US20040036257A1

US20040036257A1 - Snow board brake

Info

Publication number: US20040036257A1
Application number: US10/227,923
Authority: US
Inventors: Gregory Lille; Sam Morishima; Jack Kim; Robert Strickler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-26
Filing date: 2002-08-26
Publication date: 2004-02-26

Abstract

A braking device for slowing a snow board which is to be used by novice or inexperienced users. The invention is comprised of a blade which is affixed either between the rear boot attachment means and the rear of the snow board or on the bottom upturned portion of the rear end of the snow board. The blade is adjustably angled forward against the snow in the direction of travel. When the blade is in the lowered position it cuts snow and directs the cut snow upward over the blade. A slot in the snow board just ahead of the blade allows the snow to pass upward through the snow board. Alternately for another embodiment, the blade is held in a bracket which is affixed to the rear upturned surface of the snow board. For this embodiment of the invention, the cut snow is directed upward between the blade and its supporting structure. The preferred embodiment of the invention is to employ a broad straight bottom edge for the blade about 4 inches wide with a maximum depth of cut of about ½ inch. An acceptable angle of cut of the angled blade can range from a vertical position to about 45 degrees downward and forward. When the snow board is not being used, the blade is repositioned by loosening the blade and sliding or rotating it relative to its support with tightening of the blade fixing means for its final securement. In another embodiment, a fixed blade in the form of a angle is attached directly to the bottom of the snow board perpendicular to the length of the snow board. Such blades can extend downward different distances to provide different amounts of drag.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of speed reduction systems for sports training devices and more particularly to such devices for snow boards when used by inexperienced users.

1. Prior Art

No prior art can be found which discloses the present invention. There are numerous devices however which disclose devices for braking for skis and/or snow boards which are distinguished from the present invention below. Initially however, it is appropriate to summarize the distinguishing feature of the present invention as compared with all of these devices. The key difference is that the present invention does not seek to have a means which can alter the amount of braking while the system is in use. It is instructive to compare the function of this invention with an application in another field, namely the use of small training wheels on each side and adjacent to the rear wheel of a bicycle as used by young children who are just learning to ride a bicycle. In both cases, the user has no desire or need to alter the amount of artificial assistance gained by the modification to the equipment. Stated another way, such users are generally rather inexperienced and it requires all of the limited skill of an individual may have just to manage to ride the bicycle or snow board without any additional options which might modify the character of the assistance. In the same manner that training wheels on a bicycle can be removed when the user has more experience and skill, the braking system described by the present invention can be removed or adjusted to eliminate the braking completely.

It may be claimed that the invention lacks novelty and that prior art discloses the present invention. However, none of the referenced patents are in commercial use to any extent and the need in the marketplace for this device has been long standing and is still unsatisfied. It is the simplicity of the invention that makes it commercially attractive and which satisfies the needs of inexperienced users. Restated, it is the avoidance of options to control the amount of braking while using the design specified by the present invention that is critical.

The present invention is designed for use with snow boards. Given the narrowness of most skis, the use of a braking blade in the middle of a ski, as would be taught by the present invention, would tend to substantially weaken the ski. The present invention however could be used with some degree of effectiveness at the rear end of a ski. The functionality of the devices distinguished below are to be utilized while actively engaged in the various sports of skiing, snow boarding or snowmobiling. All of the devices, to one degree or another, allow the exercise of some change of functionality while being used.

The device disclosed by Hunter, U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,576, is for use with a down hill ski. The drag element lacks means for channeling the cut snow upward and away from the snow surface. There is a separate latching means which can be engaged with a ski pole to implement the braking device. The braking means are on one or both sides of the ski and not through the ski or on the end. The design is functional for skis and not for snow boards. The design teaches the use of conttrolled drag elements on the outer edges of the supporting ski or surface which the present invention avoids. Control over the braking means is exercised while the user is actively skiing. This is a design which is particularly unsuitable for the braking of snow boards as persons using snow boards do not use ski poles.

The device disclosed by Bardin, U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,119, utilizes a hoop of spring metal with a pedal actuation means. It is to be operated while skiing. The device allows for the active control over the amount of braking while skiing. This is not a functionality which can easily be modified for use with a snow board. The intent seems to be to have good speed control by using braking means while skiing.

The device disclosed by Wingard, U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,031, a braking means for a snow scooter. It uses a steering and braking handle and is to be operated while the snow scooter is in motion. The functionality is to have active control over both the direction of motion of the snow scooter and over the amount of braking, if any, which is utilized. The functionality is not suitable for snow board braking functions as it uses a rudder which penetrates into the snow.

The device disclosed by Schumacher, U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,828, is a braking means mounted on the side of a ski used for cross country skiing and which is oriented to prevent back sliding of the ski while in use. The orientation of the braking means is the reverse of what is used by the present invention, which is to slow the forward motion of the snow board. The functionality of the devise is not suitable for snow boards.

The device disclosed by Chonier, U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,955, is for use in alpine skiing and the braking means is integrated into the boot clamping means. There is a spring latching means for engaging the brake. The device disclosed is for the active control over the amount of braking while the device is being used. These braking means and actuation means are not suitable for snow boards.

The device disclosed by Hoffman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,481, provides for braking means for a snowmobile. An electric powered hydraulic pump is used to rotate blades downward on each side of the snowmobile into the plane of the snow allowing both steering and braking functions to be realized. This is a complex arrangement which is not suited to snow board braking requirements.

The device disclosed by Keller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,340, a training device for snow boarding provides a simulation of snow boarding and does not involve actual usage on a snow covered slope.

The device disclosed by Luitz, U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,746, a braking means which utilizes a spring loaded pedal plate. Actuation in part is a function of the drag on the braking blade. This type of functionality is not suitable for the braking of snow boards.

The device disclosed by Renaud-Goud, U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,721, a two brake arm arrangement which rotable with a return spring. It is designed for the slowing of a released ski after a skier has fallen and lost a ski. The functionality is for the stopping of a ski when it is not being worn. This is not a suitable functionality for braking of snow boards.

The device disclosed by Gamzo, U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,204, provides for a quick release means for the foot for different sports including snow boarding. Braking is not specifically mentioned.

