WO2013158912A1

WO2013158912A1 - Board sport apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2013158912A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/037224
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Thomas RAINS
Original assignee: KRAINKN LLC
Current assignee: KRAINKN LLC
Priority date: 2012-04-18
Filing date: 2013-04-18
Publication date: 2013-10-24
Anticipated expiration: 2014-10-18
Also published as: US20130277926A1

Description

BOARD SPORT APPARATUS AND METHOD Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US patent application Serial Number

13/449,936 filed on 18 April 2012.

Technical Field

[0002] Various embodiments described herein relate to a board sport apparatus and a method for the same. More specifically, the board sport apparatus includes a strap assembly apparatus and a method for using the same.

Background

[0003] Many recreational and competitive sports are available to athletes of all ability levels. One popular area of sports includes sports that use a board. Sports that include the use of a board will be called board sports. Board sports include surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, and the like. Other board sports may include

wakeboards, kneeboards and other boards used or pulled behind a boat. It is

contemplated that other types of board sports may be developed in the future.

[0004] Many of the board sports are relatively new, and their popularity has increased dramatically in the past 25 years. For example, snowboards were very rarely seen at downhill resorts in the 1980s. In the 1990's the popularity of snow boards exploded and these were commonly seen on downhill slopes around the world. Some even claim downhill skiing was saved by snowboards. Downhill skiing was dwindling in popularity when snowboards emerged on the downhill scene. Kneeboards and wake boards are other boards or board sports that are also relatively new.

[0005] Skateboards have been around for a much longer time. Skateboarding was probably born sometime in the late 1940s or early 1950s when surfers in California wanted something to surf when the waves were flat. No one knows who made the first board; it seems that several people came up with similar ideas at around the same time. These first skateboarders started with wooden boxes or boards with roller skate wheels attached to the bottom. The boxes turned into planks, and eventually companies were producing decks of pressed layers of wood— similar to the skateboard decks of today. During this time, skateboarding was seen as something to do for fun besides surfing, and was therefore often called "sidewalk surfing". The first manufactured skateboards were ordered by a Los Angeles, California surf shop, meant to be used by surfers in their downtime.

[0006] Some board sport atheletes or users are content with merely riding the board. Others ride the board and perform tricks during the ride. Generally, the tricks are challenging and show off the ability of the rider or user. As a result, many riders are disposed toward performing tricks. Generally, it may take quite some time to merely learn to write the board associated with a board sport. The tricks can be very difficult and time consuming to learn and are generally learned after writing the board has been mastered. It may take months or years to perfect some tricks. Users or atheletes able to perfect many tricks can turn professional or be featured in "extreme" programs that feature these rider or users. This is common in skateboarding. There are several skateboarders, such as Tony Hawk, that have turned pro and also endorse or even produce a brand of boards. There are other famous riders or users of snowboards and surf boards and the like.

[0007] Learning to ride a board and learning tricks is not only but can also be somewhat dangerous. For example, using the edge of one's snowboard to turn and maneuver can be very difficult and dangerous. If riders stand up straight and end up going down the hill back first, they will typically catch the snowboards downward edge and fall backward at a great rate of speed. Similarly, if riders lean too far forward a front edge can be caught resulting in a "face plant". Similar dangers await for skateboarders. Learning to ride and learning tricks generally takes a long time and a number of failed attempts. These failed attempts can be dangerous as evidenced by the use of helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and other safety equipment commonly used by skateboarders. [0008] As a result, there is a need for an apparatus and method that can ease the difficulties and dangers of learning board sports. In addition there is a need for an apparatus and method that can be used to teach or learn tricks more quickly so that board sport users have early success and are able to showcase their talents.

