Trampoline boarding apparatus and assemblage

Abstract

Apparatus, ancillary structures and equipment are disclosed particularly adapted to the sport of trampoline boarding (trampboarding). The trampboarding apparatus includes a frame adapted to define plural planar fields intersecting at obtuse angles, a flexible material mounted therein and supported and located thereat to retain definition of the obtuse angles as defined by the frame at the flexible material when mounted at the frame and during use of the apparatus. The ancillary structures and equipment, when combined with the apparatus, provide a trampboarding arena for performances and competitions. A fully rotatable foot mountable sporting board is also disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to trampoline sports, boarding sports (skate boarding, snow boarding and the like) and related equipment, and, more particularly, relates to equipment and methods particularly adapted for use in the new activity of trampoline boarding (also called “trampboarding”).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The act of utilizing a trampoline in combination with a foot attached sporting board (a skate board or snow board type sporting board, for example) has been heretofore suggested and/or engaged in (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,558 and U.S. patent application publication no. US2002/0077222 A1). Various attachments for trampolines are also known whereby resilient edge panels or safety nets may be applied to the trampoline (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,135,922 and 5,941,798). In addition, sporting/game equipment combinations including trampoline surfaces have been heretofore suggested and/or utilized (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,624,122, 5,833,557 and 6,634,966).

While these devices are each useful for particular previously defined activities, none are optimized for (in the case of heretofore suggested sports boards and related bindings), or particularly well adapted to (in the case of previously suggested trampoline attachments and game equipment combinations), the activity of trampboarding itself as a formalized sporting activity (the parameters of which have not heretofore been suggested). Moreover, much of the heretofore suggested equipment is crudely constructed, is not readily adjustable or manipulable by a user, and/or is not suited for activities wherein an elongated, semi-rigid body mountable structure contacts a resilient continuous surface formed to provide plural surface engagement angles across the surface. Finally, no development in the field of a trampoline boarding arena, or structures, games and competitions related to skills and tricks performable by trampoline boarders, has been undertaken. Development of such equipment and methods could, therefore, be utilized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides various apparatus and assemblage particularly adapted to the sport of trampoline boarding (hereinafter also referred to as trampboarding). The apparatus of this invention includes specially adapted trampoline-type structures (hereinafter, “trampboarding apparatus”). Ancillary structures particularly adapted for engaging in the types of skills and tricks performable by those engaged in the sport of trampboarding (hereinafter, in combination with the trampboarding apparatus, “trampboarding arena”) and a sporting board adapted for the sport (hereinafter, “trampboard”) are also provided.

Both the trampboarding apparatus and trampboard are optimized for and well adapted to the activity of trampboarding itself as a formalized sporting activity, are sturdily constructed, and are readily adjustable or manipulable over a variety of parameters. The trampboarding apparatus is configured for activities wherein the elongated, semi-rigid body mountable board repeatedly contacts its resilient continuous surface and is constructed so that the resilient surface provides plural surface engagement angles across the surface. The trampboarding arena includes equipment and structures associatable with the trampboarding apparatus.

The trampboarding apparatus of this invention includes a frame having first and second spaced support members that define at least first and second planar fields intersecting at an obtuse angle as defined by the support members. The first planar field tends to the horizontal when the frame is positioned for use. A main bed assembly including a flexible material is mounted at the frame between the first and second supports thus providing a resilient boarding surface at an upper surface of the flexible material.

An angle defining support is affixed to the flexible material at a position selected to extend along the obtuse angle as defined by the support members when the main bed assembly is mounted at the frame. A locating, or positioning, assembly is connectable between the angle defining support and the frame for resiliently locating the angle defining support relative to the frame during use of the apparatus.

The angle defining support includes a relatively rigid portion maintained adjacent to the bottom surface of the flexible material. The positioning assembly is configured for resiliently positioning the relatively rigid portion of the support to thereby retain definition of the obtuse angle (as defined by the support members of the frame) across the flexible material. Ancillary structure may be associated with the frame to further develop the trampboarding arena of this invention.

