Abstract:
The disclosure and claims are generally related to a modified sports board, such as a modified skateboard operatively attached to a frame structure. The frame structure is configured to react the multi-directional dynamic forces of a user performing aerobatic maneuvers and related stunts. Proximately located near the frame structure can be a platform where the sports board may be initially mounted. The platform may have a plurality of starting levels or tiers accessible by a standard ladder or steps. The platform may be integrally connected to the frame structure or unattached. Coupled to the platform or in close proximity thereof may be stunt devices, such as rails and ramps. The rails and ramps provide a user with obstacles to maneuver around or grind across.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/419,733 filed Oct. 18, 2002; where this provisional application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present description generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for performing and practicing aerial maneuvers for activities such as snowboarding, skateboarding, wakeboarding, and kite-boarding. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   In recent years, action sports such as skateboarding and snowboarding have become increasingly popular. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, the total number of snowboarders in the U.S. has increased from 2,000,000 in 1994 to 4.3 million in 2000, to 5.6 million in 2002. Transworld magazine states the rapid increase will continue and by 2003, there will be over 7 million snowboarders in the U.S. With the extreme increase in popularity, comes an increase in innovation of flips, spins, and gravity defying tricks. The mechanics and design of the equipment for the respective sports allows the user to perform aerial flips and spins. These aerial tricks are dangerous on the snow and at skate parks and many injuries have occurred as a result. With millions of snowboarders and skateboarders attempting aerial stunts, proper training and practice before going out is essential. 
   Due to the fact snowboarding is primarily a seasonal activity, participation of the sport is limited to those time periods where enough snow is present and the weather is endurable. As a result, snowboarders are unable to perform or practice aerial tricks at least six months out of the year. Because of this, the opportunity for a snowboarder to train or practice aerial tricks is essentially limited. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This disclosure generally relates to a modified sports board, such as a modified skateboard or snowboard operatively attached to a frame structure. The frame structure is configured to safely react the multi-directional dynamic forces of a user performing acrobatic maneuvers and related stunts. Located near the frame structure is a platform where the sports board may be initially mounted. The platform may have a plurality of starting levels or tiers accessible by a standard ladder or steps. The platform may be integrally connected to the frame structure or unattached. Coupled to the platform or in close proximity thereof may be stunt devices, such as rails and ramps. The rails and ramps provide a user with obstacles to maneuver around or grind across. 
   In one aspect, a training assembly for practicing dynamic maneuvers comprising a plurality of interconnecting support members, the respective interconnecting support members being configured to form a dome-like frame structure; a first member having a plurality of segments, each segment configured to be detachably connected to at least some of the support members at an apex of the training assembly; a modified action sports board configured with a top portion and a lower portion; and a support means for distally connecting the sports board to the first member. 
   In another aspect, a training assembly for practicing dynamic maneuvers comprising a plurality of interconnecting support members having upper support members, lower support members, and intermediate support members, the respective interconnecting support members being configured to form a dome-like frame structure; a first member having a plurality of segments, each segment configured to be detachably connected to one of the upper support members at an apex of the training assembly; a modified action sports board configured with a top portion and a lower portion; and a support means for distally connecting the sports board to the first member. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a training assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is side view of a ground sleeve used to anchor the training assembly of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 3  is perspective view of a sports board of the training assembly of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 4  a cross sectional view of the sports board of FIG.  3 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a connection member used in the assembly of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a ring device connected to the connection member of FIG.  5 . 
       FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a training assembly having a double-D connector. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the double-D connector of FIG.  7 . 
       FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of the sports board configured to be connected to the training assembly of FIG.  7 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another training assembly having a platform and grind rail. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the platform and grind rail of FIG.  10 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, some well-known structures and associated mechanical fastening techniques have not been describe in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the descriptions of the embodiments of the invention. 
   Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including but not limited to.” 
   Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further more, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
   The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the claimed invention. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a sports board training assembly  10  for the purpose of training, teaching, practicing, and even recreationally entertaining a user to perform maneuvers for sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, and other similarly related sports. The training assembly  10  may be comprised of a frame structure  11  made up of a plurality of support members  12  where at least some of the support members  12  are connected to a first member  16 , located at an apex  14  of the assembly. A sports board  18  can be distally attached with at least one rope  20  to the first member  16  such that a user operating the sports board  18  would be able to attain sufficient momentum to perform a variety of aerial maneuvers related to sports such as snowboarding and skateboarding. 
   Frame Structure/Support Members 
   Each of the support members  12  may be configured as a continuous, arched members extending from the first member  16  to the mounting surface, for example, the ground, floor, or other similar surface depending on where the training assembly is assembled. The support members  12  may have a variety of cross sectional shapes, but a tubular cross section is illustrated. A tubular cross section may be the most effective at reacting torsional forces. In addition, the support members  12  may be made from steel, for example stainless steel to reduce corrosion and resist nicking and scratching during assembly or disassembly. The legs of the frame structure  11  can be sufficiently spaced apart and configured with an arch-shape such that the support members  12  would not impede a user during operation of the sports board  18 . The distance between each adjacent leg may generally be about twenty-five feet. This distance allows the user to maneuver within the frame structure  11  at high speeds without contacting the frame structure  11 . 
   Still referring to  FIG. 1 , another embodiment of the training assembly  10  is the frame structure  11  configured with four legs, each leg having a number of interconnected support members  12 . The support members  12  may be comprised of upper support members, intermediate support members, and lower support members. Each of the respective support members  12  may be configured with a tapered end and a sleeve end (best depicted in  FIG. 8 ) where the tapered end of one support member is received by the sleeve end of another support member during assembly. The connection of the support members  12  may be by an interference fit, with bolts, with cotter pins, or some other equivalent method of fastening. The connection may be permanent (i.e., not easily disassembled) or may be configured to be quickly disassembled, for example using cotter pins. 
   In the present embodiment, each support member  12  may generally be about six feet in length. One skilled in the art, having reviewed this disclosure in its entirety, will appreciate that the overall size of the training assembly  10  and thus the length of the support members  12  may be altered depending on any space constraints. For example, an outdoor version of the training assembly  10  may be substantially larger than an indoor version. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the frame structure  11  may be anchored, fixed or stabilized with respect to the available mounting surface, for example, the ground. A ground sleeve  22  can be used to receive one end of at least some of the support members. One skilled in the art, having reviewed this entire disclosure, will appreciate that the depth of insertion below ground level and the closeness of fit between the ground sleeve  22  and the support member  12  can be easily varied to provide for a flexible, but not overly rigid frame structure  11 . 
   In an alternate embodiment, a telescopic foot (not shown) may be attached to at least some of the support members to create a free-standing frame structure such that that each of the respective legs is adjustable in height to compensate for an uneven mounting surface. This allows the free-standing frame structure  11  may be placed at a variety of positions with respect to the contour of the mounting surface. The telescopic foot may include a plurality of holes, each set of holes being alignable with a set of holes in the complementary support member  12 . The telescopic foot and the support member  12  may be connected with bolts, cotter pins, or other mechanical means. In addition, the telescopic foot can have a wide base to enhance the stability of the training assembly  10 . To further enhance the stability of the assembly  10 , stakes, cables, or other anchor-type devices can be used to in conjunction with the wide base of the telescopic foot. 
