Snowboard or skateboard with pivotable handle

Abstract

 The invention relates to a transport board, such as a snowboard or a skateboard, comprising a substantially flat plate, which is adapted to carry a person standing with his/her feet on the plate, and at least a first handle which is connected to the plate and on the distal end of which a handgrip is arranged, wherein the handle is connected to the plate for rotation about a rotation axis extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the plate substantially parallel to the plate, wherein the first handle is rotatable to both sides from the vertical position. As a result of this measure a greater measure of freedom is obtained, so that particularly an experienced user can derive more enjoyment.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport board, comprising a substantially flat plate, which is adapted to carry a person standing with his/her feet on the plate, and at least a first handle connected to the plate, wherein the handle is connected to the plate for rotation about a rotation axis extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the plate. Such a board is known in the form of a snowboard, which is intended for sliding over a layer of snow or ice. In another form such a board is provided with wheels and is adapted to travel over a hard surface such as paving. Such a board in the form of a snowboard is known from US-A 6 923 455.

[0002] In this prior art snowboard two handles are present which are both mounted on the board for rotation in the same direction. This means that the two handles can be moved parallel to each other toward the user and away from the user. A movement in the opposite direction is blocked here. As a result of this measure it is possible for the user to transfer forces in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard. The user is also given much support when riding the snowboard. This is particularly important for inexperienced users. This is however perceived as a limitation by experienced users.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide such a snowboard, wherein the practised user can also derive more enjoyment from riding the snowboard, in particular by obtaining a greater freedom of movement.

[0004] This object is achieved in that the first handle is rotatable to both sides from the vertical position.

[0005] As a result of this measure the user acquires a greater freedom of movement, whereby more enjoyment can be derived from use of the snowboard. The rigid arms can also form a hazard for the rider in the case of a fall. The co-displacing arms of the present invention can co-displace for safety purposes. They also provide the user with the option of moving back to the vertical position again to some extent because the rider can grasp the handles directly and does not have to pick them up from the ground surface.

[0006] The advantages of the invention become particularly apparent when the transport board is used as snowboard. The measures according to the invention are therefore conceived in the first instance for a snowboard.

[0007] It is however assumed that such measures may also be attractive when applied to a skateboard, particularly when used by inexperienced users. It is otherwise also noted that the dynamic character, particularly in respect of the steering of a snowboard, greatly differs from that of a skateboard.

[0008] The above stated measure does not mention the second handle. According to a first preferred embodiment, the snowboard comprises a second handle connected rotatably to the plate. As a result of this measure a greater measure of freedom is achieved, so that an experienced user in particular can enjoy him/herself more.

[0009] According to a more specific preferred embodiment, the second handle is connected to the plate for rotation about a rotation axis extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of the plate, and the second handle is rotatable to both sides from the vertical position. This measure also results in an increased measure of freedom.

[0010] When the two handles are tiltable toward each other, this creates in principle the possibility of tilting the handles to a position parallel to the plate. When however the distance between the rotation axes of the handles is smaller than the length of the shorter handle, the handles mutually obstruct each other when reaching this position. In order to prevent this, a specific preferred embodiment proposes that at least one of the handles is provided in the vicinity of its mounting point with a recess for receiving the other handle.

[0011] It is then ergonomically attractive that the handles are adapted to form a carrying handle of the snowboard when they are folded together.

[0012] Mention is only made in the foregoing of handles which are tiltable about an axis extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of the snowboard. It is however also possible for the second handle to be connected rigidly to the plate. The first handle is here of course connected pivotally to the plate.

[0013] A classic transport board, which is not provided with handles, is steered by means of the feet. The board is provided for this purpose with buckle-like parts in which the shoes of the user are fixed during use. It is noted here that this is the case for snowboards, although less so for skateboards, wherein a separate connection between the shoes of the user and the actual board is not usually present. In boards of the present type, which are steered by the handles, the feet must however also be placed on the plate in order to carry the weight of the user. The user is free to place his/her feet as he/she sees fit. It is important however that the feet of the user do not slide off the board. To this end a preferred embodiment provides such a board, wherein the plate is provided with a foot support area for positioning at least one shoe of the user, and wherein the foot support area is provided with a layer increasing the friction between the top side of the board and the shoe of the user. The foot support area can herein be formed by a layer increasing friction or grip, but also by a separate component which is placed on the actual plate and which inherently has friction or grip-enhancing properties.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment, the foot support area extends outside the space between the hinges. The user can hereby place his/her feet both in front of and behind the handle while retaining a good grip, which gives the user a greater freedom to choose his/her position on the snowboard, this being particularly attractive for more advanced users, for instance in so-called free-styling. This furthermore includes an embodiment wherein the foot support area extends over almost the whole surface of the plate, thus creating even more freedom to choose position. The foot support area can form a continuous surface.