The sporting board of this invention is adapted for bouncing on a resilient surface and includes a deck having top and bottom surfaces and first and second opposite arcuate end portions. At least one foot mountable binding is located at the top surface of the deck, and a gripping surface is established at the bottom surface thereof.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide various apparatus and assemblage particularly adapted for use in the new activity of trampoline boarding.

It is another object of this invention to provide improved trampboarding apparatus.

It is another object of this invention to provide specially adapted trampboarding arenas.

It is another object of this invention to provide improved sporting boards for trampboarding.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a trampboarding apparatus and trampboard that are optimized for and well adapted to the activity of trampboarding, are sturdily constructed, and are readily adjustable or manipulable over a variety of parameters.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a trampboarding apparatus configured for activities wherein an elongated, semi-rigid body mountable board repeatedly contacts a resilient continuous surface of the apparatus, the apparatus constructed so that the resilient surface provides plural surface engagement angles across the surface.

It is another object of this invention to provide a trampboarding apparatus including a frame having first and second spaced support members for defining therebetween at least first and second planar fields intersecting at an obtuse angle as defined by the support members, the first planar field tending to the horizontal when the frame is positioned for use, a main bed assembly including a flexible material, the main bed assembly configured for mounting at the frame between the first and second supports to thereby provide a resilient boarding surface at the flexible material, a boarding surface angle defining support affixed to the flexible material at a position selected to extend along the obtuse angle as defined by the support members when the main bed assembly is mounted at the frame, and a locating assembly connectable between the angle defining support and the frame for resiliently locating the angle defining support relative to the frame during use of the apparatus.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a trampboarding apparatus including a frame configured to define at least first and second planar fields intersecting at an obtuse angle as defined by the frame, a flexible material having first and second opposite surfaces and maintained at the frame thereby providing a resilient boarding surface at the first surface thereof, a support structure including a relatively rigid portion maintained adjacent to the second surface of the flexible material at a position selected to extend along the obtuse angle when the flexible material is maintained at the frame, and positioning means connectable between the support structure and the frame for resiliently positioning the relatively rigid portion of the support structure to retain definition of the obtuse angle as defined by the frame at the flexible material when maintained at the frame and during use of the apparatus.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a trampboarding apparatus and at least a first ancillary structure associated with the apparatus and utilized in combination therewith to establish a trampboarding arena.

It is another object of this invention to provide a sporting board adapted for bouncing on a resilient surface, the board including a deck having top and bottom surfaces and first and second opposite arcuate end portions, at least a first foot mountable binding located at the top surface, and a gripping surface located at the bottom surface.

With these and other objects in view, which will become apparent to one skilled in the art as the description proceeds, this invention resides in the novel construction, combination, and arrangement of parts and methods substantially as hereinafter described, and more particularly defined by the appended claims, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the herein disclosed invention are meant to be included as come within the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate a complete embodiment of the invention according to the best mode so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a trampboarding apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a detailed side sectional view of the boarding surface angle defining support utilized in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are detail illustrations of the resilient angle defining support and boarding surface tensioning connections utilized in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 having an ancillary resilient surface structure mounted thereon;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the ancillary resilient surface structure of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of other various ancillary equipment and structures utilized, in an assemblage including the apparatus of FIG. 1, to provide one embodiment of a trampboarding arena of this invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a trampboard in accord with this invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the trampboard of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken through section lines 12-12 of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view showing the trampboard of FIG. 10 mounted to the shoe of a user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of trampboarding apparatus 21 of this invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3. As shown in FIG. 1, a user having sporting board 22 mounted on his or her shoe or shoes utilizes the apparatus in performance of various skills associated with the sport of trampboarding. Apparatus 21 includes frame 23 formed from spaced side support members 25 and 27, end support members 29 and 31, and elevating members 33, 35, 37 and 39. The various members of frame 23 may be a continuous structure and/or multiple welded or bolted units, preferably made from welded steel or aluminum alloy tubes of sufficient thickness and a diameter to accommodate significant loads.

