Skateboard accessory to assist in airborne manuvers

Abstract

A skateboard accessory for attaching a stretchable handle member or one or more of a variety of such handles to a point near the center of the skateboard in a readily disconnectable manner that does not protrude from or take up space on the surface of the board. The innovation is in the flexible plastic one-piece “clip” and the softer elastic rubber lining which allows the flexible clip to grip firmly to the board. The elastic rubber lining extends upward to become the elastic strap “band” that is held by the rider.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional App. 63 / 739,723, filed Dec. 30, 2024.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a training and assistive device for use with a skateboard. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a resilient leash device and attachment mechanisms for attachment to a skateboard without requiring modification thereof that the rider can use to hold the skateboard against the rider's feet while performing aerial maneuvers.

[0003] Skateboards have been commonly used, for many years, by a broad range of people. Recently, the riding of skateboards has further developed into a competitive sport. Frequently, the sport requires riders to perform a multitude of maneuvers, many of which are aerial. During the performance of an aerial maneuver, it is important that the skateboard remain in contact with the rider's feet. If the skateboard becomes separated from the rider's feet while performing the aerial maneuver, almost invariably the skateboarder will “crash” when landing because the board has become separated from the rider's feet. A skateboard rider normally has no good way to ensure that they remain in contact with the skateboard once both the rider and board are airborne. This poses an obvious danger of injury from a faulty landing, as well as limiting the amount of balance and control that the rider has. One technique used to keep the skateboard against the rider's feet, is for the rider to manually grasp the skateboard platform with one hand in order to hold the skateboard platform against the rider's feet. This technique of holding the skateboard platform requires that the skateboarder assume a crouching position. Further, it is difficult to jump while crouching, as holding the platform puts the rider off balance and exposes his fingers to injury during some types of maneuvers. If the jump is performed first, and the bending to grab the platform second, any stabilization that is achieved only occurs late in the maneuver, after the hard part, i.e., gaining altitude, has already been accomplished. While instead, if the skateboarder could continue in an upright position, the appearance of the aerial maneuver is substantially enhanced. Additionally, if the skateboarder can remain in a more upright position, a substantial improvement in the aerial maneuver is invariably obtained. The improvement, generally, allows the skateboarder to rise to a greater altitude while performing the aerial maneuver. If the skateboarder is performing in a tournament, and is being judged as to the quality of the aerial maneuvers, the skateboarder would undoubtedly receive higher marks if the skateboarder were in a more upright position than in a crouched position.

[0004] Beyond just stunts, the use of a maneuver known as the Ollie is a fundamental way to operate a skateboard safely in varied real world conditions. The mechanics of the “Ollie” which is the move skateboarders use to propel the board into the air from flat ground, in order to avoid obstacles, sidewalk cracks, go up curbs etc. The Ollie trick / technique requires substantial training and skill. It requires tapping the tail of the board forcefully down while also simultaneously jumping into the air, in a coordinated move that sends the rider airborne with the board stuck to the their feet (the board being propelled upward by the catapulting / levering / tapping motion of the tail on the ground and the rest of the board springing upwards.). As can be understood, there are plenty of opportunities to mess up an Ollie and lose control of the board resulting in a crash.

[0005] Skateboard riders have been known to experiment and improvise in their efforts to solve this problem. One alternative approach that has been tried, is for the skateboard rider to place a bicycle inner tube under his board, wrap one hand around the inner tube and, by pulling up on the inner tube as a jumping motion is initiated, try to hold the skateboard firmly against his feet, as he is airborne.

[0006] While this approach is somewhat successful, it suffers from several drawbacks. If pressure is released, the inner tube can move about, become awkwardly displaced and even become tangled in the wheels of the skateboard and the rider's legs, thereby causing an accident. Moreover, maintaining constant pressure is inconvenient and impairs the rider's ability to perform many maneuvers. Even with constant pressure, the inner tube tends to slip around and not be in an optimum position for its intended purpose.

