BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments of this invention relate to sliding boards and more particularly to a riding apparatus for facilitating riding on a sliding board.

2. Description of Related Art

As sliding sports evolve, participants look for new ways to ride. For example, the ski industry experienced rapid growth over 30 years ago when snowboarding was first introduced and snowboarding now represents approximately 50% of the snow riding market. Presently, apparatuses for allowing a rider to travel or ride on a sliding board include traditional skis and snowboards, along with other riding devices or implements. Some apparatuses that facilitate riding on a sliding board may resemble a bike, scooter or other vehicle and may include a seat, foot pegs and/or handle bars or handgrips, for example. However, some of these known apparatuses have drawbacks including, for example, that they may offer a poor riding experience, may offer little control over the sliding board and/or may be difficult to transport or carry.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for facilitating riding on a sliding board. The apparatus includes a first frame support having a first pivotal board connector for coupling to the sliding board at a first position of the sliding board such that the first frame support is pivotal relative to the sliding board when the first pivotal board connector is coupled to the sliding board, at least one rider support coupled to the first frame support and spaced apart from the first pivotal board connector, a second frame support having a second pivotal board connector for coupling to the sliding board at a second position of the sliding board spaced apart from the first position of the sliding board such that the second frame support is pivotal relative to the sliding board when the second pivotal board connector is coupled to the sliding board, and a frame support connector coupled between the first and second frame supports to hold the first and second frame supports in spaced apart relation from the sliding board when the apparatus is in a riding configuration and the first and second pivotal board connectors are coupled to the sliding board, such that the at least one rider support is spaced apart from the sliding board to facilitate a rider being supported by the at least one rider support spaced apart from the sliding board when the apparatus is in the riding configuration and the first and second board connectors are connected to the sliding board. The apparatus is configurable from the riding configuration to a folded configuration when the first and second pivotal board connectors are coupled to the sliding board by pivoting the first and second frame supports about the first and second pivotal board connectors towards the sliding board such that in the folded configuration, the first and second frame supports are generally aligned with the sliding board.

The at least one rider support may include at least one rider foot support.

The frame support connector may include a pivotal connector pivotally coupling the first and second frame supports when the apparatus is in the riding configuration and the first and second board connectors are connected to the sliding board.

The pivotal connector may be a multi-axial pivotal connector for pivoting the second frame support relative to the first frame support about more than one axis.

The frame support connector may be a first frame support connector and the apparatus may further include a third frame support, a second frame support connector coupled between the second and third frame supports, and a third frame support connector coupled between the first and third frame supports, such that the third frame support is coupled between the first and second frame supports. The third frame support may include at least one compressible shock absorber coupled between the first and second frame supports.

At least one of the first or second pivotal board connectors may include a slidable connector for coupling the first or second frame support to the sliding board, the slidable connector configured to facilitate movement of the first or second frame support relative to the sliding board at the slidable connector when the apparatus is in the riding configuration and the shock absorber is compressed.

The first pivotal board connector may include the slidable connector for coupling the first frame support to the sliding board, the slidable connector configured to facilitate movement of the first frame support relative to the sliding board at the slidable connector when the apparatus is in the riding configuration and the shock absorber is compressed.

The apparatus may include one or more handgrips coupled to the third frame support and the third frame support connector may include a laterally slidable connector coupled between the first and third frame supports such that the third frame support is movable laterally relative to the first frame support at the slidable connector via sliding of the slidable connector and such that when the apparatus is in the riding configuration and the first and second board connectors are connected to the sliding board, the one or more handgrips coupled to the third frame support are laterally movable relative to the first frame support and the at least one rider support.

The laterally slidable connector may include a curved sliding surface and a slider configured to slide on the curved sliding surface to facilitate angular movement of the third frame support relative to the first frame support during sliding.

The apparatus may further include a fourth frame support connector coupled between the second and third frame supports forward of and spaced apart from the third frame support connector, the fourth frame support connector configurable to slide on the second frame support to facilitate reconfiguring the apparatus between the riding configuration and the folded configuration.

The third frame support may include an adjustable length portion between the third frame support connector and the fourth frame support connector and the adjustable length portion may be configurable between a lengthened configuration when the apparatus is in the riding configuration and a shortened configuration when the apparatus is in the folded configuration.

The third frame support connector may include a sliding connector coupled between the first and third frame supports to facilitate reconfiguring the apparatus from the riding configuration to the folded configuration through sliding movement of the third frame support relative to the first frame support.

In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a system for riding a sliding surface that includes a sliding board and an apparatus according to any of the above paragraphs, wherein the first and second board connectors are coupled to the sliding board.

Other aspects and features of embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a system for riding a sliding surface including a snowboard and an apparatus for facilitating riding on the snowboard according to various embodiments of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the system of Figure 1 shown with the apparatus in a folded configuration according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 4 is a side view of a first pivotal board connector of the apparatus of

Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the system of Figure 1 with the snowboard and the apparatus disconnected according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a foot support of the apparatus of Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of a first frame support connector of the apparatus of Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of the first frame support connector of the apparatus of Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the first frame support connector of the apparatus of Figure 1 during twisting according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a handgrip system of the apparatus of Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the handgrip system of the apparatus of Figure

1 showing folding of the handgrip system according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus for facilitating riding on the snowboard according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 13 in a folded configuration according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a first frame support connector of the apparatus of Figure 13 according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 16 is a top view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in the folded configuration according to various embodiments of the invention; and

Figure 17 is a side cross sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in the folded configuration according to various embodiments of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figure 1 , a system for riding a sliding surface in accordance with various embodiments is shown at 10. The system 10 includes a snowboard 12 acting as a sliding board and an apparatus 14 for facilitating riding on the snowboard 12. Referring to Figure 1 , in the embodiment shown, the apparatus 14 is in a riding configuration and coupled to the snowboard 12 such that a rider of the system 10 may be supported by foot supports and handgrips to control sliding of the system 10, for example, down a snow covered slope or mountain.