Side support members 25 and 27 are characterized by obtuse angled joints (or bends) 40 spaced from both ends thereof (such feature could be adapted for only one end thereof). In this manner, first, second and third planar fields 41, 42 and 43 (open planar areas defined by members 25 and 27) are defined, fields 42 and 43 intersecting field 41 at obtuse angles as defined by support members 25 and 27. The frame is preferably constructed so that planar field 41 tends to the horizontal when the frame is set up for use.

While providing bends 40 at members 25 and 27 is illustrated herein to establish the intersecting fields established by frame 23, other constructions could be conceived of to achieve the same purpose. Moreover, while fixed frame members are illustrated herein, frame 23 could be made so that the obtuse angle or angles established thereby are adjustable (for example, by locating securable pivots at locations 40 of members 25 and 27 together with a securable telescoping feature and related adaptations at elevating members 33, 35, 37 and 39).

Elevating members (or assemblies) 33, 35, 37 and 39 each include a long support 44, short support 45 and linking span 47 and, more generally, upper and lower portions 48 and 49, respectively (refer to elevating member 33 as shown in FIG. 1 for these details, members 35, 37 and 39 being identically constructed). The elevating members are affixed at upper portions 48 to the side and end support members of frame 23. While not shown, safety padding may be deployed over selected exposed frame members as would be deemed prudent.

Main bed assembly 51 includes flexible material 53 having a length less than the linear measurement of a side support member 25/27 and width less than the linear measurement of an end support member 29/31. Flexible material 53 is made of any known material utilized for trampoline beds (porous nylon for example). Multiple resilient supports 55 (see FIG. 1, wherein only some of which are numbered) are connected between frame support members 25, 27, 29 and 31 and flexible material 53 utilizing known connection techniques (for example, utilizing supports 55 configured as helical extension springs engaged at hooked ends with reinforced material openings/eyelets or edge sewn and reinforced material loops at flexible material 53 and at opposite hooked ends with welded wire loops at the frame support members). Where configured as helical extension springs, supports 55 are preferably formed of 0.125″ steel wire and have a length of between about nine and ten inches (the dimensions of flexible material 53 are calculated accordingly). When mounted, supported and tensioned (as discussed hereinafter), flexible material 53 provides, at upper surface 57 thereof, a resilient boarding surface having plural planar aspects meeting at selected boarding surface angels corresponding to the obtuse angles as defined by support members 25 and 27 of frame 23.

Structure required to retain definition of the obtuse angles across flexible material 53, and thus define the boarding surface angles, includes support assembly 61 and locating and positioning assembly 63 (see FIGS. 2 through 6). Support assembly 61 includes elongated support flap 65 made, for example, of heavy duty flexible nylon and attached (for example, stitched) to lower surface 67 of flexible material 53. The location of attachment is a position across flexible material 53 selected to correspond to (i.e., extend along) the vertex of the obtuse angle or angles as defined by side support members 25 and 27 when main bed assembly 51 is mounted at frame 23.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, support flap 65 includes attachment ends 71 and 72 for attachment to flexible material 53, spacer segment 73 and elongated retaining pocket 75. A relatively rigid load rod 77 (a fiberglass rod, for example) is receivable in retaining pocket 75 and has a length sufficient to extend from end 78 to end 79 of support assembly 61 (substantially the entire width of flexible material 53—see FIG. 3). Attachment ends 71/72, spacer segment 73 and retaining pocket 75 are formed in support flap 65 by folding the material utilized to construct the flap and stitching the material at first and second intermediate locations. Reinforced openings (eyelets 81) are formed in spacer segment 73 adjacent to each of ends 78 and 79 of support assembly 61.

