US20090305588A1

US20090305588A1 - Wake board

Info

Publication number: US20090305588A1
Application number: US11/720,706
Authority: US
Inventors: William Douglas McKee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-12-24
Filing date: 2005-08-15
Publication date: 2009-12-10
Also published as: WO2006068506A1; NZ555175A

Abstract

A wake board has a body (1) with a lower surface (3), an upper surface (5), and a perimeter (7). The perimeter (7) may have a lower portion (9) having a first radius extending upwardly from the lower surface and an upper portion (11) towards the upper surface and which is relatively sharp or has a second radius substantially smaller than the first radius. The lower portion (9) and upper portion (11) may extend around at least a major part of the perimeter (7), with the upper surface having a substantially flat perimeter region (13) extending around at least a major part of the wake hoard body and adjacent the upper portion of the perimeter. The wake board may have a nose section with a first curved portion which is a concave shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board body.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a wake board for supporting a user on or above the surface of the water, and which would generally be towed by a powered water-going vessel such as a powerboat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A number of water sports apparatuses are known for supporting a user on or above the surface of the water, including unpowered apparatuses such as surfboards and body boards which are moved by the power of the user or the water. A number of apparatuses are known which are towed by a water-going vessel, either directly or via a rope which is held by the user, such as waterskis and wake boards.
The majority of water sports apparatuses are configured only for a single user position, ie standing position for example, and do not provide satisfactory user support if the user attempts to use the apparatus in a different position.
Further, existing water sports apparatuses (especially those which are towed by another vessel) generally only offer satisfactory buoyancy provided they stay above the water, and if the front of the apparatus digs into the water it will generally be towed under.
Water sports apparatuses are described in NZ Design 24234; NZ Design 29868; U.S. Pat. No. 3,110,047; U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,131; U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,619; U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,108; and JP 2002173084. Snow sleds are described in NZ Design 16051 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,870, but are not designed for use in water.
It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a wake board which goes at least some way towards ameliorating at least one of the disadvantages outlined above, or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The term ‘comprising’ as used in this specification and claims means ‘consisting at least in part of’; that is to say when interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term, the features prefaced by this term in each statement all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” are to be interpreted in a similar manner.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wake board comprising a body with a lower surface, an upper surface, and a perimeter extending around the wake board body between the lower surface and the upper surface, wherein the perimeter comprises a lower portion having a first radius extending upwardly from the lower surface and an upper portion towards the upper surface and which is relatively sharp or has a second radius substantially smaller than the first radius, with the lower portion and upper portion extending around at least a major part of the perimeter, the upper surface comprising a substantially flat perimeter region extending around at least a major part of the wake board body and adjacent the upper portion of the perimeter.
It will be appreciated that while the embodiments described as wake boards herein are towed behind water going vessels, that is not essential and they could be moved by waves or water currents for example. Such alternatives should be considered to be encompassed by the language “wake board”.
In one embodiment, the lower surface is generally planar—it may have some curvature but that curvature will be significantly less than the curvature of the first radius of the perimeter.
In an alternative embodiment, the lower surface comprises a plurality of ridges which are elongate in a forward/rearward direction of the wake board. Preferably, at least one of the ridges comprises a trailing edge toward a rear edge of the wake board body, and the trailing edge is configured to assist in separating water from the rear edge of the wake board body and to assist in providing lift to the rear edge of the wake board body. The trailing edge(s) of the ridge(s) is/are preferably substantially normal to the elongate direction(s) of the ridge(s).
The ridges may be separated by elongate channels. The channels may have a concave shape when viewed from the lower surface.
In one embodiment, the lower portion and the upper portion extend around substantially the entire perimeter of the wake board body.
In another embodiment, a forward portion of the perimeter comprises a nose section, which nose section comprises a first curved portion which is a concave shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board body. Preferably, the nose section additionally comprises a second curved portion extending rearwardly from the first curved portion toward the lower surface, and which is a convex shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board body. More preferably, the nose section additionally comprises a third curved portion extending forward from the first curved portion toward the upper surface, and which is a convex shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board body.
