E-foil board

Abstract

An e-foil board, comprising: a rigid insert assembly providing an upper riding surface and opposing lower surface; and, an inflatable bladder disposed about a rim of the insert assembly, wherein the inflatable bladder is bonded to the rigid insert assembly.

Description

E-FOIL BOARDFIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a ridable board suitable for forming part of a personal hydrofoil watercraft.BACKGROUND

[0002] Personal watercraft termed e-foils that involve attaching a hydrofoil assembly to a surfboard like e-foil board have been recently developed and are gaining popularity. A wing of the hydrofoil assembly elevates the board clear of the water when under power from a propulsion source such as an electric motor, allowing a user to ride the e-foil board above the water surface.

[0003] Although e-foils are gaining popularity, ongoing efforts are required to make them more accessible to a broader audience by increasing portability, reducing cost and providing a beginner friendly riding experience similar to the exciting handling dynamics of existing boards.SUMMARY

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of existing arrangements, or at least provide an alternative choice to existing arrangements.

[0005] There is disclosed herein an e-foil board, comprising: a rigid insert assembly providing a riding surface; and, an inflatable bladder disposed about a rim of the insert assembly

[0006] Preferably, the bladder is disposed continuously around the rim in its entirety.

[0007] Preferably, the insert assembly comprises a substructure at least partially embedded in a surrounding material.

[0008] Preferably, the surrounding material is over-moulded with respect to the substructure.

[0009] Preferably, the substructure is at least partially embedded within the surrounding material comprising over-moulded polymer.

[0010] Preferably, the over-moulded polymer is over-moulded expanded polypropylene.

[0011] Preferably, the substructure is a single piece component form from an injection moulded polymer.

[0012] Preferably, the substructure comprising engagement features to promote embedding engagement with the surrounding material.

[0013] Preferably, the engagement features comprise cells configured to receive the surrounding material.

[0014] Preferably, the cells have openings transverse to the riding surface.

[0015] Preferably, the engagement features comprise one or more walls.

[0016] Preferably, at least one wall is set at a non-zero angle to the riding surface.

[0017] Preferably, at least one of the walls is set at an angle greater than about 30 degrees.

[0018] Preferably, at least one of the walls is set at an angle greater than about 45 degrees.

[0019] Preferably, at least one of the walls is set at an angle greater than about 60 degrees.

[0020] Preferably, at least one of the walls is set at an angle of about 90 degrees.

[0021] Preferably, the substructure comprises a first cavity contiguous with the riding surface.

[0022] Preferably, the first cavity is adapted to receive a battery.

[0023] Preferably, the first cavity is occluded by a lid, said lid forming a portion of the riding surface in use.

[0024] Preferably, the lid comprises internal ribs.

[0025] Preferably, the lid comprises an integrated latch assembly operable to maintain the lid in a closed position occluding the first cavity.

[0026] Preferably, the latch assembly includes an actuator operable to selectively engage or disengage the latch assembly, said actuator configurable to located either flush or below an adjacent portion of the lid.

[0027] Preferably, the latch assembly includes a latch operable to selectively engage with a keeper within the first cavity.

[0028] Preferably, the latch assembly includes a body sealing disposed through the lid, said body operable to selective engage or disengage the latch assembly.

[0029] Preferably, the substructure comprises a second cavity having an opening in an opposing surface of the board to the riding surface.

[0030] Preferably, the second cavity is adapted to receive a control module associated with a hydrofoil assembly.

[0031] Preferably, the control module is configured for attachment to the top of a mast of the hydrofoil assembly.

[0032] Preferably, the substructure comprises attachment points adjacent to the second cavity for operative connection with the mast.

[0033] Preferably, the inflatable bladder is formed of a drop-stich construction.

[0034] Preferably, the inflatable bladder is bonded to the rigid insert assembly.

[0035] Preferably, one or more polyvinyl chloride patches are applied across at least a portion of the inflatable bladder and at least a portion of an upper surface of the rigid insert assembly to affect bonding therebetween.

