Foilboard

Abstract

To provide a foilboard, in particular an e-foil, which can be ridden by a rider in a seating position and which has a good controllability and is save to use, a foilboard, in particular e-foil, is proposed comprising a board and a hydrofoil, the hydrofoil comprising a mast and at least one wing, wherein the mast is attached to an underside of the board, wherein the foilboard further comprises a seating device for a ride to sit on, wherein the seating device is arranged on a top side (18) of the board, such that the seating device can be rolled at least in a forward direction and in a backward direction by the rider to control and/or steer the foilboard.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a foilboard, in particular an efoil, comprising a board and a hydrofoil, the hydrofoil comprising a mast and at least one wing, wherein the mast is attached to an underside of the board, wherein the foilboard further comprises a seating device for a rider to sit on.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a seating arrangement for a foilboard comprising a seating device for a rider to sit on.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Foilboards, also known as e-foils, hydrofoil boards or foil surfboards, are a type of board used in watersports. A foilboard has a hydrofoil mounted underneath. The hydrofoil extends into the water and the design allows the foilboard, and its rider, to rise above the water surface, allowing for fast speeds and increased maneuverability in a wide range of surf conditions.

With foilboards known in the art, the rider controls the foilboard in a standing position. Thus, when the foilboard rises out of the water the rider is generally located at a height of two meters or more above the water surface. These heights can be intimidating, in particular to novice riders. Furthermore, in case the foilboard tips over a standing rider can fall off the foilboard and come into contact with the hydrofoil and in particular with the motor or propeller of the hydrofoil.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is right view of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof with the foilboard rolled forward;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention with the foilboard rolled rearward;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention with the foilboard rolled rearward;

FIG. 5 a perspective view thereof with the foilboard tilt forward;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the seating device;

FIG. 7 is a bottom elevational view thereof

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the seating device;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the seating device;

FIG. 10 is a front left view of the seating device;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the seating device in use;

FIG. 12 a simulation of the rolling motion;

FIG. 13 a simulation of the rolling motion;

FIG. 14 a simulation of the rolling motion;

FIG. 15 a simulation of the rolling motion; and

FIG. 12 a simulation of the rolling motion.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a foilboard 100, in particular an e-foil 10, which can be ridden by a rider 17 in a seating position, which has good controllability and is safe to use. The present invention being a foilboard 100, in particular an e-foil 10, comprises a board 11 and a hydrofoil 12. The hydrofoil 12 further comprises a mast 13 and at least one wing, wherein the mast 13 is attached to an underside 15 of the board 11. The foilboard 100 further comprises a seating device 16 for a rider 17 to sit on, wherein the seating device 16 is arranged on a top side 18 of the board 11, such that the seating device 16 can be rolled at least in a forward direction and in a backward direction by the rider 17 to control and/or steer the foilboard 100.

The hydrofoil 12 may furthermore comprise two wings, in particular a front wing and a back wing. When placed in water, the hydrofoil 12 comprising the mast 13 and the at least one wing extends into the water and below a water surface 24. The forward direction preferably corresponds to the direction of travel of the foilboard 100 when the foilboard 100 is in use. The backward direction is then the direction opposite to the forward direction. Similarly, left and right directions or up and down directions are defined with respect to the direction of travel of the foilboard 100 when in use.

According to the present invention the foilboard 100 comprises a seating device 16 for a rider 17 to sit on so that the rider 17 can ride the foilboard 100 in a sitting position. A sitting position has the advantage that the rider 17 is not so high above the water surface 24 as compared with a standing position. This increases confidence, in particular for novice rider 17, to be able to ride the foilboard 100. Furthermore, the risk of injuries due to contact with the motor 21 and/or propeller 22 for a rider 17 is reduced, because the rider 17 is not as easily separated from the foilboard 100 when the foilboard 100 tips over.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the seating device 16 is positioned on the top side 18 of the board 11 such that the seating device 16 can be rolled at least in a forward direction in a backward direction by the rider 17 to control and/or steer the foilboard 100.

Thus, a rider 17 sitting on the seating device 16 can roll the seating device 16 in a forward direction and in a backward direction by shifting his own weight on the seating device 16. As the rider 17 has more direct contact with the foilboard 100 when sitting on the seating device, his perception of the movements of the foilboard 100 caused by rolling the seating device 16 is improved, further increasing the rider 17s confidence in the foilboard 100.

