Abstract:
The board assembly for sliding on grass slopes comprises a board, a retaining means attached to the board and a locking means for clamping an ice block to the retaining means. The board has, essentially, a rectangular shape with longitudinal and transversal axes of symmetry, upper and lower surfaces, a front and rear end and a pair of lateral ends. The retaining means is attached to the lower surface, has an axis of symmetry coinciding with the longitudinal axis of symmetry and is adaptable to capture an ice block. The locking means actuates on the retaining means for closing it and, thereby, clamping the ice block in place. The method of sliding on grass slopes comprises the following steps:  
     providing the board;  
     attaching to the lower surface of the board at least one ice block;  
     putting the board on a grass slope; and  
     riding the board.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention refers in general to sliding boards and, more particularly, to a method for sliding on grass slopes and a board assembly therefor.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0004]    The sport of snowboarding has arisen as a popular winter sport, alternative to traditional skiing. The need to extend this widely liked sport, beyond the winter season, constitutes the determinant factor in developing the present invention.  
           [0005]    The following disclosures relate to various types of known boards: O&#39;Haire(U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,540 issued Aug. 24, 1999); Kobylenski et al.(U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,446 issued Feb 2, 1999); Brisco (U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,155 issued Oct 13, 1998); Yu (U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,695 issued Mar. 25, 1997); Csepregi (Canadian Patent No. 1,324,480 issued Nov. 9, 1993) and Elphick (Canadian Patent Application filed Oct. 11, 1990).  
           [0006]    The inventor believes that the cited above disclosures, taken alone or in combination, neither anticipate nor render obvious the present invention, which has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the disadvantages of the conventional boards. The foregoing citation of patents does not constitute an admission that such disclosures are relevant or material to the claimed subject matter. Rather, the disclosures relate only to the field of the invention and are cited as constituting the closest art of which the inventor is aware.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide a method and a board assembly suitable for sliding on grass slopes.  
           [0008]    It is another objective of this invention to build a sturdy board assembly.  
           [0009]    It is yet another objective of this invention to provide a well-engineered structure, which is also not expensive to manufacture.  
           [0010]    Broadly stating, the board assembly for sliding on grass slopes comprises a board, a retaining means attached to the board and a locking means for clamping an ice block to the retaining means. The board has, essentially, a rectangular shape with longitudinal and transversal axes of symmetry, upper and lower surfaces, a front and rear end and a pair of lateral ends.  
           [0011]    The retaining means is attached to the lower surface, has an axis of symmetry coinciding with the longitudinal axis of symmetry and is adaptable to capture an ice block.  
           [0012]    The locking means actuates on the retaining means for closing it and, thereby, clamping the ice block in place.  
           [0013]    In one aspect of the present invention, the board assembly for sliding on grass slopes comprises a board having essentially a rectangular shape with Longitudinal and transversal axes of symmetry, which intersect in the center of symmetry of the board. The board has an upper surface, a lower surface, a front and rear end and a pair of retaining frames, each of rectangular in shape. Each retaining frame has a long axis of symmetry, parallel to the transversal axis and a short axis of symmetry that coincides with the longitudinal axis of symmetry, and a long element, parallel to the transversal axis of symmetry. The pair of parallel short elements and the long element are firmly secured to the lower surface. A removable long element, parallel to the long element is disposed near the transversal axis of symmetry and is adapted to fit with its opposite ends, using corner lap joints, in adjoining ends of the short elements. Each removable long element has a central recess located in the side directed towards the transversal axis of symmetry. On the top surface of each short, long and removable long element, a retainer is so secured, that it extends inwardly beyond the internal edge of each of the mentioned elements, to form a lip. The resulting lips form a substantial rectangular contour, which encompasses an open surface, which is less than the interior surface of the retaining frame.  
           [0014]    A locking means actuates simultaneously for fixing in position or dismantling the removable long elements.  
           [0015]    In another aspect of the present invention, the locking means includes a turnbuckle, internally threaded at both ends, one end being right hand threaded, the other—left hand threaded. In each of the ends is screwed a threaded, closed eye rod, which has an eye at one extremity and a thread at the other extremity. The eye is directed toward the recess of the removable long element. Rotating the turnbuckle in one direction results in tightening, in another direction—in slackening of the removable long element.  
           [0016]    In one aspect, the above embodiment is provided with a pair of fixed loop handles, which are firmly secured on the upper surface of the board. Each fixed loop handle is disposed adjacent to a lateral end and is parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry and perpendicular to the transversal axis of symmetry.  
