SPORTS BOARD APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract

A sports board apparatus, for use with a sports surface and boards, includes posts, a web, and an upper support, each constructed from a roll-formed metal material. Each post has lower and upper ends, and includes two post channels securely nested with one another. Each channel has back and side walls defining a C-shaped channel profile. The web securely engages two posts, and has back and side walls defining a C-shaped web profile. The upper support securely engages two posts adjacent to the upper ends thereof. The upper support, the web, and the posts are secured relative to the boards. The posts are secured relative to the sports surface, with the lower ends adjacent thereto. A method of forming the sports board apparatus includes a post channel roll-forming step, a web roll-forming step, and an upper support roll-forming step.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of sports board apparatus and methods, and more specifically to sports board apparatus and methods for forming sports boards using roll-formed metal materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is often necessary, be it for the purposes of the playing of various sports, for safety, or otherwise, to surround the perimeter of a sports surface (e.g., an ice surface, a sports field, a ring, and a court) with a sports board apparatus. For example, the sport of hockey requires boards, often with acrylic plastic sheets or another substantially transparent and durable material positioned thereabove. These boards and transparent sheets may preferably serve both to define the area on which the game is played, and to prevent any projectiles from leaving the surface and thus disrupting the game or injuring onlookers.

Of course, hockey and other sports and entertainment may involve body contact among the competitors and/or movement of players and sports equipment (e.g., pucks, balls, other projectiles, sticks, other sporting implements and means of conveyance) at considerable speeds—whether these sports are played wearing, for example, bare feet, shoes, ice skates, or inline skates. As such, in order to be effective for its intended purpose, a sports board apparatus must be capable of withstanding the impact of any sports equipment and competitors that may have occasion to collide heavily therewith. Such impacts may occur, for example, as the result of calculated body checking, equipment malfunction, and/or misfortune or a lack of skill in traversing the sports surface.

It is also very common for multi-purpose use to be made of sports surfaces. For example, the same sports surface that is used for hockey may periodically have the ice surface removed therefrom, so as to be capable of use for basketball, concerts, equestrian events, and/or various other events. Sometimes, multi-purpose uses of the sports surface may call for the disassembly of the sports board apparatus. For these and other reasons, it may be desirable to provide a sports board apparatus that is capable of being quickly and easily assembled and disassembled on a regular or as needed basis, without employing highly skilled workers, and/or without sacrificing the structural integrity of the sports board apparatus. In this regard, prior art sports board assemblies may have been woefully inadequate, and/or may possibly have resulted in serious injury to such workers, to the sporting competitors, and/or to the entertainment onlookers, amongst others.

In order to provide the necessary strength, many prior art sports board assemblies may have been constructed, at least in part, from very heavy metal materials. While such materials may be structurally sound, they may also be inappropriately unwieldy and/or cumbersome. Some conventional sports board assemblies may have included components constructed from extruded aluminum (which has the benefit of a high resistance to corrosion) and/or hot rolled structural steel. The use of these materials may have been prohibitively costly, whether due to (i) the inherent cost of such materials, (ii) the high amount of labor involved in (the possibly quite mechanical and/or manual) manufacturing processes which may heretofore have been used to construct the individual components of these prior art sports board assemblies from such materials, and/or (iii) other factors.

Notwithstanding that light gauge steel (alternately referred to herein as “LGS”) may have similar corrosion resistant properties to those exhibited by aluminum, LGS—which may include coiled stainless steel and the like—may not have been used previously as a main structural component of prior art sports board assemblies. This prior failure to successfully employ LGS, as a main structural component in a sports board apparatus, may have been due in part to the shortcomings of LGS when used in conventional component geometries, insofar as it may heretofore have been structurally too weak, in comparison to some of the thicker and heavier materials mentioned above.

In addition to its anti-corrosive properties, LGS has the further advantage of being highly formable, enabling construction of components having relatively complex shapes from LGS, through the use of a series of continuous roller dies. As such, the use of LGS in a sports board apparatus—though not previously successful—may afford a relatively high efficiency of manufacture (e.g., in terms of time and money) in comparison with components formed from prior art sports board materials, without requiring the use of exceedingly heavy and/or otherwise cumbersome components. Preferably, such use of LGS in a novel and inventive sports board apparatus (e.g., according to the present invention) would also avoid seriously sacrificing the structural integrity of the sports board apparatus.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a sports board apparatus comprising posts formed from C-shaped post channel members nested in clusters for strength.

It is another object of the present invention to provide posts which are joined together in a nested fashion.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide first and second beams in spaced relation from one another so as to define an elongate beam opening therebetween, which might allow passage therethrough of poles for holding substantially transparent sheets of material (e.g., acrylic plastic sheets).

It is still another object of the present invention to provide components of a sports board apparatus in a configuration that substantially conceals and/or reduces the prominence of all sharp edges thereof, so as to prevent and/or reduce risk of injury.