The device disclosed by Boehm, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,744, provides for a braking means on one or both sides of a ski. Usage of the device is for braking on snow or ice. It utilizes a series of braking elements each of which engages the snow. The braking application means is not provided but reference is made to a related German patent. It appears that control over usage of the braking means is to be implemented while the ski is being worn. The use of braking elements on the side of the ski is not suitable for snow boards.

The device disclosed by Daniel, U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,683, an electrically powered means, manually operated, which activates a braking blade. The device allows control over the amount of braking while skiing or snow boarding. The functionality is complex and requires considerable skill to utilize as control over motion, direction of travel and the amount of braking is all simultaneously required. The usefulness of manual control over the amount of braking of a snow board by beginners is very questionable.

The device disclosed by Keller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,258, is a static training device for simulating the act of snow boarding. No actual snow boarding on a snow covered slope is recited.

The device disclosed by Champagnac, U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,401, is a means for preventing a ski from sliding backward and is designed for alpine skiing. The functionality is not suitable for the braking of snow boards.

The device disclosed by Boiselle, U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,822, provides for braking means ahead of the boot clamping means. It is adjusted by a ski pole while the ski is being worn and it rotates the braking blade from a horizontal position to a vertical position with a horse shoe shaped braking blade. It is a complex design and one of possible benefit to skiers but it is not a suitable design for braking snow boards. Persons using snow boards do not use ski poles.

The device disclosed by Bortoli, U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,785, is used to slow a freed ski and is functional only when separated from the skier's boot.

The device disclosed by Arduin, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,565, is utilized for a mono ski. The elements used are intimately integrated into the functioning of the bout binding means with inactivation means of the braking means while skiing. Design is meant for skis or mono skis for which the orientation of the boot is parallel to the length of the ski or mono ski while the orientation of the boots for use on snow boards are angled and largely transverse to the length of the snow board. The design is for active control of the amount of braking while the person is skiing. The design is not functional for snow boards.

The device disclosed by Gasquet, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,520, is an active braking means for a ski. The activation of the braking means is with pressure from the boot or boots. The elements of the braking means are integrated into the boot clamping means. The amount of braking which occurs varies while the skis are being used. The design is not easily modified for use with a snow board. The functionality is for active, deliberate control of the braking while skiing.

There are no devices in use or disclosed which are similar to the present invention which provides for a new means for structuring a braking system for a snow board. In particular, no disclosed design and no device now in commerce is meant to be used by inexperienced users as a training device while gaining skill in the use of a snow board.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a braking device for a training snow board modified for use by inexperienced users. The invention is comprised of a blade which is affixed either between the rear boot attachment means and the rear of the snow board or on the bottom upturned portion of the rear end of the snow board. The blade is adjustably positioned at or below the bottom plane of the snow board with the blade slightly angled forward against the snow in the direction of travel. When the blade is in the lowered position it cuts snow and directs the cut snow upward over the blade. A slot in the snow board just ahead of the blade alows the snow to pass upward through the snow board. For attachment at the rear of the snow board, the cut snow passes up through the mounting bracket. For the embodiment of the invention wherein the blade and its supporting structure are attached to the rear of the snow board, the cut snow is directed upward between the blade and its supporting structure. The preferred embodiment of the invention is to employ a broad straight bottom edge for the blade about 4 inches wide with a maximum depth of cut of about ½ inch. An acceptable angle of cut of the angled blade can range from vertical to a few degrees. Adjustment of the blade's position is not made when the snow board is in motion. For attachment of the blade by sliding means, the blade fixing means are loosened and the blade is repositioned by sliding it relative to its support followed by the tightening of the blade fixing means for its final securement. For attachment of the blade with rotating means, the blade fixing means is loosened and the blade is repositioned by rotating it relative to its pivoting axis followed by the tightening of the blade fixing means for its final securement. In another embodiment, a flange, an angle, is attached across the bottom of the snow board with one edge directed downward thus providing a fixed amount of drag. For a different amount of drag, flanges can be used which have different depths of cut.

The advantage of the present invention is its ease of use and the simple adjustment required to reset the depth of the blade. It is the availability of a simple means to adjust the blade depth to achieve a specific and invariant amount of braking that constitutes the principal value of the invention for inexperienced users Experienced snow boarders will not require or want such a braking device. In this regard, the invention is much like training wheels on a bicycle. They are good for beginners but after some measure of skill is acquired they are not needed.

This device is new, useful and not obvious as the need has been long standing and the required technologies have been available for many years. The designs are simple and easily understood. The methods used for adjusting the depth of the blade are readily apparent to the average user.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of the description of the best presently known modes of carrying out the invention and the applicability of the preferred embodiment as described here in and as illustrated in the several figures of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A. Perspective view of block mount on snow board [0029]
FIG. 1B. Perspective view of block mount and snow board [0030]
FIG. 1C. Side view of block mount on snow board [0031]
FIG. 2A. Perspective view of rear mount on snow board [0032]
FIG. 2B. Perspective view of rear mount [0033]
FIG. 2C. Perspective view of rear mount on snow board [0034]
FIG. 3A. Perspective view of rotating mount on snow board [0035]
FIG. 3B. Top view of rotating mount on snow board [0036]
FIG. 4A. Side sectional view of sliding mount on snow board [0037]
FIG. 4B. Rear view of sliding mount on snow board [0038]
FIG. 5A. Side view of sliding blade mount on snow board [0039]
FIG. 5B. Rear view of sliding blade mount on snow board [0040]
FIG. 6A. Side view of sliding rear mount on snow board [0041]
FIG. 6B. Angled rear view of sliding rear mount on snow board [0042]
FIG. 7. Perspective view of rotating rear mount [0043]
FIG. 8A. Top view of scoop brake [0044]
FIG. 8B. Side sectional view of scoop brake [0045]
FIG. 9A. Side view of flange brake [0046]
FIG. 9B. Bottom view of flange brake [0047]
FIG. 9C Bottom view of flange brake. [0048]