The substantially flat perimeter region of the upper surface may extend around substantially the entire wake board body.
Suitably, the upper surface comprises integral shaped support regions to at least partly support a user while sitting or kneeling on the wake board. The support regions may comprise a seat region configured to receive and support the buttocks of a user while seated on the wake board, and knee support regions forward of the seat region and configured to receive and support the knees of a user when kneeling on the wake board. The knee support regions may be generally centrally disposed in the upper surface of the wake board.
Preferably, the upper surface comprises integral shaped support regions to at least partly support a user while standing on the wake board. The integral shaped support regions to at least partly support a user while standing on the wake board may be the integral shaped support regions to at least partly support a user while kneeling on the wake board.
The integral shaped support regions advantageously additionally comprise regions configured to support the feet of a user when seated on the wake board with his/her buttocks in the seat region. The wake board preferably comprises a plurality of regions configured to support the feet of users of different sizes when seated on the wake board with their buttocks in the seat region. Preferably, the regions configured to support the feet of a larger user are spaced more widely across the wake board body than regions configured to support the feet of a smaller user.
In a preferred embodiment, first regions configured to support the feet of a user when seated are the knee or foot support regions, with second regions configured to support the feet of a user when seated positioned between the knee or foot support regions and a forward edge of the wake board. Third regions configured to support the feet of a user when seated are preferably positioned between the second regions and the forward edge of the wake board. The second and third regions preferably extend forwardly and outwardly from the knee or foot support regions in a generally v-shaped configuration. The third regions are preferably provided with additional supports to support the feet of a seated user.
The body of the wake board may be substantially circular, substantially elliptical, generally in the form of a Reuleaux triangle, or any other suitable shape, in plan view. Advantageously, in plan view the body has a generally central portion defined by two side edges which are substantially straight or of lesser curvature than the surrounding regions. A rear portion of the body behind the central portion may be of shorter length than a front portion of the body forward of the central portion. In plan view, the perimeter of the rear portion preferably has a curvature with a substantially constant radius, and the perimeter of the front portion preferably has a curvature with a varying radius. In plan view, the body is preferably generally ovate.
The body is preferably a unitary item.
The body may include a comprise material such as polystyrene between the upper and lower surfaces to provide stability and buoyancy to the wake board. In a preferred embodiment, the polystyrene may be covered with fibreglass or another suitable material.
The wake board preferably comprises at least one downwardly-extending fin to provide manouverability and stability in use. The fin(s) may be an integral part of the body, or may be attachable. Alternatively, the fin(s) may be retractable into the body. The fin(s) is/are preferably positioned towards the rear of the lower surface of the wake board.
The wake board suitably comprises handles which can be gripped by a user at least when the user is in a seated position. The handles may be formed as an integral part of the wake board body, or may be separate connected items. The handles may be provided in a generally tapered configuration, tapering towards a front of the wake board. Preferably, the handles are provided generally adjacent the knee or foot support regions.
The wake board preferably comprises at least one towing lug for receipt of a tow line from a vessel which will tow the wake board. The towing lug(s) is/are preferably positioned adjacent a forward edge of the wake board. The towing lug(s) may be formed as an integral part of the wake board body, or may be connected thereto.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wake board comprising a body with a lower surface, an upper surface, and a perimeter extending around the wake board body between the lower surface and the upper surface, wherein a forward portion of the perimeter comprises a nose section comprising a first curved portion which is a concave shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board body.
Preferably, the nose section additionally comprises a second curved portion extending rearwardly from the first curved portion toward the lower surface, and which is a convex shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board body. More preferably, the nose section additionally comprises a third curved portion extending forward from the first curved portion toward the upper surface, and which is a convex shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board body.
