateral flex as the width (the horizontal dimension) of the core is greater than the thickness (the vertical dimension) of the core. In the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 3A-3E , the width (the horizontal dimension) of the flex portion  306  of the backbone  304  is depicted to be approximately equal to the thickness (the vertical dimension) of the flex portion  306  of the backbone  304 . In some embodiments, the width of the flex portion  306  of the backbone  304  is greater than the thickness of the flex portion  306  of the backbone  304 . In some embodiments, the width of the flex portion  306  of the backbone  304  is less than the thickness of the flex portion  306  of the backbone  304 . In  FIG. 3D , the backbone  304  is depicted within the board overlapping layer  316 . Also depicted is the board core  314 . In some embodiments, the board core  314  may be a flexible material that allows for an overall lateral flex of the sports board. In some embodiments, the board core  314  is a rigid material with voids or slots (shown and described in more detail in other embodiments). The board overlapping layer  316  may provide a seal to protect the board core  314  and the backbone  304  from exposure to water or other potentially damaging substances. The board overlapping layer  316  may include multiple layers including fiber layers similar to fiber layers  312 A- 312 C and a sealing layer. In some embodiments, the overlapping layer  316  may only include a sealing layer. The number, thickness, orientation, and material of any overlapping fiber layers and sealing layer may vary. 
       FIG. 3E  depicts a cut-away cross-sectional view of just the backbone  304  with a backbone core  310  surrounded by the fiber layers  312 A- 312 C. The depicted cross section of the backbone core  308  is rectangular with rounded corners but may be elliptical, square, or another shape that allows for flexing laterally. The shape depicted allows for longitudinal flex as well as lateral flex. 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  depict a top view of a sports board  400  with slots  402  in the sports board  400 . Some embodiments include slots  402  on the elongated load supporting board  414 . The slots  402  allow for the localization of the lateral flex on a specific portion of the sports board  400 . As the natural shape of a sports board restricts a lateral flex,  FIGS. 4A-4C  depict how the implementation of slots  402  or kerfs or voids etc. allow the sports board to flex laterally.  FIG. 4B  depicts an enlarged view of the rear of the sports board  400  and slots  402 .  FIG. 4B  also depicts a tail portion  404  and a foothold support portion  408  with a flexing portion  406  located between the tail portion  404  and the foothold support portion  408 . The flexing portion  406  includes the slots  402  and a lateral flexing spine  410  which connects the foothold support portion  408  with the tail portion  404 . 
       FIG. 4C  depicts the sports board  400  in a lateral flex position with tail portion  404  of the sports board  400  laterally flexed in relation to the foothold support portion  408  of the sports board  400 . Shown in exaggerated form, the axis (depicted by dashed line  416 ) of the tail portion  404  is no longer aligned with the axis (depicted by dashed line  418 ) of the foothold support portion  408 . The narrowness of the spine  410  allows for the sports board  400  to flex laterally in the flexing portion  406 . The slots  402 A on one side of the sports board  400  are depicted as expanded. That is, the distance between the ribs  412  has increased. The slots  402 B on the opposite side of the sports board  400  are depicted as compressed. That is, the distance between the ribs  412  has decreased. The slots  402  allow for the sports board to flex laterally in the flexing portion  406  of the sports board  400  as the cross section of the spine  410  allows the lateral flex. The slots  402  also allow for the remainder of the board core to be made of a rigid material. 
     The slots  402  depicted in  FIGS. 4A-4C  are voids extending from the top major surface (visible in the top view) of the sports board  400  to the bottom major surface (not visible) of the sports board  400 . The slots  402  are depicted as extending from the spine  410  to the side edges of the sports board  400 . In some embodiments, the slots  402  do not extend all the way from the top major surface to the bottom major surface but only extend a portion. In some embodiments, the slots  402  are internal to the sports board  400 . For example, the slots  402  may be slots only in a board core. The slots may then be covered by fiber layers or overall overlapping layer such as is depicted in  FIG. 3D . In some embodiments, instead of a void between ribs  412 , a flexible material may occupy the space between the ribs  412 . The flexible material may allow for the compression and expansion that is shown in slots of  FIG. 4C . 