Summary of the Invention

[0009] A sport board apparatus includes a board having a first end, and a second end. The sport board also includes a first strap coupled to the board proximate the first end of the board, and a second strap coupled to the board proximate the second end of the board. The first strap and the second strap include a cord and a handle. In one embodiment, the cord is made of an elastomeric material. The elastomeric cord is capable of imparting a force on at least one end of the board. In some embodiments, the elastomeric cord is capable of imparting a force on the ends of the board sufficient to bend the board

[0010] A kit is also provided which can be used to provide an existing board with a set of straps for use by a user or rider. The kit includes a first strap, a second strap, a first strap attachment assembly and a second strap attachment assembly. Each of the first strap and the second strap further includes a free end, and an attachment end. The first strap attachment assembly is couplable proximate the first end or the second end of a sport board. The second strap attachment assembly is couplable proximate the other of the first end or the second end of a sport board.

[0011] A method for riding a sport board includes holding a first strap attached proximate a first end of the sport board, and holding a second strap attached proximate a second end of the sport board. A force can be placed on at least one of the first strap and the second strap. In some instances, at least one of the straps is stretched. The force imparted can be sufficient to cause the sport board to bend.

[0012] The board sport described herein is snowboarding, although any type of sport using a board, including, but not limited, to skateboarding and surfing, can utilize the strap assembly. [0013] A strap assembly is described to assist the snowboarder with the athletic position. The strap assembly also gives the rider significantly more control of their snowboard by creating two additional points of contact with the snowboard for the rider's hands. By creating these two new points of contact for the hands, and keeping the rider in an athletic position, the rider gains a new and greater level of control of their snowboard.

[0014] The strap assembly is securely attached to the ends of the snowboard.

The straps can be adjustable and can be adjusted up or down to put the rider in a bent knee athletic position or the straps can be elastic. The straps can be made of any type of strong, flexible material, such as canvass or nylon or the like, or a woven or elastic material. Each strap has a handle at the end that is not attached to the snowboard. With the rider holding onto the strap assembly by the handles, the snowboarder can still move their hands freely for balance. Being balanced is the key to snowboarding success. The snowboarder most importantly can pull up on the snowboard in every upward or sideways direction to assist with balance and maneuvers. If the rider is in an athletic position when they fall, the impact to the ground will be lessened.

[0015] The strap assembly can be affixed at different positions at the end, front and sides of the board, to offer greater turning, maneuverability and

performance. Although the straps are initially a training feature, they will also aid seasoned snowboarders in creating new tricks and enhancing existing maneuvers by giving them two extra points of contact with their board.

[0016] Accordingly, there is a need for this device which allows a snowboarder an easier and safer snowboarding learning experience. It also offers all snowboarders the opportunity to create new tricks and maneuvers while enhancing existing ones. The two new additional points of contact and control of the snowboard, offer a new greater level of control to the rider.

[0017] Beginner snowboarders tend to stand up straight with their knees locked. This position/stance makes it very difficult to balance and turn while snowboarding. This straight up and down position/stance makes it very difficult for the snowboarder to perform the necessary maneuvers to successfully make it down the hill. This straight up and down position/stance often causes a

snowboarder to wrongly head down the hill backwards heels first, or forward toes first, (also referred to as toe or heal long edge), opposed to correctly moving down the hill with either tip of the snowboard leading down the hill. This wrong position is very dangerous because the snowboarder often catches the toe or heals long edge, stops abruptly, and crashes to their back or front. Crashing to the ground a snowboarder is likely to brace their fall with their hands, therefore injuring their wrists, or they hit their tailbone, and most critically the back of their head.

[0018] This strap assembly assists the beginning snowboarder in keeping their knees bent and to maintain an athletic balanced position. This athletic balanced position, along with two additional points of contact with the board, assists the beginning snowboarder to turn and maneuver so as to successfully descend the hill. Lifting and pulling on the strap assembly also helps the snowboarder turn and stop. If a snowboarder does catch the toe or heal long edge while using this strap assembly, their fall impact to their back or front is lessened due to the lower height of the fall and the body's recoil upon ground impact.

[0019] The intermediate and advanced snowboarders are also assisted by the strap assembly. It enhances and assists with their athletic position, adds two additional points of contact with their snowboard, assists them in turning, jumping, grinding, flipping, stopping and propelling them on flat ground while keeping their feet/boots in their bindings. It will enhance and improve virtually all board control aspects of snowboarding. By pulling up on the strap assembly, pulling left, right or back they will have more control over their board.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: [0021] FIG. 1 is a side view of the strap assembly in use on a snowboard with a rider, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the top of the strap assembly in use on a snowboard with a rider, according to an example embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an side view of a handle assembly of the strap assembly, according to an example embodiment.

