Abstract:
Multi-functional practice and training apparatus for use by skateboarders, skaters, bicyclists and the like. According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises the combination of a board with a fulcrum member that are operative to assume at least three practice modes, namely: 1) a ramp mode whereby the fulcrum is placed at one end of the board and creates an upward slope for use in riding or jumping over objects; 2) a seesaw mode whereby the board is pivotally mounted upon the fulcrum and provides a platform surface upon which the user can rock back and forth while standing or riding thereon; and 3) a rigid rail structure whereby the fulcrum defines a rail for use in “grinding.”

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS (Not Applicable)  
       STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT  
         [0001]    (Not Applicable)  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Skateboarding, in-line skating and stunt bicycling are well-known activities enjoyed by millions of individuals worldwide. In this regard, such activities are not only fun, but are also great forms of exercise and serve to develop balance and coordination.  
           [0003]    Such activities, however, are often very difficult to master and require tremendous amounts of time and effort before a skater or rider can become proficient. The balance and coordination necessary to master skateboarding, in-line skating and the like is typically of exceptional importance insofar as such activities can become very dangerous, and often involve tricks and stunts that could lead to serious and permanent injury if attempted by individuals lacking the requisite levels of skill. For example, skateboarding typically involves jumping over stationary objects at relatively high speeds, as well as gliding across rigid surfaces, such as cement curbs and the like and referred to as “grinding.” Skateboarding, in-line skating, and stunt bicycling also typically involve jumping off ramps and the like to thus become “airborne.” 
           [0004]    While safety equipment such as helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads, can offer protection against falls and accidents, there is still lacking any method by which a skateboarder or skater can practice his or her skills or otherwise become proficient in mastering the basic maneuvers required for such activities. In this regard, except for a few isolated areas where skateboard parks and the like are available, skateboarders, skaters and the like must typically resort to practicing in parking lots, neighborhoods and city streets, which not only cause a tremendous amount of nuisance to resident and business owners, but can also cause substantial property damage. Practicing in such areas can also increase the number and risk of accidents related to such activities by increasing the possibility a given skateboarder or skater will run into or be hit by a vehicle or other stationary or moving object (e.g., lampposts, mailboxes, pedestrians, other skateboarders, etc.). Indeed, the nuisance associated with skateboarding and skating has caused a number of communities to pass laws banning such activities. Furthermore, many businesses and residents have placed physical barriers, such as caps and mounts bored into concrete, which prevent skateboarders from grinding or otherwise practicing thereon.  
           [0005]    Even to the extent skateboard parks and the like offer a place where skateboarders and skaters can attempt to practice their skills, such facilities are few in number and typically overcrowded. There is also a substantial difficulty for most skateboarders and skaters, which are typically adolescents that are unable to drive, to access such facilities.  
           [0006]    Accordingly, there is a substantial need in the art for a system by which a skateboarder, skater or bicyclist can easily and readily access and practice a variety of maneuvers on-site. There is a further need for such a system that is versatile and operative to assume different configurations to thus enable a variety of skills to be practiced. Still further, there is a need in the art for such a system that is space-efficient, exceptionally durable, easy to utilize, inexpensive to manufacture, and readily capable of being used with virtually all types of skateboards, skates, stunt/mountain bikes, scooters, and the like.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the present invention is directed to a system for training and practicing skateboarding, skating and stunt/off-road bicycling skills. The present invention may be used for other wheeled vehicles, such as scooters and the like.  
           [0008]    According to the preferred embodiment. The system comprises the combination of a flat board/platform member supported by a stationary fulcrum. The platform defines a first upper surface upon which the vehicle can ride across, and an underside portion having at least one and preferably two socket members affixed thereto. The socket members are designed to engage with the fulcrum, and preferably include a first socket member disposed centrally underneath the board and across the width thereof, and a second socket member extending across the width of the board underneath a respective end thereof. The fulcrum member preferably comprises the combination of a base member with an upwardly extending ball element engageable with a respective one of the sockets formed on the underneath portion of the board platform such that when interconnected to one another, a ball and socket joint is formed. It is contemplated, however, that alternative board and fulcrum arrangements may be utilized in the practice of the present invention.  