It is also an object of this invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is disclosed a sports board apparatus for use with a sports surface and one or more substantially planar boards. According to the invention, the apparatus includes a plurality of posts, at least one web member, and at least one upper support member. Each upper support member, each web member, and each of the post channel members is constructed from a roll-formed metal material. Each of the posts has a lower end portion and an upper end portion. Each of the posts includes two elongate post channel members in securely nested relation with one another. Each of the post channel members extends longitudinally upward from the lower end portion to the upper end portion. Each of the post channel members has a post back wall and two post side walls extending from the post back wall. The post back wall and the two post side walls are together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped post channel profile. Each web member extends substantially between and securely engages at least two of the posts. Each web member has a web back wall and two web side walls extending from the web back wall. The web back wall and the two web side walls are together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped web profile. Each upper support member securely engages the at least two of the posts substantially adjacent to each upper end portion of the at least two of the posts. Each upper support member and each web member is operatively securable relative to the boards. Each of the posts is operatively securable relative to the boards and to the sports surface, with the lower end portion of each of the posts operatively positioned substantially adjacent to the sports surface.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the metal material may preferably, but need not necessarily, be a light gauge steel material.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the post channel members may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a retention member extending inwardly from one of the post side walls. Each post back wall of each of the post channel members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped so as to define a retention depression. According to this aspect of the invention, in the securely nested relation, the retention depression of a first one of the two elongate post channel members may preferably, but need not necessarily, receive therewithin a substantial extent of the retention member of a respective other one of the two elongate post channel members.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first member and a second member are selected from a group that may, but need not necessarily, consist of each upper support member, each web member, and each of the post channel members. Each of the first member and the second member may preferably, but need not necessarily, include one or more dimpled portions. Each of the dimpled portions of the first member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be in the aforesaid securely nested relation with a respective one of the dimpled portions of the second member, so as to form one or more nested pairs of the dimpled portions.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may preferably, but need not necessarily, further include a plurality of mechanical fasteners securely attaching the first member to the second member. Each of the mechanical fasteners may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially through a respective one of the nested pairs of the dimpled portions.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the mechanical fasteners may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a head portion and a threaded portion. Each threaded portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, threadingly engage a respective one of the nested pairs of the dimpled portions. A substantial extent of each head portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, be fully received within the respective one of the nested pairs of the dimpled portions.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the posts and the post channel members may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend in a substantially upright direction.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, each one of the web member and the upper support member may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially horizontally.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the web member may preferably, but need not necessarily, have opposing web end portions and flanged web portions. Each of the flanged web portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend from substantially adjacent to a respective one of the opposing web end portions, and may preferably, but need not necessarily, securely engage a respective one of the two of the posts.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may preferably, but need not necessarily, further include a plurality of mechanical fasteners securely attaching each of the flanged web portions to the respective one of the two of the posts.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may preferably, but need not necessarily, further include at least one web cover extending substantially between the two of the posts. The web cover may preferably but need not necessarily, securely engage the web member, and may preferably, but need not necessarily, be constructed from the roll-formed metal material.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the web cover may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a cover back wall and two cover side walls extending from the cover back wall. The cover back wall and the two cover side walls may preferably, but need not necessarily, be together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped cover profile. Each of the cover side walls may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a web retention portion securely engaging the web member over a respective one of the web side walls.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the two of the posts may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a first male end post and a first female end post. The plurality of posts may preferably, but need not necessarily, further include a second male end post matingly engaging the first female end post. The plurality of posts may preferably, but need not necessarily, still further include a second female end post matingly engaging the first male end post.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the post channel members of each male end post may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a post mating protuberance. One of the post channel members of each female end post may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a post mating depression. Each post mating protuberance may preferably, but need not necessarily, matingly engage a respective one post mating depression in substantially aligned and close-fitting relation.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may preferably, but need not necessarily, further include post securing means for securely attaching the first male end post to the second female end post and for securely attaching the first female end post to the second male end post.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the web back wall may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a notched web portion defining a web aperture therethrough. The web member may preferably, but need not necessarily, securely engage at least three of the posts. The three of the posts may preferably, but need not necessarily, include two end posts and a middle post. The web member may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially between the two end posts. The middle post may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned between the two end posts and may preferably, but need not necessarily, be securely received within the web aperture.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper support member may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a notched beam portion defining a beam aperture. The upper support member may preferably, but need not necessarily, securely engage the two end posts and the middle post. The upper support member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be mechanically fastened to the upper end portion of each of the two end posts. The middle post may preferably, but need not necessarily, be securely received within the beam aperture.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper support member comprises a support channel member, and may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a support back wall and two support side walls extending from the support back wall. The support back wall and the two support side walls may preferably, but need not necessarily, be together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped support channel profile. The upper support member may preferably, but need not necessarily, further include a first beam and a second beam in substantially parallel and spaced relation with the first beam. The first beam and the second beam may preferably, but need not necessarily, define a beam opening therebetween. Each of the first beam and the second beam may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned substantially between the two support side walls of the support channel member.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the first beam and the second beam may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a beam back wall and two beam side walls extending from the beam back wall. The beam back wall and the two beam side walls may preferably, but need not necessarily, be together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped beam channel profile. The beam back wall of the first beam may preferably, but need not necessarily, substantially engage a first one of the support side walls. The beam back wall of the second beam may preferably, but need not necessarily, substantially engage a second one of the support side walls.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support back wall may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a notched support portion defining a support aperture therethrough. Each of the first beam and the second beam may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a beam back wall and two beam side walls extending from the beam back wall. Each of the beam side walls of each of the first beam and the second beam may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a notched beam portion defining a beam aperture. The upper support member may preferably, but need not necessarily, engage at least three of the posts. The three of the posts may preferably, but need not necessarily, include two end posts and a middle post positioned between the two end posts. Each of the first beam and the second beam may preferably, but need not necessarily, be mechanically fastened to the upper end portion of each of the two end posts. The support channel member may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially between the two end posts. The middle post may preferably, but need not necessarily, be securely received within the support aperture and within each the beam aperture.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, each one of the first beam and the second beam may preferably, but need not necessarily, have two flanged beam portions. Each of the flanged beam portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend from a first wall that is selected from the group consisting of the beam back wall and the beam side walls. Each of the flanged beam portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, be mechanically fastened to the upper end portion of a respective one of the two end posts.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support back wall may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped so as to define two or more pole openings therethrough. The apparatus may preferably, but need not necessarily, further include two or more poles and a substantially transparent and substantially planar sheet supported between the poles. Each of the poles may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend through the beam opening and through a respective one of the pole openings. Each of the poles has a pole base that may preferably, but need not necessarily, be securely attached relative to the web member.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may preferably, but need not necessarily, further include at least one web cover extending substantially between the two of the posts. The web cover may preferably, but need not necessarily, securely engage the web member, and may preferably, but need not necessarily, be constructed from the roll-formed metal material. The pole base may preferably, but need not necessarily, be securely attached to the web cover.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may preferably, but need not necessarily, further include at least one substantially planar top cover securely engaging the upper support member in substantially overlying relation, preferably, but not necessarily, substantially adjacent to each upper end portion of the at least two of the posts. The poles may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend through apertures shaped in the top cover.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may preferably, but need not necessarily, further include at least one bottom channel member extending substantially between and securely engaging each lower end portion of the at least two of the posts. The bottom channel member may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a bottom channel back wall and two bottom channel side walls extending from the bottom channel back wall. The bottom channel back wall and the two bottom channel side walls may preferably, but need not necessarily, be together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped bottom channel profile. The bottom channel member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be constructed from the roll-formed metal material. The bottom channel member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively positioned substantially adjacent to the sports surface, and may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively securable relative to the boards and to the sports surface.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottom channel member may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially horizontally.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottom channel member and at least one of the post channel members of each of the at least two of the posts may preferably, but need not necessarily, each include one or more dimpled portions. Each of the dimpled portions of the bottom channel member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be in securely nested relation with a respective one of the dimpled portions of the at least one of the post channel members of each of the at least two of the posts, so as to preferably, but not necessarily, form at least two nested pairs of the dimpled portions.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may preferably, but need not necessarily, further include at least one bottom cover having a bottom cover back wall and two bottom cover side walls extending from the bottom cover back wall. The bottom cover back wall and the two bottom cover side walls may preferably, but need not necessarily, be together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped bottom cover profile. Each of the bottom cover side walls may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a bottom channel retention portion securely engaging the bottom channel member over a respective one of the bottom channel side walls. The bottom cover back wall may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a notched bottom cover portion defining a bottom cover aperture therethrough. The bottom cover may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially between the lower end portion of the two of the posts, and may preferably, but need not necessarily, be constructed from the roll-formed metal material. The plurality of posts may preferably, but need not necessarily, further include a middle post positioned between the two of the posts. The middle post may preferably, but need not necessarily, be securely received within the bottom cover aperture.