Furthermore, by proving a seating device 16 which can be rolled in at least a forward direction and in a backward direction a rider 17 can provide very sensitive control or steering inputs to the foilboard 100, improving the controllability and steerability of the foilboard 100. Preferably the foilboard 100 further comprises a motor 21, in particular an electric motor 21, and propulsion means, preferably a propeller 22, an impeller or a water jet, wherein the motor 21 is configured to drive the propulsion means.

It is furthermore preferred that a rider 17 can shift a center of gravity of foilboard 100 and rider 17 by rolling the seating device 16.

The rider 17 may use his own weight to roll the seating device 16 in the forward direction and/or in the backward direction. Thus, the relative position of the seating device 16 and the rider 17 with respect to the board 11 of the foilboard 100 is changed. This change in position results in a shift of the center of gravity of foilboard 100 and rider 17 allowing for control inputs to the foilboard 100.

For example, when the rider 17 rolls the seating device 16 in the forward direction, the center of gravity shifts in the forward direction and the foilboard 100 declines relative to the water surface 24. When the rider 17 rolls the seating device 16 in the backward direction the center of gravity is shifted to the rear of the foilboard 100 and the foilboard 100 starts to rise above the water surface 24.

Advantageously the seating device 16 may have a, preferably convexly, rounded bottom surface 23 being in contact with the top side 18 of the board 11, and the seating device 16 may be rolled \ on the rounded bottom surface 23 in the forward direction and in the backward direction.

The seating device 16 generally has a bottom surface 23 and an upper surface 42. The rider 17 will sit on the upper surface 42 and the bottom surface 23 will be in contact with the top side 18 of the board 11 of the foilboard 100. The bottom surface 23 is preferably convexly rounded so that the seating device 16 can at least partially roll on the top side 18 of the foilboard 100.

A convexly rounded bottom surface 23 provides for a smooth rolling \ movement of the seating device 16 on the board 11 and, thus, for sensitive and smooth control inputs to the foilboard 100.

It may also be preferred that the seating device 16 is arranged on the top side 18 of the board 11 and configured such that the seating device 16 can be rolled in a lateral direction, preferably in a right direction and/or in a left direction.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment the rider 17 may also tilt the seating device 16 by shifting his weight to the left and to the right allowing for further control options for the foilboard 100.

It may also be preferred that the rounded bottom surface 23 has a front section 23a, a middle section 23b and a rear section 23c, wherein a curvature radius of the rounded bottom surface 23 is different between at least two, preferably between all, of the front section 23a, the middle section 23b and the rear section 23c.

The front section 23a is the section of the bottom surface 23 which is closest to a front side of the board 11. Correspondingly, the rear section 23c is the section of the rounded bottom surface 23 that is closest to the rear side of the board 11. The middle section 23b is arranged in between the front section 23a and the rear section 23c.

By providing a curvature radius for the rounded bottom surface 23 with is different between at least two, preferably between all, of the front section 23a, the middle and the rear section 23c, the sensitivity of the foilboard 100 to the control inputs depending of the amplitude of the roll can be adjusted.

When the contact point of the rounded bottom surface 23 with the top side 18 of the board 11 is in a section having a large curvature radius the foilboard 100 will react less strongly to a roll of the seating device 16 as compared to a situation where the contact point of the rounded bottom surface 23 with the top side 18 of the board 11 is in a section having a small curvature radius.

It is furthermore preferred that the curvature radius is configured progressively and/or continuously increasing from the front section 23a over the middle section 23b to the rear section 23c.

Thus, the curvature radius of the front section 23a of the rounded bottom surface 23 is preferably smaller than the curvature radius of the bottom surface 23 in the middle section 23b and the curvature radius of the bottom surface in the middle section 23b is preferably smaller than the curvature radius of the bottom surface 23 in the rear section 23c.

In this regard, it may be preferred that the curvature radius in at least a section of the front section 23a is between 5 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 30 cm, furthermore preferably between 15 cm and 20 cm.

The curvature radius in at least a section of the middle section 23b may be between 100 cm and 1.000 cm, preferably between 300 cm and 500 cm, furthermore preferably between 350 cm and 400 cm.