SPECIFICATION

BEST METHOD FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is each and all of the embodiments of the braking devices set out herein and which are generally designated as the Snow Board Brake and which are means for reducing the speed of a training snow board by a specific amount for use by an inexperienced user. The referenced figures, wherein like-referenced numbers have been applied to like-parts throughout the description, specify the several embodiments of the present invention. While the snow board is in use and is in motion, each embodiment provides or can provide a fixed amount of braking. [0049]
The snow board includes a nose or leading portion and a tail or rear portion both of which are curved upwardly to a degree. The remainder of the snow board or its main body extends toward the center from the ends to a center region, which for some snow boards is narrower. Typically a snow board is about 38 inches long and 8 inches wide with the four corners being broadly rounded. Snow boards which have larger contact surfaces travel faster over the snow and are used by more experienced users. A pair of bindings are disposed straddling the mid portion of the main body of the snow board on its upper surface and are oriented away from the center axis of the main body of the snow board. Each binding includes a pair of binding members. This pair of binding members are normally attached as a unit to the upper surface of the main body of the snow board. The feet of the user, when secured in boots which have mating parts for the bindings, are oriented and angled slightly apart with both feet pointing away from the main axis of the body of the snow board as shown schematically by [0050] outlines 2 in FIG. 1A. The angle of each foot to the main axis of the body of the snow board, one forward and one rearward, are the same. The boots of a user are securely retained within their separate bindings and do not move relative to the snow board unless/until a boot is removed entirely from the binding (e.g., when the snow boarder falls). Although more experienced snow boarders may orient either the head or tail of the snow board in a downhill direction when traveling, most prefer to orient the head of the snow board in a downhill direction for the majority of the snow boarding situations. Given this choice of orienting the direction of travel of the snow board, the shape of the head and of the tail of the snow board are virtually the same. Inexperienced users however, for which the present invention is intended, only orient the head of the snow board downhill while improving their snow boarding skills. The basic or preferred orientation (that is, facing to the right or to the left when traveling downhill) may differ between predominately right handed persons and left handed persons. Except for the snow board brake, no speed reducing training snow boards of any type are in use or are disclosed in the literature.
Preferred Embodiments: [0051]
FIG. 1A presents a perspective view of a snow board, indicated by the [0052] general reference number 1, schematic representation of the outline of a pair of boot clamps 2 affixed to the upper surface of said snow board 1 along the center line of said snow board 1, said boot clamps 2 oriented to one side of said snow board 1 and oriented slightly apart from each other. The braking devices 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 48, 51 are positioned rearward of the noted bindings 2. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the braking member is a blade 5 which, when fully extended downward, is oriented straight down or is inclined downward and forward, said blade 5 extends downward by about ½ inch or less and extends about 4 inches across the middle of the rear bottom surface or across the middle of the end of said snow board 1.
Nine embodiments of the present invention are specified as follows: [0053]
Flange Brake (FIGS. 9A, 9B, [0054] 9C)
A device termed a flange brake for slowing a [0055] training snow board 1, designated by the general reference number 48, comprised of a vertically oriented blade 5 affixed at its upper edge to the rear edge of a flat horizontal base piece 50, said blade 5 having a lower edge parallel to the bottom of said snow board 1 and said blade 5 perpendicular to the length of said snow board 1 and centered on the center line of said snow board 1 and under the rear half of the snow board 1, said base piece 50 having at least one hole 27 therein and affixed to the bottom of said snow board 1, by affixing means, said affixing means comprised of at least one mounting screw 21 centrally located on the face of said base piece 50 and securing said base piece 50 through said at least one hole 27 to said snow board 1. The preferred embodiment of the present invention has two mounting holes 27 and two mounting screws 21 passing through said mounting holes 27 securing said base piece 50 to the bottom of the snow board 1 as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Said flange brake 48 can be installed in pairs as shown in FIG. 9C on the rear bottom surface of said snow board 1 on each side, said blades 5 projecting below and to each side of said snow board 1.
The functioning of this embodiment of the present invention is as follows. When said [0056] snow board 1 is being ridden by a user, said blade 5 engages and cuts the snow beneath the snow board 1 reducing the speed of the snow board 1 by providing a fixed amount of drag. The amount of drag realized can be varied by replacement of the flange brake 48 with one having a deeper or shallower blade 5 to provide a different depth of cut and thus a different amount of drag.
The following eight [0057] embodiments 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 51 of the present invention provide a slot 4 in said snow board 1, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 3A, 4A, 5A, 8A and 8B, or an opening ahead of said blade 5, in the supporting structure for the blade, when the braking device is attached to the rear end 3 of said snow board 1, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2C, 6A and 7 The cut snow passes upward through this slot 4 or opening in the supporting structure as shown by motion arrow 6. It is understood that for these embodiments, these are the preferred arrangements but that such a slot 4 or opening is not essential for them to function properly. The object is to provide a fixed amount of drag for the snow board 1 when in use providing a fixed depth of cut 7, as shown in FIG. 2C. By cutting the contacted snow and reducing the speed of the snow board 1, the level of skill of an individual user is accommodated. It is this constancy of drag and the resulting reduction in the speed of the snow board which directly contributes to the development of the user's skill. It also tends to build confidence in the user. In the following eight embodiment of the present invention, the preferred dimensions of the slot or opening ahead of the cutting blade is about 4 inches by 1 inch.
Rear Bracket (FIGS. 2A, 2B, [0058] 2C)
A device termed a rear bracket for slowing a [0059] training snow board 1, designated by the general reference number 9, comprised of a bracket 56 affixed to the upcurved portion of the rear end 3 of said snow board 1 by mounting means, said bracket 56 comprised of a curved base piece 25 conformed to the shape of the bottom of said rear end 3, two sides 24, each affixed vertically to the outer edges of said base piece 25, a rear plate 26 affixed on each outer edge to the rear edge of each of said side pieces 24 and having at least one adjusting hole 19 centrally located therein, at least one mounting hole 27 in said base piece 25 as shown in FIG. 2B, said mounting means comprised of at least one mounting screw 21 passing through said at least one mounting hole 27 and securing said base piece 25 of said bracket 56 to the bottom rear side of said snow board 1 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, a blade 5 comprised of a rectangular plate and at least one vertical slot 15 centrally located therein and a bottom edge parallel to the bottom center portion of said snow board 1, said blade 5 slidably affixed to the rear of said rear plate 26 by at least one bolt 22 passing through said at least one slot 15 in said blade 5 and through at least one adjusting hole 19 in said rear piece 26 and adjustably secured by a nut 23 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, said bracket 56 formed as an open ended box-like vertically oriented structure, rectangular in cross section, whereby snow cut by said blade 5 passes upward through said open ended box-like structure as shown by direction arrow 6.