[0007] Within the prior art, there have been various types of devices used to keep the skateboard platform against the rider's feet when performing of aerial maneuvers. These prior art devices have frequently resulted in a specific configuration of skateboard and such devices are not capable of being used with a conventional skateboard that is purchased within a store. In other cases, the addition of the handle or leash require modification of the board deck, which is undesirable. In other retractable arrangements, a handle remains on the top of the skateboard and in the way when it is not in use, limiting the type of maneuvers that can be performed. Also, the cord must remain fully extended to be ready for immediate use, and maintaining that pressure against the force of the retraction mechanism is inconvenient and also impairs the ability to perform many maneuvers. The retraction mechanism also adds to the weight of skateboard. With the high percentage of time that some advanced modern skateboarders spend doing jumps and other airborne maneuvers, adding any more weight than necessary is highly undesirable. A further disadvantage of many add on, retractable solutions is that the retraction mechanism and cord are disposed under the skateboard in a region between the two sets of wheels that the most advanced riders use when they are engaged in balancing, sliding, teeter-tottering or “grinding” maneuvers.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a readily detachable and lightweight accessory for skateboards that provides the rider with a means of staying in contact and control of his skateboard while performing freestyle and airborne maneuvers, and yet does not protrude or take up any room on top of the skateboard. There is a further need for an accessory that provides the rider with a means of staying in contact and control of his skateboard while performing freestyle and airborne maneuvers that does not require screws or other custom hardware to be fixed to the board, or physical of modification of the board itself.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] In accordance with the present disclosure, a training and assistive device for use with a skateboard is provided. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a resilient leash device and attachment mechanisms for attachment to a skateboard without requiring modification thereof that the rider can use to hold the skateboard against the rider's feet while performing aerial maneuvers.

[0010] The present disclosure provides a band that makes it much easier for the rider to become airborne and land in the first place. Further jumping over an obstacle is practically as easy as jumping in the air without the skateboard at all. As a result, the present disclosure enhances both the trick use of the board as well as the ability of the rider to go up curbs or avoid other obstacles in normal operation, providing practical operational advantages beyond just stunt tricks, such as being able to take off and land safely on a skateboard.

[0011] The skate band concept of the present disclosure solves the issues identified above while being robust and durable, simple to manufacture, and easy to use. These factors are critical for market adoption. The disclosure provides for a soft elastic rubber loop, shown at B in the figures below. The loop may be continuous. Alternately, the loop may be a loop with an adjustment means therein such as a buckle or the like that allows adjustment of the overall length of the loop. A flexible plastic one-piece “clip” (A) receives a portion of the loop therein such that the captured portion of the loop forms an elastic rubber lining within the clip thereby providing resiliency that allows the flexible clip to grip firmly to the edges and along the bottom of the board (C). The remainder of the loop, not captured within the clip extends upward to become the elastic strap “band” that is held by the rider. This allows a rider to pull upwardly on the look creating elastic tension that assists in maintaining the board deck in firm contact with the rider's feet.

[0012] In this arrangement, there is only one way to install the band, i.e. the loop, received in the clip is placed under the board so that all forces of the loop are exerted against the bottom of the board. Further, the upward extending ends of the clip engage the loop against the edges of the board to prevent it from sliding or popping off. In this manner, the assembly cannot be installed incorrectly on the board. Further, the assembly can be attached at any location along the board between the wheels, depending on the preference of the rider. This solution allows the rider to pop the clip on and off quickly and without tools, and requires no additional hardware or board modification of any kind. The clip attaches primarily by the use of spring tension created along the long bottom edge of the clip as between the upturned ends. The spring tension engages against the captured band urging it against the edges of the board deck thereby creating frictional engagement at the points of contact between the captured band and the board bottom and edge surfaces.

[0013] Once installed, the harder plastic clip acts as a shield / guard for the softer rubber band retained there beneath, which means that grinding or normal aggressive use of the board will not damage the strap and result in compromised strap strength. It also means the grippy rubber is enclosed, thereby preventing it from catching on any rails when grinding which would otherwise cause the board to stop suddenly.

[0014] It should be appreciated that the shape of the clip can be varied. It may include feathered edges to provide smoother grinding and to prevent the clip from catching on rails and the like. Further, the bottom surface of the clip may include slots, grooves or various texturing to produce rail-like features that assist in grinding and the performance of other tricks as well.

[0015] The clip may be formed using techniques known in the art such as injection molding or heat-bending of the clip. The loop is then installed into the clip by adhesive material to produce a robust, inexpensive, single-part product with no extra pieces necessary. Further, the entire assembly may be formed by co-molding or over molding the softer rubber loop with the harder plastic clip.

