Method and apparatus for converting standard lumber into a grinding rail

Abstract

A portable grinding rail assembly for use with skateboards, in-line skates, and the like. The assembly includes a beam that is preferably a piece of stock wood, such as a two-by-four, having support legs attached to each end of the beam. The assembly also includes a cover or cap that sits on top of the beam and provides the riding surface for the skates. The cover and the support legs are removable from the beam so that the assembly is easily transported and to allow sale and shipment of the support legs and cover separately from the beam. The cover can also be L-shaped for use with existing, stationary supports, such as roadway curbs.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/229,545, filed on Sep. 5, 2000, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates generally to a grinding rail device that an individual rides along. More specifically, the invention relates to a portable grinding rail assembly for use with skateboards, in-line skates, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Typical, portable grind rails for skateboard, in-line skates and the like are large, heavy assemblies made from metal and welded together. As a result, the previous portable rails are in fact difficult to move and to ship to a purchaser and are cumbersome to keep in shops in which they could be sold. Also, the previous rails often required welding and easily rust. Thus, prior art rails can not easily be repaired as necessary. Further, due to the extensive amount of material required for the fabrication of a sturdy metal rail, prior rails are generally expensive.

[0004] An example of a prior art rail is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,412 to Levanas, the entire disclosures of which is incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An object of the invention is to provide an improved rail for riding.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide an improved rail for skateboards, in-line skates, and the like.

[0007] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rail assembly that is lightweight and easy to ship, assemble, and transport.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide an improved rail for riding formed with a beam of commercially available lumber that is easily obtained in local home supply stores to avoid the need of shipping the beam.

[0009] Still another object of the invention is to provide a grinding rail that can be assembled without cutting or welding and requiring only the screwing of fasteners.

[0010] The above objects can be attained by providing a rail assembly for supporting a rider, comprising a non-metallic, elongated beam having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a bottom; a first support having an upper receiving area coupled to the first end of the beam adjacent the bottom of the beam, the first support having a lower portion for contacting a surface and for spacing the beam from the surface; and a cover positioned over the top surface of the board and spaced from the first support, the cover having a relatively smooth, upper exterior surface.

[0011] The above objects can be further attained by providing a grinding rail assembly, comprising an elongated wooden beam having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a bottom; a first metal support having an upper receiving area coupled to the first end of the beam adjacent the bottom of the beam, the first support having a lower portion for contacting a surface and for spacing the beam from the surface; a second metal support having an upper receiving area coupled to the second end of the beam adjacent the bottom of the beam, the second support having a lower portion for contacting the surface and for spacing the beam from the surface; and a metal cover positioned over substantially the entire length of the top surface of the beam and spaced from the first support, the cover having a relatively smooth, upper exterior surface.

[0012] The above objects can be further attained by providing a method of using a rail, comprising the steps of: providing an elongated member having a generally L-shaped transverse cross-section; positioning the member on a rigid support in a nesting relationship with the support, the support having a surface corresponding to the L-shaped cross-section of the member; moving a vehicle along the member; removing the member from the rigid support; and repositioning the member on the rigid support.

[0013] Other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view of a rail in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the rail illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded, front view of the rail in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded, side view of the rail in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the beam transverse to the longitudinal axis of the beam in accordance with the present invention having a first alternative embodiment of the cover, which forms a rounded riding surface;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the beam transverse to the longitudinal axis of the beam in accordance with the present invention having a second alternative embodiment of the cover, which forms a rounded riding surface;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rail in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention positioned on a roadway curb;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a side view of the rail in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention and illustrating a skateboard sliding along the rail:

[0022] FIGS. 9-15 are schematic drawings illustrating various cross-sectional shapes of covers or caps in accordance with the present invention, the cross-sections are taken transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cover;

[0023] FIGS. 16-18 illustrate additional, various cross-sectional shapes of covers or caps in accordance with the present invention, the cross-sections are taken transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cover and a portion of the beam 12 is also illustrated in cross-section;

[0024] FIG. 19 illustrates an additional embodiment of a beam in accordance with the present invention;

[0025] FIGS. 20-25 illustrate various embodiments of a support for the beam in accordance with the present invention, the cross-sections are taken transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rail assembly and are supported above the surface, which is also illustrated; and

[0026] FIG. 26 illustrates a rail assembly in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] As seen in FIGS. 1-4, the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated as a rail assembly or rail 10 for supporting vehicles along its length. Although an array of vehicles can be used with rail 10, it is preferably suited for use with skate-type vehicles such as, skateboards, in-line skates, snowboards, soap shoes, scooters, bicycles, and other similar vehicles capable of traveling along a smooth surface. The user typically jumps up onto the rail 10 and with the skating device on the rail 10, the user travels along the rail until the user jumps back off the rail. This is referred to as "grinding." The rail can remain portable, that is, not fixed to any one location, and since the rail 10 preferably includes only materials that cannot rust, the invention can be left outdoors without special care for rain or rust.

