U.S. patent application number 14/270709 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-13 for full-body board sports training device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Colin Andrew Rafferty. Invention is credited to Colin Andrew Rafferty.
Application Number | 20140336025 14/270709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51865209 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140336025 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rafferty; Colin Andrew |
November 13, 2014 |
FULL-BODY BOARD SPORTS TRAINING DEVICE
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.
Inventors: |
Rafferty; Colin Andrew;
(Waterloo, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rafferty; Colin Andrew |
Waterloo |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
51865209 |
Appl. No.: |
14/270709 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61820307 |
May 7, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0552 20130101;
A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 23/1281
20130101; A63B 21/4023 20151001; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B
69/0093 20130101; A63B 22/16 20130101; A63B 26/003 20130101; A63B
69/0066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00 |
Claims
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.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] 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
[0002] 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
[0003] 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
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] According to another aspect, a method of training based on a
board-sport training device is provided. The method can comprise:
[0007] 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; [0008] resting a
bottom surface of the training device on the ground, the bottom
surface having an unbalanced shape; [0009] tilting the training
with respect to the ground based on the unbalanced surface; and
[0010] 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
[0011] The advantages of the device will be clear after
understanding the detailed description along with the included
drawings.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the full-body board sports
trainer.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the full-body board sports
trainer.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an inferior in the Z-plane view of the full-body
board sports trainer.
[0015] FIG. 4 is side view in the Y-plane of the full-body board
sports trainer.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-section at the dash seen in FIG. 1 of the
full-body board sports trainer.
[0017] FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b are inferior view of two configurations
the full-body board sports trainer can be used.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an overhead view of the full-body board sports
trainer attached to an existing deck.
[0019] FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b are drawings of the full-body board
sports trainer being used by a user in two different
configurations.
[0020] FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b are drawings of the full-body board
sports trainer showing examples of possible movements around an
axis.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] 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.
[0022] According to an aspect, the present device:
[0023] a) may provide a full-body board sports training device that
trains, balance, strength, agility, and coordination.
[0024] b) may provide a full-body board sports training device that
can be used with an existing piece of board sports equipment.
[0025] 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.
[0026] d) may provide a full-body board sports training device that
is economical, easy to use, easy to store, and easy to
transport.
[0027] 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.
[0028] f) may provide a full-body board sports training device that
can accommodate a range of board sizes for specific board
sports.
[0029] 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.
[0030] h) may provide protection to the board to prevent damaging
the board or the surface.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] Various configurations can be used when attaching the board
sports trainer to the deck. For example, as shown in FIG. 6a, FIG.
8a and FIG. 9a 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.
[0038] According to an alternative configuration the two pieces
comprising the device are attached to the deck in a different
arrangement. As shown in FIG. 6b, FIG. 8b, FIG. 9b, 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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. 8a and FIG. 8b, 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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).
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] FIG. 6a, FIG. 8a, FIG. 9a, FIG. 6b, FIG. 8b, and FIG. 9b
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. 6a, FIG. 8a, and FIG. 9a 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. 9a (user not shown).
[0051] The board sports trainer seen in FIG. 6b, FIG. 8b, and FIG.
9b 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. 9b (user not
shown).
[0052] 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.
[0053] FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b 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. 6a, FIG. 8a, and FIG. 9a. This allows the user
to practice balance primarily in the X-axis as seen in FIG. 9a,
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. 6b,
FIG. 8b, and FIG. 9b. 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. 9b.
* * * * *