Abstract:
A handle toss training apparatus can be utilized to aid in improving a person&#39;s balance, coordination, and skills respective to a maneuver commonly referred to as a handle pass. The handle toss training apparatus includes a balancing board with a base. The base provides a rotational, a rolling, and a pitch motion for the balancing board. A handle is fastened to a wall via a cable. Tension for the handle is created by the specific material used for fabrication of the cable or by a variable weight system.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   The application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/802,393, filed on May 23, 2006, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to the field of sports and exercise equipment, more specifically to a training device for improving the balance and coordination required to perform a handle pass. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Balance boards are devices are meant to train and strengthen muscle groups used to maintain balance. There have been a number of balancing boards developed over the years. Some are meant for skating, surfing, siding, snowboarding, and the like. The basic design usually involves a platform and a member that acts as a pivot point. The pivot point can be stationary or moveable. Generally, balance boards only pivot along a single axis. These devices do not give a realistic reproduction of total balance. Balancing boards are currently designed simply for training a user for balance; none have been integrated for handle-pass training. 
   Extreme water sports are very popular and growing fast today. Our device is mainly aimed at wakeboarding, wakeskating, and kiteboarding. Wakeboarding and wakeskating are both performed by holding on to a rope being pulled behind a boat or by a self-powered cable, while standing on a board that planes on the surface of the water. Kiteboarding utilizes a kite as the means for propelling the user through the water. These sports are very progressive, including rotations, aerial spins, flips, and the like. While in the air, the user is required to pass the handle from one hand to the other while spinning or flipping, often behind the back. This requires a great amount of skill, coordination, and balance. 
   What is desired is a training device for improving a person&#39;s balance, coordination, and skills respective to a maneuver commonly referred to as a handle pass. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One aspect of the present invention is a balancing board. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board placed upon a top surface of a domed support member. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board placed upon a top surface of a domed support member, said domed support member providing a roll along a longitudinal axis. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board placed upon a top surface of a domed support member, said domed support member providing a pitch along a latitudinal axis. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board placed upon a top surface of a domed support member, said domed support member comprising a domed upper surface and a planar bottom surface. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board placed upon a top surface of a domed support member, said domed support member comprising a textured upper surface. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board placed upon a top surface of a domed support member, said domed support member comprising a textured upper surface, said textured upper surface comprising a plurality of raised rings. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board placed upon a top surface of a domed support member, said domed support member comprising a textured bottom surface. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board placed upon a top surface of a domed support member, said domed support member comprising a textured bottom surface, said textured bottom surface comprising a plurality of protrusions. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board is provided a horizontal, rotational motion via a rotational base member. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board is provided a horizontal, rotational motion via a rotational base member, said rotational base member comprising a planar bearing set, commonly used on a “Lazy Susan”. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board is provided a horizontal, rotational motion via a rotational base member, said rotational base member comprising a planar bearing set coupled to a planar base plate. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board is provided a horizontal, rotational motion via a rotational base member, said rotational base member comprising a planar bearing set coupled to a planar base plate, said planar base plate being fabricated of plywood. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board is provided a horizontal, rotational motion via a rotational base member, said rotational base member comprising a planar bearing set coupled to a planar base plate, said planar base plate being fabricated of plywood and covered with an aesthetically pleasing material, such as fabric, paint, and the like. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board is provided a horizontal, rotational motion via a rotational base member, said rotational base member comprising a planar bearing set coupled to a planar base plate, said planar base plate being fabricated of metal, a polymer, and the like. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board is provided a horizontal, rotational motion via a rotational base member, said rotational base member being coupled to a planar top plate. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board is provided a horizontal, rotational motion via a rotational base member, said rotational base member being coupled to a planar top plate, said planar top member further comprising a padding. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board is provided a horizontal, rotational motion via a rotational base member, said rotational base member being coupled to a planar top plate, said planar top member further comprising a padding, covered with a material. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board, said balancing board in a shape resembling a wakeboard, and said wakeboard being an elongated rectangle with a center section that is wider than the narrow edge. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board, said balancing board in a shape resembling a wakeboard, said wakeboard being an elongated rectangle with a center section that is wider than the narrow edge, and having a curved cross sectional shape along the longer side said wakeboard. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board, said balancing board in a shape resembling a kiteboard. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board, said balancing board in a shape resembling a wakeskate. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a balancing board, said balancing board is fabricated of at least one of: 
   a. wood; 
   b. plywood; 
   c. polymer; 
   d. fiberglass covered foam; 
   e. epoxy covered foam; 
   f. plastic; and 
   g. molded plastic. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is handle, said handle is secured via a cable to an object positioned distant from said balancing board. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is handle, said handle is secured via a cable to a wall positioned distant from said balancing board. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is handle, said handle is secured via a cable to a wall via a coupling member. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is handle, said handle secured to a wall via a coupling member, said coupling member is a coupling loop. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is handle, said handle is secured via a cable to a wall via a coupling member, said coupling member is a pulley, wherein said pulley redirects a cable from said handle to a weight. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is handle, said handle is secured via a cable to a wall via a coupling member, said coupling member is a pulley, wherein said pulley redirects a cable from said handle to a series of weights, said series of weights allowing a user to adjust the coupled total weight. 
   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a handle toss training method comprising the following steps:
         a. Assemble the balancing board assembly;   b. Taking hold of the handle;   c. Getting onto and standing upon the balancing board assembly;   d. Practicing the Handle Toss using the handle that is secured to a distant object as a replication of cable tension from being coupled to a boat or other force providing item; and   e. Utilizing the handle/cable as an assistant for balancing one self.       

   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a handle toss training method comprising the following steps:
         a. Assemble the balancing board assembly;   b. Taking hold of the handle;   c. Getting onto and standing upon the balancing board assembly;   d. Rotating said balancing board on a horizontal plane;   e. Practicing the Handle Toss using the handle that is secured to a distant object as a replication of cable tension from being coupled to a boat or other force providing item; and   f. Utilizing the handle/cable as an assistant for balancing one self.       

   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a handle toss training method comprising the following steps:
         a. Assemble the balancing board assembly;   b. Taking hold of the handle;   c. Getting onto and standing upon the balancing board assembly;   d. Rolling said balancing board about at least one of a longitudinal line and a latitudinal line;   e. Practicing the Handle Toss using the handle that is secured to a distant object as a replication of cable tension from being coupled to a boat or other force providing item; and   f. Utilizing the handle/cable as an assistant for balancing one self.       

   Yet, another aspect of the present invention is a handle toss training method comprising the following steps:
         a. Assemble the balancing board assembly;   b. Taking hold of the handle;   c. Getting onto and standing upon the balancing board assembly;   d. Rotating said balancing board on a horizontal plane;   e. Rolling said balancing board about at least one of a longitudinal line and a latitudinal line;   f. Practicing the Handle Toss using the handle that is secured to a distant object as a replication of cable tension from being coupled to a boat or other force providing item; and   g. Utilizing the handle/cable as an assistant for balancing one self.       

