Skateboard training method and apparatus
A skateboard accessory comprising an attachment mechanism that can be removably attached to the edge of a skateboard deck, a flexible member extending upward from the attachment mechanism, and a handle located at or near the end of said elastic member. A method of using such a device by grasping the handle and pulling upward while executing an ollie such that the skateboard is lifted completely off of the ground.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the field of skateboarding. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for use in learning how to ollie a skateboard.
2. Background
Contemporary skateboarding of almost all types incorporates a vast array of tricks based on variations of a basic technique known as an “ollie.” To perform an ollie, the skateboarder steps down hard on the tail of the skateboard deck, forcing the tail of the board down and the nose of the board up into the air. The skateboarder then simultaneously lifts their back foot back up in the air and drags their front foot forward along the top surface of the skateboard deck, using the friction between their shoe and the griptape on the skateboard deck to lift the entire skateboard up in the air and guide its direction.
An ollie allows the skateboarder to get their entire skateboard up off the ground, without the need for a ramp or jump. Ollies can be used to jump up and over objects, hop curbs, initiate grinds along railings or other objects, or as part of complex tricks such as kickflips. Skilled skateboarders can use ollies to jump over objects more than 40 inches high.
Learning to perform an ollie, however, can be difficult and frustrating. The sequence and timing of the steps that make up an ollie is critical, and some skateboarders are unable to perfect the timing and actually get the skateboard off the ground in a controlled manner.
Prior art devices used to assist in performing an ollie have failed to provide an effective training device that quickly allows users to learn how to ollie a skateboard as well as learn a variety of other maneuvers such as manuals and grinds.
The present invention overcomes these problems and helps users both learn to ollie and improve their technique so that they can ollie higher and with more control. It also helps users learn a variety of other skateboard maneuvers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA skateboard accessory and related method of use are provided. In one embodiment, an attachment mechanism that can be removably attached to the edge of a skateboard deck, along with a flexible cord extending upward from the attachment mechanism, and a handle located at or near the end of said flexible cord. Further embodiments are provided in which the attachment mechanism comprises a member with a recess that is complementary to the shape of the edge of a skateboard deck, and wherein the flexible cord is elastic or inelastic. Various other embodiments are provided as further disclosed herein.
The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly.
The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Descriptions of specific embodiments or applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
Referring to
In many forms of skateboarding, tricks often include a technique called “grinding” in which the skateboarder slides along a surface such that the only part of the skateboard in contact with the surface is the underside of the deck. In order to be able to effectively perform such grinds, it is important that the underside of the skateboard deck be generally smooth and free from projections that could catch on the surface and cause the skateboarder to fall.
Referring to
A cord 158 extends upward from the attachment mechanism 150, terminating in a handle 160 that is configured to be held by the user. The cord may be elastic or inelastic, and typically will be long enough that it can be held by a user who is standing on the skateboard deck. In one embodiment the cord 158 is formed from flexible, elastic rubber tubing. A rigid bar can also be used instead of a cord. The cord 158 may also be attached directly to the skateboard deck by means of any common permanent or removable attachment device. It will be readily understood that the handle may take any configuration that is conducive to being grasped by the user and may be made of any suitable material.
Referring to
When the user attempts to ollie, they simply pull up on the handles 160 as they press down on the tail of the skateboard with their rearward foot and drag their forward foot along the top surface of the deck. The inventive training device dramatically increases the upward force on the deck and quickly bringing the entire skateboard up off the ground. This allows the user to very quickly succeed in getting their skateboard off the ground, and provides an opportunity to focus on timing and footwork to obtain better control of the skateboard during the ollie.
It will be understood by those of skill in the art that a wide variety of configurations can be used, including a single attachment mechanism on the edge of the deck as shown in
The inventive device also enables users to learn various skateboard tricks more easily, including spins, grinds, and manuals (a trick in which the user rides the skateboard on only the front set of wheels or the back set of wheels, like a “wheelie” on a bicycle”). The device also enables even experienced skateboards to ollie much higher and thus clear larger obstacles. This is true even on heavier skateboards or skateboards with larger wheels such as those designed to be used on rough roads or even on off-road trails. These capabilities enable a variety of activities including off-road downhill skateboarding and slopestyle skateboarding, in which participants navigate down a course containing various features such as jumps and rails, performing tricks as they go.
Claims
1. A skateboard accessory comprising:
- an attachment mechanism that can be removably attached to the edge of a skateboard deck;
- a flexible cord extending upward from the attachment mechanism; and
- a handle located at or near the end of said flexible cord.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a member with a recess that is complementary to the shape of the edge of a skateboard deck.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible cord is elastic.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible cord is inelastic.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible cord comprises a length of rubber tubing.
6. A skateboard comprising:
- an attachment mechanism located near the edge of a skateboard deck;
- a flexible cord extending upward from the attachment mechanism; and
- a handle located at or near the end of said flexible cord.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the flexible cord is elastic.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the flexible cord is inelastic.
9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the flexible cord comprises a length of rubber tubing.
10. A method for learning to ollie a skateboard comprising:
- attaching the first end of a flexible cord near the edge of a skateboard deck;
- grasping the second end of the flexible cord in the user's hand;
- executing an ollie while pulling upward on the flexible cord to help raise the skateboard off of the ground.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 1, 2010
Publication Date: Dec 1, 2011
Inventor: Reginald Lawson (National City, CA)
Application Number: 12/802,175
International Classification: A63C 17/26 (20060101); A63B 69/00 (20060101);