In accordance with the present invention there is also disclosed a method of forming a sports board apparatus for use with a sports surface and one or more substantially planar boards. The method includes a post channel forming step, a web forming step, and an upper support forming step. In the post channel forming step, at least four post channel members are roll-formed by passing first elongate sheets of light gauge steel material through a series of roll-forming post channel tool sets. Passage of the first elongate sheets through each successive one of the post channel tool sets progressively forms the post channel members, such that each of the post channel members has a post back wall and two post side walls extending from the post back wall, with the post back wall and the two post side walls being together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped post channel profile. In the web forming step, one or more web members are roll-formed by passing second elongate sheets of light gauge steel material through a series of roll-forming web tool sets. Passage of the second elongate sheets through each successive one of the web tool sets progressively forms the web members, such that each of the web members has a web back wall and two web side walls extending from the web back wall, with the web back wall and the two web side walls being together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped web profile. In the upper support forming step, a plurality of beams are roll-formed by passing a plurality of third elongate sheets of light gauge steel material through a series of roll-forming beam tool sets. Passage of the third elongate sheets through each successive one of the beam tool sets progressively forms the beams. Each of the post channel members is adapted to be in operative securely nested relation with another one of the post channel members to form at least two posts, such that each of the posts has a lower end portion and an upper end portion, with each of the post channel members extending longitudinally upward from the lower end portion to the upper end portion. Each of the web members and each of the beams is adapted to operatively extend substantially between and securely engage the two posts, with each of the beams engaging the two posts substantially adjacent to each the upper end portion of the two posts. Each of the beams and each of the web members is operatively securable relative to the boards. Each of the posts is operatively securable relative to the boards and to the sports surface, such that the lower end portion of each of the posts is operatively positioned substantially adjacent to the sports surface.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, in the post channel forming step, a retention member and a retention depression may preferably, but need not necessarily, be roll-formed on each of the post channel members. Passage of the first elongate sheets through each successive one of the post channel tool sets may preferably, but need not necessarily, progressively form the retention member and the retention depression, with the retention member preferably, but not necessarily, extending substantially inwardly from one of the post side walls, and with the retention depression preferably, but not necessarily, formed in the post back wall, such that in the operative securely nested relation, the retention depression of the aforesaid each of the post channel members may preferably, but need not necessarily, have received therewithin a substantial extent of the retention member of the another one of the post channel members.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method may preferably, but need not necessarily, further include a mechanical fastening step of securely attaching a first member to a second member using a mechanical fastener extending substantially therethrough. Each of the first member and the second member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be selected from a group consisting of the post channel members, the web members, and the beams.

According to an aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method may preferably, but need not necessarily, further include a dimpling step before the mechanical fastening step, and a nesting step after the dimpling step and before the mechanical fastening step. In the dimpling step, one or more dimpled portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, be formed in each of the first member and the second member. In the nesting step, each of the dimpled portions of the first member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be securely nested in the operative securely nested relation with a respective one of the dimpled portions of the second member, so as to form one or more nested pairs of the dimpled portions. According to this aspect of the invention, in the mechanical fastening step, each of the mechanical fasteners may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially through a respective one of the nested pairs of the dimpled portions, such that a substantial extent of the aforesaid each of the mechanical fasteners is fully received within the aforesaid respective one of the nested pairs of the dimpled portions.

Accordingly, this invention obviates or mitigates at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded top rear left perspective view of the sports board apparatus of the present invention, shown with a board and a sports surface;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a first post channel member of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a second post channel member of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a third post channel member of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the middle post shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a male end post in mating engagement with a female end post, each according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an alternate female end post according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the post shown in FIG. 7 in mating engagement with an alternate post according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a top rear side perspective view of the member shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a top rear side perspective view of the posts shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the posts shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a dimpled portion shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a mechanical fastener engaging a nested pair of dimpled portions, which are shown in section, according to the invention;

FIG. 14 is a top sectional view of a cage nut assembly securing two post back walls to one another according to the invention;

FIG. 15 is a left side perspective view of the web member, and an exploded view of the end post, shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a top left perspective view of the web cover shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion 17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a top left perspective view of the support channel member shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion 19 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an exploded left side perspective view of middle post and the first and second beams shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is top left perspective view of the apparatus in FIG. 1, showing the fully assembled panel;

FIG. 22 is a top left perspective view of the panel of FIG. 21, showing an adjacent panel; and

FIG. 23 is a view, similar to FIG. 22, showing three alternate panels according to the invention, each adjacent to each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there will be seen a sports board apparatus 40 for use with a sports surface 30 and one or more substantially planar boards 32. As best seen in FIG. 1, the apparatus 40 includes a plurality of posts 50a,50b,50c, at least one web assembly 150, at least one upper support member 180, and at least one bottom support member 229. The web assembly 150 preferably includes a web member 152 and a web cover 154 (as best seen FIG. 16) that securely engages the web member 152. The upper support member 180 preferably includes a support channel member 181 (as best seen in FIG. 18) and first and second beams 210,212 (as best seen in FIG. 20). As best seen in FIG. 1, the bottom support member 229 preferably includes a bottom channel member 230 and a bottom cover 240 that securely engages the bottom channel member 230.

