Trampoline air board

Abstract

A recreational air board used for “surf-bouncing” on a trampoline. The board is made of at least one soft cushioning layer and a support layer. The cushioning layer provides protection against damage caused to the trampoline and other objects by impact with the board. The cushioning layer also minimizes the risk of injury to the user. The support layer provides stiffness to the board so that the board maintains its proper form. The board may be fastened to a user's feet by a pair of elastic cords. The elastic cords form loops to receive a user's feet and are attached to the board through openings in the board. The elastic cords can stretch to snugly fit different sized feet without the need for special boots and bindings.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/256,238, filed Dec. 15, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to recreational equipment, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to boards for attaching on a user l's feet for bouncing on a trampoline.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Various kinds of popular recreational activities require the use of boards such as snowboards, surfboards, and skate boards for example. The use of boards on a trampoline is gaining popularity both as a unique activity for performing aerial exercises such as “surf-bouncing” as well as an activity for practicing other board sports. For example, people wishing to improve snowboarding skills may use a trampoline while wearing a snowboard for practice purposes. However, using a conventional snowboard on a trampoline has many drawbacks. For example, the snowboard may cause damage to the trampoline with its sharp rigid corners. Also, snowboards are generally constructed of a hard material so as to be durable to withstand the forces applied while sliding down a slope. The hard materials of the snowboards increase the risk of injury to the user while jumping on a trampoline. Additionally, conventional snowboards have bindings which require boots to be worn to fasten the snowboard to the user's feet. The boots may also cause damage to the trampoline.

[0006] Attempts have been made to provide a protective covering for snowboards so that they may be used on a trampoline without damaging the surface of the trampoline. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,550 (granted Nov. 17, 1992 to Hawk) discloses a protective cover for snowboards made of an elastic elongated panel having an elastic cord around its outer peripheral edge. The elastic cord must be stretched to permit insertion of the snowboard. Only the bottom and edges of the snowboard are covered by the panel, and the elastic cord engages the top surface of the snowboard. The top of the snowboard is left uncovered to expose the bindings so that the snowboard can be fastened to the user's boots. However, since the top of the snowboard is exposed, the risk of injury to the user is increased due to contact with the hard top surface. Furthermore, damage to the snowboard may result from the repeated flexure caused by jumping on the trampoline.

[0007] In view of the foregoing state of the art, it would be an advancement in the art to provide a recreational board for use on a trampoline which is simple in design and manufacture and which minimizes damage caused to the trampoline. It would also be an advancement in the art to provide a recreational board which minimizes risk of injury to the user and which can be fastened to different sized feet without the need for specialized boots.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a recreational board for use on a trampoline which is simple in design and manufacture.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a recreational board which minimizes damage caused to the trampoline.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention, in accordance with one aspect thereof, to provide a recreational board which minimizes risk of injury to the user.

[0011] It is an additional object of the invention, in accordance with one aspect thereof, to provide a recreational board which can be fastened to different sized feet.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a recreational board which can be fastened to a user's feet without the need for boots.

[0013] The above objects and others not specifically recited are realized in a specific illustrative embodiment of a recreational board for use on a trampoline, the recreational board includes at least one soft cushioning layer and a support layer. The cushioning layer provides protection against damage caused to the trampoline and other objects by impact with the board. The cushioning layer also minimizes the risk of injury to the user. The support layer provides stiffness to the board so that the board maintains its proper form. The board may be fastened to a user's feet by a pair of elastic cords. The elastic cords form loops to receive a user's feet and are attached to the board through openings in the board. The elastic cords can stretch to snugly fit different sized feet without the need for special boots and bindings.

[0014] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention without undue experimentation. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trampoline air board made in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side, cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a trampoline air board of FIG. 1, taken along section A-A; and

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side, cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a trampoline air board of FIG. 1, taken along section A-A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1 a trampoline air board, also referred to as a recreational board for use on a trampoline, is shown as generally indicated at 10. Board 10 preferably has an elongated substantially planar shape with its ends projecting slightly upwards. Preferably, a pair of cords 20, are situated in a central portion of board 10 for fastening the board 10 to a user's feet. The cords 20 are also referred to herein as holding members or elastic means for causing at least one of a user's feet to be held in a substantially fixed position with respect to the recreational board 10. Thus the cords 20 may include other structures such as straps for example within the scope of the present invention.