Locating and positioning assembly 63 includes multiple units 83, 84, 85 and 86 (in the case on the embodiment shown in the FIGURES wherein 3 different angled boarding surfaces are defined at flexible material 53). Each unit is connectable at ends 89 thereof with steel or aluminum connecting rings 91 maintained through one of the reinforced openings 81 and around retaining pocket 75 (and thus rod 77) of support assembly 61, and at opposite ends 93 thereof with lower portions 49 of the adjacent elevating members 33, 35, 37 or 39 of frame 23 (see FIGS. 3, 5 and 6).

As shown in FIG. 2 with respect to unit 83 (the remaining units being identically constructed), each of units 83, 84, 85 and 86 includes tether 97 (made of durable nylon or the like) and a resilient mount 99 (a helical extension spring 55, for example). Tether 97 includes openings at each end for connection with rings 91 and mount 99, and the lower portions 49 of elevating members 33, 35, 37 and 39 are provided with openings for connection of mounts 99 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, ancillary resilient surface structure 103 is illustrated for releasable connection with frame 23 of apparatus 21. Ancillary structure 103 includes framework 105 having flexible material bed 107 mounted thereat (framework 105 and bed 107 are constructed of materials similar to those previously described with respect to frame 23 and bed 51). Framework 105 is shaped so that flexible material 109 of bed 107 (connected therein by resilient supports 111 of the type heretofore discussed) when mounted therein provides a suitably sized and shaped ancillary resilient boarding surface.

Framework 105 is preferably mounted at a frame side or end support member (see FIG. 8) utilizing a releasable connections 115 including arcuate mounting saddles 117 welded to side support members 119 of framework 105. Saddles 117 are secured at the selected frame member (27 in FIG. 8) with saddle clamps 121. Support arm assemblies 123 (made of aluminum or steel tubing, for example) are connected with framework 105 to support framework position relative apparatus 21. In a preferred arrangement, saddle clamps 121 may be loosened to pivot framework 105 on the selected frame member of apparatus 21 thus accommodating angle adjustment of the ancillary resilient boarding surface relative to flexible material 53 of apparatus 21. In that case, support arm assemblies 123 are provided with pivoting connections 127 between support arm upright 129 and retaining bar 131 and framework 105 (utilizing, for example, a tab and pin construction), with multiple angle selection tabs 133 welded at upright 129 for selected pinned retention of end 135 of retaining bar 131. Uprights 129 of support arm assemblies 123 are preferably provided with pivotably attached stabilizing feet 137.

While a separable unit is shown with respect to structure 103, it should be appreciated that the structure of frame 23 of apparatus 21 could be conceived to accommodate additional ancillary angled resilient boarding surfaces adjacent to side supports 25/27 of the frame. If so constructed, additional support assembly or assemblies 61 and locating and positioning assembly or assemblies 63 would be provided as well.

As shown in FIG. 9, additional ancillary structures can be associated with (preferably connected to or organized adjacent) frame 23 of apparatus 21, and when thus utilized in combination with apparatus 21 (and, where desired, structure 103) establishing an assemblage providing a trampboarding arena. For example, equipment 141 may be mounted (preferably removably) on or adjacent to frame 23. Such equipment is of the type typically utilized by those engaged in boarding sports for performance of various skills and tricks, and may include elevated rails or bars which may be level, angled or multi-leveled (i.e., stepped rails). Such equipment is made of durable materials (steel, aluminum, wood or the like) and may be mounted in any conventional manner in view of the stresses to be applied.

By way of further example, ancillary structure may include various elevated ledges 143 which may be located even with a selected part of frame 23 of apparatus 21 or raised above the selected part various distances. Such ledges may be provided with ancillary resilient boarding surface structures 145 constructed as discussed herein and arranged at selected angles (for example, as shown, vertically oriented behind a ledge). The ancillary structure may also include boarder mounting platform 147 having stairs 149 and provided with safety railings 151 (also, as is known, utilizable by boarders for various skills and tricks, in addition to addressing safety concerns).

