US20140336025A1

US20140336025A1 - Full-body board sports training device

Info

Publication number: US20140336025A1
Application number: US14/270,709
Authority: US
Inventors: Colin Andrew Rafferty
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-07
Filing date: 2014-05-06
Publication date: 2014-11-13

Abstract

A board-based training device is provided. The board-based training device can comprise at least one piece having an underlying unbalanced surface. The unbalanced surface can be shaped to be unstable when placed on a ground. The piece can further have a support surface for supporting a deck. The training device can also include at least one securing mechanism for reversibly attaching the support surface of the piece against a bottom surface of the deck. The reversible attachment can secure the piece to the deck such that the movement of the secured piece with respect to the deck can be restrained. The unbalanced shape can be conical, the long axis of which being aligned with the long axis of the piece. The device can further include at least one attachment point for attaching at least one linkage.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. patent application 61/820,307, filed May 7, 2013. Priority is claimed to this earlier filed application and the contents of this earlier filed application is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a sports training device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sports training device for board based sports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Board based sports such as snowboarding and surfboarding are sports which require extensive training to increase and maintain related skills. For example, snowboarding requires a slope covered in snow, a means to get to the top of the slope, and the skills necessary to maneuver a board attached to a boarder's feet as the boarder slides down the slope. This takes specialized skills of strength, agility, and balance. These specialized skills are difficult to master without consistent access to snow and a slope. Unfortunately, the nature of these sports is such that participating in the actual sport may not be feasible all year round. For example, snow may not be available all year round. Accordingly, different training equipment have been designed to allow training even when external conditions would not make it feasible to participate in the sport. In order to facilitate training, the training equipment attempt to simulate at least a portion of participating in the actual sport. It would therefore be advantageous for the training equipment to provide as realistic an experience as possible in order to be effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object to provide a sports training device that obviates and mitigates at least one of the above-identified disadvantages of the prior art.
According to an aspect, a board-based training device is provided. The board-based training device can comprise at least one piece having an underlying unbalanced surface. The unbalanced surface can be shaped to be unstable when placed on a ground. The piece can further have a support surface for supporting a deck. The training device can also include at least one securing mechanism for reversibly attaching the support surface of the piece against a bottom surface of the deck. The reversible attachment can secure the piece to the deck such that the movement of the secured piece with respect to the deck can be restrained.
According to another aspect, a method of training based on a board-sport training device is provided. The method can comprise:

- reversibly attaching, through a securing mechanism, the training device to a deck such that the movement of at least one piece with respect to the deck is restrained;
- resting a bottom surface of the training device on the ground, the bottom surface having an unbalanced shape;
- tilting the training with respect to the ground based on the unbalanced surface; and
- receiving a reciprocal force at the training device, based on the tilting, through a linkage mechanism attached to the training device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages of the device will be clear after understanding the detailed description along with the included drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the full-body board sports trainer.

FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the full-body board sports trainer.

FIG. 3 is an inferior in the Z-plane view of the full-body board sports trainer.

FIG. 4 is side view in the Y-plane of the full-body board sports trainer.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section at the dash seen in FIG. 1 of the full-body board sports trainer.

FIG. 6 a and FIG. 6 b are inferior view of two configurations the full-body board sports trainer can be used.

FIG. 7 is an overhead view of the full-body board sports trainer attached to an existing deck.

FIG. 8 a and FIG. 8 b are drawings of the full-body board sports trainer being used by a user in two different configurations.

