US20080210137A1 - Surfboard Stringer Reinforcing system - Google Patents
Surfboard Stringer Reinforcing system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080210137A1 US20080210137A1 US11/681,768 US68176807A US2008210137A1 US 20080210137 A1 US20080210137 A1 US 20080210137A1 US 68176807 A US68176807 A US 68176807A US 2008210137 A1 US2008210137 A1 US 2008210137A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bracket
- stringer
- floatation device
- edge
- fastening means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
- B29C70/68—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts by incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or layers, e.g. foam blocks
- B29C70/86—Incorporated in coherent impregnated reinforcing layers, e.g. by winding
- B29C70/865—Incorporated in coherent impregnated reinforcing layers, e.g. by winding completely encapsulated
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
- B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
- B29C70/06—Fibrous reinforcements only
- B29C70/08—Fibrous reinforcements only comprising combinations of different forms of fibrous reinforcements incorporated in matrix material, forming one or more layers, and with or without non-reinforced layers
- B29C70/086—Fibrous reinforcements only comprising combinations of different forms of fibrous reinforcements incorporated in matrix material, forming one or more layers, and with or without non-reinforced layers and with one or more layers of pure plastics material, e.g. foam layers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B32/00—Water sports boards; Accessories therefor
- B63B32/40—Twintip boards; Wakeboards; Surfboards; Windsurfing boards; Paddle boards, e.g. SUP boards; Accessories specially adapted therefor
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B32/00—Water sports boards; Accessories therefor
- B63B32/50—Boards characterised by their constructional features
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/52—Sports equipment ; Games; Articles for amusement; Toys
- B29L2031/5272—Surf boards
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to floatation devices, and more particularly to a stringer reinforcing system for a surfboard.
- Typical surfboard blanks are either made from a pressure-molded polyurethane or polystyrene material, either as a single piece or with a pair of buoyant foam blanks fixed to each side of a rectangular cross-section reinforcing stringer.
- the stringer is typically made of balsa wood, a strip of adhesive, or other light-weight materials, and provides some amount of strength to the surfboard against breaking when strongly impacted by waves, the seabed, or other object. Even so, such conventional surfboards are still routinely subject to breaking laterally across the board and stringer. Surfboards are rarely broken longitudinally, clearly indicating a need for improving the lateral strength of such boards.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,833 to Bixby on Jul. 13, 1999 teaches a stringer having a center panel with a pair of longitudinal cavities formed therein for hollow shaft members.
- the center panel of such a device is bordered by two conventional stringers.
- Such a device while effective, is unnecessarily complex and expensive to manufacture.
- Such a device further changes the nose and tail shapes of the board and, as such, must be offered in a variety of suitable shapes. Further, such a device does nothing to provide additional support beyond the stringers to the foam blanks, which are the weakest portions of the board and where board failures typically being when the board is strongly impacted.
- the present device is a reinforcing system for a floatation device, such as a surfboard.
- a floatation device has an elongated stringer that has at least a top edge and a bottom edge.
- the reinforcing system of the present invention includes an elongated top bracket comprising a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral side edge. The top and bottom sides are each wider than the top and bottom edges of the stringer.
- the cross-sectional shape of the top bracket is preferably rectangular.
- a similar elongated bottom bracket is also included.
- Such brackets may be made from a carbon fiber-based material, a plastic material, a resin material, or the like, provided that the bracket has suitable strength against breaking yet is somewhat resilient so as to accommodate a small amount of flexing during use.
- a fastening means is included for fastening the top bracket to the top edge of the stringer and for fastening the bottom bracket to the bottom edge of the stringer.
- Such a fastening means may be screws, or other suitable fastening means as is known in the art.
- the floatation device is preferably of the type having two buoyant blanks, each adhered to one side of the stringer.
- Such buoyant blanks are typically made of a foam or other buoyant material that is easily formed and cut.
- Each blank has at least one substantially flat side for fixing to one side of the stringer.
- each blank is fixed at the one substantially flat side thereof to the one side of the stringer with adhesive or other bonding means.
- a pair of notches may then be cut into each blank and the stringer to accommodate each bracket, which is then fastened with the fastening means to each blank and to the stringer, resulting in each blank being adhered to the stringer and each bracket.
