Snowboard Assistance Device

Abstract

A training device for snowboard users. The training device intends to minimize the chances of a child falling while learning proper snowboarding techniques. The training device comprises a base plate, a handle receiver, a handle, and a locking system. The front of the base plate mounts to the rear bindings of the trainee's snowboard. The handle receiver is integrated into the rear of the base plate. The handle detachably connects to the handle receiver and the locking system secures the handle in place. During use, the trainer rides behind the trainee, wherein the trainer has control of the handle. While in motion, the trainer can twist, push, and pull on the handle to control the speed, edge angle, and rotation of the snowboard. When not in use, the handle detaches from the device. This allows the user to ride on a chairlift with the training device in a stowed configuration.

Claims

1. A snowboard training device comprising: a base plate; a handle receiver; a handle; a locking system; the base plate being positioned on top of a snowboard; the base plate comprising a forward section and an aft section; the forward section being secured to the rear bindings of the snowboard; the handle receiver being positioned within the aft section; the handle receiver extending outward from the top surface of the base plate at a predefined angle; the predefined angle being delineated between the top surface of the base plate and the front of the handle receiver; the handle being detachably connected to the handle receiver; and the locking system being configured to secure the handle to the handle receiver.

2. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the base plate further comprising a plurality of binding holes; the plurality of binding holes being positioned along the forward section; the forward section being positioned in between the top of the snowboard and the rear bindings; and a plurality of first fasteners being inserted through the rear bindings, through corresponding binding holes of the base plate, and fastened into the snowboard.

3. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the handle receiver comprising a receiver body and a receiver opening; and the receiver opening traversing axially inward from the top of the receiver body.

4. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the predefined angle is an obtuse angle.

5. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 3 comprising: the handle receiver further comprising a plurality of brace supports; each of the plurality of brace supports being perimetrically connected to the receiver body, extending downward to the top surface of the base plate; the plurality of brace supports comprising a first side brace, a second side brace, and an aft brace; and the aft brace being positioned along the aft end of the base plate.

6. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 3 comprising: the handle comprising a handle stem and a handle grip; the handle stem comprising a connector end and a distal end; the connector end being adapted to slidably engage with the receiver opening; and the distal end being terminally connected to the handle grip.

7. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 6 comprising: the handle grip comprising a pair of side handles and a center handle; the pair of side handles being configured for tilting the snowboard; and the center handle being configured for pushing and pulling the snowboard.

8. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 6 comprising: the locking system being in the form of a ratchet strap; the ratchet strap comprising a ratchet, a strap, and a second fastener; the ratchet being mounted to the handle stem, positioned above the connector end; a first end of the strap being mounted to the handle receiver via the second fastener; and a second end of the strap being operably coupled to the ratchet.

9. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 6 comprising: the locking system being in the form of a lock bolt; a plurality of apertures traversing laterally through the receiver body and through the connector end; each of the plurality of apertures being aligned to form a through hole; and the lock bolt being inserted into the plurality of apertures.

10. A snowboard training device comprising: a base plate; a handle receiver; a handle; a locking system; the base plate being positioned on top of a snowboard; the base plate comprising a forward section, an aft section, and a plurality of binding holes; the forward section being secured to the rear bindings of the snowboard; the plurality of binding holes being positioned along the forward section; the forward section being positioned in between the top of the snowboard and the rear bindings; a plurality of first fasteners being inserted through the rear bindings, through corresponding binding holes of the base plate, and fastened into the snowboard; the handle receiver being positioned within the aft section; the handle receiver extending outward from the top surface of the base plate at an obtuse angle; the obtuse angle being delineated between the top surface of the base plate and the front of the handle receiver; the handle receiver comprising a receiver body and a receiver opening; the receiver opening traversing axially inward from the top of the receiver body; the handle being detachably connected to the handle receiver; and the locking system being configured to secure the handle to the handle receiver.

11. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 10 comprising: the handle receiver further comprising a plurality of brace supports; each of the plurality of brace supports being perimetrically connected to the receiver body, extending downward to the top surface of the base plate; the plurality of brace supports comprising a first side brace, a second side brace, and an aft brace; and the aft brace being positioned along the aft end of the base plate.

12. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 10 comprising: the handle comprising a handle stem and a handle grip; the handle stem comprising a connector end and a distal end; the connector end being adapted to slidably engage with the receiver opening; and the distal end being terminally connected to the handle grip.

13. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 12 comprising: the handle grip comprising a pair of side handles and a center handle; the pair of side handles being configured for tilting the snowboard; and the center handle being configured for pushing and pulling the snowboard.

14. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 12 comprising: the locking system being in the form of a ratchet strap; the ratchet strap comprising a ratchet, a strap, and a second fastener; the ratchet being mounted to the handle stem, positioned above the connector end; a first end of the strap being mounted to the handle receiver via the second fastener; and a second end of the strap being operably coupled to the ratchet.

15. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 12 comprising: the locking system being in the form of a lock bolt; a plurality of apertures traversing laterally through the receiver body and through the connector end; each of the plurality of apertures being aligned to form a through hole; and the lock bolt being inserted into the plurality of apertures.

16. A snowboard training device comprising: a base plate; a handle receiver; a handle; a locking system; the base plate being positioned on top of a snowboard; the base plate comprising a forward section and an aft section; the forward section being secured to the rear bindings of the snowboard; the handle receiver being positioned within the aft section; the handle receiver extending outward from the top surface of the base plate at a predefined angle; the predefined angle being delineated between the top surface of the base plate and the front of the handle receiver; the handle receiver comprising a receiver body and a receiver opening; the receiver opening traversing axially inward from the top of the receiver body; the handle comprising a handle stem and a handle grip; the handle stem comprising a connector end and a distal end; the connector end being adapted to slidably engage with the receiver opening; the distal end being terminally connected to the handle grip; the handle being detachably connected to the handle receiver; the locking system being configured to secure the handle to the handle receiver; the locking system being in the form of a ratchet strap; the ratchet strap comprising a ratchet, a strap, and a second fastener; the ratchet being mounted to the handle stem, positioned above the connector end; a first end of the strap being mounted to the handle receiver via the second fastener; and a second end of the strap being operably coupled to the ratchet.

17. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 16 comprising: the base plate further comprising a plurality of binding holes; the plurality of binding holes being positioned along the forward section; the forward section being positioned in between the top of the snowboard and the rear bindings; and a plurality of first fasteners being inserted through the rear bindings, through corresponding binding holes of the base plate, and fastened into the snowboard.

18. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the predefined angle is an obtuse angle.

19. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 16 comprising: the handle receiver further comprising a plurality of brace supports; each of the plurality of brace supports being perimetrically connected to the receiver body, extending downward to the top surface of the base plate; the plurality of brace supports comprising a first side brace, a second side brace, and an aft brace; and the aft brace being positioned along the aft end of the base plate.

20. The snowboard training device as claimed in claim 16 comprising: the handle grip comprising a pair of side handles and a center handle; the pair of side handles being configured for tilting the snowboard; and the center handle being configured for pushing and pulling the snowboard.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a top-front-right perspective view of the present invention, shown attached to a snowboard.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a top-rear-left perspective view of the present invention, shown attached to a snowboard.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a top-front-right perspective view of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a bottom-rear-left perspective view of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a right-side elevational view of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a magnified view taken from FIG. 7, in accordance with a first embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a magnified view taken from FIG. 7, in accordance with a second embodiment.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0017] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0018] In reference to FIGS. 1-11, the present invention is a training device 1 for snowboard users. An objective of the present invention is to provide the user with a training device that is easily transportable and detachable. The training device 1 mounts to the rear bindings 9 of a snowboard SB. While in motion, the user (trailing rider) twists, pushes, and pulls on the handle 4 of the training device to control the speed, edge angle, and rotation of the snowboard. When not in use, the handle 4 detaches from the device. This allows the user to ride on a chairlift with the training device 1 in a stowed configuration.

[0019] To accomplish the objectives, the present invention comprises a base plate 2, a handle receiver 3, a handle 4, and a locking system 5. The base plate 2 functions as the primary structural component of the present invention, as the remaining components of the present invention are configured upon the base plate 2. The base plate 2 is a rigid structure made of metal or hard plastic and is preferably rectangular in shape. As best seen in FIGS. 8-10, the base plate 2 comprises a top surface 21, a bottom surface 22, a forward section 23, and an aft section 24. The bottom surface 22 of the base plate is seated flush with the top of the snowboard SB. The forward section 23 of the base plate is secured to the rear bindings 9 of the snowboard SB. The handle receiver 3 is positioned within the aft section 24 of the base plate, extending outward from the top surface 21 at a predefined angle . The handle 4 is detachably connected to the handle receiver 3, and the locking system 5 is configured to secure the handle 4 to the handle receiver 3. When preparing for transport, the user can quickly detach the handle 4 from the handle receiver 3 by disengaging the locking system 5.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the same OEM fasteners used to connect the rear bindings 9 to the snowboard SB are also utilized to detachably connect the base plate 2 to the snowboard. In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 3, the base plate 2 further comprises a plurality of binding holes 25. The plurality of binding holes 25 are disposed along the forward section 23 of the base plate 2. The forward section 23 is positioned in between the top of the snowboard SB and the bottom of the rear bindings 9. A plurality of first fasteners 91 are inserted through the rear bindings 9, through the corresponding binding holes 25 of the base plate, and fastened into the snowboard SB. The exact quantity and positioning of the binding holes 25 on the base plate are delineated by the mounting provisions of the rear bindings 9.

