Patent Publication Number: US-11033800-B2

Title: Board apparatus with a pivot wheel for traversing inclines

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit under 35 USC 120 as a continuation of PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/CA2016/000280, filed on Nov. 17, 2016 entitled “BOARD APPARATUS WITH A PIVOT WHEEL FOR TRAVERSING INCLINES” by William Paul SULLIVAN, hereby incorporated by reference herein, which in turn claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/264,423, filed on Dec. 8, 2015 and hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to board apparatus and, more particularly, to board apparatus with a pivot wheel for traversing inclines. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Skateboards were first developed in the 1940s and today typically consist of an elongated oval board with smooth corners and four small wheels affixed on the corners below the board. They are generally used for recreational activities and as a means of transportation in urban areas. A user of a skateboard can create forward motion by pushing with one foot while maintaining contact on the top of the board with the second foot. The user can then ride the skateboard with both feet on the board and glide until another push is required to keep the forward motion. A user of a skateboard may also gain forward momentum by going down inclines and allowing gravity to apply to the skateboard and the user on the skateboard. 
     Traditional skateboards require a smooth hard surface to reduce the friction and allow for less energy to be exerted in order to keep forward motion to continue. In urban environments, skateboards are often used on pavement such as roads and sidewalks, as well as dedicated recreational parks made of pavement. Users of skateboards can reduce their speeds in a number of ways including putting their foot down and creating friction between the foot and ground or by using a rear braking pad typically implemented under the board at the rear end. By pushing the rear of the board downward and raising the front of the board, the user can initiate contact between the rear brake pad and the ground, thus causing friction which will result in a reduction in speed. 
     Skateboards are not typically designed to operate well on uneven or soft ground or ground covered in grass, rocks or other obstacles. The small wheels implemented on standard skateboards are easily interfered with and jammed or otherwise obstructed. To allow for the activity of riding a board in non-ideal environments such as grassy hills, one approach has been to increase the size of the wheels and to affix the wheels at the corners of the board on the outside of the board. This type of board is commonly called a mountain board and allows a user to use a skateboard-type apparatus on uneven environments such as a grassy field or surfaces with rocks. As indicated in the name, mountain boards are often used to allow a user to skateboard down a significant incline and use the larger wheels to overcome the obstacles such as grass or rocks. 
     To decrease speed or control their decline, a user of a mountain board will typically use one of their feet to create friction with the ground. Alternatively, similar to a standard skateboard, a user of a mountain board may also push downwards on the rear of the board and create friction between a rear brake pad and the ground. These methods of controlling speed on a mountain board are not always particularly effective, especially in cases where the downward incline is significant and the speeds achieved with the mountain board are high. Further, changing directions significantly with a mountain board is difficult, requiring dramatic jumps in the air during which control is minimal and there are serious risks during landing. The use of mountain boards to “skateboard” on hills and mountains is considered an extreme sport due to the limited amount of control that the participants have over the speed and direction of travel. Further, although the wheels are larger than typical skateboard wheels and the wheels are not affixed under the board, obstructions causing a jammed wheel can still be an issue, thus potentially causing a board to abruptly stop which could cause significant injury to the user. 
     Another approach to taking the sensation of skateboarding to hills and mountains has been the highly successful development of snowboards. Snowboards are rectangular boards with curved corners and no wheels which are designed to ride smoothly over snow. A user has their feet strapped onto the top of the board and can adjust their weight on the board to control direction and speed of the board. When on a downward incline, a user of a snowboard can direct their weight to the rear of the board and adjust pressure on either side of the board to allow the edges of the board to cut into the snow underneath and control sweeping turns while declining down a hill. Although somewhat similar to skateboarding, the sensation of snowboarding is often more associated with surfing in which a user uses an elongated board to ride waves in oceans and other bodies of water. The user of a snowboard can enjoy a controlled decline down a hill if the snow conditions are correct and the user knows how to control the speed and direction of travel of the board using edging. 
     Of course, snowboards are only effective when there is significant snow on the hill or mountain to reduce the friction on the board and allow the user of the snowboard to gain speed on the decline and control the descent by applying pressure on the edges of the board. Any attempt to use a snowboard on a surface with higher friction coefficients to snow such as grass, dirt or pavement or surfaces with obstructions such as rocks or sticks would result in less than ideal outcomes and could lead to less enjoyment, damage to the snowboard and/or injury to the user. 
     Against this background, there is a need for solutions that will mitigate at least one of the above problems, particularly enabling a user to safely ride on a board in a variety of incline environments for enjoyment and/or transportation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, a board apparatus comprises an elongated board with a pivot wheel protruding through the board such that the pivot wheel is adapted to rotate in parallel with the length of the board. A user of the board apparatus can stand on the board with feet in front and behind the pivot wheel, balancing a substantial portion of their weight on the pivot wheel. By adjusting their weight on the pivot wheel, the user is able to control the board&#39;s direction of travel. The board apparatus may further comprise a brake apparatus integrated to the pivot wheel to allow the user to maintain control over their speed as the board apparatus gains momentum going down an incline. The board apparatus may further comprise low friction elements at their front and/or rear ends to assist in maintaining momentum if the front or rear end comes into contact with the ground or an obstacle. 
     According to a first broad aspect, the present invention is an apparatus comprising: an elongated board, a pivot wheel and a brake apparatus coupled to the pivot wheel. The board is adapted for a user to stand on, the board having a length with first and second ends and a hole at a pivot location between the first and second ends. The pivot wheel is coupled to the board and protruding through the hole such that the pivot wheel is adapted to rotate in parallel with the length of the board, a first portion of the pivot wheel being below the board and a second portion of the pivot wheel being above the board. 
     In some embodiments, the hole is substantially centered between the first and second ends. In some implementations, the pivot wheel may comprise a central axle and the apparatus may further comprise a wheel mounting apparatus coupled to the board adjacent to the hole at the pivot location, the wheel mounting apparatus being adapted to secure the axle of the pivot wheel above a top surface of the board. The wheel mounting apparatus may be adapted to secure the axle of the pivot wheel a first distance from the top surface of the board in a first configuration and to secure the axle of the pivot wheel a second distance from the top surface of the board different than the first distance in a second configuration. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a hand brake apparatus connected to the brake apparatus by a cable for controlling the brake apparatus. The hand brake apparatus may be adapted to engage the brake apparatus to increase friction on the pivot wheel if in a first mode and to disengage the brake apparatus to decrease friction on the pivot wheel if in a second mode. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises one or more low friction elements coupled to a bottom surface of the board between the pivot wheel and the first end of the board, the low friction elements having a lower friction coefficient than the board. Further, the apparatus may comprise one or more low friction elements coupled to the bottom surface of the board between the pivot wheel and the second end of the board, the low friction elements having a lower friction coefficient than the board. The low friction elements may comprise one or more first wheels coupled to the bottom surface of the board between the pivot wheel and the first end of the board, the first wheels having substantially smaller diameter than the pivot wheel. The board may comprise a hole above each of the first wheels and each of the first wheels may be coupled to the board such that a portion of each of the first wheels protrude through the corresponding hole in the board. The board may comprise a brake mechanism adapted to be applied by a foot onto at least one of the first wheels protruding above the board. Each of the first wheels may be coupled to the bottom surface of the board using a caster that enables the first wheels to swivel. In alternative embodiments, the low friction element may comprise a tube runner. 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise one or more first wheels coupled to a bottom surface of the board between the pivot wheel and the first end of the board and one or more second wheels coupled to the bottom surface of the board between the pivot wheel and the second end of the board. In this case, the first and second wheels may have substantially smaller diameters than the pivot wheel. In one implementation, the pivot wheel may have a diameter between six and eighteen inches and the first and second wheels may have diameters between one and six inches. In one specific case, the pivot wheel may be substantially similar to a bicycle wheel and the first and second wheels may be substantially similar to in-line skate wheels. In some cases, the board may comprise a hole above each of the first and second wheels and each of the first and second wheels may be coupled to the board such that a portion of each of the first and second wheels protrudes through the corresponding hole in the board. Further, the apparatus may comprise a brake mechanism adapted to be applied by a foot onto at least one of the first and second wheels protruding above the board; a cover coupled to the board that covers at least part of the second portion of the pivot wheel above the board; and/or a first foot hold integrated onto the top surface of the board between the pivot wheel and the first end and a second foot hold integrated onto the top surface of the board between the pivot wheel and the second end, whereby a user can lock their feet to the board with one foot on either side of the pivot wheel. In some embodiments, the pivot wheel may be substantially similar to a bicycle wheel comprising a central hub, a circular rim coupled to the hub and a tire affixed to the outer edge of the rim. In some embodiments, the board comprises first and second widthwise edges and the board is curved in an upward concave form between the first and second widthwise edges. 