- each bracket may be fastened to the stringer with a plurality of the screws. Such brackets fastened to the stringer result in the reinforcement system having a relatively strong I-beam construction.
- the assembled floatation device may then be coated with conventional fiberglass cloth and resin coating, applied over each blank, the stringer and each bracket.
- the present invention is an improved stringer reinforcing system that may be optionally added to any surfboard or like device that is made with conventional fabrication methods and tooling.
- the present invention results in an I-Beam stringer shape, greatly increasing the lateral breaking resistance of any floatation device into which it is installed. Further, use of the present system does not greatly increase the cost, complexity or time of manufacturing such a board, and the finished surfboard is still aesthetically pleasing and not much different in appearance than surfboards without such a device. As such, the present invention may be used with any conventional stringer or foam blanks.
- FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the invention, illustrating a reinforcing system for a floatation device
- FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of the invention, taken generally along lines 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of the invention, taken generally along lines 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 , and illustrating an alternate embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 3 is a partial exploded view of the invention
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the invention, taken generally along lines 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view of the alternate embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of the invention, taken generally along lines 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of yet another alternate embodiment of the invention, taken generally along lines 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a top or a bottom bracket of the invention made from a corrugated plastic material.
- FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the floatation device, illustrating an alternate embodiment of the top bracket that includes a traction pad.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a reinforcing system 10 for a floatation device 20 , such as a surfboard.
- a floatation device 20 has an elongated stringer 30 that has at least a top edge 34 and a bottom edge 36 .
- stringers 30 are typically made from balsa wood, carbon fiber-based material, epoxy resin, plastic, or the like.
- the reinforcing system 10 of the present invention includes an elongated top bracket 40 comprising a top side 41 , a bottom side 42 , and a peripheral side edge 43 .
- the top and bottom sides, 41 , 42 are each wider than the top and bottom edges 34 , 36 of the stringer 30 .
- the cross-sectional shape of the top bracket 40 is preferably rectangular, as illustrated best in FIG. 2A .
- Such a top bracket 40 may be made from a carbon fiber-based material, a plastic material, a resin material, or the like, provided that the bracket 40 has suitable strength against breaking yet is somewhat resilient.
- an elongated bottom bracket 50 is also included that comprises a top side 51 , a bottom side 52 , and a peripheral side edge 53 .
- the top and bottom sides, 51 , 52 are each wider than the top and bottom edges 34 , 36 of the stringer 30 .
- the cross-sectional shape of the bottom bracket 50 is also preferably rectangular ( FIG. 2A ).
- Such a bottom bracket 50 may be made from a carbon fiber-based material, a plastic material, a resin material, or the like, provided that the bracket 50 has suitable strength against breaking yet is somewhat resilient so as to accommodate a small amount of flexing during use.
- Each bracket 40 , 50 may be wider, proportionally, than shown in FIGS. 2A , 2 B, and FIG. 3 , as desired.
- a fastening means 60 is included for fastening the top bracket 40 to the top edge 34 of the stringer 30 and for fastening the bottom bracket 50 to the bottom edge 36 of the stringer 36 , as illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- Such a fastening means 60 may be screws 90 ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ), adhesive 80 ( FIGS. 2A and 3 ), rivets (not shown), or other suitable fastening means as is known in the art.
- the top and bottom brackets 40 , 50 may include apertures 95 therethrough ( FIG. 5 ) so that the screws 90 may be mounted flush with the top side 41 and bottom side 52 of each bracket 40 , 50 , respectively.
- the floatation device 20 is preferably of the type having two buoyant blanks 70 , each adhered to one side 38 of the stringer 38 .
- Such buoyant blanks 70 are typically made of a foam or other buoyant material that is easily formed and cut.
- Each blank 70 has at least one substantially flat side 75 for fixing to one side 38 of the stringer 30 .
- each blank 70 is fixed at the one substantially flat side 75 thereof to the one side 38 of the stringer 30 with adhesive 80 or other bonding means as is known in the art.
- a pair of notches 77 may then be mortised or routed into each blank 70 and the stringer 30 , if present, to accommodate each bracket 40 , 50 ( FIG. 2A ).
