SNOWBOARD TRAINING APPARATUS

Abstract

The invention is generally a snowboard training apparatus or training tether used to assist in teaching proper snowboard riding mechanics—managing a rider's distribution of their center of gravity over a snowboard—thereby minimizing unintended falls while riding. Additionally, the training tether makes it easier for the rider to get onto the snowboard from a sitting position. In exemplary embodiments, the training tether comprises a handle; a handle strap forming a loop, wherein the handle encompasses a top portion of the loop of the handle strap; a tension strap connected to a lower portion of the handle strap; and a lateral strap coupled to the tension strap, the lateral strap including a first terminal end and a second terminal end configured to register with a first connector and a second connector that secures the apparatus to a snowboard, a snowboarder's bindings, or a snowboarder's boots.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a snowboard training apparatus and more specifically, to a training tether used to assist in teaching proper snowboard riding mechanics; by utilizing a training tether in accordance with the present invention, a rider's center of gravity is properly distributed over a snowboard, thereby minimizing unintended falls while riding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Snowboards resemble a wide snow ski, with the ability to traverse a slope of snow and ice. A snowboard rider (hereinafter, “rider”) stands with feet substantially transverse to the longitude of the snowboard, though a rider's feet may be angled somewhat obliquely, and the rider's feet are securely attached to the snowboard by use of boots and snowboard bindings. The snowboard also has two edges, a toe-edge and a heal-edge, which are critical for controlling a snowboard's path down a slope.

To ride a snowboard, the rider shifts the rider's center of gravity over the snowboard's longitudinal centerline to engage either the toe-edge or the heal-edge of the snowboard against the slope. Further, it generally assists the rider to have the rider's weight more on the down-slope foot to effect transitions from these two edges. Having the rider's weight more on the down-slope foot may assist the rider in effecting shifts of the rider's center of gravity over the snowboard's longitudinal centerline to then transition from edge to edge. When the rider transitions from a heal-edge to a toe-edge, or visa-versa, a carve or turn in down-slope direction is accomplished and thus a rider may progress in a controlled fashion down the slope.

Thus, controlling a snowboard, at its most basic level, involves at least two problems: (1) maintaining more of the rider's weight on the down-slope foot; and (2) shifting the rider's center-of-gravity over the longitudinal centerline of the snowboard to engage either edge. Further, having the rider's feet securely attached to the snowboard is critical in properly controlling a snowboard. This connection between the rider's feet and the snowboard allows for shifts in the center of gravity. Because of this, a rider with loose fitting boots or a loose binding fitting has a greatly diminished capacity to control the snowboard; more importantly, a rider with poor control or management of their center of gravity over the snowboard will surely experience loss of control and unintended falls.

The slightest shift in the rider's center of gravity from one side of the longitudinal centerline to the other side of the centerline can affect a shift from one edge to the other. That is, from the toe-edge to the heal-edge, or vice-versa, a shift will start a turn in down-slop direction regardless of whether the rider intended the shift in center of gravity. If a shift in the rider's center of gravity over the longitudinal centerline occurs that is unintended the result is generally an unintended fall of the rider or temporary loss of control. Novice riders are generally not accustomed to the need to control a rider's center of gravity with such precision, nor do novice riders usually have the initial ability to finely control their center of gravity, which results in unintended falls.

Without some type of assistance, a rider, particularly a novice rider, has to learn where and how to place the rider's center of gravity by trial and error. Thus, without some type of assistance, novice riders tend to feel discouraged because of the unnecessary and unintended falls, making novice riders more prone to quit snowboarding before the rider learns how to manage their center of gravity properly.

Additionally, riders, whether novice or experienced, often have difficulty getting onto the rider's snowboard from a sitting position where the heal-edge of the snowboard is against the slope. This difficulty in getting up onto the snowboard, often forces a rider to switch from a sitting position to a position where the rider is getting up onto the snowboard from the rider's knees, with the toe-edge of the snowboard against the slope and then using the rider's hands and arms to push away from the slope.

The related art does not adequately address these problems of learning how to manage and control a snowboard rider's center of gravity, so as to minimize falling. Therefore, there exists a previously unappreciated need for a new and improved apparatus that helps snowboard riders learn to manage their center of gravity, and helps riders better control their snowboards. It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present disclosure describes an apparatus for training a snowboard rider, or a training tether, which helps a snowboard rider learn to manage the rider's center of gravity and therefore learn how to better ride a snowboard. Additionally, the training tether makes it easier for the rider to get onto the snowboard from the sitting position, with the heal-edge against the slope, without having to transition to the knees and the toe-edge position. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention are also useful for experienced riders who may have developed unorthodox riding habits in that this training tether can help the experienced rider learn how to properly position their center of gravity.

