Traction Pad With Integrated Ramped Kick Tail

Abstract

This invention is applicable to the field of surfing. Existing traction pads for surfboards have a front pad and a kick tail. Turning the surfboard is easiest with the surfer's foot directly on top of the kick tail, but existing kick tails aren't designed to stand on and don't adequately support the surfer's foot. The present invention is a traction pad comprising a front pad and kick tail with a ramp designed to stand on, and angled so surfers can bend their back leg forward and have the bottom of their back foot flat on the ramp with minimal bending of their ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for surfing. The ramp is of sufficient size to adequately support the surfer's foot while executing a surfing maneuver, and optionally configured with a raised area for arch support for the surfer's back foot.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to traction pads that are affixed to surfboards. The top part of a surfboard is referred to as the deck. The rear end of a surfboard where the fins are located is referred to as the tail. Surfers wear a leash attached to the ankle of their back foot to prevent to surfboard from getting away from them after a wipeout. The leash is secured to the surfboard by a small plug on the deck of the surfboard near the center with a metal pin through which one end of the leash is affixed.

[0002] Many surfers prefer to configure their surfboard with traction pads mounted near the tail end of the surfboard, on the deck, to provide better grip for their back foot while surfing. Surfboards are configured with traction pads comprising a front pad and kick tail, hereinafter called traction pad and are made from EVA rubber foam or some other suitable material with a surface manufactured for making the traction pad easy to grip with the surfer's foot without slipping. Traction pads typically have a cut-out area at the back of the kick tail so they can be placed as far back as is possible without going over the leash plug.

[0003] The kick tail is a raised area at the back of the traction pad and in typical traction pads the function of the kick tail is to help the surfer feel where the back of the board is. Abutting the front of the kick tail is a flat pad for the surfer to stand on with his or her back foot while surfing that provides a surface that provides traction and helps prevent slipping.

[0004] The sweet spot for executing a powerful carve or turn is right on top of where the kick tail of a traction pad is located. Surfers experience frustration when attempting to place their foot on the kick tail because the kick tail on a typical traction pad is not wide enough or angled optimally to support the surfer's entire foot. Surfers wanting to execute sharp turns with maximum leverage must straddle the kick tail with a portion of their back foot on and a portion of their back foot off the kick tail. This feels awkward and often leads to the surfer slipping off the surfboard while attempting the maneuver. If the surfer attempts a power carve or turn with their foot further forward and planted on the flat part of the traction pad parallel to the deck of the surfboard, the back leg naturally comes forward and in so doing, forces the surfer to bend their ankle causing the outside edge of the back foot to come off the surfboard resulting in all of the connection to the surfboard resting only on the inside edge of the back foot. Excessive ankle bending while surfing can lead to injury, control of the surfboard and leverage for making the turn is significantly decreased, it's much harder to make the surfboard turn and much easier to slip off the surfboard.REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 11,745,088, shows the design of an enhanced surfboard traction pad system that comprises traction pad material affixed to the deck of the surfboard, interchangeable kick tails that are made in many different configurations, shapes and sizes and a mounting plate for attaching said kick tails. The advantage of the interchangeable kick tails presented in the aforementioned patent is that they are configured with a ramp angled to support the surfer's back foot with their foot flush on the ramp and little or no bending of the ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for executing a powerful turn and are wide and long enough to provide good support to the foot of a typical surfer. Using these kick tails, surfers can turn with much greater control and power than when surfing on a typical traction pad.DESCRIPTION

[0006] The present invention is close in design to U.S. Pat. No. 11,745,088 and offers a similar advantage in that it comprises a kick tail with a ramp on the face of the kick tail angled so surfers can bend their back leg forward when executing a surfing maneuver on a surfboard and have the bottom of their back foot flat on the ramp with minimal bending of their ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for surfing, said kick tail ramp being of sufficient size to adequately support the surfer's foot, and a front pad that abuts the front of the kick tail. However, the kick tails that are an integral part of the traction pad in this patent are not interchangeable, but rather configured to be permanently affixed to the surfboard with adhesive. The front pad is integrated with the kick tail as a one-piece unit and in other embodiments the kick tail and front pad are configured as separate pieces. The traction pad is also configured with and without arch support on the kick tail and front pad.

[0007] When surfing, some surfers like to bend their back leg forward a lot and others only a little. To allow all surfers to experience an optimal ramp angle so their back foot can be flat on the ramp of the kick tail without having to bend their ankle when executing a surfing maneuver, the ramp part of the kick tail is configured at any angle, but most likely between 20 and 50 degrees.