           [0017]    In the last aspect of the above embodiment, a rope with a handle in the middle is attached by knots to a pair of holes, disposed approximate to the rear end. The holes are located parallel to the transversal axes of symmetry and perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of symmetry of the board.  
           [0018]    In another embodiment, a unitary board having, essentially, a rectangular shape with longitudinal and transversal axes of symmetry, an upper and lower surface, a front and rear end and a pair of lateral ends. Front and rear ends are curvilinear and the transition between upper and lower surfaces, along the contour of the board, is rounded. A recess, starting from the lower surface and having, in the bottom view, essentially, a rectangular shape, basically extends over most of the area of the board. The axes of symmetry of the recess coincide with the longitudinal and transversal axes of symmetry of the unitary board. In each lateral surface of the pair of lateral ends, centrally located and starting from the recess, a rectangular entrance slit, parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry, is provided. The latter includes, at each end, an upper part of a corner lap joint.  
           [0019]    Use is made of a pair of removable long elements. Each removable long element is adapted to fit, with its opposite ends, into adjoining ends of opposed rectangular entrance slits, thereby forming corner lap joints. Thus, two cavities adapted to capture ice blocks are formed. On the exterior surface of each of the four elements of the rectangular shape, which delimits each of the two cavities, a retainer is firmly secured.  
           [0020]    An adjustable locking device, located between the opposed removable long elements, actuates simultaneously on the latter.  
           [0021]    The method of sliding on grass slopes, using a board having, an upper and lower surface and adaptable to use an ice block, according to the present invention, comprises the following steps:  
           [0022]    providing the board;  
           [0023]    attaching to the lower surface of the board at least one ice block;  
           [0024]    putting the board on a grass slope; and  
           [0025]    riding the board. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]    Although the characteristic features of the invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming part thereof, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, in which:  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the board assembly of the present invention, viewed from the bottom and illustrating the retaining frames and the adjustable locking device;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ice block;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a removable long element;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the adjusting locking device;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the board assembly viewed from the top;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the board assembly of the present invention; and  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a unitary board according to the second embodiment. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0034]    Referring to the drawings, wherein like elements are indicated by like numerals, numeral  10  indicate, in general, a first embodiment of a board assembly for sliding on grass slopes. The latter, basically, comprises a board  20 , which is similar to known snowboards, but has wider dimensions. To board  20  is attached a pair of retaining frames  40 . Each retaining frame  40  is used for clamping an ice block  60 . Board  20  is made in the usual way, in which similar boards are made and has, essentially, a rectangular shape with longitudinal and transversal axes of symmetry  21  and  22 , respectively. The former and latter named axes intersect in a center of symmetry  23  of board  20  which has an  
         [0035]    upper surface  24 , a lower surface  25 , a front end  26 , a rear end  27  and a pair of lateral ends  28 . Front end  26  and rear end  27  are curvilinear. A pair of holes  29  is provided proximate to rear end  27  and disposed parallel to transversal axis of symmetry  22  and perpendicular to longitudinal axis of symmetry  21 . The purpose of pair of holes  29  will be explained later in the present disclosure.  
         [0036]    Each retaining frame  40  is made, preferably, from the same material as board  20 , has essentially a rectangular shape and is located on lower surface  25  of board  20 . Each retaining frame  40  has a long axis of symmetry  41 , parallel to transversal axis of symmetry  22 , and coincides with longitudinal axis of symmetry  21  of board  20 . One of the pair of retaining frames  40  is proximate to front end  26 , while the other one is proximate to the rear end  27 . Each retaining frame  40  is formed from a pair of parallel short elements  43  parallel to said longitudinal axis of symmetry  21  and firmly secured with screws (not shown) to said lower surface  25 . A long element  44  is also firmly secured with screws (not shown) to said lower surface  25  and disposed, respectively, near front and rear ends  26  and  27 .  
         [0037]    A removable long element  45 , disposed adjacent to transversal axis of symmetry  22 , is fitted with its opposite ends, by corner lap joints  46 , in adjoining ends of short elements  43 . Each removable long element  45  has a side  47 , directed towards said center of symmetry  23 , provided with a central recess  48 . The latter has the form of an oblong, blind hole.  
         [0038]    On the exterior top surface of each of short elements  43 , long element  44  and removable long element  45  of each retaining frame  40 , a retainer  49 , made from a strip of rigid material, such as metal, is firmly fixed. All retainers  49  extend inwardly, beyond internal edges of the above elements ( 43 , 44  and  45 ), forming lips. These lips constitute a substantial rectangular contour, which encompasses an open surface, which is smaller than that formed by the elements of retaining frame  40 .  