[0036] Preferably, one or more polyvinyl chloride patches are applied across at least a portion of the inflatable bladder and at least a portion of a lower surface of the rigid insert assembly to affect bonding therebetween.

[0037] Preferably, the grip surface is applied to at least a portion of the riding surface.

[0038] Preferably, the grip surface extends to at least a portion of the inflatable bladder adjacent to the riding surface.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description withreference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded parts view of an e-foil board in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the e-foil board in accordance with the present disclosure in its assembled condition;

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an insert assembly of an e-foil board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure with a lid;

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of an insert assembly of an e-foil board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure without a lid;

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic transparent upper perspective view of an insert assembly of an e-foil board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic transparent lower perspective view of an insert assembly of an e-foil board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 7 is an alternative schematic transparent upper perspective view of an insert assembly of an e-foil board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 8 is an alternative schematic transparent lower perspective view of an insert assembly of an e-foil board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 9 is an upper schematic perspective view of a substructure of an e-foil board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 10 is a lower schematic perspective view of a substructure of an e-foil board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 11 is a schematic exploded parts view of a lid for the first cavity of an e-foil board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 12 is an alternative schematic exploded parts view of a lid for the first cavity of an e-foil board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 13 is an upper perspective view of a lid for the first cavity of an e-foil board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 14 is a lower perspective view of a lid for the first cavity of an e-foil board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0054] Figure 15 is a schematic cutaway view of a lid for the first cavity of an e-foil board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 16 is a schematic partial sectional view of an e-foil board in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] With reference to the example embodiments depicted in Figures 1 and 2, disclosed is an e-foil board 1 comprising a central insert assembly 10 having an upper surface 11, a lower surface 12 and an edge periphery 13. In use, the upper surface 11 provides a riding surface 11 on which a user of the board 1 will position themselves, typically in a standing position, or alternatively in a kneeling position, a sitting position or a prone position. By manipulating the distribution of weight applied to the riding surface 11, the user is able to adjust the position of the e-foil board 1 relative to the water being traversed by the board 1 to thereby control the motion of the board 1 through the water. In the example embodiments of Figure 1 and 2, a grip surface 16 is applied to cover at least a portion of the riding surface 11 to increase frictional engagement between board 1 and the rider.

[0057] Disposed about the edge periphery 13, or rim 13, of the insert assembly 10 is an inflatable bladder 14. In the depicted embodiment, rim 13 is adapted with a concave contour for receiving a correspondingly curved inner periphery 15 of the inflatable bladder 14.

[0058] A bonding material 17 is applied between the insert assembly 10 and the inflatable bladder 14 to affect attachment. In the example embodiment of Figure 1, the bonding material 17 is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) patch applied across adjacent portions of the insert assembly 10 and the bladder 14. In said depicted embodiment, a PVC patch is applied between adjacent portions of the bladder 14 and the riding surface 11, as well as the bladder 14 and the lower surface 12.

[0059] Referring now to the example embodiments of Figures 3 and 4 shown is an insert assembly 10 having a lid 24 to selectively occlude a first cavity 22. The first cavity 22 is opento the riding surface 11 of the board 1, and is configured to receive electrical components (not shown) to power the hydrofoil assembly (not shown). In the depicted embodiment, the first cavity 22 is adapted to receive a battery (not shown) for powering a motor (not shown) of the hydrofoil assembly for propelling the e-foil board 1.

[0060] The lid 24 is configured to sit flush with the adjacent portion of the insert assembly 10, thus forming part of the riding surface 11. A gasket 23 or the like is applied between the lid 24 and the first cavity 22 to resist water ingress into the first cavity 22.

[0061] Referring now to the example embodiments of Figures 5 to 8, the insert assembly 10 is formed of a central substructure 20 (shown in solid detail) at least partially embedded in a surrounding material 18 (shown in transparent detail).

