Surfboard and blank for a surfboard

Abstract

A surfboard blank comprising:

a central portion extending from a nose to a tail end of the surfboard blank wherein the central portion comprises a stringer with one or more central panels;

rail panels attached on either lateral side of the central portion such that the central portion is flanked by said rail panels, wherein the rail panels generally extend along a longitudinal axis of the surfboard blank;

wherein said central panels are formed from a first resilient foam core material and the rail panels are formed from a second resilient foam core material whereby the first resilient foam core material has greater buoyancy in water relative to the second resilient foam core material.

Claims

1. A surfboard blank comprising components: a central portion extending from a nose to a tail end of the surfboard blank wherein the central portion comprises a stringer with one or more central panels; rail panels attached on either lateral side of the central portion such that the central portion is flanked by said rail panels, wherein the rail panels generally extend along a longitudinal axis of the surfboard blank; wherein said central panels are formed from a first resilient foam core material and the rail panels are formed from a second resilient foam core material whereby the first resilient foam core material has greater buoyancy in water relative to the second resilient foam core material.

2. A surfboard blank according to claim 1, wherein the rail panels are attached to the central panels of the central portion along a linear axis that is offset from the longitudinal axis of the surfboard blank.

3. A surfboard blank according to claim 2, wherein the linear axis is offset by less than 30 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the surfboard blank.

4. A surfboard blank according to claim 1, wherein the central panels of the central portion have a width that is generally progressively narrower from the nose to the tail end of the surfboard blank.

5. A surfboard blank according to claim 1, wherein the rail panels have a width that is generally progressively wider from the nose to the tail end of the surfboard blank.

6. A surfboard blank according to claim 1, wherein the stringer spans the length of the central portion extending from the nose to the tail end of the surfboard blank and wherein the stringer along its length defines a center of mass of the surfboard blank.

7. A surfboard blank according to claim 1, wherein the stringer comprises ayous.

8. A surfboard blank according to claim 1, wherein the central portion is of expanded polystyrene material.

9. A surfboard blank according to claim 1, wherein the central portion is of polyurethane material.

10. A surfboard blank according to claim 1, wherein the rail panel is of polyurethane material.

11. A surfboard blank according to claim 1, wherein the components of the surfboard blank are securely attached to one another using a glue.

12. A surfboard constructed using a surfboard blank, the surfboard blank comprising: a central portion extending from a nose to a tail end of the surfboard blank wherein the central portion comprises a stringer with one or more central panels; rail panels attached on either lateral side of the central portion such that the central portion is flanked by said rail panels, wherein the rail panels generally extend along a longitudinal axis of the surfboard blank; wherein said central panels are formed from a first resilient foam core material and the rail panels are formed from a second resilient foam core material, whereby the first resilient foam core material has greater buoyancy in water relative to the second resilient foam core material, and wherein a coating is applied to the surfboard blank to provide the surfboard with resistant properties.

13. A surfboard according to claim 12, wherein the central portion is of expanded polystyrene material.

14. A surfboard according to claim 12, wherein the rail panel is of polyurethane material.

15. A surfboard according to claim 12, wherein the central portion is coated with epoxy resin.

16. A surfboard according to claim 12, wherein the rail panels are coated with polyester resin.

17. A surfboard according to claim 12, wherein the central portion is of polyurethane material.

18. A surfboard according to claim 12, wherein the rail panel is of expanded polystyrene material.

19. A surfboard according to claim 12, wherein the central portion is coated with polyester resin.

20. A surfboard according to claim 12, wherein the rail panels are coated with epoxy resin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a front view of a surfboard blank of one embodiment of the present invention, in its assembled form, which is used for constructing a surfboard.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a surfboard blank of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a front view of a surfboard blank of one embodiment of the present invention, in its unassembled form.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a front view of a surfboard blank of another embodiment of the present invention, in its assembled form, which is used for constructing a surfboard.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a surfboard blank of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, in its assembled configuration. Specifically, a surfboard blank (100) is shown to comprise a central portion (110) extending from a nose (A) to a tail (B) end of a surfboard blank (100). The central portion (110) comprises one or more central panels (120), between which is a stringer (140). Rail panels (130) are attached on either lateral side of the central portion (110), to flank the central portion (110), extending generally along a longitudinal axis of the surfboard blank (100). An alternative embodiment of the invention may be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0035] Each of the central panels (120) and the rail panels (130) are preferably formed using a resilient foam material, which offer flexibility and support, whilst maintaining the ability to restore its original configuration upon any application of pressure.

[0036] The resilient foam material that is used for forming the central panels (120) and that of the rail panels (130) differ in composition, in that the central panels (120) may provide greater buoyancy when compared to the rail panels (130). Preferably, the central panels (120) may be of expanded polystyrene, whereas the rail panel (130) may preferably consist of polyurethane. However, it is also possible in another embodiment to have the central panels (120) being made of polyurethane and the rail panels (130) being made of expanded polystyrene. The differences in the types of resilient foam used influences the buoyant nature of the central panels (120) and of the rail panels (130), since there are differences in the elasticity and density of the various types of foam.