     According to a second broad aspect, the present invention is an apparatus comprising: an elongated board, a pivot wheel, a first wheel, and a brake mechanism. The board is adapted for a user to stand on, the board having a length with first and second ends, a first hole at a pivot location between the first and second ends and a second hole between the first hole and the first end. The pivot wheel is coupled to the board and protrudes through the first hole such that the pivot wheel is adapted to rotate in parallel with the length of the board, a first portion of the pivot wheel being below the board and a second portion of the pivot wheel being above the board. The first wheel is coupled to a bottom surface of the board between the first hole and the first end of the board, below the second hole such that a portion of the first wheel protrudes through the second hole. The first wheel has a substantially smaller diameter than the pivot wheel. The brake mechanism is adapted to be applied by a foot onto the portion of the first wheel that protrudes through the second hole above the board. 
     According to a third broad aspect, the present invention is an apparatus comprising: an elongated board, a pivot wheel and a wheel mounting apparatus. The board is adapted for a user to stand on, the board having a length with first and second ends and a hole at a pivot location between the first and second ends. The pivot wheel is coupled to the board and protrudes through the hole such that the pivot wheel is adapted to rotate in parallel with the length of the board, a first portion of the pivot wheel being below the board and a second portion of the pivot wheel being above the board. The pivot wheel comprises a central axle. The wheel mounting apparatus is coupled to the board adjacent to the hole at the pivot location and is adapted to secure the axle of the pivot wheel above a top surface of the board. The wheel mounting apparatus is adapted to secure the axle of the pivot wheel a first distance from the top surface of the board in a first configuration and to secure the axle of the pivot wheel a second distance from the top surface of the board different than the first distance in a second configuration. 
     According to a fourth broad aspect, the present invention is a wheel mounting apparatus adapted to be coupled to an elongated board having a length with first and second ends and a hole at a pivot location between the first and second ends. The wheel mounting apparatus comprises: an axle mounting element adapted to secure an axle of a wheel protruding through the hole of the board at the pivot location above a top surface of the board such that the pivot wheel is adapted to rotate in parallel with the length of the board. The axle mounting element is adapted to secure the axle of the wheel a first distance from the top surface of the board in a first configuration and to secure the axle of the pivot wheel a second distance from the top surface of the board different than the first distance in a second configuration. 
     According to a fifth broad aspect, the present invention is an apparatus comprising: an elongated board adapted for a user to stand on, a pivot wheel and one or more first wheels. The board has a length with first and second ends, a first hole at a pivot location between the first and second ends and one or more second holes between the first hole and the first end. The pivot wheel is coupled to the board and protrudes through the first hole such that the pivot wheel is adapted to rotate in parallel with the length of the board, a first portion of the pivot wheel being below the board and a second portion of the pivot wheel being above the board. Each of the first wheels are coupled to a bottom surface of the board between the pivot wheel and the first end of the board, each of the first wheels implemented below one of the second holes in the board such that a portion of each of the first wheels protrude through a corresponding one of the second holes in the board. The first wheels have substantially smaller diameters than the pivot wheel. In some embodiments, the board further has one or more third holes between the pivot wheel and the second end. In this case, the apparatus further comprises one or more second wheels coupled to the bottom surface of the board between the pivot wheel and the second end of the board, each of the second wheels implemented below one of the third holes in the board such that a portion of each of the second wheels protrude through a corresponding one of the third holes in the board. The second wheels also have substantially smaller diameters than the pivot wheel. 
     According to a sixth broad aspect, the present invention is an elongated board adapted to be coupled to a pivot wheel and one or more first wheels to form a board apparatus. The board is adapted for a user to stand on and has a length with first and second ends. The board comprises a first elongated hole at a pivot location between the first and second ends, the first hole being parallel lengthwise with the board and adapted for a pivot wheel to protrude through if the pivot wheel is coupled to a top surface of the board. The board further comprises at least one second hole between the first hole and the first end, the second hole adapted for a first wheel to protrude through if the first wheel is coupled to a bottom surface of the board. The diameter of the pivot wheel is substantially larger than a diameter of the first wheel. 
     According to a seventh broad aspect, the present invention is an elongated board adapted to be coupled to a pivot wheel to form a board apparatus. The board is adapted for a user to stand on and has a length with first and second ends. The board comprises a first elongated hole at a pivot location between the first and second ends, the first hole being parallel lengthwise with the board and adapted for a pivot wheel to protrude through if the pivot wheel is coupled to a top surface of the board. The board further comprises first and second widthwise edges and the board is curved in an upward concave form between the first and second widthwise edges. 
     According to an eighth broad aspect, the present invention is an apparatus comprising: an elongated board and a pivot wheel. The board is adapted for a user to stand on, the board having a length with first and second ends and a hole at a pivot location between the first and second ends. The pivot wheel is coupled to the board and protruding through the hole such that the pivot wheel is adapted to rotate in parallel with the length of the board, a first portion of the pivot wheel being below the board and a second portion of the pivot wheel being above the board. The board comprises first and second widthwise edges and the board is curved in an upward concave form between the first and second widthwise edges. 
     These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of certain embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A detailed description of embodiments of the invention is provided herein below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D  are a side view, a front view, a top view and a rear view respectively of a board apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1E  is a top view of a board that may be implemented into a board apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1F  is a side view of a board apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention with an alternative brake cable implementation; 
         FIGS. 1G and 1H  are zoomed-in views of aspects of the alternative brake cable implementation of  FIG. 1F ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a breakout view of a wheel mounting mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a zoomed-in view of components of the wheel mounting mechanism of  FIG. 2A  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2C and 2D  are front views of two embodiments of wheel mounting mechanism and  FIGS. 2E and 2F  are a side view and a top view of the wheel mounting mechanism of  FIGS. 2C and 2D ; 
         FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C  are zoomed-in views of first, second and third implementations of wheel brake mechanisms respectively that may be implemented into board apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a zoomed-in view of the foot guard and the fender implemented within the board apparatus of  FIGS. 1A-1D ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a board apparatus including a rear foot brake mechanism rather than a wheel brake mechanism controlled by a hand brake mechanism according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view of a board apparatus incorporating momentum wheels that do not protrude through the board according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6B  is a side view of a board apparatus incorporating tube runners rather than momentum wheels according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C  are zoomed-in views of first, second and third implementations of front and rear low friction elements respectively that may be implemented into board apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are perspective views of a board apparatus with foot holds and a board apparatus with foot bindings respectively according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C  are zoomed-in views of first, second and third implementations of a pivot wheel respectively that may be implemented into board apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of a board apparatus incorporating two parallel pivot wheels according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C  are side views of first, second and third implementations of board apparatus respectively with varying locations of the pivot wheel; 
         FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C  are side views of first, second and third implementations of board apparatus respectively with varying heights of the pivot wheel; and 
         FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C  are a prospective view, a front view and a side view respectively of a board that may be implemented into a board apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration of certain embodiments of the invention and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is directed to a board apparatus that a user can ride and use to traverse inclines, the board apparatus comprising an elongated board with a pivot wheel protruding through the board such that the pivot wheel is adapted to rotate in parallel with the length of the board. In some embodiments of the present invention, the pivot wheel is similar to a small bicycle wheel that is integrated substantially central lengthwise within the board and has its axle integrated above the board&#39;s top surface. A user of the board apparatus can stand on the board with one foot between the pivot wheel and the front end of the board and their other foot between the pivot wheel and the rear end of the board, balancing a substantial portion of their weight on the pivot wheel. By adjusting their weight on the pivot wheel, the user is able to control the board&#39;s direction of travel. The user can twist clockwise and counter clockwise to cause the board apparatus to rotate beneath them. As well, the user can shift their weight from one side to another to cause the direction of travel of the board apparatus to curve slightly in the direction of the lean. The board apparatus of the present invention replicates a snowboard motion both with the stance of the user facing perpendicular to the direction of motion and in the ability to turn from side to side by shifting the user&#39;s mass from one side of the board apparatus to the other. 