A snowboard training apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a handle; a handle strap forming a loop, wherein the handle encompasses a top portion of the loop of the handle strap; a tension strap connected to a lower portion of the handle strap; and a lateral strap coupled to the tension strap, the lateral strap including a first terminal end and a second terminal end configured to register with a first connector and a second connector that secures the apparatus to a snowboard, a snowboarder's bindings, or a snowboarder's boots.

A snowboard training apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a handle; a handle strap forming a loop, wherein the handle encompasses a top portion of the loop of the handle strap; a tension strap, including a tension strap adjustor to adjust the length of the tension strap, the tension strap connected to a lower portion of the handle strap; a lateral strap coupled to the tension strap with a connecting ring, the lateral strap including a first looped end and a second looped end configured to register with a first connector and a second connector that secures the apparatus to a snowboarder's boots; a first looped strap configured to register with the first connector of the first looped end of the lateral strap; and a second looped strap configured to register with the second connector of the second looped end of the lateral strap, wherein the first and second looped straps register with snowboard boots.

A snowboard training apparatus, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a handle; a handle strap forming a loop, wherein the handle encompasses a top portion of the loop of the handle strap; a tension strap, including a tension strap adjustor to adjust the length of the tension strap, the tension strap connected to a lower portion of the handle strap; a lateral strap coupled to the tension strap with a connecting ring, the lateral strap including a first looped end and a second looped end configured to register with a first connector and a second connector that secures the apparatus to snowboard bindings; a first binding attachment configured to register with the first connector of the first looped end of the lateral strap; and a second binding attachment configured to register with the second connector of the second looped end of the lateral strap, wherein the first and second binding attachments include one or more openings that register with the snowboard bindings.

It is an objective of the present invention to teach a rider how to properly manage the rider's center of gravity.

It is another objective of the present invention to teach a rider how to transfer the rider's center of gravity over the longitudinal centerline of the snowboard.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus for assisting a rider in getting up onto the snowboard from a sitting position where the snowboard's heal-edge is against a slope.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus that may be attached and detached quickly from the snowboard and with minimal effort.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus that attaches and detaches from a snowboard without requiring retrofitting of the snowboard's bindings; that is, without detaching the snowboard bindings from the snowboard so an accessory may then be attached to the snowboard.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus which assists riders in getting on and off of a ski-lift apparatus (e.g. a chair-lift).

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a training apparatus that also facilitates carrying a snowboard.

It is yet another objective of the present invention that this training tether disclosed may be used as a leash while a rider is on snow and/or ice.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the invention and how to make the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1(a) depicts a snowboard rider holding on to a training tether in accordance with practice of one embodiment of the present invention, showing an overview of how the training tether may be utilized to help a rider stabilize their center of gravity.

FIG. 1(b) depicts a perspective close-up view of the training tether shown in FIG. 1(a), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2(a) depicts a handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2(b) depicts an improved handle region, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2(c) depicts an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a swivel joint is used to connect the handle region to the tension strap or tension strap of the apparatus.

FIG. 2(d) depicts another embodiment, wherein the handle region may be detached from the tension strap using a connection means, such as a side release buckle.

FIG. 2(e) depicts an embodiment with two handles, one for each hand, which share a common tension strap.

FIG. 3(a) depicts an embodiment wherein the tension strap and lateral strap may be one integral piece, or two pieces that are permanently attached.

FIG. 3(b) depicts an embodiment where there are two separate lateral strap elements, a right leg strap and a left leg strap.

FIG. 3(c) depicts an embodiment where the tension strap connects to the leg strap without the aid of a center ring or alternative coupling device.

FIG. 4(a) depicts an embodiment wherein a means of connecting a terminal end of the lateral strap to the snowboard includes a side release buckle and a board attachment.

FIG. 4(b) depicts an embodiment wherein a means of connecting a terminal end of the lateral strap to the snowboard includes a karabiner and a board attachment.

FIG. 4(c) depicts an embodiment wherein a means of connecting a terminal end of the lateral strap to a worn boot secured in a snowboard binding includes a karabiner and a boot loop.

FIG. 4(d) depicts an embodiment wherein a means of connecting a terminal end of the lateral strap to a worn boot secured in a snowboard binding includes a side release buckle, a ring, and a boot loop.