[0024]

[0025] FIG. 4 is an end perspective view of a handle of the strap assembly, according to an example embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a handle of the strap assembly, according to an example embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a side view of a D-ring having webbing in position for sewing, according to an example embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a front view of a D-ring having webbing in position for sewing, according to an example embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a top view of a wedge or strap attachment mechanism, according to an example embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a side view of the wedge or strap attachment mechanism, according to an example embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a top view of a wedge or strap attachment mechanism coupled or attached to the ends of a sport board, according to an example embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 11 shows the strap mechanism attached to the strap attachment mechanism to form the strap assembly, according to an example embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a kit for attaching to a sport board to convert it to a sport board having straps, according to an example embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a package that includes the kit, according to an example embodiment. Detailed Description

[0035] In the following paper, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the concepts underlying the described embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the underlying concepts.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a side view of the strap assembly in use on a snowboard with a rider, according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the top of the strap assembly in use on a snowboard with a rider, according to an example embodiment. Now referring to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, one example embodiment of the invention will be described. FIGs. 1 and 2 show a board assembly 100, according to an example embodiment. The board assembly 100 includes a board

102. The board 102 includes a first strap attachment mechanism 120 and a second strap attachment mechanism 122. The strap attachment mechanisms are attached to the board 110 proximate a first end of the board 102 and a second end of the board 102. Attached to the strap attachment mechanism 120 is a strap 110. Another strap 110 is similarly attached to the strap mechanism 122. The strap 110 attached to the strap attachment mechanism 120 will be described in further detail with the understanding that each strap and is similar or substantially identical. The strap 110 includes a length of cord 132 and a handle 104. The cord 132 includes a first end 134 and a second end 136. The first end 134 of the cord 132 is attached to the strap attachment mechanism 120. It is

contemplated that there are many types or ways to attach the cord 130 to the strap attachment mechanism 120. The second end 136 of the cord 130 terminates in a handle

103. The handle 103 can include padding or grip surface to enable a rider to easily grasp the handle 103. The handle will be further described below. The cord 130 is attached proximate the first end of the board 110. The cord 132 is attached proximate the second end of the board 110. The board 110 includes a riding surface 112. The cord 130 and the cord 132 are attached outside the riding surface 112. In another

embodiment, the cord 130 and the cord 132 are attached at the ends of the board 110. Generally, the cord 130 and the cord 132 are attached so that an angle is formed between the board 110 and the cord 130, 132. When the rider holds the handles 104 close to his or her body, the angle will be less than 90° and angled toward the rider's body. Of course the rider has the ability to change the angle when holding onto the strap assemblies. The angle can be perpendicular to the board or oblique with respect to the riding area or surface 112 of the board 102. The cords 130, 132 can have varying lengths. The length of the cords 130, 132 can be changed to accommodate differing heights of the riders of the board.

[0037] In one embodiment, the length of cord 132 is elastomeric. One of elastomeric cord that is contemplated is commonly referred to as a bungee cord. The length of the cord 130, 132 is selected so that the rider has the ability to stretch the cord and place a force on one end or both ends of the board 102. In another embodiment, the length of cord is not elastomeric or has a limited amount of stretching capability. Of course, various users can select straps 110 that are the same or that have different properties. This is really a matter of choice for the user or rider of the board.

[0038] FIG. 1 the rider 101, holds onto the strap assembly 1 10, by the handle

103. The strap 104 is connected to the handle 103. At the end of the strap 104 is hook swivel 105. The strap 104 loops through the hook swivel 105 and is connected to a slide lock 106. The slide lock 106 is adjusted up or down to change the length of the strap assembly 102 to put the rider in the desired bent knee stance. The bent knee stance is generally associated with the athletic position.