   It is recognized that the various aspects presented herein can be combined. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric, exploded view illustrating primary elements of a balancing board assembly; 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a handle toss apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a handle toss apparatus in accordance with an alternate exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of said balancing board assembly further illustrating a rotational motion of a balancing board; 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of said balancing board assembly illustrating a rolling motion of said balancing board; 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of said balancing board assembly illustrating a pitching motion of said balancing board; 
       FIG. 7  is a three dimensional, top view of a dome shaped support member; 
       FIG. 8  is a three dimensional, bottom view of a dome shaped support member; 
       FIG. 9  is a three dimensional, top view of a rotational base upper assembly; 
       FIG. 10  is a handle toss training method flow diagram; and 
       FIG. 11  is a balancing board assembly flow diagram. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an assembly drawing for a balancing board assembly  100 . Said balancing board assembly  100  comprising a balancing board  102 , said balancing board  102  is placed upon a domed support member upper surface  114  of a domed support member  112 . Said domed support member  112  provides a roll and pitch motion to said balancing board  102 . Said domed support member  112  is positioned atop a rotational base upper assembly  110 . Said rotational base upper assembly  110  is assembled to a rotational base plate  106  and a rotational base  108 ; said rotational subassembly provides a horizontal rotation for said balancing board  102 . In a preferred embodiment, said balancing board assembly  100  is fabricated of plywood. Alternately, said balancing board assembly  100  can be fabricated of other wood types, a polymer, fiberglass covered foam, epoxy covered foam, ABS plastic, and the like. Said balancing board  102  can be finished in any manner, preferably being finished with a unique paint or decal scheme making said balancing board assembly  100  more desirable to the consumer. Said balancing board  102  comprising a balancing board deck surface  104 , said balancing board deck surface  104  being a surface in which the user would stand upon. Said balancing board deck surface  104  can incorporate a textured surface or any known surface by those skilled in the art. Said rotational base plate  106  can be fabricated of a sheet of plywood covered with a material, paint, and the like. Said rotational base  108  is a planar bearing assembly similar to a “Lazy Susan” and is fastened to said rotational base plate  106  providing a rotation to said balancing board assembly  100  while said rotational base plate  106  remains stationary. Said rotational base upper assembly  110  is fabricated with a stiff, planar material as a base component, then placing a padded top with a material covering onto the top of the base component. Said rotational base upper assembly  110  is then assembled to a top of said rotational base  108 . The general process utilizes screws for assembly of said rotational base plate  106 , said rotational base  108 , and said rotational base upper assembly  110 . Said domed support member  112  is fabricated of a molded or inflatable rubber material. Said domed support member  112  is simply placed upon a top surface of said rotational base upper assembly  110 . More details of said domed support member  112  will be described later herein. 
     FIG. 2  presents a balancing board assembly  100  and a respective handle assembly, said handle assembly comprising a handle  120 , a handle rope  122  used to couple said handle  120  to a primary cable  124  and a wall anchor system  127 . Said handle  120  simulates a commonly used tow handle and can be fabricated of wood, plastic, composite, metal (such as aluminum), and the like, and would preferably be covered of a soft rubber material for comfort. Said handle  120  can have a cross section that is circular, elliptical, or triangular. Said handle  120  is coupled on each side to said handle rope  122 . Said handle rope  122  generally comprising a loop about the center, said loop is used to couple said handle rope  122  to said primary cable  124 . Said primary cable  124  can be braided and fabricated of nylon, polypropylene, cotton, and the like. Said primary cable  124  is coupled via a cable coupling  126  to said wall anchor system  127 ; said wall anchor system  127  comprising a cable coupling ring  128  which is secured to a support wall  130  via a coupling ring wall mount  129 . Utilizing a fixed bracket such as said wall anchor system  127 , it would be preferable that said primary cable  124  is fabricated of an elastic material, such as an elastic resistance band, bungee cord, rubber, and the like. 
     FIG. 3  presents an alternate embodiment of  FIG. 2 , replacing a fixed wall anchor system  127  with a variable weight system, wherein said variable weight system provides the resistance simulating the forces applied by a boat/watercraft, kite, cable pulley system, and the like. Said primary cable  124  would be a non-elastic material and would be placed through a pulley  134 , said pulley  134  redirects said primary cable  124  towards a useable weight group  142 . Said pulley  134  is coupled to said support wall  130  via a pulley mount  132 . Said useable weight group  142  is a plurality of said weighted member(s)  136  which are selectively grouped via a weight selection pin  140  in a manner consistent with a common exercise machine. Said primary cable  124  would be coupled to an object such as weight selection pin  140  in a manner wherein said useable weight group  142  moves respective to any motion or forces applied by said primary cable  124 . Said weighted member(s)  136  are contained to a vertical motion via a plurality of weight track  138 . The user can adjust the weight in a manner to change the simulated forces as desired. It is understood that other weight adjustment means can be utilizes and such embodiments should not limit the claims of the present invention. One such method would comprise the utilization of fixed or adjustable springs  144  as opposed to the weights. Another such method would comprise the utilization of fixed or adjustable elastic resistance bands  146  as opposed to the weights. Another such method would comprise the spring and dampening system as opposed to the weights. 
