Activity Board Propulsion Device and Method

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention

The present disclosure relates to propulsion devices and, more specifically, a deployable propulsion device used on board-type recreational devices.

2. Description of Related Art

Snowboarding began in the United States in the 1960's. As legend has it, Sherman Poppen created a snow toy for his daughter by affixing two skis to a plank of wood and attaching a rope to the front end. Poppen called the device, a “Snurfer.” A few years later, Poppen applied for and was awarded U.S. Pat. No. 3,378,274 entitled, “Surf-Type Snow Ski,” issued on Apr. 16, 1968. The Snurfer captured the interest of millions of people. By the late 1960's, Snurfer racing competitions were held throughout the United States.

Sometime in the mid-1970's Jake Burton Carpenter (also known as Jake Burton), an avid Snuffing competitor, began developing a binding that would secure the user's boots to the Snurfer. Burton founded Burton Snowboards in 1977—currently one of the world's leading snowboard companies. As more and more ski resorts began allowing snowboards on their premises, snowboarding popularity skyrocketed. In 1998, snowboarding became an Olympic event. While Burton's improved fixed binding design made the snowboard much easier to control, it was not without its drawbacks.

Skiers typically use poles to push themselves along when there is not enough slope to overcome the friction between the snow and their skis. Cross-country skiing involves skiing over mostly level terrain, for which such skiers typically use poles. Skis are conducive to using ski poles because the skier's body is faced in the desired direction and because ski poles can be easily used on both sides of the skier's body. Snowboarders, on the other hand, do not face the direction of travel. Much like a skateboard, snowboarders face a direction of approximately 90 degrees from the desired direction. While this riding position makes it easier to steer a snowboard, it is almost impossible to effectively use ski poles while on a snowboard. Moreover, Burton's fixed binding design that makes the snowboard easy to operate without using one's hands also it makes it extremely difficult to maneuver the snowboard when there is little to no slope.

Typically, when snowboarders encounter a situation where there is not enough slope to propel the board, they must unbuckle their bindings and walk to a more sloped area while either carrying or dragging their snowboard. Since snowboarding is typically undertaken at altitude, the thin air makes this process all the more laborious and exhausting.

Therefore, what is needed is a board propulsion device that propels a snowboarder or other activity board forward on flat or minimally sloped surfaces without requiring the user to disconnect from the board. This need has heretofore remained unsatisfied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes these and other deficiencies of the prior art by providing a board propulsion device that propels an activity board along a terrestrial surface.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the board propulsion device comprises a driver that is driven by a motor, which is powered by a power source. The driver and/or motor may be attached to the board via one or more mounting arms. The mounting arms may be configured such that they rotatable about a mount. Alternatively, the mounting arms may be embodied by other configurations that allow the driver to engage with the terrain, such as by sliding, reciprocating, rotating, extending, or flexing. Additionally, the propulsion device is user-transitionable between deployed and stowed configurations. In a deployed configuration, the driver makes contact with the snow on which the board is traveling. The driver, driven by the motor, propels the snowboard across the snow, allowing the user to traverse relatively flat terrain while still strapped into the bindings. Once the user arrives a location where there is sufficient slope, the user can then transition the propulsion device into a stowed position, thereby allowing the user to snowboard down the mountain.

In an exemplary embodiment, a propulsion device comprises a driver transitionable between a first position and a second position, a motor operatively connected to the driver, and a power source operatively connected to the motor. The driver, when in the first position, does not engage a terrestrial surface and when in the second position, engages the terrestrial surface. A mount applies a force to the driver to engage the terrestrial surface. In some embodiments the device further comprises an arm connecting the driver to the mount and the mount comprises a spring that applies the force to the arm that is sufficient to cause the driver to engage the terrestrial surface. In another embodiment, the motor is located within the driver, e.g., an internal hub motor. In another embodiment, the terrestrial surface comprises snow, sand, dirt, or water.