     In various implementations of the present invention, the board apparatus further comprises a brake apparatus integrated to the pivot wheel that allows a user to maintain control over the speed of the board apparatus as it gains momentum going down inclines. In some cases, the pivot wheel is a standard bicycle wheel and the brake apparatus is a standard bicycle brake with a hand grip that the user can squeeze to apply brake pressure to the pivot wheel. 
     The board apparatus can maintain momentum as it traverses a downward incline by storing the forward motion of the user as potential energy. As small obstructions occur, the stored energy in the mass of the user transfers back into the board apparatus which may allow the board apparatus to overcome the obstacle and continue down the incline. The board apparatus may also include momentum wheels, substantially smaller than the pivot wheel, or other low-friction elements on the bottom surface of the board at the front and/or back end of the board. The momentum wheels may protrude through the board and can allow the board apparatus to maintain momentum if the front or back ends of the board make contact with the ground. 
     When a user balances their weight on the pivot wheel and attempts to traverse a downward incline, the pivot wheel can provide rolling motion and provide stability Like a bicycle, once the board apparatus reaches sufficient speed, the pivot wheel may act like a fly wheel, stabilizing the board apparatus. In this way, the larger the pivot wheel used, the more stable the board apparatus may become at particular speeds but the wider the stance a user would need to take to stand with one foot on either side of the pivot wheel. In operation, the board apparatus can allow a user to safely traverse a downward incline, such as a grassy hill, while balancing on a board and enjoying an experience similar to riding a snowboard on a snow covered hill. 
       FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D  are a side view, a front view, a top view and a rear view respectively of a board apparatus  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the board apparatus  100  comprises an elongated board  102  with front and rear ends  103   a ,  103   b  respectively and a pivot wheel  104  integrated lengthwise through a hole  122  within the board  102  such that the pivot wheel  104  is adapted to rotate in parallel with the length of the board  102 . As shown, the pivot wheel  104  is affixed to the board  102  via a wheel mount apparatus  106  which, in this embodiment, is affixed to the top side of the board  102  and is located substantially central between the front and rear ends  103   a ,  103   b  in the board  102 . The pivot wheel  104  can rotate clockwise or counter clockwise in parallel with the length of the board  102  such that when the board  102  is balanced on the pivot wheel  104 , the board apparatus  100  may move lengthwise with the front end  103   a  leading the way or, if reversed in direction, with the rear end  103   b  leading the way. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1D , the board apparatus  100  further comprises a wheel brake mechanism  108  coupled to the top side of the board  102  directly on the front side of the pivot wheel  104  and a foot guard  114  and fender  116  coupled to the top side of the board  102  directly on the rear side of the pivot wheel  104 . The wheel brake mechanism  108  is implemented to apply friction to the pivot wheel  104  and may be controlled by a hand brake mechanism  110  via a brake cable  112 . The board apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1D  further comprises first and second front momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b  affixed to the bottom side of the board  102  and integrated through holes  124   a ,  124   b  in the board  102  at the front end  103   a  and a rear momentum wheel  120  affixed to the bottom side of the board  102  and integrated through a hole  126  in the board  102  at the rear end  103   b.    
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1D , the board  102  is a flat board in the shape of a modified oval with the central portion being narrower than the ends  103   a ,  103   b .  FIG. 1E  depicts the board  102  with all other elements removed. In other embodiments, the board  102  may be similar to various skateboards or snowboards in shape and take shapes including, but not limited to, an oval, circle or rectangle with one or more sharp or curved corners. In some embodiments, the board  102  may not be a flat board but instead may curve upwards at one or both ends. The curve on the front end could assist the board apparatus  100  to overcome oncoming obstacles while the curve on the back end of the board  102  could allow the user to change from a forward motion to a backward motion similar to a snowboarder&#39;s ability to reverse directions while maintaining assent down the incline. The board  102  may be composed of various different materials including, but not limited to, solid wood, plywood, plastics, metal, fiberglass and carbon fiber. The more solid the board apparatus  100 , the easier it is for the user of the board apparatus  100  to keep the momentum wheels at the front and rear ends  103   a ,  103   b  of the board  102  from contacting the ground, thus keeping the weight of the user on the pivot wheel  104  and reducing friction. To maintain the strength in the board  102  and reduce the bend in the board  102 , the board  102  may comprise structural supports such as armatures running from the front end  103   a  to the rear end  103   b . The armatures may be made from many different materials including, but not limited to, metal, carbon fiber, polymer materials or other materials that are designed for integral strength. The material used and the flexibility of the board  102  may be decided based on individual user preferences or cost. In one embodiment, the board  102  could comprise plywood formed with slight lengthwise curvature similar to many skateboard designs. Gluing layers of plywood over a curved mould would benefit from the parabolic nature that resists direct forces that may be applied by the user of the board apparatus  100 . 
     The pivot wheel  104  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1D  is similar in structure to a small standard bicycle wheel as depicted in  FIG. 9A . The pivot wheel in the embodiment of  FIG. 9A  comprises a central axle or spindle  902 , a hub  904  for rotating around the axle  902 , a rim  908  formed by a circular frame, a series of spokes  906  extending from the hub  904  to the rim  908  and a rubber tire  910  around the rim  908  inflated with an inner tube (not shown) on the outside of the rim  908 . In other embodiments, the pivot wheel  104  may comprise alternative structures such as a solid wheel or one made with different materials, similar to the various materials that a bicycle wheel may be formed with.  FIG. 9B  illustrates an embodiment of the pivot wheel  104  in which the spokes  906  are removed and they are replaced with a solid disc element  912  that connects the hub  904  to the rim  908 . In other embodiments, the pivot wheel  104  may be covered to protect a user from touching the rotating wheel.  FIG. 9C  illustrates an embodiment of the board apparatus  100  in which a cover  914  has been connected to the board  102  to cover the portion of the pivot wheel  104  that is protruding through the hole  122  and is above the top surface of the board  102 . In this case, a user of the board apparatus  100  may be prevented from touching the pivot wheel  104  in operation by error. As shown, the cover  914  may have a hole  916  to allow for the wheel brake mechanism  108  to still engage with the pivot wheel  104 . Yet further, instead of a fixed axle (or spindle) and hub architecture like a standard bicycle wheel, a system with a central axle that is fixed to the wheel and rotates with the wheel may be implemented. 
     The diameter of the pivot wheel  104  in  FIGS. 1A-1D  is approximately 12 inches, though the diameter may be larger or smaller and in many implementations would be between 6″ and 18″ in diameter. As will be described, the diameter of the pivot wheel  104  can affect the operation of the board apparatus  100  and may be selected based upon the size of the user, the experience of the user, the preference of the user, the weather conditions, the terrain conditions and/or other factors that may lead to a different operating parameter. In particular, the larger the diameter of the pivot wheel  104  is, the wider the stance required to be taken by the user to avoid the user from rubbing against the pivot wheel  104 . Therefore, a larger pivot wheel  104  (ex. 14-16 inches) may be used for larger users. A smaller pivot wheel  104  could allow the user to have a tighter stance but, as will be described, may need higher speeds to achieve stability. Further, the inflation or deflation of the tire of the pivot wheel  104  may affect the performance and experience of the board apparatus  100 . 