In various embodiments, the apparatus 14 and the system 10 may provide a new and different riding experience compared to traditional riding systems, such as, for example, using traditional skis and snowboards. In various embodiments, the system 10 may be ridden in a cycling position and, therefore, may offer those familiar with cycling, one of the world’s most popular leisure activities, the ability to ride snow in a familiar stance. In various embodiments, the system 10 may provide a new, easy way for people who have never experienced snow riding to access this experience.

Before or after using the system 10 in the riding configuration, a rider may wish to transport the system 10 and so the apparatus 14 may be configurable from the riding configuration shown in Figure 1 to a compact folded configuration as shown in Figure 2. In some embodiments, by facilitating reconfiguration from the riding configuration shown in Figure 1 to the folded configuration shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 14 may allow a rider to transport and/or store the system 10 more easily. In some embodiments, the folded configuration shown in Figure 2 may be used by the rider when carrying the system 10, for example, for riding a chair lift, for travel in an automobile, for storage, for carrying when using in backcountry riding, or for another purpose where a more compact version of the system 10 may be desirable. In some embodiments, the system 10 may allow participants to utilize existing snowboard equipment and/or ski resort infrastructure.

Referring to Figure 1 , the apparatus 14 includes a first frame support 20 having a first pivotal board connector 22 coupled to the snowboard 12 at a first position 24 of the snowboard 12 such that the first frame support 20 is pivotal relative to the snowboard 12 when the first pivotal board connector 22 is connected to the snowboard 12. In the embodiment shown, the first frame support 20 includes parallel spaced apart tubes 30 and 32 which are connected to the first pivotal board connector 22, and cross tubes 34 and 36 connecting and providing support for the spaced apart tubes 30 and 32. In various embodiments, the tubes 30, 32, 34, and 36 may be made of a strong lightweight material, such as, for example, aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber material, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the tubes 34 and 36 may be connected to the tubes 30 and 32 via a welded or screwed, key way connection, for example.

Referring to Figure 3, there is provided an exploded view of the apparatus 14 in accordance with various embodiments, which shows aspects of the first pivotal board connector 22 in further detail. In various embodiments, the first pivotal board connector 22 includes a board mount 40 mounted to the snowboard 12 and having openings 42 and 44, and shaft members or pins 46 and 48 that pass through the openings 42 and 44 and are pivotal relative to the mount 40. In various embodiments, the shaft members 46 and 48 may be pivotal about a transverse axis 49, which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the snowboard 12, within the openings 42 and 44. In various embodiments, the tube 36 may be connected to the shaft members 46 and 48 via a welding or a screwed, key way connection, for example. In various embodiments, the board mount 40 and the shaft members 46 and 48 may be made of a strong lightweight material, such as, for example, aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber material, or a combination thereof.

Referring back to Figure 1 , in some embodiments, the first pivotal board connector 22 may act as a slidable connector configured to facilitate movement of the first frame support 20 relative to the snowboard 12 when the apparatus is in the riding configuration. For example, the openings 42 and 44 may be elongated as shown in Figure 3, such that the shaft members 46 and 48 are slidable forward and/or rearward in the openings 42 and 44. In various embodiments, by facilitating this slidable movement of the first frame support 20 relative to the snowboard 12, the first frame support 20 may be able to rotate/move during use. In various embodiments, this may reduce stress applied to the snowboard 12 during use, allow for compression of a shock absorber to change the geometry of the apparatus 14 during riding, and/or facilitate folding of the apparatus 14, as discussed in further detail below.

Referring now to Figure 4, which shows a side view of the first pivotal board connector 22, in various embodiments, the board mount 40 may be fixedly mounted to the snowboard 12 via a mounting plate 51 and fixed to the mounting plate via set screws 53. Referring to Figure 5, which shows the apparatus 14 disconnected from the snowboard 12, in some embodiments, the snowboard 12 may include threaded openings for mounting snowboard bindings thereto and the mounting plate 51 may be coupled to the snowboard via bolts or screws threaded into the threaded openings in the snowboard 12. The mount 40 may be slid onto the mounting plate 51 and the set screws 53 (shown in Figure 4) may then be tightened to fix the mount 40 to the snowboard 12. In various embodiments, the mounting plate 51 may be one that was originally designed to be used in a typical snowboard system for mounting snowboard bindings to the snowboard 12.

Referring back to Figure 1 , the apparatus 14 includes rider foot supports 50 and 52 coupled to the first frame support 20 and spaced apart from the first pivotal board connector 22. The foot supports 50 and 52 may be configured to support a rider when the rider is using the apparatus 14. Referring to Figure 1 , in various embodiments, the foot supports 50 and 52 may include foot pegs and a pivotal connector connected to the first frame support 20 such that the rider foot supports 50 and 52 may be rotated from a first configuration for the riding configuration as shown in Figure 1 to a second configuration for the folded configuration as shown in Figure 2 and discussed in further detail below.

