Apparatus for handling a human locomotion board

Abstract

An apparatus for handling a human locomotion board like a skate board or snow board having first and second traveling gear distending from the board surface, in which a first elastomeric loop is provided for removable engagement about the first traveling gear, a strap is fixedly assembled at one end to the first loop, and a second elastomeric loop is provided for removable engagement about the second traveling gear, and attached to the strap at its other end by way of a sliding assembly for changing the distance between loops for adjustability. The sliding assembly has a first and second aperture and a housing, such that the strap is positionally weaved through the first and second apertures for slideability and the second loop is housed in the housing. The distance is determined for angular displacement along the back of a wearer with a pivot point substantially mid-back for distributing the center of gravity when a board is engaged by the apparatus and hung on the back of the wearer. The handling of the locomotion board is while the apparatus is in a mode selected from the group consisting of locomotion mode, carrying mode and storage mode. In the locomotion mode, the apparatus is configured as a safety or pulling leash. In the carrying mode, the apparatus and board are positioned to be hung on the back of a wearer in the manner indicated. In the storage mode, the first and second loops are disengaged from the board, and the apparatus is worn in a worn form.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of carriage of devices for self-propelled movement or locomotion, and more specifically to a handling device for a board used for human locomotion, like a skate board or snow board.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention relates to an apparatus for handling human locomotion boards, preferentially comprising skateboards or snowboards having traveling gear distending from the board surface. Such boards are typically ridden to provide quicker and more exciting locomotion for the rider in traveling to various locations, on flat or angled surfaces. Upon reaching a location, such boards need to be carried or pulled until the next opportunity to ride.

Skateboarding is defined as riding on and performing tricks with a skateboard for recreation, employment (as in a sport), or transportation. Skateboarders are also called skaters, wood pushers or shredders. Said to have commenced in the 1950's or 1960's as a recreational activity for surfers in California, skateboarding involves the use of a board surface originally consisting of wood boxes with roller skate wheels distending from the bottom surface of the board. Boxes were turned into planks, and the board surface, also called the “deck” emerged as a multi-layer wood compression, predominantly of maple plywood, or, at times, consisting of fiberglass or aluminum. The wheels have been made of polymeric material, typically polyurethane. Riders place their feet upon the top surface of the board; and their feet are not bound to the surface so that they may jump and otherwise maneuver at times with the board twisting or flipping before their feet are replanted.

Snowboarding, as the name implies, involves riding a board down a snow-covered hill. In distinction from skateboarding, the feet of the rider are bound to the upper surface of the board by way of items called bindings that distend from the upper surface. The board is also multilayered, like skateboards, but typically comprises a laminated wood core sandwiched between multiple layers of fiberglass. The bottom surface of the board, sometimes called its base, has a plastic surface (for less friction) surrounded by a steel strip or edge. The upper surface of the snowboard is generally covered in acrylic for durability.

Observably, the human locomotion associated with boards of this nature involve periods of use followed by periods where the rider needs to walk or otherwise travel but not upon the board. Typically, the board is thereupon carried in the hands of the rider. It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a multipurpose handling apparatus for such a locomotion board for carriage upon the back of the rider during the periods of non-use or by pulling along the ground surface via tethering to the board where a ground surface so permits, while also permitting carriage of the handling apparatus as a belt about the waist of the rider while the board is used for locomotion.

Simply strapping a board to the back of the rider would be an awkward exercise. Generally the length of the board against the back of at least a child or teenager is unwieldy. Providing the ability to angle the board against the spine of the wearer creates an opportunity for the wearer to be able to grab it more easily for re-use, as well as to position the same about a pivot point mid-back for easier displacement of the center of gravity, such pivoting also providing the board the ability to move out of the way for the wearer to be able to sit down. It is thus a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus that provides carriage of a snowboard or skateboard across the back of the wearer, substantially perpendicularly with respect to the ground, while pivotal about a point mid-back to enable comfortable weight and center of gravity displacement, while moving the bottom portion of the board away from the rear of the wearer to permit the wearer the ability to sit down.

It should be appreciated that a skateboard has two chucks for each of the set of wheels (as defined herein, each chuck comprises the trucks, including the hangar, axle and kingpin) attached to the rear surface of the board. In comparison, a snowboard has two bindings for each foot of the wearer on the top surface of the board. It is thus a still further object of the instant invention to provide an assembly that can be used for the carriage/pulling/tethering purposes intended for each of a snowboard or skateboard, despite the fact that one has traveling gear on the board top surface (bindings for snowboards) and the other has traveling gear on the board bottom surface (chucks for skateboards).