FIG. 4(e) depicts an embodiment wherein a means of connecting a terminal end of the lateral strap to a worn boot secured in a snowboard binding includes a side release buckle and a boot loop.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment where there are two handles and two tension straps, where one such assembly connects to a right snowboard boot or right snowboard binding and the other assembly connects to a left snowboard boot or left snowboard binding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Generally, the present invention involves a snowboard training apparatus or training tether that helps a snowboard rider manage their center of gravity. Various embodiments of the present invention provide a device and method that assists a snowboard rider in managing the rider's center of gravity around the longitudinal centerline of the snowboard, and helps a snowboard rider learn to maintain more of the rider's weight over the down-slope foot. A training tether in accordance with the present invention may attach and detach from a snowboard quickly and with minimal effort, yet remain secure when attached to the snowboard. In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus or training tether may include removable attachments, which circumvents retrofitting and modifying the snowboard or snowboard bindings, so as to facilitate universal use with any snowboarding equipment. An apparatus for training a snowboard rider, in accordance with the present invention, helps a snowboard rider learn to manage the rider's center of gravity and therefore learn how to better ride a snowboard. In exemplary embodiments, the training tether includes a handle portion, a longitudinal portion or tension strap, and a lateral portion or laterals strap that connects the training tether to the snowboard, the snowboard's bindings or the snowboard rider's boots. In terms of use, a rider, by pulling upwards on the training tether from the handle portion, is forced to keep the rider's center of gravity properly balanced over the snowboard. This occurs because when the rider pulls upwards on the training tether, the resulting tension tends to pull the rider's hips over the snowboard. Furthermore, by creating this tension in the training tether, the rider is also made consciously aware of the rider's center of gravity, which aids in teaching the rider how to ride a snowboard.

FIG. 1(a) depicts a snowboard rider holding on to a training tether in accordance with practice of one embodiment of the present invention, showing an overview of how the training tether may be utilized to help a rider stabilize their center of gravity. In such exemplary embodiment, the training tether comprises a handle portion, a longitudinal portion, and a lateral portion, with the handle region for the rider on one end of the tether and connectors at terminal ends of the lateral region of the tether, which connect each terminal end directly or indirectly to the snowboard. Other embodiments expand upon this with increased complexity in the handle region and with different hardware options for connecting to a region of the snowboard. In terms of connecting to a region of the snowboard, the training tether may connect to: both boots of the rider, both snowboard bindings, the snowboard itself, or any other portion connected to the snowboard, which will offer a tension force between the rider and the snowboard.

FIG. 1(b) depicts a perspective close-up view of the training tether shown in FIG. 1(a), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 1(b) shows training tether 100, also shown in FIG. 1(a), depicting an overall exemplary embodiment with every element therein.

In terms of components and materials for a training tether in accordance with the present invention, the various elements generally comprise of straps and hardware components, as discussed below, to connect and adjust the training tether. The training tether may include strapping, a term of art in the outdoor sports industry- strapping is also commonly known as webbing. In the present disclosure, strapping or straps refers to the various portions of the training tether that include a strip of flexible material, where the length is greater than the width. The flexible materials that may be used to construct each strap of the training tether may include a woven material. It is desirable that the material be resistant to water, mildew, abrasion, and ultraviolet (UV) exposure- as the training tether would generally be used outdoors in a cold snowy environment. In addition, the material should not be brittle in cold snowy environments.

Typically, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the straps of a training tether in accordance with the present invention may be natural or synthetic. Common natural materials may include, without limitation, cotton, wool, hemp, or leather. Common synthetic materials may include, without limitation, nylon, polypropylene, polyester, and neoprene. As mentioned above, materials for a training tether in accordance with the present invention may also be treated with chemicals to increase desirable characteristics, such as resistance to water, mildew, abrasion, and UV. As alternatives, rope, cordage, or chains of appropriate materials could be substituted, without limiting or deviating from the scope of the present invention. In various exemplary embodiments, the various lengths and loops of material may be adjusted, as described below, to accommodate different sized riders, both in terms of rider height and rider boot size.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), a snowboard training apparatus, or training tether 100, is shown; the apparatus including handle 101, handle strap 102, union 103, which connects the handle strap with tension strap 105, and tension strap adjustor 104 for adjusting a length of the longitudinal strap or tension strap 105. Connected to tension strap 105, via connecting ring 106, lateral strap 107 runs lateral relative to the rider, and longitudinal relative to the snowboard to which training tether 100 may be attached. Moreover, lateral strap 107 may include a first terminal end and a second terminal end, to which connectors (in the shown embodiment karabiners) 109 may be attached in order to facilitate coupling the device to a snowboard either directly or via snowboard bindings or snowboard boots, or any other snowboard equipment part that may be coupled to the snowboard, allowing the training tether to create a desired tension between the board and the rider. For some configurations, training tether 100 may be utilized without further attachments, but for alternative configurations, training tether may further include board attachments 128. As will be explained in further detail below, board attachments may comprise of boot loops, or binding attachments.