Referring to Figure 6, the foot support 50 is shown from a bottom perspective exploded view, in accordance with various embodiments. The foot support 50 may include a locking mechanism for locking the foot support 50 in the first or second configuration. For example, referring to Figure 6, the foot support 50 includes a post 400 for being received in an opening of a holder 402 and the post 400 may be pivotal within the holder 402 between the first configuration shown in Figure 1 , wherein protrusions 404 and 406 are received in first recesses of the holder 402, one of which is shown at 408, and the second configuration as shown in Figure 2, wherein the protrusions 404 and 406 are received in second recesses of the holder 402, one of which is shown at 410 in Figure 6. In various embodiments, a biasing element such as a spring, for example, may be used to hold the post 400 in the holder 402 such that the protrusions 404 and 406 are held in the recesses. In various embodiments, the rider foot supports may be made of a strong lightweight material, such as, aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber material, or a combination thereof, for example.

Referring back to Figure 1 , the apparatus 14 includes a second frame support 80 having a second pivotal board connector 82 coupled to the snowboard 12 at a second position 84 of the snowboard spaced apart from the first position 24 of the snowboard 12 such that the second frame support 80 is pivotal relative to the snowboard 12 when the second pivotal board connector 82 is connected to the snowboard 12.

In various embodiments, the second frame support 80 may include parallel spaced apart tubes 86 and 88, a pivotal connector 206 coupled to the tubes 86 and 88, and tubes 200 and 202 coupled to the pivotal connector 206 such that the tubes 200 and 202 are pivotal relative to the tubes 86 and 88 via the pivotal connector

206

Referring to Figure 3, the second pivotal board connector 82 may include a board mount 90 having shafts or pins (one of which is shown at 96) that pass through openings (one of which is shown at 98) coupled to the tubes 86 and 88 such that the tubes 86 and 88 are pivotal about a transverse axis relative to the mount 90. In various embodiments, the board mount 90 may be mounted to the snowboard 12 generally as described above having regard to the mount 40. Referring back to Figure 1 , the apparatus 14 further includes a first frame support connector 120 coupled between the first and second frame supports 20 and 80. In various embodiments, the first frame support connector 120 may hold the first and second frame supports 20 and 80 in spaced apart relation from the snowboard 12 when the apparatus 14 is in the riding configuration and the first and second pivotal board connectors 22 and 82 are coupled to the snowboard 12 as shown in Figure 1 , such that the rider foot supports 50 and 52 are spaced apart from the snowboard 12 to facilitate a rider being supported by the foot supports. In various embodiments, the rider foot supports 50 and 52 being spaced apart from the snowboard 12 may improve rideability and/or control of the system 10 by a rider. For example, in some embodiments, by holding the rider foot supports 50 and 52 spaced apart from the snowboard, more torque can be created for turning the system 10 by shifting the weight of the rider. In some embodiments, the overall width of the foot supports may be in a similar range as on motocross bikes. In some embodiments, holding the rider foot supports 50 and 52 spaced apart from the snowboard 12 may allow a compressible shock absorber to be utilized to improve rider comfort.

Referring to Figure 1 , in various embodiments, the first frame support connector 120 may act as a pivotal connector pivotally coupling the first and second frame supports 20 and 80 when the apparatus is in the riding configuration and the first and second pivotal board connectors 22 and 82 are connected to the snowboard. In some embodiments, the first frame support connector 120 may facilitate pivoting of the first and second frame supports 20 and 80 relative to one another about a transverse axis. In some embodiments, this pivoting may facilitate changing geometry of the apparatus 14 for shock absorption during riding and in some embodiments, this pivoting may facilitate configuring the apparatus 14 between the riding configuration shown in Figure 1 and the folded configuration shown in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 7, there is provided an exploded view of the first frame support connector 120 of the apparatus 14, in accordance with various embodiments. The first frame support connector 120 includes second frame support mounts 122 and 124 mounted to the tubes 86 and 88 of the second frame support 80 and having pivotal openings, one of which is shown at 126, within which are received flexible couplings 132 and 134. In some embodiments, the flexible couplings may be made of a flexible material, such as an elastomer, for example. In some embodiments, the second frame support mounts 122 and 124 may include sleeves surrounding the tubes 86 and 88 which are fixed to the tubes 86 and 88, for example, by welding or a screw and key way connection.

The first frame support connector 120 also includes a first frame support mount 128 mounted to the tubes 30 and 32 of the first frame support and having protrusions, one of which is shown at 130, which are received in the flexible couplings 132 and 134 in the pivotal openings of the second frame support mounts 122 and 124 and are configured to rotate therein. In some embodiments, the first frame support mount 128 may include sleeves surrounding the tubes 30 and 32 which are fixed to the tubes 30 and 32, for example, by welding or screw and keyway connection.

In some embodiments, the first frame support connector 120 may act as a pivotal connector that allows pivoting, not just about the transverse axis to facilitate folding and shock absorption, but also about at least one additional axis to allow twisting of the snowboard 12 about the longitudinal axis of the snowboard 12. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the openings, one of which is shown at 126 in Figure 7, may be larger than the protrusions, such that the protrusions of the first frame support mount 128 can pivot not only about the transverse axis, but also can move angularly or slide to some extent to facilitate pivoting of the first frame support mount 128 about a longitudinal axis, relative to the second frame support mounts 122 and 124. In some embodiments, the openings may include elongated channels to facilitate such pivoting. Referring to Figure 8, there is provided a cross sectional view of the first frame support connector 120 according to various embodiments, showing the second frame support mounts 122 and 124 mounted to the tubes 86 and 88 of the second frame support 80 and having pivotal openings within which are received the flexible couplings 132 and 134. Figure 8 also shows the first frame support mount 128 mounted to the tubes 30 and 32 of the first frame support 20 and having protrusions 130 and 131 which are received in the flexible couplings 132 and 134 in the pivotal openings of the second frame support mounts 122 and 124 and are configured to rotate therein. In various embodiments, because the openings of the second frame support mounts 122 and 124 are larger than the protrusions 130 and 131 and the flexible couplings 132 and 134 are flexible, the first frame support connector 120 may facilitate pivoting or twisting of the second frame support 80 relative to the first frame support about a non-transverse axis. While Figure 8 provides a cross sectional view of the first frame support connector 120 in an untwisted configuration, Figure 9 provides a cross sectional view of the first frame support connector 120 after twisting or pivoting of the second frame support 80 about a non-transverse axis relative to the first frame support 20 has occurred.