Further preferably the curvature radius in at least a section of the rear section 23c may be at least 1.000 cm, preferably at least 10.000 cm, furthermore preferably essentially infinite.

Thus, when the contact point of the bottom surface 23 with the top side 18 of the board 11 is in the middle section 23b of the bottom surface 23, the foilboard 100 will react comparatively gently to a roll of the seating device 16. This allows, on the one hand, for the rider 17 to be able to move naturally without resulting in extreme reactions of the foilboard 100. On the other hand, the rider 17 can steer or control the foilboard 100 very finely. When the contact point of the bottom surface 23 with the top side 18 of the board 11 is in the front section 23a of the bottom surface 23 a roll of the seating device 16 will result in a more pronounced reaction of the foilboard 100. When the contact point of the rounded bottom surface 23 with the top side 18 of the board 11 is in the rear section 23c, the reaction to a roll in the backwards direction is very smooth and very gentle.

In the preferred embodiment an end section of the rear section has a curvature radius of essentially infinite, i.e. the bottom surface 23 in the end section 23d of the rear section 23c is essentially flat. The end section 23 of the rear section 23c is the most rearward oriented section of the rear section 23c.

The configuration of an essentially flat end section 23d of the rear section 23c provides a limit stop for the seating device 16 and thus limits the amount of roll that the seating device 16 can be rolled backwards.

Preferably, the seating device 16 comprises a main body 25 and a seat body 26, the main body 25 further preferably comprising the rounded bottom surface 23, wherein the seat body 26 is arranged slidably, preferably in the forward direction and the backward direction, at the main body 25.

Thus, the seat body 26 can slide relative to the main body 25 of the seating device 16. Allowing the seat body 26 to slide relative to the main body 25 has several advantages.

First, the rider 17 can arrange the seat body 26 at a position relative to the main body 25 that is most comfortable for him to sit on and to control and/or steer the foilboard 100. Second, having the seat body 26 being arranged slidably with respect to the main body 25 allows the rider 17 to easily mount the foilboard 100. In general, a rider 17 will mount the foilboard 100 from the rear, when the foilboard 100 sits or floats in the water. Since the seat body 26 of the seating device 16 is oriented towards to rear of the board 11 of the foilboard 100, the seat body 26 can present an obstacle for the rider 17 by blocking him or by reducing the available surface on the top side 18 in the rear section 23c of the board 11 for the rider 17 to mount. Thus, before mounting the foilboard 100 the rider 17 can slide the seat body in the forward direction. The rider 17 then has enough space in the rear of the board 11 to safely mount the board 11. While mounting the board 11 the rider 17 may start the motor 21 of the board 11 and thereby gently increase the speed of the foilboard 100. When the rider 17 is on the top side 18 of the board 11 he can slide the seat body 26 in the backwards direction and then safely sit on the seat body 26 and use the seating device 16 to steer and/or control the board 11.

Furthermore, the main body 25 may comprise side elements 28 and at least one connection element 29, wherein the side elements 28 are arranged at a distance from each other and connected to each other by the at least one connection element 29, such that a recess or a free space 31 is formed between the side elements 28 and that the seat body 26 is arranged in the recess or in the free space 31.

The side elements 28 of the main body 25 are arranged on the left side and on the right side with respect to the forward direction and/or the direction of travel of the foilboard 100. The side elements 28 are connected by the at least one connection element 29 such that the distance between the side elements 28 remains fixed. Because of the arrangement of the side elements 28 at a distance to each other a free space 31 or a recess is formed between the side elements 28. The recess and/or the free space 31 is preferably configured open to an upper surface 42 of the main body 25. The seat body 26 is arranged in the free space 31 or recess and preferably protrudes slightly upwards out of the upper surface 42 so that a rider 17 can sit on the seat body 26. The seat body 26 is arranged in the recess or free space 31 to be slidably in the forward direction and backward direction.

The at least one connection element 29 may comprise at least one, preferably at least two, struts 30 extending between the side elements 28.

The struts 30 can be separate components connecting the side elements 28 or the struts 30 can be formed out of the material of the side elements 28 or made integral with the side elements 28. The at least on connection element, in particular the struts 30, is/are preferably arranged in a lower region of the main body 25, i.e. close to the bottom surface 23 of the main body 25, so that the recess or free space 31 is accessible from the upper surface 42 of the main body 25.

