Abstract:
A configurable slide board includes: two or more board segments, each board segment including a top surface, wherein the board segments releasably engage each other; a gliding surface located along the top surface of the two or more board segments; and a plurality of receiving holes extending through the gliding surface into the board segments, wherein the plurality of receiving holes are adapted to receive a plurality of bumpers; wherein a first subset of the receiving holes are configured to receive a plurality of bumpers to form an octagon, further wherein a second subset the receiving holes are configured to receive a plurality of bumpers to form side-by-side linear slide boards.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/601,549 filed on Feb. 21, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present subject matter relates generally to a configurable slide board. More specifically, the present invention relates to a slide board that may be configured into various arrangements. 
         [0003]    Slide boards are used for conditioning by a variety of athletes. A user may exercise on a slide board by sliding back and forth laterally across the board. The lateral movement allows athletes to use muscles that are not commonly used in daily activity and exercise. Most fitness activities such as walking, running, and cycling train muscles in a forward and backward or up and down motion. However, many of the most popular recreational activities, such as basketball, skating, skiing, soccer, and tennis require side-to-side motion. Using the slide boards may enhance skills and movement efficiency for these and many other sports. Slide boards may also develop and condition those muscles of the legs and hips that make lateral motion possible. 
         [0004]    Previously, slide boards had been statically configured and were for use by one person at a time. The typical slide board consisted of a rectangular sliding surface including a bumper at either end. However, some slide boards had been made in a larger square shape with more than two bumpers, such as four bumpers forming a square, or even eight bumpers forming an octagon. For example, when using eight bumpers, the slide board surface would typically be a large square shaped sliding surface, so as to provide enough space for a user to slide between the bumpers. 
         [0005]    Varying exercises may be performed on the various configurations of slide boards. However, because slide boards were statically configured, users were unable to perform the varied exercises without access to multiple slide boards. Because of their size, it is often unpractical to have multiple types of slide boards in a single location. Accordingly, a need exists for a slide board having connectable parts that may be rearranged and configured into different arrangements so they may be capable of accommodating a variety of bumpers and/or may be used by multiple users at the same time as described and claimed herein. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    A slide board according to the present invention includes a plurality of base boards, gliding surfaces, and a plurality of bumpers. The bumpers may be secured to the gliding surface in various configurations using releasable attachments mechanisms, such as bumper knobs that mate with predrilled receiving holes in the boards. The gliding surfaces may be integral with the base boards or may be independent elements. Collectively the base boards and gliding surfaces will be referred to herein as board segments. 
         [0007]    The slide board is capable of being configured in a way in which the board segments may be joined to create a larger sliding surface. In one example, two or more board segments may be joined to create a larger square surface. In another example, two or more board segments may be joined sequentially end-to-end to create a longer gliding surface. Connecting multiple board segments may allow multiple users to exercise at once, or it may provide a larger surface so one user may utilize the surface more effectively and/or utilize a greater number of varied configuration of bumpers. 
         [0008]    The board segments may be connected in a variety of ways. Each board segment may include edges that are capable of being connected to another board segment. In one example, a board segment may be capable of connecting to another board segment on all four sides. In another example, a board segment may only have one side capable of connecting to another board segment. 
         [0009]    Once the board segments are connected, a plurality of bumpers may be attached to the board segments to provide an enclosed gliding surface, enabling the user to slide between the bumpers. The bumpers attach to the top of the board segments using releasable connectors. For example, typically bumper knobs that mate with predrilled receiving holes are used to secure the bumpers to the board segments. The interior surface of the bumper typically provides an inclined face (i.e., rigid ramp) against which a user&#39;s foot may contact the bumper in use. The sloped face allows for a gradual transfer of energy between the user&#39;s foot and the bumper, as the bumper stops the user and as the bumper provides a surface to push off in the opposite direction. The bumper&#39;s rigid ramp section may be made from or coated with a surface having a high coefficient of friction to increase friction with a user&#39;s foot and improve the user&#39;s ability to push off the bumper. The bumpers may also be secured to the gliding surface at a toe-out angle, thus providing comfort to the user and versatility for a variety of exercises. The toe-out angle may be adjusted by placing the bumper knobs into different predrilled holes in the board segments. The slide board may also include a non-slip material, such as an open cell sponge, that is attached to the backside of the board segments so that the slide board remains stationary while being used. It is contemplated that the board segments may be held together with brackets that enable the board to be held together for a user to move the assembled slide board and/or lean the assembled slide board up against a wall. Further, one or more of the board segments may include wheels (i.e., castors) at the end to facilitate movement of the assembled board. 
