Embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to boardsports, and more specifically, to a snowboard having a training device integrated therewith to form a trainer snowboard that assists beginner snowboard riders in learning how to snowboard and improve their skills more quickly and safely by promoting stability, balance and guidance to riders.
Currently, most snowboard instructors walk or snowboard along the side of a beginner rider attempting to physically hold the beginner up in order to teach them the balance needed to control the snowboard. This typically results in the beginner rider and sometimes both the beginner and the instructor falling many times until stability and balance are learned. This method of instruction can be difficult since the instructor must run or snowboard after the beginner rider to catch up when the beginner starts moving on their own. This method of instruction is flawed in that the instructor is attempting to control the snowboard by means of holding onto the body of the beginner rider. As a result, it is difficult for a beginner rider to improve their stability, balance and overall feeling of secureness on a snowboard. Without improvement in a beginner rider's stability, balance and overall feeling of secureness, it is difficult for the rider to improve his or her skills more quickly and thus undermines their ability to become a more independent rider.
The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosed subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the various embodiments described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview of the various embodiments. It is not intended to exclusively identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter set forth in the Claims, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a streamlined form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The various embodiments address the problems with instructing beginner snowboard riders with a training device that assist snowboarders in improving their skills more quickly and safely. The training device of the various embodiments focuses on providing stability, balance, and guidance to riders as they learn. As a result, the training device gradually allows riders to become more independent as their skills progress.
In accordance with one embodiment, a boardsport training device for use with a sliding board is provided. The boardsport training device of this embodiment includes a base plate adapted for mounting on an upper surface of the sliding board, the base plate having a handle support assembly configured to secure at least one handle assembly thereto, wherein the handle support assembly includes a first flange structure and a second flange structure adjacent the first flange structure; a height-adjustable guide handle assembly removably attachable with the first flange structure that allows a guide to control speed and direction of the sliding board while operated by a rider, wherein a location of attachment of the guide handle assembly with the first flange structure creates a fulcrum point for the guide handle assembly to rotate thereabout while the guide controls the speed and the direction of the sliding board to provide a free-flowing ride to the rider; and a height-adjustable rider handle assembly removably attachable with the second flange structure configured to be held by the rider for balance while supported on the sliding board including instances when guided by the guide and instances without any assistance from the guide.
In accordance with another embodiment, a trainer snowboard is provided. The trainer snowboard of this embodiment includes an elongated board having a first end, a second end, a top and a bottom, a left side periphery and a right side periphery, the elongated board having a longitudinal axis between its first and second ends, the board being generally straight along a majority of its longitudinal axis between the first and second ends, the board top having a surface on which a rider may stand between the first and second ends, and the board bottom being a low-friction surface for sliding on a snowy surface; a base plate adapted for mounting on the surface of the board top about the first end, the base plate having a handle support assembly configured to secure at least one handle assembly thereto, wherein the handle support assembly includes a first flange structure and a second flange structure adjacent the first flange structure; a height-adjustable guide handle assembly removably attachable with the first flange structure that allows a guide to control speed and direction of the board while operated by the rider, wherein a location of attachment of the guide handle assembly with the first flange structure creates a fulcrum point for the guide handle assembly to rotate thereabout while the guide controls the speed and the direction of the board to provide a free-flowing ride to the rider over flat surface and through surfaces with elevation changes, allowing the rider to have edge control of the board over varying surfaces at the left side periphery and the right side periphery; and a height-adjustable rider handle assembly removably attachable with the second flange structure configured to be held by the rider for balance while supported on the board including instances when guided by the guide and instances without any assistance from the guide.
In accordance with third embodiment, a kit of parts for a trainer snowboard is provided. The kit of parts in this embodiment includes a base plate adapted for mounting on a top surface of a snowboard, the base plate having a handle support assembly configured to secure at least one handle assembly thereto, wherein the handle support assembly includes a first flange structure and a second flange structure adjacent the first flange structure; a height-adjustable guide handle assembly removably attachable with the first flange structure that allows a guide to control speed and direction of the snowboard while operated by a rider, wherein a location of attachment of the guide handle assembly with the first flange structure creates a fulcrum point for the guide handle assembly to rotate thereabout while the guide controls the speed and the direction of the snowboard to provide a free-flowing ride to the rider through elevation changes, allowing the rider to have edge control of the snowboard; and a height-adjustable rider handle assembly removably attachable with the second flange structure configured to be held by the rider for balance while supported on the snowboard including instances when guided by the guide and instances without any assistance from the guide.
The present invention will be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below:
Example embodiments of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. For like numbers may refer to like elements throughout.
This disclosure relates generally to a training device for use with boardsports. Although the description that follows is directed to a training device for a snowboard, it is understood that the various embodiments of the training device have applicability with a number of different boardsports. For example, the embodiments of the training device described herein can have applicability with skateboards, scooter boards, skimboards, surf boards and the like.