[0008] The kick tail in the present invention features a ramp that is unique in that it is designed for surfers to stand on with their back foot flat on the ramp with their leg bent forward when executing a surfing maneuver and is distinguished from all other existing traction pads in that the kick tails on typical traction pads do not have a kick tail with a ramp area designed to stand on, do not allow the surfer to have their back foot supported and placed flat on the face of the kick tail with their leg angled optimally for surfing without having to bend their ankle but are rather designed so that surfers place their back foot on the flat part of the traction pad which is parallel to the deck of the surfboard and when their back foot is as far back as it can go while remaining on the flat part of the traction pad, at the front of the kick tail, surfers can feel where the back of their board is by pressing against the face of the kick tail with the outside edge of their back foot.

[0009] The fundamental difference between the present invention and all other traction pads is that the present invention has a kick tail with a ramp designed to stand on, whereas all existing traction pads have a kick tail designed to simply let the surfer feel where the back of their board is and is not designed to stand on. The present invention is further distinguished from all other traction pads in that in embodiments presented herein the present invention has a kick tail with a ramp configured with a raised area on the ramp for arch support so the surfer can cup the raised area with the bottom of their back foot and experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off or falling during a surf maneuver. Surfers can push with tremendous force against the tail of their surfboard and not slip off, and experience far better control during surfing maneuvers than with any existing EVA foam traction pad, and surfing is much safer because it's not necessary for surfers to bend their ankles as much or at all when executing a turn. Traditional traction pads are limited in functionality because they're designed for surfers to surf with their back foot flat on their surfboard so it's easy to fall or slip when attempting a powerful turn that requires bending their back leg and pushing hard against the tail of their surfboard. Also, when using existing traction pads, surfers are prone to ankle injury when bending the back leg at the ankle for a turn.

[0010] The traction pad presented herein is manufactured with EVA foam or some other suitable material, and also by injection molding.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A traction pad designed for attachment to the tail end of a surfboard comprising a kick tail with a ramp designed for surfers to stand on, said ramp being angled so surfers can bend their back leg forward when executing a surfing maneuver on a surfboard and have the bottom of their back foot flat on said ramp with little or no bending of their ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for surfing, said ramp being of sufficient size to adequately support the surfer's foot while executing a surfing maneuver and configured with and without a raised section of any size and shape for arch support so surfers can cup the arch support area with the bottom of their foot and experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off or falling while surfing, and a front pad that abuts the front of the ramp, extending out as far as is needed to provide traction for the surfer's rear foot, said front pad being configured with and without a raised area for arch support of any size and shape so surfers can cup the arch support area with the bottom of their foot and experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off or falling while surfing, and said front pad being separate from the kick tail or integrated with the kick tail as one piece or multiple pieces. The traction pad comprising a kick tail and front pad is made from EVA foam or any other material suitable for providing a optimal stiffness and good grip when surfing.

[0012] By using the traction pad presented herein, surfers will enjoy being able to perform more aggressive maneuvers without falling or slipping as much because their rear foot is firmly planted on the ramp area of the traction pad which is optimally angled for surfing. Rather than surfing flat-footed, and having to bend their ankle to achieve proper leverage and leg angle when executing a surfing maneuver, or awkwardly straddling a typical kick tail with their back foot using typical traction pads, using the present invention they can angle their back leg forward while keeping their back foot flat and supported on the ramp of the kick tail, and further connected to their surfboard by a raised area on the ramp for arch support.

[0013] These embodiments are not limited to the specific embodiments mentioned above and other forms of the invention are within it's spirit and scope as set forth in the claims hereafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a top view of a three-piece traction pad with raised areas for arch support on the ramp and front pad.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of a traction pad with and without raised areas for arch support on the ramp and front pad.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a top view of a one-piece traction pad with raised areas for arch support on the ramp and front pad.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a top view of a two-piece traction pad with raised areas for arch support on the ramp and front pad.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view of a four-piece traction pad with raised areas for arch support on the ramp and front pad.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view of a three-piece traction pad with raised areas for arch support on the front pad.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a top view of a three-piece traction pad with raised areas for arch support on the ramp.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a three-piece traction pad with raised areas for arch support on the ramp.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective rear view of a three-piece traction pad with raised areas for arch support on the ramp.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective rear view of a three-piece traction pad without arch support.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective rear view of a kick tail and integrated center piece.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective rear view of a four-piece traction pad with arch support.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective rear view of a three-piece traction pad with arch support wheres the kick tail manufactured using injection molding.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective rear view of a one-piece traction pad with arch support on the ramp and front center pad manufactured using injection molding.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a two-piece traction pad with arch support on the ramp and front center pad on the top drawing and no arch support on the ramp or front center pad on the bottom drawing.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a two-piece traction pad with arch support on the ramp and front center pad on the top drawing and no arch support on the ramp or front center pad on the bottom drawing.