         [0010]    In one example, a configurable slide board includes: two or more board segments, each board segment including a top surface, wherein the board segments releasably engage each other; a gliding surface located along the top surface of the two or more board segments; and a plurality of receiving holes extending through the gliding surface into the board segments, wherein the plurality of receiving holes are adapted to receive a plurality of bumpers; wherein a first set of the receiving holes are configured to receive a plurality of bumpers to form an octagon, further wherein a second set the receiving holes are configured to receive a plurality of bumpers to form side-by-side linear slide boards. 
         [0011]    In some versions, the gliding surface may be a separate material overlain on the top surfaces of the two or more board segments. In others, the gliding surface is formed by the top surface of the two or more board segments. The receiving holes may be internally threaded and the bumpers may be secured to the board segments by bumper knobs screwed into the internally threaded receiving holes. The board segments may be further secured together by brackets and one or more of the board segments may include a plurality of castors. 
         [0012]    In another example, a configurable slide board comprising: a gliding surface including a plurality of receiving holes adapted to receive a plurality of bumpers, wherein the plurality of receiving holes form at least two patterns, wherein each pattern includes receiving holes for receiving at least three bumpers and each pattern forms a different shape. In some versions, the plurality of receiving holes form a first octagonal pattern and a second non-octagonal  pattern. The second non-octagonal pattern may provide side-by-side linear slide boards. 
         [0013]    The gliding surface may be mated to a plurality of board segments to form the slide board. In another example, the gliding surface may be mated to a single board segment. In yet another example, the gliding surface may be integrally formed with the one or more board segments. 
         [0014]    An advantage of the slide board is that it may be configured into multiple arrangements. 
         [0015]    Another advantage of the slide board is that it may accommodate multiple users. 
         [0016]    A further advantage of the slide board is that it may accommodate a plurality of bumpers. 
         [0017]    Yet another advantage of the slide board is that it provides a functionally seamless transition between gliding surfaces when multiple gliding surfaces are connected. 
         [0018]    Another advantage of the slide board is that the gliding surfaces may be connected easily and quickly. 
         [0019]    Still another advantage of the slide board is that it may be wheeled around in assembled form to make the assembled board easier to move in a gym setting. 
         [0020]    Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example of a plurality of board segments configured as connected side-to-side horizontal slide boards. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the board segments from  FIG. 1  configured as an octagonal board. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a bumper connected to a board segment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of one end of a slide board including a bumper having a toe-out angle. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 5  is a top perspective view of one contemplated example demonstrating how multiple board segments may be connected to form an octagonal exercise area enclosed by a plurality of bumpers. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the connection points used in the slide board example in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of the slide board example in  FIG. 5  shown without bumpers. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of an alternate way of arranging the bumpers so that multiple users may use the slide board in a side-by-side configuration. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of another contemplated example demonstrating how multiple board segments may be connected to form a wider exercise area enclosed by a pair of bumpers. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a top view of the connection points used in the slide board example in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of the slide board example in  FIG. 9  shown without bumpers. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a configurable slide board  10  (hereinafter “slide board  10 ”). As shown in  FIG. 1 , the slide board  10  includes two side-by-side board segments  12  each including an integral gliding surface  14 . In alternative embodiments, the gliding surface  14  may be a separate element affixed atop the board segments  12 . In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the two side-by-side board segments  12  join at a seam  22 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the shorter side of each board segments  12  includes a bumper  16  secured thereto. 
         [0034]    The slide board  10  is capable of being configured in a way where multiple board segments  12  may be joined to create a larger gliding surface  14 . In one example, two or more board segments  12  may be joined to create the larger square surface shown in  FIG. 1 . In another example, two or more board segments  12  may be joined end to end to create a longer gliding surface  14  ( FIGS. 9-11 ). Forming a larger slide board  10  may allow multiple users to exercise at once as shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively shown in  FIG. 2 , the bumpers  16  may be arranged on the board segments  12  to form an octagonal slide board  10 . 
         [0035]    Since the slide board  10  may be formed from multiple board segments  12  it is important that the board segments  12  are made from sturdy and flexible materials. Therefore, when the board segments  12  are placed side-by-side, they form a virtually seamless connection  22  that does not interfere with the use of the gliding surface  14 . Accordingly, a user may slide from one gliding surface  14  to the next gliding surface  14  without compromising the user&#39;s speed or movement. Also, particularly important when the gliding surface  14  is a separate element, the gliding surface  14  should be rigid enough to transfer forces applied by the user without creating wrinkles in the gliding surface  14 , affecting the location of the gliding surface  14 , or damaging the attachment of the gliding surface  14  to the board segment  12 . 