[0039] Other embodiments include any type of attachment means to secure the strap 104 to the board 107, and any other configurations of a handle 103, so long as the handle 103 offers the rider a secure hold of the strap assembly.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, an attachment means 105a is shown, rather than a hook swivel, to attach the strap 104 to the board 107, and the strap 104 is shown to be non-adjustable, thus without a slide lock 106, which is yet another embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a front view of a handle assembly 300 of the strap assembly, according to an example embodiment. The handle assembly 300 includes a substantially hollow handle or tubular handle 310, a length of nylon webbing 320, and a D-ring 330. This particular embodiment, the nylon webbing 320 is threaded or placed through an opening in the tubular handle 310. This leaves two ends of the nylon webbing 320 which are then sewn to connect the nylon webbing 320 the D-ring 330.

[0042] FIG. 4 is an end perspective view of the tubular handle 310 of the handle assembly 300, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a handle 310 of the handle assembly 300, according to an example embodiment. Now referring to FIGs. 3 - 5, the handle assembly 300 will be more fully described. As shown in FIG. 4, the handle 310 is tubular in includes an opening 312. The handle can be made of any number of materials. For example, in one embodiment the handle is made of plastic and other embodiments the handle is made of metal. Generally a material that is sufficiently strong as well as durable and which meets the weight requirements of a user or rider can be used. Is contemplated that other materials might also be used. For example a composite tubular material could be used. The handle 310 also includes padding 314. The padding 314 can also be made of any number of materials. In one example the padding is made of a foam material. Other materials can be chosen or selected which are more durable or more lightweight. The padding could also be a specialized type of tape used to wrap the handle 310. As shown in FIG. 5, the handle can include design features such as a ribbing. In other words, the padding can be applied in a wide strips and have smaller slots placed therebetween. This forms ribs 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, such as those shown in FIG. 5. It should be noted that the ribs can be of varying widths and that other designs may also be employed. In addition to the design of the padding on the handle 310, different colors may be selected for the padding 314. By offering different colors, or different color schemes, the user is able to custom select a color scheme. Such a selection can increase sales of such a product. In addition, offering different color schemes is consistent with the culture surrounding board sports and "extreme" for sports.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a side view of a D-ring 330 having webbing 320 in position for sewing, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front view of a D-ring 330 having webbing 320 in position for sewing, according to an example embodiment. Now referring to both FIGs. 6 and seven the attachment of the nylon webbing 322 the D ring 330 will be discussed. The nylon webbing 320 is threaded through the tubular opening 312 in the handle 310. The end result is that an intermediate portion of the nylon webbing 320 is captured or encased by the handle 310. The first end 321 of the nylon webbing 320 projects out from a first end of the handle 310. The second end 322 of the nylon webbing 320 projects out from the other or second end of the handle 310. Both the first and 321 and the second end 322 of the nylon webbing 310 are passed through the opening in the D ring 330. The second end 322 and the first and 321 are then folded back or placed onto areas of the nylon webbing 320 which are proximate the first end 321 and the second end 322. The nylon webbing 320 and more specifically the first end 321 and the second end 322 are then attached by means of sewing. The sewing is substantially tight or close to the street side of the D ring. This prevents rotation of the D ring. The D ring 330 can be made of metal having a flat finish or polished finish, or can be made of a durable plastic or any other appropriate material which is durable and capable of carrying repeated loads associated with use of the handle assembly 300. It should be noted that this is one way of attaching a strap 320 to a handle 310 and that there are many other ways to accomplish forming a handle assembly 300. For example, a solid handle could be used that includes openings near the end for receiving a length of rope. The rope could be threaded through the openings and through the D ring 330. The ends of the rope could be knotted so as to prevent the rope from coming through the openings in the handle. The stress but one other alternative way of forming a handle assembly 300.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a top view of a wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800, according to an example embodiment. The wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800 is shaped to correspond to the end of the board 102. The wedge a strap attachment mechanism 800 shown is for a skateboard. Other boards will have other shapes. For example a snowboard is generally wider than a skateboard and a surfboard is generally wider than both the snowboard and skateboard. In addition, since some embodiments or the like not necessary to have the wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800 in the shape of the end of the board. In some embodiments, the wedge or strap attachment mechanism can be smaller than the end of the board. For example, the wedge or attachment mechanism 800 could be a small triangular piece that has a single point of attachment. The wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800 could also be a slightly larger piece of hardware that fits within the bounds of the end of the sport board 102. [0045] The wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800 includes openings 801,