The functioning of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is realized by adjustable affixing means comprised of two [0060] slots 15, two matching holes 19, two bolts 22 and two nuts 23, whereby said blade 5 is adjustably affixed, by said adjustable affixing means, to locate the bottom edge of said blade 5 at or below the bottom plane of the central portion of said snow board 1 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C.
Grooved Rear Brake (FIGS. 6A, 6B) [0061]
A device termed a grooved rear brake for slowing a [0062] training snow board 1, designated by the general reference number 13, comprised of a bracket 56 affixed to the bottom of said upcurved portion of the rear end 3 of said snow board 1 by mounting means, said bracket 56 comprised of a curved base plate 45 conformed to the shape of the bottom of said rear end 3, at least one mounting hole 27 centrally located in said curved base plate 45, two side plates 44, each affixed vertically to the outer edges of said base plate 45 and each having an outwardly directed flange 60 as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B forming the rear portion of a groove 41, a channel 43, said channel comprised of a base 62 and having forwardly facing vertical flanges 61, said flanges 61 affixed, on each side at their forward edges to the rear edges of said outwardly directed flanges 60, a threaded hole 33 centrally located in said channel base 62, said mounting means comprised of at least one mounting screw 21 passing through said at least one mounting hole 27 and securing said base plate 45 of said bracket 56 to the bottom rear end 3 of said snow board 1 as shown in FIG. 6A, a blade 5 adjustably affixed by sliding attachment means to said bracket 56, said blade 5 having a vertical recessed groove 42 centrally located on the rear of said blade 5 and a bottom edge parallel to the bottom of said snow board 1, said blade 5 slidably affixed within said groove 41 by said sliding attachment means by a thumb screw 40 threaded through said threaded hole 33 and by rotation and pressing against said blade 5 within said recessed groove 42, adjustably securing said blade 5 within said grooves 41 against said outwardly directed flanges 61, the interior of said bracket 56 and said blade 5 formed as an open ended box-like vertically oriented structure, rectangular in cross section, whereby snow cut by said blade 5 passes upward through said box-like structure as indicated by direction arrow 6, and whereby the vertical length of said recessed grove 42 is at least as long as the range of motion of the blade 5, the motion of said blade 5 restrained by the tip of said thumb screw 40 in said recessed grove 42 whereby when the bottom edge of said blade 5 is at or above the plane of said snow board 1, said tip of said thumb screw 40 is at the bottom of said recessed groove 42 and when the bottom edge of said blade 5 is fully lowered, said tip of said thumb screw 40 is at the top of said recessed groove 42.
The functioning of this embodiment of the present invention is by adjusting the position of said [0063] blade 5 by sliding said blade 5 to locate the bottom edge of said blade 5 at or below the bottom plane of the central portion of said snow board 1 and by securing said blade 5 with said thumb screw 40 thereby cutting snow and slowing said snow board 1.
Rear Pivot Brake (FIG. 7) [0064]
A device termed a rear pivot brake for slowing a training snow board [0065] 1, designated by the general reference number 14, comprised of a bracket 56 affixed to the upcurved portion of the rear end 3 of said snow board 1 by mounting means, said bracket 56 comprised of a curved base 30 conformed to the shape of said rear end 3, at least one mounting hole 27 centrally located in said curved base 30, said mounting means comprised of at least one mounting screw 21 passing through said at least one mounting hole 27 and securing said curved base 30 of said bracket 56 to the bottom rear side of said snow board 1 as shown in FIG. 7, two sides 31 each affixed vertically to the outer edges of said curved base 30, a pivot hole 35 in each of said sides 31 proximate to said curved base 30, a curved slot 32 in each of said sides 31 distal from said curved base 30 and the arcs of said curved slots concentric to said pivot holes 35, a rectangular blade 5 and two vertical flat sides 29 affixed to the outer ends of said blade 5 and extended forward toward, interior to and proximate to said sides 31 and a pivot hole 34 in each of said sides 29 at the distal ends of said sides 29 away from said blade 5, a adjustment hole 19 in each of said sides 29 proximate to said blade 5, centered on said holes 35 and spaced from said pivot hole 34 a length equal to the distance between said pivot hole 34 and said curved slot 32, two bolts 36 rotably securing said sides 29, 31 one on each side of said bracket 56 said pivot hole 35 of said side 31 to said pivot hole 34 of said side 29, said bolt 36 passing through said holes 34, 35 and secured by a lock nut 39 as shown in FIG. 7, two bolts 46 passing through said hole 19 one on each interior side 29 and through said curved slot 32 in said side 31 and passing through a washer 38 and secured by a wing nut 47, whereby said blade 5 is rotably pivoted about said pivot holes 34, 35 and is adjustably fixed by said wing nuts 47 by pressure on said sides 29, 31 whereby when said blade 5 is below the plane of the bottom of said snow board 1 said bolt 46 is proximate to or at the upper extent of said curved slots 32 and when said blade 5 is at or above the plane of the bottom of said snow board 1 said bolt 46 is proximate to or at the lower extent of said curved slots 32.
The functioning of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is by adjusting the position of said [0066] blade 5 by rotating the blade 5 locating the bottom edge of said blade 5 at or below the bottom plane of the central portion of said snow board 1 by securing said adjusting bolts 46 with said wing nuts 47, whereby when said blade 5 is below the plane of the bottom of the snow board 1, snow is cut and carried upward through said bracket 56 as shown by direction arrow 6 thereby creating drag and slowing said snow board as shown in FIG. 7. It is understood that the sides 29 of the blade can be configured to be exterior to the sides 31 of the bracket 56 or that the respective locations of said slots 32 and said adjusting holes 19 on their respective sides 29, 31 can be reversed while using the same adjustment means.
Block Mount (FIGS. 1A, 1B, [0067] 1C)
A device termed a block mount for slowing a training snow board [0068] 1, designated by the general reference number 8, said snow board 1 modified by having a vertical slot 4 through said snow board 1 on the center line of said snow board 1 and between the rear of two boot clamps 2 and the rear of said snow board 1, the length of said slot 4 perpendicular to the center line of said snow board 1, said block mount 8 comprised of a block 17 affixed to the top rear surface of said snow board 1 by mounting means, said block 17 comprised of a front sloped surface 63, at least one adjusting hole 19 located centrally in the face of said sloped surface, said mounting means comprised of at least one mounting hole 18 passing vertically downward from the top of said block 17 downward through its bottom and at least one mounting screw 21 passing downward through said at least one mounting hole 18 and into at least one mounting hole 16 in the upper surface of said snow board 1, said block 17 adjacent to and at the rear of said slot 4, a blade 5 comprised of a rectangular plate and at least one vertical slot 15 centrally located therein and a bottom edge parallel to the bottom center portion of said snow board 1, said blade 5 slidably affixed to said block 17 by at least one adjusting screw 20 passing through said at least one slot 15 in said blade 5 and through at least one adjusting hole 19 in said block 17 as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, whereby snow cut by said blade 5 passes upward through said slot 4 as shown by direction arrow 6.
