Snowboard conversion kit

In described embodiments, a snowboard conversion kit includes a first strap assembly having a first hollow strap sleeve having a first end, a second end, distal from the first end, and a cutout between the first end and the second end. A first strap has a first strap end that extends into the first hollow strap sleeve from the first end and a second strap end that extends into the first hollow strap sleeve from the second end. The first strap and the first strap sleeve form a loop. A first strap securing assembly is adapted to extend through the first hollow strap sleeve and secure the first hollow strap sleeve to a snowboard. A second strap assembly, similar to the first strap assembly is also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to snowboarding equipment, and, in particular, to a kit that can convert a standard snowboard into a sled-like device.

Description of the Related Art

Just about every snowboard owner/operator has attempted, unsuccessfully, with struggle, to ride atop a snowboard in the seated position, at one time or another, while awkwardly grasping onto the existing snowboard boot bindings. This results in an incomplete ride, leaving the rider thirsty for a means to unlock the full potential of what the snowboard has to offer, as if it were operated as a sled.

It would be beneficial to enable a snowboarder to convert his/her snowboard into a sled-like device for a different type of ride than a standard snowboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein is designed to convert a snowboard into a sled. By means of detaching both boot bindings from the snowboard, allows the user to fasten both a hand strap assembly and a foot strap assembly in place of the original boot bindings, thus allowing the user both maximum comfort and safe control of the snowboard, in the seated position, at the user's lowest point of center of gravity. In addition, the invention solves the problem of operating a snowboard from the seated position, awkwardly grasping the aforementioned boot bindings.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a snowboard conversion kit comprising a first strap assembly having a first hollow strap sleeve having a first end, a second end, distal from the first end, and a cutout between the first end and the second end. A first strap has a first strap end extending into the first hollow strap sleeve from the first end and a second strap end extending into the first hollow strap sleeve from the second end, the first strap and the first strap sleeve forming a loop. A first strap securing assembly is adapted to extend through the first hollow strap sleeve and secure the first hollow strap sleeve to a snowboard. A second strap assembly, similar to the first strap assembly is also provided.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a snowboard conversion kit comprising a hand strap assembly having a hand loop extending through a first sleeve. The first sleeve is adapted to be mounted on a rear portion of a snowboard at a first non-longitudinal angle. A foot strap assembly has a foot loop extending through a second sleeve. The second sleeve is adapted to be mounted on a forward portion of the snowboard at a second non-longitudinal angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. The embodiments illustrated below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. These embodiments are chosen and described to best explain the principle of the invention and its application and practical use and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention.

Referring toFIGS. 1-9B, a first exemplary embodiment of a snowboard conversion kit100(“kit100”) according to the present invention allows a rider to replace the snowboard boot bindings (not shown) on a snowboard50with kit100and ride snowboard50like a sled.

The use of kit100on snowboard50provides a means to control snowboard50from the seated position atop the rider support surface of the snowboard50. Each hand strap assembly and foot strap assembly has a base sleeve element containing holes within them that line up with the bolt pattern on snowboard50. The foot strap assembly is supported at the front52of the snowboard50. The hand strap assembly is supported at the rear54of the snowboard50. Each assembly also has its own flexible strap element that threads through the base sleeve element end and loops back and fastens to itself.

The various embodiments of the hand strap assembly and foot strap assembly disclosed herein, as well as the various components and features associated with them, are described in the context of snowboards because they have particular utility in this context. However, the devices and methods described herein, as well as their various components and features, can be used in other contexts as well, such as, for example, but without limitation, surfboards, skateboards, other types of board and/or the like.

With reference toFIG. 1A, kit100includes two devices, a first, or hand strap, assembly2A at the rear54of the snowboard50, and a second, or foot strap, assembly4A at the front52of the snowboard. The hand strap assembly2A, includes a base sleeve6and a strap8, which when configured together with securing members, discussed in detail below with respect toFIGS. 5A and 5B, construct hand strap assembly2A. Similar to hand strap assembly2A, foot strap assembly4A includes a base sleeve10and a strap12.

As shown inFIG. 1B, a rider (not shown) secures their hand60in the rear device2A by grasping the strap element8of the hand strap assembly2A. In addition, the rider secures their foot in the front device4A by pressing the strap element12forward with the bottom of their boot70, positioning the strap element12of the foot strap assembly4A, just in front of the heel, within the region of the arch of the rider's foot. With the distance between the hand strap assembly2A and foot strap assembly4A adjusted and positioned correctly, the base sleeve element10of the Foot strap assembly4A should be located behind the rider's ankle as forward tension is placed on the strap element12of the foot strap assembly4A.