[0030] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a one-piece traction pad with arch support on the ramp and front part of the center pad on the top drawing and no arch support on the ramp or front part of the center pad on the bottom drawing.

[0031] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a one-piece traction pad with arch support on the ramp and front part of the center pad on the top drawing and no arch support on the ramp or front part of the center pad on the bottom drawing.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a top view of a three-piece traction pad with raised areas for arch support on the ramp and front pad. The kick tail and center piece are integrated into one piece 1. The front left 2 and front right 3 pads make up the other two pieces. The ramp area 7 designed to support a surfer's foot and designed for the surfer to stand on is shown. The raised area to provide arch support for the surfer's foot is shown on the ramp 5 and on the center front pad 4. The area where the angled ramp meets the flat front of the traction pad is shown by solid lines where the left 2 and right 3 front pieces meet the front of the angled ramp, and by a dashed line where the integrated center piece meets the front and bottom of the angled ramp 8. The leash pin cutout 6 and horizontal top area 9 of the kick tail is shown at the back of the traction pad.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, a side view of a traction pad is shown with and without raised areas for arch support on the ramp and front pad. The top drawing shows a traction pad with raised areas for arch support 5 on the ramp and front pad. The kick tail 12 and ramp 7 for surfers to stand on are shown. The ramp area 7 designed to support a surfer's foot and designed for the surfer to stand on is shown. The raised area to provide arch support for the surfer's foot is shown on the ramp 5 and on the center front pad 4. The area where the angled ramp meets the flat front of the traction pad is shown by solid lines where the left 2 and right 3 front pieces meet the front of the angled ramp, and by a dashed line where the integrated center piece meets the front and bottom of the angled ramp 8. The leash pin cutout 6 and horizontal top area 9 of the kick tail is shown at the back of the traction pad. The bottom drawing shows the kick tail without a flat area at the back and top, but rather a sharp angled edge 13 and no raised areas for arch support.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, a top view of a one-piece traction pad with raised areas for arch support on the ramp and front pad. The kick tail and center piece are integrated into one piece 1. The front left 2 and front right 3 pads make up the other two pieces. The ramp area 7 designed to support a surfer's foot and designed for the surfer to stand on is shown. The raised area to provide arch support for the surfer's foot is shown on the ramp 5 and on the center front pad 4. The area where the angled ramp meets the flat front of the traction pad is shown by a dashed line where the integrated center piece meets the front and bottom of the angled ramp 8. The leash pin cutout 6 and horizontal top area 9 of the kick tail is shown at the back of the traction pad.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, a top view of a two-piece traction pad with raised areas for arch support on the ramp and front pad. The kick tail and center piece are integrated into one piece 1. The front left 2 and front right 3 pads make up the other two pieces. The ramp area 7 designed to support a surfer's foot and designed for the surfer to stand on is shown. The raised area to provide arch support for the surfer's foot is shown on the ramp 5 and on the center front pad 4. The area where the angled ramp meets the flat front of the traction pad is shown by a solid line where the center piece meets the front and bottom of the angled ramp 8 and by dashed lines where the integrated left 2 and right 3 side front pieces meet the front and bottom of the ramp 8. The leash pin cutout 6 and horizontal top area 9 of the kick tail is shown at the back of the traction pad.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, a top view of a four-piece traction pad with raised areas for arch support on the ramp and front pad. The kick tail 12, front center 14, front left 2 and front right 3 pads make up the four pieces. The ramp area 7 designed to support a surfer's foot and designed for the surfer to stand on is shown. The raised area to provide arch support for the surfer's foot is shown on the ramp 5 and on the center front pad 4. The area where the angled ramp meets the flat front of the traction pad is shown by solid lines where the center 14, left 2 and right 3 front pieces meet the front and bottom of the angled ramp. The leash pin cutout 6 and horizontal top area 9 of the kick tail is shown at the back of the traction pad.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 6, a top view of a three-piece traction pad with a raised area for arch support on the front pad. The kick tail and center piece are integrated into one piece 1. The front left 2 and front right 3 pads make up the other two pieces. The ramp area 7 designed to support a surfer's foot and designed for the surfer to stand on is shown. The raised area to provide arch support for the surfer's foot is shown on the ramp 5 and on the center front pad 4. The area where the angled ramp meets the flat front of the traction pad is shown by solid lines where the left 2 and right 3 front pieces meet the front of the angled ramp, and by a dashed line where the integrated center piece meets the front and bottom of the angled ramp 8. The leash pin cutout 6 and horizontal top area 9 of the kick tail is shown at the back of the traction pad.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 7, a top view of a three-piece traction pad with a raised area for arch support on the ramp. The kick tail and center piece are integrated into one piece 1. The front left 2 and front right 3 pads make up the other two pieces. The ramp area 7 designed to support a surfer's foot and designed for the surfer to stand on is shown. The raised area to provide arch support for the surfer's foot is shown on the ramp 5 and on the center front pad 4. The area where the angled ramp meets the flat front of the traction pad is shown by solid lines where the left 2 and right 3 front pieces meet the front of the angled ramp, and by a dashed line where the integrated center piece meets the front and bottom of the angled ramp 8. The leash pin cutout 6 and horizontal top area 9 of the kick tail is shown at the back of the traction pad.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 8, the top drawing shows the traction pad comprised of a kick tail base 16, traction pad material 17, with a ramp 7 angled to support the surfer's back foot with their foot flush on the ramp and little or no bending of the ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for executing a powerful turn and and integrated center piece 1 and separate front left 2 and right 3 pads in a perspective front view with raised areas for arch support on the ramp 5 and front center pad 1,4.