The functioning of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is realized by adjustable affixing means comprised of two [0069] slots 15 in said blade 5, two matching holes 19, two adjusting screw 20, whereby said blade 5 is adjustably affixed to said block 17, by said adjustable affixing means, to locate the bottom edge of said blade 5 below the bottom plane of said snow board 1 as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, thereby cutting snow and slowing said snow board 1.
Grooved Blade Mount (FIGS. 4A, 4B) [0070]
A device termed a grooved blade mount for slowing a training snow board [0071] 1, designated by the general reference number 11, said snow board 1 modified by having a vertical slot 4 through said snow board 1 on the center line of said snow board 1 and between the rear of two boot clamps 2 and the rear end 3 of said snow board 1, the length of said slot 4 perpendicular to the center line of said snow board 1, said grooved blade mount 11 comprised of a bent support designated by the general reference number 59 affixed to the top rear surface of said snow board 1 by mounting means adjacent to and at the rear of said slot 4, said bent support 59 comprised of a sloping plate 58 and a threaded adjusting hole 33 located centrally in the face of said sloping plate 58, a horizontal base plate 57 fixed along its forward edge to the bottom edge of said sloping plate 58, at least one mounting hole 27 centrally located in said base plate 57, at least one mounting screw 21 passing downward through said at least one mounting hole 27 into the upper surface of said snow board 1 whereby the forward edge of said sloping plate 58 is at and adjacent to the rear of said slot 4, a blade 5 comprised of a rectangular plate and on each upper side a channel 43 affixed to said plate, said channels 43 parallel to each other and facing each other across the rear side of said blade 5 forming grooves 41 on either side of said blade 5, a vertical recessed groove 42 centrally located on the rear side of said blade 5 and the bottom edge of said blade 5 parallel to the bottom of said snow board 1, said blade 5 adjustably affixed by sliding attachment means downward over said sloping plate 58 of said bent support 59 by sliding said channels 43 downward over the top of said sloping plate 58 and securing said blade 5 with a thumb screw 40, said thumb screw 40 passing through said threaded hole 33 and adjustably securing said blade 5 with the tip of said thumb screw 40 resting against said recessed groove 42, and by rotation and pressing against said blade 5 within said recessed groove 42, adjustably securing said blade 5 within said grooves 41 on the sides of said blade 5, whereby snow cut by said blade 5 passes upward through said slot 4, whereby the vertical length of said recessed groove 42 is at least as long as the range of motion of said blade 5, the motion of said blade 5 restrained by the tip of said thumb screw 40 in said recessed groove 42 whereby when the bottom edge of said blade 5 is at or above the plane of said snow board 1, said tip of said thumb screw 40 is at the bottom of said recessed groove 42 and when the bottom edge of said blade 5 is fully lowered, said tip of said thumb screw 40 is at the top of said recessed groove 42.
The functioning of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is by adjusting the position of said [0072] blade 5 by sliding said blade 5 locating the bottom edge of said blade 5 below the bottom plane of the bottom of said snow board 1 and by securing the blade 5 with said thumb screw 40 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, thereby cutting snow and slowing said snow board 1.
Grooved Center Mount (FIGS. 5A, 5B) [0073]
A device termed a grooved center mount for slowing a training snow board [0074] 1, designated by the general reference number 12, said snow board 1 modified by having a vertical slot 4 through said snow board 1 on the center line of said snow board 1 and between the rear of two boot clamps 2 and the rear end 3 of said snow board 1, the length of said slot 4 perpendicular to the center line of said snow board 1, said grooved blade mount 11 comprised of a bent support designated by the general reference number 59 affixed to the top rear surface of said snow board 1 by mounting means adjacent to and at the rear of said slot 4, said bent support 59 comprised of a sloping plate 58 and a threaded adjusting hole 33 located centrally in the face of said sloping plate 58 and on each upper side a channel 43 affixed to said sloping plate 58, said channels 43 parallel to each other and facing each other across the forward side of said sloping plate 58 forming grooves 41, a horizontal base plate 57 affixed along its forward edge to the bottom edge of said sloping plate 58, said mounting means comprised of at least one mounting hole 27 centrally located in said base plate 57, at least one mounting screw 21 passing downward through said at least one mounting hole 27 into the upper surface of said snow board 1 whereby the forward edge of said sloping plate 58 is at and adjacent to the rear of said slot 4, a blade 5 comprised of a rectangular plate, a vertical recessed groove 42 centrally located on the rear side of said blade 5 and the bottom edge of said blade 5 parallel to the bottom of said snow board 1, said blade 5 adjustably affixed by sliding said blade 5 into said channels 43 on the top of said sloping portion 58 of said bent support 59 and securing said blade 5 with a thumb screw 40, said thumb screw 40 passing through said threaded hole 33 and adjustably securing said blade 5 with the tip of said thumb screw 40 resting against said recessed groove 42, and by rotation and pressing against said blade 5 within said recessed groove 42, adjustably securing said blade 5 within said grooves 41 on the sides of said sloping plate 58, whereby snow cut by said blade 5 passes upward through said slot 4 as shown by direction arrow 6 and whereby the vertical length of said recessed groove 42 is at least as long as the range of motion of the blade 5, the motion of said blade 5 by the tip of said thumb screw 40 in said recessed groove 42 whereby when the bottom edge of said blade 5 is at or above the plane of said snow board 1, said tip of said thumb screw 40 is at the bottom of said recessed groove 42 and when the bottom edge of said blade 5 is fully lowered, said tip of said thumb screw 40 is at the top of said recessed groove 42, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A.
The functioning of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is by adjusting the position of said [0075] blade 5 by sliding the blade to locate the bottom edge of said blade 5 at or below the bottom plane of the bottom of said snow board 1 and by securing the blade 5 with said thumb screw 40, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, thereby cutting snow and slowing said snow board 1.
Pivot Brake (FIGS. 3A, 3B) [0076]