   Sports Board 
     FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate one embodiment of the sports board  18 . The sports board  18  can have a top portion  28  and a lower board portion  30  where the bottom surface  32  of the lower portion  30  may be configured to be a grind surface for grinding the board across rails or other similar training aids. The top portion  28  can be made of wood similar to a skateboard. The bottom portion or grind plate  30  of the board can be made out of fiberglass or a composite-type material. The grind plate  30  acts as a wear surface and may be replaced over time. The sports board  18  may also include a U-shaped bolt  24  for attaching to a rope  20 . The U-bolts  24  are placed near the front and rear locations on the sports board  18  such that the open end of the “U” points downward. The bottom portion  30  of the sports board  18  may include recessed holes for the U-bolt lock nuts. The recessed holes allow the grind plate  30  to have a smooth surface without any protrusions. The rope  20  can be attached directly to the U-bolts  24  or can be attached with a carabineer  26 . The attachment of the sports board  18  to the rope  20  with a carabineer  26  permits a rider to easily attach and detach the rope  20  from the U-bolts  24 . D-style or standard, oval-shaped carabineers can be used to attach the rope  20  to the sports board  18 , to the apex  14  of the frame structure  11 , or both. The carabineers can contain a screw-gate or spring-gate locking mechanism. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a reinforced cross member  34  may be used to join the support members  12 . The cross member  34  can have at least four sleeves  36  for receiving the support members  12 . Similar to the attachment of the support members  12  with one another, the sleeves  36  can have cross holes  42  for accepting a fastening means  44 , such as bolts or cotter pins, which provide for quick assembly and disassembly. An upper plate  38  and a lower plate  40  can be used to reinforce the assembly. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , one embodiment for assembling the sports board  18  to the cross member  34  can be a ring device  46 . The ring device  46  can be secured to the cross member  34  at the apex  14  of the assembly. A carabineer  26  can be used to attach the rope  20  to the ring device  46 . Alternatively, the rope  20  may be threaded through the ring device  46 . One skilled in the art, having reviewed this entire disclosure, will understand that an intermediate connection between the rope  20  and the ring device  46  will reduce any wear on the ring device  46  from the rope  20 . The ropes  20  can also be attached to the ring device  46  with a thimble  47 , which may be made of steel or aluminum, to prevent the rope  20  from contacting the carabineer. 
     FIGS. 7-9  illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present invention, where the connection member  116  can be a double-D ring (e.g., two closed structural loops integrally connected to a support spine). The assembly  100  with the double-D connection  116  permits two independent rope segments  120  to be attached to the sports board  118 . The double D-connection  116  acts as the structural interface between the dynamic portion of the sports board  118  and the support members  12 . The double D-connection  116  may be coated with Teflon or crafted from a hardened, wear resistant material. The support members  112  can have a tapered end  134  and a sleeve end  136  for quick and efficient assembly or disassembly. 
   Illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , an alternate embodiment of the assembly  200  is configured with the support members  212  attached at an apex  214  with a connection member  216 . A rope  220  provides the attachment to the sports board  218 . Additionally, the assembly  200  may include a platform  222  configured with a stepping device  224 , such as a ladder or staircase, for allowing a rider access to the platform  222 . The platform  222  may also be used to support a grind rail  226 . The grind rail  226  can be utilized by the riders to perform a variety of stunts. 
   There are several advantages of the sports board apparatus. For example, the apparatus can provides an effective means for users to practice technique and stunts, with a potential for a decreased risk of injury as compared to learning by trial and error. Each snowboarder/skateboarder can become comfortable with the tricks on the Sports board training device, thus may run a reduced risk of injury due to the fact the rider is experienced and has training. Second, if multiple strands of rope are used to attach each side of the sports board to the apex of the frame structure, then a failure of a single strand would not necessarily compromise the safety of the rider. Although it is not necessary to use rope, it will most likely provide the most cost efficient means to attach the sports board. Additionally, rope may be easily inspectable for excessive or harmful wear patterns and can be quickly replaced. 
   An additional feature of the invention is that the rider can wear a safety harness to clip or tie-in to the ropes. It is anticipated that typical rock-climbing style safety harnesses could be utilized such as a Black Diamond Chaos harness or a Petzl Corax harness or others. Further, handles may be affixed to the ropes to provide the user with added stability during maneuvers. 
   Another advantage of the assembly is that the sports board can be easily detachable. This permits riders to use their own personal sports board when training. 
   Another advantage of the inventive assembly is that it provides an off-season training tool for users such as snowboarders. Thus, a sports board training device can permit a snowboarder to practice at any time of the year under any weather conditions. 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide for a novel training, teaching, recreational device whereby the rider can feel confident to perform and practice maneuvers for sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, and other similarly related sports. 
   It is to be understood that variations can be made in the specific operating device by one skilled in the art and thus the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein. 
   While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by the way of example only, and not limitation. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 
   All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.