Advantageously, side portions of the perimeter of the wake board body each comprise a respective lower portion with a first radius extending upwardly from the lower surface and an upper portion towards the upper surface and which is relatively sharp or has a second radius substantially smaller than the first radius. Preferably, a rear portion of the perimeter of the wake board body comprises a lower portion with a first radius extending upwardly from the lower surface and an upper portion towards the upper surface and which is relatively sharp or has a second radius substantially smaller than the first radius.
In one embodiment, the lower surface is generally planar—it may have some curvature but that curvature will be significantly less than the curvature of the first radius of the perimeter.
In an alternative embodiment, the lower surface comprises a plurality of ridges which are elongate in a forward/rearward direction of the wake board. Preferably, at least one of the ridges comprises a trailing edge toward a rear edge of the wake board body, and the trailing edge is configured to assist in separating water from the rear edge of the wake board body and to assist in providing lift to the rear edge of the wake board body. The trailing edge(s) of the ridge(s) is/are preferably substantially normal to the elongate direction(s) of the ridge(s).
The ridges may be separated by elongate channels. The channels may have a concave shape when viewed from the lower surface.
The upper surface preferably comprises a substantially fiat perimeter region which extends around at least a major part of the wake board body, and more preferably around substantially the entire wake board body.
Suitably, the upper surface comprises integral shaped support regions to at least partly support a user while sitting or kneeling on the wake board. The support regions may comprise a seat region configured to receive and support the buttocks of a user while seated on the wake board, and knee support regions forward of the seat region and configured to receive and support the knees of a user when kneeling on the wake board. The knee support regions may be generally centrally disposed in the upper surface of the wake board.
Preferably, the upper surface comprises integral shaped support regions to at least partly support a user while standing on the wake board. The integral shaped support regions to at least partly support a user while standing on the wake board may be the integral shaped support regions to at least partly support a user while kneeling on the wake board.
The integral shaped support regions advantageously additionally comprise regions configured to support the feet of a user when seated on the wake board with his/her buttocks in the seat region. The wake board preferably comprises a plurality of regions configured to support the feet of users of different sizes when seated on the wake board with their buttocks in the seat region. Preferably, the regions configured to support the feet of a larger user are spaced more widely across the wake board body than regions configured to support the feet of a smaller user.
In a preferred embodiment, first regions configured to support the feet of a user when seated are the knee or foot support regions, with second regions configured to support the feet of a user when seated positioned between the knee or foot support regions and a forward edge of the wake board. Third regions configured to support the feet of a user when seated are preferably positioned between the second regions and the forward edge of the wake board. The second and third regions preferably extend forwardly and outwardly from the knee or foot support regions in a generally v-shaped configuration. The third regions are preferably provided with additional supports to support the feet of a seated user.
The body of the wake board may be substantially circular, substantially elliptical, generally in the form of a Reuleaux triangle, or any other suitable shape, in plan view. Advantageously, in plan view the body has a generally central portion defined by two side edges which are substantially straight or of lesser curvature than the surrounding regions. A rear portion of the body behind the central portion may be of shorter length than a front portion of the body forward of the central portion. In plan view, the perimeter of the rear portion preferably has a curvature with a substantially constant radius, and the perimeter of the front portion preferably has a curvature with a varying radius. In plan view, the body is preferably generally ovate.
The body is preferably a unitary item.
The body may comprise a lightweight material such as polystyrene between the upper and lower surfaces to provide stability and buoyancy to the wake board. In a preferred embodiment, the polystyrene may be covered with fibreglass or another suitable material.
The wake board preferably comprises at least one downwardly-extending fin to provide manouverability and stability in use. The fin(s) may be an integral part of the body, or may be attachable. Alternatively, the fin(s) may be retractable into the body. The fin(s) is/are preferably positioned towards the rear of the lower surface of the wake board.
The wake board suitably comprises handles which can be gripped by a user at least when the user is in a seated position. The handles may be formed as an integral part of the wake board body, or may be separate connected items. The handles may be provided in a generally tapered configuration, tapering towards a front of the wake board. Preferably, the handles are provided generally adjacent the knee or foot support regions.
The wake board preferably comprises at least one towing lug for receipt of a tow line from a vessel which will tow the wake board. The towing lug(s) is/are preferably positioned adjacent a forward edge of the wake board. The towing lug(s) may be formed as an integral part of the wake board body, or may be connected thereto.
The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first preferred embodiment wake board;