[0016] In another embodiment, in the loop may be adjustable in length.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, a thicker grip may be provided at the top end of the loop opposite the clip to provide an improved gripping surface for the user. Such a grip may be glued to the top of the rubber strap, integrally molded in the same material as the loop itself, or over molded onto the loop.

[0018] In further embodiments, the clip may be formed in two pieces to engage the loop on left and right edges of the skateboard.

[0019] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a readily detachable and light weight accessory for skateboards that provides the rider with a means of staying in contact and control of his skateboard while performing freestyle and airborne maneuvers, and yet does not protrude or take up any room on top of the skateboard either. It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a rider with a means of staying in contact and control of his skateboard while performing freestyle and airborne maneuvers that does not require screws or other custom hardware to be fixed to the board, physical of modification of the board itself will be physically modified.

[0020] These together with other objects of the disclosure, along with various features of novelty which characterize method and system, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the method and system, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the method and system.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

[0022] FIGS. 1A-1D depict one embodiment of the training and assistive device of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 2 depicts the training and assistive device of the present disclosure in use;

[0024] FIGS. 3A-3C depict a first alternate embodiment of the training and assistive device of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIGS. 4A-4E depict a second alternate embodiment of the training and assistive device of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIGS. 5A-5B depict the clips of the first alternate embodiment of the training and assistive device of the present disclosure as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C;

[0027] FIGS. 6A-6B depict the clips of the second alternate embodiment of the training and assistive device of the present disclosure as shown in FIGS. 4A-4E;

[0028] FIGS. 7A-7C depict a third alternate embodiment of the training and assistive device of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 8 depicts a fourth alternate embodiment of the training and assistive device of the present disclosure; and

[0030] FIGS. 9A-9C are a sequential depiction of installation of the loop onto the clip depicted at FIG. 8.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0031] In accordance with the present disclosure, a training and assistive device for use with a skateboard is provided. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a resilient leash device and attachment mechanisms for attachment to a skateboard without requiring modification thereof that the rider can use to hold the skateboard against the rider's feet while performing aerial maneuvers.

[0032] The present disclosure provides a band that makes it much easier for the rider to become airborne and land in the first place. Further jumping over an obstacle is practically as easy as jumping in the air without the skateboard at all. As a result, the present disclosure enhances both the trick use of the board as well as the ability of the rider to go up curbs or avoid other obstacles in normal operation, providing practical operational advantages beyond just stunt tricks, such as being able to take off and land safely on a skateboard.

[0033] Turning to FIGS. 1A-1D, the skate band concept of the present disclosure solves the issues identified above while being robust and durable, simple to manufacture, and easy to use. The disclosure provides for a soft elastic rubber loop 10. The loop 10 may be continuous. Alternately, the loop 10 may be discontinuous with two free ends and an adjustment means therein, such as a buckle or the like that allows adjustment of the overall length of the loop 10. A flexible plastic clip 20 is shown in this embodiment as being one piece. The clip 20 includes upturned, inwardly tapered clip ends 30 at each end of the clip body 40. The clip 10 receives a portion of the loop therein against an inner surface of the clip body 40 and the clip ends 30 such that the captured portion of the loop forms an elastic rubber lining within the clip 10 thereby providing resiliency that allows the flexible clip 10 to grip firmly and hold the loop 10 against the edges 60 and along the bottom of the skateboard 50. The remainder of the loop 10, not captured within the clip 20 extends upward to become the elastic strap handle 70 that is held by the rider 80. This allows a rider 80 to pull upwardly on the handle 70 and the loop 10 creating elastic tension that assists in maintaining the board 50 deck in firm contact with the rider's 80 feet.