FIG. 9 a and FIG. 9 b are drawings of the full-body board sports trainer showing examples of possible movements around an axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Board sports require strength, agility, balance, coordination, and reaction time as known by those skilled in the art. Balance is only one component of board sports training. A full-body training device for board sports is provided that can allow incorporating full-body strengthening, coordination, reaction time, and agility training required to succeed and excel at board sports. Namely, skill training beyond simple balance training can be provided. Moreover, this can be accomplished without using complicated designs including motors, pumps, levers, and other technologically complex designs.
According to an aspect, the present device:
a) may provide a full-body board sports training device that trains, balance, strength, agility, and coordination.
b) may provide a full-body board sports training device that can be used with an existing piece of board sports equipment.
c) may provide a full-body board sports training device that allows the user to input forces in a direction other than gravity mimicking ground reaction forces making the simulation more accurate.
d) may provide a full-body board sports training device that is economical, easy to use, easy to store, and easy to transport.
e) may provide a full-body board sports training device that that may securely attach to an existing piece of board sports equipment to allow the user to jump and engage in aggressive maneuvers when the deck is attached to the feet while attached to the device.
f) may provide a full-body board sports training device that can accommodate a range of board sizes for specific board sports.
g) may provide a full-body board sports training device that the user can train balance, strength, coordination, reaction time, and agility in only the frontal plane in the beginning stages and then transitioning to training balance, strength, and agility around a center axis.
h) may provide protection to the board to prevent damaging the board or the surface.
More specifically, the present device relates to a device and method for strengthening and training all of the muscles in the body required to engage physically in board sports.
In one example implementation, the board sports trainer, herein referred to as a device, is assembled using two pieces attached, via a securing mechanism, to any existing board including but not limited to snowboards, wakeboards, surf boards, paddle boards, and others that will now occur to a person of skill in the art and herein referred to as a deck. In variations, one, three or more pieces may be used. Universal terms are used to describe certain areas of a deck and these terms are used in reference to a user standing on a deck. The toe side refers to the longitudinal portion of the deck closest to the toes of the user. The heel side refers to the longitudinal portion of the deck closets to the heels of the user. The nose refers to the front end of the deck in relation to the decks movement. The tail refers to the back end of the deck in relation to the decks movement.
Some boards, including but not limited to snowboarding and wakeboarding, utilize bindings, which attach the board to the users' feet. This allows the user to perform movements and maneuvers such as turning and jumping with the deck securely attached to the feet.
In one variation, the pieces attached to the deck are a mirror image of each other. In another variation, the device can be a single piece.
The securing mechanism holds the deck firmly and securely to the device allowing maneuvers such as jumping, pivoting, ollieing, and other necessary skills known to those skilled in the art of board sports can be practiced.
The underlying surface of the board sports trainer is shaped to be unstable and is herein referred to as the unbalanced surface. In one variation, the unbalanced surface resembles a cone shape with the base of the cone flat while the apex resembles a ball or spherical shape. In another variation, the surface can resemble a cone with at least one end of the cylinder having a ball or spherical shape. In further variations where the device comprises more than one piece, the unbalanced surface of each piece may have the same shape. In yet other variations where the device comprises more than one piece, the unbalanced surface of one or more pieces may have differing shapes.
Various configurations can be used when attaching the board sports trainer to the deck. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 a, FIG. 8 a and FIG. 9 a the two pieces comprising the device can be attached to the deck using a securing mechanism. The support surface of the pieces contacts the deck. The flat base of the underlying unbalanced surface of one piece sits under the nose of the deck and the flat base of the underlying surface cone of the second piece sits under the tail of the deck. The apex ball shape is placed toward the midline of the deck. When a user stands on the deck in the above-mentioned configuration the user can tilt the device around X-axis by applying a force using the legs on the toe side or the heel side of the deck. The user can also apply forces by shifting the weight to the nose or the tail of the deck. If the deck being used has a binding system the user can attach the feet to the deck and apply a compressive force with one leg while applying a lifting force with the other leg, which can lift either the nose or the tail off of the ground. The user can also apply a tension force through the bands attached at the force-transmit attachment points to increase the lifting or compressive force applied by the leg depending on the configuration of the cords. The user can also perform jumping maneuvers when the feet are attached to the deck.