           [0009]    The arrangement between the board and fulcrum are such that the system of the present invention may take a variety of modes to thus enable a variety of skills to be practiced. In this respect, it is contemplated that the systems of the present invention may take at least three modes, namely, a first mode whereby the board and fulcrum serve to define a ramp member to thus enable skateboarders, riders and the like to practice jumps and to leap over objects. To achieve that end, the fulcrum is attachable to the socket disposed upon a respective end of the board. In a second mode, the board and fulcrum are interconnected to one another via the centrally disposed socket to thus enable the board to see-saw back and forth. In this regard, the fulcrum member engages with the centrally-disposed socket to thus enable the board to see-saw back and forth while the rider stands thereupon. In a third configuration, the board may be rigidly affixed to the fulcrum along the centrally disposed socket thereof to define a rigid t-shape. In such configuration, the platform surface can serve as either an object for skateboarders and skaters to jump over or, alternatively, provide a ridge-like surface to enable skateboarders to practice grinding. In an alternative configuration, the fulcrum itself may be utilized for grinding. In this latter configuration, the fulcrum may be formed as an elongate member defined by a base and upwardly extending ball member. Preferably, such elongate fulcrum may be configured such that the upwardly extending ball member may be set at an incline relative level ground to thus enable skateboarders to practice grinding on inclines.  
           [0010]    In all embodiments of the present invention, the system may be fabricated from exceptionally durable materials that can withstand vigorous impact, including durable plastics, metal, wood and the like, as well as combinations thereof. It is further contemplated that the fulcrum component may include a variable height adjustment mechanism to thus enable the board/platform to be selectively set at a desired height for a given mode.  
           [0011]    The present invention thus provides a multi-purpose system for facilitating the training and practice for skateboarders, skaters, bicyclist and the like that can easily and readily be utilized to practice a wide variety of skills.  
           [0012]    The present invention further provides a system that is operative to function in at least three (3) different modes, namely, a ramp, a see-saw, and a grinding rail surface to thus enable multiple skills to be practice by skateboarders.  
           [0013]    The present invention further provides a system that is of simple construction, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use, and may be utilized for a wide variety of wheeled vehicles, including but not limited to skateboards, in-line skates, bicycles, scooters, and the like.  
           [0014]    The present invention still further provides a system that enables skateboarders, skaters, bicyclists, and the like to practice skills to develop balance and coordination that does not require such individuals to utilize private or public land, cause nuisance to business owners or home owners, does not violate most city ordinances, does not require the use of a skateboard park facility, and can be utilized virtually everywhere. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-purpose skateboard, skate and bicycle training system according to the present invention assuming a first ramp configuration, and further depicting a skateboarder on a skateboard thereon, the later being depicted in phantom.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 is side-view of the system depicted in FIG. 1.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 is a side-view of the system of FIG. 1 shown assuming a second see-saw configuration and also depicting this skateboarder on skateboard thereon.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line  4 - 4  FIG. 3.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5 is a side exploded view of the system depicted in FIG. 1 showing the relationship between the board portion and fulcrum portion thereof.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 is a view taken along line  6 - 6  of FIG. 5.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the fulcrum depicted in FIG. 6.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a fulcrum constructed in accordance of a second embodiment.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 9 is a frontal view of the fulcrum body depicted in FIG. 8 set at an incline relative level ground.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]    The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.  