802, 803, 804, 805 for receiving fasteners. The fasteners attach to the wedge or strap attachment mechanism 80 to the particular sport board 102. A sport board 102 can be provided with threaded openings for receiving bolts or the like. In this case the is threaded fasteners would be bolts that go through the openings 801, 802, 803, 804, 805. In other embodiments the board may not be provided with threaded openings and therefore the fasteners would have to be some sort of appropriate fasteners, such as a screw. The wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800 also includes at least one opening that is sized to receive a strap or cord. In this particular embodiment there are two openings 811 and 812 for receiving a cord. The wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800 shown therefore is a two point cord attachment. It should also be noted, that in other embodiments the wedge may feature a single point of attachment or a single opening rather than two openings. For example, the board shown in FIGs. 1 and 2 has a single point attachment cord. This further contemplated that more than 2 quarts could be attached or used to attach the handle assembly 300 to the wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a side view of the wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800, according to an example embodiment. The wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800 includes a lip 820 which fits over the end of the board 102. It is contemplated that in some embodiments the at least one opening for a attachment of a cord could extend beyond the outer periphery of the board 102. In this particular embodiment it appears that the openings 811 and 812 are positioned at or near the periphery of the board 102. The lip 820 serves as a spacer which assures that the fasteners will engage the board 102. Again, different colors can be used to form the wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800.

Additionally, different materials can be used to form the wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800. For example, hot high impact durable plastic may be used in one embodiment while metal may be used in another embodiment. Any sort of durable material can be used to form the wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a top view of a board 900 wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800 coupled or attached to the ends of a sport board, according to an example embodiment. The board 900 includes a rider or user area 910. Attached to each end of the board 900 is a wedge or strap attachment assembly 800. Appropriate fasteners, as mentioned above are used to couple the wedge or strap attachment assembly to the board 900. It is contemplated that a fully assembled board 900 such as that shown in FIG. 10, could be sold along with straps as a new form of sport board. In addition, it is

contemplated that a kit (discussed below with respect to FIG. 12) could be sold to convert an existing board to the inventive sport board 900.

[0048] FIG. 11 shows the strap assembly 300 attached to the strap attachment mechanism 800 to form the inventive sport board 1100, according to an example embodiment. The handle assembly 300 is attached to the wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800 via a cord 1110. The cord 1110 in one embodiment is elastomeric cord. In other embodiments the cord is a fixed or substantially non-stretchable rope. Final assembly includes threading the cord 1110 through the opening 1100 and tying a knot at the free end of the cord 1110. The cord is then passed through the opening in the D ring 330 and then threaded through the opening 812 in the wedge or strap attachment mechanism. The other free end is then nodded below the opening 812. The knots in the free ends of the cord 1110 prevent the cord 1110 from disengaging the openings 811, 812 and disengaging from the wedge 800. As mentioned above, this is a two-point attachment to the board 900. It is contemplated single point or multiple points beyond the two point attachment may be used in other embodiments. The length of the cord 1110 is adjustable in that a knot can be placed closer or farther away from the free end of the cord 1110. In addition, different lengths of cord may be used. A shorter user may use or select a shorter length of cord. Taller users may user select a longer length of cord. The cord length is generally selected so that the user maintains an athletic stance. The cord also is sufficient so that a can place a force on the board 1100. In some instances the cord is of sufficient strength so that it can bend the board 1100. It should be noted that in some instances, such as for single attachment devices, the cord may be shorter or half again a short.