According to an alternative configuration the two pieces comprising the device are attached to the deck in a different arrangement. As shown in FIG. 6 b, FIG. 8 b, FIG. 9 b, in this configuration the round apex of the underlying surface cone of one unit sits under the nose of the deck and the round apex of the underlying unbalanced surface of one piece sits under the tail of the deck. When the user stands on the deck the same movements described in the first configuration can be performed. When the deck being used has a binding system the user can attach the feet to the deck and apply a compressive force with one leg while applying a lifting force with the other leg, which can lift either the nose or the tail off of the ground. The user can also apply a tension force through the bands attached at the force-transmit attachment points to increase the lifting or compressive force applied by the leg depending on the configuration of the cords. The user can also perform jumping maneuvers when the feet are attached to the deck. The second configuration will be more challenging than the first configuration for the user because the ball shaped apex under the nose and the tail allows more movement around the X, Y, and Z axis decreasing the stability of the device.
The board sports trainer is designed to have multiple overhanging points designed to prevent damage to the deck and to prevent the deck from damaging the surface the board sports trainer is being used on.
Along the outer edge of the board sports trainer there is at least one (and typically a plurality of) attachment point. One or more linkages composed of elastic, non-elastic or rigid rope, cord, or bands or the like, herein referred to simply as band, can be attached in any combination to the attachment point.
The user adopts an athletic stance on the deck, which is attached to the board sports trainer. The board sports trainer attached to the deck being used by a user is herein referred to as the system. The user, while balancing the system can hold a band in one hand or the user can hold a plurality of band in both hands. As the user moves through any conceivable body movement, for example a squat, tension in the band will increase as the user moves the band away from the attachment point. As the band is moved further from the attachment point tension in the band will increase. The tension force in the band is transmitted to the device through the attachment points located on the outer edge of the device. In order for the system to remain balanced, or in equilibrium, the net force on the system should be zero. In order for the net force on the system to remain zero, the user needs counteract the changing forces in the device by using muscles in the body to apply an equal and opposite force on the device to the forces inputted through the bands attached to the device.
This system simulates ground reaction forces (known to those familiar in the art of physics): the force exerted by the ground (in this example the device) on a body (in this example the user) in contact with it. For example, if two bands are attached to the device at two attachments points located on the toe side of the deck, as seen in FIG. 8 a and FIG. 8 b, as the user moves through any conceivable body movement, for example a squat, the force transmitted to the device through the bands attached via the attachment points will create a ground reaction force on the toe side of the deck. The user should use the same muscles and movements to maintain the system in equilibrium (or balance) as required to control and turn a snowboard, surfboard, or the like.
The above example holds true if two bands are attached to the device on the heel side of the device, the nose, the tail, or any conceivable arrangement.
FIG. 1 shows a non-limiting example of a device 101 for full-body board sports training. Although the board sports trainer 101 can be formed as a single piece or three pieces or more, in this example, it is indicated as comprising of two pieces 117 and 117′ which mirror each other. Accordingly, each piece 117 and 117′ includes the same components. The components of 117′ seen in FIG. 1 are labeled identical to the components of 117 with the addition of an apostrophe (′). For example, the force-transmit attachment points 215 can be seen on piece 117 and is identical to the force-transmit attachment points 215′ on piece 117′. It is to be understood that the apostrophe (′) simply differentiates the two identical and mirror image pieces of the device. In variations the board sports trainer 101 can comprise of a larger number of pieces and the pieces may or may not mirror each other. In variations, the pieces can be attached through attachment mechanisms to each other (not shown).
The example piece 117 includes a support surface 203, force-transmit attachment points 215, and a board securing mechanism 207 as shown. It is to be understood that any securing mechanism known by those skilled in the art can be used. It is to be understood that the force-transmit attachment points 215 can be located anywhere on the outer edge of the support surface 203. In FIG. 1, one non-limiting configuration of the force-transmit linkage, in this example a band 211 is shown.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the example piece 117. The deck support surface 203, the force-transmit attachment points 215, and the board securing mechanism 207 are shown and the band 211 can all be seen.
FIG. 3 is an inferior view of the example piece 117. The inferior side of the deck support surface 203 can be seen. The cone shape of the underlying unbalanced surface 311 is also indicated. It is to be understood that the unbalanced surface 311 can take on any shape including but not limited to circular, cone, rectangular, etc. Furthermore, it is to be understood that any material including but not limited to compressible foam or inflatable bladder that creates an unbalanced surface mimicking the sensation of balancing on a deck can be used. Overhanging points 205 can be seen. The overhanging points 205 are designed to prevent the edge of the deck from coming in contact with the ground. The overhanging points 205 are can be made from compressible material including but not limited to foam, plastic, rubber or the like. Although in this example implementation, overhanging point are pointed tips, in other implementations other shapes can be used.