Turning now to the figures,
The training device 12 can include a base plate 16 adapted for mounting on the surface of the top of the board 14 about the first end. The base plate 16 can have a handle support assembly 18 configured to secure at least one handle assembly thereto. The handle support assembly 18 can include a first flange structure 20 and a second flange structure 22 adjacent the first flange structure. In one embodiment, as shown in
As shown in
In addition to the guide handle assembly 24, the training device 12 can include a height-adjustable rider handle assembly 26 that is removably attachable with the second flange structure 22. In operation, the rider handle assembly 26 is configured to be held by the rider for balance while supported on the board 14 including instances when guided by the guide and instances without any assistance from the guide.
Further details of the guide handle assembly 24 are shown in
As shown in
As noted above, one feature associated with the guide handle assembly 24 is that a guide can use the active handle assembly to provide a free-flowing ride to the rider over a variety of surfaces. The guide handle assembly 24 can be configured with other features that further facilitate the aspect of providing a free-flowing ride. In one embodiment, a bump stop can be configured about the lower support guide member 28. To this extent, the bump stop can prevent the guide handle assembly 24 from impacting the rider's hand or the rider handle assembly 26 while the guide uses the guide handle assembly to control the speed and the direction of the sliding board 14 while operated by the rider (e.g., during pushes on level ground).
Further details of the rider handle assembly 26 are shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Although the description heretofore has been generally directed to a training device and trainer snowboard that is configured with the training device, another embodiment of the present invention can include a kit of parts for assembling the training device 12 for use with the trainer snowboard 10. The kit of parts can include the components that an end user can assemble at a time of use to yield the trainer snowboard 10. In one embodiment, the kit of parts for assembling training device 12 may include a base plate adapted for mounting on a top surface of a snowboard, the base plate having a handle support assembly configured to secure at least one handle assembly thereto, wherein the handle support assembly includes a first flange structure and a second flange structure adjacent the first flange structure; a height-adjustable guide handle assembly removably attachable with the first flange structure that allows a guide to control speed and direction of the snowboard while operated by a rider, wherein a location of attachment of the guide handle assembly with the first flange structure creates a fulcrum point for the guide handle assembly to rotate thereabout while the guide controls the speed and the direction of the snowboard to provide a free-flowing ride to the rider through elevation changes, allowing the rider to have edge control of the snowboard; and a height-adjustable rider handle assembly removably attachable with the second flange structure configured to be held by the rider for balance while supported on the snowboard including instances when guided by the guide and instances without any assistance from the guide.
In light of the various embodiments described herein, it should be apparent that the training device 12 and trainer snowboard 10 configured with the training device have several features and technical effects that can include many advantages over prior approaches and devices used to instruct and guide beginners in developing their skill in a wide variety of boardsports.
One of these features include stability and balance. In particular, the training device of the various embodiments provides an extra level of stability and balance to beginners, helping them feel more secure on a boardsport such as a snowboard. This can reduce the fear of falling and make the learning process less intimidating.
Gradual progression for developing skills is another benefit of the various embodiments. In particular, by offering adjustable and removable handles, the training device of the embodiments allow users to start with a higher level of assistance and gradually reduce it as they become more confident and skilled. This progressive approach promotes a smoother transition to riding independently.
Another benefit includes safety. In particular, the various embodiments offer the potential for an experienced person to guide and assist the rider from behind. This guidance can prevent accidents, especially for beginners navigating unfamiliar terrain.
In one of the embodiments, the various fasteners noted above can utilize a quick-release mechanism that allows the training device and the trainer snowboard to be easily configured and reconfigured as the user progresses in developing their skills and comfort in stability and balance. For example, the quick-release fastener facilitates easy attachment/detachment or adjustment of the guide handle assembly and the rider handle assembly as the user's stability, balance and skills progress. In this manner, the guide handle assembly can be removed as the user becomes comfortable riding without the guide. Similarly, the rider handle assembly can be disassembled as the rider's stability and balance is sufficient to ride without the rider handle assembly.
Another benefit of the training device and the trainer snowboard is that no modifications are required to existing snowboards to make a trainer snowboard. In particular, the training device can be attached to an existing snowboard without requiring any modifications. This preserves the integrity of the original equipment and allows riders to switch between using the training device and riding independently.
The training device and the trainer snowboard of the various embodiments are advantageous in that it facilitates collaborative learning. In particular, the involvement of another person to control speed and assist in steering creates a collaborative learning environment. This can enhance the learning experience and create a sense of camaraderie between the rider and their guide.
Elevation adaptability is another feature associated with the training device and the trainer snowboard. As noted above, the use of the guide handle assembly can provide a free-flowing ride to the rider especially during elevation changes. In this manner, the use of the guide handle assembly can accommodate the natural dynamics of snowboarding. This ensures that the rider experiences a realistic and adaptable learning environment.
Another benefit to the training device and the trainer snowboard is that it promotes rider independence and facilitates the ultimate goal of helping riders become proficient enough to ride without assistance. The training device and the trainer snowboard facilitate this goal by allowing users to gradually reduce their reliance on the training device and trainer snowboard as their skills improve.
Yet another advantage of the training device and the trainer snowboard is that it can provide a customizable experience. That is, the height of the handles of the guide handle assembly and the rider handle assembly lets users customize the training device to their comfort level and preferences, enhancing the overall experience.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/606,293, filed on Dec. 5, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63606293 | Dec 2023 | US |