     In the depicted embodiment, the slots  402  are shaped as parallelograms but may be of different shapes such as a wedge, rectangle, trapezoid, or thin parallel kerfs. While the depicted embodiment includes three slots on each side of the spine  410 , the number of slots may vary. The slots  402  depicted are angled towards the rear of the sports board  400  but in some embodiments may be angled away from the rear or may be perpendicular to the spine  410 . The size, shape, number, and angle of the slots  402  may vary. In some embodiments, the slots  402  are approximately 0.050 inches thick when cut. In some embodiment, the slots are approximately between 0.005 inches thick and 0.500 inches thick. The number and thickness of the slots affect the amount of lateral flex of the sports board  400 . For example, three slots approximately 0.050 inches thick will allow more lateral flex than one slot approximately 0.010 inches thick. In embodiments with a rigid board core, the board would only flex laterally enough to close the gaps of the slots  402 . Therefore, the amount of lateral flex could be controlled for each individual board depending on the number and thickness of the slots  402  manufactured. In some embodiments, the slots are cut through fiber layers and a board core. In some embodiments, the board core is exposed after the slots are cut. 
     In some embodiments, the slots  402  are located directly in front of the fin and/or fin box. In some embodiments, the slots  402  are located between the foothold portion  408  of the board  400  and the fin box. In some embodiments, the slots  402  are located between two separate foothold positions. For example, with water skis, a user would have one foot in front of the other on the board. The slots  402  may be located between where the two feet would be positioned on the water ski. In some embodiments, the slots  402  may be located in more than one position. For example, slots  402  may be located between the foothold portion  408  and the tail portion  404  where the fin box and fin are located as well as between where the two feed of a user would be positioned on the board  400 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts a top view of a cut-away of an embodiment of a lateral flex sports board  500  with a short backbone  502 . The backbone  502  includes a flexing portion  504  and a tail portion  506 . The backbone  502 , while shown, is internal to the sports board  500 . The length of a backbone  502  may vary in embodiments and does not need to extend the length of the sports board. In some embodiments, the backbone  502  extends the length of the sports board  500  from the front to the rear of the sports board  500 . In the illustrated embodiment, the backbone  502  only extends a portion of the length of the sports board  500 . In some embodiments, the backbone  502  may extend from a foothold support portion  508  of the sports board to the rear of the sports board  500 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a top view of a cut-away of an embodiment of a lateral flex sports board  600  including a short backbone  602  along with slots  608 . While the backbone  602 , including the flexing portion  604  and the tail portion  606 , is shown, the backbone  602  is internal to the lateral flex sports board  600  and may be covered by an outer layer such as an acrylic coating. The slots  608  may be similar to the slots described in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A-4C . In the illustrated embodiment, the slots  608  may extend from the backbone  602  to the sides of the lateral flex sports board  600  and may extend from the top major surface to the bottom major surface of the sports board  600 . In some embodiments, the slots may be internal to an outer layer or coating. In some embodiments, the slots are filled with a flexible material able to compress and expand during a lateral flex movement of the sports board. 
       FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of a lateral flex sports board  700  including a full length backbone  702  along with forward angled slots  708 . While the backbone  702 , including the flexing portion  704  and the tail portion  706 , is shown, the backbone  702  is internal to the lateral flex sports board  700  and may be covered by an outer layer such as an acrylic coating. The slots may be similar to the slots described in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A-4C . In the illustrated embodiment, the slots  708  may extend from the backbone  702  to the sides of the lateral flex sports board  700  and may extend from the top major surface to the bottom major surface of the sports board  700 . In some embodiments, the slots may be internal to an outer layer or coating. In such embodiments, the slots extend from the backbone  702  to the outer layer or coating and from the outer layer or coating on the top major surface and the outer layer or coating on the bottom major surface. The outer layer or coating may include fiber layers as well as a sealed coating layer. In some embodiments, the slots  708  are filled with a flexible material able to compress and expand during a lateral flex movement of the sports board. 
       FIG. 8  depicts an embodiment of a lateral flex sports board  800  including a short backbone  802  along with slots  808 . While the backbone  802  is shown, the backbone  802  is internal to the lateral flex sports board  800  and may be covered by an outer layer such as an acrylic coating. The backbone  802  only includes a flexing portion  804  without a tail portion. The slots  808  may be similar to the slots described in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A-4C . In the illustrated embodiment, the slots  808  may extend from the backbone  802  to the sides of the lateral flex sports board  800  and may extend from the top major surface to the bottom major surface of the sports board  800 . In some embodiments, the slots may be internal to an outer layer or coating. In some embodiments, the slots are filled with a flexible material able to compress and expand during a lateral flex movement of the sports board. 