[0049] FIG. 12 is a kit 1200 for attaching to an existing sport board to convert it to a sport board having straps, according to an example embodiment. The kit 1200 includes a first handle assembly 300 and the second handle assembly 300, a first wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800 and a second wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800. In addition, the kit includes a first cord 1220 and a second cord 1222, as well as appropriate fasteners for attaching the wedges or strap attachment mechanisms 800 to the board. Finally the kit includes a set of instructions 1210. The instructions include a description of how to elements of the kit to an existing board the form a sport board 1100. The instructions 1210 can also include other instructions such as a method for using the board. Instructions can be written instructions, a recorded set of instructions. In other words the instructions can be audio and video or both. FIG. 9 is a side view of the wedge or strap attachment mechanism 800, according to an example embodiment.

[0050] The kit 1200 provides the appropriate hardware to convert an existing board to a board with a set of straps for use by a user or rider. The kit includes a first strap, a second strap, a first strap attachment assembly and a second strap attachment assembly. Each of the first strap and the second strap further includes a free end, and an attachment end. The first strap attachment assembly is couplable proximate the first end or the second end of a sport board. The second strap attachment assembly is couplable proximate the other of the first end or the second end of a sport board. The attachment end of the first strap and the second strap is removably attachable to the first strap attachment assembly or the second strap attachment assembly. The kit further includes an instruction set. The instruction set has instructions detailing the attachment of the first strap attachment assembly and the second strap assembly to the sport board. The instruction set also includes instructions describing the attachment of the first strap to one of the first strap attachment assembly and the second strap assembly. The instruction set can also include further instructions. The kit can also include fasteners for making attachments. The first strap and the second strap are made of an elastomeric material, in one embodiment. The first strap and the second strap are adjustable, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, additional straps are provided or included with the kit. The additional straps have different lengths. In one embodiment, the first strap attachment assembly is sized to substantially cover a first end of a sport board, and the second strap assembly is sized to substantially cover a second end of a sport board. In other embodiments, the strap attachment assemblies can be of any size including sizes smaller than an end of the board. The first strap attachment assembly and the second strap assembly are attached to the sport board so that the straps are attached or coupled near the ends of the board outside a rider surface on the board. [0051] FIG. 13 is a package 1300 that includes the kit 1200 and a label 1310 for marketing the kit, according to an example embodiment. The kit 1200 fits within a plastic or polybag 1320. The label 1310 is attached to the top of the polybag 1320. The label 1310 can be provided with an opening for receiving a shaft. With such an opening the ease packages 1300 can be put on display on a display peg in an appropriate shop.

[0052] A sport board apparatus includes a board having a first end, and a second end. The sport board also includes a first strap coupled to the board proximate the first end of the board, and a second strap coupled to the board proximate the second end of the board. The first strap and the second strap include a cord and a handle. In one embodiment, the cord is made of an elastomeric material. The elastomeric cord is capable of imparting a force on at least one end of the board. In some embodiments, the elastomeric cord is capable of imparting a force on the ends of the board sufficient to bend the board. In some embodiments, the length of the cord is adjustable. In another embodiment, there are several different lengths of cord to choose from or selected. The sport board apparatus, in some embodiments, further includes a first strap connection apparatus and a second strap connection apparatus. The first strap connection apparatus is coupled proximate a first end of the board and a second strap connection apparatus coupled proximate a second end of the board, the first strap coupling to the first strap connection apparatus and the second strap coupling to the second strap connection apparatus. The first strap further includes a first handle and the second strap further includes a second handle. The first strap and the second strap are padded, in some embodiments.

[0053] A method for riding a sport board includes holding a first strap attached proximate a first end of the sport board, and holding a second strap attached proximate a second end of the sport board. A force can be placed on at least one of the first strap and the second strap. In some instances, at least one of the straps is stretched. The force imparted can be sufficient to cause the sport board to bend.

[0054] It should be noted that the sport board shown in the above FIGs. is a skateboard. Even though this is what is shown in the example it is contemplated that other types of boards can be used or converted into sport boards that have attachment points near or at the ends of the sport boards and handles for use by the user. This clearly contemplated that a snowboard could be provided with the strap assembly having a link to put the user in the athletic position. Adding the straps are providing a board with straps creates two additional points of contact with the snowboard for the riders hands. By creating these two new points of contact for the hands, in keeping the rider in the athletic position, the rider gains in noon greater level of control of their snowboard.