In another exemplary embodiment, an activity board comprises a mount coupled to the activity board, a driver connected to the mount, the driver driven by a motor, and a power source operatively connected to the motor. The activity board comprises a top surface and a bottom surface configured to traverse a terrestrial surface, e.g., snow, sand, dirt, or water. The driver may be transitionable between a first position and a second position. The driver, when in the first position, does not engage the terrestrial surface and when in the second position, engages the terrestrial surface due to a force applied by the mount. In another embodiment, the motor is located within the driver. In some embodiments, the activity board further comprises an arm connecting the driver to the mount and a spring that applies the force to the arm that is sufficient to cause the driver to engage the terrestrial surface. In some embodiments, the activity board comprises a toe end opposite a heel end, the toe end separated from the heel end by a length of the activity board. In another embodiment, the activity board further comprises a stiffening member traversing from a location proximate the heel end and extends toward the toe end. In another embodiment, the motor is located between the toe end and the heel end of the activity board and the driver is located beyond the heel end in a direction opposite the toe end.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for propelling an activity board comprises transitioning a driver from a first position to a second position characterized by the driver engaging a terrestrial surface, e.g., snow, sand, dirt, or water, and actuating a motor operatively connected to the driver, the motor coupled to the activity board via a mount. The motor may be powered by a power source mounted to the activity board. In another embodiment, the motor is located within the driver, e.g., an internal hub motor. In another embodiment, the method further comprises an arm connecting the driver to the mount and a spring that applies a force to the arm sufficient to cause the driver to engage the terrestrial surface. In another embodiment, the activity board comprises a toe end opposite a heel end, the toe end separated from the heel end by a length of the activity board. In another embodiment, the method further comprises a stiffening member traversing from a location proximate the heel end toward the toe end. In another embodiment, the motor is located between the toe end and the heel end and the driver is located beyond the heel end in a direction away from the toe end.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply by illustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. The invention is also capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details can be modified in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a snowboard utilizing a board propulsion device comprising a motor housed within a driver, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric detail view of a board propulsion device comprising a motor housed within a driver, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates an isometric view of a snowboard utilizing a board propulsion device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C illustrates an isometric view of a snowboard utilizing a board propulsion device featuring a track-type driver, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1D illustrates an isometric view of a snowboard utilizing a board propulsion device featuring a track-type driver, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a snowboard utilizing a board propulsion device comprising a motor and separate driver, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A illustrates an isometric detail view of a board propulsion device comprising a motor and separate driver with the drive belt removed, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a snowboard utilizing a board propulsion device comprising a plurality of mounting arms, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates an isometric detail view of a board propulsion device comprising a plurality of mounting arms, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a snowboard utilizing a board propulsion device comprising a plurality of mounting arms and a transition mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A illustrates an isometric detail view of a board propulsion device comprising a plurality of mounting arms and a transition mechanism in a deployed configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B illustrates an isometric view of a snowboard utilizing a board propulsion device comprising a plurality of mounting arms and a transition mechanism in a stowed configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4C illustrates an isometric detail view of a board propulsion device comprising a plurality of mounting arms and a transition mechanism in a stowed configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a snowboard utilizing a board propulsion device comprising a plurality of mounting arms and a transition mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A illustrates an isometric detail view of a board propulsion device comprising a plurality of mounting arms and a transition mechanism in a deployed configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B illustrates an isometric detail view of a board propulsion device comprising a plurality of mounting arms and a transition mechanism in a stowed configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a surfboard utilizing a board propulsion device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A illustrates an isometric detail view of a board propulsion device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing propulsion to an activity board, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Further features and advantages of the disclosure, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying FIGS. 1-7. Although the disclosure is described in the context of a snowboard, the term “snowboard” or “board” refers to any type of activity board, but not limited to, snowboards, skis, sleds, toboggins, skateboards, skates, paddle boards, stand up paddle boards (“SUPs”), surfboards, boogieboards, or any other type of activity board without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. In some embodiments, the activity board may have one or more stiffening members traversing some or all of the length of the activity board. Such exemplary stiffening members may be employed for a number of reasons, for example, to provide additional rigidity to some or all of the activity board and/or to alter the resonance frequency or natural frequency of the activity board. The stiffeners may be integrated within the activity board, e.g., molded into or permanently attached, or detachably coupled thereto. Additionally, the stiffeners may be configured such that their effect on the activity board is adjustable by, for example, providing altering the stiffness of the stiffeners.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the propulsion device comprises a driver and a power source. In some embodiments, the driver is substantially cylindrical having a plurality of fins extending radially from its surface. Such a configuration may be referred to as a “paddle wheel” design. In other embodiments, the driver may comprise a “track design” wherein a continuous belt having a plurality of fins extending outward from its surface. Such a track design is known in the art of farm equipment and on tanks and are referred to as a “continuous track,” “tank tread,” and “caterpillar track” designs. Additionally, the propulsion device can have a single driver or a plurality of drivers, as well as a single motor or a plurality of motors.

