SLACKLINE DEVICE AND METHOD

Abstract

A slackline device comprising a main body having an underside, at least one bearing portion, and two mutually opposite end portions which are disposed so as to be elevated in relation to the at least one bearing portion; a webbing including opposite ends; and a fastening device that fastens each of the opposite ends of the webbing to the underside of the main body adjacent to the two mutually opposite end portions, wherein the webbing in an assembled state of the slackline device being tensioned between the two end portions of the main body with the fastening device configured to distribute load evenly across a width of the webbing.

Claims

1. A slackline device, comprising: a main body having an underside, at least one bearing portion, and two mutually opposite end portions which are disposed so as to be elevated in relation to the at least one bearing portion; a webbing including opposite ends; and a fastening device that fastens each of the opposite ends of the webbing to the underside of the main body adjacent to the two mutually opposite end portions, wherein the webbing in an assembled state of the slackline device being tensioned between the two end portions of the main body with the fastening device configured to distribute load evenly across a width of the webbing.

2. The slackline device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening device is one of a plate and a buckle.

3. The slackline device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fastening device is one of rectangular, oval and trapezoidal.

4. The slackline device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fastening device is made of one of a metal material and a composite material.

5. The slackline device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fastening device includes one or more of serrations, ridges, and a high-friction coating to prevent slippage of the webbing under tension.

6. The slackline device as claimed in claim 2, further including one or more of screws, bolts, pins, welds, rivets, clamps, glue that secure the fastening device and webbing to the underside of the main body.

7. The slackline device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body is configured as a board.

8. The slackline device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a distance between the two end portions is smaller than 2.5 meters.

9. The slackline device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a width of the main body is smaller than a distance, measured orthogonally to said width, between the two end portions.

10. The slackline device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body in a longitudinal section has a concave-convex profile, a rocker profile and/or a cambered profile.

11. The slackline device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the webbing is configured as a flat webbing.

12. The slackline device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the webbing comprises a polyester, a polyamide, a braided yarn or a hemp.

13. A method of manufacturing the slackline device as claimed in claim 1, comprising: laying the webbing flat against the underside of the main body near one of the end portions; placing the fastening device over the webbing; securing the fastening device, including the webbing, to the underside of the main body near one of the end portions; compressing the main body by lowering or shortening a distance between the end portions of the main body to pretension the webbing; laying the webbing to span the end portions of the main body and to lay flat against the underside of the main body near an opposite end portion; placing a second fastening device over the webbing; securing the second fastening device, including the webbing, to the underside of the main body near the opposite end portion; releasing pressure on the main body, causing the main body to transfer the force to tension of the webbing.

14. The method of claim 13, further including removing any extraneous webbing.

15. The method of claim 13, further including repeating the method with different width webbings, but for slackline devices having the same size main body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Further advantages and embodiments of the application are disclosed in the description and attached drawings. In the drawings:

[0059] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a slackline device according to an embodiment;

[0060] FIGS. 2a-2c show a plurality of views that in a schematic manner visualize the use of the slackline device;

[0061] FIG. 3 shows the slackline device from FIG. 1 in a first state, during assembly;

[0062] FIG. 4 shows the slackline device from FIG. 1 in a second state, during assembly;

[0063] FIG. 5 shows a detail of the slackline device from FIG. 1 in a third state, during assembly;

[0064] FIG. 6 shows a detail of the slackline device from FIG. 1 in a state during disassembly; and

[0065] FIGS. 7a-7d show a plurality of schematic profiles of a main body of the slackline device according to further embodiments.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a slackline device and a step in a method of manufacturing the slackline device including fastening a webbing to an underside of a main body with a fastening device near an end portion of the main body.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the slackline device of FIG. 8.

[0068] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the slackline device of FIG. 8 and another step in the method of manufacturing the slackline device including fastening the webbing to the underside of a main body with a fastening device near an opposite end portion of the main body.

[0069] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the slackline device of FIG. 8 and shows the slackline device after an extraneous portion of the webbing is removed.

[0070] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a number of different slackline devices using different width webbings, but having the same size main body.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0071] FIGS. 1 to 7 show a plurality of embodiments of a slackline device. The slackline device in its entirety therein is in each case identified by the reference sign 10.

[0072] The slackline device 10 comprises a main body 12 and a webbing 14 which is able to be fastened to the main body 12. As will yet be explained in more detail hereunder, the webbing 14 is releasably disposed on the main body 12.