Particularly preferably guiding means 33, in particular rails or grooves 40, are arranged on the side elements, preferably on inner sides of the side elements, and oriented towards the recess and/or free space 31, wherein the guiding means 33 are further preferably arranged horizontally, and wherein the seat body comprises guide elements 35, in particular wheels or protrusions 36, interacting with the guiding means 33 to allow sliding the seat body 26, preferably in the forward direction and in the backward direction, in the recess and/or in the free space 31.

Thus, by the interaction of the guiding means 33 and the guide elements 35 a controlled sliding movement of the seat body 26 relative to the main body 25 is provided.

The seating device 16 may be held on the top side 18 of the board 11 purely by friction between the top side 18 of the board 11 and the bottom surface 23 of the seating device 16.

However, it may be preferred that the seating device 16 is, preferably detachably, secured to the board 11.

Thus, preferably a base body 37 is provided, the base body 37 being arranged on and/or fixed to the board 11, in particular to the top side 18 of the board 11, wherein the seating device 16, preferably the main body 25, is secured to the base body 37 such that the seating device 16 can be rolled in the forward direction and in the backward direction.

Thus, the seating device 16, in particular the main body 25, may be secured to the base body 37 in such a way that the seating device 16 is secured to the board 11 via the base body 37 so that it does not fall off the board 11 but is still allowed to be rolled in the forward and in the backward direction.

The base body 37 may be connected to the top side 18 of the board 11 by any suitable means. For example, the base body 37 may be configured integral with the board 11. The base body 37 can also be adhesively connected to the top side 18 of the board 11.

It is also possible that the base body 37 is detachably connected to the top side 18 of the board 11. For example, the base body 37 may be connected to the top side 18 of the board 11 using Velcro tape or the base body 37 may be connected to the top side 18 of the board 11 using screws, bolts or the like.

In the latter case, where the base body 37 is connected to the top side 18 of the board 11 using screws or bolts, it may furthermore be preferred that the screws or bolts are screwed into existing screw holes of the board 11. In general, a foilboard 100 has foot straps connected to the top side 18 of the board 11 by screws screwed into screw holes or by clip connections or the like. For example, the screw holes can be used to attach or connect or fix the base body 37 to the board 11.

Preferably, the base body 37 is arranged between the side elements 28. Thus, the base body 37 is preferably arranged in a lower part of the main body 25 between the side elements 28. For this, the bottom surface 23 of the main body 25 may comprise an indentation, a recess or a hole or the like in which the base body 37 is arranged.

When the base body 37 is arranged in between the side elements 28 lateral forces acting on the main body 25 are transferred to the base body 37 and therefore into the board or the foilboard 100.

Furthermore, the base body 37 may comprise on each lateral side a pin 38 or bolt, and the seating device 16 may comprise receptacles 39, in particular holes or a grooves 40, for the pin 38 or bolts.

The lateral sides of the base body 37 are the sides of the base body 37 facing to the right direction or to the left direction. The pin 38 or bolts engage with the receptacles 39, in particular with the holes or grooves 40, thereby securing the seating device 16, in particular the main body 25 of the seating device 16, to the base body 37. The seating device 16 can still be rolled relative to the foilboard 100 and in particular relative to the base body 37. The receptacles 39 for the pin 38 or bolts may act as bearings, so that the seating device 16 can rotate about the connection between the pin 38 or bolts with the receptacles 39. When the seating device 16 is configured for rolling on the top side 18 of the board, the contact point of the bottom surface 23 of the seating device 16 with the top side 18 of the board moves on the top side 18 of the board in the forward and backward directions. Thus, it may be particularly preferred that the receptacles 39 are formed as grooves 40, in which the pin 38 can slide to allow the rolling movement of the seating device 16.

Preferably the receptacles 39 are arranged on the main body 25, further preferably on inner sides 32 of the side elements 28.

Furthermore, it may be preferred that the receptacles 39 are configured as grooves 40 wherein the grooves 40 have a rounded shape, preferably a horse-shoe shape or a cycloidal shape.

When the seating device 16, in particular the main body 25, rolls on the top side 18 of the board 11 the contact point of the bottom surface 23 of the seating device 16 moves on the top side 18 of the board 11 to the forward direction and to the backward direction. Thereby the seating device 16 is displaced in the front direction and in the backward direction. Simultaneously the receptacle 39 move relative to the pin 38

or bolts of the base body 37 in a vertical direction. To allow this freedom of movement it is preferred that the grooves 40 have a rounded shape.