Bottom, top, and side views of one embodiment of a base sleeve element6configured for use with a hand strap assembly2A are illustrated inFIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, respectively. According to certain embodiments, the base sleeve element6is approximately 4½ inches long, and ¾ inches in width. However, in other arrangements, the length of the base sleeve element6can be greater or less than 4½ inches long, and the width can be greater or less than ¾ inches, as desired or required. The base sleeve6can be constructed of aluminum for its resistance to corrosion, due to contact with natural elements, and also for its lightweight quality. Optionally, the base sleeve element6can include an upward bend20having an angle of about 5 degrees, but can have a bend greater than or less than 5 degrees, as desired or required.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2B, and 2C, a cutout in the form of an opening14is cut out of the top section of the base sleeve6, known as the crown, just through to the inside top of the base sleeve6, known as the obvert. In an exemplary embodiment, opening14is oval, although those skilled in the art will recognize that opening14can be other shapes. According to certain embodiments of the oval opening14, the length is 3 inches long, and the width is ½ inch wide. However, in other arrangements of the oval opening14, the length can be greater or less than 3 inches, and the width can be greater or less than ½ inch, as desired or required. Opposite the oval opening14are two outside mounting hardware holes16, each 5/16 inch in diameter, and one center mounting hardware hole18, also 5/16 inch in diameter. However in other arrangements, the diameter can be greater or less than 5/16 inch, as desired or required. The distance between the two outside mounting hardware holes16, is 4 centimeters, from center to center, of each outside mounting hardware hole16. As desired or required, the mounting hardware holes can be spaced closer or further apart, from center to center, in other arrangements. Furthermore, the purpose of the two outside mounting hardware holes16is to be used in conjunction with, but not limited to, standard 2×4, 4×4, and 3D existing snowboard bolt patterns. With reference to the center mounting hardware hole18, its purpose is to be used in conjunction with, but not limited to, standard 3D, and Channel existing snowboard bolt patterns.

Bottom, top, and side views of one embodiment of a base sleeve element10, configured for use with a foot strap assembly4A, are illustrated inFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, respectively. According to certain embodiments, the base sleeve element10is approximately 10 inches long, and ¾ inches in width. However, in other arrangements, the length of the base sleeve element10can be greater or less than 10 inches long, and the width can be greater or less than ¾ inches, as desired or required. In an exemplary embodiment, the base sleeve10can constructed of aluminum for its resistance to corrosion, due to contact with natural elements, and also for its lightweight quality. Those skilled in the art, however, will recognize that other suitable materials can be used. Optionally, the base sleeve element10, can include an upward bend28having an angle of 15 degrees, but can have a bend greater or less than 15 degrees, as desired or required.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3B, and 3C, an opening22is cut out of the top section of the base sleeve10, known as the crown, just through to the inside top of the base sleeve10, known as the obvert. In an exemplary embodiment, opening22is oval, although those skilled in the art will recognize that opening22can be other shapes. According to certain embodiments of the oval opening22, the length is 3 inches long, and the width is ½ inch wide. However, in other arrangements of the oval opening22, the length can be greater or less than 3 inches, and the width can be greater or less than ½ inch, as desired or required. Opposite the oval opening22, are two outside mounting hardware holes24, each 5/16 inch in diameter, and one center mounting hardware hole26, also 5/16 inch in diameter. However in other arrangements, the diameter can be greater or less than 5/16 inch, as desired or required. The distance between the two outside mounting hardware holes24, is 4 centimeters, from center to center, of each outside mounting hardware holes24. As desired or required, the mounting hardware holes can be spaced closer or further apart from center to center in other arrangements. Furthermore, the purpose of the two outside mounting hardware holes24is to be used in conjunction with, but not limited to, standard 2×4, 4×4, and 3D existing snowboard bolt patterns. With reference to the center mounting hardware hole26, its purpose it to be used in conjunction with, but not limited to, standard 3D, and Channel snowboard bolt patterns.

FIGS. 4A, and 4Billustrates representation of the hand strap element8, and foot strap element12, respectively. The strap elements8,12loop through the aforementioned base sleeve elements6,10, respectively, and connect back to itself, end to end, forming an infinite loop. Examples of how the strap element connects back to itself are, but not limited to, weaving each end back through its said self, knot tying each together, heat fusion, or other suitable connection processes. In additionFIG. 4A, a hand strap8is 18 inches long end to end, constructed of, but not limited to manila, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, nylon, or other suitable materials. In other arrangements, referring toFIG. 4B, foot strap12, is 32 inches long end to end, constructed of, but not limited to manila, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, nylon, or other suitable materials.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a perspective exploded view, not to scale, of the assembly configuration of hand strap assembly2A and a securing assembly in the form of hardware such as bolt/screw H1, lock washer H2, and flat washer H3, for mounting kit100to snowboard50. The mounting process of the hand strap assembly2A goes as follows, but is not limited to: a bolt/screw H1, inserts through a lock washer H2, then through a flat washer H3, and finally through a mounting hole16/18of sleeve mount6, wherein last bolt/screw H1threads into a preferred existing Bolt Pattern BP1hole atop a snowboard50. As noted above, the strap element8threads through the base sleeve6and attaches end to end to itself by means of connection30within the sleeve6, and is accessible through the opening14.