FIG. 4 is an inferior view of the example piece 117. The deck support surface 203 can be seen. The underlying unbalanced surface 311 is shown. The overhanging points 205 can be seen.
FIG. 5 is a cross-section represented by the hashed line in FIG. 1 of the example piece 117. The deck support surface 203 can be seen. The underlying unbalanced surface 311 can also be seen. The force-transmit attachment points 215 can be seen. Overhanging points 205 can be seen.
FIG. 6 a, FIG. 8 a, FIG. 9 a, FIG. 6 b, FIG. 8 b, and FIG. 9 b show two configurations of how the pieces 117 and 117′ of the board sports trainer 101 can be oriented on the deck. The board sports trainer seen in FIG. 6 a, FIG. 8 a, and FIG. 9 a is set up in the first configuration. The flat base of the underlying unbalanced surface of one piece sits under the nose of the deck and the flat base of the underlying surface of the second piece sits under the tail of the deck. The apex ball shape is placed toward the midline of the deck as seen in FIG. 9 a (user not shown).
The board sports trainer seen in FIG. 6 b, FIG. 8 b, and FIG. 9 b is set up in the second configuration. The apex ball shape of the underlying unbalanced surface of one piece sits under the nose of the deck and the apex of the underlying unbalanced surface of the second piece sits under the tail of the deck. The flat base is placed toward the midline of the deck as seen in FIG. 9 b (user not shown).
FIG. 7 show the device 101 attached to an existing deck 182. The deck 182 is secured to the pieces by the securing mechanism 207. Bands (not shown) can attach at any force-transmit attachment point 215.
FIG. 8 a and FIG. 8 b shows the device in use. The user adopts an athletic stance. As the user performs movements known by those skilled in the art of board sports the bands 211 will be under different degrees of tension. A tension force is transmitted into the device through the force-transmit attachment points 215. As the forces transmitted into the device change the user will have to apply equal and opposite force to the tension in the band in order to maintain the system in equilibrium as described above.
The presented embodiment is characterized by a board support surface 203 that can have a generally flat design to accommodate the attachment of a deck. In one non-limiting example, the board support surface 203 can be designed to be flexible to allow different shapes of various decks, for example, snowboards, skateboards, surfboards, paddle boards, wakeboards, or the like. The board support surface 203 can be designed to have a high coefficient of static friction while still being soft to prevent damage to the deck. A suitable material such as rubber, foam, plastic, wood, woven fivers, or other suitable materials that will now occur to a person of skill in the art can be used.
The deck can be secured to the board support surface 203 by the board securing mechanism 207. It is understood that any mechanism known to those skilled in the art can be used to attach the deck to the device. In this example implementation a tie-down mechanism as known by those skilled in the art is show as the securing mechanism 207. The board securing mechanism 207 holds the board tightly against the board support surface 203. The board securing mechanism 207 is designed from a suitable material to prevent damage to the deck such as plastic clips, rubber coated fasteners, rope, clamps, or the like.
The underlying unbalanced surface 311 can be made of wood, plastic, metal, foam, air bladder, or other solid or deformable material. As the underlying unbalanced surface comes in contact with the ground the underlying unbalanced surface will deform under the weight of the user. By using a suitable material such as foam, rubber, air bladder, or the like, the underlying unbalanced surface will give the sensation of balancing and maneuvering a deck on the snow, water, or pavement.
The force-transmit attachment points 215 can be anywhere along edge of the board support surface 203. The force-transmit attachment points 215 allow for attachment of the bands 211. The bands 211 can have the ability to attach to any combination of the force-transmit attachment points 215. The user can stand on the board sports trainer and hold the bands 211 with the hands. As the user moves through various movements known to those skilled in the art, for example, squats, pivots, turns, overhead arm movements, etc. forces will be transmitted from the user the device through the bands 211. The user will have to apply an equal and opposite force using the muscles of the body to keep the system in balance. This will increase the users' ability to adapt to subtle changes in forces similar to those experienced when performing board sports.
The board sports trainer 101 attaches to an existing deck via the board securing mechanism 207. The board securing mechanism is designed to hold an existing deck firmly and securely to the device. In one non-limiting example, a simple winch mechanism known by those skilled in the art can be used to firmly and securely attach the deck to the device.
As shown in FIG. 8 a and FIG. 8 b the user adopts an athletic stance on the deck as it is connected to the board sports trainer 101. As the user begins to train on the device the pieces 117 and 117′ are placed in series underneath the deck. The base of one unit of the underlying surface of the board sports trainer sits under the nose and the base of the second unit sits under the tail of the deck as seen in FIG. 6 a, FIG. 8 a, and FIG. 9 a. This allows the user to practice balance primarily in the X-axis as seen in FIG. 9 a, although movement in the Y-axis and Z-axis can also occur. As the user's skill increases the apex of one unit of the underlying surface of the board sports trainer can sit under the nose and the apex of the second unit sits under the tail as shown in FIG. 6 b, FIG. 8 b, and FIG. 9 b. When the user trains in this configuration, movement will occur in a multi-planar manner around the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis as seen in FIG. 9 b.