[0040] The kick tail comprises a main body 16 made either by injection molding or by glueing layers of EVA foam together to the desired height and cutting them to size and a layer of EVA foam traction material 17 which is glued to said main body 16, which can be any thickness but is typically 4 mm thick with a surface that is easy to grip with the surfer's back foot. Said EVA foam traction material extends forward from the kick tail onto the surfboard deck as far as is needed to provide traction for the surfer's back foot when surfing with the back foot parallel to the surfboard deck is desired. In this embodiment, the EVA foam traction material is divided into center, left and right pieces, the center piece being integrated with the traction pad material affixed to the kick tail. The traction pad material is affixed to the kick tail with adhesive. The bottom surface of the kick tail and traction pad pieces is attached to the surfboard deck with adhesive. Often the traction material has raised nubs on the surface in a pattern that further aid the surfer in achieving good grip with their back foot on the traction material surface. The front of the kick tail is configured with a ramp 7 designed for surfers to stand on which is of sufficient size to adequately support the surfer's foot while executing a surfing maneuver and have the bottom of their back foot flat on said ramp with little or no bending of their ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for surfing.

[0041] This embodiment of the traction pad has raised areas on the ramp 5 and front center traction pad area 4 for arch support for the surfer's back foot so surfers can cup the raised area with the bottom of their back foot to provide extra grip to the surfboard. Said raised areas can be any size or configuration, can be triangular, trapezoidal or as is shown, rectangular.

[0042] All existing traction pads have a kick tail that is not designed to stand on. It's function is to give the surfer something to feel that tells them where the back of the board is. This design requires surfers to surf with their back foot flat on the traction pad surface that is parallel to the deck of the surfboard. When surfing, the back leg naturally comes forward when executing a powerful carve or turn, and if a surfer's foot is on a traction pad surface parallel with the surface of the surfboard deck, the outside edge of the surfer's back foot comes off of the surfboard and all of the connection to the surfboard is resting only on the inside edge of the surfer's back foot making it easy to slip off.

[0043] Surfers attempt to bend their ankle as much as is possible to keep their back foot flat on the traction pad surface so as not to slip off their surfboard, but it's not possible to bend their ankle enough to keep the bottom of their foot flat on the traction pad surface while attempting aggressive turns. The result is a poor connection to the surfboard and the possibility of ankle injury. The present invention solves all these problems by being configured with a kick tail configured with a ramp 7 angled optimally 29 for surfing, designed to stand on with a surfer's back foot flush on the ramp 7 and minimal bending of the ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for executing a powerful turn.

[0044] It should be noted that while many existing traction pads have arch support on the center front areas of the pad, none have arch support on the kick tail. Having a raised area on the front face of a kick tail designed for providing arch support to the surfer's rear foot is a unique feature of the present invention.

[0045] The kick tails in currently existing traction pads are not high enough or wide enough to adequately support a surfer's back foot. The best location for the surfer's back foot when executing a powerful carve or turn is at the back of the surfboard, right on top of where the kick tail is in existing traction pads. The awkward solution surfers have devised is to straddle the kick tail with their foot dangling off the edges of inadequately sized kick tails. The present invention completely solves this problem by providing a ramp 7 sized to adequately support the surfer's back foot, located at the optimum spot for executing a powerful turn. With their back foot flat on the ramp 7 and angled perfectly for surfing, surfers can push with tremendous force against the tail of their surfboard and not fall off.