One can well imagine that while a skateboard or snowboard is used for locomotion by a rider, that fairly good speeds can be achieved while the board is in use. Dismounting from the board, whether intentionally or not, during use typically leaves the momentum of the board (and the frictionally diminished ease with which it travels) placing the resting locus of the board and the rider in less than proximate locations. It is thus an object of the instant invention to provide an assembly for carriage as well as for a removable tethering to a human locomotion board that does not interfere with the operation of the board while at the same limiting the traveling distance upon dismount. It is still a further object to provide such a tether that can thereafter be utilized to pull the board along the ground surface in lieu of its carriage and use.

Heretofore unknown in the art is an apparatus that satisfies the foregoing objects in the manner claimed and disclosed herein. References appear to present skateboard-carrying devices where the skateboard is: enclosed in a bag, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,794 to Beagle, showing a “Carrier Case for Recreational Boards;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,506, to Bolduc showing a “Skateboard Carrier;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,137 to Archuleta showing a “Carrying Case for Skateboard with See-Through Protective Covering for Wheel Assemblies;” attached via a utility-type belt, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,083, to Chen showing a “Skis and Boots Carrying Waist Belt;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,991 to Neading showing a “Combination Storage Belt and Ski Carrier Accessory and Method of Conversion;” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,346 to Sharma showing an “Interchangeable Equipment Carrier Sling/Waist Belt;” and on a carrying strap, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,460 to Harper showing a “Skateboard Carrier;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,056 to Challoner showing a “Carrier Case for Recreational Boards;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,875 to Fareghi showing an “Adjustable Skate Carrier;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,286 to Newman showing “Adjustable Strap;” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,639 to Frank showing a “Skateboard Carrying Strap and Methods of Making the Same.”

Further objects will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon a complete comprehension of the subject invention as provided via the specification, claims and drawings contained herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various features of novelty which characterize the present invention are expressly and unambiguously delineated in the claims annexed to and forming part of the disclosure. For a better understanding of the present invention, its practical advantages, and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

An apparatus for handling a human locomotion board like a skate board or snow board is shown and claimed herein. The locomotion board has a first and a second traveling gear distending from the board surface. The apparatus comprises a first elastomeric loop for removable engagement about the first traveling gear, a strap fixedly assembled at one end to the first loop, a second elastomeric loop is provided for removable engagement about the second traveling gear and attached to the strap at its other end by way of a sliding assembly for changing the distance between loops for adjustability. The sliding assembly has a first and second aperture and a housing, such that the strap is positionally weaved through the first and second apertures for slideability and the second loop is housed in the housing. The distance is determined for angular displacement along the back of a wearer with a pivot point substantially mid-back for distributing the center of gravity when a board is engaged by the apparatus and hung on the back of the wearer. The handling of the locomotion board is while the apparatus is in a mode selected from the group consisting of locomotion mode, carrying mode and storage mode. In the locomotion mode, the apparatus is configured as a safety or pulling leash. In the carrying mode, the apparatus and board are positioned to be hung on the back of a wearer in the manner indicated. In the storage mode, the first and second loops are disengaged from the board, and the apparatus is worn in a worn form.

At least one of the loops provides removable engagement by way of a fastener, preferably comprising a male and female end which attach by way of receiving screw threads on the female end and a screwable member on the male end. The radius of the loop is minimizable by way of an adjustment means comprising a spring-loaded pressable member for compressional engagement.

Where the distension from the board is upward from an upward side of the board, the traveling gear comprises bindings, and the board is a snow board. Where the board surface has a downward side