The propulsion device also comprises a motor and a power source. In some embodiments, the propulsion device comprises a rotational motor. Such motors include alternating current (AC) motors and direct current (DC) motors, both in brushed or brushless configuration. More specifically, other types of motors that may be utilized herein include, and are not limited to, brushed DC motors, brushless DC motors (BLDC or BLDM), switched reluctance motors (SRM), universal motors, AC polyphase squirrel-cage (SCIM) motors, wound-rotor induction motors (WRIM), AC split-phase capacitor-start motors (AC SCIM), AC SCIM split-phase capacitor-run motors, and/or pancake or axial rotor motors.

To power the motor, the propulsion device also comprises a power source such as a battery. The batteries may be configured to be semi-permanently attached or in a “quick change” configuration, allowing the user to replace batteries as they diminish in power output. Such batteries include primary (non-rechargeable) batteries and secondary (rechargeable) batteries. Secondary batteries include, without limitation, lithium-ion (Li-ion), lithium-polymer (Li-po), nickel cadmium (Ni—Cd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), and lead-acid batteries. The propulsion device may further comprise a recharging device such as a solar panel. In some embodiments, the solar panel can be merely connected to the battery for recharging. In other embodiments, the solar panel can be integrated into the propulsion device and/or the surface of the board. For example, in an embodiment, the top surface of a snowboard (or a portion thereof) may include a solar panel or may be finished with a photovoltaic paint or ink. In such an embodiment, the top surface of the snowboard acts as a solar panel to recharge the battery and/or to power the motor. This benefits the rider because the battery will be constantly charging while the snowboarder is using his/her snowboard. Other power devices may include regenerative breaking technology wherein the power source, e.g., a battery, is charged by the current generated in the motor as turned by the driver when the rider is riding the snowboard down a slope.