[0046] The bottom drawing in FIG. 8 shows the traction pad comprised of a kick tail base 16, traction pad material 17, with a ramp 7 designed to support the surfer's back foot with their foot flush on the ramp and little or no bending of the ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for executing a powerful turn and and integrated center piece 1 and separate front left 2 and right 3 pads in a perspective front view. Some surfers prefer raised areas for arch support for their back foot. Some do not. This embodiment is configured with no arch support in the ramp 7 area or the center traction pad area 1.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 9, a rear perspective view of a three-piece traction pad with raised areas for arch support on the ramp and front pad. The kick tail and center piece are integrated into one piece 1. The front left 2 and front right 3 pads make up the other two pieces. The ramp area 7 designed to support a surfer's foot and designed for the surfer to stand on is shown. The raised area to provide arch support for the surfer's foot is shown on the ramp 5 and on the center front pad 4. The area where the angled ramp meets the flat front of the traction pad is shown by solid lines where the left 2 and right 3 front pieces meet the front of the angled ramp, and by no line where the integrated center piece meets the front and bottom of the angled ramp 8 because the face of the ramp and front center piece are integrated and are not separate pieces. The leash pin cutout 6 and horizontal top area 9 of the kick tail is shown at the back of the traction pad.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 10, a rear perspective view of a three-piece traction pad without raised areas for arch support on the ramp and front pad. The kick tail and center piece are integrated into one piece 1. The front left 2 and front right 3 pads make up the other two pieces. The ramp area 7 designed to support a surfer's foot and designed for the surfer to stand on is shown. The raised area to provide arch support for the surfer's foot is shown on the ramp 5 and on the center front pad 4. The area where the angled ramp meets the flat front of the traction pad is shown by solid lines where the left 2 and right 3 front pieces meet the front of the angled ramp, and by no line where the integrated center piece meets the front and bottom of the angled ramp 8 because the face of the ramp and front center piece are integrated and are not separate pieces. The leash pin cutout 6 and horizontal top area 9 of the kick tail is shown at the back of the traction pad.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 11, the drawing shows the traction pad center piece comprised of a kick tail base 16, traction pad material 17 on said kick tail base that is integrated with the center piece traction pad material. This configuration is advantageous when a surfer wants to have the traction pad material on the kick tail ramp match the traction pad material on the front center piece for a consistency of feel. The ramp 7 designed to support the surfer's back foot with their foot flush on the ramp and little or no bending of the ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for executing a powerful turn is shown. The area at the back of the kick tail that is cut out 6 so the kick tail can be mounted further back without covering up the leash plug for attaching a surfboard leash is shown.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 12, the drawing shows a perspective top view of the traction pad comprised of a kick tail base 16, traction pad material 19 on said kick tail base that is separate from the left front traction pad material piece 2 and right front traction pad material piece 3 and center traction pad material piece 18. The ramp 7 designed to support the surfer's back foot with their foot flush on the ramp and little or no bending of the ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for executing a powerful turn is shown. Raised with areas for arch support on the ramp 5 and front center pad 1,4.

[0051] The kick tail comprises a main body 16 made either by injection molding or by glueing layers of EVA foam together to the desired height and cutting them to size and a layer of EVA foam traction material 19 which is affixed to said main body 16 with adhesive. Said layer of traction pad material can be any thickness but is typically 4 mm thick with a surface that is easy to grip with the surfer's back foot.

[0052] The difference between this embodiment and that shown in FIG. 8 is that in this embodiment, since the traction material affixed to the kick tail 19 is separate from the traction pad material comprising the separate front center 18, left 2 and right 3 traction pad pieces, it can be of different material. This can be advantageous if a surfer wants traction pad material with a different amount of grip on the kick tail than on the front pieces.

[0053] The bottom surface of the kick tail and traction pad pieces is attached to the surfboard deck with adhesive. Often the traction material has raised nubs on the surface in a pattern that further aid the surfer in achieving good grip with their back foot on the traction material surface. The front of the kick tail is configured with a ramp 7 designed for surfers to stand on which is of sufficient size to adequately support the surfer's foot while executing a surfing maneuver and have the bottom of their back foot flat on said ramp with little or no bending of their ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for surfing.

[0054] This embodiment of the traction pad has raised areas on the ramp 5 and front center traction pad area 4 for arch support for the surfer's back foot so surfers can cup the raised area with the bottom of their back foot to provide extra grip to the surfboard. Said raised areas can be any size or configuration, can be triangular, trapezoidal or as is shown, rectangular.