FIG. 2 is a front overhead perspective view of the wake board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front/side overhead perspective view of the wake board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear overhead perspective view of the wake board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the wake board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an underside view of the wake board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is front overhead perspective view of the wake board of FIG. 1 showing a user seated on the wake board;

FIG. 8 is a front overhead perspective view of the wake board of FIG. 1 showing a user kneeling on the wake board;

FIG. 9 is a front overhead perspective view of the wake board of FIG. 1 showing a user standing on the wake board;

FIG. 10 is a front overhead perspective view of the wake board of FIG. 1 showing a user standing in an alternative position on the wake board;

FIG. 11 is an underside view of a second preferred embodiment wake board;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the underside of the wake board of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the wake board of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a side/rear perspective view of ridges on the underside of the wake board of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the nose section of the wake board of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a third preferred embodiment wake board;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a fourth preferred embodiment wake board; and

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a fifth preferred embodiment wake board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first preferred embodiment wake board is shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, and comprises a generally disk-like wake board body indicated generally by reference numeral 1. The wake board body comprises a relatively planar lower surface 3 (FIG. 5), an upper surface 5, and a perimeter 7 which extends around the wake board body between the lower surface and the upper surface.
As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 5, the perimeter has a curved lower portion 9 extending upwardly from the lower surface 3 and which has a first radius, and an upper portion 11 extending to the upper surface which has a second radius substantially smaller than the first radius. Alternatively, the upper portion 11 of the perimeter may be substantially sharp rather than having a radius. The curved lower portion 9 and upper portion 11 extend around at least a major part of the perimeter. In the embodiment shown, the curved lower portion 9 and upper portion 11 extend around substantially the entire perimeter. However, that is not essential and as will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15, a leading edge of the perimeter could instead be provided with a shaped nose section for example.
The upper surface 5 of the wake board body preferably has a substantially flat perimeter region 13 extending around at least a major part of the wake board body and adjacent the upper portion 11 of the perimeter 7. In the embodiment shown, the substantially flat perimeter region 13 extends substantially around the entire wakeboard body.
The shape shown has been found to be particularly advantageous, as if the front edge of the wake board should enter the water during high speed use, the larger curvature of the lower perimeter portion relative to the upper perimeter portion will cause the wake board to move back up to the surface of the water. The relatively planar lower surface of the wake board body provides a good “skimming” action of the wake board body on the water.
The upper surface 5 has integral shaped support regions indicated generally by reference numeral 15 to at least partly support a user while sitting or kneeling, and preferably while standing, on the wake board.
The shaped support regions 15 include a seat region 17 towards a rear edge of the wake board and configured to receive and support the buttocks of a user while seated on the wake board. The shaped support regions further include knee or foot support regions 19 towards a forward edge of the wake board from the seat region 17 configured to receive and support the knees of a user when kneeling on the wake board or the feet of a user while standing on the wake board. The knee or foot support regions 17 are preferably generally centrally disposed in the upper surface 5 of the wake board.
The integral shaped support regions preferably further include regions 21 configured to support the feet of a user when seated on the wake board with his/her buttocks in the seat region 17. There are preferably a plurality of regions 21 configured to support the feet of users of different sizes when seated on the wake board with his/her buttocks in the seat region 17. In a preferred embodiment, first regions configured to support the feet of a user when seated are the knee or foot support regions 19, with second regions 21 a configured to support the feet of a user when seated being positioned between the knee or foot support regions 19 and a forward edge of the wake board. Third regions 21 b configured to support the feet of a user when seated are preferably positioned between the second regions 21 a and the forward edge of the wake board. The second 21 a and third 21 b regions preferably extend forwardly and outwardly from the knee or foot support regions 19 in a generally v-shaped configuration. Additional support portions 22 extend above the substantially flat perimeter region 13. The support portions may be attached to the wake board body such as with bolts or the like to provide additional support to the bases of the feet of a seated user. The additional support portions 22 provide angled supports 21 b′ to support the bases of the feet of a user. The additional support portions may alternatively be an integral shaped part of the wakeboard body, as shown by reference numeral 122 in FIG. 15.
The third regions 21 b are positioned to receive the feet of an adult user while seated on the wake board with his/her buttocks in the seat region 15. The second regions 21 a are positioned to receive the feet of a shorter adult or average to tall child while seated on the wake board with his/her buttocks in the seat region 15. The first regions 19 are suitable for receiving the feet of a shorter child while seated on the wake board with his/her buttocks in the seat region 15. The third regions 21 b are spaced more widely apart than the second regions 21 a, which in turn are spaced more widely apart than the first regions 19. While the preferred embodiment has a number of different regions for receiving the feet of a seated user, that is not essential.
The seat region, knee or foot support regions, and further regions configured to support the feet are preferably provided by integral shaped recesses in the body.
The wake board body 1 including the shaped support portions may be a unitary item. The wake board may be provided by rotational moulding for example.