[0055] Strap assembly is attached to the boat ends of the snowboard in a fixed position. The straps or adjusted up or down to put the rider and a bent need, athletic position. With the rider holding onto the strap assembly by the handles, the

snowboarder can still move their hands freely for balance. Balance is key and snowboarding success. The snowboarder most importantly, can pull up on the snowboard in every direction to assist them with balance and maneuvers. If the snowboarder is nestled in an athletic position than when they fall, the impact to the ground will be lessened. The strap assembly can be affixed at different positions at the end, front and sides of the board to offer greater turning, maneuverability and performance. Although straps are initially a training feature, they will also aid seasoned snowboarders in creating new tricks and enhancing existing maneuvers by giving them to extra points of contact with her board.

[0056] Surfboards are also contemplated. Surfboards vary in weight, length and width as well as build material. They're varying designs for different skill levels and function. Some surfboards are smaller and faster and more maneuver both. Others are longer, heavier and slower and less maneuverable. Strap assembly is created to assist the surfboard or with his athletic position.. The straps also give the rider significantly more control over their surfboard by creating two additional points of contact with the surfboard for the surfboarder' s hand.

[0057] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

[0058] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various

modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0059] While the embodiments have been described in terms of several particular embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of these general concepts. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present embodiments. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the described embodiments.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1. A sport board apparatus comprising:

a board having:

a first end; and

a second end;

a first strap coupled to the board proximate the first end of the board; and a second strap coupled to the board proximate the second end of the board.

2. The sport board apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first strap includes a cord, the cord being made of an elastomeric material.

3. The sport board apparatus of claim 2 wherein the elastomeric cord is capable of imparting a force on the ends of the board.

4. The sport board apparatus of claim 2 wherein the elastomeric cord is capable of imparting a force on the ends of the board, the force capable of bending the board.

5. The sport board apparatus of claim 2 wherein the elastomeric cord is capable of imparting a force on the ends of the board, the force capable of bending the board.

6. The sport board apparatus of claim 2 wherein cord length is adjustable.

7. The sport board apparatus of claim 2 wherein cord length can be selected.

8. The sport board apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first strap connection apparatus coupled proximate a first end of the board and a second strap connection apparatus coupled proximate a second end of the board, the first strap coupling to the first strap connection apparatus and the second strap coupling to the second strap connection apparatus.

9. The sport board apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first strap further includes a first handle and the second stap further includes a second handle.

10. The sport board apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first strap and the second strap are padded.

11. A kit comprising:

a first strap;

a second strap, each of the first strap and the second strap further comprising: a free end; and

an attachment end; and

a first strap attachment assembly couplable proximate the first end or the second end of a sport board; and

a second strap attachment assembly couplable proximate the other of the first end or the second end of a sport board, the attachment end of the first strap and the second strap removably attachable to the first strap attachment assembly or the second strap attachment assembly.

12. The kit of claim 11 further comprising an instruction set including instructions detailing the attachment of the first strap attachment assembly and the second strap assembly to the sport board.

13. The kit of claim 12 wherein the instruction set includes instructions describing the attachment of the first strap to one of the first strap attachment assembly and the second strap assembly.

14. The kit of claim 12 wherein the first strap and the second strap are made of an elastomeric material.

15. The kit of claim 12 wherein the first strap and the second strap are adjustable.

16. The kit of claim 12 further including additional straps, the additional straps having a length different from the length of the first strap and the second strap.

17. The kit of claim 12 wherein the first strap attachment assembly is sized to substantially cover a first end of a sport board, and the second strap assembly is sized to substantially cover a second end of a sport board.

18. A method for riding a sport board including:

holding a first strap attached proximate a first end of the sport board; and holding a second strap attached proximate a second end of the sport board.

19. The method for riding a sport board of claim 18 further comprising placing a force on at least one of the first strap and the second strap.

20. The method for riding a sport board of claim 18 further comprising stretching at least one of the first strap and the second strap.