[0055] All existing traction pads have a kick tail that is not designed to stand on. Its' function is to give the surfer something to feel that tells them where the back of the board is. This design requires surfers to surf with their back foot flat on the traction pad surface that is parallel to the deck of the surfboard. When surfing, the back leg naturally comes forward when executing a powerful carve or turn, and if a surfer's foot is on a traction pad surface parallel with the surface of the surfboard deck, the outside edge of the surfer's back foot comes off of the surfboard and all of the connection to the surfboard is resting only on the inside edge of the surfer's back foot making it easy to slip off. Surfers attempt to bend their ankle as much as is possible to keep their back foot flat on the traction pad surface so as not to slip off their surfboard, but it's not possible to bend their ankle enough to keep the bottom of their foot flat on the traction pad surface while attempting aggressive turns. The result is a poor connection to the surfboard and the possibility of ankle injury. The present invention solves all these problems by being configured with a kick tail configured with a ramp 7 angled optimally for surfing, designed to stand on with their foot flush on the ramp 7 and little or no bending of the ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for executing a powerful turn.

[0056] It should be noted that while many existing traction pads have arch support on the center front areas of the pad, none have arch support on the kick tail. Having a raised area on the front face of a kick tail designed for providing arch support to the surfer's rear foot is a unique feature of the present invention.

[0057] The kick tails in currently existing traction pads are not high enough or wide enough to adequately support a surfer's back foot. The best location for the surfer's back foot when executing a powerful carve or turn is at the back of the surfboard, right on top of where the kick tail is in existing traction pads. The awkward solution surfers have devised is to straddle the kick tail with their foot dangling off the edges of inadequately sized kick tails. The present invention completely solves this problem by providing a ramp 7 sized to adequately support the surfer's back foot, located at the optimum spot for executing a powerful turn. With their back foot flat on the ramp 7 and angled perfectly for surfing, surfers can push with tremendous force against the tail of their surfboard and not fall off.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 13, the drawing shows the traction pad comprised of a separate kick tail made from injection molding where the traction surface on the kick tail and raised area for arch support 5 on the ramp is integrated into the main body of the kick tail as one piece. The separate front left 2, right 3 and center 18 pieces are manufactured using EVA foam.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 14, the drawing shows a one-piece traction pad comprising a kick tail and front pad area made from injection molding where the kick tail, front pad, traction surface on the kick tail and raised area for arch support on the ramp 5 and front part of the traction pad 4 are integrated as one piece. The bottom of the traction pad is affixed to the surfboard deck using adhesive.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 15, the top drawing shows a two-piece traction pad 24 comprising a kick tail main body 16 with a ramp 7 and traction pad material 17 affixed to the top surface of the kick tail which extends forward on the left and right sides. Said ramp 7 has a raised area for arch support 5 for the surfer's foot that is shown as rectangular, but can be any size and shape, including triangular, trapezoidal or rectangular shapes so surfers can cup the arch support area with the bottom of their foot and experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off or falling while surfing. Completing this embodiment of the traction pad is a center pad that can be optionally configured with a raised area for arch support 4. The bottom drawing shows a two-piece traction pad configured identically to the top drawing, but without raised areas for arch support. The bottom of the traction pad in both configurations is affixed to the surfboard deck using adhesive.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 16, the top drawing shows a two-piece traction pad comprising a kick tail main body 16 with a ramp 7 and traction pad material 17 affixed to the top surface of the kick tail which extends forward to the bottom of the kick tail. Said ramp 7 has a raised area for arch support 5 for the surfer's foot that is shown as rectangular, but can be any size and shape, including triangular, trapezoidal or rectangular shapes so surfers can cup the arch support area with the bottom of their foot and experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off or falling while surfing. Completing this embodiment of the traction pad is a one-piece front pad 25 that can be optionally configured with a raised area for arch support 4. The bottom drawing shows a two-piece traction pad configured identically to the top drawing, but without raised areas for arch support. The bottom of the traction pad in both configurations is affixed to the surfboard deck using adhesive.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 17, the top drawing shows a one piece traction pad comprising a kick tail main body 16 with a ramp 7 designed to support the surfer's back foot with their foot flush on the ramp and little or no bending of the ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for executing a powerful turn and traction pad material 17 affixed to the top surface of the kick tail which extends down the ramp and forward to the front of the traction pad. Said ramp 7 has a raised area for arch support 5 for the surfer's foot that is shown as rectangular, but can be any size and shape, including triangular, trapezoidal or rectangular shapes so surfers can cup the arch support area with the bottom of their foot and experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off or falling while surfing. The bottom drawing shows a one-piece traction pad configured identically to the top drawing, but without raised areas for arch support. The bottom of the traction pad in both configurations is affixed to the surfboard deck using adhesive.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 18, the top drawing shows a one piece traction pad comprising a kick tail with a ramp 7 designed to support the surfer's back foot with their foot flush on the ramp and little or no bending of the ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for executing a powerful turn and traction pad material affixed to the top surface of the kick tail which extends down the ramp and forward to the front of the traction pad. Said ramp 7 has a raised area for arch support 5 for the surfer's foot that is shown as rectangular, but can be any size and shape, including triangular, trapezoidal or rectangular shapes so surfers can cup the arch support area with the bottom of their foot and experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off or falling while surfing. The bottom drawing shows a one-piece traction pad 28 configured identically to the top drawing, but without raised areas for arch support. The bottom of the traction pad in both configurations is affixed to the surfboard deck using adhesive. The surface of the traction pad has a texture optimized for grip for a surfer's back foot while surfing. The embodiments of the traction pad shown in FIG. 18 are manufactured using injection molding.

