Skateboarding Balance Pad

Abstract

One embodiment of a skateboarding balance device where an elongated structure (10) has four straps (16L, 16R) disposed thereunder said structure. This pad (10) is composed of flexible material. The straps (16L, 16R) provide for a method of securely attaching said pad (10) to a skateboard (SK1) by means of velcro (20L, 18R). The straps are made of material with elasticity.

Description

BACKGROUND

This application relates to skateboarding, particularly to a practice and training implement.

Background—Prior Art

The act of skateboarding has always had many types and levels of execution. Skateboarding can be rolling on flat ground, either in a straight line, or moving in different directions. This is the main mode of operation for the sport. The next step is performing tricks such as an “ollie.” This is a maneuver in which both skater and board launch off the ground in one continuous motion. From leaving the ground, a variety of tricks can be performed. Some tricks involve flipping the board before making a landing. Others involve sliding and grinding on an obstacle such as a ledge or obstacle with an exposed edge. Other tricks involve jumping off ramps and riding up vertical walls, all of which depend on the skateboarder's skill level.

The progression in skill is contingent upon practice of the sport. However, when breaking down the concept of practice, it is found that balance is essential when riding a skateboard. Pushing while on the board involves being able to balance on one foot while the other contacts then leaves the ground. Then, with both feet on the board, the skateboarder must keep balanced to move forward and avoiding falling. This concept of balance is also true for any spin, aerial or grind. Furthermore, balance is key when doing tricks on ramps or other terrain.

The proficiency of balance is acquired by riding on different surfaces and obstacles. This is usually in the form of skateboarding at a skate park, ramp, or area where wheels can roll. The learning process involves the experience of riding itself. The more types of terrain the skateboarder rides, the more skill is acquired. But what if there was a convenient way to practice many different ways of skateboard balance using two skateboards and one simple device?

SUMMARY

The first embodiment is an elongated body with straps disposed thereunder said elongated body that enables said body to attach to the topside of a skateboard. The resulting assembly is a pad attached to a skateboard that can be balanced on by person, with or without an additional skateboard.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment where the topside is visible.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment where to bottom side is visible.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment ready for operation where the topside is visible.

FIG. 4 is an underside view of the first embodiment ready for operation.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first embodiment being operated by skateboarder.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first embodiment being operated by skateboarder.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first embodiment being operated by skateboarder.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

• 10—balance pad
• 12—top of balance pad
• 14—underside of balance pad
• 16R—strap on right side of pad
• 16L—strap on left side of pad
• 18R—hook side of velcro on strap 16R
• 20L—loop side of velcro on strap 16L
• SK1—skateboard 1
• SK2—skateboard 2
• SKBR—skateboarder

DESCRIPTION

The first embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 of the skateboarding balance pad 10. The balance pad is preferably made of foam and consists of the main pad 10, which has a base about as wide as a typical skateboard. The topside of the pad 12 can be seen which is smaller than the base. This longitudinally centered taper creates a trapezoidal shape when pad 10 is viewed from each end.

The balance pad has strap 16R attached to base 14 on each corner of one broadside. Consequentially, straps 16L are attached to base 14 on each corner of the opposite broadside of the pad. The straps are preferably made of nylon and are attached to the underside of the pad with adhesive. The straps 16R and 16L extend width-wise across the base so the ends meet each other. Both straps 16L Have loop side velcro 20L on each end. Straps 16R have hook side velcro 18R on each end. The straps are secured by placing 18R on top of 20L and pressing each together.

Operation

The skateboarding balance pad 10 is placed on top of the skateboard SK1 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Balance pad 10 and skateboard SK1 are then simultaneously flipped over to secure straps 16R and 16L. This is achieved by first taking straps 16L, and extending them across the underside of skateboard SK1 with loop side velcro 20L facing up. Then straps 16R are extended to meet straps 16L with hook side velcro 18R facing down. Straps 16L and 16R are then secured by pressing down where velcro 20L overlaps velcro 18R. This is illustrated in FIG. 4. Both balance pad 10 and skateboard SK1 are then flipped right side up and area ready for operation.

One sequence of operation is seen in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. The skateboarder SKBR places the nose of additional skateboard SK2 on top of and perpendicular to balance pad 10. This is depicted in FIG. 5. While still holding the skateboard SK2, the skateboarder SKBR then positions his or her front foot on the nose of the top skateboard SK2. The skateboarder SKBR leans onto his or her front foot while letting go of the skateboard SK2, allowing the back foot to step onto the skateboard SK2. This is depicted in FIG. 6. The skateboarder SKBR is then free to balance skateboard SK2 on top skateboard SK1 by means of pad 10 as seen in FIG. 7.

Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope

After presenting this patent, it is asserted that this implement is an improvement over not being available to skateboarders. The present device has many advantages in structure and operation such as:

• • This device can be used on flat ground without the need of other obstacles.
  • This device can be used while moving or at a standstill.
  • The use of this device is intuitive for most riders.
  • Many different ways of practicing can be accomplished.
  • The use of this device reduces the likelihood of scratches or damage to the skateboards in use.
  • The use of this device will improve overall skateboarding ability.

The ramifications at present are beneficial to the sport of skateboarding. This device will allow for practice of balance anywhere with a small amount of standing room. Many different variations of balance can be achieved.

This device can also be used on flat ground with room to roll. This keeps in mind the rider that skateboards at home. When it is impermissible to go skate, one may be restricted to a driveway or street. This device makes it possible to get practice in while not having to go far.

It is important to note that the first embodiment can have minor variances in construction in that:

• • The pad could be a different color or pattern.
  • The shape of the pad could be a “popsicle” shape to fit over the entire surface of a standard skateboard.
  • The surface of the pad could be a different shape including being completely flat.
  • The attached straps could be positioned underneath the pad so that said straps are of all one piece.
  • The attached straps could pass through the pad in such a way as to increase durability.
  • The attached straps could connect on each free end with magnets.

It should be construed that the above differences are not to limit the present invention but to address specification. The first embodiment should not be limited by casual detail.

Accordingly the embodiment and said variance should not be limited in scope by drawings or description, but by the claims and the legal requirements therein.

Claims

1. an elongated element means that will allow a skateboard and/or person to be balanced atop an additional skateboard, and

2. straps disposed thereunder said elongated element means so that said elongated element may affix on top of a skateboard, whereby said elongated element means and said straps assembly attached to said skateboard provide for stable operation when balanced on by said additional skateboard and/or person.