[0021] The handle receiver 3 comprises a receiver body 31 and a receiver opening 32. As seen in FIG. 10, the receiver body 31 extends upward and away from the base plate 2 at an obtuse angle , wherein the obtuse angle is delineated between the top surface 21 of the base plate 2 and the front of the receiver body 31. The receiver opening 32 traverses axially inward from the top of the receiver body 31. The receiver opening 32 is preferably in the form of a hexagonal-shaped counterbore. The hexagonal shape prevents the handle 4 from rotating during use. It is understood that the angle of the receiver body is not limited to being an obtuse angle and can be of any suitable angle based on design, user, and/or manufacturing requirements. Likewise, the profile shape of the receiver opening 32 is not limited to hexagonal and can take the form of any suitable shape based on design, user, and or manufacturing requirements.

[0022] In the preferred embodiment, the handle receiver 3 further comprises a plurality of brace supports 33. The plurality of brace supports 33 provide structural stability to help strengthen the connection between the base plate 2 and the handle receiver 3. During use, the plurality of brace supports 33 absorb the high stress and high torque loads exerted from the handle 4. Each of the plurality of brace supports 33 are perimetrically connected along the outer surface of the receiver body 31, extending downward to the top surface 21 of the base plate 2. The plurality of brace supports 33 comprises a first side brace 34, a second side brace 35, and an aft brace 36. As best seen in FIGS. 5-6, the first and second side braces 34,35 are positioned on opposite sides of the handle receiver 3, each oriented perpendicular with the aft brace 36. The aft brace 36 is positioned along the aft end 26 of the base plate 2. In this arrangement, the aft brace 36 provides vertical support while the first and second side braces 34,35 provide lateral support.

[0023] The handle 4 comprises a handle stem 41 and a handle grip 42. The handle stem 41 is an elongated member, preferably in the form of a cylindrical tube. However, the shape of the handle stem 41 is not limited to being cylindrical and can take the form of any suitable shape based on design, user, and/or manufacturing requirements. The handle stem 41 comprises a connector end 40 and a distal end 49. As seen in FIG. 10, the connector end 40 is adapted to slidably engage with the receiver opening 32. Stated another way, the connector end 40 is shaped to fit within the receiver opening 32. The distal end 49 of the handle stem 41 is terminally connected to the handle grip 42. In the preferred embodiment, as seen in FIG. 8, the handle grip 42 is configured as a two-handed grip comprising a pair of side handles 42a, 42b and a center handle 42c. In this arrangement, the center handle 42c allows the user to push the snowboard forward or pull the snowboard back with one hand. The pair of side handles 42a, 42b allow the user to provide torque and tilt the snowboard in either direction using two hands.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment, the locking system 5 is in the form of a ratchet strap 5a. As seen in FIG. 10, the ratchet strap 5a is easily accessible, allowing the user to quickly engage and disengage the ratchet strap 5a without using any external tools. The ratchet strap 5a further comprises a ratchet 51, a rubber strap 52, and a second fastener 53. The ratchet 51 is mounted along the outer surface of the handle stem 41, positioned above the connector end 40. A first end 52a of the rubber strap 52 is mounted to the handle receiver 3 via the second fastener 53. The second end 52b of the rubber strap 52 is inserted through and operably coupled to the ratchet 51. To unlock and remove the handle 4, the user simply pulls up on the lever of the ratchet 51 and slides the handle 4 out of the handle receiver 3.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the locking system 5 is in the form of a lock bolt 5b. As seen in FIG. 11, a plurality of apertures 54 traverse laterally through the receiver body 31 and through the connector end 40. To secure the handle 4 in place, the user inserts the connector end 40 into the receiver opening 32 such that the apertures 54 on the connector end 40 are aligned with the apertures 54 on the receiver body 31 to form a through hole. Then, the user inserts the lock bolt 5b through the plurality of apertures 54, thereby securing the handle 4 in place. To unlock and remove the handle 4, the user follows the same steps in reverse.

[0026] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.