         [0039]    An adjustable locking device  80 , for fixing in position said removable long elements  45 , includes a turnbuckle  81 , which constitutes an elongated piece, internally threaded at both ends  82  and, respectively,  83 . If one end, for example  82 , is right-hand threaded, the other end  83  is left-hand threaded. In both ends  82  and  83  a threaded, closed eye rod  84  is screwed. The latter is provided with an eye  85 . By rotating turnbuckle  81 , with eyes  85  of upper surface  24 , a lower surface  25 , a front end  26 , a rear end  27  and a pair of lateral ends  28 . Front end  26  and rear end  27  are curvilinear. A pair of holes  29  is provided proximate to rear end  27  and disposed parallel to transversal axis of symmetry  22  and perpendicular to longitudinal axis of symmetry  21 . The purpose of pair of holes  29  will be explained later in the present disclosure.  
         [0040]    Each retaining frame  40  is made, preferably, from the same material as board  20 , has essentially a rectangular shape and is located on lower surface  25  of board  20 . Each retaining frame  40  has a long axis of symmetry  41 , parallel to transversal axis of symmetry  22 , and coincides with longitudinal axis of symmetry  21  of board  20 . One of the pair of retaining frames  40  is proximate to front end  26 , while the other one is proximate to the rear end  27 . Each retaining frame  40  is formed from a pair of parallel short elements  43  parallel to said longitudinal axis of symmetry  21  and firmly secured with screws (not shown) to said lower surface  25 . A long element  44  is also firmly secured with screws (not shown) to said lower surface  25  and disposed, respectively, near front and rear ends  26  and  27 .  
         [0041]    A removable long element  45 , disposed adjacent to transversal axis of symmetry  22 , is fitted with its opposite ends, by corner lap joints  46 , in adjoining ends of short elements  43 . Each removable long element  45  has a side  47 , directed towards said center of symmetry  23 , provided with a central recess  48 . The latter has the form of an oblong, blind hole.  
         [0042]    On the exterior top surface of each of short elements  43 , long element  44  and removable long element  45  of each retaining frame  40 , a retainer  49 , made from a strip of rigid material, such as metal, is firmly fixed. All retainers  49  extend inwardly, beyond internal edges of the above elements ( 43 , 44  and  45 ), forming lips. These lips constitute a substantial rectangular contour, which encompasses an open surface, which is smaller than that formed by the elements of retaining frame  40 .  
         [0043]    An adjustable locking device  80 , for fixing in position said removable long elements  45 , includes a turnbuckle  81 , which constitutes an elongated piece, internally threaded at both ends  82  and, respectively,  83 . If one end, for example  82 , is right-hand threaded, the other end  83  is left-hand threaded. In both ends  82  and  83  a threaded, closed eye rod  84  is screwed. The latter is provided with an eye  85 . By rotating turnbuckle  81 , with eyes  85  of both threaded, closed eye rods  84  directed towards recess  48 , penetration in or retraction from recesses  48  occurs. Thus, tightening or slackening of removable long elements  45  takes place. Obviously, in order to insert ice blocks  60  in retaining frames  40 , slackening followed by tightening must take place.  
         [0044]    A pair of fixed loop handles  90  is firmly secured on upper surface  24  of board  20 . Each fixed loop handle  90  is disposed close to each lateral end  28  and is parallel to longitudinal axis of symmetry  21  and perpendicular to transversal axis of symmetry  22 . A rope  100 , provided with a handle  101 , in its middle part, is attached with its ends to pair of holes  29  by knots (not shown).  
         [0045]    Each ice-block  60 , which is made in a mold, comprises a first and second parallelepiped  61  and, respectively  62 , which form a unitary body. First parallelepiped  61  is larger than second  62 , and is dimensioned to fit in a cavity formed by each retaining frame  40 . Second parallelepiped  62 , which protrudes from first parallelepiped  61 , has its transversal cross-section adapted to fit the substantial rectangular contour formed by retainers  49 .  
         [0046]    Board  20  can be steered by holding onto fixed loop handles  80  and leaning from side to side or by sitting and dragging the rider&#39;s feet on the grass.  
         [0047]    Rope  100  allows a standing rider to keep his balance, and, by pulling on it and leaning forward, to move the center of gravity to front end  26  of board  20 , for steering purposes. Handle  101  can also be used to pull board  20  back up a hill.  
         [0048]    A grip opening  102 , provided near one of fixed loop handles  80 , is used to easily carry board assembly  10 .  