[0028] Rail 10 includes an elongated beam 12 having a cover 14 to provide the riding surface. The beam is supported at both ends above supporting surface 16 by supports 18.

[0029] Beam 12 can be formed of any appropriate material but is preferably made from lightweight material such as wood or plastic. If a plastic beam 12 is used, a lightweight plastic material and/or a plastic honeycomb configuration can be used to decrease weight. A suitable beam 12 can be a piece of stock wood in a common size such as 2.times.2, 2.times.4, 2.times.6, 2.times.8, 2.times.10, 2.times.12 or even 4.times.4 through 4.times.16, although any appropriate shape or size of beam can be used. For example, the beam 12 can be round in cross-section. The beam has a first end 40, a second end 42, a top 44, and a bottom 46. If the beam 12 is wood, it can be pressure treated to preserve the durability of the beam 12.

[0030] The beam 12 can be elevated above surface 16 by a pair of supports 18. For ease of manufacturing, the supports, as illustrated in the drawings, can be substantially identical. Although numerous suitable configurations are possible, it is advantageous to form supports from readily obtainable material as in channel with square or rounded cross-sections that are widely available. Support 18 can have a tubular elbow 50 with grips 52 at each end of the elbow 50 for traction with the supporting surface 16. The grips 52 are preferably a rubber or plastic material and aid in frictionally engaging the surface 16 to stabilize the rail 10. At the apex of the elbow 50, two substantially identical plates or flanges 54 extend from the elbow 50 to form a receiving area 56, which is shaped to mate with the beam 12. The beam 12 fits snugly within the receiving area 56 and can then be further secured within the area 56 by any appropriate fastening mechanism such as fasteners 20, for example, as with screws or bolts that extend into the beam 12. The beam 12 can be predrilled by the manufacturer or the fastener holes can be drilled during installation.

[0031] Although supports 18 are illustrated as being substantially identical, they can be otherwise formed to create varying characteristics of the rail 10. For example, one support 18 could raise the beam 12 higher from the surface 16 to create an inclined rail 10. Also, the beam 12 and cover 14 assembly could be used without any supports 18 and instead be positioned on fixed supports or other temporary supports supplying the desired orientation of the beam 12.

[0032] Cover or channel or cap 14 provides a hard, smooth surface for contacting with the skate-like vehicles while they travel along the rail 10 and cover 14 fits snugly on top of the beam 12. In the preferred embodiment the cover 14 is sized to fit snugly on the narrow dimension of stock sizes of lumber, such as 2.times.4, 2.times.8, 2.times.10, 2.times.12 boards, and can be provided in any desired length, including standard stock lumber lengths of 6, 8, and 10 feet. The cover can be also be provided in two shorter pieces that can be butted together to cover a longer beam. For instance, the cover 14 could be provided in two 5 foot lengths which could then be used with a 10 foot board to provide a 10 foot rail. The two cover pieces need only be attached to the longer board so that the adjacent ends butt together.

[0033] Cover 14 can take many forms but preferably matches the shape of beam 12. In the figures, since beam 12 is rectangular in cross-section, the cover is generally U-shaped in cross-section. Alternatively, the cover 14 can have a cross-section different than that of the beam 12 depending on the desired rail 10 characteristics. For instance, the user may prefer to ride on a rounded cover 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 instead of a sharp edge formed by the cover 14 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

[0034] Cover 14 includes a top, exterior surface or riding surface 60 that is supported on top of the beam 12 by two sides 62. Cover 14 is preferably formed of a smooth, hard, rust-resistant material such as stainless steel, aluminum, or durable plastic material. If desired, cover 14 can be attached to beam 12 using fasteners. Some fasteners that can supply the necessary connection include adhesives on the surfaces connecting cover 14 to beam 12 and counter-sunk screws positioned in the sides 62 of the cover 14. Other coupling options include tape, spikes under the cover 14, metal tabs that dig into the wood, a pressure fit, a soft wedge of rubber or cork.

[0035] In FIGS. 5 and 6, a cover with rounded skating surfaces is illustrated. This provides a different, more rounded surface on which the skater will ride along the beam 12. In FIG. 5, cover 74 is generally U-shaped and attached to beam 12 only at the sides of beam 12 while cover 84 in FIG. 6 has a cross-section shaped to receive the beam 12 and abuts beam 12 on three surfaces of the beam 12. Preferably, covers 74 and 84 are substantially identical to cover 14 except for their cross-section shape.