A device termed a pivot brake for slowing a [0077] training snow board 1 designated by the general reference number 10, said snow board 1 modified by having a vertical slot 4 through said snow board 1 on the center line of said snow board 1 and between the rear of two boot clamps 2 and the rear of said snow board 1, said pivot brake 10 comprised of a bracket 56 affixed to the upper surface of the rear end 3 of said snow board 1 by mounting means, said bracket 56 comprised of a horizontal flat base 30, at least one mounting hole 27 centrally located therein, said mounting means comprised of at least one mounting screw 21 passing through said at least one mounting hole 27 and securing said base 30 of said bracket 56 to the bottom rear side of said snow board 1 as shown in FIG. 3B, two sides 31 each affixed vertically to the outer edges of said base 30, a pivot hole 35 in each of said sides 31 in the rear portion of said sides 31 and proximate to said base 30, a curved slot 32 in each of said sides 31 forward of said pivot holes 35 and the arcs of said curved slots concentric to said pivot holes 35, a rectangular blade 5, a rectangular top plate 28 affixed at its forward edge to the top edge of said blade 5, extending rearward, two vertical flat sides 29, the forward edges of said flat sides 29 affixed to the outer upper ends of said blade 5 and the upper dges of said flat sides 29 affixed to the outer edges of said top plate 28, said flat sides 29 extended downward, interior to and proximate to said sides 31 and a pivot hole 34 in each of said sides 29 at the distal ends of said sides 29 away from said blade 5, a threaded adjustment hole 33 in each of said sides 29 proximate to said blade 5 and spaced from said pivot hole 34 a length equal to the distance between said pivot hole 35 and the arcs of said curved slots 32, two bolts 36 rotably securing one on each side of said bracket 56 said pivot hole 35 of said side 31 to said pivot hole 34 of said side 29, said bolt 36 passing through said holes 34, 35 and secured by a nut 39 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, two bolts 37, one each passing through a washer 38 and through said curved slot 32 and through said threaded hole 33, one on each interior side 29, whereby said blade 5 is rotably pivoted about said pivot holes 34, 35 and is adjustably fixed by said bolt 37 on each side 31 by pressure on said sides 29, 31 whereby when said blade 5 is below the plane of the bottom of said snow board 1 said adjusting bolts 37 are proximate to or at the lower extent of said curved slots 32 and when said blade 5 is at or above the plane of the bottom of said snow board 1 said adjusting bolts 37 are proximate to or at the upper extent of said curved slots 32.
The functioning of this embodiment of the present invention is by adjusting the position of said [0078] blade 5 by rotating the blade 5 locating the bottom edge of said blade 5 at or below the bottom plane of the central portion of said snow board 1 by securing said adjusting bolts 37, whereby when said blade 5 is below the plane of the bottom of the snow board 1, snow is cut and carried upward through said slot 4 as shown in FIG. 3A thereby creating drag and slowing said snow board as shown by direction arrow 6. It is understood that the sides 29 of the blade can be configured to be exterior to the sides 31 of the bracket 56 or that the respective locations of said slots 32 and said adjusting holes 19 on their respective sides 29, 31 can be reversed while using the same adjustment means.
Scoop Brake (FIGS. 8A, 8B) [0079]
A device termed a scoop brake for reducing the speed of a [0080] training snow board 1, designated by the general reference number 51, said snow board 1 modified by having a vertical slot 4 through said snow board 1 on the center line of said snow board 1 and between the rear of two boot clamps 2 and the rear end 3 of said snow board 1, said scoop brake 51 comprised of a bracket 56 affixed to the upper surface of the rear end 3 of said snow board 1 by mounting means, said bracket 56 comprised of a horizontal flat base plate 54, at least one mounting hole 27 centrally located therein, said mounting means comprised of at least one mounting screw 21 passing through said at least one mounting hole 27 and securing said base 54 of said bracket 56 to the upper rear side of said snow board 1 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a rectangular vertical plate 53 affixed at its upper edge to the forward edge of said base plate 54, said vertical plate 53 adjacent to and forward of the rear vertical surface of said slot 4, a blade 5 extending forward and flexibly affixed along its rear edge to the bottom edge of said vertical plate 53 by hinged means 55, two sides 29 each affixed vertically to the outer edges of said blade 5, said sides extending upward and each having a threaded adjustment hole 33 in the upper portion, said upper portion extending above the upper surface of said snow board 1, two brackets 49, each of said brackets comprised of a flat base 50, at least one mounting hole 27 centrally located in each base 50, two vertical plates 31 affixed at their lower edges to the inner edges of said flat bases 50 adjacent to and proximate to the sides of said slot 4, said mounting means comprised of at least one mounting screw 21 passing through said at least one mounting hole 27 and securing said base 50 of said bracket 49 to the upper rear side of said snow board 1, a curved slot 32 in the upper portion of each of said sides 31 and the arcs of said curved slots 32 concentric to the axis of said hinged means 55 and said threaded adjustment hole 33 at a length equal to the distance between the axis of said hinged means 55 and said curved slots 32, two bolts 37, each passing inwardly, on each side, through a washer 38 and through said curved slot 32 and adjustably affixed in said threaded hole 33, whereby when said blade 5 is rotated below the plane of the bottom of said snow board 1 said bolts 37 are proximate to or at the forward extent of said curved slots 33 and when said blade 5 is at or above the plane of the bottom of said snow board 1 said bolts 37 are proximate to or at the rear extent of said curved slots 33 and said bolts 37 affixing the position of said blade 5 relative to said slot 4 by pressure between said upper portion of said vertical plate 31 and said upper portion of side 29 on each side of said blade 5.
The functioning of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is by adjusting the position of said [0081] blade 5 by rotating the blade 5 about hinge 55 locating the leading edge of said blade 5 below the bottom plane of the central portion of said snow board 1 by securing said adjusting bolts 37, whereby snow is cut and carried upward through said slot 4 as shown by direction arrow 6 thereby creating drag and slowing said snow board 1.
The advantage of the present invention is its ease of use and the simple process for resetting the blade depth. It is the availability of a simple means to set a specific blade depth that constitutes the principal value of the invention for inexperienced users. Experienced snow boarders will not require or want such a braking device. In this regard, the invention is much like training wheels on a bicycle. They are good for beginners but they are not needed after some measure of skill is acquired. [0082]
This device is new, useful and not obvious as the need for a slower training snow board has been long standing. The required technologies are simple and have been available for many years. The designs are simple and easily understood. Their functions and means of adjustment are readily apparent to the average user. Thus it has been shown that a braking device for a training snow board can be configured to provide a useful means of reducing the speed of a snow board by a specific amount. [0083]
All of the above are only some of the examples of available embodiments of the present invention For example, the [0084] bracket 56 of the Pivot Brake 10 could be mounted forward of the slot 4 and function equally well. Also It is understood that the embodiments which employ pivoting means, 10 and 14 could utilize a friction clamping means rather than slot adjustment means, said friction clamping means 36, 39 would utilize the application of axial pressure on the elements forming the pivot axis 34, 35 support to firmly position the blade 5. Drag elements located at the sides of the snow board 1 can be utilized as shown in FIG. 9C but would tend to give uneven braking when executing turns, which would result in unusual handling and uneven braking. Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous other modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the obstruction affixed under the snow board can be comprised of means other than a blade, in particular brushes and/or flexible materials can be used to equal effect. Accordingly, the above disclosure is not intended as limiting and the appended claims are to be interpreted as encompassing the entire scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A speed reduction apparatus for a snow board comprised of at least one obstruction beneath and affixed to the rear half of said snow board whereby said at least one obstruction creates constant drag when said snow board moves over snow in a forward direction.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1 whereby said at least one obstruction spans part or all of the width of said snow board