FIG. 5Billustrates a perspective exploded view, not to scale, of the assembly configuration of foot strap assembly4A and a securing assembly in the form of hardware such as bolt/screw H1, lock washer H2, and flat washer H3, for mounting kit100to snowboard50. The mounting process of the foot strap assembly4A goes as follows, but is not limited to: a bolt/screw H1, inserts through a lock washer H2, then through a flat washer H3, and finally through a mounting hole24/26of sleeve mount10, wherein last it threads into a preferred existing Bolt Pattern BP2hole atop snowboard50. As noted above, the strap element12threads through the base sleeve10and attaches end to end to it said self, by means of connection30within the sleeve10, and is accessible through the opening22. BothFIGS. 5A and 5Bshow that bolts/screws H1located between strap element8and sleeve6.

FIG. 6Aillustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of the hand strap assembly2A andFIG. 6B, illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of the foot strap assembly4A.

FIG. 7Aillustrates a side perspective view of hand strap assembly2A mounted on snowboard50, whileFIG. 7Bis a side perspective view, showing the utility of hand strap assembly2A, grasped by rider's hand60. The orientation of the rider's strap can be that of either one hand or both hands, or with hand60grasping from front to rear, as shown inFIG. 7B, or from rear to front, depending on the rider's preference.

FIG. 7Cillustrates a side perspective view of foot strap assembly4A mounted on snowboard50, whileFIG. 7Dis a side perspective view, showing the utility of foot strap assembly4A in a chocked stance within the sole of rider's boot70. The orientation of the rider's stance can be that of either one boot70or both boots depending on the rider's preference.

FIG. 8Ais a front view of kit100, comprising of both hand strap assembly2A, and foot strap assembly4A mounted onto snowboard50. To reiterate upon the statement made above in the BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION,FIG. 8Aalso illustrates the requirement of the rider's center of gravity to be low to the board50in order to ride the board50as a sled. With that being said, the low profile design of sled50with kit100improves the balance and handling that rider80can achieve from the seated position upon snowboard50.

FIG. 8Billustrates a top perspective view andFIG. 8Cillustrates a top plan view of kit100comprising both hand strap assembly2A, and foot strap assembly4A. Central longitudinal axis56of board50illustrates that hand strap assembly2A and foot strap assembly4A extend at non-longitudinal angles along board50. In an exemplary embodiment, hand strap assembly2A and foot strap assembly4A extend at orthogonal angles relative to longitudinal axis56.

FIG. 9Aillustrates a top plan view, displaying the utility of kit100, with a rider80in the seated position, atop snowboard50. The illustration ofFIG. 9Aportrays the orientation of both the rider's hands60,60′ grasping the hand strap assembly2A and the orientation of both the rider's feet70,70′ chocked within the foot strap assembly4A.

FIG. 9Billustrates a top plan view, displaying the rider80grasping the hand strap assembly2A with only a single hand60and using only one foot70to chock against the foot strap assembly4A, allowing the other foot70′ to be used such as for counter balancing, or for whatever reason the rider80desires to do so.

An alternative embodiment of a conversion kit200(“kit200”) is shown inFIGS. 10A-11A and 13A-14A. Kit200is similar to kit100. However, instead of strap8, strap208is used. Strap208, shown in detail inFIG. 14A, can have a flat ribbon-type configuration Each end209,210of strap208includes a plurality of through-openings212extending therethrough. Through-openings212on end209are aligned with through-openings212on end210and secured to each other with grommets214,216so that bolt/screw H1can extend through through-openings212to secure strap208to board50, as shown inFIGS. 10A, 13A.

Additionally, a sleeve206includes extenders220,222on either end thereof. Extenders220,222raise strap208above sleeve206to enable the rider to better engage strap208, particularly for boot70, which may require hand assistance to engage strap4A in kit100.FIG. 11Ashows how the rider's boot70can engage strap208with extenders220,222(only extender222is shown). In an exemplary embodiment, extenders220,222can be constructed from a pliable material, such as, for example, rubber, although those skilled in the art will recognize that other materials can be used. It is desired to use a soft, pliable material to cushion the rider80in the event that the rider80should fall on either or both of extenders220,222.

Another embodiment of a conversion kit300(“kit300”) is shown nFIG. 12A. Kit300is similar to kit200but, instead of sleeve206with extenders220,222, kit300uses a sleeve306without any extenders. Sleeve306does not include ends that arc away from board50and, as a result, has a lower profile than sleeves6,10, or206