Land vehicles – Runner vehicle – Standing occupant
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-24
2001-03-06
Swann, J. J. (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Runner vehicle
Standing occupant
C280S011300, C482S015000, C482S027000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06196558
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to snowboard equipment, and more specifically to an apparatus for practicing aerial snowboard maneuvers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Within recent years, snowboarding has become a popular snow activity. The design and mechanics of a snowboard allow a snowboarder to engage in a number of different aerial tricks and maneuvers beyond the simple jumps performed by traditional skiers. On suitable terrain, an accomplished snowboarder can perform a wide variety of aerial flips and twirls. Because snowboarding is essentially a seasonal activity, participation and training is limited to periods in which there is sufficient snow and favorable weather conditions to allow the activity. Moreover, the use of snowboards in certain ski resorts or areas may be restricted to certain limited courses reserved only for snowboard use. As a result, snowboarding may become an increasingly limited and expensive sport in which to participate. Because of this, the opportunity for a snowboarder to learn and practice and aerial maneuvers and tricks may be significantly limited. It is therefore desirable to provide a snowboard training system that allows a snowboarder to practice snowboarding at any time of the year and on surfaces other than snow.
To get involved in snowboarding, a person is typically required to purchase complicated and expensive equipment, such as snowboards, special shoes, and binding systems. Such equipment is often overly expensive and complex for people desiring to simply learn the mechanics of snowboarding or to practice certain techniques, such as aerial maneuvers. It is therefore desirable to provide a snowboard training system that is simple and inexpensive enough to allow broad participation. It is further desirable to provide a snowboard practice system that allows a user to exclusively practice aerial snowboard tricks without requiring a snow-covered surface
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus for providing practice of snowboard aerial maneuvers is described.
It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system of practicing snowboarding techniques that may be used on dry land or in adverse weather conditions.
It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a snowboard practice device that provides a simple and inexpensive simulation of a conventional snowboard and snowboard binding system.
It is yet a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a snowboard binding system that may be adapted for use on a practice snowboard.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a wooden footboard is cut in an elongated oval shape that matches or approximates the shape and size of a standard snowboard or skateboard. Multiple sets of holes are cut into the footboard to accommodate the insertion of flexible straps. Straps threaded through the holes are used to securely attach the footboard to the user's feet. Two or more different sets of strap holes are provided for each foot to allow the user to change foot position or stance on the footboard. The footboard with the straps installed comprises a practice snowboard that is used in conjunction with a trampoline or similar bouncing device. By jumping up and down on the trampoline while wearing the practice snowboard, the user is able to practice aerial snowboard maneuvers.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.
REFERENCES:
patent: 829050 (1906-08-01), Anderson
patent: 834526 (1906-10-01), Jones
patent: 2685141 (1954-08-01), Davenport
patent: 2929636 (1960-03-01), Jones et al.
patent: 2946599 (1960-07-01), Hunsbedt
patent: 4004355 (1977-01-01), Koblick
patent: 4108452 (1978-08-01), Baron
patent: 4180260 (1979-12-01), Slagle
patent: 4225131 (1980-09-01), Sidlinger et al.
patent: 4379564 (1983-04-01), Welker
patent: 4403785 (1983-09-01), Hottel
patent: 4468045 (1984-08-01), Sarazen
patent: 4824101 (1989-04-01), Karlas
patent: 4846744 (1989-07-01), Love
patent: 4969655 (1990-11-01), Katz
patent: 4974868 (1990-12-01), Morris
patent: 5014450 (1991-05-01), McGrath
patent: 5080382 (1992-01-01), Franz
patent: 5167553 (1992-12-01), Wilson
patent: 5312258 (1994-05-01), Giorgio
patent: 5368536 (1994-11-01), Stodgell
patent: 5591060 (1997-01-01), Forsyth
patent: 5649722 (1997-07-01), Champlin
patent: 5966844 (1999-10-01), Hellerman et al.
Wave Rave Advertisement, Transworld Snowboarding Magazine, Mar. 1999.
Dergosits & Noah LLP
Shriver J. Allen
Swann J. J.
LandOfFree
Apparatus for practicing aerial snowboard maneuvers does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apparatus for practicing aerial snowboard maneuvers, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus for practicing aerial snowboard maneuvers will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2480098