[0073] The main body 12 according to the presently shown embodiment is configured as a board which in terms of the shape is similar to a skateboard or a snowboard. The dimensions of this board are also fundamentally similar to the dimensions of a skateboard or snowboard, this not being intended to imply any kind of restriction.

[0074] The main body 12 configured as a board is preferably constructed from a wood veneer. In principle, however, synthetic materials can also be considered for use as the basic material for the main body 12.

[0075] The webbing 14 is preferably a flat webbing as is also used already in conventional slackline devices. The webbing 14 can be produced from, for example, polyester, polyamide, braided yarn and/or hemp. Of course, further materials are also conceivable here.

[0076] The main body 12 comprises a bearing portion 16 and two end portions 18, 20 which are disposed so as to be mutually opposite and form the two longitudinal ends of the main body 12. The end portions 18, 20, which presently are referred to as the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 20, in the exemplary body shown are configured as ends that are curved upward. The two end portions 18, 20 are integrally connected to the bearing portion 16 and disposed so as to be elevated in relation to the latter.

[0077] In this case the lower side of the main body 12 serves as the bearing portion 16. Depending on the shape or the longitudinal sectional profile of the main body 12, one or a plurality of bearing portions 16 may be provided. This means that the main body 12 on the lower side thereof bears on the hard ground at one or a plurality of locations. Of course, these locations may vary during the use of the slackline device 10. In principle, it would be likewise conceivable for further bearing elements to be attached to the lower side of the main body 12, said further bearing elements in this instance forming the at least one bearing portion 16.

[0078] The transition between the central or bearing portion 16 and the two end portions 18, 20 is in each case preferably configured as a continuously curved, arcuate transition. In principle however, it would also be possible for a kink to be provided here. However, an arcuate curvature has the advantage that the main body 12, and thus also the entire slackline device 10, can be moved more easily and continuously. In this way, it is possible for the user to have more degrees of freedom and thus a more diverse use of the slackline device 10.

[0079] In the presently shown embodiment the webbing 14 is releasably disposed on both end portions 18, 20. To this end, a first slot 22 is provided on the first end portion 18, and a second slot 24 is provided on the second end portion 20. Both slots 22, 24 preferably penetrate the main body 12 completely.

[0080] Furthermore, a locking element 26 and a securing element 28 are used for assembling the webbing 14. No further components are otherwise required for assembling the slackline device 10. The manner and the procedure of the assembly will yet be explained in detail hereunder.

[0081] FIGS. 2a-2c show a plurality of views which schematically visualize the intended use of the slackline device 10. It is to be pointed out that the types of use shown herein illustrate only three exemplary uses of various potential uses of the slackline device 10. Apart from the fundamental possibility to balance on the webbing 14 on one foot or both feet, the user 32 can additionally also tilt the main body or the board 12 or rotate it in any desired manner similar to that also possible with a skateboard.

[0082] The main body 12 is configured to be more elastic than the webbing 14. As a result, with the slackline device 10 it is possible to simulate or imitate webbing 14 behavior similar to that arising in conventional slackline devices. This is made specifically possible despite the fact that the webbing 14 of the slackline device 10 is typically configured to be substantially shorter than a conventional slackline device.

[0083] As a result of the property of the main body 12 being configured to be more elastic than the webbing 14, the main body 12 in the loaded state yields more than the webbing 14. The main body or the board 12 bends in the loaded state. In other words, the bearing portion 16 and/or the end portions 18, 20 flex/flexes in such a manner that the distance between the two fastening points of the webbing 14, or the distance between the two slots 22, 24, varies dynamically. This variation of the distance results in a variation of the tension or elongation of the webbing 14. This variation of the tension or elongation of the webbing 14 is thus not primarily caused by an elongation of the webbing 14 per se, or by a longitudinal variation of the latter, but primarily by a variation of the distance of the suspension points of the webbing 14 on the main body 12.

[0084] Of course, a longitudinal variation of the webbing 14 per se also arises in the loaded state. In comparison to the variation of the distance of the suspension points of the webbing 14 however, said longitudinal variation is negligible because the elasticity modulus of the webbing is considerably higher than the elasticity modulus of the main body.

