This invention relates to a snow-surf board, that is a board which can be used on snow in a manner similar to a surf board.

A two-level snowboard without bindings is known in which a deck is mounted above a base which is adapted to slide over the snow. The deck and the base are joined by a truck assembly. The base and the deck are relatively short (less than 1 metre) and the base and the deck are substantially of the same length. A disadvantage of such a snowboard is that, although manoeuvrable, it is relatively slow and is unsuitable for moving at speed or performing acrobatic moves. Further, due to the relatively slow speed of the known two-level snowboard the manner in which the deck is secured to the base is not well suited to a product that is capable of moving at speed or of performing acrobatic moves.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a snow-surf board which overcomes or at least ameliorates at least some of these disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a snow-surf board comprising a base adapted to slide over snow, a deck spaced above the base, and supporting means extending between the base and the deck for supporting the deck above the base, wherein the length of the deck to the length of the base is in a ratio from 1:1.4 to 1:2.2.

The ratio is preferably in a range from 1:1.6 to 1:2, more preferably in a range from 1:1.8 to 1:2 and most preferably is substantially 1:1.6.

A plurality of supporting means may be provided between the base and the deck.

The length of the base may be in the range from 145 to 220 cm, for example from 155 cm to 210 cm, preferably from 165 to 200 cm and most preferably from 165 to 195 cm.

The length of the deck may be in the range from 75 to 110 cm, preferably from 80 to 105 cm and most preferably from 85 to 105 cm.

The base may have a single rounded end and a single substantially rectangular end or may have two rounded ends.

The width of the deck may be greater than the width of the base. The deck may have a width in the range from 20 to 28 cm, preferably from 21 to 26.5 cm, more preferably from 22 to 25 cm and ideally substantially 22 cm.

The ratio of the width of the deck to the width of the base at the narrowest region of the base may be in the range from about 1.3:1 to 3.5:1, preferably from 1.8:1 to 2.5:1. The ratio of the width of the deck to the width of the base at the widest region of the base may be in the range from 1.15:1 to 2.55:1, preferably from 1.6:1 to 1.82:1.

The supporting means may space the deck 70 to 180 mm, preferably 80 to 120 mm, more preferably 80 to 100 mm, and most preferably substantially 90 mm, above the base.

Two supporting means may be provided, one being arranged at each end region of the deck. Alternatively, a single supporting means may be provided.

The deck may be mounted on the base such that the midpoint of the elongate extension of the deck is in the range from 50 to 60 percent of the elongate extension of the base measured from the tip of the base.

The supporting means may incorporate shock-absorbing means, such as an elastomeric shock-absorbing means.

A foot grip may be provided on the upper surface of the deck. The foot grip may be a moulded grip, a sheet of elastomeric material, or a high viscosity wax.

Thus, the present invention provides a snow-surf board which is capable of closely replicating a surfing experience on snow.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a snow- surf board according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the snow-surf board shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the snow-surf board shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a snow-surf board according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the snow-surf board shown in Figure 4 ;

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the snow-surf board shown in Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a plan view of a base plate forming part of a truck assembly securing a deck of the snow-surf board to a base thereof;

Figure 8 is a side elevational view of the base plate shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a plan view of a securing block forming part of a truck assembly securing a deck of the snow-surf board to a base thereof;

Figure 10 is a side elevational view of the securing block shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a plan view of a shock-absorbing member forming part of a truck assembly securing a deck of the snow-surf board to a base thereof;

Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the shock-absorbing member shown in Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a plan view of a separating member forming part of a truck assembly securing a deck of the snow-surf board to a base thereof;

Figure 14 is a side elevational view of the separating member shown in Figure 13;

Figure 15 is an side elevational view of a truck assembly in two sections for securing a deck of the snow-surf board to a base thereof; and

Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the truck assembly.

The snow-surf board according to the present invention and shown in the accompanying figures comprises a lower board or base 1 which is essentially in the form of a single ski and an upper deck 3 which is essentially in the form of a skate board. The deck 3 is spaced above the base 1 by means of a pair of truck assemblies 5. The truck assemblies 5 space the deck 3 generally about 70 to 180 mm, preferably about 80 to 100 mm, and most preferably about 90 mm, above the base 1. In general the steeper the terrain the higher the truck assemblies.

As noted above, the base can be a single ski, ideally an off-piste ski, having for an adult a length in the range from about 165 to about 195 cm, a waist dimension of about 90 to 95 mm and a turning radius in the range from 12 to 19 m. Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a relatively long base, while Figures 4 to 6 illustrate a relatively short base. Women and children may ride less stiff and shorter boards than men and the boards may have a smaller turning radius, for example as little as 8 m. Figures 1 to 3 show a base having a single rounded end and a single substantially rectangular end (unidirectional) , while Figures 4 to 6 illustrate a base having two rounded ends (bi-directional) to allow the rider to perform manoeuvres and tricks.