         [0036]    In examples of the slide board  10  in which the board segments  12  and the gliding surfaces  14  are separate elements, the gliding surface  14  is affixed atop the board segment  12 . Further, the gliding surface  14  is approximately the same size of the board segment  12  so that the gliding surface  14  covers the entire surface of the board segment  12 . The gliding surface  14  may be affixed to the board segment  12  using an adhesive or any other material or device that may effectively hold them together. 
         [0037]    The example in  FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of how the slide board  10  may be arranged using four bumpers  16  arranged such that a rectangular slide board  10  may be used as a pair of side-by-side linear slide boards  10 . As used herein, a linear slide board  10  refers to the configuration shown in  FIG. 1  wherein a user may slide linearly between a pair of bumpers facing each other. 
         [0038]    As shown, seam  22  is formed along the longer side of two board segments  12 . In  FIG. 1  there are two board segments  12 . However, it is contemplated that any number of board segments  12  may be connected so as to accommodate any respective number of users. For example, in an alternative embodiment (not pictured) five board segments  12  may be connected so as to accommodate five users. 
         [0039]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example of how the slide board  10  from  FIG. 1  may be configured to form an octagonal slide board  10  by rearranging the number and location of the bumpers  16 . Similar to Fig,  1 , the slide board  10  in  FIG. 2  uses a pair of board segments  12 . However in  FIG. 2 , eight bumpers  16  are placed around the outside edges of the gliding surface  14 , forming an enclosed section in the shape of an octagon. This configuration allows a user to slide back and forth laterally in at least eight different directions. In order for the bumpers  16  to be arranged in either of the shapes shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the board segments  12  may include several different predrilled threaded receiving holes  24  allowing the bumper knobs  18  to affix the bumpers  16  to the board segments  12  by screwing into the receiving holes  24  at the appropriate locations. 
         [0040]    Accordingly, the slide board  10  may be configured and reconfigured to form a variety of different shapes. In the example shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the slide board  10  includes a pair of board segments  12  having mating edges that are capable of being connected to another board segment  12  along one edge only. In another example, board segments  12  may be capable of connecting to other board segments  12  on all four sides. In yet another example, board segments  12  may only have another number of sides capable of mating with other board segments  12 . 
         [0041]      FIGS. 1 and 2  shown a plurality of castors  42  associated with one or more of the board segments  12 . The castors help facilitate movement of the assembled slide board  10 . In the examples shown, the castors  42  are wheels that are elevated from the ground surface when the slide board  10  is in position for use, but can be used to wheel the slide board  10  around when the slide board  10  is tipped up onto one of its ends. It is contemplated that there are various embodiments of castors  42  that may be used for the purposes described herein. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  illustrates one example of how the bumpers  16  may be attached to board segments  12 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the bumpers  16  include a top surface  26 , a bottom surface  28 , a contact surface  30 , and a back surface  32 . The bumpers  16  are attached to the top of the gliding surface  14  using bumper knobs  18  that fit through the top surface  26  of the bumpers  16  in predrilled receiving holes  24 . Once the bumper knobs  18  pass through the bottom surface  28  of the bumpers  16 , they may fit into the predrilled receiving holes  24  in the board segment  12 . 
         [0043]    The interior surface of the bumper  16  typically provides an inclined face  30  (i.e., rigid ramp  30 ) against which a user&#39;s foot may contact the bumper  16  in use. The rigid ramp  30  allows for a gradual transfer of energy between the user&#39;s foot and the bumper  16 , as the bumper  16  stops the user and as the bumper  16  provides a surface to push off in the opposite direction. The rigid ramp  16  may be made from or coated with a textured surface  20  with a high coefficient of friction, to increase friction with a user&#39;s foot and improve the user&#39;s ability to push off the bumper  16 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the textured surface  20  may cover a majority of the rigid ramp  30  of the bumper  16 , thus effectively stopping a user&#39;s foot, and preventing a user&#39;s foot from passing over the bumper  16 . However, the textured surface  20  must not have too high of a coefficient of friction. The user&#39;s foot must be able to slide substantially onto the rigid ramp  30 , allowing the user to effectively push off of the bumper  16 . 