In some embodiments, the flexible couplings 132 and 134 may be made of a resilient or elastic material that may provide some resistance and biasing toward a non-twisted configuration, which may be desirable for controlling the system 10.

Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, in various embodiments, the apparatus 14 is configurable from the riding configuration shown in Figure 1 to a folded configuration shown in Figure 2 when the first and second pivotal board connectors are coupled to the snowboard 12 by pivoting the first and second frame supports 20 and 80 about the first and second pivotal board connectors 22 and 82 towards the snowboard 12 such that in the folded configuration, the first and second frame supports are generally aligned with the snowboard, as shown in Figure 2. The process of folding the apparatus 14 is discussed in further detail below. In various embodiments, during such pivoting, the first frame support connector 120 may facilitate pivoting of the first and second frame supports 20 and 80 about a transverse axis relative to one another.

In various embodiments, by facilitating the reconfiguration of the board from the riding configuration to the folded configuration, without disconnecting or decoupling the first or the second pivotal board connectors 22 and 82 from the snowboard 12, a rider may be able to reconfigure the apparatus 14 quickly and easily. For example, in some embodiments, the connection to the snowboard 12 may need to be a strong connection and/or may not be easily disconnected and so being able to reconfigure the apparatus 14 without needing to make this disconnection may be desirable.

Referring to Figure 1 , the second frame support 80 may further include a handgrip system 224, including first and second handles or handgrips 220 and 222, mounted to the tubes 200 and 202. In use, a rider may stand on the foot supports 50 and 52 and hold on to the handgrips 220 and 222 to ride the apparatus 14.

Referring to Figure 3, the handgrip system 224 may include handgrip mount tubes 226 and 228 mounted to the tubes 200 and 202 and pivotal connectors 430 and 432 pivotally coupling the handgrips 220 and 222 to the handgrip mount tubes 226 and 228. In some embodiments, the handgrip mount tubes 226 and 228 may be configurable between a fixed configuration where they are fixed to the tubes 200 and 202 and a sliding configuration where they are slidable relative to the tubes 200 and 202. For example, in some embodiments, the handgrip mount tubes 226 and 228 may include holes 231 and 233 for receiving locking pins 235 and 237 that may be received in one of a plurality of holes 239 and 241 in the tubes 200 and 202, for selectively locking the handgrip mount tubes 226 and 228 to the tubes 200 and 202. In various embodiments, this may allow selectively telescoping the tubes 200 and 202 within the handgrip mount tubes 226 and 228 between a long configuration, which may be chosen to suit the rider by choosing which ones of the holes 239 and 241 in the tubes 200 and 202 to use, as shown in Figure 1 to a shortened configuration as shown in Figure 2, which may facilitate reduced volume of the apparatus 14 in the folded configuration shown in Figure 2.

Referring back to Figure 1 , in various embodiments, the apparatus 14 includes a third frame support 140, a second frame support connector 160 coupled between the second and third frame supports 80 and 140, and a third frame support connector 180 coupled between the first and third frame supports 20 and 140, such that the third frame support is coupled between the first and second frame supports.

Referring now to Figure 10, which provides a rear perspective view of the apparatus 14 in accordance with various embodiments, the third frame support 140 may include a compressible shock absorber 190 coupled between the first and second frame supports 20 and 80. In various embodiments, the shock absorber 190 may be a shock similar to shocks used on mountain bikes or the like, for example. In various embodiments, the shock absorber 190 may be configured to provide compression and damping for a rider during riding. During use by a rider having their feet supported by the foot supports 50 and 52, the shock absorber 190 may be compressible to allow the foot supports 50 and 52 to change their spacing from the snowboard 12 shown in Figure 1. In various embodiments, compression of the shock absorber 190 during use may provide a more comfortable and/or controlled ride when the system 10 shown in Figure 1 is used on an uneven sliding surface.

Referring to Figure 10, in various embodiments, the second frame support connector 160 may act as a pivotal connector between the second and third frame supports 80 and 140 such that the third frame support 140 is pivotal about a transverse axis relative to the second frame support. In some embodiments, the second frame support connector 160 may include a mount having a shaft that is generally similar to the shafts of the second pivotal board connector 82 described above and may be connected to the second pivotal board connector 82. In various embodiments, the pivoting provided by the second frame support connector 160 may involve rotation about a transverse axis to allow the first, second, and third frame supports 20, 80, and 140 to move up and down with the compression of the shock absorber 190. In various embodiments, this pivoting may facilitate folding of the apparatus 14 from the riding configuration shown in Figures 1 and 10 to the folded configuration shown in Figure 2.