[0062] In accordance with one example embodiment, substructure 20 is of one-piece construction formed of injection moulded polymer. Such a construction provides for relatively simple and low-cost manufacture of a strong and lightweight substructure 20, that is rigid while still offering some degree of flexibility. In this example embodiment, substructure 20 is over-moulded with a surrounding material 18 to form the insert assembly 10. In example embodiments, the surrounding material 18 may be expanded polypropylene (EPP) providing for low-cost manufacture with buoyant properties and sufficient strength; and providing sufficient rigidity while offering some degree of flexibility.

[0063] Still referring to Figures 5 to 8 together now with Figures 9 and 10, the portion of substructure 20 embedded in the surrounding material 18 is adapted with engagement features 21 is increase engagement between the substructure 20 and the surround material 18 forming the insert assembly 10. The engagement features 21 may comprise cells 21 and pockets 21 with openings to receive the surrounding material 18. By this arrangement, for example, the surrounding material 18 flows into the cells 21 and pockets 21 forming the engagement features 21, helping to anchor the embedded portion of the substructure 20 to the surrounding material 18 once set solid. Various ribs 21 and walls 21 forming the engagement features 21 may be set at various angles to each other, as well as the plane of the board 1 itself, thereby aiding to resist disengagement between the embedded substructure 20 and surrounding material 18 upon application of relative forces therebetween in different directions. In the depicted example embodiment, the bottom wall 39 defining the first cavity 22 has an external surface 40 to the first cavity 22 configured with stiffening ribs 41 and other protrusion. These features 41 serve to strengthen the board at the region of the first cavity 22, but also acts as anengagement feature 21 to increase engagement with the surrounding material 18 as described above.

[0064] As hereinbefore described, substructure 20 provides the first cavity 22 of the insert assembly 10 which locates contiguous to the riding surface 11. Substructure 20 may also provide a second cavity 35 adapted to locate contiguous to the lower surface 12 of the insert assembly 10. The second cavity 35 is adapted to receive a control module (not shown) of the hydrofoil assembly (not shown). Typically, the control module is attached to the top of the hydrofoil mast (not shown) of the hydrofoil assembly, such that when control module is received within the second cavity 35, the mast occludes the second cavity 35. An O-ring 37 or the like may be applied between the second cavity 35 and the occluding portion of the mast to aid in sealing the second cavity 35 against water ingress when the mast is connected to the e- foil board 1. In the depicted embodiment, the attachment points 36 are provided in substructure 20 adjacent to the second cavity 35 to facilitate connection of the mast to substructure 20 and thus the e-foil board 1. In an embodiment, the attachment points 36 may be in the form of threaded holes 26 to receive a bolt applied though a flanged upper end (not shown) of a mast.

[0065] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, substructure 20 includes a port 38 providing communication between the first cavity 22 and the second cavity 35. Port 38 provides passage of electrical cabling (not shown) between electrical components (not shown) in the respective cavities 22,35, such as wires connecting a battery in the first cavity 22 with the control module in the second cavity 35.

[0066] Referring now to the example embodiments of Figures 11 to 15, shown is a lid 24 for the first cavity 22. The lid 24 may be formed from an upper lid portion 25 and a lower lid portion 26. Both the upper lid portion 25 and the lower lid portion 26 may be configured with internal ribs 27, which cooperate to define a series of internal cells in the lid. Such an arrangement may provide for lightweight construction while having sufficient strength and rigidity to support the weight of a rider standing on the lid 24 forming part of the riding surface 11. The two pieces forming the lid 24 may be formed of a polymer, and may be joined by ultrasonic welding, for example, with Figures 11 and 12 showing the ultrasonic welding rods 42. This arrangement may be advantageous in facilitating a smaller internal space to reduce the risk of the lid 24 becoming waterlogged. In the example embodiment depicted, the internal cells, or a portion of the cells may be filled, for example, with a foam material 43.Such a foam material 43 may serve as sound insulation as well as acting against ingress of water into the cells should the lid 24 be cracked.

[0067] The lid 24 may be hingedly attached to substructure 20 at one end, so as to pivot open and closed to selectively occlude the first cavity 22.

