Wake board

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[0001]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[0002]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.[0003]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.[0004]Further, existing water sports apparatuses (especially those which are towed by another vessel) generally only of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022]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.

[0023]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.

[0039]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.

[0040]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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

Snow sleds are described in NZ Design 16051 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,870, but are not designed for use in water.

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