The base may have a width in the nose region thereof in the range from about 110 to about 175 mm preferably about 115 to about 160 mm and most preferably about 120 to about 145 mm, a width in the tail region thereof in the range from about 90 to about 160 mm, preferably about 100 to about 150 mm and most preferably from about 115 to about 140 mm, and a width in the waist region thereof from about 80 to about 155 mm, preferably about 85 to about 137 mm and most preferably from about 90 to about 120 mm, the waist region always being narrower than each of the nose and tail regions.

The deck is substantially shorter than the base, but somewhat wider. For example, the deck can have a length in the range from about 75 to about 110 cm, preferably about 80 cm to about 105 cm, and most preferably from about 85 to about 105 cm and a width in the range of about 20 to about

28 cm, preferably about 21 to about 26.5 cm, more preferably about 22 to about 25 cm and ideally about 22 cm. The width of the deck needs to be sufficient to be able to stand comfortably on the deck, but not so wide that it contacts the snow to any significant extent when the snow- surf board is turning or on steep slopes. In addition it is desirable to increase the spacing between the base and the deck for users with large feet, again to minimise contact with the snow. The deck is curved along its length with the central region of the deck being about 20 mm below the end regions thereof. In addition, the nose and tail of the deck are curved upwardly by up to about 60 mm from the end regions . The deck may be mounted on the base such that the midpoint of the elongate extent of the deck is some 50 to 60 percent along the elongate extent of the base, measured from the tip of the base.

The absolute lengths of the base and of the deck are not as important as their relative lengths. The ratio of the length of the deck to the length of the base should be in the range from 1:1.4 to 1:2.2 and preferably in the range from 1:1.6 to 1:2, more preferably in the range from 1:1.8 to 1:2. The lower end of the range needs to be sufficiently high to ensure the snow-surf board can attain sufficiently high speeds, while the upper end of the range needs to be sufficiently low to ensure the snow-surf board has sufficient manoeuvrability. Ideally, the ratio should be close to 1:1.6.

Translated into absolute values, the lengths of the deck and of the base can be as follows:

Length of deck Length of base cm cm

50 70 - 110, preferably 80 - 100 60 84 - 132, preferably 96 - 120

70 98 - 154, preferably 112 - 140

80 112 - 176, preferably 126 - 160

90 126 - 198, preferably 144 - 180

115 161 - 253, preferably 184 - 230

The ratio of the width of the deck to the width of the base at the narrowest region of the base may be in the range from about 1.3:1 to 3.5:1, preferably from 1.8:1 to 2.5:1. The ratio of the width of the deck to the width of the base at the widest region of the base may be in the range from 1.15:1 to 2.55:1, preferably from 1.6:1 to 1.82:1.

The upper surface of the deck is provided with a grip to increase security between the soles of the shoes of the user and the surface of the deck. For example, moulded grips (not shown) may be attached to the upper surface of the deck or a sheet of elastomeric material such as foam rubber or like material may be secured to the upper surface of the deck, for example by means of a suitable adhesive.

As a further alternative, a high viscosity wax or the like may be applied to the upper surface of the deck.

The components of the truck assemblies 5 are shown in more detail in Figures 7 to 16.

Figures 7 and 8 show a base plate 7, two of which are secured to the base 1 at suitably spaced locations. The base plate is made of a hard, durable material which is lightweight and resistant to low temperatures, water and

ultraviolet radiation, such as polyurethane plastics material or aluminium and is generally in the form of a disc having a diameter of about 80 mm and a thickness of about 10 mm. The base plate is formed with a central threaded through-hole 9 and with four securing holes 11 arranged at 40 mm centres around the through-hole 9. Each securing hole has a diameter of about 6 mm and is surrounded by a tapered section 13 having a width of about 3 mm, the taper being such that the tapered section extends to about 4 mm from the level of the start of the taper.

Figures 9 and 10 show a mounting block 17 is made of a similar material to that of the base plate 7. The mounting block is generally in the form of a disc having a diameter of about 80 mm and a thickness of about 30 mm. The mounting block is formed with a central through-hole 19 which is not threaded and has a diameter of about 8 mm and with four recesses 21 which have a diameter of about 6 mm and are spaced at 40 mm centres around the through-hole. The recesses 21 extend to a depth less than the thickness of the mounting block, for example to about 10 mm, and are internally threaded. The edges of the mounting block 17 may be chamfered or otherwise rounded for safety purposes.