3. An apparatus as in claim 1 whereby said at least one obstruction extends below and beyond the sides of said snow board.

4. An apparatus as in claim 1 whereby said the lower edge of said at least one obstruction is a blade whose bottom edge is parallel to the bottom of said snow board.

5. An apparatus as in claim 1 whereby said at least one obstruction is perpendicular to the length of said snow board.

6. An apparatus as in claim 1 whereby said at least one obstruction is a vertical blade or a downward and forward oriented blade.

7. An apparatus as in claim 1 whereby said at least one obstruction is a downward and forward oriented blade perpendicular to the length of said snow board and whose bottom edge is parallel to the bottom of said snow board and which spans the bottom rear center portion of said snow board.

8. A speed reduction apparatus for a snow board comprised of a bracket, said bracket comprised of a curved plate affixed by mounting means to the upturned curved bottom rear surface of said snow board, said curved plate and said curved bottom rear surface in congruent contact, two vertical side plates parallel to the long axis of said snow board affixed at their forward edges, one on each side, to the outer edges of said curved plate, a rear plate, said rear plate affixed at its outer edges to the rear edges of said side plates, a blade adjacent to and in contact with said rear plate, the lower edge of said blade parallel to the bottom of said snow board and said blade slidably affixed to said rear plate by slidable affixing means, said slidable affixing means affixing the bottom edge of said blade at or below the bottom plane of said snow board, whereby snow cut by said blade passes upward behind said curved plate when said blade is in the lowered position

9. An apparatus as in claim 8 whereby said slidable affixing means is comprised of at least one hole in said rear plate, at least one slot through said blade parallel to the sides of said blade, a bolt or thumb screw passing through said at least one slot and through said at least one hole whereby said blade is adjustably secured to said rear plate by a nut on the forward side of said rear plate or by threaded means within said hole by a thumb screw.

10. An apparatus as in claim 8 whereby said slidable affixing means is comprised of at least one threaded hole in said rear plate, grooves in each of said side plates at their respective interior rear edges, said blade slidably located forward of said rear plate, the outer forward edges of said blade slidably located within said grooves and said outer edges of said blade slidably restrained by the rear edges of said grooves, a bolt or thumb screw passing through said threaded hole contacting the rear surface of said blade and by pressure means adjustably securing the bottom edge of said blade at or below the bottom plane of said snow board, whereby when the lower edge of said blade is secured below the bottom of said snow board, snow cut by said blade passes upward behind said curved plate

11. An apparatus as in claim 10 whereby said slidable affixing means is comprised of said blade having a vertical recessed groove on the rear surface, the bottom of said groove located beneath the end of said bolt or thumb screw when said blade is slidably adjusted.

12. A speed reduction apparatus for a snow board comprised of a modified snow board, said modification comprised of a vertical slot in the flat rear portion of said snow board, the length of said vertical slot perpendicular to and centered on the length of said snow board, said apparatus comprised of support means, said support means comprised of a bottom member secured to the upper surface of said snow board and a sloped forward surface, the bottom front edge of said sloped member affixed to the front edge of said bottom member and said sloped member extending rearward and upward at an angle from and adjacent to the rear edge of said vertical slot, a blade slidably affixed to said sloped member by slidable affixing means and passing downward through said vertical slot, the lower edge of said blade parallel to the bottom of said snow board and secured at or below the bottom of said snow board by said slidable affixing means, whereby when the snow board is in use and the front edge of said blade is in the lowered position, snow is cut by the blade and passes upward through said vertical slot.