Claims

We claim:

1. A board-sport training device comprising:

at least one piece having an underlying unbalanced surface, the unbalanced surface shaped to be unstable when placed on a ground, the at least one piece further having a support surface for supporting a deck; and

at least one securing mechanism for reversibly attaching the support surface against a bottom surface of the deck, the reversible attachment securing the at least one piece to the deck such that the movement of at least one piece with respect to the deck is restrained.

2. The board-sport training device of claim 1 wherein each securing mechanism is one of a clasp and a tie-down mechanism.

3. The board-sport training device of claim 1 wherein, the unbalanced surface comprises a conical shape with the base of the conical shape being flat and the apex of the conical shape being spherical.

4. The board-sport training device of claim 3 wherein, the longitudinal axis of the conical shape is in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the at least one piece.

5. The board-sport training device of claim 1 wherein, the unbalanced surface comprises a cylindrical shape, the ends of the cylindrical shape being spherical.

6. The board-sport training device of claim 1 wherein the device comprises a plurality of pieces and the unbalanced surface of at least one of the plurality of pieces comprises a shape that is different from the shape of the unbalanced surface of other plurality of pieces.

7. The board-sport training device of claim 1 wherein the device comprises a plurality of pieces and the unbalanced surface of each piece comprises the same shape.

8. The board-sport training device of claim 1 wherein the device comprises two identical pieces.

9. The board-sport training device of claim 8 wherein the unbalanced surface of each piece comprises a conical shape, with the base of the conical shape being flat and the apex of the conical shape being spherical.

10. The board-sport training device of claim 1 wherein the at least one piece includes at least one overhanging point, the at least one overhanging point shaped to prevent the deck from coming into contact with the ground when the training device is tilted in use.

11. The board-sport training device of claim 10 wherein the at least one overhanging point comprises a compressible material.

12. The board-sport training device of claim 11 wherein the compressible material comprises at least one of foam, plastic and rubber.

13. The board-sport training device of claim 10 wherein the at least one overhanging point is in the shape of a pointed tip.

14. The board-sport training device of claim, the device further comprising:

at least one attachment point for attaching at least one linkage.

15. The board-sport training device of claim 14 wherein the at least one attachment point is arranged along an outer edge of the at least one piece.

16. The board-sport training device of claim 14 wherein each linkage comprises at least one of rope, cord and band.

17. The board-sport training device of claim 14 wherein each linkage is one of elastic, non-elastic and rigid.

18. A method of training based on a board-sport training device comprising:

reversibly attaching, through a securing mechanism, the training device to a deck such that the movement of at least one piece with respect to the deck is restrained;

resting a bottom surface of the training device on the ground, the bottom surface having an unbalanced shape;

tilting the training with respect to the ground based on the unbalanced surface; and

receiving a reciprocal force at the training device, based on the tilting, through a linkage mechanism attached to the training device.