         [0026]    Referring now to the figures, and initially to FIG. 1, there is perspectively illustrated a system  10  for facilitating the development of skateboarding skills of a skateboarder  12  riding on a skateboard  14  thereon. In this respect, the system  10  is specifically designed to enable a skateboarder  12  to practice a variety of maneuvers and is operative to assume multiple modes and configurations that can enable the skateboarder  12  to become proficient in performing a variety of skateboarding skills, such as jumping off ramps, developing balance, and “grinding”. It should be recognized at the outset, however, that although primarily referenced herein for use in the development of skateboarding skills, the system  10  of the present invention may likewise be utilized with a wide variety of wheeled vehicles, especially roller skates, and in particular in-line skates, stunt/mountain bicycles, scooters, and the like. Accordingly, it should be understood the outset that the multi-functional system  10  of the present invention can be utilized for any of a wide variety of training purposes.  
         [0027]    As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system  10  is shown assuming a first ramp configuration. As shown, the system  10  comprises a first board/platform member  16  which defines an upper surface upon which the skateboarder  12  on skateboard  14  can ride across in the direction indicated by the letter A. To facilitate the ability of the skateboard  14  to roll from the ground upon the board  16 , the board  16  will preferably have beveled edges  18 ,  20  to ensure a smooth transition. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the board  16  may be fabricated from any of a wide variety of durable materials, including but not limited to, hardened plastic, wood, steel and the like.  
         [0028]    To enable the board  16  to assume a variety of configurations, and in particular including the ramp configuration shown, there is formed on the underside thereof socket members  22 ,  24  rigidly affixed thereon via bolts  36  (although the same may alternatively be integrally formed to board B. As illustrated, and as discussed more fully below, the board  16  preferably includes at least one, and preferably two of such socket members  22 ,  24  to enable the board  16  to assume various configurations. Preferably, a first socket  22  is centrally disposed underneath the board  16 , whereas the second socket  24  is disposed underneath the board  16  at a respective end thereof. To enable the system  10  to assume the ramp configuration shown, the system includes a fulcrum member  26  that engages with a respective socket, and in this case  24 , formed at the end of the board  16 . Preferably, such fulcrum  26  is defined by the combination of a base  28 , which preferably includes a texturized foot  30  and upwardly extending ball member  32 , the latter being affixed to the base  28  via bolts  34 .  
         [0029]    The ramp-like configuration of the system  10  of the present invention is better depicted in FIG. 2 which illustrates the board  16  being maintained in an inclined configuration relative the ground. As illustrated, the board member  16  is propped up via the engagement between the fulcrum  26  and socket  24 . In this regard, the ball member  32 , and more particularly the ball portion  42  thereof engages the socket member  24  via the socket  44  defined thereby. In order to provide the user with means to adjust the height of the ramp, as illustrated by the letter B, the ball member  32  and base member  28  are provided with apertures  40 ,  38  respectively formed thereon that are designed to align with one another so that bolts  34  can extend therethrough to rigidly maintain the ball member  32  in the upward orientation as shown. In this respect, the base  28  may include opposed, upwardly extending members  28 ′,  28 ′ formed in generally parallel relation to thus sandwich the ball member  32  therebetween when apertures  40 ,  28  align with one another to define a pathway through which bolt  34  may extend. When so configured, the ball and socket joint formed between upwardly extending ball portion  42  and socket  24 , by virtue of the rigid attachment of the socket  24  to board  16  via bolts  36 , will thus maintain the board  16  and the desired inclined configuration. While in such configuration, it will be understood that the skateboarders may utilize the board and fulcrum to practice jumping and landing skills as is frequently encountered in skateboarding.  
         [0030]    Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown the system  10  assuming a second see-saw mode for developing the balance and coordination of the skateboarder  12 . As illustrated, the board  16  is interconnected to fulcrum  26  via central socket  22 . In this regard, ball portion  42  of ball member  32  is received within socket  44  to thus enable the board  16  to pivot or seesaw the direction indicated by the letter C. When the skateboarder  12  is standing thereon, he or she can rock back and forth to thus develop balance and coordination. To the extent desired to produce a more extreme rocking or see-saw motion, the height of ball member  32  can be adjusted in the direction indicated by the letter D by selectively interconnecting the ball member  32  to base  28  via bolts  34 .  