FIGS. 10 through 13 illustrate the preferred embodiment of the sporting board (i.e., trampboard) adapted for trampoline boarding of this invention. Trampboard 22 includes deck 161 preferably made of laminated plastic or hardwood and having top and bottom surfaces 163 and 165, respectively, and first and second opposite arcuate (upturned) end portions 167 and 169, respectively.

At least one, (two illustrated herein) foot mountable binding assembly 175 is located at top surface 163 of deck 161, and a gripping surface 177 (a textured vinyl pad, for example) is located (glued, for example) at bottom surface 165. Binding assemblies 175 are configured and mounted at deck 161 to accommodate rotation thereof relative to deck 161 pursuant to the urging of a user for selecting foot location on the board and/or for skill/trick performance purposes. To mount an assembly 175, an opening or openings 181 is formed through deck 161 at a selected location(s).

Each assembly 175 includes a threaded metal insert 183 friction fit in opening 181, the insert having a locking head 185 (FIG. 12) for securement thereof in the bottom surface 165 of deck 161. Friction buffering plate 187 made of friction resistant material (such as high density polyethelene) has central opening 189 and is positioned on top surface 163 of deck 161, centering opening 189 at opening 181 through deck 161.

Metal or carbon plastic binding 191 of binding assembly 175 rides atop plate 187 and includes shoe retaining side walls 193 extending from bottom plate 195 having central opening 196 therethrough. Opening 196 is larger than opening 181 through deck 161 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) and about the same size as opening 189 of plate 187. Bottom plate 195 includes toe and heel extensions 197 and 199, respectively, with toe extension 197 longer than heel extension 199. Side walls 193 are provided with strap mounting slots 201, front and rear (see FIG. 11), for receipt therethrough of heel retention strap 203 (a continuous nylon strap, for example, having common strap buckles 205 secured at each end thereof) and toe retention straps 207 and 209 (nylon straps, for example). Buckles and straps are secured as needed, for example using a rivet or rivets 211 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 13).

Metal bushing 215 of binding assembly 175 is inserted through opening 196 in binding 191 and opening 189 through plate 187, and is secured by threaded fastener 217 mounted through bushing 215 and engaging threaded insert 183 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). In this manner, binding 191 is fully rotatable about bushing 215. As shown in FIG. 13, straps 203, 207 and 209 are configured to be crossed over the top of a shoe of a user, with each of toe retention straps 207 engaging the opposite side one of buckles 205 at the ends of heel strap 203 after crossing over the shoe top.

Games, exhibitions and competitions employing the apparatus, ancillary structures, arena and sporting board of this invention may be conducted wherein the tricks and skills exhibited by participants are judged (and awarded points for their performances). Both timed preset maneuver presentations and freestyle presentations may be conducted in each competition. Three judge panels utilizing a point scoring system based on maneuver difficulty, creativity and style (in combination with time where timed events are involved) are to be utilized.

As may be appreciated from the foregoing, specially adapted apparatus, ancillary structures, sporting methods, and sporting boards are provided hereby. It should be appreciated that various different apparatus and ancillary structure shapes and sizes could be conceived while yet utilizing the inventions disclosed herein. Additional ancillary structures and structural combinations and deployments not specifically addressed herein could be readily conceived for addition to the trampboarding arena as would be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A trampboarding apparatus comprising:

a frame including first and second spaced support means for defining therebetween at least first and second planar fields intersecting at an obtuse angle as defined by said support means, said first planar field tending to the horizontal when said frame is positioned for use;

a main bed assembly including a flexible material, said main bed assembly configured for mounting at said frame between said first and second supports to thereby provide a resilient boarding surface at said flexible material;

a boarding surface angle defining support affixed to said flexible material at a position selected to extend along said obtuse angle as defined by said support means when said main bed assembly is mounted at said frame; and