[0021] Preferably, the cords 20 are positioned so that the user's feet extend substantially perpendicular to the length of the board 10. Gripping surfaces 30 may be positioned on the surface of the board 10 to help maintain the user's feet in proper position. Gripping surface 30 may include a material having a coarse surface, adhered to the surface of the board 10 to increase the friction between the user's feet and the board 10.

[0022] Board 10 is preferably constructed in layers as best shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment of the present invention, an upper cushioning layer 14, and a lower cushioning layer 16 completely envelope a support layer 12, so that the support layer 12 is non-removably fixed within the upper cushioning layer 14 and the lower cushioning layer 16. Preferably, the upper cushioning layer 14, and the lower cushioning layer 16 are made of a soft deformable material such as poly-urethane foam. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other materials may be used within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the cushioning layers 14, 16 are two separate layers which are fixed together with adhesive, or other techniques known to those skilled in the art, such that the support layer 12 is sandwiched between the two cushioning layers 14, 16. The cushioning layers 14, 16 may form an overhang 24 over the support layer 12 to form a protective barrier against the edge of the support layer 12. The cushioning layers 14, 16 may be adhered together at the overhang 24 such that the support layer 12 is completely covered, and not visible from the exterior of the board 10. The cushioning layers 14, 16 are configured to provide a protective covering that minimizes damage caused by impact between the board 10 and other objects such as a trampoline. Furthermore, the cushioning layers 14, 16 reduce the risk of injury to the user or other people who may be hit with the board 10. The cushioning layers 14, 16 absorb forces applied to them by compressing or deforming. Additionally, the cushioning layers 14, 16 preferably have an elastic memory so that when the applied force is removed, the cushioning layers 14, 16 return substantially to their original position.

[0023] The support layer 12 is preferably configured to provide stiffness to the board 10 so that the board 10 can maintain a desired form. Support layer 12 is preferably made of a material which also allows flexibility to prevent breaking of the support layer 12 during strenuous actions such as in “surf-bouncing ” on a trampoline. Support layer 12 is preferably made of a material such as plastic, fiberglass, metal or any other material known to those skilled in the art, to provide adequate strength to the board 10.

[0024] The fastening means for fastening the board 10 to a user's feet will now be described. The fastening means preferably includes cords 20 attached to the board 10 through openings 18 in the cushioning layers 14, 16 and the support layer 12. The openings 18 may be defined and reinforced by tubular through channels 26. Tubular through channels 26 may be formed of plastic, metal or any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art. Through channels 26 reinforce the openings 18 to prevent the cords 20 from tearing the cushioning layers 14, 16 and to help maintain the cords 20 in place. Cords 20 may be attached to the board 10 by passing the cords 20 through the openings 18 and placing knots 22 in the ends of the cords 20. Knots 22 are too large to fit through the openings 18 such that the cords 20 are attached to the board 10. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other techniques may be used within the scope of the present invention to fasten the cords 20 to the board 10, such as fasteners, clamps or adhesives for example.

[0025] Preferably, cords 20 are made of elastic bungee cord material. This allows cords 20 to stretch to adjust to different sized feet. A user's feet can be placed beneath the cords 20 for easily fastening the board 10 to the feet. The elastic strength of the cords 20 firmly fastens the board 10 to the user's feet through a friction fit. Padding may be placed around the cords 20 to improve the comfort for the user. The user's feet are preferably maintained laterally in position on the board 10 primarily by friction between the users feet and the board 10, as opposed to an interference fit such as in straps, buckles, or bindings for example which abut the feet to block movement of the feet. The cords 20 preferably form loops or lines which reside in a single plane (the plane coincides with section A-A in FIG. 1). The user's feet may be gripped by the cords 20 within the plane such that the user's feet are fastened to the board 10, but the user's toes and heels may be lifted from the board 10. In the instant invention, the board is not locked to the user's feet. Therefore, the board may be released from the user's feet without causing injury to the user if the user falls on the board for example. All that is necessary to remove the feet from the board is to pull the feet toward the side of the board 10 with sufficient force to overcome the friction fit. Thus, the preferred fastening means for fastening the board 10 to a user's feet does not require special boots and corresponding bindings to safely fasten the board 10 to the user's feet.