Further preferably the seating device 16, preferably the main body 25, comprises a passageway 41 extending from the bottom surface 23, preferably from the middle section 23b of the bottom surface 23, to an upper surface 42 of the seating device 16, preferably the main body 25, having a cross section equal to or larger than a cross section of the base body 37, such that the base body can be guided from the upper surface through the passageway 41 to the bottom surface 23.

When arranging the seating device 16 on the board 11 of the foilboard 100, the seating device 16, in particular the main body 25, is positioned on the top side 18 of the board 11. Then the base body 37 is guided through the passageway 41 from the upper surface 42 through the seating device 16 to the bottom surface 23 until the base body 37 is in contact with the top side 18 of the board 11. Then the base body 37 may be attached or fixed to the top side 18 of the board 11.

Further preferably, the passageway 41 extends between the connection element 29, in particular between the struts 30.

Thus, the opening of the passageway 41 in the bottom surface 23 of the seating device 16 may be defined by the side elements 28 and the connection element 29s, in particular the struts 30.

Furthermore preferably, the passageway 41 comprises base body guiding means for guiding the pin 38 or bolts of the base body 37.

The base body 37 guiding means 33 may be configured as, preferably vertically arranged, grooves 40, wherein the grooves 40 are arranged on the inner sides 32 of the side elements 28, and wherein the grooves 40 extend into the receptacles 39.

Thus, when the seating device 16, in particular the main body 25 of the seating device 16, is arranged on the top side 18 of the board 11 the base body 37 may be guided through the opening in the upper surface 42 of the seating device 16 into the passageway 41, thereby inserting the pin 38 or bolts of the base body 37 into the vertically arranged grooves 40. The base body 37 is than guided down through the passageway 41 to the bottom surface 23 of the seating device while the pin 38 or bolts simultaneously slide down the vertically arranged grooves 40. When the base body 37 is in contact with the top side 18 of the board 11 through the opening of the passageway 41 in the bottom surface 23, the pin 38 or bolts enter the receptacles 39 thereby securing the seating device 16 on the top side 18 of the board 11 while still allowing a rolling movement of the seating device 16. In this position the base body 37 may be connected to the top side 18 of the board 11, for example via screws.

In a further preferred embodiment, the seating device 16, preferably the main body 25, further preferably the side elements 28, comprises handle bars 45. Thus, when a rider 17 sits on the seating device 16 he can hold on to the handle bars 45 of the seating device 16.

It may furthermore be preferred that at least one of the handlebars 45 comprises control elements for controlling the motor 21 of the foilboard 100 and/or that at least one of the handle bars 45 comprises a controller receptacle 39 for a hand-held controller for the motor 21.

Thus, in the sitting position the rider 17 may control the motor 21 of the foilboard 100 by using the control elements of the handlebars. Alternatively, or additionally the foilboard 100 may comprise a hand-held controller for the motor 21. A hand-held controller is in particular advantageous in the process of the rider 17 mounting the foilboard 100. When the rider 17 mounts the foilboard 100 he usually mounts the foilboard 100 from the rear end. When the rider 17 is at least partially on the top side 18 of the board he uses the hand-held controller to increase the speed of the foilboard 100 until it stabilizes. Then the rider 17 may climb onto the seating device 16 and hold on to the handlebars. It is then advantageous that at least one of the handle bars 45 has a receptacle 39 for the hand-held controller so that the rider 17 can hold onto the handle bars 45 and simultaneously use the hand-held controller and/or the control elements of the handlebars to control the motor 21 of the foilboard 100.

The seating device 16, in particular the main body 25 and/or the seat body 26, and/or the base body 37 may be made from or comprise carbon fiber, fiber plastic, mold injected foam or IPP foam.

The main body 25, in particular the side elements 28 and/or the at least one connection element 29 may comprise an aluminum skeleton.

A further solution to the object of the present invention is the provision of a seating arrangement 200 for a foilboard 100 as described above. The seating arrangement 200 comprises a seating device 16 for a rider 17 to sit on with a, preferably convexly, rounded bottom surface 23, wherein the seating device 16, when arranged on a top side 18 of a board 11 of the foilboard 100 can be rolled on the rounded bottom surface 23 in the forward direction and in the backward direction to control and/or steer the foilboard 100.