- a standard 3′′ shaping planer (not shown), for example, may be used to cut such notches 77 in the floatation device 20 .
- the notches 77 may be omitted.
- Each bracket 40 , 50 is then fastened with the fastening means 60 to each blank 70 and to the stringer 30 ( FIG.
- each bracket 40 , 50 may be fastened to the stringer 30 with a plurality of the screws 90 ( FIGS. 1 , 4 and 5 ).
- Such brackets 40 , 50 fastened to the stringer 30 result in the reinforcement system 10 having a relatively strong I-beam construction, as illustrated best in FIG. 2A .
- Such an assembled floatation device 20 may then be covered with a conventional fiberglass cloth and coated with a resin coating 100 , applied over each blank 70 , the stringer 30 and each bracket 40 , 50 .
- a resin coating 100 applied over each blank 70 , the stringer 30 and each bracket 40 , 50 .
- either the top bracket 40 or the bottom bracket 50 may be included alone, without the other bracket 50 , 40 , respectively, and still reinforce the strength of the stringer 30 .
- each bracket 40 , 50 further includes two projecting side portions 48 , 58 , resulting in a U-shaped channel 46 , 56 being defined thereby.
- a U-shaped channel 46 , 56 receives one edge 34 , 36 of the stringer 30 therein for further reinforcing the strength of the stringer 30 , and hence the floatation device 20 .
- the brackets 40 , 50 may be made from a bent or otherwise formed sheet material, having a gauge or thickness as deemed appropriate for each application or floatation device 20 owner. The gauge shown in FIGS. 4 , 5 is not drawn to scale, but could be thicker or thinner as necessary.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate other alternate embodiments of the invention, wherein the brackets 40 , 50 are adhered over the resin coating 100 on a top surface 104 and a bottom surface 106 of the floatation device 20 , preferably substantially covering the stringer 30 if included in the floatation device 20 .
- Such embodiments provide for either a rounded top side 47 ( FIG. 6 ) or tapered top side 49 ( FIG. 7 ) of the top bracket 40 , and a rounded bottom side 57 ( FIG. 6 ) or a tapered bottom side 52 ( FIG. 7 ) of the bottom bracket 50 , thereby providing a smoother transition between the brackets 40 , 50 and the resin coating 100 .
- the fastening means 60 may be a strip of the adhesive 80 with a protective liner strip (not shown) that is removed just before applying the brackets 40 , 50 to the floatation device 20 .
- the adhesive 80 in such embodiments is a suitably strong, water-resistant adhesive that adheres each bracket 40 , 50 to the resin coating 100 permanently.
- the top and bottom brackets 40 , 50 may be each made from a corrugated plastic material 110 , such as Lexan or the like ( FIG. 8 ).
- the top bracket 40 includes a traction pad 45 at a rear end 44 thereof.
- a traction pad 45 provides a high-traction surface (not shown) for increasing the traction between the user and the floatation device 20 .
- the traction pad 45 may be integrally formed with the top bracket 40 , such as by a plastic sheet stamping process or the like.
- each bracket 40 , 50 with respect to the entire floatation device 20 may be modified, as may the length of each bracket 40 , 50 .
- the exact type of attachment means 60 may be any suitable type of adhesive, any suitable type of mechanical fastener, or the like as becomes known in the art. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.
Abstract
A reinforcing system for a floatation device, such as a surfboard, and a method of its manufacture is disclosed. Such a floatation device has an elongated stringer that has at least a top edge and a bottom edge. The reinforcing system of the present invention includes an elongated top bracket and an bottom bracket. The top and bottom sides of each bracket are wider than the top and bottom edges of the stringer. The cross-sectional shape of the top bracket is preferably rectangular, forming an I-beam cross-section when each bracket is fixed to the stringer with a fastening means, such as a strong adhesive or screws. The floatation device is preferably of the type having two buoyant blanks, each adhered to one side of the stringer. During fabrication of the floatation device, each blank is fixed at one substantially flat side thereof to one side of the stringer with adhesive. A pair of notches may then be cut into each blank and the stringer to accommodate each bracket, which is then fastened with the fastening means to each blank and to the stringer, resulting in each blank being adhered to the stringer and each bracket. Alternately, or additionally, each bracket may be fastened to the stringer with a plurality of the screws. The assembled floatation device may then be sanded and then coated with a resin coating, applied over each blank, the stringer and each bracket.