[0068] A latch assembly 29 or the like may be provided to maintain the lid 24 in a closed position occluding the first cavity 22. In the example embodiment shown, the latch assembly 29 includes a latch 31 or bolt 31 for selectively engaging with a keeper 32 to either maintain the lid 24 in the closed position or selectively disengaging from the keeper 32 thus allowing the lip to be pivoted open. Latch body 33 locates through the lid 24 with one end of the body 33 attaching with the latch 31 and the other end of the body 33 connecting with an actuator 30 or handle 30. By this arrangement with the lid 24 in a closed position, the handle 30 can be rotated thereby rotating the body 33, and in turn the latch 31, into engagement or disengagement with the keeper 32.

[0069] The depicted example handle 30 is in the form of a ring handle 30. Said handle 30 has a pinned connection with the body 33 such that it can be pivotally moved with respect to the body 33. A recess 28 in the lid 24 is provided so that the handle 30 can be pivoted into the space of the recess 28 when not in use. Typically, recess 28 is shaped to only accommodate the handle 30 when the latch assembly 29 is engaged with the keeper 32, so that the handle 30 can be pivoted to reside in the recess 28 when the lid 24 is latched closed. The recess 28 is further shaped such that the handle 30 can be pivoted into the recess 28 so as to be either fully contained within the recess 28 (i.e., either flush or below the adjacent portions of the lid 24), or otherwise to be slightly proud of the adjacent portions of the lid 24. By this arrangement with the lid 24 latched closed, the handle 30 can be pivoted into the recess 28 so as not to form an obstruction on the riding surface 11. When a user subsequently wishes to access the first cavity 22, the handle 30 can be pivoted out of the recess 28 and rotated to rotate the body 33 and thus the latch 31 out of engagement with the keeper 32.

[0070] As shown in the example embodiment of Figure 15, a seal 33 may be provided about the body 33 passing through the lid 24 to act against water ingress into the first cavity 22. The example latch assembly 29 is of the type commonly referred to as a cam latch, where the latch 31 is in the form of a cam 31 that rotates into sliding engagement with the keeper 32 to prevent movement of the lid 24. Referring again to Figure 9 for example, the keeper 32 may be provided as protrusions 32 formed into the walls of the first cavity 22, such that thecam 31 slides underneath said protrusions 32 to restrict upwards pivoting of the lid 24. In other embodiments, the keeper 32 may be in the form of slits (not shown) formed into a wall of the first cavity 22 into which the cam 31 can slide into to affect an engaged position.

[0071] Referring now to the example embodiment of Figure 16, as hereinbefore described the rim 13 of the insert assembly 10 may be shaped in correspondence to the portion of the inflatable bladder 14 received thereby. As depicted, the rim 13 is inwardly curved to receive the outwardly curved inner periphery 15 of the inflatable bladder 14. The inflatable bladder 14 may be of drop stich construction.

[0072] In example embodiments, the upper 11 and lower surface 12 of the surrounding material 18 forming the outer portions of the insert assembly 10 may have additional coatings applied thereto. In the depicted non-limiting embodiment, the upper 11 and lower 12 surfaces of the surrounding material 18 is coated with a bonded layer of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam sheet 19a, followed by a carbon fibre sheet 19b. In other embodiments, alternative coatings 19 may be applied to the surrounding material 18, for example, only a carbon fibre sheet without a EVA layer, or Innegra or a plastic sheet bonded directly to the surrounding material 18.

[0073] As hereinbefore described, the bonding material 17 connecting the bladder 14 to the insert assembly 10 may be configured to span from the adjacent upper 11 and / or lower surface 12 of the insert material 18 to the inflatable bladder 14. In the embodiment of Figure 16, the bonding material 17 is applied over the EVA 19a and carbon fibre 19b layers coating the upper 11 and lower 12 surfaces of the surrounding material 18.