Figures 11 and 12 show a shock absorbing member 23 which is made of an elastomeric material that is resistant to low temperatures, water and ultraviolet radiation. The shock absorbing member is generally in the form of a disc having a diameter of about 80 mm and a thickness of about 15 mm and serves to absorb shocks and to reduce the risk of damage to the snow-surf board as a result of heavy impacts

or when used at high speed. The shock absorbing member is formed with a central through-hole 25 having a diameter of about 8 mm and with four further through-holes 27 having a diameter of about 6 mm and arranged at 40 mm centres around the central through-hole. The separating member may be made in differing thicknesses and with differing elastic properties for users having differing weights and abilities and for use in differing conditions and on differing terrains.

Figures 13 and 14 show a separating member 29 which is made of an elastomeric material that is resistant to low temperatures, water and ultraviolet radiation. The shock absorbing member is generally in the form of a disc having a diameter of about 80 mm and a thickness of about 1 mm and serves to absorb shocks and to reduce the risk of damage to the snow-surf board as a result of heavy impacts or when used at high speed. The separating member 29 is formed with a central through-hole 31 having a diameter of about 8 mm.

Figure 15 shows how the mounting block 17 is secured to the underside of the deck 3 and how the base plate 7 is secured to the base 1.

The mounting block 17 is secured to the underside of the deck 3 by forming (drilling) four holes having a diameter of about 6 mm through the deck at 40 mm centres. A shock absorbing member 23 is positioned between the underside of the deck and the mounting block, and four metal screws are passed through tapered washers 31 before being passed

through the deck 3 and through the holes 27 in the shock absorbing member 23 and threaded into the recesses 21 formed in the mounting block 17. The tapered washers 31 may be made of a material having a thickness of about 1 mm and may have a diameter of about 14 mm. A further hole, having a diameter of about 8 mm, is formed through the deck at the centre of the square formed by the four holes to receive a central metal screw 33 which is passed through a tapered washer 35 before being passed through the deck 3, through the hole 25 in the shock absorbing member 23, through the hole 19 in the mounting block 17 and through the central hole in the separating member 29 before being threaded into the hole 9 in the base plate 7.

The tapered surfaces of the washers engage with the tapered surfaces in the deck 3. In this way, when the metal screws are tightened they pull the washers into the tapered portions and securely fasten the mounting member 17 to the deck 3 and the lower portion of the truck assembly to the upper portion thereof.

The base plate 7 is secured to the base 1 by forming an array of four blind holes in the base at the corners of a square having 40 mm sides, the holes being arranged fore and aft and laterally with respect to the base. Inserts are inserted into the blind holes and secured in position, for example by screwing and/or gluing. The inserts are internally threaded to receive metal screws. A shock absorbing member 23 is positioned over the inserts and the base plate 7 is positioned over the shock absorbing member

23. Metal screws are passed through the four securing

holes in the base plate 7 and through the four through- holes 27 in the shock absorbing member 23 and engage with the threaded inserts to secure the base plate 7 and shock absorbing member 23 to the base 1. The edges of the base plate 7 may be chamfered or otherwise rounded for safety purposes .

Figure 16 shows the truck assembly in exploded form with a separating member 29 positioned between the mounting block 17 and the base plate 7.

Two base plates 7 are secured to the base and two mounting blocks 17 are secured to the underside of the deck one at each end region of the deck and spaced, for example, at about 240 mm, or about shoulder width apart, fore and aft of the centre of the base, the base plates and the mounting blocks being positioned the same distance apart. To secure the deck to the base, the mounting plates are positioned on the base plates with any desired number of elastomeric separating members positioned therebetween and a metal screw is inserted through the further hole in the deck and through the through-holes 27 in the separating members and the through-hole 19 in the mounting block and is threaded into the central through-hole 9 in the base plate. Once the metal screw has been tightened the snow-surf board is ready for use.

The snow-surf board does not have any bindings for engaging with the user, but is attached to the user by means of a leash. It is important that the leash should be sufficiently strong so as not to part otherwise the snow-

surf board could run down a slope out of control . One end of the leash is secured to the snow-surf board, ideally through a hole drilled through the deck 3 and the other end of the leash is removably attached to the leg of the user, ideally the ankle region of the leading leg. The leash is attached to the user by a fastening mechanism that can readily be removed manually, but which will not release accidentally. Suitable leashes are well known to the skilled person.

The snow-surf board has the advantages of a high top speed and a capability of handling steep and difficult terrain. The board is able to carve effectively and is stable in a fore and aft direction.