Description
- Not Applicable.
- Not Applicable.
- This invention relates generally to floatation devices, and more particularly to a stringer reinforcing system for a surfboard.
- Typical surfboard blanks are either made from a pressure-molded polyurethane or polystyrene material, either as a single piece or with a pair of buoyant foam blanks fixed to each side of a rectangular cross-section reinforcing stringer. If included, the stringer is typically made of balsa wood, a strip of adhesive, or other light-weight materials, and provides some amount of strength to the surfboard against breaking when strongly impacted by waves, the seabed, or other object. Even so, such conventional surfboards are still routinely subject to breaking laterally across the board and stringer. Surfboards are rarely broken longitudinally, clearly indicating a need for improving the lateral strength of such boards.
- Several prior art devices have been developed to strengthen surfboards and like recreational devices. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,369 to Snyder on Aug. 30, 1988, teaches an improved water ski having in addition to a conventional stringer a pair of traversely spaced longitudinal core members. Such additional reinforcing core members, while aiding in the strength of such a ski, do not provide additional strength against breaks that originate in the bottom surface of the ski, such as may happen if a strong impact is experienced at the top central portion of the ski, forcing the ends of the ski upward and the center of the ski downward. As surfboards are typically thicker than skis, such a reinforcing design is even less suited for surfboards, particularly with large waves impacting any portion of the board. Such impacts frequently are strong enough to laterally break surfboards, the breaking point starting on the rear surface thereof. Such impacts would also be strong enough to break surfboards with such reinforcing members only in the top portion of the board, as such reinforcing core members are necessarily flexible somewhat along their length and would provide little resistance to such flexing and breaking of the surfboard.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,833 to Bixby on Jul. 13, 1999 teaches a stringer having a center panel with a pair of longitudinal cavities formed therein for hollow shaft members. The center panel of such a device is bordered by two conventional stringers. Such a device, while effective, is unnecessarily complex and expensive to manufacture. Such a device further changes the nose and tail shapes of the board and, as such, must be offered in a variety of suitable shapes. Further, such a device does nothing to provide additional support beyond the stringers to the foam blanks, which are the weakest portions of the board and where board failures typically being when the board is strongly impacted.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,549 to Hirsch on Jan. 17, 1989, teaches a hollow stringer having additional branches [Col. 2, Line 25] for intermingling with injected foam on either side of the stringer. Such a stringer, however, and the required method of manufacturing a surfboard with such a stringer, is unnecessarily complex and requires additional tooling and manufacturing space to accommodate such tooling. Surfboard manufacturers need to have a means of strengthening surfboards without requiring a complete overhaul of their manufacturing facilities. Further, the stringer of such a device is unusually thick and cannot be made of various woods and adhesives. Such a stringer, moreover, cannot be added to a conventionally made surfboard.
- Therefore, there is a need for an improved stringer reinforcing system that may be optionally added to any surfboard or like device that is made with conventional fabrication methods and tooling. Such a needed system would provide an I-Beam stringer shape, greatly increasing the lateral breaking resistance of any surfboard into which it is installed. Further, such a needed system would not greatly increase the cost or complexity of manufacturing such a board, and the finished surfboard would still be aesthetically pleasing. Such a needed invention could be used with any conventional solid blank or stringer and foam blanks combination. The present invention accomplishes these objectives.
- The present device is a reinforcing system for a floatation device, such as a surfboard. Such a floatation device has an elongated stringer that has at least a top edge and a bottom edge. The reinforcing system of the present invention includes an elongated top bracket comprising a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral side edge. The top and bottom sides are each wider than the top and bottom edges of the stringer. The cross-sectional shape of the top bracket is preferably rectangular. A similar elongated bottom bracket is also included. Such brackets may be made from a carbon fiber-based material, a plastic material, a resin material, or the like, provided that the bracket has suitable strength against breaking yet is somewhat resilient so as to accommodate a small amount of flexing during use.