The posts 50 may preferably include at least three posts, namely, two end posts 50a,50c and at least one middle post 50b (as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 22). The two end posts include a male end post 50a and a female end post 50c. Each middle post 50b is preferably positioned between the two end posts 50a,50c. Each of the posts 50a,50b,50c has a lower end 54 portion and an upper end 52 portion.

Each of the posts 50a,50b,50c includes two elongate post channel members 60,80,100 in securely nested relation with one another. The post channel members 60,80,100 include a first post channel member 60 (as best seen in FIG. 2), a second post channel member 80 (as best seen in FIG. 3), and a third post channel member 100 (as best seen in FIG. 4).

The post channel members 60,80,100, the web members 152, the web covers 154, the support channel members 181, the first beam 210, the second beam 212, the bottom channel member 230, and/or the bottom cover 240 are constructed from a roll-formed metal material. The metal material is preferably a light gauge steel material.

As best seen in FIG. 1, each of the post channel members 60,80,100 extends longitudinally upward from the lower end portion 54 to the upper end portion 52. Each of the posts 50a,50b,50c and the post channel members 60,80,100 preferably extends in a substantially upright direction.

As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, each of the post channel members 60,80,100 has a post back wall 70,90,110 and two post side walls, 62,64, 82,84, and 102,104, extending from the post back wall 70,90,110. As best seen in FIG. 11, (i) the post back wall 70 of the first post channel member 60 is shaped to define a bolt aperture 122 therethrough, (ii) the post back wall 90 of the second post channel member 80 is shaped to define a cage aperture 120 therethrough, and (iii) the post back wall 110 of the third post channel member 100 is shaped to define an access port 124 therethrough.

As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, each of the post channel members 60,80,100 preferably has a retention member 66,86,106 extending inwardly from one of the post side walls 62,82,102. Similarly, each of the post channel members 60,80,100 preferably has a nesting member 68,88,108 extending inwardly from another one of the post side walls 64,84,104.

Each post back wall 70,90,110 of each of the post channel members 60,80,100 is preferably shaped so as to define a retention depression 72,92,112 substantially adjacent to one of the post side walls 64,84,104.

The post back wall 70,90,110 and the two post side walls, 62,64, 82,84, and 102,104, of each of the post channel members 60,80,100 are together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped post channel profile, 62,70,64, 82,90,84, and 102,110,104 (as best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4).

The two elongate post channel members 60,80,100 are securely nested relation with one another. As best seen in FIG. 6, the male end post 50a includes the second post channel member 80 and the third post channel member 100 in securely nested relation with one another. As best seen in FIG. 5, the middle post 50b preferably includes two third post channel members 100 in securely nested relation with one another. As best seen in FIG. 6, the female end post 50c includes the first post channel member 60 and the third post channel member 100 in securely nested relation with one another. An alternate embodiment of the female end post 50c is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, which includes two first post channel members 60 in securely nested relation with one another. An alternate embodiment of a post 50 is shown in FIG. 8, which possesses both male and female characteristics, and which includes the first post channel members 60 and the second post channel member 80 in securely nested relation with one another. Of course, other nested embodiments are also possible.

In order to readily accommodate the aforesaid nesting, the outside length C,C′,C″ of one of the side walls 64,84,104 is preferably less than the inside length D,D′,D″ of another one of the side walls 62,82,102 (as best shown in FIGS. 2-6).

In the aforesaid securely nested relation, and as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a substantial extent of the retention member 66,86,106 of one of the post channel members 60,80,100 is preferably received within the retention depression 72,92,112 of another one of the two elongate post channel members 60,80,100.

In order to readily accommodate the aforesaid nesting, the length A,A′,A″ of the retention member 66,86,106 is preferably less than the length B,B′,B″ of the retention depression 72,92,112 (as best shown in FIGS. 2-6). Similarly, the thickness E,E′,E″ of the retention member 66,86,106 is preferably less than the depth F,F′,F″ of the retention depression 72,92,112.

Each web member 152 extends substantially between at least two of the posts 50, and preferably extends substantially horizontally (as best seen in FIG. 1). As best seen in FIG. 15, each web member 152 has a web back wall 165 and two web side walls 166 extending from the web back wall 165. The web back wall 165 preferably has a notched web portion 156 that defines a web aperture 158 therethrough (as best seen in FIG. 1).

Preferably, and as best seen in FIG. 1, each web member 152 securely engages at least three posts 50a,50b,50c—though it is possible for the web member 152 to engage a few number of posts 50 (e.g., the two end posts 50a,50c). The web member 152 preferably extends substantially between the two end posts 50a,50c, with the middle post 50b preferably being securely received within the web aperture 158.

As best seen in FIG. 15, the web back wall 165 and the two web side walls 166,166 are together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped web profile 166,165,166. The web member 152 preferably has opposing web end portions 162 and flanged web portions 160. Each of the flanged web portions 160 preferably extends from substantially adjacent to a respective one of the opposing web end portions 162. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 15, each of the flanged web portions 160 preferably securely engages a respective one of the two of the posts 50 (through web flange holes 164).

As best seen in FIG. 1, the web cover 154 preferably extends substantially between the two end posts 50a,50c. As best seen in FIG. 16, the web cover 154 preferably has a cover back wall 173 and two cover side walls 174,174 extending from the cover back wall 173. The cover back wall 173 and the two cover side walls 174,174 are preferably together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped cover profile 174,173,174.

The cover back wall 173 preferably has a notched web cover portion 170 that defines a cover aperture 172 therethrough (as best seen in FIG. 1). The middle post 50b is preferably securely received within the cover aperture 172.

As best seen in FIG. 17, each of the cover side walls 174,174 preferably has a web retention portion 176. As aforesaid, and as best seen in FIG. 1, the web cover 154 securely engages the web member 152, with the web retention portions 176 preferably securely engaging the web member 152, each over a respective one of the web side walls 166.

