Patent Grant
9751598
The present invention relates generally to water sports equipment. The present invention relates more particularly, though not exclusively, to a water sports board made of laminated closed-cell foam with perforation vents in the laminate for preventing deformations of the surface of the board. The present invention is useful for surfboards, sailboards, wave skis, and other applications requiring buoyant, rigid, and durable boards.
Many water sports boards and craft (e.g., surfboards, sailboards, wave skis, etc.) are made of expanded open-cell rigid polymer foam. Where the discussion herein refers to a surfboard or “board”, it applies to surfboards, sailboards, body boards, wave skis, and other types of water sports boards and craft as well. To make a board of open-cell foam, a “molded method” is often used. Specifically, in using the molded method, a mold of the board is filled with liquid foam, which expands to fill the mold. The foam is then allowed to harden in the mold until it is rigid, forming a foam blank. The rigid foam is made of air cells that are open to each other. The cells at the surface of the rigid foam are also open to the atmosphere. Another method of board formation is the traditional hand-shaping method wherein the board is cut, or shaped, from a block of expanded foam to form the foam blank. To protect the foam blank from deterioration, a sealing layer is applied to the surface to protect the foam blank from the elements. The sealing layer is often made with materials such as fiberglass cloth and epoxy resins.
A problem with surfboards made with foam blanks with a sealing layer is the possibility of delamination, where the sealing layer separates from the foam blank. The repeated use of a surfboard may cause an indentation where a user places their feet, which may separate the sealing layer from the foam. Further, excessive heat will cause trapped gasses in the interior of the surfboard to expand separating the sealing layer from the foam blank and creating bubbles in the surfboard. Additionally, the inadvertent application of a large force, such as dropping the board on a hard floor or hitting the edge of the board on a rock, will damage the sealing layer and separate it from the foam. If the initial stages of delamination are not addressed, the small local areas of delamination can grow into larger delaminated areas thereby compromising the integrity of the surfboard.
Unfortunately, even though covered with a sealing layer, in the event the board is delaminated and the sealing layer is breached, the board may absorb water through that breach. When the open-cell foam has absorbed water, the open-cell foam is much heavier than when it is dry. A board made with open-cell foam that has absorbed water is significantly more difficult to use because of its increased weight and decreased buoyancy. Furthermore, a board that has absorbed water must be dried out before it is stored, in order to avoid deterioration of the board. Additionally, as trapped water and gases expand due to heat, the increased volume created by the expansion of the water and gas will cause the sealing layer to further delaminated from the foam.
In light of the above, it would be advantageous to make a board with the ability to prevent the delamination of the sealing layer of a surfboard. It would further be advantageous to make a board having similar buoyancy, rigidity, and durability characteristics of a board made from open-cell foam, yet does not absorb water into the foam material if the waterproofing material is breached.
The advantages of open-cell foam can be obtained, and its disadvantages avoided, by using closed-cell foam in its place. Closed-cell foam is extruded, and then formed into the shape of a board by hand shaping by a professional board shaper, or by using CNC machining into the desired board shape, instead of expansion into a mold as is the process used with open-cell foam. In a preferred embodiment, closed-cell foam may be made of polystyrene. An advantage of closed-cell foam is that it does not substantially absorb water. A board made of closed-cell foam does not become substantially heavier due to water absorption, and retains its physical properties, including buoyancy and ease of use for water sports and other purposes. Closed-cell foam also dries out much more quickly than open-cell foam, without yellowing or damage areas.
The present invention includes a surfboard made of laminated closed-cell foam. The laminate creates a sealing layer on the foam blank and is perforated at multiple locations on the surfboard to promote the venting of trapped gases and water vapor in the interior of the surfboard. The perforations are formed in the sealing layer with an angle or curve. The location and orientation of the perforations minimizes the amount of water entering into the surfboard. When not in use, the perforations allow air or gas to escape from between the laminate and foam. This avoids the formation of air blisters, thus overcoming a disadvantage to the use of laminated closed-cell foam.
Closed-cell foam extruded into a rough board shape may be referred to as a “blank” or “block”. The blank may be heated, pressed and cut into a desired shape. The shaped blank may be laminated with water-proofing materials, such as FIBERGLAS® and epoxy resins, to make the board more durable.