[0034] In this arrangement, there is only one way to install the skate band, i.e. the loop 10, received in the clip 20 is placed under the board so that all forces of the loop 10 are exerted against the bottom of the board 50. Further, the upward extending ends 30 of the clip 20 engage the loop 10 against the edges 60 of the board 50 to prevent it from sliding or popping off. In this manner, the assembly cannot be installed incorrectly on the board. Further, the assembly can be attached at any location along the board between the wheels, depending on the preference of the rider. This solution allows the rider to pop the clip on and off quickly and without tools, and requires no additional hardware or board modification of any kind. The clip 20 attaches primarily by the use of spring tension created along the long bottom edge 40 of the clip 20 as between the upturned ends 30. The spring tension engages against the captured loop 10 urging it against the edges 60 of the board 50 deck thereby creating frictional engagement at the points of contact between the captured loop 10 and the board 50 bottom and edge surfaces.

[0035] Once installed, the harder plastic clip 20 acts as a shield / guard for the softer rubber loop 10 retained there beneath, which means that grinding or normal aggressive use of the board will not damage the loop 10 and result in compromised loop 10 strength. It also means the grippy rubber material from which the loop 10 is formed is enclosed, thereby preventing it from catching on any rails when grinding which would otherwise cause the board to stop suddenly.

[0036] It should be appreciated that the shape of the clip can be varied. It may include feathered edges to provide smoother grinding and to prevent the clip from catching on rails and the like. Further, the bottom surface of the clip may include slots, grooves or various texturing to produce rail-like features that assist in grinding and the performance of other tricks as well.

[0037] The clip may be formed using techniques known in the art such as injection molding or heat-bending of the clip. In some embodiments, the loop may be installed into the clip by adhesive material to produce a robust, inexpensive, single-part product with no extra pieces necessary. Further, the entire assembly may be formed by co-molding or over molding the softer rubber loop with the harder plastic clip.

[0038] In another embodiment, in the loop may be adjustable in length. In such a case, the loop may be continuous with a buckle or clip thereon that can be moved along the length of the loop to adjust its length. In other cases, the loop may be discontinuous having two free ends at the handle location wherein the free ends are adjoined using a buckle, cuff, clip, or the like.

[0039] In yet another embodiment, a thicker grip may be provided at the top end of the loop opposite the clip to provide an improved gripping surface for the user. Such a grip may be glued to the top of the rubber strap, integrally molded in the same material as the loop itself, or over molded onto the loop.

[0040] In another embodiment, as depicted at FIGS. 3A-3C, the clip from the earlier embodiments is formed using two opposing clips 120 that are slidably received onto the loop 10. In this embodiment, the loop would be discontinuous to allow threading of the clips 120 onto the loop. This embodiment allows the skateband to accommodate different widths of skateboard 50 in that the spacing between the clips 120 is adjustable by sliding along the loop 10. The method of attaching is effectively the same, as the loop 10 is sandwiched in between the clips 120 and the edge 60 of the skateboard 50, providing the grip. In this embodiment, the tension drawing the clips 120 into contact with the edges 60 of the skateboard 50 results from stretching of the rubber material of the loop spanning beneath the skateboard 50 between the clips 120 and pulling the two clips 120 together.

[0041] In yet another embodiment, as depicted at FIGS. 4A-4E, the clip from the earlier embodiments is formed using two opposing clips 220 that are slidably received onto the loop 10. In this embodiment, the loop may or may not be continuous. In this embodiment, the clips 220 include slots 230 in tabs on a rear thereof that are sized to allow threading of loop 10 through the slots 230 in the clips 220 and onto the loop. This embodiment also allows the skateband to accommodate different widths of skateboard 50 in that the spacing between the clips 220 is adjustable by sliding along the loop 10. The method of attaching is effectively the same, as the loop 10 is sandwiched in between the clips 220 and the edge 60 of the skateboard 50, providing the grip.

[0042] As depicted at FIGS. 5A-5B and FIGS. 6A-6B, the clips from the previous embodiment are depicted adjacent one another to highlight the differences. The clips 120 in FIGS. 5A-5B have continuous tabs 140 on the rear thereof through which a discontinuous band 10 it fed. In contrast, the clips 220 in FIGS. 6A-6B have slots 230 in tabs 240 on the rear thereof to allow the band 10 to be passed through the slots 230 for mounting of the clips 220.

[0043] In still a further embodiment, depicted at FIGS. 7A-7C, the clips 320 are also configured for installation onto a continuous loop 10. The clips 320 include a tab 340 that extends the width of the clip 320 have an open slot 330 at one end thereof. A loop 10, continuous or discontinuous can be slid through the slot 330 so that it is received on the clip 320 and the clip 320 is retained thereon by the tab 340.