In some embodiments, the speed of the motor and/or the amount of power transferred from the motor to the driver may be variable. In some embodiments, the driver may comprise a clutch. The clutch may be used to vary the motor's transfer of power to the driver to avoid over-spinning. Such clutches include, without limitation, cone clutches, single plate clutches, multi-plate clutches, semi-centrifugal clutches, and centrifugal clutches. The clutch may operate automatically or at the control of the rider. In other embodiments, the driver comprises a transmission that varies the power transferred from the motor to the driver. For example, the transmission can have different selectable gears the user can configure. In another example, the transmission may comprise continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) technology. In other embodiments, the motor's speed and/or power is variable and may be controlled through a speed controller by the user and/or by a computer. Such a speed controller may be wired or wireless, and may further be incorporated into a mobile device, e.g., a cellular phone.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the propulsion device 100 is used in conjunction with an activity board 101. In an embodiment, the activity board 101 is embodied by a snowboard 101. The snowboard 101 comprises bindings 102. A power source 107 is attached to the snowboard 101. Although the power source 107 is shown as being attached to the snowboard 101 outside of the bindings 102, the power source 107 may be mounted to the snowboard 101 at any location without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. The propulsion device 100 comprises a driver 103 attached to the snowboard 101 at mount 105 though arm 108. The mount 105 may be configured to be detachably coupled to snowboard 101. The mount 105 may also comprise a spring 106 that is configured to push the driver 103 and/or the arm 108 downward to allow the driver to engage with a terrestrial surface. In an exemplary embodiment where the activity board 101 is embodied by a snowboard, the terrestrial surface is a snow. Additionally, the spring 106 ensures the driver 103 maintains contact with the terrestrial surface, i.e., snow or ground, when the terrestrial surface is undulated and/or uneven. A motor (not shown) may be configured to be housed within the driver 103, e.g., an internal hub motor. In an embodiment, energy is transferred from the power source 107 to the motor housed within the driver 103. The driver 103 has a plurality of fins that protrude radially and act as a paddle wheel. In such an embodiment, the motor rotates the driver 103 that in turn pushes on the terrestrial surface, thereby propelling the snowboard 101 in the direction of travel.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 1B, the propulsion device 100 comprises a driver 103 powered by a power source 107. In such an embodiment, the driver 103 may be positioned such that the driver 103 contacts the terrestrial surface, e.g., ground, through an opening in the snowboard 101. In some embodiments, the power source 107 may be located between the bindings 102. In such an embodiment, both the driver 103 and the power source 107 are positioned on the snowboard 101 such that the propulsion device 100 does not alter the snowboard's 101 original footprint. Additionally, by having components such as the driver 103 and the power source 107 centrally located on the snowboard 101, the propulsion device's 100 impact on the center of mass is minimized.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 1C, the propulsion device 100 comprises a driver 103 driven by a motor 104. The motor 104 may be powered by power source 107. In such an embodiment, the driver 103 may utilize a track-type design. The driver 103 may engage the terrestrial surface, e.g., ground or snow, through a hole in the snowboard 101. Alternatively, the driver 103 may be positioned toward the rear of the snowboard 101 and engage with the ground or snow behind the snowboard 101. In other embodiments, the propulsion device 100 comprises a plurality of drivers 103 and/or motors 108.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 1D, the propulsion device 100 comprises a driver 103 driven by a plurality of motors 108. The motors 108 may be powered by power source 107. In such an embodiment, the driver 103 may utilize a track-type design. The driver 103 may be positioned toward the rear of the snowboard 101 and engage with the ground or snow behind the snowboard 101. In other embodiments, the propulsion device 100 comprises a plurality of drivers 103.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIGS. 2 and 2A, a board propulsion device 200 is used in conjunction with an activity board 201. In an embodiment, the activity board 201 is embodied by a snowboard 201 that comprises bindings 202. On one end of the snowboard 201, the board propulsion device 200 comprises a driver 203 and motor 204 mounted on a mounting arm 208. The mounting arm 208 may be connected to the snowboard 201 using a mount 205. In some embodiments, the mount 205 is permanently attached or integrated into the snowboard 201. In other embodiments, the mount 205 is removably attached to the snowboard 201. The board propulsion device 200 further comprises a lever 211. The lever 211 is configured such that it can apply a force to the mount 205 to stow or engage the driver 203. When in the stowed position (shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A), the lever 211 locks the driver 203 in a stowed position away from the terrestrial surface, e.g., ground or snow. The mount 205 may further comprise a spring 206. The spring 206 may be configured such that it applies a force to the mounting arm 208 using the mount 205 as a biasing point. The spring 206 may also be configured to apply a force to the mounting arm 208 such that the driver 203 is pressed against the terrestrial surface, e.g., ground or snow, on which the snowboard 201 is traveling. While the propulsion is shown as only comprising on arm 208, it may comprise any number of arms without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. When a user desires to switch the driver 203 from a deployed position to a stowed position, the user may apply a torsion force against the spring 206. This force may be applied by turning the lever 211. In another embodiment, the force may be applied by the user exerting a force directly onto the driver 203 or the arm 208. Once a sufficient torsion force is applied against the spring 206 the user can engage the lever 211 to lock the driver 203 in a stowed position. The lever 211 may be coupled to the mounting arm 208, such that the lever 211 can lock the mounting arm 208 after the user has applied sufficient force. When the mounting arm 208 is locked, the driver 203 will be in a stowed position.

The driver 203 comprises a driver input 209. The input 209 may be configured as a pulley around which a drive belt 212 is attached and transfers power from the motor output 210 to the input 209 and is subsequently transferred to the driver 203. In other embodiments, the driver input 209 and the motor output 210 may include a cog and chain design. The board propulsion device 200 comprises a power source 207 such as a battery. The battery 207 may be permanently installed or removable from the board 201.