- A fastening means is included for fastening the top bracket to the top edge of the stringer and for fastening the bottom bracket to the bottom edge of the stringer. Such a fastening means may be screws, or other suitable fastening means as is known in the art.
- The floatation device is preferably of the type having two buoyant blanks, each adhered to one side of the stringer. Such buoyant blanks are typically made of a foam or other buoyant material that is easily formed and cut. Each blank has at least one substantially flat side for fixing to one side of the stringer.
- Typically, during fabrication of the floatation device, each blank is fixed at the one substantially flat side thereof to the one side of the stringer with adhesive or other bonding means. A pair of notches may then be cut into each blank and the stringer to accommodate each bracket, which is then fastened with the fastening means to each blank and to the stringer, resulting in each blank being adhered to the stringer and each bracket. Alternately, or additionally, each bracket may be fastened to the stringer with a plurality of the screws. Such brackets fastened to the stringer result in the reinforcement system having a relatively strong I-beam construction. The assembled floatation device may then be coated with conventional fiberglass cloth and resin coating, applied over each blank, the stringer and each bracket.
- The present invention is an improved stringer reinforcing system that may be optionally added to any surfboard or like device that is made with conventional fabrication methods and tooling. The present invention results in an I-Beam stringer shape, greatly increasing the lateral breaking resistance of any floatation device into which it is installed. Further, use of the present system does not greatly increase the cost, complexity or time of manufacturing such a board, and the finished surfboard is still aesthetically pleasing and not much different in appearance than surfboards without such a device. As such, the present invention may be used with any conventional stringer or foam blanks. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
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FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the invention, illustrating a reinforcing system for a floatation device; -
FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of the invention, taken generally along lines 2-2 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of the invention, taken generally along lines 2-2 ofFIG. 1 , and illustrating an alternate embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 3 is a partial exploded view of the invention; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the invention, taken generally along lines 2-2 ofFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view of the alternate embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of the invention, taken generally along lines 2-2 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of yet another alternate embodiment of the invention, taken generally along lines 2-2 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a top or a bottom bracket of the invention made from a corrugated plastic material; and -
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the floatation device, illustrating an alternate embodiment of the top bracket that includes a traction pad. -
FIG. 1 illustrates a reinforcingsystem 10 for afloatation device 20, such as a surfboard. Such afloatation device 20 has an elongatedstringer 30 that has at least atop edge 34 and abottom edge 36.Such stringers 30 are typically made from balsa wood, carbon fiber-based material, epoxy resin, plastic, or the like. - The reinforcing
system 10 of the present invention includes an elongatedtop bracket 40 comprising atop side 41, abottom side 42, and aperipheral side edge 43. The top and bottom sides, 41, 42 are each wider than the top andbottom edges stringer 30. The cross-sectional shape of thetop bracket 40 is preferably rectangular, as illustrated best inFIG. 2A . Such atop bracket 40 may be made from a carbon fiber-based material, a plastic material, a resin material, or the like, provided that thebracket 40 has suitable strength against breaking yet is somewhat resilient. - Similarly, an
elongated bottom bracket 50 is also included that comprises atop side 51, abottom side 52, and aperipheral side edge 53. The top and bottom sides, 51, 52 are each wider than the top andbottom edges stringer 30. The cross-sectional shape of thebottom bracket 50 is also preferably rectangular (FIG. 2A ). Such abottom bracket 50 may be made from a carbon fiber-based material, a plastic material, a resin material, or the like, provided that thebracket 50 has suitable strength against breaking yet is somewhat resilient so as to accommodate a small amount of flexing during use. Eachbracket FIGS. 2A , 2B, andFIG. 3 , as desired. - A fastening means 60 is included for fastening the