Beginning at the top of FIG. 1(b), training tether 100 is shown, with a handle region formed by handle 101 and handle strap 102, which form a loop or looped portion of training tether 100 at a top portion of the apparatus. The loop portion allows a rider's hands to hang on and pull on handle 101 of the device, and may be formed such that the size of the loop can easily accommodate two hands holding the handle. The strap forming loop, or handle strap 102 may be single-stranded, as shown in FIG. 1(b), or double stranded. Further, handle strap 102 may be inserted through handle 101 so that handle 101 envelopes or encompasses a top portion of the loop formed by handle strap 102. Handle 101 may be a woven material (such as strapping), a tubular material (e.g. made of rubber or plastic), an injected molded plastic component, a synthetic or natural leather component, or any other material suitable for adding grip and a comfortable means of pulling on training tether 100 to create the desired tension between the rider and the snowboard. Accordingly, handle 101 may be rigid or flexible and may include any number of known suitable materials without limiting the scope of the present invention.

Further, in FIG. 1(b), the bottom or lower portion of the handle region, or handle strap 102, connects to the top of tension strap 105. Tension strap 105 serves to connect the handle region to lateral strap 107. In FIG. 1(b), tension strap 105 may be strapping and may be the same strapping material as handle strap 102 as discussed above. The point of connection between the handle region and the top of tension strap 105 is union 103. Union 103 may be created by sewing the strapping material, ultrasonically welding the strapping material, gluing the strapping material, stapling the strapping material, riveting the strapping material, or any other suitable technique for creating union 103 such that union 103 can support the weight of a snowboard rider. The bottom end of the tension strap 105 passes through connecting ring 106 which is depicted by region 102. Further, the length of tension strap 105 may be adjusted by tension strap adjuster 104. Tension strap adjuster 104a may be a typical strap adjuster that is commonly known in the art, a cam, or any other suitable means of adjusting the length of tension strap 105.

In addition to having the bottom of tension strap 105 pass through connecting ring 106, lateral strap 107 also passes through connecting ring 106. Further, connecting ring 106 may be circular, oval, triangular, or any other shape as long as the ring is closed and does not fray or inhibit the movement of tension strap 105 or lateral strap 107.

Lateral strap 107 serves to securely connect the device to the snowboard rider's feet, the snowboard's bindings, or the snowboard itself. Lateral strap 107 may be constructed of the same material as handle strap 102 and tension strap 105, or different materials without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Similarly, lateral strap 107 could be double stranded or single stranded, or constructed in any manner suitable for creating a durable tether that provides a tension between the rider and the snowboard whenever the rider pulls on the handle of the training apparatus. Furthermore, lateral strap 107 could be of the same width and thickness as handle strap 102 and tension strap 105 or of different width and thickness. As mentioned above, lateral strap 107 may include a right terminal end and a left terminal end and the overall length of the lateral strap 107 may be adjusted via lateral strap adjuster 104b. Lateral strap adjuster 104b may be a typical strap adjuster that is commonly known in the art, a cam, or any other suitable means of adjusting the length of lateral strap 107.

A terminal end of lateral strap 107 (either right or left terminal end) connects to either a snowboard rider's boot or to a snowboard's binding, or directly to a snowboard depending on the snowboard and snowboard equipment being used. Coupling lateral strap 107 to snowboard equipment may include using connectors, including buckles, clamps, karabiners, or any other type of connector that may be suitable for connecting lateral strap 107 to snowboard equipment such as boots, bindings or a snowboard itself. FIG. 1(b) shows the following connection configuration, which permits a terminal end of lateral strap 107 to connect to the snowboard rider's boot: connectors 109a and 109b (karabiners depicted) at terminal ends of lateral strap 107, connecting rings 106a and 106b, which connect with connectors 109a and 109b, and board attachments 128a and 128b (in the shown embodiment, board attachments 128a and 128b comprising boot loops for attaching to a rider's snowboard boots).