In some embodiments, the input 209 and/or the motor output 210 may further comprise a clutch. For example, a centrifugal clutch may be incorporated into the driver input 209 that allows the power transferred from the motor 204 to vary with the driver's 203 rotational speed. In such an embodiment, the faster the driver 203 rotates, the more power is transferred from the motor 204 to the driver 203. In other embodiments, the driver input 209 and/or the output 210 may comprise a transmission that varies the driver's 203 rotational speed relative to the motor's 204 speed. For example, a continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) may be incorporated into the input 209 or the output 210. In such an embodiment, the CVT may be configured such that it will have a low gear ratio, such that the motor 204 must rotate many times to cause the driver 203 to complete a single rotation. This allows the motor 204 to deliver maximum torque to the driver 203 while preventing the driver 203 from losing traction. This situation is ideal for applying initial rotational power to the snowboard 201 when the snowboard 201 is at rest. Additionally, a CVT integrated into the input 209 may be configured such that it has a high gear ratio when the driver 203 is experiencing high rotational velocity.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIGS. 3 and 3A, the board propulsion device 300 comprises an activity board 301. In an embodiment, the activity board 301 is embodied by a snowboard 301 and bindings 302. A motor 304 may be attached to the snowboard 301 using a mount 305. In some embodiments, the mount 305 may be permanently attached and/or integrated into the snowboard 301. In other embodiments, the mount 305 may be removably attached to the board 301. A motor 304 may be attached to the mount 305 and comprise a motor output 310. The mount 305 may also comprise arms 308 hingedly attached to the mount 305. The mount 305 may further comprise a spring 306 biased against the mount 305 and configured to apply a force to one or more of the arms 308. Although a torsion spring 306 is shown, any component may be utilized that applies a force to the arm 308 without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein.

A driver 303 may be mounted to the arms 308. The driver 303 may comprise a driver input 309. The driver input 309 may comprise a clutch and/or a transmission. Additionally, the input 309 and the motor output 310 may be configured such that a belt 312 transfers rotational power from the motor output 310 to the driver input 309. In another embodiment, the motor output 310 and the driver input 309 may be configured to accept a transmission shaft (now shown) or, alternatively, a direct drive-style transmission.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B, and 4C, the board propulsion device 400 comprises an activity board 401. In an embodiment, the activity board 401 is embodied by a snowboard 401 comprising bindings 402. A motor 404 may be attached to the snowboard 401 using a mount 405. In some embodiments, the mount 405 may be permanently attached and/or integrated into the snowboard 401. In other embodiments, the mount 405 may be removably attached to the board 401. A motor 404 may be attached to the mount 405 and comprise a motor output 410. The mount 405 may also comprise arms 408 hingedly attached to the mount 405.

In some embodiments, the board propulsion device 400 further comprises a mechanism to transition the propulsion device between a deployed configuration (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A) and a stowed configuration (as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C). In such an embodiment, the propulsion device may comprise a lever 411. In some embodiments, the lever 411 is configured such that it can apply a force to the arms 408 to stow or engage the driver 403. When in the deployed position (shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A) the driver 403 is pressed against the terrestrial surface, e.g., ground or snow, on which the board 401 is contacting. The mount 405 may further comprise a spring 406. The spring 406 may be configured such that it applies a force to the mounting arm 408 using the mount 405 as a biasing point. The spring 406 may also be configured to apply a force to the mounting arm 408 such that the driver 403 is pressed against the terrestrial surface, e.g., snow, on which the snowboard 401 is traveling. In other embodiments, the transition mechanism utilizes components to automate the transition. In such an embodiment, propulsion device 400 may comprise a motor or other component capable of rotating the arms 408 relative to the mount 405. For example, a transition motor or servo may be utilized (not shown). In such an embodiment, the transition motor may be configured such that when the user actuates the lever 411, the transition motor or servo may transition the driver 403 from a stowed position to a deployed position. Further actuation of the lever 411 may reverse the transition. In some embodiments, a wired or wireless device may be used to communicate with or actuate the stowing and deploying mechanism.

In other embodiments, when a user desires to switch the driver 403 from an engaged position to a stowed position, the user may apply a torsion force against the spring 406. This force may be applied by pulling the lever 411. The lever 411 may be coupled to a cable 414. The cable may consist of an inner cable (not shown) and an outer housing. The cable 414 can transmit a force using tension of the inner cable. The tension of the inner cable can be applied against the spring 406 to lock the driver 403 in a stowed position. The cable 414 may be coupled to the mounting arm 408 and the lever 411, such that activating the lever 411 can lock the mounting arm 408. When the mounting arm 408 is locked, the driver 403 will be in a stowed position (shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C).