The body may include a lightweight material such as polystyrene between the upper 5 and lower 3 surfaces to provide stability to the wake board. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the wake board body may comprise the polystyrene inner covered with fibreglass or other suitable material.
The wakeboard may have additional foot supports such as indicated by reference numeral 20 in the figures. In the form shown, the foot supports 20 are provided by adhesive pads which have a relatively high friction upper surface to at least partly support a user standing on the pads. Alternatively, the foot supports 20 may be formed as an integral shaped part of the wake board body. The rearward and relatively spread apart placement of the additional foot supports 20 provides additional manoeuvrability of the wake board. By pushing down in the region of one of the foot supports, the wake board is tilted and steers in that general direction. The additional foot supports 20 may be better suited to a larger user such as a teenager or adult, while the foot support regions 19 may be better suited to a smaller user such as a child.
The wake board preferably includes at least one downwardly-extending fin (not shown) to provide manouverability and stability in use. The fin(s) may be an integral part of the body, or may be attachable. Alternatively, the fin(s) may be retractable within the body. The fin(s) is/are preferably positioned towards the rear of the lower surface 3 of the wake board, such as in slots 4 as shown in FIG. 6.
The wake board preferably includes handles 23 which can be gripped by a user when at least in the seated position. The handles may be formed as an integral part of the wake board body, or as shown may be separate connected items. The handles are preferably provided in a generally tapered configuration, tapering towards the front of the wake board. Preferably, the handles are provided generally adjacent the knee or foot support regions 19.
The wake board preferably includes at least one towing lug 25 for receipt of a tow rope or line from a vessel which will tow the wake board. In the embodiment shown, the wake board has three towing lugs. The towing lug(s) 25 is/are preferably positioned adjacent a forward edge of the wake board. The towing lug(s) 25 may be formed as an integral part of the wake board body, or may be connected thereto.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, in plan view the body 1 has a central portion 27 defined by two side edges 29 which are substantially straight or of lesser curvature than the surrounding regions and are preferably generally parallel. A rear portion 31 of the body 1 behind the central portion 27 is of shorter length than a front portion 33 of the body 1 forward of the central portion 27. The outer edge of the rear portion 31 preferably has a substantially constant radius. The outer edge of the forward portion 33 preferably has a varying radius. In the embodiment shown, in plan view the wake board body is generally ovate. This configuration has been found to provide particularly good linear stability of the wake board.
The wake board is preferably also provided with straps 35, 37 to assist in supporting a user on the wake board. A strap 37 is attached to each additional support portion 22 to assist in supporting a seated adult user's feet. Alternatively, strap supports 37 can be provided in the wake board adjacent the third regions 21 b. The straps are preferably adjustable, through the use of a hook and loop fastening system or the like. There may be further strap supports positioned adjacent the second regions 21 a, and the straps 37 may be removable from the position shown and could be placed in the position adjacent the second regions.
The strap 35 is shown in position held between the strap supports 35 b which are between the seat region 17 and regions 19. Again this strap is preferably adjustable as mentioned above. The strap is preferably removable and positionable in strap supports 35 a.
Uses of the wake board will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10. FIG. 7 shows an adult user U in a seated position on the wake board. In this position, the user's buttocks are received in the seat region 17 of the wake board, and the user's feet are received in the third portions 21 b. The straps 37 assist in maintaining the user's feet in the third portions 21 b, and the strap 35 is positioned in strap supports 35 b and extends over the user's upper legs. The user holds the handles 23 of the wake board for support, and the wake board is towed behind a water going vessel (not shown) by a tow line 39. To turn the wake board during use, the user U can tilt the wake board in the direction he/she wishes to turn. By providing at least a major part of the perimeter having a cross-section as described, if at high speed the wake board should turn side on and bite into the water, the perimeter will cause the wake board to again move up above the surface of the water. As well as, or alternatively to, towing the wake board directly, the user could hold a tow line from the water going vessel.
FIG. 8 shows an adult user U in a kneeling position on the wake board. In this position, the user's knees are received in regions 19 of the wake board, and the user's feet are positioned towards the rear of the wake board. The strap 35 is positioned in strap supports 35 a and extends over the user's lower legs. The user either holds the handles 23 of the wake board for support and the wake board is towed behind a water going vessel (not shown) by a tow line 39, or alternatively the user holds a tow line from the water going vessel. It may be desirable that both the wake board is towed directly and the user holds a tow line.
FIG. 9 shows an adult user U in a standing position on the wake board. In this position, the user's feet are received in regions 19 of the wake board. The user will generally hold a tow line 39 from the water going vessel, but additionally it may be desirable that that the wake board is additionally towed directly via one of the towing lugs 25.
FIG. 10 shows an adult user U in an alternative standing position on the wake board. In this position, the user's feet are received on the additional foot supports 20 of the wake board. The user will generally hold a tow line 39 from the water going vessel, but additionally it may be desirable that that the wake board is additionally towed directly via one of the towing lugs 25. As outlined above, by selectively pushing down with their feet, the user can steer the wake board.
FIGS. 11 to 15 show a second preferred embodiment wake board. Unless described below, the features should be considered the same as in FIGS. 1 to 10, and like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts with the addition of 100. The general plan view shape of the wake board body, and the features on the upper part of the wake board should be considered to be the same as for the embodiment above, and will not be described again here.