[0074] Also as hereinbefore described, a grip surface 16, such as a high friction film or coating is applied to some portion of the riding surface 11 to facilitate gripping engagement of the rider to the e-foil board 1. In embodiments, grip surface 16 may be applied to a substantial portion of the riding surface 11, or the entirety of the riding surface 11, or near to the entirety of the riding surface 11. In embodiments, the entirety, or near to the entirety of the lid 24 forming part of the riding surface 11 is coated with the grip surface 16.

[0075] As shown in Figure 16, grip surface 16 is the outermost layer of the riding surface 11, formed over the carbon fibre layer 19b. The grip surface 16 may continue from the riding surface 11 of the insert assembly 10 to cover a portion of the inflatable bladder 14. In the depicted embodiment, the grip surface 16 continues from the riding surface 11 of the insert assembly 10 to the bladder 14 beyond the bonding material 17, such that the bonding material17 attaching the bladder 14 to the insert assembly 10 is completely covered by the grip surface 16.

[0076] It will be appreciated that the construction of the embodiment of Figure 16 does not allow for the bladder 14 to be removed from the insert assembly 10 due to the bonding material 17 and grip surface 16 being bonded to both components. However, this construction is advantageous in some respects because it creates a continuous riding surface 11. That is, there are no gaps or joins on the riding surface 11 that would be obvious to the rider during use, providing an improved riding experience when compared to alternative embodiments that may have a removable bladder. In this way, the embodiment depicted simultaneously provides the improved riding characteristics of a completely hard board while maintaining the advantages of an inflatable board, such as improved durability, safety, and portability.

[0077] The construction depicted in Figure 16 also ensures that the bladder 14 cannot be inadvertently removed from the insert assembly 10, such as by a user stepping solely on the bladder 14 or during a crash.

[0078] The skilled addressee will appreciate that alternative means to bond the bladder 14 to the rigid insert assembly 10 may be used to achieve the beneficial effects disclosed herein. By way of non-limiting example, polypropylene fabrics, polyethylene fabrics, natural linoleum, thermoplastic elastomers, or other flexible fabrics with suitable properties may be used as a bonding material 17 as an alternative, or in addition to, to the flexible fabric form of PVC hereinbefore described. Additionally, embodiments may employ a rigid bonding material 17 such as a rigid PVC patch, or by using another suitable material such as HDPE, carbon fibre, or other composite or blends, by way of non-limiting example. In certain embodiments, the grip surface 16 may be sufficient to suitably bond the bladder 14 to the insert 10 thus reducing or obviating the need for further bonding material 17 at the upper surface 11. Similarly, a large patch 17 covering the bottom surface 12 or a substantial portion thereof and extending to overlap with the bladder 14 to achieve bonding may be used instead of the ringshaped patch 17 hereinbefore described, such patch being formed from the above mentioned materials or any suitable other material known to the skilled addressee. Furthermore, the bladder 14 may be bonded to the insert by use of an adhesive applied between the edge periphery 13 and the curved inner periphery 15, optionally in conjunction with other bonding techniques contemplated above or otherwise known to the skilled addressee. It is therefore to be appreciated that any suitable bonding technique to promote a stable, fixed relation betweenthe bladder 14 and the rigid insert 10 may be employed by the skilled addressee to achieve the advantageous effects hereinbefore described.

[0079] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0080] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing”, “have”, “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.PARTS LIST1 e- foil board.10 rigid insert assembly11 upper (riding surface)12 lower surface13 edge periphery (rim)14 inflatable bladder15 curved inner periphery16 grip surface17 bonding material (PVC patches)18 surrounding material19 (a,b) surface layers20 substructure21 engagement features22 first cavity23 gasket24 lid25 upper lid portion26 lower lid portion27 internal ribs28 lid recess29 integrated latch assembly30 actuator (handle)31 latch32 keeper33 body34 seal35 second cavity36 attachment points37 O-ring38 port39 bottom wall40 external surface41 external surface feature42 ultrasonic welding rods43 internal fill material

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An e-foil board, comprising: a rigid insert assembly providing an upper riding surface and opposing lower surface; and, an inflatable bladder disposed about a rim of the insert assembly, wherein the inflatable bladder is bonded to the rigid insert assembly.