top bracket 40 to thetop edge 34 of thestringer 30 and for fastening thebottom bracket 50 to thebottom edge 36 of thestringer 36, as illustrated in more detail inFIGS. 3 and 4 . Such a fastening means 60 may be screws 90 (FIGS. 4 and 5 ), adhesive 80 (FIGS. 2A and 3 ), rivets (not shown), or other suitable fastening means as is known in the art. In the case where the fastening means 60 isscrews 90, the top andbottom brackets apertures 95 therethrough (FIG. 5 ) so that thescrews 90 may be mounted flush with thetop side 41 andbottom side 52 of eachbracket - The
floatation device 20 is preferably of the type having twobuoyant blanks 70, each adhered to oneside 38 of thestringer 38. Suchbuoyant blanks 70 are typically made of a foam or other buoyant material that is easily formed and cut. Each blank 70 has at least one substantiallyflat side 75 for fixing to oneside 38 of thestringer 30. - Typically, during fabrication of the
floatation device 20, each blank 70 is fixed at the one substantiallyflat side 75 thereof to the oneside 38 of thestringer 30 with adhesive 80 or other bonding means as is known in the art. Optionally, a pair ofnotches 77 may then be mortised or routed into each blank 70 and thestringer 30, if present, to accommodate eachbracket 40, 50 (FIG. 2A ). A standard 3″ shaping planer (not shown), for example, may be used to cutsuch notches 77 in thefloatation device 20. Alternately, as illustrated inFIG. 2B , thenotches 77 may be omitted. Eachbracket FIG. 2A ), resulting in each blank 70 being adhered to thestringer 30, theperipheral edge 43 and thebottom side 42 of thetop bracket 40, and to theperipheral edge 53 and thetop side 51 of thetop bracket 50. Clearly thenotches 77 may be cut into each blank 70 and thestringer 30 before adhering theblanks 70 to thestringer 30. Alternately, or additionally, eachbracket stringer 30 with a plurality of the screws 90 (FIGS. 1 , 4 and 5).Such brackets stringer 30 result in thereinforcement system 10 having a relatively strong I-beam construction, as illustrated best inFIG. 2A . - Such an assembled
floatation device 20 may then be covered with a conventional fiberglass cloth and coated with aresin coating 100, applied over each blank 70, thestringer 30 and eachbracket top bracket 40 or thebottom bracket 50 may be included alone, without theother bracket stringer 30. - In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in
FIGS. 4 and 5 , eachbracket side portions U-shaped channel U-shaped channel edge stringer 30 therein for further reinforcing the strength of thestringer 30, and hence thefloatation device 20. Thebrackets floatation device 20 owner. The gauge shown inFIGS. 4 , 5 is not drawn to scale, but could be thicker or thinner as necessary. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate other alternate embodiments of the invention, wherein thebrackets resin coating 100 on atop surface 104 and abottom surface 106 of thefloatation device 20, preferably substantially covering thestringer 30 if included in thefloatation device 20. Such embodiments provide for either a rounded top side 47 (FIG. 6 ) or tapered top side 49 (FIG. 7 ) of thetop bracket 40, and a rounded bottom side 57 (FIG. 6 ) or a tapered bottom side 52 (FIG. 7 ) of thebottom bracket 50, thereby providing a smoother transition between thebrackets resin coating 100. The fastening means 60 may be a strip of the adhesive 80 with a protective liner strip (not shown) that is removed just before applying thebrackets floatation device 20. The adhesive 80 in such embodiments is a suitably strong, water-resistant adhesive that adheres eachbracket resin coating 100 permanently. Alternately, the top andbottom brackets plastic material 110, such as Lexan or the like (FIG. 8 ). - In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in
FIG. 9 , thetop bracket 40 includes atraction pad 45 at arear end 44 thereof. Such atraction pad 45 provides a high-traction surface (not shown) for increasing the traction between the user and thefloatation device 20. Thetraction pad 45 may be integrally formed with thetop bracket 40, such as by a plastic sheet stamping process or the like. - While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the exact placement of each
bracket entire floatation device 20 may be modified, as may the length of eachbracket
Claims (19)
1. A reinforcing system for a floatation device having a resin coating applied on an outer surface thereof and at least a top surface and a bottom surface, the reinforcing system comprising:
an elongated top bracket comprising a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral side edge;
an elongated bottom bracket comprising a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral side edge; and
a fastening means for fastening both the top bracket to the resin coating of the top surface of the floatation device, and the bottom bracket to the resin coating of the bottom surface of the floatation device;
whereby the brackets reinforce the floatation device at both the top and bottom surface.