     Some embodiments described herein include slots on a portion of a sports board. Such slots which may extend all the way through the sports board or a portion of the sports board may result in a structural weak spot on a spine or backbone between the slots. Such a spine or backbone may be subject to forces that would result in breaking the sports board. For example, the sports board may be subject to forces that cause a longitudinal flex (as described above) which could potentially result in a fracture or other failure at the spine.  FIGS. 9A-9B  depict an embodiment of a sports board  900  including a vertical knob  902 . The vertical knob  902  extends vertically from the sports board  900  at a location of the spine of the sports board. The slots or kerfs  904  extend from spine to the sides of the sports board  900 . The raised knob  902  extends the profile of the spine in the vertical direction. The increased profile strengthens the flexing portion of sports board and will resist forces that cause a longitudinal flex.  FIG. 9B  shows a side view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9A . As depicted, the raised knob  902  extends vertically from the primarily flat top major surface of the sports board. The shape and height of the raised knob  902  may vary. 
       FIG. 10A  depicts a top view of one embodiment of a board core  1000 . In some embodiments, the board core  1000  is manufactured of a rigid material. The board core  1000  is manufactured to the essential shape of a finished board. In some embodiments, a cavity  1002  is removed from the board core  1000 . The cavity  1002  is the approximate size of a backbone. In the illustrated embodiment the cavity  1002  is the approximate size of a short backbone (shown in  FIG. 8 ). In some embodiments the cavity  1002  runs the length of the board core. The cavity  1002  may be of varying size. In some embodiments, the board core  1000  is manufactured with the cavity  1002 . In some embodiments the cavity  1002  is made by removing material after manufacturing the cavity  1002 .  FIG. 10B  depicts a cut-away cross-sectional view of the board core at the cavity  1002 .  FIG. 10C  depicts a cut-away cross-sectional view of the board core  1000  with a backbone  1004  inserted into the cavity  1002 . The backbone  1004  may include a core  1010  with fiber layers  1012 A- 1012 C. In some embodiments, the fiber layers  1012 A- 1012 C are cured when the backbone  1004  is placed into the cavity. In some embodiment, the fiber layers  1012 A- 1012 C are cured along with the overlapping layer (shown in  FIG. 10D ).  FIG. 10D  depicts a cut-away cross-sectional view of the board core  1000  with a backbone  1004  inserted into the cavity  1002  and an overlapping layer  1016  (which may comprise a varying number, size, orientation of fiber layers) that covers the board core  1000  and the backbone  1004 . In some embodiments, the overlapping layer(s)  1016  are cured with the fiber layers  1012  of the backbone. The thickness of the fiber layers  1012 A- 1012 C are shown exaggerated for clarity. The number, thickness, orientation, and material of the fiber layers  1012 A- 1012 C may vary. The fiber layers  1012 A- 1012 C are depicted as wrapped around the backbone core  1010 . However, embodiments may include a different number of layers on the top, bottom, or sides of the backbone core  1010 , respectively. 
     In some embodiments, after the fiber layers  1012  and overlapping layer  1016  are cured, slot(s) (described and depicted in other embodiments herein) are cut into the board. In some embodiments, slot(s) are cut all the way through the board core  1000 . In some embodiments, the slot(s) are cut through the overlapping layer(s)  1016  and board core  1000  all the way to the backbone  1004 . In some embodiments, the slots are cut on each side of the backbone  1004 . In some embodiments, the slots are cut from the side of the board only a portion of the way to the backbone, leaving a portion of the backbone  1000  uncut. Some embodiments do not include a cavity  1002  or backbone  1004 . In such embodiments, slots are cut in the board core  1000  on each side of a board. The portion of the board core  1000  between the slots would be a spine (shown and described somewhat in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A-4C . Such a spine would function like the backbone of the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 10D . In some embodiments, the spine of the sports board is a separate backbone. In some embodiments, the spine is part of the board core  1000 . 