13. An apparatus as in claim 12 whereby said slidable affixing means is comprised of at least one slot in said blade parallel to the sides of said blade, at least one adjusting screw, said at least one screw passing through said at least one slot and into said sloping member slidably affixing said blade to said sloping member.

14. An apparatus as in claim 12 whereby said slidable affixing means is comprised of a pair of grooves comprised of inward facing channels affixed on the upper outer rear surface of said blade, a rectangular upper extension on said sloped member contiguous within said inward facing channels, a threaded hole centrally located in said sloping member, a bolt or thumb screw passing through said threaded hole, whereby said sloping member is slidably secured to said blade by pressure means against said blade.

15. An apparatus as in claim 14 whereby said slidable affixing means is comprised of said blade having a vertical recessed groove on the rear surface, the bottom of said groove located beneath the end of said bolt or thumb screw when said blade is slidably adjusted.

16. An apparatus as in claim 12 whereby said slidable affixing means is comprised of a pair of inward facing channels affixed to the upper forward surface of said sloped member and a rectangular upper extension on said blade contiguous within said inward facing channels, a threaded hole in said sloping member, a bolt or thumb screw passing through said hole whereby said blade is adjustably secured to said rear plate by said bolt or thumb screw by pressure means against said blade,

17. An apparatus as in claim 16 whereby said slidable affixing means is comprised of said blade having a vertical recessed groove on the rear surface, the bottom of said groove located beneath the end of said bolt or thumb screw when said blade is slidably adjusted.

18. A speed reduction apparatus for a snow board comprised of a modified snow board, said modification comprised of a vertical slot in the flat rear portion of said snow board, the length of said vertical slot perpendicular to and centered on the length of said snow board, said apparatus comprised of a bracket, said bracket comprised of a base plate having at least one mounting hole therein, said base plate affixed by at least one screw through said at least one hole to the upper surface of said snow board and having the forward edge of said base plate rearward of and adjacent to the rear edge of said vertical slot, two vertical bracket plates affixed at their lower edges to the outer edges of said base plate and parallel to the length of said snow board, a hole in each of said bracket plates at the lower rear end, a flat rectangular blade having a lower edge at or below the bottom rear of said vertical slot and extending upward through said vertical slot, a top plate, affixed along its forward edge to the upper edge of said blade, two vertical side plates attached at their upper edges, on each side, to the outer edges of said top plate and attached at their forward edges, on each side, to the upper outer edges of said blade above the upper surface of said snow board, a hole in the rear portion of each of said side plates, said bracket plates and said side plates adjacent to each other on each side and said holes in their rear portions aligned, two bolts, each passing inward through said holes in said side plate and said bracket plates and secured with a nut rotably securing said side plates to said bracket plates, whereby said side plates, said top plate and said blade rotably pivot about said two bolts, whereby when the lower edge of said blade is secured below the bottom of said vertical slot snow passes upward through said vertical slot.

19. A speed reduction apparatus for a snow board comprised of a bracket, said bracket comprised of a curved plate affixed by mounting means to the upturned curved bottom rear surface of said snow board, said curved plate and said curved bottom rear surface in congruent contact, two vertical bracket plates parallel to the long axis of said snow board affixed at their forward edges, one on each side, to the outer edges of said curved plate, a flat rectangular blade having a lower edge at or below the bottom rear of said snow board, two vertical side plates attached at their rearward edges on each side to the upper outer edges of said blade, a hole in the rear portion of each of said side plates, said bracket plates and said side plates adjacent on each side and holes in their rear portions aligned, said bracket plates and said side plates adjacent to each other on each side and said holes in their rear portions aligned, two bolts, each passing inward through said holes in said side plate and said bracket plates and secured with a nut rotably securing said side plates, whereby said side plates and said blade rotably pivot about said two bolts, whereby when the lower edge of said blade is secured below the bottom of said snow board, snow cut by said blade passes upward behind said curved plate.

20. A speed reduction apparatus for a snow board comprised of a bracket, said board, said modification comprised of a vertical slot in the flat rear portion of said snow board, the length of said vertical slot perpendicular to and centered on the length of said snow board, said apparatus comprised of a central bracket, said central bracket comprised of a base plate having at least one mounting hole therein, said base plate affixed by at least one screw through said at least one mounting hole of said central bracket to the upper surface of said snow board and having the forward edge of said base plate rearward of and adjacent to the rear edge of said vertical slot, a vertical plate affixed along its upper edge to the forward edge of said base plate and the lower edge of said vertical plate at the bottom rear edge of said vertical slot, a blade affixed at its rear edge by hinged means to the bottom edge of said vertical plate, said hinged means orienting said blade horizontally or inclined downward from the bottom rear rear edge of said vertical plate, two vertical arms, each comprised of a vertical plate and each affixed to the outer edge of said blade inside the outer surface of said vertical slot and passing upward through said vertical slot above the surface of said snow board, a threaded hole in the upper portion of each of said vertical arms above the upper surface of said snow board, a pair of side brackets, said side brackets each comprised of a flat plate having at least one mounting hole therein, each of said flat plates affixed by at least one screw through said at least one mounting hole of said flat plate to the upper surface of said snow board, a vertical plate affixed at its lower edge to the inner edge of each of said flat plate and said vertical plate at the side of said vertical slot and parallel and adjacent to said vertical arm, said vertical plates and said vertical arms parallel to the length of said snow board, a curved slot in the upper portion of each vertical plate, the center arcs of said curved slots concentric to said hinged means, two bolts, one each passing inwardly through a washer and through said curved slot and into and through said threaded hole in said vertical arm and by pressure means securing said vertical plates to said vertical arms, whereby when the position of said bolts in said threaded holes is at the rear of said curved slots, said blade is in a horizontal position at the bottom of said vertical slot and when the position of said bolts in said threaded holes is at the front of said curved slots, the front edge of said blade is inclined downward below the level of the bottom of said snow board, whereby when the snow board is in use and the front edge of said blade is in the lowered position, snow is cut by the blade and passes upward through said vertical slot.