[0015] In the prior art according to US-A-6 923 455 the hinges are accommodated in separate far-protruding parts mounted on the plate. In the case of a fall with the snowboard there is a very real danger of the user being injured by these parts. In order to avoid this danger, another preferred embodiment of the invention provides the measure that the rotation shaft forms part of a hinge construction which is integrated into the plate. A more attractive appearance is moreover hereby obtained, and storage becomes easier because less space is required.

[0016] A possibility in principle for the pivotable mounting of the handle comprises the measure that the hinge construction comprises a pivot shaft.

[0017] This can be implemented by the measure that the pivot shaft is connected by means of brackets to a flat carrier, and that the flat carrier is connected by means of a screw connection to the plate.

[0018] Another possibility in principle is provided by the measure that the hinge construction comprises parts which are manufactured from flexible material and form the connection between the plate and the handle, and the design of which is such that rotation of the handles is possible relative to the plate. While the drawbacks of the hinges provided with a shaft are hereby avoided, this measure does however require high standards of quality of the chosen material, both in respect of the mechanical properties and the durability. Because the flexible material is susceptible to wear as a consequence of the movements that are performed, it will have to be replaced from time to time. It is therefore attractive that the fastening means of the flexible parts are easily accessible.

[0019] The use of a flexible material provides the option of the parts manufactured from flexible material being adapted to urge the handle to a preferred position. A beginner is hereby provided with a certain measure of support, while the chance of injury is reduced in the case of a possible fall. Nor does this flexibility necessarily have to be obtained through the flexible elements which function as carriers, the flexible elements can also be combined with handles mounted about a shaft.

[0020] The measure with a flexible connection can be implemented in that the parts formed from flexible material are attached to a flat carrier, and that the flat carrier is connected by means of a screw connection to the plate.

[0021] The advantages of the prior art, i.e. the provision of a snowboard which is particularly suitable for inexperienced users, and those of the invention, i.e. the provision of a snowboard according to any of the foregoing claims, which offers experienced users more freedom and possibilities, are combined in an embodiment in which the handle can be fixed in at least one angular position.

[0022] According to another preferred embodiment, the board comprises friction means which increase the friction between the handle and the fixed part of the board when they are rotated relative to each other. Here too a certain measure of support is provided in the upper position of use, while in the case of a fall the chance of injury is much smaller than with a rigid attachment of the handles.

[0023] Yet another preferred embodiment provides the measure that at least one of the handles is height-adjustable. The length of the handle can hereby be adjusted to the size of the user.

[0024] A structurally attractive embodiment is obtained when the handle is manufactured from a curved tube, and that the curved tube has an open contour.

[0025] The present invention will be elucidated hereinbelow on the basis of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in figure 1, wherein the handles have been moved toward each other;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment; and

Figure 4 is a perspective detail view of a third embodiment.

[0026] The transport board shown in figure 1 is a snowboard adapted for movement over snow or ice. The snowboard designated as a whole with 1 comprises a plate 2 manufactured from wood, for instance laminated wood, or from plastic. At its front and rear side the plate 2 is curved slightly upward to enable easier sliding. Two hinges 3 are arranged on plate 2. Each of the hinges 3 is formed by a part 4 which is manufactured from cast aluminium and connected by means of screws 5 to holes arranged in plate 2 and provided with screw thread. Use is preferably made here of the holes already present in the plate which are used according to the prior art for fixing the bindings in which the shoes of a user are fixed.

[0027] Hinge part 4 is provided with two holes 6 which lie mutually in line and in which are inserted pins 7 which are each connected to a handle arm 8 of an associated handle 9. Holes 6 herein extend in transverse direction of plate 2. Pens 7 are each placed rotatably in holes 6. Handles 9 are each formed by a tube 10 which is manufactured for instance from plastic and which divides on its lower side into the two handle arms 8. Pins 7 are here fixedly connected to handle arms 8 and the pins can rotate freely in holes 6. It is however also possible for pins 7 to be placed fixedly in holes 6 of hinge part 4 and for the handle arms to be able to rotate about pins 7. Handles 9 can in any case rotate around an axis extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of plate 2.

[0028] A rod-like part 11 of a handgrip part designated as a whole with 12 is placed in the hollow tube 10 of handle arms 8. Rod-like part 11 is movable inside hollow tube 10, whereby a degree of adjustability is obtained. Rod-like part 11 can however be fixed inside the hollow tube. A handgrip 13 is placed at the distal end of handgrip part 12. The whole handgrip part 12 is preferably also manufactured from plastic, though other materials are not precluded.