[0064] When using injection molding for manufacturing the traction pad, the materials used will have sufficient grip and traction to work adequately for a surfer to stand on without slipping while surfing and provides an advantage over using EVA foam as a manufacturing process in that it can be less expensive. The traction pad 22 manufactured using injection molding functions identically and has the same functional benefits to a surfer as the traction pad 22 manufactured using EVA foam as described in the detailed description for FIG. 8.GLOSSARY OF NUMBERED DESCRIPTIONS1 Front center of three-piece traction pad where the front traction pad material is integrated with the traction material affixed to the kick tail

[0066] 2.Front separate left side of three-piece traction pad

[0067] 3.Front separate right side of three-piece traction pad

[0068] 4.Front pad raised area for arch support

[0069] 5.Ramp raised area for arch support

[0070] 6.Cut-out for leash plug

[0071] 7.Ramp area designed for surfers to stand on that supports surfer's back foot

[0072] 8.Front and bottom of ramp

[0073] 9.Flat area at top of ramp

[0074] 10.Traction pad material

[0075] 11.Front end of traction pad (22)

[0076] 12.Kick tail comprising a main body and traction pad surface which is either separate or integrated with the front pad

[0077] 13.Angled top of ramp

[0078] 14.Separate front center pad

[0079] 15.Center traction pad piece integrated with kick tail

[0080] 16.Main body of kick tail

[0081] 17.Traction pad material affixed to main body of kick tail with adhesive

[0082] 18.Separate front pad center piece

[0083] 19.Separate kick tail traction pad material

[0084] 20.Main body of kick tail made as one piece

[0085] 21.Ramp arch support integrated as part of one-piece kick tail

[0086] 22.Refers to the present invention in any configuration

[0087] 23.One piece traction pad comprising a kick tail and integrated front center traction pad

[0088] 24.Front left side of a two-piece traction pad where the front left and right sides of the traction pad material is integrated with the traction material affixed to the kick tail

[0089] 25.One piece front pad separate from kick tail

[0090] 26.One piece traction pad material

[0091] 27.Front right side of a two-piece traction pad where the front left and right sides of the traction pad material is integrated with the traction material affixed to the kick tail

[0092] 28.One piece traction pad with a top surface configured for optimal grip for a surfer's

[0093] back foot while surfing.

[0094] 29.Ramp can be angled at any angle

Claims

1. A traction pad 22 comprising a kick tail and front pad, said kick tail comprising a main body 16 which has a ramp 7 on the front face of said kick tail angled at any angle 29 so surfers can bend their back leg forward when executing a surfing maneuver on a surfboard and have the bottom of their back foot flat on said ramp 7 with minimal bending of their ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for surfing, said kick tail and ramp 7 being of sufficient size to adequately support the surfer's foot, and traction pad material 17 affixed to the top surface of the base 16 and ramp 7 with adhesive and configured optionally with a raised section for arch support 5 of any size and shape, including triangular, trapezoidal or rectangular shapes so surfers can cup the arch support area with the bottom of their foot and experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off or falling while surfing, and a front pad 2, 3, 25 made of traction pad material which is optionally separate from the traction pad material affixed to the main body 16 of the kick tail and configured as one or multiple pieces 2, 3, 25 and a front pad 1 that is integrated with the traction pad material affixed to the main body 16 and configured as one or multiple pieces 1, 2, 3, 24, 27 and a traction pad comprising a one piece kick tail 20 which has a ramp 7 on the front face of said kick tail being angled so surfers can bend their back foot forward when executing a surfing maneuver on a surfboard and have the bottom of their back foot flat on said ramp 7 with little or no bending of their ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for surfing, said ramp 7 being of sufficient size to adequately support the surfer's foot while executing a surfing maneuver, and a front pad 25 made of traction pad material which is separate from said kick tail 20 and configured as one 25 or multiple 2, 3, 14 pieces, said center piece 1 configured optionally with a raised section for arch support 5 of any size and shape, including triangular, trapezoidal or rectangular shapes so surfers can cup the arch support area with the bottom of their foot and experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off or falling while surfing, and said front pad is optionally integrated 1 with the traction pad material affixed to the main body 16 and configured as one 26 or multiple pieces 2, 3, 25 and optionally as a one piece traction pad 28 comprising a kick tail with a ramp 7 on the face of said kick tail being angled so surfers can bend their back foot forward when executing a surfing maneuver on a surfboard and have the bottom of their back foot flat on said ramp 7, 29 with little or no bending of their ankle required to achieve an optimum angle for surfing, said ramp 7 being of sufficient size to adequately support the surfer's foot while executing a surfing maneuver, said ramp 7 and kick tail top surface having a surface texture designed to provide traction for a surfer's foot and a front pad made of traction pad material which is integrated into said kick tail so the entire traction pad is made as one piece, said traction pad in whole or in part in all configurations being manufactured by cutting, layering and glueing EVA foam or any other material offering suitable traction, strength, weight and flexibility for surfers to stand on while surfing and by injection molding with material offering suitable traction, strength, weight and flexibility for surfers to stand on while surfing.