One of the differences in this embodiment is in the configuration of the lower surface 103. The lower surface 103 comprises a plurality of ridges 103 a extending along the underside of the wake board body and which are elongate in a forward/rearward direction of the wake board. As can be seen in cross section in FIG. 13, the lower surface of each ridge is preferably generally planar, so that at high speed the wake board can undergo a “skimming” action on the surface of the water. The ridges 103 a are separated by channels 103 b. Each channel is preferably a concave shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board. Air can travel through the channels as the wake board is moving on the surface of the water. The ridges 103 a reduce resistance applied to the wake board body by the water. That reduces the loading applied to a user's arms when they are using the wake board by holding a tow line.
FIG. 14 shows the rear ends of a number of the ridges. As indicated by reference numeral 103 a′, the rear ends of most of the ridges are generally flush with the curvature of the lower portion of the wake board perimeter, which is as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 above. Preferably, the trailing edges 103 a″ of one or more of the ridges, and in the embodiment shown the central three ridges, are not flush with the curvature of the lower portion of the wake board perimeter. Rather, the trailing edges 103 a″ of those ridges are discrete from the curvature of the perimeter, and are preferably oriented to be substantially normal to the elongate direction of the ridges. Orienting the trailing edges of the ridges in such a manner assists in separating the water flow from the trailing edge of the wake board body as the water passes under the body, and reduces the amount of water travelling up the rear portion of the wake board perimeter. The trailing edges 103 a″ also serve to generate some lift at the rear of the wake board, to partly counteract the body weight of a user.
The underside of the wake board body again preferably comprises fins 104. In this embodiment, the fins 104 are shown pocketed in recesses in the underside of the wake board body. The fins can be removed from the recesses, and reattached to the wake board body to extend below the lower surface of the body. Alternatively, the fins could retract into and extend out of the wake board body. In the embodiment shown, there is a fin toward a leading edge of the wake board body and another fin toward a trailing edge of the wake board body.
Another difference in this embodiment is that a forward portion of the perimeter of the wake board body comprises a nose section 134, which can be seen most clearly in FIGS. 11, 12, and 15. The nose section 134 comprises a first curved portion 134 a between the upper surface 105 and the lower surface 103 of the wake board body, which curved portion is concave as viewed from the lower surface 103. If during low speed travel of the wake board the nose impinges on the water, the water will travel downwardly along the concave portion 134 a to assist in lifting the nose section back up to the surface. In normal high speed use of the wake board, the nose section will be above the surface of the water. However, if the nose impinges on the wake from the boat, the concave portion 134 a of the nose section will assist in lifting the nose section back up to the surface.
A second curved portion 134 b of the nose section preferably extends rearwardly from the first curved portion 134 a and toward the lower surface 103. In the embodiment shown, the second curved portion 134 b is defined by the leading ends of the ridges 103. The shape of the second curved portion 134 b in plan view enhances the travel of the wake board through the water, by partially directing the water around the sides of the wake board. The second curved portion 134 b is a convex shape as viewed from the lower surface 103 of the wake board body. As can be seen in FIG. 15, the second curved portion 134 c preferably angles down toward the lower surface of the wake board body around the sides of the wake board body.
A third curved portion 134 c preferably extends forward from the first curved portion 134 a toward the upper surface 105 of the wake board, and is a convex shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board body. The third curved portion 134 c extends upwardly to the upper surface of the wake board, and defines a forward edge of the wake board body. It will be appreciated that a similar nose section could be provided in a wake board which does not have the ridges 103.
Preferably, at least side portions of the wake board body have the shape described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10, with a relatively large lower radius and a relatively small upper radius or relatively sharp upper portion. More preferably, the rear portion of the wake board body also has that configuration. It is preferred that at least a major part of the perimeter of the wake board, other than the nose, has such a configuration.
The nose section could be provided on a wake board having a perimeter region with a different cross section to that described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 above. As an example, the nose section shape could extend around at least a major part of the wake board body, or around substantially the entire wake board body.
The above describes preferred embodiments only, and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.
For example, other body shapes may be used. FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment in which the wake board has a substantially circular shape in plan view. FIG. 17 shows a further alternative embodiment in which the wake board has a substantially elliptical shape in plan view. FIG. 18 shows a further alternative embodiment in which the wake board has a plan view shape generally in the form of a Reuleaux triangle. Other shapes could be used. Other than the plan view body shapes, the embodiments of FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 should be considered to have the same features as the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 10 and will not be described further here. The features in FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 are indicated with like reference numerals to FIGS. 1 to 10, with the addition of 200, 300, and 400 respectively. The wake boards of FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 could be provided with any one or more of the features described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15.
Further, at least one of the support regions may be provided with an additional support surface which may be relatively flexible to improve comfort for a user, and/or which may be a relatively high friction material, and/or which may be ribbed for example to improve support for a user. The additional support surface may be a rubber pad for example, or a pad made of another suitable material. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, a rubber pad covers the integral shaped support regions.