As best seen in FIG. 1, each upper support member 180 preferably extends substantially horizontally. As best seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, the support channel member 181 preferably has a support back wall 187 and two support side walls 188,188 extending from the support back wall 187. The support back wall 187 and the two support side walls 188,188 are preferably together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped support channel profile 188,187,188. The support back wall 187 is preferably shaped so as to define two or more pole openings 186 therethrough.

As best seen in FIG. 18, the support back wall 187 also preferably has a notched support portion 182 defining a support aperture 184 therethrough. The middle post 50b is preferably securely received within the support aperture 184

As best seen in FIG. 1, the support channel member 181 preferably extends substantially between the two end posts 50a,50c. As best seen in FIG. 20, the second beam 212 is preferably in substantially parallel and spaced relation with the first beam 210, such that the first beam 210 and the second beam 212 preferably define a beam opening 214 therebetween. Each of the first beam 210 and the second beam 212 preferably has a beam back wall 215 and two beam side walls 217,217 extending from the beam back wall 215. The beam back wall 215 and the two beam side walls 217,217 are preferably together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped beam channel profile 217,215,217.

As best seen in FIG. 1, each of the first beam 210 and the second beam 212 is preferably positioned substantially between the two support side walls 188 of the support channel member 181. The beam back wall 215 of the first beam 210 preferably substantially engages a first one of the support side walls 188. The beam back wall 215 of the second beam 212 preferably substantially engages a second one of the support side walls 188.

As best seen in FIG. 20, each of the beam side walls 217,217 of each of the first beam 210 and the second beam 212 preferably has a notched beam portion 216,218 defining a beam aperture 220. The middle post 50b is preferably securely received within the beam aperture 220.

With the middle post 50b received within the beam aperture 220, beam retention portions 189 on each of the support side walls of the support channel member 181 act to impede separation of the beams 210,212 from the support channel member 181.

Each one of the first beam 210 and the second beam 212 preferably has two flanged beam portions 219,219 (as best seen in FIG. 1). Each of the flanged beam portions 219,219 preferably extends from the beam back wall 215. Each of the flanged beam portions 219,219 is preferably mechanically fastened, through beam flange holes 221, to the upper end 52 portion of a respective one of the two end posts 50a,50c.

In this manner, the upper support member 180 preferably securely engages the two end posts 50a,50c and the middle post 50b substantially adjacent to each upper end 52 portion thereof.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the bottom channel member 230 preferably has a bottom channel back wall 235 and two bottom channel side walls 236,236 extending from the bottom channel back wall 235. The bottom channel back wall 235 and the two bottom channel side walls 236,236 are preferably together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped bottom channel profile.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the bottom cover 240 has a bottom cover back wall 241 and two bottom cover side walls 242,242 extending from the bottom cover back wall 241. The bottom cover back wall 241 and the two bottom cover side walls 242,242 are preferably together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped bottom cover profile 242,241,242. The bottom cover back wall 241 preferably has a notched bottom cover portion 232 defining a bottom cover aperture 234 therethrough.

As best shown in FIG. 1, each of the bottom cover side walls 242,242 preferably has a bottom channel retention portion 243 securely engaging the bottom channel member 230 over a respective one of the bottom channel side walls 236,236.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the bottom channel member 230 extends substantially horizontally and substantially between each lower end portion 54 of the two end posts 50a,50c. The bottom cover 240 preferably extends substantially between the lower end 54 portion of the two end posts 50a,50c. The bottom channel member 230 securely engages each lower end 54 portion of the two end posts 50a,50c. The middle post 50b is preferably securely received within the bottom cover aperture 234.

As shown in FIG. 21, the exploded apparatus 40 may be assembled into a sports board panel 140. Multiple panels 140,140,140 may be connected end to end, as shown in FIG. 22. FIG. 23 depicts alternate panels 140′,140′ connected end to end, with each of said alternate panels 140′ including three middle posts 50b.

In each of the panels 140,140′ shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, the posts 50a,50b,50c include a first male end post 50a and a first female end post 50c, amongst other things. Similarly, and as best seen in FIGS. 22 and 23, each of the adjacent panels 140,140′ includes a second male end post 50a′ and a second female end post 50c′. As best seen in FIG. 10, the second male end post 50a′ matingly engages the first female end post 50c. As best seen in FIG. 11, the second female end post 50c′ matingly engages the first male end post 50a.

One of the post channel members 80 of each male end post 50a,50a′ preferably includes a post mating protuberance 96 (best seen in FIG. 6). Similarly, one of the post channel members 60 of each female end post 50c,50c′ preferably includes a post mating depression 74. Each post mating protuberance 96 preferably matingly engages a respective one post mating depression 74 in substantially aligned and close-fitting relation.

Preferably, and as best seen in FIG. 14, the apparatus 40 further includes post securing means 200 (alternately referred to herein as a caged nut assembly 200) for securely attaching the first male end post 50a to the second female end post 50c′ and for securely attaching the first female end post 50c to the second male end post 50a′. The caged nut assembly 200 includes a bolt 202, a nut 204, and a cage 206. The cage 206, with the nut 204 secured therein, is itself secured adjacent to the cage aperture 120 on the third post channel member 100. The bolt 202 extends through the bolt aperture 122 of the second post channel member 80, and is tightened against the nut 204, such that the third post channel member 100 and the second post channel member 80 are securely attached to one another. In this manner, the first male end post 50a may be tightened against the second female end post 50c′, and the first female end post 50c may be tightened against the second male end post 50a′

The apparatus 40 preferably further includes two or more poles 226 and a substantially transparent and substantially planar sheet 224 supported between the poles 226. Each of the poles 226 preferably extends through the beam opening 214 and through a respective one of the pole openings 186. Each of the poles 226 has a pole base 228 that is preferably securely attached to the web cover 154 and securely attached relative to the web member 152.

According to one aspect of the invention, a first member and a second member are selected from a group that preferably consists of the posts 50, the upper and lower end portions 52,54 of the two end posts 50a,50a′,50c,50c′, the post channel members 60,80,100, the web member 152, the flanged web portions 160, the upper support member 180, the first beam 210, the second beam 212, the flanged beam portions 219,219, and the bottom channel member 230.