         [0031]    To selectively cause the system  10  to assume such seesaw configuration, there is shown in FIG. 4 the preferred embodiment by which the same may be achieved. As illustrated, two fulcrums  26  are deployed at opposed ends (i.e., widthwise) of the board  16 . The ball member  32  may be formed as an elongate bar having downwardly extending leg portions  48 ,  48 ′ that engage with both respective base members  28 . Such ball member further includes an elongate ball portion  42  that extends along the width of the board  16  and is received within socket  22  fastened thereto via bolts  36 . Advantageously, such configuration provides secure interconnection between the board  16  and fulcrum  26  while at the same time providing an optimal pivotal motion necessary to promote balance and coordination.  
         [0032]    Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown yet another mode by which the system  10  of the present invention may operatively form. As illustrated, board  16  may be detached and removed from fulcrum  26  by merely lifting the board  16  therefrom. Due to the loose interconnection between the ball and socket joint formed between the cooperation of socket  22  and ball member  32 , the board  16  will easily lift therefrom. When so removed, as illustrated in FIG. 6, there will thus be provided in upwardly extending ball portion  42  of ball member  32 . Such elongate ball portion  42  will thus provide a surface for “grinding” thereacross, as indicated by the letter F. In this respect, due to the rigid attachment between ball member  32  and base  28  of fulcrum  26 , ball portion  42  will essentially provide a rigid bar-like structure across which skateboarders and skaters can glide . Such skill, well-known to skateboarders and the like, has hereto for been extremely difficult to practice insofar as such motion is typically attempted on cement curbs or metal handrails which cannot only be destructive to property, but can substantially increase the risk that the skateboarder or skater will become injured to the extent they fall off from structure.  
         [0033]    The configuration of FIG. 6 may further be adjusted from a height standpoint due to the interconnectability between ball member  32  and base members  28  insofar as the respective apertures formed thereon can be aligned such that the ball member  32  and more specifically the ball portion  42  thereof extends upwardly to a desired height, as reflected in the exploded view of FIG. 7.  
         [0034]    Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, and initially to FIG. 8, it is shown an alternative embodiment of the fulcrum  26  as utilized in the system of the present invention. In this respect, such embodiment utilizes the combination of both an elongate base member  28  and elongate ball member  32 , as opposed to separate base members  28  as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7. As per the earlier embodiment, however, the same components interconnect to one another insofar as respective apertures  38 ,  40  formed respectively thereon are designed to align with one another so that such elements  28 ,  30  can be rigidly attached to one another in the aforementioned manner.  
         [0035]    Such configuration, however, allows for an easy adjustment to enable the ball member  32 , and more particularly the ball portion  42  thereof, to assume an incline configuration depicted by the letter E. In this respect, by aligning a first set apertures  38 ,  40  on a first end of the base  28  and ball member  32  and a dissimilar set of apertures on the respective other end, in the manner shown in FIG. 9, thus creates an incline on ball portion  42 , which can be exceptionally useful in grinding on sloping surfaces, as is frequently encountered in skateboarding, skating and the like. It should be recognized, however, that although advantageous with the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the same incline configuration can be achieved by the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 by aligning and interconnecting apertures  38  formed on base member  28  with pairs of apertures  40  formed upon ball member  32 .  
         [0036]    Although the invention has been described here and with specific reference to a presently preferred embodiment thereof, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications, deletions, and alterations, maybe made to such preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all reasonably foreseeable additions, modification, deletions, and alterations be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. For example, it is contemplated that the system of the present invention may be utilized, particularly when the same assumes the mode depicted in FIGS.  6 - 9 , to merely serve as an obstacle over which a skateboarder, skater, or bicyclist can jump over. It should further be recognized that although depicted in here with a particular fulcrum embodiment, it will be recognized that any of a variety of fulcrum mechanism may be utilized that can enable the system of the present invention to operate in its multi-mode function.