In other embodiments, the driver 403 may be mounted to the arms 408. The driver 403 may comprise a driver input 409. The driver input 409 may comprise a clutch and/or a transmission. Additionally, the input 409 and the motor output 410 may be configured such that a belt 412 transfers rotational power from the motor output 410 to the driver input 409. In another embodiment, the motor output 410 and the driver input 409 may be configured to accept a transmission shaft (now shown) or, alternatively, a direct drive-style transmission. Other embodiments may utilize a cog and chain drive design. The mount 405 may further comprise a guard 413 to reduce the amount of debris thrown by driver 403. The guard 413 can protect the board propulsion device 400 as well as the person using the device 400.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIGS. 5, 5A, and 5B the board propulsion device 500 is used in conjunction with an activity board 501. In an embodiment, the activity board 501 comprises a snowboard 501 and bindings 502. A motor 504 may be attached to the snowboard 501 using a mount 505. The motor 504 may be powered by power source 507. Although power source 507 is shown as being positioned between bindings 502, the power source 507 may be located at any position on the board 501 without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. In some embodiments, the mount 505 may be permanently attached and/or integrated into the snowboard 501. In other embodiments, the mount 505 may be removably attached to the board 501. A motor 504 may be attached to the mount 505 and comprise a motor output 510. The mount 505 may also comprise arms 508 hingedly attached to the mount 505.

In some embodiments, the board propulsion device 500 comprises a user-actuatable deployment device. In such embodiments, the board propulsion device 500 further comprises a handle 511. The handle 511 is configured such that it can apply a force to the arms 508, the mount 505, and/or other components of the propulsion device 500 to stow or deploy the driver 503. In some embodiments, pulling the handle 511 causes the diver 503 to deploy, i.e., transition from a stowed position to a deployed position wherein the driver engages with the terrestrial surface, e.g., snow or ground. In other embodiments, pulling on the handle causes the driver 503 to stow, i.e., transition from a deployed position to a stowed position wherein the driver 503 is no longer engaged with the terrestrial surface. When in the deployed position (shown in FIG. 5A) the driver 503 is pressed against the terrestrial surface. The mount 505 may further comprise a spring 506. The spring 506 may be configured such that it applies a force to the mounting arm 508 using the mount 505 as a biasing point. The spring 506 may also be configured to apply a force to the mounting arm 508 such that the driver 503 is pressed against the terrestrial surface on which the snowboard 501 is traveling.

In an embodiment, when a user desires to transition the driver 503 from a deployed position to a stowed position, the user may apply a torsion force against the spring 506. This force may be applied by pulling the handle 511. The handle 511 may be coupled to a cable 514. The cable may consist of an inner cable (not shown) housed inside of an outer cable housing. The cable 514 can transmit a force using tension of the inner cable. The tension of the inner cable can be applied against the spring 506, by for example using a cam mechanism, to lock the driver 503 in a stowed position. The cable 514 may be coupled to the mounting arm 508 and the handle 511, such that activating the handle 511 can lock the mounting arm 508. When the mounting arm 508 is locked, the driver 503 will be in a stowed position (shown in FIG. 5B). The propulsion device 500 may further comprise a cam-lock or ratcheting mechanism that holds the driver 503 and/or arms 508 in either a stowed and/or a deployed position. In such embodiments, releasing the cam-lock or ratcheting mechanism may be achieved by further manipulation of the handle 511 or by some other actuatable component.