         [0044]    The bumpers  16  shown in  FIG. 3  may be solid and made from a sturdy wooden material. However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments the bumpers  16  may be made from any other appropriate material. 
         [0045]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , the bumpers  16  are a length approximately equal to that of the width of the gliding surface  14 . The bumpers  16  may also be secured to the gliding surface  14  at a toe-out angle  34  as shown in  FIG. 4 , thus providing comfort the user when they come in contact with the bumper  16 , and versatility for a variety of exercises. The toe-out angle  34  may be adjusted by placing the bumper knobs  18  into different receiving holes  24  in the board segments  12 . For example, a slide board  10  may have a variety of receiving holes  24  so that a user may affix the bumpers  16  in different locations on the slide board  10 . This would allow a user to not only create a toe-out angle  34 , but would also allow the user to place the bumpers  16  in different locations, such as configuring an octagon shaped gliding area as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0046]    The examples shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  provide only one seam  22  between the board segments  12 . However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, there may be multiple seams  22  in an assembled slide board  10 . For example,  FIG. 5  shows an alternative embodiment of the octagon slide board  10  from  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 5 , there are four different board segments  12 , and therefore four seams  22 . However, it is also contemplated that in this embodiment there may be four different underlying board segments  12  and only one large gliding surface  14  such that there are no seams  22  at the gliding surface  14  level. 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  illustrates the seams  22  in the octagon slide board  10  from  FIG. 5 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the four gliding surfaces  14  connect using an alternating teeth design. However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments the gliding surfaces  14  may connect in any other way, so long as the surfaces may be securely fastened. In other embodiments, the edges of the gliding surfaces  14  may be smooth, and they may be secured to the interlocked board segments  12 , eliminating the need for any teeth or other similar interlocking surface. 
         [0048]    As further shown in  FIG. 6 , it is contemplated that the board segments  12  may be held together with brackets  44  that enable the board segments  12  to be held together for a user to move the assembled slide board  10  and/or lean the assembled slide board  10  up against a wall. The brackets may secure adjacent board segments  12  to each other and may be attached to the board segments  12  in any manner known in the art. For example, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  includes metal brackets  44  screwed into the board segments  12 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  illustrates the location of the receiving holes  24  included in the version of the reconfigurable octagon slide board  10  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Each of the four board segments  12  includes the same pattern of receiving holes  24  so that the bumpers  16  may either be arranged in either an octagon formation, as shown in  FIG. 7 , or a configuration such that multiple users may slide on the slide board  10  as shown in  FIG. 8 . In this example, the toe out angle  34  of the bumpers  16  indicate that two users may slide on either side of the slide board  10  so that they are facing each other. This position allows users to incorporate other challenges into their workout, such as passing a medicine ball back and forth. The bumpers  16  may also be arranged so that the two users would not be facing each other, but instead so that they are facing the same direction. Changing the location of the bumpers  16  is simple, and only requires the user to unscrew the bumper knobs  18  and reposition the bumpers  16  in the desired location. 
         [0050]      FIG. 9  illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the configurable slide board  10 . In this variation, multiple board segments  12  may be arranged in a row creating a wider sliding surface. In the example shown in  FIG. 9 , three board segments  12  are connected. Either end of the assembled slide board  10  includes a bumper  16 . There are two seams  22  that use the alternating teeth design, which is further shown in  FIG. 10 . As discussed above, the seams  22  may include any design that provides a secure connection between the multiple board segments  12 . The seams  22  in  FIG. 10  are also designed so that the inner board segment  36  may be removed, and the right board segment  38  may connect to the left board segment  40  providing a narrower slide board  10 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 11  demonstrates the slide board  10  from  FIG. 9  shown without bumpers  16  attached. The left board segment  40  includes four sets of receiving holes  24  providing four different locations for a bumper  16 . Between the ability to use the slide board  10  with or without the inner board segment  36 , and the four different sets of receiving holes  24  in the left gliding surface  40 , there are eight different sliding distances that may be used in this variation of the slide board  10 . In other contemplated embodiments, the right gliding surface  38  and the left gliding surface  40  may each have four or more sets of receiving holes  24 , thus creating even more possible sliding distances. 
         [0052]    Although not shown in the Figures, each slide board  10  may include a non-slip material, such as an open cell sponge, that may be attached to the bottom of the board segments  12  that faces the floor so that the slide board  10  remains stationary while being used. 
         [0053]    It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.