The seating device 16 of the seating arrangement 200 may be configured as one of the seating device 16 described above in connection with the foilboard 100.

Preferably, the seating device 16 comprises a main body 25 and a seat body 26, the main body 25 comprising the rounded bottom surface 23, wherein the seat body 26 is arranged slidably, preferably in the forward direction and the backward direction, at the main body 25.

FIG. 1 shows a foilboard 100 in accordance with the present invention. The foilboard 100 is configured as an e-foil 10 and comprises a board 11 and a hydrofoil 12. The hydrofoil 12 in turn comprises a mast 13 and a wing 14. The mast 13 is attached to an underside 15 of the board 11.

When placed in water, the hydrofoil 12 comprising the mast 13 and the wing 14 extends into the water and below a water surface 24. The foilboard 100 further comprises a seating device 16 for a rider 17 to sit on. The seating device 16 is arranged on a top side 18 of the board 11 and can be rolled by the rider 17 in a forward direction 19 and in a backward direction 20 to control and/or steer the foilboard. For propulsion the foilboard 100 further comprises a motor 21 and a propeller 22.

To roll the seating device 16 in the forward direction 19 and in the backward direction 20 the rider 17 shifts his weight in the forward direction 19 and in the backward direction 20. By rolling the seating device 16 the center of gravity of the foilboard 100 is shifted and the foilboard 100 can be controlled and/or steered. The seating device 16 has a convexly rounded bottom surface 23 in contact with the top side 18 of the board 11. When the rider 17 rolls the seating device 16, the seating device 16 rolls on the top side 18 of the board 11 with its rounded bottom surface 23.

In FIG. 2 rider 17 has shifted his weight to the forward direction 19 thereby rolling the seating device 16 on the rounded bottom surface 23 on the top side 18 of board 11 in the forward direction 19. In this position, the foilboard 100 will angle downward towards the water surface 24 and start to descent towards the water surface, as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 3 shows the rider 17 having shifted his weight in the backward direction 20 thereby rolling the seating device 16 on the rounded bottom surface 23 on the top side 18 of board 11 in the backward direction 20. In this position, the e-foilboard 100 will angle upward away from the water surface 24 and start to rise above the water surface 24, as shown in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 4 the foilboard 100 is angled downward towards the water surface 24. In this position, to stop the descent of the foilboard 100 towards the water surface 24 the rider has rolled seating device 16 into the backward direction 20.

In FIG. 5 the foilboard 100 is angled upward away from the water surface 24. In this position, to stop the rise of the foilboard 100 away from the water surface 24 the rider 17 has rolled the seating device 16 into the forward direction 19. The seating device 16 is explained in more detail with regard to FIGS. 6 to 10.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the seating device 16. FIG. 7 shows a wire drawing of the side view of the seating device. FIG. 8 show a wire drawing of the seating device 16 in a perspective view and FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the seating device 16. The seating device 16 comprises a main body 25 and a seat body 26. In FIGS. 8 and 9 the seat body 26 is not shown. The seat body 26 is shown in FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 6, the rounded bottom surface 23 of the seating device 16 is arranged on the main body 25. The rounded bottom surface 23 comprises a front section 23a, a middle section 23b and a rear section 23c. The curvature radius of the front section 23a, the middle section 23b and the rear section 23c are different from each other. In the front section 23a the curvature radius is comparatively small, for example about 15 cm. In the middle section 23b the curvature radius is between 350 cm and 400 cm and in the rear section 23c the curvature radius is at least 10 m. In the end section 23d of the rear section 23c the curvature radius is essentially infinite so that the end section 23d of the rear section 23c of the bottom surface 23 is an essentially flat surface 27.