     The wheel mounting mechanism  106  of  FIGS. 1A-1D  is illustrated in detail with reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B . In this embodiment, the wheel mounting mechanism  106  comprises first and second base elements  204   a ,  204   b  comprising a flat plate affixed flush on the top side of the board  102  lengthwise beside either side of the hole  122 ; and first and second axle mounting elements  202   a ,  202   b  connected to the corresponding first and second base elements  204   a ,  204   b  and oriented vertically perpendicular to the board  102  on either side of the hole  122  for the pivot wheel  104  in the board  102 . The base elements  204   a ,  204   b  may be mounted to the board  102  with bolts  214  from the top surface of the board  102 , though the base elements  204   a ,  204   b  may be bolted from the bottom surface of the board  102  or be affixed in another method including, but not limited to, an adhesive, nails, screws and rivets. 
     An axle  902  which forms part of the pivot wheel  104  in the implementation of  FIGS. 1A-1D  can be supported in place by the first and second axle mounting elements  202   a ,  202   b . As shown, the axle mounting elements  202   a ,  202   b  have corresponding slots  206   a ,  206   b  in which ends of the axle  902  may be slid in place such that the axle  902  can be held on either side of the hole  122  that the pivot wheel  104  protrudes and the hub  904 , spokes  906 , rim  908  and tire  910  of the pivot wheel  104  can rotate around the fixed axle  902  (or spindle). In the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , each of the axle mounting elements  202   a ,  202   b  have a plurality of holes  208  vertically separated along the sides of their slots  206   a ,  206   b . In the sample implementations depicted, there are four holes  208  on one side of the slots  206   a ,  206   b  and three holes on the other side of the slots  206   a ,  206   b . It should be understood that more or fewer holes  208  could be implemented and, in some embodiments, holes may only be on one side of the slots  206   a ,  206   b  or the holes may be removed if alternative axle mounting mechanisms are used. 
     The plurality of holes  208  are at different vertical distances above the top side of the board  102 . The wheel mounting mechanism  106  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  further comprises first and second locating washers  210   a ,  210   b  corresponding to the first and second axle mounting elements  202   a ,  202   b , each of the locating washers  210   a ,  210   b  consisting of a round washer with a pin for insertion into one of the holes  208  in its corresponding axle mounting elements  202   a ,  202   b . As shown, the locating washers  210   a ,  210   b  may each be connected to their corresponding axle mounting elements  202   a ,  202   b  through the pins of the locating washers  210   a ,  210   b  connecting into one of the holes  208 . The locating washers  210   a ,  210   b  when connected to the corresponding axle mounting element  202   a ,  202   b  forms a hole that positions the height of the axle  902  relative to the board  102 . The holes  208  that are selected for insertion of the locating washers  210   a ,  210   b  dictate the distance above the board  102  that the axle  902  will be located and therefore the portion of the pivot wheel  104  that will be above the board  102  and the portion of the pivot wheel  104  that will protrude below the board  102 . A skewer, such as quick release skewer  212  depicted in  FIG. 2A , is connected to one of the ends of the axle  902  to lock the axle  902  in place and to not allow the axle  902  to rotate, instead allowing the hub  904 , spokes  906 , rim  908  and tire  910  of the pivot wheel  104  to rotate around the fixed axle  902 . When activated by pushing the handle in, the skewer  212  may lock the axle  902  in place. When deactivated by pulling the handle out, the skewer  212  may release the axle  902  and allow for a user to move the locating washers to different holes  208  in the axle mounting elements  202   a ,  202   b , thus adjusting the height of the pivot wheel  104 . In one embodiment, the skewer  212  may be similar to skewers used to hold wheels in place on many bicycles. In other embodiments, there may be two skewers, one on each side of the axle  902 . In further embodiments, the skewer  212  could be replaced with other mechanical elements including, but not limited to, a simple nut or another fastener with a threaded hole. In some embodiments, bearings (not shown) or other low-friction elements may be implemented in the hub  904  of the pivot wheel  104  to allow for the hub  904  of the pivot wheel  104  to rotate around the axle  902  with low friction. 
     The mechanical architecture of the wheel mounting mechanism  106  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  allows for the adjusting of the height of the axle  902  for the pivot wheel  104  above the board  102  and therefore can allow the user to determine the portion of the pivot wheel  104  that protrudes below the board  102 . It should be understood that alternative wheel mounting mechanisms may be implemented in other embodiments. For instance, the wheel mounting mechanism  106  may not allow for adjustments to the height of the axle  902  for the pivot wheel  104  above the board  102  and may instead be a fixed wheel mounting. Further, it should be understood that other mechanical structures could be used to affix the pivot wheel  104  to the board  102  while allowing the pivot wheel  104  to protrude through the hole  122  in the board  102  and allowing the pivot wheel  104  to rotate freely. For example, in some embodiments, the wheel mounting mechanism  106  may be affixed to the bottom side of the board  102 . In some embodiments, a rotating axle may replace the fixed axle or spindle  902 . In this case, the wheel mounting mechanism  106  may comprise mechanical elements to hold the axle in a particular location or height above the board  102  and would allow the axle to freely rotate as an integral part of the rotating pivot wheel  104 . One skilled in the art would understand that a spindle is one type of axle and therefore the term axle is meant to include a rotating axle architecture in which the axle rotates with the wheel as well as a spindle architecture in which the axle is fixed and a hub within the wheel rotates around the axle. 
       FIGS. 2C and 2D  are front views of two sample implementations of axle mounting elements illustrating different options for the holes. In  FIG. 2C , the axle mounting element is depicted with three holes  220  along the slot  222  that enable quick release mechanisms to be employed. In  FIG. 2D , the axle mounting element is depicted with four holes  224  on either side of the slot  226  to enable safety washer mechanisms to be employed.  FIGS. 2E and 2F  are a side view and a top view of an axle mounting element of either  FIG. 2C  or  FIG. 2D  according to one implementation. In this implementation, the axle mounting element may be mounted to the board  102  such that a bottom portion  228  of the axle mounting element is below the board  102  and an upper portion  230  of the axle mounting element is above the board  102 . Holes  232  in the bottom portion  228  of the axle mounting element may be mounted to the bottomside of the board  102  with bolts with the upper portion  230  of the element including the slot for the axle to be mounted protruding through a hole in the board  102  to the topside of the board  102 . In this implementation, the axle mounting element is affixed to the bottomside of the board  102  and the axle of the pivot wheel  104  is still mounted above the board  102 . 
     The wheel brake mechanism  108  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1D  comprises a standard bicycle rim brake system and is shown in detail with reference to  FIG. 3A . The wheel brake mechanism  108  comprises two brake forks  302   a ,  302   b , one on each side of the pivot wheel  104 , brake pads  304   a ,  304   b  attached to the inner sides of the corresponding forks  302   a ,  302   b  and a spring mechanism  306  that can force the forks  302   a ,  302   b  apart, away from the pivot wheel  104 . When the hand brake mechanism  110  is engaged by the user, the brake cable  112  constricts and forces the forks  302   a ,  302   b  to move towards each other and engage the brake pads  304   a ,  304   b  against the rim  908  of the pivot wheel  104 . This engagement causes friction between the rim  908  of the pivot wheel  104  and the brake pads  304   a ,  304   b  to increase, thus potentially slowing or stopping the rotation of the pivot wheel  104  and decreasing the speed or stopping the movement of the board apparatus  100 . When the hand brake mechanism  110  is not engaged by the user, the brake cable  112  expands and the spring forces the forks  302   a ,  302   b  apart and the brake pads  304   a ,  304   b  away from the rim  908  of the pivot wheel  104 . This action reduces or removes the friction between the brake pads  304   a ,  304   b  and the rim  908  of the pivot wheel  104  and allows the pivot wheel  104  to move more freely, thus potentially increasing the rotation of the pivot wheel  104  and increasing the speed of movement of the board apparatus  100 . 