[0085] The assembly of the webbing 14 on the main body 12 is visualized in the sequence of individual steps in FIGS. 3 to 5. First, an end 30 of the webbing 14, which presently is referred to as the second end, is guided from the outside through the second slot 24 and with the aid of a securing element 28 fixed on the main body 12. The securing element 28 is configured as a pin which is introduced into a loop 34 provided on the second end 30 of the webbing 14. A loop 38 is likewise provided on the opposite first end 36 of the webbing 14. Both loops 34, 38 are fixedly disposed loops which are fixed by stitching or adhesive bonding, for example.

[0086] In the next step, the first end 36 including the loop 38 which is provided thereon is folded back, as is schematically shown in FIG. 4. A further (mobile) loop 40 is created as a result of this folding action. The webbing 14 by way of this folded loop 40 is pushed from the outside through the first slot 22 (see arrow 42). A locking element 26 is subsequently introduced into the loop 40, as is schematically illustrated by the arrow 44 in FIG. 4. The webbing 14 is then tautened at the first end 36 thereof. To this end, a rod-shaped ancillary means 48 can be introduced into the loop 38 disposed on the first end 36 of the webbing 14, for example, so as to then pull firmly on the webbing 14 (see FIG. 5). When correctly assembled, this loop 38 in the state shown in FIG. 5 is disposed below the webbing 14, thus between the webbing 14 and the main body 12.

[0087] As a result of the folding action shown in FIG. 4, which leads to the loop 40 being formed, the webbing 14 lies on top of itself and friction or resistance consequently arises, depending on the direction. The fastening mechanism described blocks or fixes the webbing 14 on the main body 12 when tension is exerted on the webbing. However, the mechanism does not lock when pulling takes place on the first end 36 of the webbing 14, this allowing excess webbing material 14 to be extracted.

[0088] When more force is exerted during the tensioning procedure, the main body 12 per se, by virtue of the predefined shape and material properties thereof, begins to bend so as to form an arc. As a result, the distance between the two end portions 18, 20 of the main body 12 is decreased and the webbing 14 is consequently also loosened. This loosening is simultaneously compensated for by the tensile force exerted on the first end 36 of the webbing 14. As a result, the webbing 14 can be very easily tightened by hand.

[0089] The locking element 26 functions as an arrester. This locking element 26, by way of the mutually opposite end pieces 50, 52 (see FIG. 4), bears on the first end portion 18 on the planar wall portion 54 formed on the inside on opposite sides of the first slot 22 on the main body 12. In a similar manner, at the opposite end, the second end 30 of the webbing 14, the securing pin 28 on opposite sides of the second slot 24 also bears on a planar wall portion 56 formed on the second end 20 of the main body 12.

[0090] In order to prevent that the webbing 14 in the tensioned state on the wrapping about the locking element 26 jams on the main body 12, the locking element 26 preferably has the following shape which can be seen in particular in the view in FIG. 4. The locking element 26, beside the two end pieces 50, 52 thereof disposed on both end sides, comprises a centerpiece 58 which integrally connects the two end pieces 50, 52. This centerpiece 58, as also the two end pieces 50, 52, is preferably configured to be substantially cylindrical. However, the two end pieces 50, 52 have a diameter which is enlarged in comparison to the centerpiece 58. A type of roller effect is created as a result, on account of which the locking element 26 rolls on the planar wall portion 54 while the webbing 14 is being tensioned. As a result, jamming of the webbing 14 between the locking element 26 and the slot 22 is largely precluded.

[0091] In order for the slackline device 10 to be disassembled, or for the webbing 14 to be released, it is only necessary for the securing element 28 to be removed. This can take place, for example, by releasing the securing element 28 with a hammer and a further pin 60, as is schematically indicated in FIG. 6.

[0092] In summary, a device which is very easy to assemble and disassemble and can be used in a diverse manner by the user is created in this way. The slackline device 10 is configured to be portable and can be very manageably transported almost anywhere and used in the smallest space. Nevertheless, said slackline device 10 also offers the user the option of acting like a conventional slackline device, should this be desired.

[0093] Furthermore, it is possible for the slackline device 10 to also be used with two webbings. To this end, further slots 60, 62, 64, 66 can be provided on both end portions 18, 20 of the main body 12, with the aid of which two webbings can be assembled so as to be mutually parallel on the main body 12 (see FIG. 3). The assembly of the two webbings here preferably takes place in the manner already mentioned above in the context of the webbing 14.