The main body 25 of the seating device 16 comprises two side elements 28, which are arranged at a distance from each other and connected by connection elements 29 configured as struts 30 (FIGS. 8 and 9). The connection elements 29 can be formed integral with the side elements 28. Between the side elements 28 a free space 31 is formed, in which the seat body 26 is placed. On the inner sides 32 of th side elements 28 guiding means 33 in form of horizontal grooves 34 are provided. The seat body 26 shown in FIG. 10 comprises corresponding guide elements 35 in the form of protrusions 36 which engage with the horizontal grooves 34 of the side elements 28, as shown in FIG. 7. The seat body 26 can be moved in the forward direction 19 and in the backward direction 20 by sliding the protrusions 36 of the seat body 16 in the horizontal grooves 34. As shown in FIG. 7, the seat body 26 is shown with solid lines in a backward position. Furthermore, the seat body 26 is shown with dashed lines in a forward position.

The seating device 16, in particular the main body 25, is secured to the top side 18 of the board 11 by a base body 37. The base body 37 is fixed to the top side 18 of the board 11 (FIGS. 1 to 5). The base body 37 is arranged between the inner sides 32 of the side elements 28 and comprises laterally protruding pins 38 or bolts. The pins 38 engage with receptacles 39 arranged on the inner sides 32 of the side elements 28. The receptacles 39 are formed as grooves 40 having a round horse-shoe shape. When the seating device 16 is rolled in the forward direction 19 and in the backward direction 20 the contact point of the bottom surface 23 with the top side 18 of the board 11 also moves in the forward direction 19 and in the backward direction 20. To allow this movement the pins 38 slide in the receptacles 39 on the inner sides 32 of the side elements 28. The seating device 16 and the base body 37 together form a seating arrangement 200.

The main body 25 further comprises a passageway 41 extended from the bottom surface 23 to an upper surface 42 of the main body 25. The passageway is at least partially defined by the side elements 28 and the connection elements 29 extending between the side elements 28. On the inner sides 32 of the side elements 28 base body guiding means 43 in form of vertical grooves 44 are provided. For mounting the seating device 16 on the board 11 of the foilboard 100 the main body 25 is arranged in a first step on the top side 18 of the board 11. The base body 37 is guided through the passageway 41 from the upper surface 42 to the bottom surface 23 of the main body 25, while the pins 38 of the base body 37 are inserted into the vertical grooves 44 and slide down the vertical grooves 44. When the base body 37 is in contact with the top side 18 of the board 11, the pins 38 enter the receptacles 39 of the main body 25. The base body can then be fixed to the board 11 using for example screws, thereby securing the main body 25 to the board 11. The main body 25 may furthermore comprise handle bars 45 for the rider 17 to hold on during riding the foilboard (FIGS. 1 to 5 and 7).

FIG. 11 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a foilboard 100 in accordance with the present invention. In contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 10, the seating device 16 of the foilboard 100 of FIG. 11 is formed as a single element. The seating device 16 of FIG. 11 is held on the top side 18 of the board 11 purely by friction between the top side 18 of the board 11 and the bottom surface 23 of the seating device 1.

Furthermore preferably the seating arrangement 200 further comprises a base body 37 that can be arranged on and/or fixed to the board 11, and the seating device 16, preferably the main body 25, can be secured to the base body 37 such that the seating device 16 can be rolled in the forward direction and in the backward direction.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A foilboard watercraft comprising: a foilboard, in particular e-foil, comprising a board and a hydrofoil, the hydrofoil comprising a mast and at least one wing, wherein the mast is attached to an underside of the board, wherein the foilboard further comprises a seating device for a rider to sit on, characterized in that the seating device is arranged on a top side of the board, such that the seating device can be rolled at least in a forward direction and in a backward direction by the rider by leaning to a particular direction to control and/or steer the foilboard.

2. A foilboard watercraft according to claim 1, characterized in that the seating device has a convex, rounded bottom surface being in contact with the top side of the board, and that the seating device can be rolled on the rounded bottom surface in the forward direction and in the backward direction, and/or in that a rider can shift a center of gravity of foilboard and rider by rolling the seating device.

3. A foilboard watercraft according to claim 2, characterized in that the rounded bottom surface has a front section, a middle section and a rear section, wherein a curvature radius of the rounded bottom surface is different between at least two, preferably between all, of the front section, the middle section and the rear section.

4. A foilboard watercraft according to claim 3, characterized in that the curvature radius is configured progressively and/or continuously increasing from the front section over the middle section to the rear section.