[0044] Turning now to FIG. 8 a further embodiment is shown wherein a flexible plastic clip 420 is shown in this embodiment as being one piece. The clip 420 includes upturned, inwardly tapered clip ends terminating in open tabs 430 at each end of the clip body. The clip 420 receives an elastomeric liner 425 therein against an inner surface of the clip such that the liner 425 forms an elastic rubber lining within the clip thereby providing resiliency that allows the flexible clip to grip firmly and hold against the edges and along the bottom of the skateboard. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, the loop 10 is formed as being discontinuous and having two free ends 15. The free ends 15 of the loop 10 are inserted through the openings in tabs 430 at each end of the clip 420. Once the loop 10 free ends 15 are threaded through the tabs 430, the free ends 15 are turned upwardly along the loop and inserted under retainers 440 that serve to capture the free ends 15 thereby allowing the loop 10 to be firmly attached to the clip 420. Further, the retainers 440 may be hooks or clips. Such hooks or clips may also be integrally formed on the ends of the loop. It should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the retainers 440 could also be hooks or clips that are integrally formed on the free ends such that the retainers engage directly with the tabs 430 on the clip 420. The loop 10 extends upward to become the elastic strap handle that is held by the rider. This allows a rider to pull upwardly on the loop 10 creating elastic tension that assists in maintaining the board deck in firm contact with the rider's feet.

[0045] It can therefore be seen that the present disclosure provides a readily detachable and light weight accessory for skateboards that provides the rider with a means of staying in contact and control of his skateboard while performing freestyle and airborne maneuvers, and yet does not protrude or take up any room on top of the skateboard. Further, it can be seen that the present disclosure provides a rider with a means of staying in contact and control of his skateboard while performing freestyle and airborne maneuvers that does not require screws or other custom hardware to be fixed to the board, physical of modification of the board itself will be physically modified.

[0046] While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A skateboard accessory, comprising:a resilient loop; andat least one clip having a clip body and clip ends extending upwardly from opposing ends of said clip body,wherein said resilient loop is received under a bottom surface of a skateboard deck,wherein said at least one clip is received over said resilient loop, said clip ends urging said resilient loop into engagement with opposing edges of said skateboard deck.

2. The skateboard accessory of claim 1, wherein said resilient loop is rubber.

3. The skateboard accessory of claim 1, wherein said resilient loop is a continuous band.

4. The skateboard accessory of claim 1, wherein said resilient loop is a discontinuous band having two free ends.

5. The skateboard accessory of claim 4, further comprising:an attachment means connecting said two free ends to one another.

6. The skateboard accessory of claim 1, wherein said at least one clip is formed from a flexible plastic.

7. The skateboard accessory of claim 1, wherein said clip ends are tapered inwardly relative to one another.

8. The skateboard accessory of claim 1, wherein said at least one clip is adhered to said resilient loop.

9. The skateboard accessory of claim 1, wherein said at least one clip is exactly one clip.

10. The skateboard accessory of claim 1, wherein said at least one clip is exactly two clips.

11. A skateboard accessory, comprising:a resilient loop; andtwo clip, each having a clip body and a clip end extending upwardly from one end of said clip body,wherein said resilient loop is received under a bottom surface of a skateboard deck,wherein said two clips are received over said resilient loop, said two clips urging said resilient loop into engagement with opposing edges of said skateboard deck.

12. The skateboard accessory of claim 11, wherein said resilient loop is rubber.

13. The skateboard accessory of claim 11, wherein said resilient loop is a continuous band.

14. The skateboard accessory of claim 11, wherein said resilient loop is a discontinuous band having two free ends.

15. The skateboard accessory of claim 11, wherein each of said two clips include tabs at top and bottom ends thereof, said tabs creating an opening to receive and retain said resilient loop within said two clips.

16. The skateboard accessory of claim 15, wherein each of said tabs includes a slot therein to allow said resilient loop to be inserted through said slot and behind said tabs.

17. The skateboard accessory of claim 11, wherein said resilient loop is tensioned across the bottom surface of said skateboard deck between said two clips, wherein the tension of said resilient loop urges said two clips into contact with said opposing edges of said skateboard deck.

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