     The wheel brake mechanism  108  depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1D  and  FIG. 3A  is a rim brake mechanism and is only one implementation possible for the present invention. Other brake mechanisms may be used including, but not limited to, spoon brakes, duck brakes, disc brakes and other versions of rim brake architectures. Various types of rim brakes include: rod-actuated brakes, caliper brakes, side-pull caliper brakes, dual-pivot side-pull caliper brakes, center-pull caliper brakes, cantilever brakes, linear-pull brakes or direct-pull brakes (also known as V-brakes), mini-V-brakes, roller cam brakes, delta brakes and hydraulic rim brakes.  FIG. 3B  depicts an implementation with linear-pull or direct-pull brakes  310  (also known as V-brakes) in which the forks  302   a ,  302   b  are replaced by first and second arms  312   a ,  312   b  that are pulled together when the hand brake  110  is engaged using a noodle  316 . Each of the two arms  312   a ,  312   b  are connected to a corresponding brake pad element  314   a ,  314   b  that can engage with the rim  908  of the pivot wheel  104  when the hand brake mechanism  110  is engaged, creating friction between the brake pad elements  314   a ,  314   b  and the rim  908  and as a result reducing the speed of rotation or stopping rotation of the pivot wheel  104 . 
       FIG. 3C  depicts an implementation of a disc brake  320  within the board apparatus  100  in which the braking is performed on a disc  322  parallel to the pivot wheel  104 . The disc  322  may be coupled to the hub  904  of the pivot wheel  104  and may rotate with and the hub  904 . The hub  904  may be larger than in other implementations of the pivot wheel  104 . In an alternative implementation, the center of the disc  322  may be coupled to the axle  902  and the axle  902  may rotate with the pivot wheel  104  and the disc  322  may rotate with the axle  902 . Calipers  324  engage with the disc  322  when the hand brake  110  is engaged, creating friction between the calipers  324  and the disc  322  and as a result reducing the speed of rotation or stopping rotation of the disc  322  which is connected to the pivot wheel  104  and therefore reduces the speed of rotation or stops the rotation of the pivot wheel  104 . The disc brake  320  may be mechanically actuated, as with a cable, or hydraulically actuated, or a combination of the two. 
     In  FIG. 1A , the wheel brake mechanism  108  is depicted as being implemented on the topside of the board  102  adjacent to the pivot wheel  104  between the pivot wheel  104  and the front end  103   a . The brake cable  112  is depicted as being connected relatively directly to the hand brake mechanism  110 . In alternative embodiments, the wheel brake mechanism  108  may be implemented in other locations adjacent to the pivot wheel  104 , such as on the bottomside of the board  102  and/or between the pivot wheel  104  and the rear end  103   b  of the board  102 . Further, in some embodiments, the brake cable  112  may be routed in various ways within or around the board  102  to mitigate inconvenience of the brake cable  112  for the user.  FIG. 1F  is a side view of a board apparatus with an alternative brake cable implementation. In this case, the wheel brake mechanism  108  is implemented on the topside of the board  102  adjacent to the pivot wheel  104  between the pivot wheel  104  and the rear end  103   b  of the board  102 . The brake cable  112  is routed through a small hole in the board  102  to the bottomside of the board  102  and then routed along the bottom of the board  102  to the rear end  103   b . In this configuration, the user can stand on the board  102  and the brake cable  112  does not normally interfere with their foot positions. 
     By having the brake cable  112  routed to the rear end  103   b  of the board  102 , the hand brake mechanism  110  can be held conveniently in the user&#39;s hand on the same side of the body as the foot standing on the rear portion of the board  102 . For example, if a user puts their left foot on the board  102  between the pivot wheel  104  and the front end  103   a  and puts their right foot on the board  102  between the pivot wheel  104  and the rear end  103   b , the user may find it convenient to have the brake cable  112  routed to the rear end  103   b  of the board  102  and hold the hand brake mechanism  110  in their right hand. Similarly, if the user&#39;s left foot is positioned between the pivot wheel  104  and the rear end  103   b , the user may find it convenient to hold the hand brake mechanism  110  in their left hand. 
       FIG. 1G  is a zoomed-in view of the brake cable  112  as it is routed through a hole in the board  102  according to one implementation. In this embodiment, the brake cable  112  is surrounded by a tension spring  130  as it traverses the hole in the board  102 . The tension spring  130  mitigates torque and pressure on the brake cable  112  and reduces potential damage to the brake cable  112 .  FIG. 1H  is a zoomed-in view of the brake cable as it is routed under the board  102 . In this embodiment, the brake cable  112  is coupled to the bottomside of the board (not shown in  FIG. 1H ) with a cable restraining clip  132 . The cable restraining clip  132  holds the brake cable  112  close to the board  102  and mitigates the potential of the brake cable  112  from becoming entangled with the pivot wheel  104  or the rear momentum wheel  120  or becoming ensnared with an obstacle in the terrain that the board  102  traverses. In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of cable restraining clips  132  holding the brake cable  112  close to the board  102  and routing the brake cable  112  to the rear end  103   b  of the board  102 . 
       FIG. 4  is a zoomed-in view of the foot guard  114  and the fender  116  implemented within the board apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1D . In this embodiment, the foot guard  114  is connected to the top surface of the board  102  and provides a raised edge that is shaped to curve around the pivot wheel  104 . The foot guard  114  may prevent a user from accidently sliding their foot forward and bringing it into contact with the pivot wheel  104 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1D , the foot guard  114  is only implemented around the pivot wheel  104  closer to the rear end  103   b  of the board  102 . In other embodiments, the foot guard  114  may be on both sides of the pivot wheel  104  or may surround the entire hole  122  of the pivot wheel  104 . The foot guard  114  may be composed of many materials including, but not limited to, plastic, rubber, wood or fiberglass. 
     The fender  116  is a cover that stretches up from the board  102  and covers a portion of the pivot wheel  104 . In the case of  FIGS. 1A-1D  and  FIG. 4 , the fender  116  covers a portion of the pivot wheel  104  closest to the rear end  103   b  of the board  102  and may mitigate mud, water and/or debris that may be sprayed by the rotations of the pivot wheel  104  from hitting a user. The fender  116  may be integrated with the foot guard  114  or may be a separate element. The fender  116  may be composed of many materials including, but not limited to, plastic or rubber. In some embodiments, a fender may be implemented on both the front and rear side of the pivot wheel  104 . 
     As shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1D , the front momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b  are two adjacent wheels affixed to the bottom surface of the board  102  at the front end  103   a  of the board  102  that can rotate in parallel with the length of the board  102 . In this implementation, the momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b  protrude through holes  224   a ,  224   b  in the board  102  such that a portion of the front momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b  extend above the board  102 . The front momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b  are designed to allow the board apparatus  100  to maintain momentum if the front end  103   a  of the board  102  touches the ground as the board apparatus  100  is in motion by minimizing the friction between the board apparatus  100  and the ground. Similarly, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , the rear momentum wheel  120  is affixed to the bottom surface of the board  102  centered at the rear end  103   b  of the board  102  and can rotate in parallel with the length of the board  102 . In  FIGS. 1A-1D , the rear momentum wheel  120  protrudes through a hole  226  in the board  102  such that a portion of the rear momentum wheel  120  extends above the board  102 . The rear momentum wheel  120  is designed to allow the board apparatus  100  to maintain momentum if the rear end  103   b  of the board  102  touches the ground as the board apparatus  100  is in motion by minimizing the friction between the board apparatus  100  and the ground. 