[0094] It is understood that the shown embodiment represents only one of many potential embodiments of the presented slackline device. Modifications in terms of size and shape are readily possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0095] FIGS. 7a-7d show, for example, various dissimilar longitudinal sectional profiles of the main body 12 in order to highlight that the latter can also be configured in many variants. In a manner similar to a snowboard, the main body 12, which is configured as a board, in the longitudinal section thereof can have, for example, a rocker shape, a cambered shape, or else a concave-convex shape. Combinations of these shapes are also conceivable in principle.

[0096] With reference to FIGS. 8-12, a slackline device 70 with a simplified and permanent slackline attachment system 80 will be described. Like elements to those described above and shown herein include a like reference number, but with an a suffix. The prior description of slackline device 10 along with the accompanying figures is incorporated herein.

[0097] Similar to the slackline device 10, the slackline device 70 comprises a main body 12a and a webbing 14a which is able to be fastened to the main body 12a. The main body 12a comprises a bearing portion 16a and two end portions (first end portion 18a, second end portion 20a) which are disposed so as to be mutually opposite and form the two longitudinal ends of the main body 12a.

[0098] In the slackline attachment system 80, each end 90 of the webbing 14a is permanently mechanically fastened to an underside 100 of the main body 12a by a fastening device 110. The fastening device 110 is a plate, buckle, or other device. The fastening device 110 may be, for example, a generally rectangular, oval or trapezoidal metal or composite member configured to distribute load evenly across the width of the webbing 14a. The fastening device 110 may include serrations, ridges, or a high-friction coating to prevent slippage of the webbing 14a under tension. The fastening device 110 is positioned over each end 90 of the webbing 14a and is secured near the first end portion 18a and the second end portion 20a to the underside 100 of the main body 12a using one or more screws, bolts, pins, welds, rivets, glue, or other fasteners. The slackline attachment system 80 fixes the webbing 14a in place without requiring any through-holes in the deck surface like those shown with respect to the slackline device 10 and FIGS. 1-6.

[0099] The slackline attachment system 80 will now be described in use. First, an end 90 of the webbing 14a is laid flat against the underside 100 of the main body 12a, the fastening device 110 (e.g., plate, buckle) is placed over it, and mechanical fasteners 120 secure the assembly so that the end 90 of the webbing 14a is attached to the underside 100 of the main body 12a near one of the end portions 18a, 20a. Second, the main body 12a is compressed, lowering/shortening the distance between the end portions 18a, 20a to pretension the webbing 14a. Third, the fastening device 110 is used to attach the opposite end 90 of the webbing 14a to the underside 100 of the main body 12a near the opposite end portion 18a, 20a. Fourth, the remaining webbing 14a is cut off. Fifth, pressure on the main body 12a is released, causing the main body 12a to transfer the force to the tension of the webbing 14a. By compressing the main body 12a during installation of the webbing 14a, it becomes tensioned by afterwards releasing this compression.

[0100] Some of the advantages of the slackline attachment system 80 compared to traditional tensioning systems include a reduction in cost by eliminating the need to create loops in the webbing 14a, cut the webbing 14a to a precise length, and to cut holes in the main body 12a; replaces the more complicated piece parts used to lock each end of the webbing 14a against the main body 12a with a simpler plate-like device; increases precision in tension; and simplifies the automation of process steps and reduces production time. All of these factors combine to materially reduce product costs. The slackline attachment system 80 approach also improves the customer experience because it makes the product maintenance-free and more durable. A permanent attachment eliminates the need to add tension to the webbing 14a as it loosens over time. By eliminating the holes in each end portion 18a, 20a of the main body 12a, the overall construction becomes more robust, enabling it to last longer and be subjected to higher loads without breaking. In addition, the elimination of holes in the main body 12a also enables the same main body 12a to be used with different widths of webbings 14a, ranging from approximately 1 inch to 3.5 inches. This increases flexibility in the manufacturing process.

[0101] It is to be understood that the foregoing is a description of one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. The invention is not limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed herein, but rather is defined solely by the claims below. Furthermore, the statements contained in the foregoing description relate to particular embodiments and are not to be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or on the definition of terms used in the claims, except where a term or phrase is expressly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiment(s) will become apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to come within the scope of the appended claims.

[0102] As used in this specification and claims, the terms for example, e.g., for instance, such as, and like, and the verbs comprising, having, including, and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with a listing of one or more components or other items, are each to be construed as open-ended, meaning that the listing is not to be considered as excluding other, additional components or items. Other terms are to be construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.