[0029] Adjoining the position of the two hinge parts 5 is arranged a foot support area 14, the surface of which is provided with a rough layer in order to increase the friction between the shoe of a user and plate 2. It is otherwise also possible to arrange such an area on the outer side of each or one of the hinges.

[0030] It will be apparent that, instead of the adjustable handles, it is also possible to make use of handles of a fixed length, which simplifies the construction, and reduces the cost price and the weight of the plank. It is possible to make use of other materials, such as aluminium, instead of plastic.

[0031] Figure 2 shows the same embodiment with handles 9 folded together. This shows that folding together of the handles is not only applicable during use of the board, but that this measure also results in a reduced volume which is useful when carrying the board by hand and during storage thereof. In many cases the distance between hinges 3 will be smaller than the length of handles 9. When they are being folded together the handles cannot then be folded against the board because the handles obstruct each other. By making the handles 'open' in the vicinity of the hinge, for instance such as by the branching or division of handle 9 into two arms 8, space is created between arms 8 for the other handle so that the handles can be folded against plate 2. With a suitable design, wherein the hollow tubes extend close to each other, the assembly can be readily grasped and carried. Finally, figure 3 shows an embodiment wherein the transport board is not formed by a snowboard as in the foregoing embodiment, but by a skateboard.

[0032] Arranged for this purpose under plate 2, which largely corresponds to plate 2 of the foregoing embodiment, are sets of wheels 15 connected in per se known manner to plate 2. This connection is embodied here such that the oblique position of plate 2 results in per se known manner in a steering angular displacement of the sets of wheels.

[0033] Further arranged are handles 16 of a fixed length which can be used in the same manner as in the foregoing embodiment for steering and to support the user of the skateboard.

[0034] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a snowboard wherein an alternative hinge construction is applied. Prismatic elements 21 are herein arranged on plate 2 by means of screws 22, of which only the countersunk head is visible in the drawing. These screws extend into bushes which are arranged in plate 2 and provided with screw thread and which are used in prior art boards for fixing the bindings into which the shoes of the user are placed.

[0035] Arranged on the inner side of the two prismatic elements 21 is an opening in which there extends a pin 24 connected to a hinge element 23. Attached to each of the hinge elements is a rod 25 which forms part of handle 9. It will be apparent that two such hinge constructions, each fixing a handle 9, are placed on a transport board according to the invention. Diverse modifications can further be made to the hinge construction shown here; what is important is the fact that the part of the hinge construction connected to the plate is situated on the edge or in the vicinity of the side edge of the board.

Claims

1. Transport board, comprising a substantially flat plate, which is adapted to carry a person standing with his/her feet on the plate, and at least a first handle which is connected to the plate and on the distal end of which a handgrip is arranged, wherein the handle is connected to the plate for rotation about a rotation axis extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the plate substantially parallel to the plate, characterized in that the first handle is rotatable to both sides from the vertical position.

2. Transport board as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the transport board is a snowboard.

3. Transport board as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the transport board is a skateboard.

4. Board as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the snowboard comprises a second handle connected rotatably to the plate.

5. Board as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the second handle is connected to the plate for rotation about a rotation axis extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of the plate, and the second handle is rotatable to both sides from the vertical position.

6. Board as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the distance between the rotation axes of the handles is smaller than the length of the shorter handle, and that at least one of the handles is provided in the vicinity of its mounting point with a recess for receiving the other handle.

7. Board as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the handles are adapted to form a carrying handle of the snowboard when they are folded together.

8. Board as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the second handle is connected rigidly to the plate.

9. Board as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the plate is provided with a foot support area for positioning at least one shoe of the user, characterized in that the foot support area is provided with a layer increasing the friction between the top side of the board and the shoe of the user.

10. Board as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the foot support area extends outside the space between the hinges.

11. Board as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the rotation shaft forms part of a hinge construction which is integrated into the plate.

12. Board as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the hinge construction comprises a pivot shaft.

13. Board as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the pivot shaft is connected by means of brackets to a flat carrier, and that the flat carrier is connected by means of a screw connection to the plate.

14. Board as claimed in any of the claims 1-11, characterized in that the hinge construction comprises parts which are manufactured from flexible material and form the connection between the plate and the handle, and the design of which is such that rotation of the handles is possible relative to the plate.

15. Board as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the parts manufactured from flexible material are adapted to urge the handle to a preferred position.

16. Board as claimed in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the parts formed from flexible material are attached to a flat carrier, and that the flat carrier is connected by means of a screw connection to the plate.

17. Board as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the handle can be fixed in at least one angular position.

18. Board as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized by friction means which increase the friction between the handle and the fixed part of the board when they are rotated relative to each other.

19. Board as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one of the handles is height-adjustable.

20. Board as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the handle is manufactured from a curved tube, and that the curved tube has an open contour.

Drawing