To make a board of the present invention, a blank is treated with heat and pressure to shape it, if desired, and to anneal the surface (close any open cells). The board is shaped by placing the blank against a shaped form, pressing the blank against the form by use of tension devices (e.g., restraining tools and straps), heating the blank using heat sources until the blank conforms to the form, and then cooling it until the blank holds its new shape. To optimize the heating of the blank, heat sources are applied to each side of the blank and controlled to deliver a consistent and even heat transfer. The heated and pressed blank may be further shaped by cutting it with a hot wire. The cut and shaped blank or “core” is laminated with FIBERGLAS® and epoxy resin. Once laminated, the laminate is perforated on the deck of the surfboard at multiple locations typical of the placement of a user's foot when riding a surfboard. In a typical configuration, the user places his or her foot on a forward portion of the surfboard and places his or her rear foot on a rear portion of the surfboard. The perforations are created using a tool that has a substantially planar or curved surface with multiple perforation needles extending therefrom. The perforations are formed by pressing or rolling the needled surface of the tool against the laminate thereby penetrating the laminate. The board may have one or more optional fins.
The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
A preferred embodiment of the Improved Surfboard and Method of Manufacturing of the present invention is shown in
Board 100 may have one or more optional fins 160. Board 100 shown in
Referring to
Blank 210 may be shaped in the following manner. Blank 210 is initially placed in initial position 230 (shown in dashed lines) upon shaped form surface 254 of form 250. Restraining tool surface 264 of each restraining tool 260 is placed upon blank 210. Straps 270 are attached to restraining tools 260 and to form 250. Tension is applied to straps 270 such that each restraining tool surface 264 is pressed against blank 210, and blank 210 is pulled toward and pressed against shaped form surface 254 of tool 250. At the same time, heat may be applied to blank 210 from heat source 272.
The application of heat and tension to blank 210 causes blank 210 to be conformed to shaped form surface 254 of form 250 and to restraining tool surfaces 264. In a preferred embodiment, the heat provided by heat source 272 may not exceed 180 degrees Fahrenheit, and for an exposure period of less than 30 minutes. Outside temperature variations and humidity may affect the heat levels and duration applied to form the blank 210. Other heating periods and temperatures may be used, however, without departing from the present invention. Rather, the specific temperature and time periods are merely exemplary of a preferred embodiment, and no limitation is intended. Once heated, blank 210 is then allowed to cool until it holds the shape of shaped form surface 254 of form 250 and restraining tool surfaces 264 in shaped position 240 without being pressed against shaped form surface 254 or restraining tool surfaces 264. Restraining tools 260 and straps 270 are then removed from blank 210, and blank 210 is removed from form 250. Form 250 and restraining tools 260 are made of one or more materials that can withstand pressure and heat required to shape blank 210. In a preferred embodiment, form 250 may be made from wood or metal, and restraining tools 260 may be made from wood or metal, however, other materials having suitable strength and resistance to moisture may be used.
While two restraining tools 260 have been shown in
Referring now to
Flexible metal heat-conducting sheet 274, in a preferred embodiment, is made from aluminum, however, it is to be appreciated that other materials having similar flexibility and heat transfer characteristics may be used. The sheet 274 provides for separation between blanks 210 as well as conducts heat from heat source 272. The conduction of heat between blanks 210 is important because blanks 210, by their nature, are good heat insulators. By providing a heat conduction path between blanks 210 in the stacked configuration, each blank is exposed to sufficient heat across its entire surface during the heating period to provide for the formation of blank 210 into the curved form 240 (shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring to
Air blisters 410 may form where the user places his feet on board 100, however, blisters 410 can also be caused by other sources of pressure upon board 100 and at other places on board 100. Each air blister 410 causes a deformation of laminate 120, which can damage laminate 120 and decrease the strength of board 100 making it more difficult to use. Additionally, exposure of the board 100 to heat sources, such as the sun, may cause the formation of air blisters 410 between the core 110 and the laminate 120 when the board is not properly vented.
In a preferred embodiment, perforations 130 are formed through laminate 120 of board 100 at the time of manufacturing and prior to use, and thus, prior to the formation of any bubbles or blisters 420. As a result, there is little or no chance for a blister to form, because any air or gas that develops between laminate 120 and core 110 escapes through perforation 130 before it can develop into a blister 410. As used herein, it is to be understood that “little water” comprises the meanings of “no water” and “substantially no water” as well as the meaning of “a very small amount of water more than no water.” No measurable or significant weight change is caused by any moisture absorption into the surfboard or surf craft.
Each perforation vent 130 is formed by a perforating tool 610 which has a perforating tool body 620 having a working surface 624, and at least one perforation needle 630 extending from working surface 624. Each perforation vent 130 is formed as follows. Working surface 624 is placed adjacent laminate 120 and perforating tool 610 is manipulated such that at least one needle 630 is translated in the direction 640 toward board 100 until needle 630 penetrates (or perforates) laminate 120 to form an airway, or vent 130, through the laminate 120.