     FIG. 4  presents an isometric view of said balancing board assembly  100  illustrating a horizontal rotation  150  of said balancing board  102 . The user would stand upon said balancing board deck surface  104  of said balancing board  102 . Any twisting action of the user generates a horizontal rotation  150  of said balancing board  102 , moving said balancing board  102  to a position indicated as balancing board  102 A. Said rotation is provided by said rotational base  108  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), wherein said rotational base plate  106  remains stationary, said rotational base  108  is free to rotation about a horizontal plane. Then said rotational base upper assembly  110 , said domed support member  112 , and said balancing board  102  rotate as a single motion. 
     FIG. 5  presents a side view of said balancing board assembly  100  illustrating a latitudinal roll  152  about a longitudinal axis (along the longer length of said board) of said balancing board  102 . The user would stand upon said balancing board deck surface  104  of said balancing board  102 . Any front to back rolling action (roll) of the user generates said latitudinal roll  152  of said balancing board  102 , moving said balancing board  102  to a position indicated as balancing board  102 B. Said rolling is provided by said domed support member  112  placed upon said rotational base upper assembly  110 . 
     FIG. 6  presents a front view of said balancing board assembly  100  illustrating a longitudinal pitch  154  about a latitudinal axis (along the shorter length of said board) of said balancing board  102 . The user would stand upon said balancing board deck surface  104  of said balancing board  102 . Any side to side rolling action (pitch) of the user generates said longitudinal pitch  154  of said balancing board  102 , moving said balancing board  102  to a position indicated as balancing board  102 C. Said pitch is provided by said domed support member  112  placed upon said rotational base upper assembly  110 . 
     FIG. 7  presents a three-dimensional, top view introducing additional details of said domed support member  112 . Said domed support member  112  comprises a domed support member upper surface  114  and a slip minimizing, textured design, preferably a plurality of domed support member rib(s)  160 . Said domed support member rib(s)  160  are presented as series of rings about a center of said domed support member upper surface  114  as a means for ensuring said balancing board  102  does not slip off said domed support member  112 . Alternate slip minimizing designs can be utilized such as a plurality of ribs and a plurality of protrusions. 
     FIG. 8  presents a three-dimensional, bottom view introducing additional details of said domed support member  112 . Said domed support member  112  comprising a domed support member bottom surface  162  and a slip minimizing, textured design, preferably a plurality of domed support member protrusion(s)  164 . Said plurality of domed support member protrusion(s)  164  are preferably distributed evenly about said domed support member bottom surface  162  and provide a gripping interface between a bottom surface of said domed support member  112  and top surface of said rotational base upper assembly  110 . 
     FIG. 9  presents a three-dimensional, top view introducing additional details of said rotational base upper assembly  110 . Said rotational base upper assembly  110  comprising a rotational base upper plate  174 , wherein said rotational base upper plate  174  provides a rigid base. Said rotational base upper assembly  110  furthering comprising a rotational base upper padding  176 , wherein said rotational base upper padding  176  provides a pliable upper surface for a rotational base upper member top  170 . Said rotational base upper padding  176  is fabricated of foam. Said rotational base upper padding  176  is placed upon (and optionally fastened to using adhesive) the base material of said rotational base upper plate  174 . The subassembly is then covered with a fabric, which is stretched over the foam and base material, then tacked to the base material such as by staples. Said rotational base upper assembly  110  is then fastened to a top surface of said rotational base  108  proximate a rotational base upper member bottom  172 . Holes can be provided within said rotational base plate  106  providing access for securing said rotational base upper assembly  110  and rotational base  108  to each other. One such means for fastening said rotational base  108  and rotational base upper assembly  110  would be via screws. 