5. A foilboard watercraft according to claim 3, characterized in that the curvature radius in at least a section of the front section is between 5 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 30 cm, furthermore preferably between 15 cm and cm, and/or that the curvature radius in at least a section of the middle section is between 100 cm and 1.000 cm, preferably between 300 cm and 500 cm, furthermore preferably between 350 cm and 400 cm, and/or that the curvature radius in at least a section of the rear section 23c is at least 1.000 cm, preferably at least 10.000 cm, furthermore preferably essentially infinite.

6. A foilboard watercraft according to claim 3, characterized in that the seating device comprises a main body and a seat body, the main body preferably comprising the rounded bottom surface, wherein the seat body is arranged slidably, preferably in the forward direction and the backward direction, at the main body.

7. A foilboard watercraft according to claim 6, characterized in that the main body comprises side elements and at least one connection element, wherein the side elements are arranged at a distance from each other and connected to each other by the at least one connection element, such that a recess or a free space is formed between the side elements, and that the seat body is arranged in the recess or in the free space, and that preferably the at least one connection element comprises at least one, further preferably at least two, struts extending between the side elements.

8. A foilboard watercraft according to claim 7, characterized in that guiding means, in particular rails or grooves, are arranged on the side elements, preferably on inner sides of the side elements, and oriented towards the recess and/or free space, wherein the guiding means are further preferably arranged horizontally, and that the seat body comprises guide elements, in particular wheels or protrusions, interacting with the guiding means to allow sliding the seat body, preferably in the forward direction and the backward direction, in the recess and/or free space.

9. A foilboard watercraft according to claim 1, further comprising a base body, the base body being arranged on and/or fixed to the board, and that the seating device, preferably the main body, is secured to the base body such that the seating device can be rolled in the forward direction and in the backward direction, and that the base body is preferably arranged between the side elements.

10. A foilboard watercraft according to claim 9 characterized in that the base body comprises on each lateral side a pin or bolt, and that the seating device comprises receptacles, in particular holes or a grooves, for the pins 38 or bolts, wherein preferably the receptacles are arranged on the main body, further preferably on inner sides of the side elements, wherein still further preferably the receptacles 39 are configured as grooves, wherein the grooves have a rounded shape, in particular a horse-shoe shape or a cycloidal shape.

11. A foilboard according to claim 9 characterized in that the seating device, preferably the main body, comprises a passageway extending from the bottom surface, preferably from the middle section of the bottom surface, to an upper surface of the seating device, preferably the main body, the passageway having a cross section equal to or larger than a cross section of the base body, such that the base body can be guided from the upper surface through the passageway to the bottom surface, wherein further preferably the passageway extends between the connection elements, in particular between the struts.

12. A foilboard according to claim 11, characterized in that the passageway comprises base body guiding means for guiding the pins or bolts of the base body, wherein preferably the base body guiding means are, further preferably vertically arranged, grooves, wherein the grooves are arranged on the inner sides of the side elements, and wherein the grooves extend into the receptacles.

13. A foilboard according to claim 1, characterized in that the foilboard further comprises a motor, preferably an electric motor, and propulsion means, preferably a propeller, an impeller or a water jet, and that the motor is configured to drive the propulsion means, and/or that seating device, preferably the main body, furthermore preferably the side elements, comprise handle bars, wherein preferably at least one of the handle bars comprises control elements for controlling the motor of the foilboard, and/or wherein at least one of the handle bars comprises a controller receptacle for a handheld controller for the motor.

14. A foilboard watercraft according to claim 1 comprising a seating arrangement for a foilboard, a seating device for a rider to sit on with a, preferably convexly, rounded bottom surface, wherein the seating device, when arranged on a top side of a board of the foilboard can be rolled on the rounded bottom surface in a forward direction and in a backward direction to control and/or steer the foilboard.

15. A foilboard watercraft according to claim 14 watercraft comprising a seating arrangement, wherein the seating device comprises a main body and a seat body, the main body comprising the rounded bottom surface, wherein the seat body is arranged slidably, preferably in the forward direction and the backward direction, at the main body, and/or wherein the seating arrangement further comprises a base body that can be arranged on and/or fixed to the board, and that the seating device, preferably the main body, can be secured to the base body such that the seating device can be rolled in the forward direction and in the backward direction.

16. A foilboard watercraft according to claim 2, where the convex rounded bottom surface being in contact with the top side of the board enables the seating device to be rolled in any particular direction by a rider by leaning forward or backward.