Perforating tool 610 is then manipulated such that each at least one needle 630 is then translated in the direction 650 opposite the direction 640 in which needle 630 points, and needle 630 is withdrawn from laminate 120, leaving a perforation, or vent, 130 formed in laminate 120 by each needle 630 that penetrates laminate 120. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each needle 630 does not penetrate core 110. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, at least one needle 630 at least partially penetrates core 110.
Needles 630 may be made of stainless steel. Needles 630 may alternatively be made of any other material having sufficient strength to perforate laminate 120. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one needle 630 is heated to facilitate penetration of laminate 120. If needles 630 are heated, they may be heated to a range of 200 to 250 degrees F. Alternatively, needles 630 may be heated to a temperature in the range from zero degrees Kelvin to the melting point temperature of the material of which the needles 360 are made. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, each needle 630 is not heated.
In an alternative embodiment, needles 630 may be formed with grooves or threads 635 like a traditional drill bit having a small diameter. In such an embodiment, perforating tool 610 may be capable of rotating needle 630 to bore a perforation vent 130 through laminate 120.
Referring now to
Referring now to
As shown in
The diameter 636 of perforation needle 630 may vary between 0.005 inches and 0.05 inches, and in a preferred embodiment, is 0.008 inches. It is to be appreciated that although perforation needle 630 has been depicted in the Figures as a cylindrical needle, no limitation as to the cross-sectional shape is intended. To the contrary, the cross-sectional shape of the perforation needle 630 may vary, including but not limited to, oval, rectangular, square, or other shapes. Regardless of the cross-sectional shape of perforation needle 630, the cross-sectional area of vent 130 remains small enough to allow the exit of gasses collecting between material 120 and core 110.
Alternatively, curved perforating tool 1010 can be manipulated such that curved working surface 1024 do not actually contact laminate 120 thereby avoiding any damage to laminate 120 from perforating tool 1010. For instance, as curved perforating tool 1010 is rolled clockwise above laminate 120, each needle 630 rotates as the tool 1010 is translated, such that each needle 630 remains substantially perpendicular to laminate 120 as it forms perforation vent 130. This is particularly useful when tool 1010 is heated, and contact between tool 1010 and laminate 120 may cause marks or blemishes to form.
In
Referring now to
The assembly of tools, blanks separated by sheets, and secured to the form, is then exposed to heat from a heat source for a predetermined time period in step 1210. At the expiration of that time period, the assembly is cooled for a second predetermined time period in step 1212. Once cooled, the tools and straps are removed, and the blanks are removed from the form and separated from the conductive sheets in step 1214.
Once thoroughly cooled, the now-formed blanks are shaped to form a core and covered with sealing material in step 1216. Once the sealing material is dry, a number of vents are formed through the sealing material in final step 1218 to yield an Improved Surfboard of the present invention.
An alternative embodiment of the Improved Surfboard of the present invention is shown in
The deck perforations 1330 are formed in the deck area of the board 1300, preferably towards the centerline of the board 1300. The deck perforations 1330 include seven (7) individual perforations arranged in a straight line and parallel with the stringer 1322 on each side of the stringer 1322 for a total of fourteen (14) perforations. The deck perforations 1330 are located on both sides of the stringer 1322 with each of the seven (7) individual perforations arranged in a straight line spaced a deck perforation distance 1338 (see
The tail perforations 1340 are formed in the tail area of the board 1300, preferably towards the back of the board 1300. The tail perforations 1340 include a pair of seven (7) individual perforations arranged in a straight line and at a tail perforation angle 1342, preferably tail perforation angle 1342 is at a forty-five degree angle with the stringer 1330. Each of the seven (7) individual perforations arranged in a straight line of the tail perforations 1340 is located on either side of the stringer 1322. As shown in
The deck perforation curve 1332 and the tail perforation curve 1344 are substantially the same. The deck perforation curve 1332 and the tail perforation curve 1344 promote the closure of the deck perforations 1330 and tail perforations 1340 when pressure is applied directly on top and/or in the vicinity of the perforations. As shown in
An alternative embodiment of the perforation tool used to manufacture board 1300 is shown in
The tool body 1410 has a top face 1412, a back face 1420, a bottom face 1416, a curved face 1418, a front face 1414, a side faces 1422. The curved face 1418 extends between the bottom face 1416 and the front face 1414 and has a curve angle 1424. In the perforation tool 1400, a total of seven (7) perforation needles 1402 are used. It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that a different number of perforation needles 1402 may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Each perforation needle 1402 has a diameter 1403, a length 1404, a height 1406, and a curve angle 1408. The perforation needles 1402 extend form the tool body 1410 at the point of intersection between the curved face 1418 and the front face 1414 and are equally spaced along the tool body 1410.