         [0049]    In another embodiment, a unitary board  20 ′, made of plastic material, has essentially a rectangular shape with a longitudinal and transversal axis of symmetry  21 ′ and, respectively,  22 ′. Unitary board  20 ′ has an upper and lower surface  24 ′ and, respectively,  25 ′, a front and rear end  26 ′ and, respectively,  27 ′, and a pair of lateral ends  28 ′. Front and rear-end  26 ′ and  27 ′ are curvilinear, and there is a rounded transition, around the configuration of unitary board  20 ′, between top and lower surfaces  24 ′ and  25 ′.  
         [0050]    In unitary board  20 ′, starting from lower surface  25 ′, a recess  120  is formed. The latter has in plan view an essentially rectangular shape and extends basically over most of the area of lower surface  25 ′. The axes of symmetry of recess  120  coincide with longitudinal and transversal axes of symmetry  21 ′ and  22 ′ of unitary board  20 ′. Centrally and parallel to longitudinal axis of symmetry  21 ′, in each of lateral ends  28 ′, starting from recess  120 , a rectangular entrance slit  122  is provided. The latter comprises, at each end, an upper part  124  of a corner lap joint  46 ′.  
         [0051]    A pair of removable long elements  45  is used. Each removable long element  45  is adapted to fit with its opposite ends in adjoining ends of opposed rectangular entrance slits  122 . Thus, when the pair of removable long elements  45  is in place, two rectangular cavities  126  for lodging pair of first parallelepiped  61  of ice block  60  are formed.  
         [0052]    On the exterior surface of each zone delimiting a cavity  126 , a retainer  49  is firmly attached to each side of the latter including removable long element  45 . Since the four retainers  49  extend inwardly, beyond the edges of cavity  126 , a rectangular contour is formed. The latter delimits second parallelepiped  62 , and, thus, retains first parallelepiped  61  in cavity  126 .  
         [0053]    An adjustable locking device  80  is used to keep in position removable long elements  45 , which are provided with central recesses  48 .  
         [0054]    Like in the first described embodiment, unitary board  20 ′ is provided with a pair of holes  29 ′ to which a rope  100  (not shown) is attached.  
         [0055]    The method of sliding on grass slopes, using a board having an upper and lower surface and adaptable to use an ice block, comprises the following steps:  
         [0056]    providing the board;  
         [0057]    attaching to the lower surface of the board at least one ice block;  
         [0058]    putting the board on a grass slope; and  
         [0059]    riding the board.  
         [0060]    Various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention or the scope of the appended claims. The embodiments set forth in this disclosure are given as example and are in no way final or binding. In view of the above, it will be seen that several objectives of the invention are basically achieved and other advantages are obtained. As many changes could be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.  
         [0061]    and transversal axes of symmetry  21 ′ and  22 ′ of unitary board  20 ′. Centrally and parallel to longitudinal axis of symmetry  21 ′, in each of lateral ends  28 ′, starting from recess  120 , a rectangular entrance slit  122  is provided. The latter comprises, at each end, an upper part  124  of a corner lap joint  46 ′.  
         [0062]    A pair of removable long elements  45  is used. Each removable long element  45  is adapted to fit with its opposite ends in adjoining ends of opposed rectangular entrance slits  122 . Thus, when the pair of removable long elements  45  is in place, two rectangular cavities  126  for lodging pair of first parallelepiped  61  of ice block  60  are formed.  
         [0063]    On the exterior surface of each zone delimiting a cavity  126 , a retainer  49  is firmly attached to each side of the latter including removable long element  45 . Since the four retainers  49  extend inwardly, beyond the edges of cavity  126 , a rectangular contour is formed. The latter delimits second parallelepiped  62 , and, thus, retains first parallelepiped  61  in cavity  126 .  
         [0064]    An adjustable locking device  80  is used to keep in position removable long elements  45 , which are provided with central recesses  48 .  
         [0065]    Like in the first described embodiment, unitary board  20 ′ is provided with a pair of holes  29 ′ to which a rope  100  (not shown) is attached.  
         [0066]    The method of sliding on grass slopes, using a board having an upper and lower surface and adaptable to use an ice block, comprises the following steps:  
         [0067]    providing the board;  
         [0068]    attaching to the lower surface of the board at least one ice block;  
         [0069]    putting the board on a grass slope; and  
         [0070]    riding the board.  
         [0071]    Various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention or the scope of the appended claims. The embodiments set forth in this disclosure are given as example and are in no way final or binding. In view of the above, it will be seen that several objectives of the invention are basically achieved and other advantages are obtained. As many changes could be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.