During compression of the shock absorber 190, the first frame support 20 may pivot relative to the second frame support 80 about the first frame support connector 120. Flowever, in some embodiments, if the first and second pivotal board connectors were to provide a fixed connection to the snowboard 12, this pivoting of the first frame support 20 relative to the second frame support 80 may be limited and/or may put tension on the snowboard 12 since an effective longitudinal length of the first and second frame supports 20 and 80 together, may change during such pivoting. Accordingly, as discussed above, in some embodiments, the first pivotal board connector 22 may act as a slidable connector to allow for slidable movement of the first frame support 20 relative to the snowboard 12 shown in Figure 1 and reduce the tension put on the snowboard 12 during compression of the shock absorber 190. In various other embodiments, the second pivotal board connector 82 may also or alternatively act as a slidable connector to allow for slidable movement of the second frame support 80 relative to the snowboard 12 shown in Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 10, in various embodiments, the third frame support 140 may include a handgrip connecting portion 230 coupled between the third frame support connector 180 and a fourth frame support connector 250 which is coupled to the second frame support 80 forward of and spaced apart from the third frame support connector 180. In various embodiments, the fourth frame support connector 250 may be connected to the tubes 200 and 202 of the second frame support 80 adjacent to the handgrip system 224 such that the handgrips 220 and 222 are coupled to and partially supported by the third frame support 140 via the handgrip connecting portion 230 and the tubes 200 and 202 of the second frame support 80. In some embodiments, the fourth frame support connector 250 may act as a pivotal connector to facilitate folding of the apparatus 14 from the riding configuration shown in Figures 1 and 10 to the folded configuration shown in Figure 2

In various embodiments, the fourth frame support connector 250 may include sleeves surrounding the tubes 200 and 202 to facilitate sliding longitudinally along the tubes 200 and 202. This slidability may facilitate folding of the apparatus 14 and/or changing of the position of the handgrips 220 and 222. In various embodiments, the fourth frame support connector 250 may include holes and locking pins for selectively locking the fourth frame support connector 250 to the tubes 200 and 202 and the locking pins may be inserted into holes in the tubes 200 and 202 to lock the fourth frame support connector 250 in a fixed position on the tubes 200 and 202 when the apparatus 14 is in the riding configuration. The holes and locking pins may be seen in greater detail referring to Figure 3, for example. In some embodiments, the tubes 200 and 202 may include a plurality of holes for selecting and setting a location of the fourth frame support connector 250 to suit a particular rider or terrain.

When the apparatus 14 is in the riding configuration as shown in Figures 1 and 10 and the first and second pivotal board connectors 22 and 82 are coupled to the snowboard 12, the handgrips 220 and 222 may be forward of and spaced apart from the third frame support connector 180. In various embodiments, this may facilitate rearward movement of the handgrips 220 and 222 when the shock absorber 190 is compressed, which may facilitate better control of the system 10 by a rider when the shock absorber 190 is compressed.

Referring to Figure 10, in various embodiments, the handgrip connecting portion 230 of the third frame support 140 may be configurable between a fixed length configuration, when the apparatus 14 is in the riding configuration, and an adjustable length configuration for facilitating folding of the apparatus to the folded configuration shown in Figure 2. For example, in some embodiments, the handgrip connecting portion 230 may include complementary telescoping tubes 232 and 234 that may be slid relative to one another to adjust a length of the handgrip connecting portion 230 and a locking mechanism, such as, for example, a locking pin and holes, as shown in Figure 3, for selectively fixing the complementary telescoping tubes 232 and 234 relative to one another and thereby selectively fixing a length of the handgrip connecting portion 230 to a length that suits the rider. Accordingly, in various embodiments, in the riding configuration shown in Figures 1 and 10, the handgrip connecting portion 230 may be in a lengthened configuration and the handgrip connecting portion 230 may be configurable to a shortened configuration when the apparatus is in the folded configuration as shown in Figure 2. In various embodiments, the telescoping tubes 232 and 234 may be made of a strong lightweight material, such as, for example aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, or a combination thereof.

Referring to Figure 10, in various embodiments, the third frame support connector 180 may act as a laterally or transversely slidable connector coupled between the first and third frame supports 20 and 140 such that the third frame support 140 is movable laterally relative to the first frame support 20 at the third frame support connector 180 via sliding of the third frame support connector. Accordingly, the handgrips 220 and 222 coupled to the third frame support 140 may be laterally movable relative to the first frame support 20 and the foot supports 50 and 52.

In some embodiments, the third frame support connector 180 may include a curved sliding surface 182 and a slider 184 configured to slide on the curved sliding surface to facilitate angular movement of the third frame support relative to the first frame support during sliding. Referring to Figure 3, the slider 184 may include a housing 186 and a housing cover 187 enclosing upper and lower surface engagers 188 and 189 which may be shaped complementary to the curved sliding surface 182 and are adapted to surround and slide on the curved sliding surface 182. In various embodiments, the sliding surface 182 may be mounted to the tubes 30 and 32 of the first frame support 20 by sleeves surrounding the tubes 30 and 32 such that the sliding surface 182 is mounted to the tubes 30 and 32 via a slidable connection, which may be fixed by a locking pin and holes when the apparatus 14 is in the riding configuration. In various embodiments, the sliding surface 182 and the upper and lower surface engagers 188 and 189 may be made of strong lightweight materials that have a low coefficient of friction therebetween. For example, in some embodiments, the sliding surface 182 may be made of a metal, such as, aluminum for example, and the upper and lower surface engagers 188 and 189 may be made of a hard plastic, such as nylon, for example.

In some embodiments, the curvature of the curved sliding surface 182 and the slider 184 in the third frame support connector 180 may facilitate angular movement of the third frame support 140 relative to the first frame support 20 during lateral sliding of the slidable connector.