a locating assembly connectable between said angle defining support and said frame for resiliently locating said angle defining support relative to said frame during use of said apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said frame includes first and second elevating members each having upper and lower portions and with each connected with said first and second spaced support means, respectively, adjacent to said upper portions thereof.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said locating assembly includes first and second units each including a tether and a resilient mount, said first unit connected between said lower portion of said first elevating member and a first location along said angle defining support, and said second unit connected between said lower portion of said second elevating member and a second location along said angle defining support.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first and second spaced support means additionally define therebetween a third planar field intersecting at a second obtuse angle relative to said first planar field as defined by said support means, said apparatus further comprising a second resilient boarding surface angle defining support affixed to said flexible material at a position selected to extend along said second obtuse angle as defined by said support means when said main bed assembly is mounted at said frame, said locating assembly connectable between said second angle defining support and said frame for resiliently locating said second angle defining support relative to said frame during use of said apparatus.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said frame is selectively constructed to define relative size of first and second planar fields, with said first planar field larger than said second planar field.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an ancillary resilient surface structure including a framework, a flexible material bed mounted at said framework thereby providing an ancillary resilient boarding surface, releasable connecting means associated with said framework for affixing said ancillary resilient surface structure at said frame, and at least one support arm assembly connected with said framework to support framework position relative to said support means of said frame.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said connecting means of said ancillary resilient surface structure is configured for pivotably connecting said framework at one of said support means of said frame, said support arm assembly including means accommodating angle adjustment of said framework, and thus said ancillary resilient boarding surface, relative to said flexible material of said main bed assembly.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support means of said frame are configured to accommodate adjustability of said obtuse angle.

9. A trampboarding apparatus comprising:

a frame configured to define at least first and second planar fields intersecting at an obtuse angle as defined by said frame;

a flexible material having first and second opposite surfaces and maintained at said frame thereby providing a resilient boarding surface at said first surface thereof;

a support structure including a relatively rigid portion maintained adjacent to said second surface of said flexible material at a position selected to extend along said obtuse angle when said flexible material is maintained at said frame; and

positioning means connectable between said support structure and said frame for resiliently positioning said relatively rigid portion of said support structure to retain definition of said obtuse angle as defined by said frame at said flexible material when maintained at said frame and during use of said apparatus.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said frame includes first and second spaced side supports and first and second spaced end supports, said flexible material resiliently attached between said side supports and between said end supports, said frame further including elevating members elevating said side supports and said end supports, said elevating members supporting a greater elevation of at least one of said end supports relative to said side supports, said greater elevation being either one of fixed or adjustable.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said support structure further includes an elongated support flap attached at said position of said second surface of said flexible material and configured to provide at least a first elongated retaining pocket spaced from said second surface, said relatively rigid portion comprising a rod receivable in said retaining pocket.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said support flap has reinforced openings therethrough between said second surface of said flexible material and said retaining pocket, said positioning means connectable at one end thereof through one of said reinforced openings and around said retaining pocket of said support flap and at an opposite end thereof with said frame.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said positioning means includes first and second units each including a tether at said one end and a resilient mount at said opposite end, said first unit connectable between one end of said support structure and a first frame location spaced from said flexible material and said second unit connectable between an opposite end of said support structure and a second frame location spaced from said flexible material and opposite said flexible material from said first frame location.

14. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising at least a first ancillary structure associated with said frame and utilized in an assemblage therewith to establish a trampboarding arena.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said at least a first ancillary structure includes at least one ancillary resilient boarding surface maintained at an angle relative to said first planar field.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said at least a first ancillary structure comprises equipment mounted adjacent to said frame and including at least one of an angled rail, an elevated rail, and a stepped rail.

17. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said at least a first ancillary structure includes at least one elevated ledge having a vertically oriented resilient surface adjacent thereto.

18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said at least a first ancillary structure includes a mounting platform having stairs maintained adjacent to said frame.

19. A sporting board adapted for bouncing on a resilient surface, said board comprising:

a deck having top and bottom surfaces and first and second opposite arcuate end portions;

at least a first foot mountable binding located at said top surface; and

a gripping surface located at said bottom surface.

20. The sporting board of claim 19 wherein at least one of said binding and said deck are configured for accommodating rotation of said binding relative to said deck pursuant to the urging of a user.