Where the distension from the board is downward from a downward side of the board, the traveling gear comprises chucks, and the board is a skate board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the board handling apparatus, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the second fastener and slidable assembly portions of the board handling apparatus, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 2A is a frontal view of the portions shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the slidable assembly, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the slidable assembly along line x-x shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 5 is a dimensional view of an alternative fastening assembly and elastomeric loop, in accordance with another embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a skate board in process of engagement with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a snow board engaged with the inventive apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a skate board carried with the inventive apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a snow board carried with the inventive apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a skate board and rider engaging the skate board with the inventive apparatus in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the inventive apparatus stored as a belt, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Board handling apparatus 2, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the instant invention, is shown in FIG. 1. Apparatus 2 comprises strap 4 having a tail-end with first elastomeric loop 6 attached by way of an attachment loop 10 of the tail-end of strap 4 folded about loop 6 and attached back upon itself by way of rivet 10A. First loop 6 has a first fastener 8, shown in FIG. 1 in closed form, and in open, unattached form in FIG. 2. It should be appreciated that elastomeric loops are made of a material of sufficient stretchability to be expandable for the purposes shown, and of sufficient strength to endure operation in the locomotion mode, carrying mode and storage modes, as shown and described hereinbelow. Based upon these parameters and the teachings set forth herein, one of ordinary skill in the art can determine appropriate elastomeric materials, and such determination will remain within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Also as shown in FIG. 1, the other end of strap 4 is passed through slidable assembly 16, which assembly is shown in greater detail in each of FIG.'s 2A, 3 and 4. Slidable assembly 4, preferably comprised of a molded plastic, also has elastomeric housing 18 through which is passed second elastomeric loop 12. Second elastomeric loop 12 is shown having a removeable engagement by way of second fastener 14.

FIG. 2 shows the operation of fastener 14, therein shown in open mode, whereas FIG. 1 shows such fasteners 8 and 14 in closed mode. In open mode, fastener 14 comprises fastener handle 14A from which extends male screwable member 14B which is threaded to be received by female screwable receiving member 14C. Also shown is elastomeric housing 18 through which loop 12 is passed. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 2A, slidable assembly 16 has strap 4 threaded therein, while loop 12 (with fastener 14) remains attached thereto via elastomeric housing 18.

Observably, slidable assembly 16 is slidably mounted on strap 4 such that the displacement between loops 6 and 12 can be modified to enable precise positioning upon the back of a user. As shown, the tail-end of strap 4 extends beyond assembly 16, which is of import in the storage mode, in that such end is utilized to provide tying of the device as a belt about the waste of a user.

FIG. 3 shows a top-down view of slidable assembly 16 in disassembled view, without strap 4 being shown. In this manner first and second apertures 20 and 22 are shown, through which strap 4 is threaded in the assembled state. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional representation of slidable assembly 16, along line x-x as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative loop 24, replacing each or both of loops 6 and 12 wherein fasteners 8 and 14 are not employed, and the length of the respective loop is modified by way of alternative fastener 16 which comprises spring-loadable pressable member 26 which compresses along line 28 to open and/or close its aperture such that alternative loop 24 can be pulled therethrough.

FIG. 6 shows a human locomotion board, specifically skateboard 32, having skateboard wheels 34 first and second chucks 36A and 36B, and first and second chuck mounts 38A and 38B which distend from the downward side of footboard 40. Also shown is user's hand 30 stretching first elastomeric loop 6 such that loop 6 can be expanded to fit about skateboard wheels 34, around chuck 36A to lie between chuck 36A and chuck mount 38A. Second loop 12 is also shown already mounted between chuck 36B and chuck mount 38B.

FIG. 7 shows a portion of the inventive apparatus mounted to snowboard 42. Snowboard 42 has footboard 44, the upper surface of which having first and second bindings 46A and 46B distending upwardly therefrom, and about which are configured loops 6 and 12, as shown.

FIG. 8 shows the inventive apparatus in carrying mode, in this instance carrying skateboard 32 upon the back of user 48. As can be seen, by adjusting slidable assembly 16 along strap 4, the assembly can be shifted so that the pivot point aligns substantially with the center of user 48's back which provides comfort in wearing and the ability to sit while moving the carried board out of the way. The elements of the assembly are numbered with the same element numbers in this and every other figure herein.

FIG. 9 shows the same inventive apparatus in carrying mode, in this instance carrying snowboard 42. As can be seen, the board is positioned so that its center of gravity aligns with the pivot point substantially central to the back of user 48 to enable ease in carrying and sitting.

FIG. 10 shows the inventive apparatus in locomotion mode, where the first elastomeric loop 12 is disengaged from skateboard 40 and instead worn about the wrist of user 48, with strap 4 still engaged, as shown. In this manner, the apparatus operates first as a safety leash when user 48 is traveling upon skateboard 40 in that the distance that the board 40 can travel upon dismount is limited to the length of the tether, defined by strap 4 in combination with the first and second elastomeric loops. Also, upon dismount, the apparatus acts as a pulling leash, enabling the board to be pulled behind user 48.

Lastly, FIG. 11 shows the inventive apparatus in storage mode, where it is disengaged entirely from a board, and is, instead, worn about the waste as a belt, attached to pants 52 through belt loops 54. In this embodiment, knot assembly 50 is created by the tail-end of strap 4 tied between each of loops 6 and 12, and pulled through slidable assembly 16.