Connecting rings 106, 106a, and 106b may be any type of suitable connection means that allows mobility and flexibility between lateral strap 107 and tension strap 105. Furthermore, these connection means may be constructed of any material and in varying forms without deviating from the scope of the present inventions. For example, the connecting means or connecting rings may be constructed of metal, plastic, may include flexible materials that incorporate Velcro®, strapping, cordage, rope, or any other material suitable to make a loop, or other connection means and capable of supporting the tension created when a snowboard rider pulls on the training tether.

Board attachments, or boot loops 128a and 128b may be dimensioned such that the diameter of the loop can accommodate fitting around the foot portion of a typical boot worn to ride snowboards. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1(b) boot loops 128a and 128b comprise of straps and could be constructed of the materials disclosed above. In addition, the size of boot loops 128a and 128b may be adjusted via an adjustment means such as a buckle, clamp, clip, adjustor, cam, loop-and-hook means such as Velcro ® or any other suitable means to couple the boot loops to the boots of the rider, and which accommodate different sized boots.

Boot loops 128a and 128b may be coupled to a snowboarder's boot by placing the rider's boot into the opening of each of the boot loops such that the loop is around the rider's foot portion of the boot, then the rider places the right boot with boot loop into the snowboard's binding, securing the binding, and making sure that the connecting ring coupled to the boot loop is accessible for connection hardware to a terminal end of lateral strap 107. In this manner, lateral strap 107 and the balance of training tether 100 may be securely attached to the foot of a snowboard rider as well as securely attached to the snowboard binding. As will be described below, other board attachments may be possible in order to facilitate attachment directly to, for example, the bindings of the snowboard (see FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b)).

Turning now to the next set of figures, FIG. 2(a) depicts a simple handle embodiment for the present invention where there is no handle 101. Instead the handle region may be formed entirely from handle strap 102 and may be of a size adapted to accommodate one or two hands holding handle strap 102; FIG. 2(b) depicts an embodiment where handle strap 102 is covered by handle 101 as discussed above in FIG. 1(b); and FIG. 2(c) depicts an embodiment of the present invention, wherein swivel joint 113 is used to connect the handle region to tension strap 105. Swivel joint 113 may be metal, plastic, or any other material suitable for operating as swivel joint and capable of supporting the tension created when a snowboard rider pulls on the apparatus. Moreover, FIG. 2(d) depicts an embodiment where the handle region can be detached from the tension strap using a connection means, such as a side release buckle. In FIG. 2(d) male end of side release buckle 126 is shown attached to the handle region, while female end side release buckle 127 is shown connected to the tension strap. Note this depicted male-female arrangement of the side release buckle could be reversed without altering the functionality of the present invention. Finally, FIG. 2(e) depicts an embodiment with two handles, one for each hand, but where the two handle regions continue on to share common tension strap 105. Each handle region joins the shared tension strap 105 via unions 103. Thus, tension strap 105 passes through connecting ring 106 and lateral strap 107 also passes through connecting ring 106.

Turning now to the next set of figures, FIG. 3(a) depicts an embodiment wherein the tension strap and lateral strap may be one integral piece, or two pieces that are permanently attached, so there is no connecting ring 106. Here in FIG. 3(a) tension strap 105 and lateral strap 107 are physically joined and function as one piece. The bottom of tension strap 105 is physically connected with the middle of lateral strap 107 via union 103.

FIG. 3(b) depicts an embodiment where there are two separate lateral strap elements, a right lateral strap, or leg strap, and a left lateral strap or leg strap. Note, the right leg strap and left leg strap are identical where the right and left designation only refers to such designations as right and left snowboard bindings or right and left boots. Tension strap 105 remains the same as it was depicted in FIG. 1. All three straps, right leg strap, left leg strap, and tension strap 105 are connected by connecting ring 106. Right leg strap has a right terminal end (not shown) and left leg strap has a left terminal end (not shown). The terminal ends of right leg strap and left leg strap connect to either to a rider's boots or to the snowboard's bindings (not shown, but see FIGS. 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c) below for how lateral strap 107 makes similar terminal end connections).

FIG. 3(c) depicts an embodiment where tension strap 105 connects to lateral strap 107 without the aid of connecting ring 106 or alternative coupling device. Instead, the bottom end of tension strap 105 loops around lateral strap 107 such that lateral strap 107 passes through the bottom loop end of tension strap 105.