[0026] Reference will now to made to FIG. 3 to describe a second embodiment of the present invention. As previously discussed, the presently preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated herein are merely exemplary of the possible embodiments of the invention, including that illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0027] It will be appreciated that the second embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3 contains many of the same structures represented in FIGS. 1-2 and only the new or different structures will be explained to most succinctly explain the additional advantages which come with the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3. The second embodiment of the invention does not have a lower cushioning layer 16. Rather, the support layer 12 is exposed on the bottom. This allows the bottom of the board 10 to be more durable. The upper cushioning layer 14 protects the user and other objects from contacting the top of the support layer 12. Furthermore, overhang 24 of the upper cushioning layer 14 protects the user and other objects, such as the trampoline, from contacting the edge of the support layer 12. The upper cushioning layer 14 and the support layer 12 are preferably attached together by an adhesive or other suitable attaching technique known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the upper layer 14 and the support layer 12 operate together as a unitary member.

[0028] In accordance with the features and combinations described above, a preferred method for bouncing on a trampoline includes:

[0029] (A) obtaining a board 10;

[0030] (B) placing a user's feet on the board 10;

[0031] (C) fastening the user's feet to the board by a friction fit; and

[0032] (D) jumping on the trampoline.

[0033] It will be appreciated that the structure and apparatus disclosed herein is merely one example of a fastening means for fastening a recreational board to a user's feet, and it should be appreciated that any structure, apparatus or system for fastening a recreational board to a user's feet which performs functions the same as, or equivalent to, those disclosed herein are intended to fall within the scope of a fastening means for fastening a recreational board to a user's feet, including those structures, apparatus or systems for fastening which are presently known, or which may become available in the future. Anything which functions the same as, or equivalently to, a fastening means for fastening a recreational board to a user's feet falls within the scope of this element.

[0034] Similarly, it will be appreciated that the structure and apparatus disclosed herein is merely one example of an elastic means for causing at least one of a user's feet to be held in a substantially fixed position with respect to the recreational board, and it should be appreciated that any structure, apparatus or system for fastening a recreational board to a user's feet which performs functions the same as, or equivalent to, those disclosed herein are intended to fall within the scope of an elastic means for causing at least one of a user's feet to be held in a substantially fixed position with respect to the recreational board, including those structures, apparatus or systems for fastening which are presently known, or which may become available in the future. Anything which functions the same as, or equivalently to, an elastic means for causing at least one of a user's feet to be held in a substantially fixed position with respect to the recreational board falls within the scope of this element.

[0035] In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a recreational board for use on a trampoline which is simple in design and manufacture and which minimizes damage caused to the trampoline. The present invention also provides a recreational board which minimizes risk of injury to the user and which can be fastened to different sized feet without the need for specialized boots.

[0036] It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.

Claims

1. A recreational board for use on a trampoline, said recreational board comprising:

a support layer having an upper surface adapted to face a user's feet when in use; and

a cushioning layer covering said upper surface of said support layer;

wherein said recreational board is adapted to be fitted on said user's feet such that the user can jump on the trampoline with said recreational board.

2. The recreational board of claim 1 further comprising fastening means for fastening said recreational board to said user's feet.

3. The recreational board of claim 2 wherein said fastening means for fastening said recreational board to said user's feet comprises a plurality of through openings in said support layer and said cushioning layer.

4. The recreational board of claim 3 wherein said plurality of through openings are supported by a plurality of through channels.

5. The recreational board of claim 2 wherein said fastening means for fastening said recreational board to a user's feet comprises at least one cord attached to said recreational board.

6. The recreational board of claim 5 wherein said at least one cord is constructed of an elastic material.

7. The recreational board of claim 5 wherein said at least one cord comprises knots disposed on ends thereof to attach said at least one cord to said recreational board.

8. The recreational board of claim 2 wherein said fastening means for fastening said recreational board to said user's feet is adjustable to fit feet of different sizes.

9. The recreational board of claim 2 wherein said fastening means for fastening said recreational board to said user's feet are positioned to hold the feet substantially perpendicular to a length of the recreational board.

10. The recreational board of claim 1 wherein a first and second end of said recreational board project upwards.

11. The recreational board of claim 1 wherein said cushioning layer completely covers said support layer.

12. The recreational board of claim 1 further comprising a lower cushioning layer disposed on a lower surface of said support layer.

13. The recreational board of claim 1 wherein a majority of a thickness of said recreational board is comprised of said cushioning layer.

14. The recreational board of claim 1 wherein said cushioning layer has an elastic memory such that said cushioning layer is adapted to deform from an original position upon the placement of a force upon said cushioning layer, and upon release of said force, said cushioning layer returns substantially to said original position.