[0036] The rail 10 is portable due to its light size and its construction. Since a lightweight beam 12 is used, the rail is easy to manipulate and move. One advantage of the modular design of the rail 10 is that it is easy to ship and repair. For example, a user can purchase only a cover 14 and a pair of supports 18 and then assemble the rail 10 using a piece of stock lumber obtained separately in the user's locale and at a low price. Thus, shipping costs are minimized since only the lightweight cover 14 and supports 18 are shipped to the user. Further, since the cover can be provided in two pieces of shorter length for use with a longer board, as described above, the length of the shipping package can be reduced for easier handling. Thus, two foot cover pieces can be shipped in a generally 5 foot long package but an be used with a 10 foot board to make a 10 foot rail. All of this reduces the end price of the rail to the user.

[0037] Further, since the cover 14 is sized to fit on standard sized lumber available from the local lumber yard, the rail can be assembled without need for saws to cut the wood. Rather, only a wrench or screwdriver need be used to attach the legs to the beam. This has several advantages. First, the user need not have expensive saws or other equipment available to assemble the rail. Only commonly available hand tools need be used. Second, since a saw is not necessary the danger to the user is reduced, which is especially important when the user may be a teenager, as here. Also, if a piece of the rail 10 breaks, the broken piece can simply be removed without damaging the other elements of the rail and a new piece can be inserted. In addition, since the rectangular or rounded configuration cover 14 can be easily interchanged, the configuration of the rail 10 can be quickly changed. Thus, the user can have two rail configurations for only the cost of the second cover 14.

[0038] A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5-6. More specifically, a rail 100 is illustrated that is substantially L-shaped and capable of being positioned on a mating, rigid surface such as a roadway curb 106 or stair step so that a riding surface can be established on the previous surface that was not as suitable for riding as the rail 100 as well as to protect the surface from damage due to the skateboard, etc. Rail 100 preferably has only two sides 102 and 104 so that it is easily positioned on to and easily removed from the rigid surface 16. Although the rail is shown as generally L-shaped, it can also have a more rounded angle to better conform to more rounded curbs. In an alternative embodiment, a layer of relatively soft material 120 such as rubber, foam or cork can be attached on the curb facing side of the rail 100 to provide a more conforming fit between the rail 100 and the curb, as well as to help keep the rail in place on the curb. Additionally, a non-permanent, removable, tacky adhesive may also be used between the rail and the curb to temporarily attach the rail to the curb. Alternative temporary fasteners can also be used, such as straps and clips to help temporarily maintain the rail in place on the curb. As seen in FIG. 6, a skateboard is riding along the exterior surface 110 of the rail 100. Although this embodiment is illustrated on a curb 106, rail 100 could be used on any appropriate surface, including a bench and a sawhorse. The rail 100 can be made of any smooth, hard, rust-resistant material, such as metal or hard plastic.

[0039] FIGS. 9-18 illustrate various embodiments of the cover 14 in addition to those illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and in FIGS. 5 and 6. The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9-18 represent cross-sectional views of various covers and are shown to illustrate some of the many forms the cover can take to provide rails having different characteristics for the rider.

[0040] FIG. 9 shows the cover 14, which is discussed above and is perfect for skateboarding. FIG. 10 shows the cover 74, which is discussed above and is preferred for bicycles and in-line skates. FIG. 11 shows a cover 206 that is similar to cover 14, but is slanted to form an incline. FIG. 12 shows a cover 208 that is substantially identical to cover 206, but includes an additional stabilizing flange 210 for attaching to the top of the beam 12. FIGS. 13 and 14 show covers 212 and 216, respectively having grooves 214 and 218, respectively. The grooves 214 and 218 reduce friction and provide for easier grinds with skateboard trucks. The bolt in the trucks fits in the grooves 214 and 218 and does not scrape on the grinding surface. FIG. 15 shows a cover 220 having a wide grinding surface for correspondence with a beam having a wider width than beam 12 for users needing more stability than that provided by a more narrow beam 12. FIG. 16 shows the cover 74 including a spacer 232 to reinforce cover 74 to avoid crushing of cover 74 from the weight of the user while grinding. FIG. 17 illustrates cover 206 having a reinforcing spacer 236. FIG. 18 shows a cover formed of two substantially identical pieces 238 positioned on opposite edges of the beam 12. The pieces 238 are preferably right angles that can also be secured to grinding members other than a beam 12, such as, a bench or a curb.