Turning next to FIG. 4(a), an embodiment of a means for connecting a right terminal end or a left terminal end of lateral strap 107 to a snowboard is depicted, specifically using a side release buckle and a right board or binding attachment 111. Here in FIG. 4(a) the right terminal end of lateral strap 107 connects to the male end of a side release buckle 126. The male end side release buckle 126 then connects to the counterpart female end of a side release buckle 127. The female end of side release buckle 127 is connected to binding attachment 111. Note, female end of side release buckle 127 could be switched with male end side release buckle 126. The side release buckle could be metal or plastic, or any other material without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, other connection hardware for attaching the right terminal end of lateral strap 107 to a snowboard could be used, such as a center release buckle, a snap hook with a swivel, a snap hook without a swivel, Velcro®, or any other suitable means for connecting the terminal end of lateral strap 107 to a snowboard and is capable of supporting the tension of a snowboard rider's pull on the training apparatus.

In FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) binding attachment 111 may include a piece of strapping that on one end has grommet holes 132 for accepting binding screws and on the other end has a loop of material designed so as to connect to various attachment hardware, such as female end side release buckle 127. The end of binding attachment 111 with the grommet holes 132 is fastened to a snowboard using binding screws. To secure binding attachment 111 to a snowboard, the snowboard's bindings are typically removed. Then binding attachment 111 may be laid over the region of the snowboard where the pre-drilled screw holes for accepting the binding screws are located; the grommet holes 132 may be aligned with the pre-drilled screw holes for accepting the binding screws, then the removed binding is placed back upon the snowboard and over binding attachment 111 and the binding is re-secured using the binding screws such that binding attachment 111 is also secured to the snowboard.

FIG. 4(b) is similar to FIG. 4(a), but instead of depicting a side release buckle, depicts an embodiment wherein connector 109a comprises a karabiner to attach to binding attachment 111.

FIG. 4(c) depicts an embodiment of hardware connecting a right terminal end or left terminal end of lateral strap 107 to a worn boot secured in a snowboard binding, where the exemplary embodiment shown depicts using connector 109a (comprising a karabiner), connecting ring 106a, and boot loop 128a. Here in FIG. 4(c) a terminal end of lateral strap 107 connects to connector 109a by a looped region or looped end of the strap at each of the terminal ends of lateral strap 107. Connector 109a may connect to connecting ring 106a and connecting ring 106a may be connected to boot loop 128a. Of course, connector 109a could be made of metal or plastic and, other means may be utilized such as a center release buckle, a snap hook with a swivel, a snap hook without a swivel, Velcro®, or any other suitable hardware for connecting a terminal end of lateral strap 107 to connecting ring 106a such that the connection means supports the weight of a snowboard rider.

FIG. 4(d) depicts an embodiment of hardware connecting a right terminal end or a left terminal end of lateral strap 107 to a worn boot secured in a snowboard binding, where the exemplary embodiment shown depicts using a side release buckle 126 and 127, connecting ring 106a and boot loop 128. Here in FIG. 4(d) a terminal end of lateral strap 107 connects to male end of side release buckle 126 by a loop of strapping at the terminal end of lateral strap 107. Male end side release buckle 126 then connects to complimentary female end of side release buckle 127. Female end of side release buckle 127 is connected to connecting ring 106a. And connecting ring 106a is connected to boot loop 128 by passing through boot loop 128. Note, female end of side release buckle 127 could be switched (reversed) with male end side release buckle 126 and no change in the present embodiment's functionality would result. Side release buckle 126 and 127 could be metal or plastic. Additionally, other hardware for attaching a terminal end of lateral strap 107 to connecting ring 106a or boot loop 128 could be used, such as a center release buckle, a snap hook with a swivel, a snap hook without a swivel, Velcro®, or any other suitable hardware for connecting a terminal end of lateral strap 107 to connecting ring 106a such that the connection means supports the weight of a snowboard rider.

FIG. 4(e) depicts an embodiment similar to FIG. 4(d), except that connecting ring 106 is not utilized and instead the side release buckle is connected directly with boot loop 128.

Additionally, many of the snowboarding bindings typical of the art and common to the snowboarding industry have geometry, such as holes and gaps in the binding framework, that readily accepts a direct connection from typical connection hardware, such as karabiners, snap hooks, or Velcro®. In such embodiments (which are not shown) a terminal end of lateral strap 107 could be directly connected to a snowboard binding.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment where there are two handles and two tension straps, where one such assembly connects to a right snowboard boot or right snowboard binding and the other assembly connects to a left snowboard boot or left snowboard binding. Note, each of the two assemblies depicted are identical in terms of components and function, aside from one is for the left hand and one for the right hand.