[0037] To describe these differences further, surfboard blanks manufactured using only polyurethane are light weight and easy to shape. The composition of the foam is also very fine yet very stiff, meaning that sculpting a polyurethane surfboard can be performed at a very high level of precision, given that the polyurethane foam does not tear easily. Performance-wise, these types of surfboards tend to sit a little lower in the water because of the weight and density of the polyurethane foam, which helps to keep the rails under the water, providing surfers with the impression that they are slicing through the waves. Given these surfboards are a little heavier compared with those made from expanded polystyrene and epoxy resin, polyurethane and polyester resin surfboards tend to be better at handling rougher surf conditions, since they offer reduced bounce by these types of surfboards. Thus, techniques such as barrel surfing is made easier using these surfboards.

[0038] On the other hand, surfboards manufactured using only expanded polystyrene are more difficult to sculpt in comparison to those made using polyurethane. Expanded polystyrene is not as dense as polyurethane foam and the tiny balls of foam tends to tear easily. Surfboard blanks manufactured using expanded polystyrene can exhibit better water resistance and are extremely light weight but they are not as strong as surfboards manufactured using polyurethane. In many instances, a further coating is required on the polystyrene blanks before adding epoxy to avoid epoxy seeping into the matrix of the polystyrene blank. Epoxy resin is typically added during the coating process, since it imparts additional strength and durability to the expanded polystyrene surfboard without adding further weight. Performance-wise, these types of surfboards tend to have a more buoyant feel since they sit closer to the top of the water compared to polyurethane manufactured surfboards. This also means that expanded polystyrene surfboards are a better choice for surfers who favor speed, maneuverability and aerial performance, since these surfboards can be lifted, turned quickly and brought into the air more easily.

[0039] By having the surfboard blank of the present invention being constructed of two different types of resilient foam in the aforementioned novel configuration, surfers would be able to better adapt to a broader range of surf conditions, using a single surfboard, rather than requiring access to two different surfboards at any one time.

[0040] In the embodiment whereby the central panels (120) may be of expanded polystyrene and the rail panels (130) may be of polyurethane, the central portion (110) of the surfboard blank (100) will have greater buoyancy relative to the rail panels (130). In this embodiment, the central portion (110) sits closer to the surface of the water. This means that surfers are provided with better control when maneuvering through the water, such as when performing turns, since the weight and density of the rail portions (130) helps to reduce bounce, yet the surfboard can continue to offer speed and lift to surfer.

[0041] In the alternative embodiment, whereby the central panels (120) may be of polyurethane and the rail panels (130) may be of expanded polystyrene, the central portion (110) of the surfboard blank (100) will thus have reduced buoyancy, in comparison with the rail panels (130). Since this embodiment results in the rail panels (130) sitting closer to the surface of the water, surfers can perform turns and other types of maneuvers with speed, whilst having greater stability, support and control in the central portion (110) of the surfboard.

[0042] In an embodiment, the rail panels (130) may be attached to the central panels (120) of the central portion (110) along a linear axis that is offset from the longitudinal axis of the surfboard blank (see FIGS. 1-2 and 4-5). The linear axis may be offset by any appropriate degree that would permit the gradual change in surfboard composition and thus the gradual change in buoyancy across the surfboard from the nose end (A) to the tail end (B). However, it is most preferable that the linear axis may be offset by less than 30 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the surfboard blank. By utilizing this arrangement, the central panels (120) of the central portion (110) of the surfboard blank (100) will have a width that generally gets progressively narrower from the nose end (A) down towards the tail end (B) of the surfboard blank. Likewise, the rail panels (130) will have a width that generally gets progressively wider from the nose end (A) towards the tail end (B) of the surfboard blank (100).

[0043] As mentioned briefly, having a linear axis that is offset from the longitudinal axis of the surfboard blank allows the surfboard blank to vary in its composition from nose (A) to tail end (B) (see FIG. 1). As discussed previously, expanded polystyrene is more buoyant than polyurethane as a type of foam material. Thus, having a nose end (A) of the surfboard blank (100) comprising primarily of expanded polystyrene results in said nose end (A) of the surfboard sitting closer towards the surface of the water. This helps to promote speed and enhance maneuverability of the surfboard through the water. As one progresses towards the tail end (B) of the surfboard blank (100), particularly as the width of the rail panels (130) increases simultaneous to a decrease in the width of the central panels (120) of the central portion (110), the surfboard will sit lower under the water, to provide better control and reduced bounce under stronger surf conditions. This arrangement means that at any cross-section taken across the surfboard blank (100) will yield a different composition profile. Therefore, the different parts of the surfboard blank (100) will provide a surfer with unique handling abilities.