2. The reinforcing system of claim 1 wherein the floatation device includes a longitudinal stringer fixed between two buoyant blanks, the resin coating applied thereover, and wherein the top bracket is fastened to the resin coating of the top surface substantially covering the stringer, and the bottom bracket is fastened to the bottom surface substantially covering the stringer.
3. The reinforcing system of claim 1 wherein the top side of the top bracket and the bottom side of the bottom bracket each have a rounded surface.
4. The reinforcing system of claim 1 wherein the top side of the top bracket and the bottom side of the bottom bracket each have a tapered surface.
5. A reinforcing system for a floatation device that has an elongated stringer having at least a top edge and a bottom edge, the reinforcing system comprising:
an elongated top bracket comprising a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral side edge, the top and bottom sides being wider than the top and bottom edges of the stringer;
an elongated bottom bracket comprising a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral side edge, the top and bottom sides being wider than the top and bottom edges of the stringer; and
a fastening means for fastening the top bracket to the top edge of the stringer, and the bottom bracket to the bottom edge of the stringer;
whereby the brackets reinforce the stringer of the floatation device upon assembly of the brackets and stringer into the floatation device.
6. The reinforcing system of claim 5 wherein the floatation device is of the type having two buoyant blanks, each adhered to one side of the stringer, and wherein each blank and the stringer is further cut to accommodate each bracket.
7. The reinforcing system of claim 6 wherein each blank is adhered to one side of the stringer and to the peripheral edge and one side of each bracket.
8. A floatation device comprising:
an elongated rectangular stringer defined by a top edge, a bottom edge, and two sides, each side being substantially parallel to the other;
a pair of buoyant blanks, each having one substantially flat side for fixing to one side of the stringer;
an elongated top bracket comprising a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral side edge, the top and bottom sides being wider than the top and bottom edges of the stringer;
an elongated bottom bracket comprising a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral side edge, the top and bottom sides being wider than the top and bottom edges of the stringer; and
a fastening means for fastening the top bracket to the top edge of the stringer and the bottom bracket to the bottom edge of the stringer.
9. The floatation device of claim 8 wherein a pair of notches are cut into each blank and the stringer to accommodate each bracket.
10. The floatation device of claim 8 wherein each blank is fixed to the stringer and to one side and the peripheral edge of each bracket with adhesive.
11. The floatation device of claim 8 wherein the fastening means is a plurality of screws.
12. The floatation device of claim 9 wherein the fastening means is adhesive.
13. The floatation device of claim 9 wherein the fastening means is a resin coating applied over the blanks, stringer, and brackets.
14. The reinforcing system of claim 1 wherein each bracket further includes two projecting side portions, a U-shaped channel defined therebetween for receiving one edge of the stringer therein.
15. The floatation device of claim 8 wherein each bracket further includes two projecting side portions, a U-shaped channel being defined therebetween for receiving one edge of the stringer therein.
16. The floatation device of claim 1 wherein the top bracket further includes at a rear end thereof a traction pad.
17. The floatation device of claim 5 wherein the top bracket and the bottom bracket are each made from a corrugated plastic material.
18. A method of reinforcing a floatation device comprising the steps of:
a) providing an assembled floatation device having an outer resin coating, a top surface and a bottom surface; an elongated top bracket comprising a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral side edge; an elongated bottom bracket comprising a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral side edge; and a fastening means that fastens each bracket to the outer resin coating of the floatation device;
b) fixing the top bracket to the resin coating of the top surface of the floatation device with the fastening means and fixing the bottom bracket to the resin coating of the bottom surface of the floatation device with the fastening means.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the fastening means is a strip of adhesive covered by a protective liner, and the following step is inserted between steps a) and b):
a′) removing the protective liner from the strip of the adhesive of each bracket.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/681,768 US20080210137A1 (en) | 2007-03-03 | 2007-03-03 | Surfboard Stringer Reinforcing system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/681,768 US20080210137A1 (en) | 2007-03-03 | 2007-03-03 | Surfboard Stringer Reinforcing system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20080210137A1 true US20080210137A1 (en) | 2008-09-04 |
Family
ID=39732194
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/681,768 Abandoned US20080210137A1 (en) | 2007-03-03 | 2007-03-03 | Surfboard Stringer Reinforcing system |
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