In FIG. 5 each of the two assemblies begins at the top of the figure with a handle region comprised of handle strap 102 and handle 101. A snowboard rider would hold each of the respective handle regions in one hand of the rider when using this embodiment. The bottom of a handle region connects with the top of a tension strap 105 at a union 103. The length of either tension strap 105 is adjustable via tension strap length adjuster 104. In FIG. 5, the bottom terminal ends of each tension strap 105 loops through a respective karabiner 109. A respective connecting ring 106, one for each assembly, then loops through the other end of the respective karabiner 109 and connecting ring 106 finally loops through boot loop 128. Boot loop 128 would be worn over and around a boot of a snowboard rider that is secured in a snowboarding binding.

Using FIG. 1(b) as a reference, the use of training tether 100 may be practiced as follows:

Step 1: A snowboard rider places each boot into a respective boot loop 128, one boot loop 128 for each booted foot. Each boot loop 128 should be around the rider's foot region of each respective boot. In some exemplary embodiments, the size of the boot loop may be adjusted to accommodate different sized boots.

Step 2: The rider then places each boot, along with each boot loop 128, into the appropriate snowboard binding.

Step 3: The snowboard rider then secures each binding over the respective boot and boot loop 128. When securing the bindings, the snowboard rider should make sure each connecting ring 106a, 106b is accessible and not covered by the bindings.

Step 4: Next the snowboard rider connects the appropriate connection hardware to the respective terminal end of lateral strap 107. In FIG. 1(b), this is depicted using karabiner 109 to connect to each connecting ring 106, where each connecting ring 106 is connected to each of the two boot loop 128. The snowboard rider is now ready to progress down the slope using the training tether.

Step 5: When the rider is ready to progress down a slope of snow and ice, the snowboard rider will grasp the handle region, such as handle 101 or handle strap 102, with either one hand or both hands. Grasping the handle region may require adjusting the length of tension strap 105 to a proper length so the rider's back is not bent but with bent legs. For initially controlling the snowboard rider's center of gravity with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the snowboard and for keeping most of the rider's weight over the down-slope foot, the exemplary method of using the training tether involves the rider holding the handle region with both hands. If only one hand is to be used, it may be preferable that the hand facing down-slope is used.

Step 6: While the snowboard rider is progressing down-slope, regardless of whether one or two hands are holding the handle region, the snowboard rider should exert constant tension on the training tether by pulling upwards on the handle region, while maintaining correct riding posture, which includes a straight back and bent legs. By exerting tension on the training tether the snowboard rider's center of gravity is more easily controlled and harder to shift unintentionally, which teaches the rider the importance of controlling their center of gravity and how to do so.

Additionally, using FIG. 1(b) as a reference, the training tether may be used to assist a snowboard rider in getting onto the snowboard from a sitting position where the snowboard's heal-edge is against a slope per the following steps:

Step 1: A rider places each boot into a respective boot loop 128. Each boot loop 128 should be around the rider's foot region of each respective boot. In some exemplary embodiments, the size of the boot loop may be adjusted to accommodate different sized boots.

Step 2: The rider then places each boot, along with each boot loop 128, into the appropriate snowboard binding.

Step 3: The snowboard rider then secures each binding over the respective boot and boot loop 128. When securing the bindings, the snowboard rider should make sure each connecting ring 106 is accessible and not covered by the bindings.

Step 4: Next the snowboard rider connects the appropriate connection hardware to the respective terminal end of lateral strap 107. In FIG. 1(b), this is depicted using karabiner 109 to connect to each connecting ring 106, where each connecting ring 106 is connected to each of the two boot loop 128.

Step 5: The snowboard rider makes sure they are in a sitting position with the snowboard's heal-edge against the slope. Further, the snowboard rider should attempt to make the snowboard's longitudinal length lie perpendicular with respect to the general down-slope direction, which in the art is commonly referred to as the “fall-line.”

Step 6: To assist in the standing up, the rider should then lift the snowboard into the air with both feet and bring the snowboard back down into the snow or ice such that the snowboard's heal-edge engages the slope and not merely that the flat waxed bottom of the snowboard is lying atop the snow or ice.

Step 7: Lastly, the snowboard rider will grasp the handle region, preferably with both hands, and by exerting tension onto the handle region pull themselves up onto the snowboard.

It should be noted that although the boot loop board attachments where described in the method above, the binding attachments may be used with the same method, except that engaging the boot loops with the boots of the rider are replaced with engaging the binding attachments with the bindings of the snowboard.