2. The traction pad 22, 28 of claim 1 ramp 7, 29 is unique in that it is designed for surfers to stand on with their back foot flat on the ramp 7, 29 and their back leg bent forward with minimal or no ankle bending needed for an optimal rear leg angle when executing a surfing maneuver, said ramp 7 being of sufficient size to adequately support the surfer's foot while executing a surfing maneuver.

3. The traction pad of claim 1 ramp 7, 29 is unique in that it is configured optionally with a raised area for arch support 5 of any size and shape, including triangular, trapezoidal or rectangular shapes, for the purpose of allowing the surfer to cup the raised area with the bottom of their back foot and experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off or falling while executing a surfing maneuver.

4. The traction pad of claim 1 kick tail 12 is configured optionally with a flat area 9 at the top.

5. The traction pad of claim 1 front pad 1, 15, 18 is configured optionally with a raised area for arch support 4 of any size and shape, including triangular, trapezoidal or rectangular shapes, for the purpose of allowing the surfer to cup the raised area with the bottom of their back foot and experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off or falling while executing a surfing maneuver.

6. The traction pad of claim 122, 28 has a kick tail with an optional cut out area in the rear 6 so that the traction pad can be affixed to the surfboard farther back without covering the leash plug.

7. The traction pad of claim 122, 28 is optionally manufactured with EVA foam or plastic or other suitable materials or a combination of materials that result in providing grip and traction to the surfer's foot while surfing.

8. The traction pad of claim 1 kick tail is optionally manufactured using injection molding and when so manufactured is configured as a one-piece kick tail 20 with a ramp 7 with an optional raised area for arch support 5 of any size and shape, including triangular, trapezoidal or rectangular shapes, for the purpose of allowing the surfer to cup the raised area 5 with the bottom of their back foot and experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off or falling while executing a surfing maneuver, said kick tail ramp 7 having a surface optimally textured for providing grip to a surfer's foot.

9. The traction pad of claim 1 is optionally manufactured using injection molding and when so manufactured is configured as a one piece traction pad 28 with an integrated kick tail and ramp 7 with an optional raised area for arch support 5 of any size and shape, including triangular, trapezoidal or rectangular shapes, for the purpose of allowing the surfer to cup the raised area 5 with the bottom of their back foot and experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off or falling while executing a surfing maneuver, and an integrated front pad configured with an optional raised area for arch support 4 of any size and shape, including triangular, trapezoidal or rectangular shapes, for the purpose of allowing the surfer to cup the raised area 4 with the bottom of their back foot and experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off or falling while executing a surfing maneuver, said integrated front pad extending forward from kick tail as far as is necessary to provide optimal grip for a surfer's back foot.

10. The traction pad of claim 1 is unique in that it is the first permanently mounted traction pad comprising a kick tail configured with a ramp 7, 29 angled optimally for surfing so surfers can surf with their back foot flat on the ramp 7, 29 with their back leg bent forward with minimal or no bending of their ankle required to achieve an optimal angle for executing a powerful carving or turning maneuver while surfing, said ramp 7 being of sufficient size to adequately support the surfer's foot while executing said surfing maneuver, and the first kick tail in a traction pad with a ramp 7 configured with an optional raised area for arch support 5 so the surfer can cup the raised area with the bottom of their back foot, experience better connection to their surfboard and minimize the chance of slipping off the traction pad while executing a surf maneuver.

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