In some embodiments, the lateral and angular movement may be introduced by a rider torquing or pushing the handgrips 220 and 222 laterally relative to the foot supports 50 and 52 and the first frame support 20 or vice versa. In various embodiments, allowing the handgrips 220 and 222 to move laterally relative to the foot supports 50 and 52 and the first frame support 20 may facilitate providing torque or twisting force to the snowboard 12 and provide greater control to a rider of the system 10. In some embodiments, the curvature of the curved sliding surface 182 may facilitate angular or rotational movement of a rigid structure including the second and third frame supports 80 and 120 relative to the first frame support 20 rather than simple lateral movement, which may be desirable to help the apparatus 14 to apply torsional forces to the snowboard 12 shown in Figure 1. In various embodiments, the curved sliding surface 182 may have a generally circular cross section and this may facilitate pivoting of the third frame support 140 relative to the first frame support about a transverse axis to facilitate folding of the apparatus 14 from the riding configuration shown in Figure 1 to the folded configuration shown in Figure 2.

Riding

Referring to Figure 1 , in various embodiments, before using the apparatus 14, a rider may first set up the apparatus 14 to fit their size and/or riding style. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the rider may adjust a position of the fourth frame support connector 250 along the tubes 200 and 202 by sliding and locking the connector 250 into place using locking pins. The rider may adjust a length of the handgrip connecting portion 230 to a length that suits the rider by sliding the tubes 232 and 234 relative to one another and locking them in place using a locking pin. The rider may adjust a height of the handgrips 220 and 222 by sliding the tubes 226 and 228 on the tubes 200 and 202 and locking them in place using locking pins.

In various embodiments, during use, the apparatus 14 may be in the riding configuration as shown in Figure 1 , for example. A rider may step onto the foot supports 50 and 52 and grip the handgrips 220 and 222. In some embodiments, the rider and the system 10 may be propelled by gravity down an incline, with the rider facing forward towards the handgrips 220 and 222 while being supported by the system 10.

Referring to Figure 1 , as the rider rides down an incline and travels over inconsistencies in the ground, the shock absorber 190 may provide shock absorption through compression thereof. During compression of the shock absorber 190, in various embodiments, the first and second frame supports 20 and 80 may pivot about a transverse axis of the first frame support connector 120 towards a more aligned orientation relative to one another, such that a height or spacing of the foot supports 50 and 52 relative to the snowboard 12 is reduced. In such embodiments, this may cause a distance between the shafts of the first pivotal board connector 22 and the second pivotal board connector 82 to be increased and so the shafts of the first pivotal board connector 22 may slide in the openings 42 and 44 to allow for the effective longitudinal length increase that arises from rotating the first and second frame supports 20 and 80 towards alignment.

In various embodiments, allowing the effective longitudinal length between end pivot points of the first and second frame supports 20 and 80 to change during use without tensioning or stressing the snowboard 12, may free the board from longitudinal forces, result in a predictable shock absorption, and/or may reduce potential damage to the snowboard 12 and/or pivotal board connectors 22 and 82.

In various embodiments, when the apparatus 14 is in the riding configuration, the apparatus 14 may be configured to stand on its own, without being connected to the snowboard 12. For example, in some embodiments, in the riding configuration, the apparatus 14 may be placed on a floor without the snowboard 12 and without any links between the pivotal board connectors 22 and 82 and may be ready to take compression loads from a rider. In various embodiments, the ability of the apparatus 14 to stand on its own may result in the snowboard 12 being largely untensioned and/or the snowboard 12 performance remaining generally predictable and high during use.

As discussed above, when the apparatus 14 is in the riding configuration as shown in Figures 1 and 10 and the first and second pivotal board connectors 22 and 82 are coupled to the snowboard 12, the handgrips 220 and 222 may be coupled to the shock absorber 190 and disposed forward of and spaced apart from the third frame support connector 180. In various embodiments, this may facilitate rearward movement of the handgrips 220 and 222 when the shock absorber 190 is compressed, which may facilitate better control of the system 10 by a rider when the shock absorber 190 is compressed. Further, in various embodiments, because the handgrips 220 and 222 are coupled to the shock absorber 190, compression of the shock absorber 190 may facilitate downward movement of the handgrips 220 and 222. This downward and/or rearward movement of the handgrips 220 and 22 may facilitate the handgrips generally following movement of the foot supports 50 and 52 to help keep a rider’s posture generally constant under compression of the shock absorber 190.

In various embodiments, during compression of the shock absorber 190, the third frame support 140 may pivot about the second frame support connector 160 to allow for movement of the third frame support connector 180 with the movement of the first frame support 20. In various embodiments, during compression of the shock absorber 190, the tubes 200 and 202 may pivot about the pivotal connector 206 to allow for the shortened length of the shock absorber 190.

To control the system 10, the rider may transfer their weight laterally (e.g., left or right) on the foot supports 50 and 52. In various embodiments, this transfer of weight may apply a torque through the parallel spaced apart tubes 30 and 32 to the snowboard 12 at the first pivotal board connector 22. Because the first pivotal board connector 22 is coupled to the snowboard 12 at a forward position of the snowboard, this torque may be applied at a forward position of the snowboard and this may provide for better carving or steering the snowboard 12 than could be imparted by torque applied at a central or rear position of the snowboard.

Referring still to Figure 1 , in some embodiments, twisting or torqueing of the board about a longitudinal axis may be desirable for better turning of the snowboard 12. Accordingly, to twist the snowboard 12, a rider may turn the handgrips 220 and 222 in one direction while leaning on the foot supports 50 and 52 in another direction. This may impart a twist on the snowboard 12 about a longitudinal axis of the snowboard 12, which may help facilitate turning of the snowboard 12. In various embodiments, to facilitate the twisting in the snowboard 12 generally about a longitudinal axis of the snowboard, the first frame support 20 must be twistable or rotatable relative to the second and third frame supports 80 and 140 generally about the longitudinal axis. In various embodiments, this relative rotatability may be provided by the first frame support connector 120 and/or the third frame support connector 180.