In this way, a training tether in accordance with the present invention may be attached and detached from a snowboard quickly and with minimal effort, yet remain secure when attached to the snowboard. In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus or training tether may include removable attachments (such as the boot loops or binding attachments described above) in a single kit that is offered to the user. In other embodiments, a training tether may be provided with a single type of attachment that may be universally coupled to a snowboard or snowboard equipment.

When used as described above, an apparatus for training a snowboard rider, in accordance with the present invention, helps a novice snowboard rider learn to manage the rider's center of gravity and therefore learn how to better ride a snowboard. Additionally, the training tether makes it easier for the rider to get onto the snowboard from the sitting position, with the heal-edge against the slope, without having to transition to the knees and the toe-edge position. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention are also useful for experienced riders who may have developed unorthodox riding habits in that this training tether can help the experienced rider learn how to properly position themselves when riding.

A snowboard training apparatus has been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the training tether.

Claims

1. A snowboard training apparatus, comprising:

a handle;

a handle strap forming a loop, wherein the handle encompasses a top portion of the loop of the handle strap;

a tension strap connected to a lower portion of the handle strap; and

a lateral strap coupled to the tension strap, the lateral strap including a first terminal end and a second terminal end configured to register with a first connector and a second connector that secures the apparatus to a snowboard, a snowboarder's bindings, or a snowboarder's boots.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tension strap and the lateral strap are coupled together with a connecting ring.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

a first board attachment configured to register with the first connector of the first terminal end of the lateral strap; and

a second board attachment configured to register with the second connector of the second terminal end of the lateral strap.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first and second board attachments include one or more openings that register with the snowboard or snowboard bindings.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first and second board attachments comprise of looped straps for registering with snowboard boots.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the lateral strap is comprised of:

a first lateral strap portion including the first terminal end and a first connecting end that connects to the connecting ring; and

a second lateral strap portion including the second terminal end and a second connecting end that connects to the connecting ring.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tension strap includes a tension strap adjustor to adjust the length of the tension strap.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tension strap includes a release buckle.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tension strap includes a swivel.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lateral strap includes a lateral strap adjustor to adjust the length of the lateral strap.

11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first and second terminal ends of the lateral strap comprise of looped ends.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first and second connectors comprise of karabiners including an auto-locking or manual locking mechanism for coupling to the looped ends of the first and second terminal ends and the first and second board attachments.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first and second connectors comprise of male fasteners that register with female fasteners on the first and second board attachments.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first and second connectors comprise of female fasteners that register with male fasteners on the first and second board attachments.

15. A snowboard training apparatus, comprising:

a handle;

a handle strap forming a loop, wherein the handle encompasses a top portion of the loop of the handle strap;

a tension strap, including a tension strap adjustor to adjust the length of the tension strap, the tension strap connected to a lower portion of the handle strap;

a lateral strap coupled to the tension strap with a connecting ring, the lateral strap including a first looped end and a second looped end configured to register with a first connector and a second connector that secures the apparatus to a snowboarder's boots;

a first looped strap configured to register with the first connector of the first looped end of the lateral strap; and

a second looped strap configured to register with the second connector of the second looped end of the lateral strap, wherein the first and second looped straps register with snowboard boots.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first and second connectors comprise of karabiners including an auto-locking or manual locking mechanism for coupling the looped ends and the first and second looped straps that register with snowboard boots.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first and second connectors comprise of fasteners that register with complementary fasteners on the first and second looped straps that register with snowboard boots.

18. A snowboard training apparatus, comprising:

a handle;

a handle strap forming a loop, wherein the handle encompasses a top portion of the loop of the handle strap;

a tension strap, including a tension strap adjustor to adjust the length of the tension strap, the tension strap connected to a lower portion of the handle strap;

a lateral strap coupled to the tension strap with a connecting ring, the lateral strap including a first looped end and a second looped end configured to register with a first connector and a second connector that secures the apparatus to snowboard bindings;

a first binding attachment configured to register with the first connector of the first looped end of the lateral strap; and

a second binding attachment configured to register with the second connector of the second looped end of the lateral strap, wherein the first and second binding attachments include one or more openings that register with the snowboard bindings.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first and second connectors comprise of karabiners including an auto-locking or manual locking mechanism for coupling to the looped ends and the first and second binding attachments that register with the snowboard bindings.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first and second connectors comprise of fasteners that register with complementary fasteners on the first and second binding attachments that register with the snowboard bindings.