     When riding the board apparatus  100 , a user will attempt to maintain their weight over the pivot wheel  104  and minimize contact between the front and rear ends  103   a ,  103   b  and the ground being traversed. Maintaining momentum when contact is made between the ground and one of the front end  103   a  or rear end  103   b  is important. An event that causes significant friction between the board apparatus  100  and the ground can cause dramatic changes in speed and/or direction, thus potentially causing the user to lose control and/or to lose their balance and crash. In the implementation of  FIGS. 1A-1D , the front and rear momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b ,  120  are relatively small compared to the pivot wheel  104  and may be between 1 and 6 inches in diameter or approximately the size of a standard in-line skate wheel while the pivot wheel  104  may comprise the size of a small bicycle wheel or between 6 and 18 inches. The larger the momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b ,  120  used, the more easily the board apparatus  100  can overcome uneven terrain and obstacles. At the same time, the size of the momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b ,  120  should be limited since the purpose of these wheels is not to consistently have contact with the ground but to provide low friction contact points if the front end  103   a  or the rear end  103   b  makes contact with the ground. In some embodiments, the momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b ,  120  may not be limited to rotating in parallel with the length of the board  102  and, instead, may be implemented to allow other angles of rotation. In some implementations, casters may be coupled to the board  102  to allow for a wide range of rotation angles of the front momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b  and/or the rear momentum wheel  120 . 
     The momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b ,  120  protruding through the holes  124   a ,  124   b ,  126  of the board  102  has a number of advantages. Firstly, with a portion of the momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b ,  120  being above the board  102 , the board apparatus  100  can ride lower to the ground. Being lower to the ground can assist users, especially new users with limited experience. The more the distance between the board  102  and the ground, the more energy is required to keep the board apparatus  100  stable at lower speeds. 
     Secondly, if designed properly, having the momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b ,  120  protruding through the holes  124   a ,  124   b ,  126  of the board  102  can reduce the potential of debris and other obstructions from interfering with the momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b ,  120  as debris can flow away from the wheels  118   a ,  118   b ,  120  through the holes  124   a ,  124   b ,  126  in the board  102 . Any obstructions interfering with the free rotation of the momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b ,  120  can significantly affect the ride of the board apparatus  100  as it can prevent the momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b ,  120  from being low friction elements and instead reduce the momentum of the board apparatus when the front end  103   a  or the rear end  103   b  make contact with the ground, thus potentially causing a dramatic change in speed and/or direction of the board apparatus  100 . 
     It should be understood that the depiction of the front and rear momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b ,  120  in  FIGS. 1A-1D  are only one embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the size of the momentum wheels may be larger, which would allow the board apparatus  100  an improved ability to overcome uneven terrain and overcome obstacles. At the same time, to accommodate the larger momentum wheels, the pivot wheel  104  should be larger as well or be lowered so that the board apparatus  100  is raised up relative to the ground. The raising up of the board apparatus  100  is to ensure that the user&#39;s weight can be maintained primarily on the pivot wheel  104  and not consistently on the momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b ,  120  at the front or rear ends of the board  102 . In other embodiments, the momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b ,  120  may be smaller than 1″, though the smaller the wheels, the less effective they will be to overcome uneven terrain and overcome obstacles. In other embodiments, only a single momentum wheel may be implemented in the front end  103   a  of the board  102  or more than two momentum wheels may be implemented in the front end  103   a . Further, more than one momentum wheel may be implemented in the rear end  103   b  of the board  102 . In other embodiments, momentum wheels may only be implemented in one of the front end  103   a  or the rear end  103   b  instead of both ends of the board  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the momentum wheels may not protrude through holes  124   a ,  124   b ,  126  of the board  102  and instead may be installed sufficiently below the bottom surface of the board  102  that the wheels can rotate freely without the need for holes in the board  102 .  FIG. 6A  is a side view of a board apparatus  600   a  incorporating momentum wheels  602   a ,  602   b ,  604  that do not protrude through the board according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The board apparatus  600   a  is similar to board apparatus  100  but with no holes for the momentum wheels within the board  102 . As shown, the board apparatus  600   a  comprises momentum wheels  602   a ,  602   b  implemented below the board  102  at the front end  103   a  and momentum wheel  604  implemented below the board  102  at the rear end  103   a . Although depicted in  FIG. 6A  with two momentum wheels  602   a ,  602   b  at the front end  103   a  of the board  102  and one momentum wheel  604  at the rear end  103   b  of the board  102 , it should be understood that more or less momentum wheels may be implemented in various alternative embodiments. 
       FIG. 7A  depicts a sample momentum wheel for implementation as one of the momentum wheels  602   a ,  602   b ,  604 . In this case, each momentum wheel comprises a board mounting plate  702  adapted to be coupled to the bottom surface of the board  102 ; a wheel  706  comprising an axle; and a wheel mounting element  704  that is connected to the board mounting plate  702  and is adapted to hold the axle of the wheel  706  and enable the wheel  706  to rotate freely. In some embodiments, the board mounting plate  702  may comprise a caster that enables the wheel mounting element  704  and wheel  706  coupled to the wheel mounting element  704  to swivel and point the wheel  706  in various directions. This may allow the momentum wheels  602   a ,  602   b ,  604  to better reduce friction in cases that the front or rear ends  103   a ,  103   b  of the board  102  contact the ground at an angle or while the user is leaning to one side. In some implementations, the wheel  706  may be a variety of shapes including cylindrical or spherical, similar to some office chair wheels. In  FIG. 7A , the axle may be fixed to the wheel mounting element  704  and act as a spindle in which the wheel  706  rotates around the axle or may be fixed to the wheel  706  and spin within a holding element of the wheel mounting element  704 . 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates a particular implementation of a momentum wheel in one embodiment in which the momentum wheel is similar to a standard in-line skate wheel  710  that includes a plurality of bearings to allow for the wheel to rotate with minimal friction around an axle or spindle. This implementation for a momentum wheel may be implemented in the embodiments of the board apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1D  and/or within the embodiment of the board apparatus  600   a  of  FIG. 6A . In some embodiments of the present invention, the momentum wheels may be limited to a relatively small diameter compared to the pivot wheel  104 . In some particular implementations, the diameter of the momentum wheels may be between 1 and 6 inches. By comparison, in some embodiments of the present invention, the pivot wheel  104  may have a diameter between 6 and 18 inches. The exact diameters of the momentum wheels and the pivot wheel used in various embodiments should not limit the scope of the present invention. 
     More generally, the momentum wheels of board apparatus  100  and board apparatus  600   a  can be understood to be low friction elements that allow for a minimal friction when the front end  103   a  or the rear end  103   b  of the board  102  comes in contact with the ground. In some embodiments, other low friction elements could be used instead of discrete wheels. Examples of low friction elements include, but are not limited to, other devices that roll such as wide wheels or rolling-pin like elements and devices that allow for the board apparatus to slide such as tube runners or other elements with relatively low friction coefficients. Using low friction elements that roll generally will allow more momentum to be maintained than using low friction elements that allow for the board apparatus to slide. This lower ability to maintain momentum may make it more difficult for a user to achieve and maintain speed with the board apparatus and therefore to maintain stability of the board apparatus as they traverse a downward incline. The tube runners and other elements that allow the board apparatus to slide may be lower cost alternatives and may require less maintenance than wheels or other rolling low friction elements. 
       FIG. 6B  is a side view of a board apparatus  600   b  incorporating tube runners  606   a ,  606   b ,  608  rather than momentum wheels. In this implementation, tube runners  720  as shown in  FIG. 7C  are used. These devices are half circle arches made from a low friction material. Sample low friction materials may include, but are not limited to, a plastic blend of polyurethane and/or Teflon. In some embodiments, the tube runners may be similar in material to the blade of a street hockey stick and/or coated in Teflon like a cooking pot. As shown in  FIG. 6B , the board apparatus  600   b  comprises tube runners  606   a ,  606   b  implemented below the board  102  at the front end  103   a  and tube runner  608  implemented below the board  102  at the rear end  103   a . Although depicted with two tube runners  606   a ,  606   b  at the front end  103   a  of the board  102  and one tube runner  608  at the rear end  103   b  of the board  102 , it should be understood that more or less tube runners may be implemented in various alternative embodiments. Further, alternative shapes and materials for tube runners or other low friction elements that allow for sliding of the board apparatus may also be used in some implementations. 