The apparatus 40 preferably further includes a plurality of mechanical fasteners 190 (as best seen in FIG. 13) securely attaching the first member to the second member. Each of the mechanical fasteners 190 preferably includes a head portion 192, a threaded portion 196, an underside ridge portion 194, and a self-drilling portion 198.

As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, each of the first member and the second member preferably includes one or more dimpled portions 130. Each of the dimpled portions 130 preferably includes a downset portion 132, an underside mating portion 134, and a dimple opening 136.

As best shown in FIG. 13, each of the dimpled portions 130 of the first member is preferably in securely nested relation with a respective one of the dimpled portions 130 of the second member, so as to form one or more nested pairs 138 of the dimpled portions 130. Each of the mechanical fasteners 190 preferably extends substantially through a respective one of the nested pairs 138 of the dimpled portions 130. Each threaded portion 196 preferably threadingly engages a respective one of the nested pairs 138 of the dimpled portions 130. The underside ridge portion 194 engages the underside mating portion 134 adjacent the downset portion 132, and the self-drilling portion 198 may preferably create the dimple opening 136. A substantial extent of each head portion 192 is preferably fully received within the respective one of the nested pairs 138 of the dimpled portions 130.

Mechanical fastening may also occur without the presence of dimpled portions 130. For example, mechanical fasteners 190 are preferably used to securely attach each of the flanged web portions 160 to a respective one of the two end posts 50a,50c (as aforesaid). In another example, mechanical fasteners 190 are preferably used to securely attach each of the flanged beam portion 219 to a respective one of the two end posts 50a,50c (as aforesaid).

As best seen in FIG. 1, the apparatus 40 preferably further includes at least one substantially planar top cover 222 securely engaging the upper support member 180 in substantially overlying relation, preferably substantially adjacent to each upper end 52 portion of the two end posts 50a,50c. The poles 226 preferably extend through apertures 223 shaped in the top cover 222.

As best seen in FIG. 1, each post 50a,50b,50c, each web member 152, each web cover 154, each upper support member 180, and/or each bottom support member 229 is operatively securable relative to the boards 32. The lower end portion 54 of each post 50a,50b,50c, each bottom channel member 230, and each bottom cover 240 is operatively positioned substantially adjacent to the sports surface 30. Each post 50a,50b,50c, each bottom channel member 230, and/or each bottom cover 240 is operatively securable relative to the sports surface 30.

In accordance with the present invention there is also disclosed a method of forming a sports board apparatus 40 for use with a sports surface 30 and one or more substantially planar boards 32. The method includes a post channel forming step, a web forming step, an upper support forming step, and a mechanical fastening step. The method preferably also includes a dimpling step before the mechanical fastening step, and a nesting step after the dimpling step and before the mechanical fastening step

In the post channel forming step, at least four of the post channel members 60,80,100 are roll-formed by passing first elongate sheets (not shown) of light gauge steel material through a series of roll-forming post channel tool sets (not shown). Passage of the first elongate sheets through each successive one of the post channel tool sets progressively forms the post channel members 60,80,100.

In the post channel forming step, the retention member 66,86,106 and the retention depression 72,92,112 are preferably roll-formed on each of the post channel members 60,80,100. Passage of the first elongate sheets (not shown) through each successive one of the post channel tool sets (not shown) preferably progressively forms the retention member 66,86,106 and the retention depression 72,92,112.

In the web forming step, one or more of the web members 152 is roll-formed by passing one or more second elongate sheets (not shown) of light gauge steel material through a series of roll-forming web tool sets (not shown). Passage of the second elongate sheets through each successive one of the web tool sets progressively forms the web members 152.

In the upper support forming step, one or more of the beams 210,212 is roll-formed by passing one or more third elongate sheets (not shown) of light gauge steel material through a series of roll-forming beam tool sets (not shown). Passage of the third elongate sheets through each successive one of the beam tool sets progressively forms the beams 210,212.

The method may also include other roll-forming steps, e.g., a web cover roll-forming step, a support channel roll-forming step, bottom channel roll-forming step, and/or a bottom cover roll-forming step. These other roll-forming steps are not further described herein, but fall generally within the scope of the invention.

The method may also include bending steps, e.g., a beam flange bending step and/or a web flange bending step. These bending steps are not further described herein, but fall generally within the scope of the invention.

In the dimpling step, one or more of the dimpled portions 130 is preferably formed in each of the first member and the second member.

The method may also include aperture punching steps, e.g., a cage aperture punching step, a bolt aperture punching step, and an access port punching step. These punching steps are further described herein, but fall generally within the scope of the invention.

In the nesting step, each of the post channel members 60,80,100 is positioned in operative securely nested relation with another one of the post channel members 60,80,100 to form at least two posts 50a,50b,50c. The aforesaid securely nested relation is such that each of the post channel members 60,80,100 extends longitudinally upward from the lower end portion 54 to the upper end portion 52. The retention depression 72,92,112 of each of the post channel members 60,80 preferably has received therewithin a substantial extent of the retention member 66,86,106 of a nesting one of the post channel members 60,80,100. Each of the dimpled portions 130 of the first member is also preferably securely nested in the aforesaid operative securely nested relation with a respective one of the dimpled portions 130 of the second member. In this manner, one or more of the nested pairs 138 of the dimpled portions 130 are assembled.

In the mechanical fastening step, the first member (described in greater detail hereinabove) is securely attached to the second member (described in greater detail hereinabove) using a mechanical fastener 190 extending substantially therethrough. Each of the first member and the second member is preferably selected from the group that includes the post. channel members 60,80,100, the web members 152, and the beams 210,212, among others.

In the mechanical fastening step, each of the mechanical fasteners 190 preferably extends substantially through a respective one of the nested pairs 138 of the dimpled portions 130. This mechanical fastening is such that a substantial extent of each of the mechanical fasteners 190 is fully received within the aforesaid respective one of the nested pairs 138 of the dimpled portions 130.