In other embodiments, driver 503 may be mounted to one or more of the arms 508. The driver 503 may comprise a driver input 509. The driver input 509 may comprise a clutch and/or a transmission. Additionally, the input 509 and the motor output 510 may be configured such that a belt 512 transfers rotational power from the motor output 510 to the driver input 509. In another embodiment, the motor output 510 and the driver input 509 may be configured to accept a transmission shaft (now shown) or, alternatively, a direct drive-style transmission. The propulsion device 500 may further comprise a guard 513 to reduce the amount of debris thrown by driver 503 as the driver 503 is activated. The guard 513 can protect the board propulsion device 500 as well as the person using the device 500.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 6A, the board propulsion device 600 is used in conjunction with an activity board 601. In an embodiment, the activity board 601 is embodied by a surfboard 601. A motor 604 may be attached to the surfboard 601 using a mount 605. Power source 607 may be used to power motor 604. In some embodiments, the mount 605 may be permanently attached and/or integrated into the surfboard 601. In other embodiments, the mount 605 may be removably attached to the board 601. A motor 604 may be attached to the mount 605 and comprise a motor output 610. The mount 605 may also comprise arms 608 hingedly attached to the mount 605. The board propulsion device 600 further comprises a lever 611. In some embodiments, the lever 611 is configured such that it can apply a force to the arms 608 to stow or deploy the driver 603. When in the deployed position (shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A) the driver 603 makes contact with the terrestrial surface on which the surfboard 601 is used, e.g., water. The mount 605 may further comprise a spring 606. The spring 606 may be configured such that it applies a force to the mounting arm 608 using the mount 605 as a biasing point. The spring 606 may also be configured to apply a force to the mounting arm 608 such that the driver 603 makes contact with the water on which the board 601 is traveling. When a user desires to transition the driver 603 from a deployed position to a stowed position, the user may apply a torsion force against the spring 606. This force may be applied by pulling the lever 611. The lever 611 may be coupled to a cable 614. The cable may consist of an inner cable (not shown) housed within an outer housing. The cable 614 can transmit a force using tension of the inner cable. The tension of the inner cable can be applied against the spring 606 to lock the driver 603 in a stowed position. The cable 614 may be coupled to the mounting arm 608 and the lever 611, such that activating the lever 611 can lock the mounting arm 608. When the mounting arm 608 is locked, the driver 603 will be in a stowed position.

In some embodiments, the driver 603 may be mounted to the arms 608. The driver 603 may comprise a driver input 609. The driver input 609 may comprise a clutch and/or a transmission. Additionally, the input 609 and the motor output 610 may be configured such that a belt 612 transfers rotational power from the motor output 610 to the driver input 609. In another embodiment, the motor output 610 and the driver input 609 may be configured to accept a transmission shaft (now shown) or, alternatively, a direct drive-style transmission. The mount 605 may further comprise a guard 613 to reduce the amount of debris thrown by driver 603 as the driver 603 is activated. The guard 613 can protect the board propulsion device 600 as well as the person using the device 600. Although the driver 603 is illustrated incorporating a paddle-wheel design, any type of driver design may be utilized. For example, the driver 603 may utilize a propeller design. Additionally, although only one driver 603 is shown, any number of drivers 603, incorporating similar or different designs, may be utilized without departing from the contemplated embodiments.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 7, at step 701, a user transitions the driver from a first position to a second position. When not in use, the driver may be kept in a first position where it does not engage with a terrestrial surface and is generally out of the way of impeding the activity board's usage. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates the driver 203 in the second position, wherein the driver 203 can engage the terrestrial surface. Conversely and continuing with the same example, FIG. 2A illustrates the driver 203 in the first position and is generally out of the way and allows the user to use the activity board 201 without the driver 203 impeding such usage. In another example, FIG. 4A illustrates the driver 403 in the second position, wherein the driver 403 can engage the terrestrial surface. Conversely and continuing with the same example, FIG. 4C illustrates the driver 403 in the first position and is generally out of the way and allows the user to use the activity board 401 without the driver 203 impeding such usage.

At step 703, the user can actuate a motor that powers the driver. This can be done in several ways. For example, the user can use a controller that is connected to the motor that allows the user to turn the motor on and off and, in some embodiments, the user can also vary the motor's speed with the controller. The controller can be wired or wireless and, in some embodiments, can be integrated into a mobile device, e.g., an application loaded onto a mobile device that presents a user interface to the user and enables connectivity to and control of the motor.

At step 705, the user can transition the driver from the second position to the first position. The user can effectuate this transition in a number of ways. For example, The user can manually cause the driver to transition between the first and second positions by grabbing the driver and moving it back and forth. Additionally, the user can use a handle 511 (as shown in FIG. 5) or a lever 411 (as shown in FIGS. 4-4C) to transition the driver between the first and second positions. Although the transitions discussed are in reference to step 705, the transitions can be similarly used in other embodiments such as, by way of example, to transition the driver from the first position to the second position as discussed in step 701.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the methodologies and techniques described herein are implemented on a commercially available snowboard. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the board propulsion device may be utilized with other types of activity boards, including, but not limited to, skis, sleds, toboggins, skateboards, skates, paddle boards, stand up paddle boards (“SUPs”), surfboards, boogieboards, or any other type of activity board, without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein.

The disclosure has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the disclosure can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the disclosure should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.

Activity Board Propulsion Device and Method

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