[0041] All covers can be fastened to their corresponding beam in any appropriate manner. For example, the covers can be attached to the beam by double-sided tape, glue, epoxy, rubber, cork, spikes, screws and bolts. Also, the covers can be adapted to facilitate the attachment to the beam by the appropriate fastener. For instance to facilitate the attachment of the covers to the beam 12 by screws or bolts, the covers can include holes though which the screws or bolts can extend.

[0042] FIG. 19 shows an alternative embodiment of the cover. Although FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate a substantially straight upper surface 80 of the cover 14, covers and beams can have different longitudinal shapes to provide grinding surfaces having different characteristics. For example, cover 250 has an upper surface 251 that is concave to provide a grinding surface that enables the user to launch off one of the inclined ends 253 and 254 of the cover 250.

[0043] FIGS. 20-25 show various embodiments of supports for the beams and covers in accordance with the subject invention. FIG. 20 shows a support having two substantially identical right angles 260 fastened to beam 12 by fasteners 264 such as screws. Also, a layer of frictional material 262, such as rubber, is preferably provided on the side 263 of each right angle 260 engaging supporting surface 16. FIG. 21 shows a support having two substantially identical angular members 270 fastened to beam 12 by fasteners 264 such as screws. Also, a boot of frictional material 272, such as rubber, is provided on the end of each member 270 engaging supporting surface 16. FIGS. 22 and 23 show cast or welded supports 280 and 290, respectively, that are cast, molded, or welded to correspond to the bottom shape of beam 12. Support 280 can also have reinforcing members 283 spaced along the length of the beam 12 to reinforce the support 280 and, thus, the stability of the rail. It should be understood that any of the supports can have reinforcing members to further stabilize and strengthen not only the supports but also the entire rail. These reinforcing members are optional depending on the desired characteristics of the subject rail. In FIG. 22, reinforcing members 283 are generally triangular members that are welded to the main portion 285 of support 280. FIG. 23 is a two-piece version of that shown in FIG. 22. FIGS. 24 and 25 correspond to FIGS. 22 and 23, respectively, except the supports 281 and 290 are bent from a single piece of material such as metal instead of being cast, molded, or welded.

[0044] The supports of the invention raising the beam 12 above supporting surface 16 are preferably portable so that the rail 10 can be picked up and moved to various locations. Alternatively, the supports described above can be rigidly and permanently mounted to a fixed structure or supporting surface 16 so that the rails are permanent structures. Such permanent structures may be advantageously mounted in skate parks, the user's home, or other places where skating will regularly occur.

[0045] FIG. 26 illustrates yet another embodiment of a rail in accordance with the invention. Rail assembly 310 illustrated in FIG. 26 has a beam 312 supported by support 318 and has a cover 314 with a reinforcing spacer 315. Beam 312 can be a wide beam with shallow thickness, such as a 2.times.12 board, while support 318 can be a 2.times.6 board that is fastened to the beam 312 by an appropriate fastener 320, such as a screw. To provide a grinding surface that is generally level, beam 312 has a cover 314 similar to cover 206 and a reinforcing spacer 236 similar to spacer 236. This embodiment requires even fewer specialty items in that only the cover 314 and the spacer 315 are specifically made for the grinding rail 310. The user purchases the beam 312 and the support 318 locally from a home supply or lumber store as stock items, along with the fasteners 320. Thus, the cost of manufacturing and shipping the rail 310 is even further reduced.

[0046] While advantageous embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A rail assembly for supporting a rider, comprising: a non-metallic, elongated beam having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a bottom; a first support having an upper receiving area coupled to said first end of said beam adjacent said bottom of said beam, said first support having a lower portion for contacting a supporting surface and for spacing said beam from the supporting surface; and a cover positioned over said top surface of said board and spaced from said first support, said cover having a relatively smooth, upper exterior surface.

2. A beam assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first support and said cover are metal.

3. A grinding rail assembly, comprising: an elongated non-metallic beam having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a bottom; a first metal support having an upper receiving area coupled to said first end of said beam adjacent said bottom of said beam, said first support having a lower portion for contacting a supporting surface and for spacing said beam from the supporting surface; a second metal support having an upper receiving area coupled to said second end of said beam adjacent said bottom of said beam, said second support having a lower portion for contacting the supporting surface and for spacing said beam from the supporting surface; and a metal cover positioned over substantially the entire length of said top surface of said beam and spaced from said first and second supports, said cover having a relatively smooth, upper exterior surface.

4. A method of using a rail, comprising the steps of: providing an elongated member having an L-shaped transverse cross-section; positioning the member on a rigid support in a nesting relationship with the support, the support having a surface corresponding to the L-shaped cross-section of the member; moving a vehicle along the member; removing the member from the rigid support; and repositioning the member on the rigid support.