Patent Application
20170087440
The present invention relates to a method and a device for modulating one's motion in a sport or recreational activity such as inline skating, skateboarding or snowboarding. The device comprises a collapsible or retractable base having a distal end and a proximal end; and a removably attached motion modulating element on said proximal and/or distal ends of said collapsible or retractable base.
One of the problems associated with many recreational and/or sports activities such as inline skating (sometimes called “roller-blading”), skateboarding and snowboarding is ability to control ones speed. This problem becomes dangerous when one is going down hill and is rapidly gaining speed. In most cases, one can control the speed of such an activity by dragging one of the inline skates, dragging the “tail-end” of the skateboard, quickly turning the snowboard, making multiple turns to control one's speed or lifting one's foot and placing in an angle to slow down the speed. The latter method can be particularly dangerous as one can lose balance or cause instability when one of the leg is raised in an attempt to place the inline skate at an angle to decelerate.
These methods for controlling the speed often requires skill. For beginners, many trial and errors are necessary in order to become proficient at controlling one's speed. Such a trial and errors often requires a steep learning curve and often leads to injuries and dangerous situation. Part of the problems associated with these types of activities is that the speed control almost exclusively relies on the skill of the person.
Therefore, it is desirable if one can eliminate or substantially reduce the amount of skill required in modulating the motion of these types of activities, in particular to aid in reducing the speed or stopping.
Some aspects of the present invention provide a motion modulating device that can be used to modulate one's motion in a sport or recreational activities such as inline skating, skateboarding and snowboarding. Currently, one typically increases speed in these activities by pushing off with one's feet or by gravity. To stop or slow down, one uses turns or drags one's feet or the device to create increased friction to reduce the speed. In generally, one requires some level of skill to decelerate.
Unfortunately, many users of inline skates, snowboards or skateboards are not proficient in reducing the speed or making a quick stop to avoid potential dangers or collisions. This lack of proficiency in quickly reducing or stopping these devices results in a numerous accidents ranging from minor bruises to broken bones and even fatalities.
The motion modulating device of the invention can significantly reduce these accidents by allowing one to quickly reduce the speed or stop while using these devices without the need for proficiency in quickly manipulating these devices.
The motion modulating device of the invention comprises a collapsible or retractable base having a distal end and a proximal end; and a removably attached motion modulating element located said proximal end of said collapsible or retractable base. In some embodiments, the distal end can also have a removably attached second motion modulating element.
The present invention will be described with regard to the accompanying drawings which assist in illustrating various features of the invention. In this regard, the present invention generally relates to a motion modulating device for use in sports or recreational activities. In particular activities associated with inline skating, skateboarding and/or snowboarding. That is, the invention relates to a collapsible or retractable motion modulating device and a method for using the same.
Various aspects and features of motion modulating device that is used in modulating one's speed in inline skating, skateboarding or snowboarding are generally illustrated in
Referring to
Insert element 100 can include a slide fitting 400 and tube 200 can include a sleeve 300. Slide fitting 400 is attached to the inserted end of insert element 100. The outer diameter of slide fitting 400 is substantially same (about 99% or more) as that of the inner diameter of tube 200. In this manner, a snug fit is achieved between slide fitting 400 and tube 200. In
As can be seen in
Another possible motion modulating element 500 shape is shown in
The ability to interchange various motion modulating elements 500 onto collapsible or retractable base 10 provides one to individually configure desired characteristics and/or properties for modulating motion of an inline skate, snowboard, or skateboard. For example, in snow (e.g., when snowboarding), it may be desirable to use motion modulating element 500 shown in
It should be appreciated that the mechanical strength of motion modulating element should be sufficiently high enough to allow an extended period of use. For example, for inline skating and/or skateboarding, motion modulating element 500, regardless of its configuration, should have hardness that is sufficient to aid in modulating motion without breakage or need for a frequent replacement. Typically, the hardness of motion modulating element 500 is sufficiently high enough to allow at least 50, typically at least 100 and most often at least 200 uses without the need for replacement. In addition, the apparatus of the invention and/or the collapsible or retractable base 10 should have a sufficient mechanical strength to avoid breakage. For snowboarding, due to softness of snow, the hardness and/or the mechanical strength can be less than those described for inline skating and skateboarding.
In practice, one who is using inline skates, snowboard or skateboard would place the desired motion modulating element 500 onto proximal tip end 104 and/or distal tip end 204 by an attaching mechanism. As stated herein, while the attaching mechanism is shown in the accompanying figures as being male-female thread combination, any removably attaching mechanism known to one skilled in the art can be used, e.g., quick-release mechanism, snap-on mechanism, etc. After attaching one or more motion modulating element 500 to proximal end and/or distal end of collapsible or retractable base 10, the user adjusts the length of the motion modulating device by adjusting the length of collapsible or retractable base 10. One then holds the motion modulating device with either one or two hands and pushes or drags motion modulating element side of motion modulating device to increase or decrease the speed, respectively. The user can also use motion modulating device to change the rotational motion while inline skating, snowboarding or skateboarding by pushing or dragging on one side or another. By adjusting the amount of force applied to the motion modulating end 500, the user can modulate the amount of increase or decrease in motion. Typically, higher the applied force, higher the speed modulation is achieved.
By using motion modulating device of the invention, the user needs not be proficient in modulating the speed of inline skates, snowboard, or skateboard simply using one's body or turns. Elimination of a need for proficient speed and/or directional control by the user greatly improves the safety of the user of inline skates, snowboards and/or skateboards. It should also be appreciated that the apparatus of the invention can also be used as a protection device, e.g., defending from wild animals or dogs.
The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. Although the description of the invention has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