Claims

1. A wake board comprising a body with a lower surface, an upper surface, and a perimeter extending around the wake board body between the lower surface and the upper surface, wherein the perimeter comprises a lower portion having a first radius extending upwardly from the lower surface and an upper portion towards the upper surface and which is relatively sharp or has a second radius substantially smaller than the first radius, with the lower portion and upper portion extending around at least a major part of the perimeter, the upper surface comprising a substantially flat perimeter region extending around at least a major part of the wake board body and adjacent the upper portion of the perimeter.

2. A wake board as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower surface is generally planar,

3. A wake board as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower surface comprises a plurality of ridges which are elongate in a forward/rearward direction of the wake board.

4. A wake board as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of the ridges comprises a trailing edge toward a rear edge of the wake board body, and wherein the trailing edge is configured to assist in separating water from the rear edge of the wake board body and to assist in providing lift to the rear edge of the wake board body.

5. A wake board as claimed in claim 4, wherein the trailing edge(s) of the ridge(s) are substantially normal to the elongate direction(s) of the ridge(s).

6. A wake board as claimed in claim 3, wherein the ridges are separated by elongate channels.

7. A wake board as claimed in claim 6, wherein the channels have a concave shape when viewed from the lower surface.

8. A wake board as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower portion and the upper portion extend around substantially the entire perimeter of the wake board body.

9. A wake board as claimed in claim 1, wherein a forward portion of the perimeter comprises a nose section, which nose section comprises a first curved portion which, is a concave shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board body,

10. A wake board as claimed in claim 9, wherein the nose section additionally comprises a second curved portion extending rearwardly from the first curved portion toward the lower surface, and which is a convex shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board body.

11. A wake board as claimed in claim 10, wherein the nose section additionally comprises a third curved portion extending forward from the first curved portion toward the upper surface, and which is a convex shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board body.

12. A wake board as claimed in claim 1, wherein the substantially flat perimeter region of the upper surface extends around substantially the entire wake board body.

13. A wake board as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper surface comprises integral shaped support regions to at least partly support a user while sitting or kneeling on the wake board.