In various embodiments, during use, when the rider twists or torques the handgrips 220 and 222 relative to the foot supports, the first frame support connector 120 may facilitate rotation of the second frame support 80 relative to the first frame support 20 not just about a transverse axis, as discussed above, for folding or shock absorption, but also generally about an axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the snowboard 12. In various embodiments, the protrusions of the first frame support mount 128 may move or slide in the openings of the second frame support mounts 122 and 124 shown in Figure 7 to facilitate the rotation of the second frame support 80 relative to the first frame support 20 generally about a longitudinal axis.

During use, when the rider twists or torques the handgrips 220 and 222 relative to the foot supports 50 and 52, the third frame support connector 180 may facilitate rotation of the third frame support 140 relative to the first frame support 20, not just about a transverse axis, but also lateral and angular movement generally about an axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the snowboard 12. In various embodiments, the slider 184 shown in Figure 10 may slide on the curved sliding surface 182 of the third frame support connector 180 to facilitate the angular movement of the third frame support 140 relative to the first frame support 20 generally about a non-transverse or longitudinal axis.

Folding

After riding the system 10, the rider may wish to fold the apparatus 14 of the system 10 for transport. The apparatus 14 may thus be configured from the riding configuration shown in Figures 1 and 10 to the folded configuration shown in Figure

2

In various embodiments, to transition the apparatus 14 from the riding configuration to the folded configuration, the handgrips 220 and 222 may be pivoted towards alignment with the tubes 200 and 202 respectively and the foot supports 50 and 52 may be pivoted towards alignment with the tubes 30 and 32 respectively.

Referring to Figure 11 , there is shown part of the handgrip system 224 when the apparatus 14 is in the riding configuration in accordance with various embodiments. The handgrip system 224 includes a base 428 mounted to the tubes 226 and 228. The handgrips 220 and 222 are pivotally coupled to the base 428 via tubes 221 and 223, which act as handgrip supports, and the pivotal connectors 430 and 432. The pivotal connectors 430 and 432 may include stoppers 431 and 433, see Figure 12, for example, for limiting pivoting of the tubes 221 and 223 such that the tubes 221 and 223 cannot pivot above the orientation shown in Figure 11.

In the embodiment shown, the handgrip system 224 also includes first and second crossbar supports 420 and 422 for locking the handgrips in place when the apparatus 14 is in the riding configuration. The first and second crossbar supports

420 and 422 may be pivotally connected to the base 428 via pivotal connectors

421 and 423 (see Figure 12) that limit rotation such that the first and second crossbar supports cannot pivot below the orientation shown in Figure 11. In some embodiments, referring to Figure 12, the crossbar supports 420 and 422 may include engaged geared portions 440 and 442 for facilitating synchronized rotation of the cross bar supports and stoppers or faces 444 and 446 for limiting rotation of the crossbar supports 420 and 422.

Referring to Figure 11 , in the riding configuration, the crossbar supports 420 and

422 are connected to the tubes 221 and 223 via a half sleeve and a locking pin to lock the tubes 221 and 223 and thereby lock the handgrips 220 and 222. In various embodiments, in the riding configuration, the crossbar supports 420 and 422 may be covered by padding 424. When a rider wishes to change the apparatus 14 to the folded configuration, the rider may remove the padding 424, disengage the locking pins, and disconnect the crossbar supports 420 and 422 from the tubes 221 and 223. The rider may then pivot the handgrips 220 and 222 downward into alignment with the tubes 226 and 228 and pivot the crossbar supports 420 and 422 upwards into alignment with one another.

Referring to Figure 10, in various embodiments, when the rider wishes to fold the apparatus 14, the rider may change the handgrip connecting portion 230 from a fixed length wherein, for example, a locking pin may hold the telescoping tubes 232 and 234 in fixed relation to one another, to a sliding configuration, for example, by disengaging the locking pin.

In various embodiments, when the rider wishes to fold the apparatus 14, the rider may configure the handgrip mount tubes 226 and 228 from a fixed configuration to a slidable configuration by disengaging the locking pins thereon such that the handgrip mount tubes 226 and 228 may be slid to reduce a combined length of the handgrip system 224 and the tubes 200 and 202 and to facilitate folding of the apparatus 14.

In various embodiments, when the rider wishes to fold the apparatus 14, the rider may configure each of the third and fourth frame support connectors 180 and 250 from a fixed configuration to a slidable configuration by disengaging the locking pins thereon.

Referring to Figure 1 , the first, second, and third frame supports 20, 80, and 140 may then be pivoted relative to one another generally into alignment and concurrently the tubes 200 and 202 of the second frame support 80 may be pivoted about the pivotal connector 206 such that the second frame support is generally folded on itself and the tubes 200 and 202 are generally aligned with the tubes 86 and 88. During pivoting of the first, second, and third frame supports 20, 80, and 140 into alignment, the third frame support connector 180 may slide longitudinally along the tubes 30 and 32. In various embodiments, during pivoting of the tubes 200 and 202 about the pivotal connector 206, the handgrip connecting portion 230 of the third frame support 140 may change from the lengthened configuration shown in Figures 1 to a shortened configuration as shown in Figure 2 by telescoping of the tubes 232 and 234 and the fourth frame support connector 250 may slide along the tubes 200 and 202. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the slidability of the fourth frame support connector 250 along the tubes 200 and 202 and/or the adjustable length of the handgrip connecting portion 230 may facilitate folding of the apparatus 14 between the riding configuration shown in Figure 1 and the folded configuration shown in Figure 2.