While there have shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. An apparatus for handling a human locomotion board having a board surface and first and second traveling gear distending from the board surface, comprising:

(a) first looping means for removable engagement about the first traveling gear;

(b) a strap having a first and second strap end with a distance therebetween, in which the first strap end is fixedly assembled to said first looping means; and

(c) second looping means for removable engagement about the second traveling gear, said second looping means slideably assembled to said strap at said second strap end by way of a sliding assembly, such that movement of said sliding assembly changes said distance for adjustability.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said looping means are comprised of an elastomeric material.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said looping means provides removable engagement by way of a fastener.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said fastener comprises a male and female end which attach by way of receiving screw threads on said female end and a screwable member on said male end.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said looping means comprises an adjustment means comprising a spring-loaded pressable member for compressional engagement of said at least one of said looping means.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the board surface has an upward and a downward side, and the distension from the board is upward, said traveling gear comprises bindings, and the board is a snow board.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the board surface has an upward and a downward side, and the distension from the board is downward, said traveling gear comprises chucks, and the board is a skate board.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sliding assembly comprises a first and second aperture and a housing, such that said strap is positionally weaved through said first and second apertures for said slideability and said second looping means is housed in said housing.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said distance is determined for angular displacement along the back of a wearer with a pivot point substantially mid-back for distributing the center of gravity when a board is engaged by the apparatus and hung on the back of the wearer.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handling of the locomotion board is while the board is locomotively in use, and said first looping means is disengaged from the first traveling gear and said second looping means is engaged about the second traveling gear for operational utility as a safety leash by preventing the board from traveling substantially beyond said distance.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said first looping means is attachable about a wrist of a wearer while in use.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handling of the locomotion board is while the board is locomotively in use, and said first looping means is disengaged from the first traveling gear and said second looping means is engaged about the second traveling gear for operational utility as a pulling leash.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said first looping means is grabable by a wearer.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second looping means are disengaged from the board such that the apparatus can be worn by a wearer in a worn form.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said worn form is a belt to be removably tied about a wearer.

16. An apparatus for handling a human locomotion board having a board surface and first and second traveling gear distending from the board surface, comprising:

(a) first looping means comprised of an elastomeric material for removable engagement about the first traveling gear;

(b) a strap having a first and second strap end with a distance therebetween, in which the first strap end is fixedly assembled to said first looping means;

(c) second looping means comprised of an elastomeric material for removable engagement about the second traveling gear, said second looping means slideably assembled to said strap at said second strap end by way of a sliding assembly, such that movement of said sliding assembly changes said distance for adjustability;

(d) wherein: (1) at least one of said looping means provides removable engagement by way of a fastener, and said fastener comprises a male and female end which attach by way of receiving screw threads on said female end and a screwable member on said male end; and further wherein at least one of said looping means optionally comprises an adjustment means comprising a spring-loaded pressable member for compressional engagement of said at least one of said looping means; (2) the board surface has an upward and a downward side, such that when the distension from the board is upward, said traveling gear comprises bindings and the board is a snow board, and when the distension from the board is downward, said traveling gear comprises chucks and the board is a skate board; (3) said sliding assembly comprises a first and second aperture and a housing, such that said strap is positionally weaved through said first and second apertures for said slideability and said second looping means is housed in said housing; (4) wherein said distance is determined for angular displacement along the back of a wearer with a pivot point substantially mid-back for distributing the center of gravity when a board is engaged by the apparatus and hung on the back of the wearer; (5) the handling of the locomotion board is while the apparatus is in a mode selected from the group consisting of locomotion mode, carrying mode and storage mode, wherein: (a) in said locomotion mode, said first looping means is disengaged from the first traveling gear and said second looping means is engaged about the second traveling gear for operational utility in a second mode selected from the group consisting of a safety leash mode for preventing the board from traveling substantially beyond said distance, and a pulling leash mode for pulling the board, and further wherein said first looping means is attachable about a portion of the wearer's body for determination of said second mode; and (b) in said carrying mode, said first and second looping means are engaged about said first and second traveling gear respectively and said apparatus is hangeable on the back of the wearer and said strap is positionable at said distance adjustability; and (c) in said storage mode, said first and second looping means are disengaged from said first and second traveling gear respectively and the apparatus is worn in a worn form.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said worn form is a belt to be removably tied about a wearer.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the board is selected from the group consisting of a skateboard and a snow board.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the board is selected from the group consisting of a skateboard and a snow board.