14-15. (canceled)

16. A wake board as claimed in claim 13, wherein the upper surface comprises integral shaped support regions to at least partly support a user while standing on the wake board.

17-20. (canceled)

21. A wake board as claimed, in claim 1, wherein in plan view the body has a generally central portion defined by two side edges which are substantially straight or of lesser curvature than the surrounding regions.

22. A wake board as claimed in claim 21, wherein a rear portion of the body behind the central portion is of shorter length than a front portion of the body forward of the central portion.

23. A wake board as claimed in claim 21, wherein in plan view the perimeter of the rear portion has a curvature with a substantially constant radius, and the perimeter of the front portion has a curvature with a varying radius.

24. A wake board as claimed in claim 21, wherein in plan view the body is generally ovate.

25-27. (canceled)

28. A wake board comprising a body with a lower surface, an upper surface, and a perimeter extending around the wake board body between the lower surface and the upper surface, wherein a forward portion of the perimeter comprises a nose section comprising a first curved portion which is a concave shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board body, wherein the wake board is configured to skim on the surface of wafer at high speed and the first curved portion is configured to assist in providing lift to the nose section as water travels along the first curved portion at low speed.

29. A wake board as claimed in claim 28, wherein the nose section additionally comprises a second curved portion extending rearwardly from the first curved, portion toward the lower surface, and which is a convex shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board body.

30. A wake board as claimed in claim 29, wherein, the nose section additionally comprises a third curved portion extending forward from the first curved portion toward the upper surface, and which is a convex shape as viewed from the lower surface of the wake board body.

31. A wake board as claimed in claim 28, wherein side portions of the perimeter of the wake board body each comprise a respective lower portion with a first radius extending upwardly from the lower surface and an upper portion towards the upper surface and which is relatively sharp or has a second radius substantially smaller than the first radius.

32. A wake board as claimed in claim 31, wherein a rear portion of the perimeter of the wake board body comprises a lower portion with a first radius extending upwardly from the lower surface and an upper portion towards the upper surface and which is relatively sharp or has a second radius substantially smaller than the first radius.

33. A wake board as claimed in claim 28, wherein the lower surface is generally planar.

34. A wake board as claimed in claim 28, wherein the lower surface comprises a plurality of ridges which are elongate in a forward/rearward direction of the wake board.

35. A wake board as claimed in claim 34, wherein at least one of the ridges comprises a trailing edge toward a rear edge of the wake board body, and wherein the trailing edge is configured to assist in separating water from the rear edge of the wake board body and to assist in providing lift to the rear edge of the wake board body.

36. A wake board as claimed in claim 35, wherein the trailing edge(s) of the ridge(s) are substantially normal to the elongate direction(s) of the ridge(s).

37. A wake board as claimed in claim 34, wherein the ridges are separated by elongate channels.

38. A wake board as claimed in claim 37, wherein the channels have a concave shape when viewed from the lower surface.

39. A wake board as claimed in claim 28, wherein the upper surface comprises a substantially flat perimeter region extending around at least a major part of the wake board, body adjacent an upper portion of the perimeter.

40. A wake board as claimed in claim 39, wherein the substantially flat perimeter region of the upper surface extends around substantially the entire wake board body.

41. A wake board as claimed in claim 28, wherein the upper surface comprises integral shaped support regions to at least partly support a user while sitting or kneeling on the wake board.

42-43. (canceled)

44. A wake board as claimed in claim 41, wherein the upper surface comprises integral shaped support regions to at least partly support a user while standing on the wake board.

45-48. (canceled)

49. A wake board as claimed in claim 28, wherein in plan view the body has a generally central portion defined by two side edges which are substantially straight or of lesser curvature than the surrounding regions.

50. A wake board as claimed in claim 49, wherein a rear portion of the body behind the central portion is of shorter length than a front portion of the body forward, of the central portion.

51. A wake board as claimed, in claim 49, wherein in plan view the perimeter of the rear portion has a curvature with a substantially constant radius, and the perimeter of the front portion has a curvature with a varying radius.

52. A wake board as claimed in claim 49, wherein in plan view the body is generally ovate.

53-56. (canceled)

57. A wake board as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lower surface of each ridge is generally planar.

58. A wake board as claimed in claim 34, wherein the lower surface of each ridge is generally planar.