[0044] The surfboard blank (100) may be of any shape (see FIGS. 1-2 and 4-5), although in most cases the width of the rail panels (130) will be greatest along the midsection of the surfboard blank (100), particularly if the surfboard is in an elongated oval-type configuration (FIGS. 1-5). At this mid-section region, a wider surface area of the rail panels (130) will offer a surfer with the greater stability and performance control, which is especially beneficial as the mid-section region typically houses the centre of mass of the surfboard, on which the surfer stands.

[0045] Running down the centre of the surfboard blank (100), along the mid-line, is the stringer (140) (see FIG. 3). The stringer (140) is an essential component of the surfboard blank (100) that runs down the centre of the surfboard along its longitudinal length. The stringer (140) provides strength, stability and controls the flex of the surfboard. The central location of the stringer (140) from the nose end (A) to tail end

[0046] (B) of the surfboard provide surfers with the most stability along the length of the stringer (140) (see FIG. 1), as it imparts additional strength to the centre of the board to better support the weight of the surfer.

[0047] The stringer (140) may be made of any suitable material, such as wood, high density foam or PVC. However, conventionally the stringer (140) is made of wood. Most traditionally, Balsa wood is commonly used, due to its lightweight properties that make it ideal for board construction, although other types of wood such as Basswood, cedar, spruce, plywood and birch are may also be used. The choice of wood of the stringer (140) offers the stringer (140) with different levels of strength and flexibility.

[0048] Flexibility of the surfboard imparted by the stringer (140), assists users to maneuver around and on top of waves, which relies on the absorption of energy as weight is applied on the board during surfing. Typically, this absorption of energy results in the stringer (140) twisting left or right, particularly if the stringer (140) is a strip of plywood. However, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stringer (140) preferentially comprises a mixture of Balsa and Ayous wood, which does not twist upon flexing of the stringer (140). Ayous wood is capable of storing an equal amount of energy continuously along the nose end (A) to the tail end (B) of the surfboard (see FIG. 1). In this manner, there is provided better control of the release of energy out from the surfboard, so that greater propulsion is made possible.

[0049] To explain the concept of energy transfer in greater detail, as a user rides a wave, pressure is applied downwardly to flex the surfboard such that it conforms to the shape of the wave. Release of this downward pressure results in lifting of the surfboard. Energy created by this flex, and the release of the flex results in the user propelling in a forward direction.

[0050] In an embodiment whereby there are two central panels (120) of the central portion (110) (see FIGS. 1-5), both these central panels may be securely attached on their lateral outer sides to the lateral inner sides of rail panels (130) using a glue. Likewise, the stringer (140) may be securely attached to the lateral inner sides of the central panels (120), using a glue, to connect the two central panels (120) together to form the central portion (110).

[0051] In another embodiment whereby there may only be one central panel (120) of the central portion (110), having two rail panels (130), each one of which flank either side of the central portion (110), the stringer (140) would be positioned along the central mid-line of the surfboard blank (110), along its longitudinal axis, however the terminal ends of the stringer (140) towards the nose (A) and the tail end (B) of the surfboard blank (see FIG. 1), would not protrude beyond the peripheral nose end (A) and the peripheral tail end (B) of the surfboard blank (100). In other words, the stringer (140) in this scenario would span the length of the central portion (110)/central panel (120) without both terminal ends of the stringer (140) being exposed at the nose end (A) or at the tail end (B) of the surfboard blank (100).

[0052] In another embodiment whereby there may be more than two central panels (120) comprising the central portion (110), the stringer (140) would be positioned centrally along the mid-line of the central portion (110), with the plurality of central panels (120) positioned on either side of the stringer (140). In other words, the stringer (140) runs along the length of the central portion (110) longitudinally, intersecting the centre of mass within the central portion (110), and thereby the centre of mass of the surfboard blank (100), regardless of the number of central panels (120) used to form the central portion (110).

[0053] To form a surfboard, the surfboard blank (100) may be subjected to application of a coating, to provide the surfboard blank (100) with greater resistance to the natural elements, including but not limited to, enhancing water resistance, UV resistance, or even resistance to physical damage that may be caused by coarse sand or fine rocks. The chemical composition of the coating varies, but typically includes the use of resins. Resins bind to the glassing materials and to the foam core and help to harden the surfboard's exterior.

[0054] Whilst any appropriate resin coating may be applied, in an embodiment of the present invention whereby the central panels may be constructed of expanded polystyrene material, the resin coating may utilize epoxy resin.

[0055] In another embodiment whereby the rail panels may be constructed of polyurethane, the resin coating may utilise polyester resin.

[0056] In a further embodiment, whereby the central panels may be constructed of polyurethane, the resin coating may utilise polyester resin.

[0057] In yet a further embodiment, whereby the rail panels may be constructed of expanded polystyrene material, the resin coating may utilise epoxy resin.

[0058] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term comprises and its variations, such as comprising and comprised of is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[0059] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[0060] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

[0061] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.