Snowboard training apparatus

Abstract

The invention is generally a snowboard training apparatus or training tether used to assist in teaching proper snowboard riding mechanics—managing a rider's distribution of their center of gravity over a snowboard—thereby minimizing unintended falls while riding. Additionally, the training tether makes it easier for the rider to get onto the snowboard from a sitting position. In exemplary embodiments, the training tether comprises a handle; a handle strap forming a loop, wherein the handle encompasses a top portion of the loop of the handle strap; a tension strap connected to a lower portion of the handle strap; and a lateral strap coupled to the tension strap, the lateral strap including a first terminal end and a second terminal end configured to register with a first connector and a second connector that secures the apparatus to a snowboard, a snowboarder's bindings, or a snowboarder's boots.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to a snowboard training apparatus and more specifically, to a training tether used to assist in teaching proper snowboard riding mechanics; by utilizing a training tether in accordance with the present invention, a rider's center of gravity is properly distributed over a snowboard, thereby minimizing unintended falls while riding.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Snowboards resemble a wide snow ski, with the ability to traverse a slope of snow and ice. A snowboard rider (hereinafter, “rider”) stands with feet substantially transverse to the longitude of the snowboard, though a rider's feet may be angled somewhat obliquely, and the rider's feet are securely attached to the snowboard by use of boots and snowboard bindings. The snowboard also has two edges, a toe-edge and a heal-edge, which are critical for controlling a snowboard's path down a slope.[0003]To ride a snowboard, the rider shifts the rider's cent...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes an apparatus that helps snowboard riders learn to manage their center of gravity and better ride their snowboards. It also helps riders get onto the snowboard from a sitting position with ease. The apparatus can be quickly attached and detached from the snowboard and is easy to use with ski-lifts. Additionally, it can also be used to carry a snowboard. Overall, this training apparatus improves the rider's performance and provides a safer snowboarding experience.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, controlling a snowboard, at its most basic level, involves at least two problems: (1) maintaining more of the rider's weight on the down-slope foot; and (2) shifting the rider's center-of-gravity over the longitudinal centerline of the snowboard to engage either edge.

Because of this, a rider with loose fitting boots or a loose binding fitting has a greatly diminished capacity to control the snowboard; more importantly, a rider with poor control or management of their center of gravity over the snowboard will surely experience loss of control and unintended falls.

If a shift in the rider's center of gravity over the longitudinal centerline occurs that is unintended the result is generally an unintended fall of the rider or temporary loss of control.

Novice riders are generally not accustomed to the need to control a rider's center of gravity with such precision, nor do novice riders usually have the initial ability to finely control their center of gravity, which results in unintended falls.

Thus, without some type of assistance, novice riders tend to feel discouraged because of the unnecessary and unintended falls, making novice riders more prone to quit snowboarding before the rider learns how to manage their center of gravity properly.

Additionally, riders, whether novice or experienced, often have difficulty getting onto the rider's snowboard from a sitting position where the heal-edge of the snowboard is against the slope.

This difficulty in getting up onto the snowboard, often forces a rider to switch from a sitting position to a position where the rider is getting up onto the snowboard from the rider's knees, with the toe-edge of the snowboard against the slope and then using the rider's hands and arms to push away from the slope.

The related art does not adequately address these problems of learning how to manage and control a snowboard rider's center of gravity, so as to minimize falling.

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