15. The recreational board of claim 1 wherein said cushion layer is constructed of a foam material.

16. The recreational board of claim 1 wherein said support layer is made of a plastic material.

17. The recreational board of claim 1 wherein a gripping surface is disposed on said recreational board to prevent the user's feet from slipping on said recreational board.

18. The recreational board of claim 12 wherein said cushioning layer and said lower cushioning layer are joined together with said support layer located therebetween so as to completely envelope said support layer.

19. The recreational board of claim 1 wherein said cushioning layer form s an overhang with respect to said support layer.

20. A recreational board for use on a trampoline, said recreational board comprising:

a cushioning layer;

a support layer adapted to provide stiffness to said cushioning layer; and

fastening means for fastening said recreational board to a user's feet, said fastening means being disposed on said cushioning layer.

21. The recreational board of claim 20 wherein said fastening means for fastening said recreational board to said user's feet comprises a plurality of through openings in said support layer and said cushioning layer.

22. The recreational board of claim 21 wherein said plurality of through openings are supported by a plurality of through channels.

23. The recreational board of claim 20 wherein said fastening means for fastening said recreational board to a user's feet comprises at least one cord attached to said recreational board.

24. The recreational board of claim 23 wherein said at least one cord is constructed of an elastic material.

25. The recreational board of claim 23 wherein said at least one cord comprises knots disposed on ends thereof to attach said at least one cord to said recreational board.

26. The recreational board of claim 20 wherein said fastening means for fastening said recreational board to said user's feet is adjustable to fit feet of different sizes.

27. The recreational board of claim 20 wherein said fastening means for fastening said recreational board to said user's feet are positioned to hold the feet substantially perpendicular to a length of the recreational board.

28. The recreational board of claim 20 further comprising a lower cushioning layer disposed on a lower surface of said support layer.

29. The recreational board of claim 20 wherein said cushioning layer has an elastic memory such that said cushioning layer is adapted to deform from an original position upon the placement of a force upon said cushioning layer, and upon release of said force, said cushioning layer returns substantially to said original position.

30. The recreational board of claim 20 wherein a gripping surface is disposed on said recreational board to prevent the user's feet from slipping on said recreational board.

31. The recreational board of claim 28 wherein said cushioning layer and said lower cushioning layer are joined together with said support layer located therebetween so as to completely envelope said support layer.

32. The recreational board of claim 20 wherein said cushioning layer forms an overhang with respect to said support layer.

33. A recreational board for use on a trampoline, said recreational board comprising:

a support layer adapted to provide stiffness to said recreational board; and

at least one cushioning layer non-removably fixed to said support layer;

wherein said recreational board is adapted to be fitted on a user's feet such that the user can jump on the trampoline with said recreational board.

34. The recreational board of claim 33 further comprising fastening means for fastening said recreational board to said user's feet.

35. The recreational board of claim 34 wherein said fastening means for fastening said recreational board to said user's feet comprises a plurality of through openings in said support layer and said cushioning layer.

36. The recreational board of claim 35 wherein said plurality of through openings are supported by a plurality of through channels.

37. The recreational board of claim 34 wherein said fastening means for fastening said recreational board to a user's feet comprises at least one cord attached to said recreational board.

38. The recreational board of claim 37 wherein said at least one cord is constructed of an elastic material.

39. The recreational board of claim 33 further comprising a lower cushioning layer disposed on a lower surface of said support layer.

40. The recreational board of claim 33 wherein said cushioning layer has an elastic memory such that said cushioning layer is adapted to deform from an original position upon the placement of a force upon said cushioning layer, and upon release of said force, said cushioning layer returns substantially to said original position.

41. The recreational board of claim 33 wherein a gripping surface is disposed on said recreational board to prevent the user's feet from slipping on said recreational board.

42. The recreational board of claim 39 wherein said cushioning layer and said lower cushioning layer are joined together with said support layer located therebetween so as to completely envelope said support layer.

43. The recreational board of claim 33 wherein said cushioning layer forms an overhang with respect to said support layer.

44. A recreational board for use on a trampoline, said recreational board comprising:

a support layer having an upper surface adapted to face a user's feet when in use; and

elastic means disposed on said support layer for causing at least one of said user's feet to be held in a substantially fixed position with respect to said recreational board.

45. The recreational board of claim 44 further comprising a cushioning layer disposed on said support layer.

46. The recreational board of claim 44 further comprising a plurality of through openings in said support layer for attaching said elastic means.

47. The recreational board of claim 45 further comprising a lower cushioning layer disposed on a lower surface of said support layer.