Operatively, each of the web members 152 and each of the beams 210,212 extends substantially between and securely engages the at least two posts 50a,50b,50c. Each of the beam members operatively engages the at least two posts 50a,50b,50c substantially adjacent to the upper end portion 52 thereof. Each of the beams 210,212 and each of the web members 152 is operatively secures relative to the boards 32. Each of the posts 50 is operatively secured relative to the boards 32 and to the sports surface 30, such that the lower end portion 54 of each of the posts 50 is operatively positioned substantially adjacent to the sports surface 30.

As aforesaid, the sports board apparatus 40 includes posts 50a,50b,50c formed from C-shaped post channel members 60,80,100 which are advantageously nested in clusters, and thus provide strength. The posts, 50a,50c′ and 50a′,50c, are joined together in a nested fashion. The first and second beams 210,212 are provided, as aforesaid, in spaced relation from one another so as to define an elongate beam opening 214 therebetween, which allows passage therethrough of the poles 226 for securely holding the transparent planar sheet 224 (e.g., an acrylic plastic sheet). The configuration of the components of the sports board apparatus 40 according to the present invention in such as to substantially conceal and/or reduce the prominence of sharp edges thereon, so as to prevent and/or reduce risk of injury.

It should be additionally appreciated (i.e., from all of the foregoing, from the claims, and from the drawings) that the use of LGS in the sports board apparatus 40 according to the invention provides significant anti-corrosive properties. The use of LGS according to the present invention provides a highly formable material and enables construction of components having relatively complex shapes from LGS, through the use of a series of continuous roller dies. As such, the components of the sports board apparatus 40 according to the present invention allow for a relatively high efficiency of manufacture (e.g., in terms of both time and money) over components formed from prior art sports board materials. The present invention does not require the use of exceedingly heavy and/or otherwise cumbersome components, without seriously sacrificing the structural integrity of the sports board apparatus 40.

Other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of other embodiments according to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A sports board apparatus for use with a sports surface and one or more substantially planar boards, said apparatus comprising: a) a plurality of posts, each having a lower end portion and an upper end portion, with each of said posts comprising two elongate post channel members in securely nested relation with one another, with each of said post channel members extending longitudinally upward from said lower end portion to said upper end portion, and with each of said post channel members having a post back wall and two post side walls extending from said post back wall, with said post back wall and said two post side walls being together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped post channel profile; b) at least one web member extending substantially between and securely engaging at least two of said posts, with said web member having a web back wall and two web side walls extending from said web back wall, with said web back wall and said two web side walls being together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped web profile; and c) at least one upper support member securely engaging said at least two of said posts substantially adjacent to each said upper end portion of said at least two of said posts; with each said upper support member, each said web member, and each of said post channel members being constructed from a roll-formed metal material; wherein each said upper support member and each said web member is operatively securable relative to the boards; and wherein each of said posts is operatively securable relative to the boards and to the sports surface, with said lower end portion of each of said posts operatively positioned substantially adjacent to the sports surface.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said metal material is a light gauge steel material.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of said post channel members has a retention member extending inwardly from one of said post side walls, and wherein said post back wall of each of said post channel members is shaped so as to define a retention depression, such that in said securely nested relation, said retention depression of a first one of said two elongate post channel members receives therewithin a substantial extent of said retention member of a respective other one of said two elongate post channel members.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a first member and a second member are selected from a group consisting of each said upper support member, each said web member, and each of said post channel members, with each of said first member and said second member comprising one or more dimpled portions, with each of said dimpled portions of said first member being in said securely nested relation with a respective one of said dimpled portions of said second member, so as to form one or more nested pairs of said dimpled portions.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a plurality of mechanical fasteners securely attaching said first member to said second member, with each of said mechanical fasteners extending substantially through a respective one of said nested pairs of said dimpled portions.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of said mechanical fasteners comprises a head portion and a threaded portion, with each said threaded portion threadingly engaging a respective one of said nested pairs of said dimpled portions, and with a substantial extent of each said head portion being fully received within said respective one of said nested pairs of said dimpled portions.

7. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of said posts and said post channel members extends in a substantially upright direction.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each one of said web member and said upper support member extends substantially horizontally.

9. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said web member has opposing web end portions and flanged web portions, with each of said flanged web portions extending from substantially adjacent to a respective one of said opposing web end portions, and securely engaging a respective one of said two of said posts.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a plurality of mechanical fasteners securely attaching each of said flanged web portions to said respective one of said two of said posts.

11. An apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising at least one web cover extending substantially between said two of said posts, with said web cover securely engaging said web member and being constructed from said roll-formed metal material.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said web cover has a cover back wall and two cover side walls extending from said cover back wall, with said cover back wall and said two cover side walls being together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped cover profile, and with each of said cover side walls having a web retention portion securely engaging said web member over a respective one of said web side walls.

13. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said two of said posts comprise a first male end post and a first female end post, with said plurality of posts further comprising a second male end post matingly engaging said first female end post, and with said plurality of posts still further comprising a second female end post matingly engaging said first male end post.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein one of said post channel members of each said male end post comprises a post mating protuberance, and wherein one of said post channel members of each said female end post comprises a post mating depression, with each said post mating protuberance matingly engaging a respective one said post mating depression in substantially aligned and close-fitting relation.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising post securing means for securely attaching said first male end post to said second female end post and for securely attaching said first female end post to said second male end post.

16. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said web back wall has a notched web portion defining a web aperture therethrough, and wherein said web member securely engages at least three of said posts, with said three of said posts comprising two end posts and a middle post, with said web member extending substantially between said two end posts, and with said middle post being positioned between said two end posts and being securely received within said web aperture.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said upper support member has a notched beam portion defining a beam aperture, and wherein said upper support member securely engages said two end posts and said middle post, with said upper support member being mechanically fastened to said upper end portion of each of said two end posts, and with said middle post being securely received within said beam aperture.

18. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said upper support member comprises a support channel member having a support back wall and two support side walls extending from said support back wall, with said support back wall and said two support side walls being together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped support channel profile, with said upper support member further comprising a first beam and a second beam in substantially parallel and spaced relation with said first beam, such that said first beam and said second beam define a beam opening therebetween, with each of said first beam and said second beam being positioned substantially between said two support side walls of said support channel member.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein each of said first beam and said second beam has a beam back wall and two beam side walls extending from said beam back wall, with said beam back wall and said two beam side walls being together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped beam channel profile, with said beam back wall of said first beam substantially engaging a first one of said support side walls, and with said beam back wall of said second beam substantially engaging a second one of said support side walls.

20. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said support back wall has a notched support portion defining a support aperture therethrough, wherein each of said first beam and said second beam has a beam back wall and two beam side walls extending from said beam back wall, wherein each of said beam side walls of each of said first beam and said second beam has a notched beam portion defining a beam aperture, and wherein said upper support member engages at least three of said posts, with said three of said posts comprising two end posts and a middle post positioned between said two end posts, with each of said first beam and said second beam being mechanically fastened to said upper end portion of each of said two end posts, with said support channel member extending substantially between said two end posts, and with said middle post being securely received within said support aperture and within each said beam aperture.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein each one of said first beam and said second beam has two flanged beam portions, with each of said flanged beam portions extending from a first wall that is selected from the group consisting of said beam back wall and said beam side walls, and with each of said flanged beam portions being mechanically fastened to said upper end portion of a respective one of said two end posts.

22. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said support back wall is shaped so as to define two or more pole openings therethrough, with said apparatus further comprising two or more poles and a substantially transparent and substantially planar sheet supported between said poles, with said each of said poles extending through the beam opening and through a respective one of said pole openings, and wherein each of said poles has a pole base that is securely attached relative to said web member.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising at least one web cover extending substantially between said two of said posts, with said web cover securely engaging said web member and being constructed from said roll-formed metal material, with said pole base securely attached to said web cover.

24. An apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising at least one substantially planar top cover securely engaging said upper support member in substantially overlying relation substantially adjacent to each said upper end portion of said at least two of said posts, with said poles extending through apertures shaped in said top cover.

25. An apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising at least one bottom channel member extending substantially between and securely engaging each said lower end portion of said at least two of said posts, with said bottom channel member having a bottom channel back wall and two bottom channel side walls extending from said bottom channel back wall, with said bottom channel back wall and said two bottom channel side walls being together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped bottom channel profile, with said bottom channel member being constructed from said roll-formed metal material, and with said bottom channel member being operatively positioned substantially adjacent to the sports surface and being operatively securable relative to the boards and to the sports surface.

26. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said bottom channel member extends substantially horizontally.

27. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said bottom channel member and at least one of said post channel members of each of said at least two of said posts each comprises one or more dimpled portions, with each of said dimpled portions of said bottom channel member being in securely nested relation with a respective one of said dimpled portions of said at least one of said post channel members of each of said at least two of said posts, so as to form at least two nested pairs of said dimpled portions.

28. An apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising at least one bottom cover having a bottom cover back wall and two bottom cover side walls extending from said bottom cover back wall, with said bottom cover back wall and said two bottom cover side walls being together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped bottom cover profile, and with each of said bottom cover side walls having a bottom channel retention portion securely engaging said bottom channel member over a respective one of said bottom channel side walls, wherein said bottom cover back wall has a notched bottom cover portion defining a bottom cover aperture therethrough, wherein said bottom cover extends substantially between said lower end portion of said two of said posts and is constructed from said roll-formed metal material, and wherein said plurality of posts further comprises a middle post positioned between said two of said posts, with said middle post being securely received within said bottom cover aperture.

29. A method of forming a sports board apparatus for use with a sports surface and one or more substantially planar boards, said method comprising the steps of: a post channel forming step of roll-forming at least four post channel members by passing first elongate sheets of light gauge steel material through a series of roll-forming post channel tool sets, with passage of said first elongate sheets through each successive one of the post channel tool sets progressively forming said post channel members, such that each of said post channel members has a post back wall and two post side walls extending from said post back wall, with said post back wall and said two post side walls being together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped post channel profile; a web forming step of roll-forming one or more web members by passing second elongate sheets of light gauge steel material through a series of roll-forming web tool sets, with passage of said second elongate sheets through each successive one of the web tool sets progressively forming said web members, such that each of said web members has a web back wall and two web side walls extending from said web back wall, with said web back wall and said two web side walls being together shaped to define a substantially C-shaped web profile; an upper support forming step of rbll-forming a plurality of beams by passing a plurality of third elongate sheets of light gauge steel material through a series of roll-forming beam tool sets, with passage of said third elongate sheets through each successive one of the beam tool sets progressively forming said beams; wherein each of said post channel members is adapted to be in operative securely nested relation with another one of said post channel members to form at least two posts, with each of said posts having a lower end portion and an upper end portion, and with each of said post channel members extending longitudinally upward from said lower end portion to said upper end portion; wherein each of said web members and each of said beams is adapted to operatively extend substantially between and securely engage said two posts, with each of said beams engaging said two posts substantially adjacent to each said upper end portion of said two posts; and wherein each of said beams and each of said web members is operatively securable relative to the boards; and wherein each of said posts is operatively securable relative to the boards and to the sports surface, with said lower end portion of each of said posts operatively positioned substantially adjacent to the sports surface.

30. A method according to claim 29, wherein in said post channel forming step, a retention member and a retention depression are roll-formed on each of said post channel members, with passage of said first elongate sheets through each successive one of said post channel tool sets progressively forming said retention member and said retention depression, such that said retention member extends inwardly from one of said post side walls, and said retention depression is formed in said post back wall, such that in said operative securely nested relation, said retention depression of said each of said post channel members receives therewithin a substantial extent of said retention member of said another one of said post channel members.

31. A method according to claim 30, further comprising a mechanical fastening step of securely attaching a first member to a second member using a mechanical fastener extending substantially therethrough, with each of said first member and said second member being selected from a group consisting of said post channel members, said web members, and said beams.

32. A method according to claim 31, further comprising: a dimpling step, before said mechanical fastening step, of forming one or more dimpled portions in each of said first member and said second member; and a nesting step, after said dimpling step and before said mechanical fastening step, of securely nesting each of said dimpled portions of said first member in said operative securely nested relation with a respective one of said dimpled portions of said second member, so as to form one or more nested pairs of said dimpled portions; wherein in said mechanical fastening step, each of said mechanical fasteners extending substantially through a respective one of said nested pairs of said dimpled portions, such that a substantial extent of said each of said mechanical fasteners is fully received within said respective one of said nested pairs of said dimpled portions.