The curve angle 1408 of the perforation needles 1402 and the curve angle 1424 of the tool body are equal. Further, the perforation needles 1402 and the curved face 1418 of the tool body have the same arc. As a result, the perforation needles 1402 extend out of the front face 1414 and terminate at a plane created by the bottom face 1416 of the tool body. By utilizing the same arc for the perforation needles 1402 and the curved face 1418 of the tool body it enables the perforation needles 1402 to enter at a single entry point in the laminate 1320 as the perforation needles 1402 penetrates the laminate 1320 and the foam core 1310. The arc also ensures the perforation needles 1402 follow a single path as the tool is rotated along the curved face 1418 of the tool body 1410 and does not sweep in a wide angle as it passes through the laminate 1320.
Referring now to
Method 1200 includes the first step 1202 in which one or more closed-cell foam blanks is obtained, and then placed on the form in step 1204. Once placed on the form, conductive sheets are inserted between the blanks in step 1206, and the blanks and conductive sheets are secured to the form using tools and straps in step 1208. The assembly of tools and blanks separated by sheets secured to the form is then exposed to heat from a heat source for a predetermined time period in step 1210. At the expiration of that time period, the assembly is cooled for a second predetermined time period in step 1212. Once cooled, the tools and straps are removed, and the blanks are removed from the form and separated from the conductive sheets in step 1214. Once thoroughly cooled, the now-formed blanks are shaped to form a core and covered with sealing material in step 1216. Once the sealing material is dry, a number of vents are formed through the sealing material in steps shown in
The first step in creating the deck perforations 1330 of the board 1300 is to heat the perforation needles 1402 to allow the perforation needles 1402 to quickly and cleanly penetrate the laminate 1320 and the foam core 1310. The high thermal resistance of the tool body 1410 prevents it from absorbing the heat from the perforation needles 1402 ensuring the perforation needles 1402 stays at operating temperatures. The tool body 1410 stays at a temperature that allows a user to easily handle the perforation tool 1400 to create perforations. As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Referring now to
The perforator 1510 includes a base 1512 with handle mounts 1514 attached to the base 1512 and a handle 1516 attached to the handle mounts 1514. Attached to the opposite end of the base 1512 with the attached handle mounts 1514 is a heat conductor 1516 with attached perforation needles 1518. As shown, there are seven (7) perforation needles 1518 equally spaced apart along the heat conductor 1516. The heat conductor 1516 is attached to the electrical wire 1530 with a connector 1532. The heat conductor 1516 converts electrical energy from the power source 1550 to thermal energy to heat up the perforation needles 1518 to the appropriate operating temperature, preferably 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the creation of the perforation in the board in approximately 5 seconds per set of seven (7) perforations for a total time of 20 seconds per surfboard 1300. It is fully contemplated that the configuration, shape, and size of the perforator 1510 may be modified without departing form the spirit and scope of the invention. Particularly, the perforator 1510 may be modified to have the general shape and configuration as shown and described in
Attached to the exterior of the base 1512 are heat shields 1520 to provide an additional layer of insulation to prevent the user and the surfboard from the heat emanating from the base 1512 and the heat conductor 1516. The handle 1516 provides a safe gripping area for the user to manipulate the perforator 1510 to create perforations in the surfboard without the risk of burning oneself. The electrical wire 1530 allows the user to easily move the perforator 1510 independent of the power source 1550.
The power source 1550 includes a base 1558 with a power switch 1552 and an adjustment knob 1554. The power switch 1552 turns the power source 1550 on or off while the adjustment knob 1554 adjusts the power output to the perforator 1510. The adjustment knob 1554 allows the adjustment of the power output to the perforator 1510 to account for variations that may affect the temperature of the perforation needles 1518 such as humidity and ambient temperature. Graduation marks 1556 provide a visual indication of the current power level of the power source 1550.
It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that the specific features of one or more embodiments may be combined with specific features of one or more other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.
While the particular Improved Surfboard And Method Of Manufacturing as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application for “Improved Surfboard and Method of Manufacturing,” Ser. No. 62/262,826, filed on Dec. 3, 2015.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4964825 | Paccoret | Oct 1990 | A |
| 8979604 | Woolley | Mar 2015 | B1 |
| 20040192127 | Huarcaya-Pro | Sep 2004 | A1 |
| 20170158295 | Huarcaya-Pro | Jun 2017 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170158295 A1 | Jun 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62262826 | Dec 2015 | US |