     FIG. 10  presents a handle toss training method  200 , said handle toss training method  200  initiating with a balancing board assembly step  202 . Said balancing board assembly step  202  is accomplished via assembling said balancing board assembly  100  as described in  FIG. 1 . The user then grabs hold of said handle  120  in accordance with a take hold of the handle step  204 . The user then walks over and steps onto said balancing board deck surface  104  of said balancing board assembly  100  as directed in a stand on balancing board assembly step  206 . At this point, the user is ready to being practicing the handle-toss. The user leans, twists, and turns while standing upon said balancing board deck surface  104  and consequently passes said handle  120  between a first hand and a second hand, in accordance with a handle toss practice step  208 . While practicing, the user utilizes said handle  120  and tension applied via said primary cable  124  as a support for balance during maneuvers, as directed by a utilization of said handle/cable for balancing step  210 . 
     FIG. 11  presents a handle toss training apparatus assembly flow  220 , said handle toss training apparatus assembly flow  220  presents the various steps for fabrication of a handle toss training system. Said handle toss training apparatus assembly flow  220  initiates with a fabrication and finishing said base plate step  222 . Said rotational base plate  106  is fabricated by cutting a piece of base plate material (such as plywood) to shape. Said rotational base plate  106  is then covered with the desired finish, such as covering with a material. Continuing with the assembly, a base plate and rotating base assembly step  224  is accomplished via fastening said covered rotational base plate  106  to said rotational base  108 . Said rotational base upper assembly  110  is then assembled in accordance with a couple padding to a rotational upper plate assembly step  226 . Said padding onto a rotational upper plate assembly step  226  is accomplished via placing or adhering said rotational base upper padding  176  onto a rotational base upper plate  174 , then covered with a material to provide said rotational base upper assembly  110 . Upon completion of the fabrication said rotational base upper assembly  110 , said rotational base upper assembly  110  is assembled to a topside of said rotational base  108  via an upper plate and rotational base assembly step  228 . Said domed support member  112  is fabricated in accordance with a domed support member fabrication step  230 . Said domed support member  112  can be fabricated utilizing any rubber molding process, inflatable forming process, and the like. Said balancing board  102  is fabricated in accordance with a balancing board fabrication step  232  via any known board fabrication process. Such balancing board fabrication processes include, shaping plywood, shaping foam, then covering with a composite material (fiberglass, epoxy, and the like), plastic molding process, and the like. The last fabrication step, fabrication and assembly of a handle and cable step  234  is accomplished in accordance with commonly known ski-handle fabrication methods. Said handle  120  is fabricated of a plastic, metal (such as aluminum), composite, and the like. Said handle  120  can be formed via an extrusion, molding, or machining process. Said handle rope  122  is woven and coupled to said handle  120 . The coupling section between said handle rope  122  and said handle  120  can optionally be covered in a molded rubber. Additionally, said handle  120  is preferably covered with a soft coating such as rubber, silicone, Urethane, polyethylene, leather, and the like. Said primary cable  124  is fabricated via any desired material, selected based upon the embodiment of the tension mechanism. Said tension mechanism is fabricated in accordance with the design selected and would be understood by those skilled in the art. The finished components are then packaged for sale and distribution in accordance with a package for sale and distribution step  236 . 
   The teachings herein depict the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It can be recognized that although the illustration and specification specifically presents a handle toss training apparatus as described herein, alternative embodiments that are natural deviations by those skilled in the art can be utilized while maintaining the spirit and intent of the present invention.