       FIG. 11  depicts a cut-away cross-sectional view of the board core  1100  with a backbone  1104  inserted into the cavity  1002  and an overlapping layer  1116 . The illustrated embodiment is similar the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10D , however, the backbone extends above the board core  1000 . In the illustrated embodiment, the extended backbone  1104  will create a vertical knob  1018  similar to what is described in conjunction with  FIG. 9 . In the illustrated embodiment, the backbone and vertical knob are from the same core  1110  and fiber layers  1112 A- 1112 C. The thickness of the fiber layers  1112 A- 1112 C are shown exaggerated for clarity. The number, thickness, orientation, and material of the fiber layers  1112 A- 1112 C may vary. The fiber layers  1112 A- 1112 C are depicted as wrapped around the backbone core  1110 . However, embodiments may include a different number of layers on the top, bottom, or sides of the backbone core  1110 , respectively. 
     The cross-section of the backbone  1104  allows a lateral flex in contrast to the cross section of the board  106  shown in  FIG. 1D . The core of the board  106  shown in  FIG. 1D  will not allow a lateral flex as the width (the horizontal dimension) of the core is greater than the thickness (the vertical dimension) of the core. In the illustrated embodiment, the width (the horizontal dimension) of the backbone  1104  is depicted to be less than the thickness of the backbone  1104 . In some embodiments, the width of the backbone  1104  is approximately equal to the thickness (the vertical dimension) of the backbone  1104 . In some embodiments, the width of the backbone  1104  is greater than the thickness of the backbone  1104 . 
     In some embodiments, the board core  1100  may be a flexible material that allows for an overall lateral flex of the sports board. In some embodiments, the board core  1100  is a rigid material with voids or slots (shown and described in more detail in other embodiments). The board overlapping layer  1116  may provide a seal to protect the board core  1000  and the backbone  1104  from exposure to water or other potentially damaging substances. In some embodiments, the backbone  1104  and board core  1000  are exposed when slot(s) are cut. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a cut-away cross-sectional view of the board core  1200  with a backbone  1204  inserted into a cavity and an overlapping layer  1216 . The illustrated embodiment is similar the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 11 , however, the backbone  1204  and the vertical knob  1224  are separate. The backbone  1204  is similar to what is shown and described in conjunction with  FIG. 10D . The vertical knob  1224  includes a separate core  1220  and separate fiber layers  1222 A- 1222 C. The thickness of the fiber layers  1212 A- 1212 C and  1222 A- 1222 C are shown exaggerated for clarity. The number, thickness, orientation, and material of the fiber layers  1112 A- 1112 C and  1222 A- 1222 C may vary. The fiber layers  1212 A- 1212 C are depicted as wrapped around the backbone core  1210 . However, embodiments may include a different number of layers on the top, bottom, or sides of the backbone core  1210 , respectively. In some embodiments the vertical knob core  1220  is not wrapped in fiber layers  1222 A- 1222 C. In such embodiments, the vertical knob core  1220  is merely wrapped in the overlapping layer  1216  similar to the board core  1200 . In some embodiments, the vertical knob  1224  is attached to the backbone  1204 . In some embodiments, the vertical knob  1224  is not attached to the backbone  1204 . In some embodiments, the vertical knob  1224  only extends a portion of the length of the backbone  1204 . For example, the backbone  1204  may run along the length of the board and the vertical knob  1224  will only run along a small portion of the backbone  1204 . 
     Some embodiments may not include a separate backbone  1204 . In such embodiments the board core  1200  would not have a cavity but be one solid piece (similar to what is shown and described in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A-4C ). In such embodiments, the vertical knob  1224  may be attached or placed on the board core  1200  and an overlapping layer  1216  would cover the board core and the vertical knob  1224 . Such embodiments may or may not include the fiber layers  1222 A- 1222 C. In such embodiments, slots would be cut in the board core  1200 . In some embodiments, the slots would extend to the vertical knob (as can be seen in  FIG. 9A ). In some embodiments, the resulting cross section of the board core  1200  at the slots would be shaped similar to the cross section of the backbone  1204  shown in  FIG. 12 . The cross section of the board core  1200  at the slots would function as a spine of the board core  1200  and be shaped to allow for lateral flex of the sports board. 
     In the above description, specific details of various embodiments are provided. However, some embodiments may be practiced with less than all of these specific details. In other instances, certain methods, procedures, components, structures, and/or functions are described in no more detail than to enable the various embodiments of the invention, for the sake of brevity and clarity. 
     Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the invention is to be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. 
     Although various embodiments have been shown and described, the present disclosure is not so limited and will be understood to include all such modifications and variations are would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Technology Category: 7