In various embodiments, during pivoting of the first, second, and third frame supports 20, 80, and 140 into alignment, the shaft members 46 and 48 may slide forward in the openings 42 and 44 of the first pivotal board connector 22. In some embodiments, during pivoting of the first, second, and third frame supports 20, 80, and 140 into alignment, the shock absorber 190 may become compressed. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the slidability of the first pivotal board connector 22 and/or the compressibility of the shock absorber 190 may facilitate folding of the apparatus 14 between the riding configuration shown in Figure 1 and the folded configuration shown in Figure 2. Once the above folding has been completed, the apparatus 14 may be in the folded configuration, as shown in Figure 2.

In various embodiments, the tubes 86 and 88 of the second frame support 80 may be spaced apart such that they are outside of the tubes 30 and 32 of the first frame support 20, and this may allow the apparatus 14 to fold into the folded configuration shown in Figure 2 without interference between the third frame support connector 180 and the second frame support 80. In various embodiments, this may facilitate a low profile of the apparatus 14 in the folded configuration shown in Figure 2.

Once a rider has transported the system 10, the rider may wish to unfold the apparatus 14 into the riding configuration shown in Figure 1 by reversing the steps taken to fold the apparatus 14.

Various embodiments

In various embodiments, an apparatus generally similar to the apparatus 14 shown in Figure 1 may include additional or alternative rider supports from the rider foot supports 50 and 52. For example, in some embodiments, an apparatus generally similar to the apparatus 14 may include a seat, handlebars or handgrips, and/or other rider supports acting as rider supports coupled to the first frame support 20 and spaced apart from the first pivotal board connector 22.

In various embodiments, elements of the apparatus 14 described herein, such as, for example, the tubes, the foot supports, sleeves, and elements of the connectors may be made of strong and lightweight material, such as, for example, aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, or a combination thereof.

While the apparatus 14 as has been described above may be locked in the riding configuration shown in Figure 1 by fixing the third frame support connector 180 to the tubes 30 and 32 and by fixing the fourth frame support connector 250 to the tubes 200 and 202, in various embodiments, one of the third frame support connector 180 and the fourth frame support connector 250 may be allowed to slide when in the riding configuration.

In various embodiments, additional or alternative pivotal or sliding connectors may be used. In various embodiments additional or alternative locking mechanisms to the locking pins disclosed above may be used, such as, for example, one or more button clips which may act as the locking pins. In some embodiments, other locking mechanisms, such as, for example, hand controlled locking clamps may be used in place of any or all of the locking pins described herein.

In various embodiments, sliding boards other than the snowboard 12 may be used in the system 10 described herein.

In various embodiments, other multi-axial pivotal connectors may be used in addition to or alternatively to the first frame support connector 120 described above. For example, in some embodiments, a ball joint may be included in the first frame support connector 120 to facilitate multi-axial pivoting of the first frame support 20 relative to the second frame support 80. In some embodiments, a multi- axial pivotal connector as described below in connection with Figures 13-15 may be used.

In various embodiments, an apparatus generally similar to the apparatus 14 may include a second pivotal board connector, generally similar to the second pivotal board connector 82, that includes a slidable connector generally similar to the first pivotal board connector 22 shown in Figure 1. In such embodiments, the second pivotal board connector may slide to allow for the effective length increase that arises from rotating first and second frame supports towards alignment, for example, during compression of a shock absorber and/or during folding of the apparatus.

For example, referring to Figure 13, there is shown an apparatus 304 for facilitating riding on a snowboard, in accordance with various embodiments. The apparatus 304 may have elements generally similar to the elements included in the apparatus 14 described above in connection with Figures 1-12. The apparatus 304 includes a first frame support 320 and a second frame support 340 having a second pivotal board connector 342. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the second pivotal board connector 342 acts as a slidable connector to allow longitudinal sliding of the second frame support 340 relative to the snowboard 302. In various embodiments, the apparatus 304 may include a handgrip connecting portion 360 that includes a disconnectable connector 362. In various embodiments, the disconnectable connector 362 may be disconnected before the apparatus 304 is folded from a riding configuration, as shown in Figure 13 to a folded configuration as shown in Figure 14. In some embodiments, the disconnectable connector 362 may include complementary threaded portions which can be hand tightened or loosened and disconnected.

The apparatus 304 also includes a first frame support connector 380 which is shown in further detail in Figure 15. Referring to Figure 15, the first frame support connector 380 is configured to facilitate multi-axial pivoting of the second frame support 340 relative to the first frame support 320. The first frame support connector 380 includes pivotal connectors 382 and 384 for facilitating pivoting about a transverse axis 386 and a pivotal connector 388 for facilitating pivoting about a generally longitudinal axis 390. The first frame support connector 380 includes a first mount 392 fixed to tubes 391 and 393 (for example, by welding in some embodiments) and connected to the pivotal connector 388. The first frame support connector 380 also includes a second mount 394 coupled between the pivotal connector 388 and the pivotal connectors 382 and 384. The pivotal connectors 382 and 384 are connected to tubes 396 and 398 of the first frame support 320.

Folded configuration alternate views

Referring to Figure 16 there is provided a top view of the apparatus 14 shown in Figure 2, in the folded configuration, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. Referring to Figure 17, there is provided a side cross sectional view of the apparatus 14 in the folded configuration, taken along the plane 450 shown in Figure 16. While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.