     The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1D  depict a wheel brake mechanism  108  implemented adjacent to the pivot wheel  104  between the pivot wheel  104  and the front end  103   a  of the board  102 . The wheel brake mechanism  108  may be implemented in alternative locations in some implementations and may be replaced or augmented with other brake mechanisms on the board apparatus  100 . Specifically, the wheel brake mechanism  108  may be implement adjacent to the pivot wheel  104  between the pivot wheel  104  and the rear end  103   b  of the board  102 . Further, the wheel brake mechanism  108  could be implemented on the bottom surface of the board  102 , though debris and other obstacles could interfere with its operation. To address the debris issue, a cover could be placed over the wheel brake mechanism  108  whether it is on the top surface or on the bottom surface of the board  102 . In some embodiments, the wheel brake mechanism could be integrated such that it is internal to the board  102  adjacent to the pivot wheel  104  and may not be visible to a user of the board apparatus  100 . As described previously, the wheel brake mechanism  108  may also take the form of many different mechanical mechanisms. 
     Further, the brake cable  112  in some embodiments may be routed through the board  102  such that it is coupled to the wheel brake mechanism  108  above the board  102  and then is routed to the back end  103   b  of the board  102  under the board  102 . In this configuration, the wheel brake mechanism  108  would typically be implemented adjacent to the pivot wheel  104  between the pivot wheel  104  and the rear end  103   b  of the board  102  in order to reduce the potential of having the brake cable  112  interfering with the pivot wheel  104 . An advantage of routing the brake cable  112  under the board  102  is to avoid the brake cable from interfering with a user&#39;s foot or causing a user to trip over the brake cable  112 . 
     Alternative brake systems may be added to the board apparatus to replace or augment the wheel brake mechanism  108  on the pivot wheel  104 .  FIG. 5  is a side view of a board apparatus  500  including a rear foot break mechanism  502  rather than the wheel brake mechanism  108  controlled by a hand brake mechanism  110 . As shown, the foot brake mechanism  502  comprises an element that can contact the top of the momentum wheel  120  that protrudes above the hole  126  at the rear end  103   b  of the board  102  and can generate friction between the foot brake mechanism  502  and the momentum wheel  120 . The foot brake mechanism  502  may comprise a brake pad and may have a spring that lifts the brake pad so that it does not contact the momentum wheel  120  in a first mode. In a second mode in which a user puts weight on the top of the foot brake mechanism  502  or otherwise pushes on the top of the foot brake mechanism  502 , the brake pad within the foot brake mechanism  502  contacts the momentum wheel  120 , generating friction and reducing or stopping the rotation of the momentum wheel  120 . By reducing or stopping the rotation of the momentum wheel  120 , the momentum wheel  120  stops assisting in maintaining momentum of the board apparatus  500  and instead can act as a brake pad for the board apparatus  500  if the user shifts their weight to the rear end  103   b  of the board  102  so that the momentum wheel  120  (now acting as a brake pad) is brought into contact with the ground. Similar foot brake mechanisms could be implemented in some implementations on the top of the momentum wheels  118   a ,  118   b  that extend through the holes  124   a ,  124   b  at the front end  103   a  of the board  102  or on the front or back side of the pivot wheel  104 . Further, it should be understood that the foot brake mechanism  502  may be implemented along with the wheel brake mechanism  108  on the pivot wheel  104  within the board apparatus  100 . In this case, a user would have two different brake mechanisms available to use to control their speed or to initiate a stop. In some cases, there may be situations in which one of the brake mechanisms  108 ,  502  may be better to slow or stop the board apparatus  100  and there may be a need to activate both brake mechanisms  108 ,  502  in some circumstances. 
     As previously described, in the embodiment of the board apparatus  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1D , a user may stand on the top surface of the board  102  with one foot in front of the pivot wheel  104  and one foot behind the pivot wheel  104 . In this case, the user can freely adjust the placement of their feet on the top surface of the board  102  which may be required to adjust their weight in operation. In other embodiments, it may be desired to lock down the feet of the user to the board  102  so that they do not slip off the board  102  and also to allow the user to apply more significant angled or sideways pressure on the board using their feet. In particular, locking down the feet of the user may be desired if using the board apparatus  100  in a slalom or other event that would require significant turning or if the board apparatus  100  was being used for jumps or aerial maneuvers where the board apparatus  100  loses contact with the ground. 
       FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of board apparatus  800   a  with foot holds  802   a ,  802   b  implemented on the top surface of the board  102 . In this case, a first foot hold  802   a  is implemented between the pivot wheel  104  and the front end  103   a  of the board  102  and a second foot hold  802   b  is implemented between the pivot wheel  104  and the rear end  103   b  of the board  102 . With these foot holds  802   a ,  802   b , a user can slide one or both of their feet into locked positions to ride the board apparatus  800   a  or during particular moments in a ride of the board apparatus  800   a . In some cases, only one of these foot holds  802   a ,  802   b  may be implemented.  FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of board apparatus  800   b  with foot bindings  804   a ,  804   b  implemented on the top surface of the board  102 . In this case, a first foot binding  804   a  is implemented between the pivot wheel  104  and the front end  103   a  of the board  102  and a second foot binding  804   b  is implemented between the pivot wheel  104  and the rear end  103   b  of the board  102 . With these foot bindings  804   a ,  804   b , a user can lock their feet to the board  102  into locked positions to ride the board apparatus  800   b  and the feet will stay connected to the board apparatus  800   b  through the ride and maneuvers undertaken by the user. In some cases, only one of these foot bindings  804   a ,  804   b  may be implemented. 
     The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1D  depict a pivot wheel  104  that is similar to a bicycle wheel implemented in a substantially central location on the board  102  and at a particular height above the top surface of the board  102 . In some implementations of the present invention, the pivot wheel  104  may not be similar to a bicycle wheel, may be adjusted horizontally along the board  102  and/or may be adjusted vertically above the top surface of the board  102 . In particular, the pivot wheel  104  may have the spokes removed and replaced by a solid disc element as described with reference to  FIG. 9B . Further, the pivot wheel  104  could have a smaller or larger diameter than depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1D . The diameter of the pivot wheel  104  has been described as being between 6″ and 18″ in diameter, though in some implementations, the pivot wheel  104  may be less than 6″ or may be greater than 18″. A larger pivot wheel would require a wider stance of the user but could potentially allow for a more stable ride. A smaller pivot wheel would bring the board apparatus closer to the ground and could be more affected by debris and obstacles and further would require higher speeds to become stable. 
     In other implementations, the pivot wheel  104  may be wider than shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1D  and possibly almost as wide as the board  102  itself or may be narrower than shown. In one embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10 , a board apparatus  1000  may comprise more than one pivot wheel  1002   a ,  1002   b  in parallel. This would require a wider hole  122  for the pivot wheels  1002   a ,  1002   b  to protrude or two parallel holes in the board  102 . In this embodiment, the two pivot wheels  1002   a ,  1002   b  may act together and be controlled by the hand brake mechanism  110  together. In this case, there may be two wheel brake mechanisms  108  implemented or a modified wheel brake mechanism that encompasses both pivot wheels  1002   a ,  1002   b . In this case, the two pivot wheels  1002   a ,  1002   b  effectively act as a wider pivot wheel system and may be useful for overcoming debris and obstacles. In other implementations, only one of the pivot wheels  1002   a ,  1002   b  may have a wheel brake mechanism  108  enabled and both pivot wheels  1002   a ,  1002   b  may be coupled together and act together or are not coupled together but the braking of one of the pivot wheels  1002   a ,  1002   b  may still slow or stop the board apparatus  1000  sufficiently. In one implementation, braking of the pivot wheels  1002   a ,  1002   b  may be controlled separately with each pivot wheel  1002   a ,  1002   b  having a separate wheel brake mechanism and a separate control mechanism. In this case, if controlled properly, a user may be able to make dramatic turns on one of the pivot wheels  1002   a ,  1002   b.    