2. The e-foil board of claim 1, wherein the bladder is disposed continuously around the rim in its entirety.

3. The e-foil board of claim 1 or 2, wherein the insert assembly comprises a substructure at least partially embedded in a surrounding material.

4. The e-foil board of claim 3, wherein the surrounding material is over-moulded with respect to the substructure.

5. The e-foil board of claim 3 or 4, wherein the substructure is at least partially embedded within the surrounding material comprising over-moulded polymer.

6. The e-foil board of claim 5, wherein the over-moulded polymer is over-moulded expanded polypropylene.

7. The e-foil board of any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the substructure is a single piece component formed from an injection moulded polymer.

8. The e-foil board of any one of claims 3 to 7 wherein the substructure comprises engagement features to promote embedding engagement with the surrounding material.

9. The e-foil board of claim 8, wherein the engagement features comprise cells configured to receive the surrounding material.

10. The e-foil board of claim 9, wherein the cells have openings transverse to the riding surface.

11. The e-foil board of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the engagement features comprise one or more walls.

12. The e-foil board of claim 11, wherein at least one wall is set at a non-zero angle to the riding surface.

13. The e-foil board of claim 11, wherein at least one of the walls is set at an angle greater than about 30 degrees to the riding surface.

14. The e-foil board of claim 11, wherein at least one of the walls is set at an angle greater than about 45 degrees to the riding surface.

15. The e-foil board of claim 11, wherein at least one of the walls is set at an angle greater than about 60 degrees to the riding surface.

16. The e-foil board of claim 11, wherein at least one of the walls is set at an angle of about 90 degrees to the riding surface.

17. The e-foil board of any one of claims 3 to 16, wherein the substructure comprises a first cavity contiguous with the riding surface.

18. The e-foil board of claim 17, wherein the first cavity is adapted to receive a battery.

19. The e-foil board of claim 17 or 18, wherein the first cavity is occluded by a lid, said lid forming a portion of the riding surface in use.

20. The e-foil board of claim 19, wherein the lid is comprises internal ribs.

21. The e-foil board of claim 17 or 18, wherein the lid comprises an integrated latch assembly operable to maintain the lid in a closed position occluding the first cavity.

22. The e-foil board of claim 21, wherein the latch assembly includes an actuator operable to selectively engage or disengage the latch assembly, said actuator configurable to located either flush or below an adjacent portion of the lid.

23. The e-foil board claim of claim 21 or 22, wherein the latch assembly includes a latch operable to selectively engage with a keeper fixed in relation to the first cavity.

24. The e-foil board of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the latch assembly includes a body sealingly disposed through the lid, said body operable to selective engage or disengage the latch assembly.

25. The e-foil board of any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the substructure comprises a second cavity having an opening contiguous with the lower surface.

26. The e-foil board of any one of claim 25, wherein the second cavity is adapted to receive a control module associated with a hydrofoil assembly.

27. The e-foil board of claim 26, wherein the control module is configured for attachment to the top of a mast of the hydrofoil assembly.

28. The e-foil board of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the substructure comprises attachment points adjacent to the second cavity for operative connection with the mast.

29. The e-foil board of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the inflatable bladder is formed of a drop-stich construction.

30. The e-foil board of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein one or more patches are applied across at least a portion of the inflatable bladder and at least a portion of an upper surface of the rigid insert assembly to affect bonding therebetween.

31. The e-foil board of any one of claim 1 to 30, wherein one or more patches are applied across at least a portion of the inflatable bladder and at least a portion of the lower surface of the rigid insert assembly to affect bonding therebetween.

32. The e-foil board of claim 30 or 31, wherein the one or more patches are polyvinyl chloride patches.

33. The e-foil board of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the grip surface is applied to at least a portion of the riding surface.

34. The e-foil board of any one of claim 33, wherein the grip surface extends to at least a portion of the inflatable bladder adjacent to the riding surface.Fliteboard Pty LtdPatent Attorneys for the Applicant / Nominated PersonGLMR

Images