48. The recreational board of claim 45 wherein said cushioning layer has an elastic memory such that said cushioning layer is adapted to deform from an original position upon the placement of a force upon said cushioning layer, and upon release of said force, said cushioning layer returns substantially to said original position.

49. The recreational board of claim 44 wherein a gripping surface is disposed on said recreational board to prevent the user's feet from slipping on said recreational board.

50. The recreational board of claim 47 wherein said cushioning layer and said lower cushioning layer are joined together with said support layer located therebetween so as to completely envelope said support layer.

51. The recreational board of claim 45 wherein said cushioning layer forms an overhang with respect to said support layer.

52. The recreational board of claim 44 wherein said elastic means comprises at least one elastic cord.

53. A recreational board for use on a trampoline, said recreational board comprising:

a support layer having an upper surface adapted to face a user's feet when in use, said support layer having a plurality of through openings; and

at least one holding member disposed in said plurality of through openings, said at least one holding member adapted to hold at least one of said user's feet in a substantially fixed position with respect to said recreational board.

54. The recreational board of claim 53 wherein the holding member is configured and arranged to hold the user's feet in a transverse orientation with respect to the recreational board.

55. The recreational board of claim 53 wherein the holding member is configured and arranged to hold the user's feet substantially perpendicular with respect to the recreational board.

56. A recreational board for use on a trampoline, said recreational board comprising:

a deformable cushioning layer having a plurality of through openings;

a plurality of through channels disposed in said plurality of through openings to support said through openings; and

fastening means for fastening said recreational board to a user's feet.

57. A method for bouncing on a trampoline comprising:

(A) obtaining a board;

(B) placing a user's feet on the board;

(C) fastening the user's feet to the board by a friction fit; and

(D) jumping on the trampoline.

58. The method of claim 57 wherein fastening the user's feet to the board by a friction fit comprises fastening the user's feet to the board with a pair of elastic cords.

59. The method of claim 58 further comprising passing the elastic cords through openings in the board.

60. The method of claim 59 further comprising tying knots in ends of the elastic cords to prevent the elastic cords from separating from the board.

61. The method of claim 57 further comprising forming an elastic loop on said board.

62. The method of claim 61 further comprising inserting the user's foot in the elastic loop.

63. The method of claim 57 further comprising compressing the user's feet against the board.

64. The method of claim 57 further comprising placing a gripping surface on said board to prevent the user's feet from slipping.

65. The method of claim 57 further comprising providing a cushioning layer on said board to absorb forces exerted on said board.

66. The method of claim 57 further comprising providing a support layer on said board to provide stiffness to said board.

67. The method of claim 57 further comprising releasing the board from the user's feet by pulling the feet against the friction fit.

68. A method for bouncing on a trampoline comprising:

(A) obtaining a board;

(B) placing a user's feet on the board;

(C) fastening the user's feet to the board by gripping the user's feet only along a line residing in a single plane; and

(D) jumping on the trampoline.

69. A recreational board for use on a trampoline, said recreational board comprising:

a support layer having an upper surface adapted to face a user's feet when in use, said support layer adapted to provide stiffness to said recreational board;

an upper cushioning layer covering said upper surface of said support layer, said upper cushioning layer being non-removably fixed to said support layer;

a lower cushioning layer covering a lower surface of said support layer, said lower cushioning layer being adhered to said upper cushioning layer such that said support layer is completely enveloped between said lower cushioning layer and said upper cushioning layer;

a gripping surface disposed on said upper cushioning layer to prevent the user's feet from slipping on said upper cushioning layer; and

fastening means for fastening said recreational board to said user's feet;

wherein said fastening means for fastening said recreational board to a user's feet comprises a plurality of through openings in said support layer, said upper cushioning layer, and said lower cushioning layer, said plurality of through openings being supported by a plurality of through channels;

wherein said fastening means for fastening said recreational board to a user's feet further comprises a pair of elastic cords forming a pair of loops, said pair of elastic cords passing through said through openings, said elastic cords further comprising knots in ends thereof to prevent said elastic cords from separating from said recreational board;

wherein said elastic cords are adapted to stretch to fit feet of different sizes;

wherein said fastening means are positioned to hold the feet substantially perpendicular to a length of the recreational board;

wherein said upper cushioning Layer and said lower cushing layer are constructed of a foam material having an elastic memory such that said foam material is adapted to deform from an original configuration upon the placement of a force upon said foam material, and upon release of said force, said foam material returns substantially to said original configuration; and

wherein a first and second end of said recreational board project upwards.