     In the embodiment of the board apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1D , the pivot wheel  104  is implemented substantially in the center of the board  102  between the front and rear ends  103   a ,  103   b . A centrally located pivot wheel  104  can allow the board apparatus to turn from its center point which in turn can reduce side to side forces that would occur directly to the pivot wheel  104  if the pivot wheel  104  was positioned further forward or backward. Effectively, if the pivot wheel is not substantially centered, the weight of the two ends of the board apparatus  100  would not be substantially equal and the lopsided weight could affect the smoothness of performing turns and other changes in direction. Further, shifting the pivot wheel  104  horizontally may force more of the user&#39;s weight to one end or the other of the board apparatus  100  which could affect the ride on the board apparatus  100 . Despite this, as depicted in  FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C , the pivot wheel  104  may be implemented in varying horizontal locations in some implementations. For simplicity, some components such as the momentum wheels have been removed from the  FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C .  FIG. 11A  illustrates an implementation of the board apparatus  100  with a substantially central pivot wheel  104  similar to the implementation of  FIGS. 1A-1D .  FIG. 11B  illustrates an implementation of the board apparatus  100  in which the pivot wheel  104  is implemented towards the rear end  103   b  of the board  102 . In this implementation, the length of the board  102  between the pivot wheel  104  and the rear end  103   b  of the board is reduced. When traversing a downward incline, this reduced length of the rear portion of the board apparatus  100  could reduce the user pitching forward on the board  102  by forcing more of the user&#39;s weight to the back of the board apparatus  100 , but it would also limit the user&#39;s ability to switch directions on the board (i.e. traverse the incline backwards) or to pivot on the center of the board apparatus  100 .  FIG. 11C  illustrates an implementation of the board apparatus  100  in which the pivot wheel  104  is implemented towards the front end  103   b  of the board  102 . In this implementation, the length of the board  102  between the pivot wheel  104  and the front end  103   b  of the board is decreased. This decreased length of the front portion of the board apparatus  100  could force the user to shift their weight forward on the board  102  which normally is not desired while traversing a downward incline. This implementation could be used for more advanced users that may want a different experience or maneuver through a particular set of obstacles. 
     In the embodiment of the board apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1D  and  FIGS. 2A-2B , the wheel mounting mechanism  106  positions the axle  902  of the pivot wheel  104  vertically above the top surface of the board  102 . It should be understood that the axle  902  of the pivot wheel  104  may be positioned at various different vertical distances above the top surface of the board  102  in various implementations.  FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C  are side views of first, second and third implementations of board apparatus  100  respectively with varying heights of the pivot wheel  104 .  FIG. 12A  illustrates an implementation of the board apparatus  100  in which the axle  902  of the pivot wheel  104  is closest to the board  102  as mechanically possible in this set-up. In this implementation, a large portion of the pivot wheel  104  extends below the board  102  and therefore, when a user rides the board apparatus  100 , the user is higher above the ground. This height is good for overcoming obstacles but may make it difficult to maintain the user&#39;s weight over the pivot wheel  104  and avoid having the front end  103   a  or the rear end  103   b  of the board  102  to come into contact with the ground. This height may allow a more experienced user to challenge themselves and benefit from the improved ability to overcome debris and obstacles so that more difficult trails or courses could be traversed using this implementation. 
       FIG. 12B  illustrates an implementation of the board apparatus  100  in which the axle  902  of the pivot wheel  104  is in a middle of the available vertical levels for positioning of the axle  902 . In this implementation, less of the pivot wheel  104  extends below the board  102  compared to the positioning of  FIG. 12A  and therefore, when a user rides the board apparatus  100 , the user is relatively lower to the ground. This height may allow the user to more easily maintain their weight on the pivot wheel  104  and prevent the front end  103   a  or the rear end  103   b  of the board  102  from making contact with the ground. The height of the axle  902  may allow the board  102  to be high enough to avoid contact with a reasonable amount of debris and obstacles, though it is less able to overcome debris and obstacles compared to the setup of  FIG. 12A . 
       FIG. 12C  illustrates an implementation of the board apparatus  100  in which the axle  902  of the pivot wheel  104  is at the maximum height possible above the top surface of the board  102  as mechanically possible in this set-up. In this implementation, a minimal portion of the pivot wheel  104  extends below the board  102 , less than the implementations of  FIGS. 12A and 12B . Therefore, when a user rides the board apparatus  100 , the user is relatively close to the ground compared to the other implementations. This height may work best for a new user who is getting used to balancing their weight on the pivot wheel  104  and will allow the user to more easily balance on the pivot wheel  104 . The height of the axle  902  may allow the board  102  to be high enough to avoid contact with some debris and obstacles such as on a grassy hill, though it is less able to overcome debris and obstacles compared to the setups of  FIGS. 12A and 12B . 
     Although depicted with a wheel mounting mechanism  106  implemented on the top surface of the board  102  that allows for vertical adjustment of the positioning of the axle  902  of the pivot wheel  104 , it should be understood that this mechanical system should not limit the scope of the present invention. In particular, a fixed wheel mounting mechanism may be implemented in which the vertical distance between the board  102  and the positioning of the axle  902  of the pivot wheel  104  is fixed and not adjustable by the user. In other embodiments, the wheel mounting mechanism may be implemented in-line with the board  102  and therefore substantially half of the pivot wheel  104  will extend above the board  102  and half the pivot wheel  104  will extend below the board  102 . The wheel mounting mechanism may be an integral part of the board  102  and may be formed or manufactured with the board  102 . In other embodiments, the wheel mounting mechanism may be implemented below the board  102  and be affixed to the bottom surface of the board  102 . In this implementation, the portion of the pivot wheel  104  that protrudes through the hole  122  and extends above the board  102  will be less than the portion of the pivot wheel  104  that extends below the board  102 . This will result in the board being higher above the ground and more difficult for the user to balance with their weight on the pivot wheel  104 . 
       FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C  are a prospective view, a front view and a side view respectively of a board  1300  that may be implemented into a board apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the board  1300  in this embodiment has a concave upwards curve from widthwise edges  1302 A,  1302 B and raised edges  1304 A,  1304 B on the lengthwise ends. The concave upwards curve that extends from the left edge  1302 A to the right edge  1302 B of the board  1300  can provide additional strength to the board  1300  and reduce the flexibility of the board  1300 . In this particular implementation, a curve of 9° is shown between the left edge  1302 A and a center of the board  1300  and, similarly, a curve of 9° is shown between the right edge  1302 A and a center of the board  1300 . It should be understood that other degrees of curvature could be implemented and in some implementations no curvature may be implemented. It should also be understood that a larger degree of curvature may result in a less stable board apparatus as a user may find the board apparatus more difficult to balance from side to side when riding. A minor degree of curvature allows for the improved strength and decreased flexibility of the board  1300  while not significantly affecting the stability of the board apparatus. 
     The raised edges  1304 A,  1304 B at the lengthwise ends of the board  1300  can allow for a flat zone to be created for a user&#39;s feet and can further provide additional strength to the board  1300  and can further reduce the flexibility of the board  1300 . In some cases, the raised edges  1304 A,  1304 B could be removed or could be replaced by an upward concave curve that fully extends between the two lengthwise ends of the board  1300 . In the particular implementation of  FIGS. 13A-C , an angle of 13° is shown as the degree of the raised edge  1304 A relative to a flat portion of the board  1300  and, similarly, an angle of 13° is shown as the degree of the raised edge  1304 B relative to a flat portion of the board  1300 . It should be understood that other angles could be implemented, the two lengthwise edges could be raised at different angles and in some implementations lengthwise edges may not be raised at all. 
     Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.