Method and apparatus for converting standard lumber into a grinding rail

Abstract

A portable grinding rail assembly for use with skateboards, in-line skates, and the like. The assembly includes a beam that is preferably a piece of stock wood, such as a two-by-four, having support legs attached to each end of the beam. The assembly also includes a cover or cap that sits on top of the beam and provides the riding surface for the skates. The cover and the support legs are removable from the beam so that the assembly is easily transported and to allow sale and shipment of the support legs and cover separately from the beam. The cover can also be L-shaped for use with existing, stationary supports, such as roadway curbs.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A rail assembly for supporting a rider, comprising: 
 a non-metallic, elongated beam having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a bottom;    a first support having an upper receiving area coupled to said first end of said beam adjacent said bottom of said beam, said first support having a lower portion for contacting a supporting surface and for spacing said beam from the supporting surface; and    a cover positioned over said top surface of said board and spaced from said first support, said cover having a relatively smooth, upper exterior surface.    
     
     
         2 . A beam assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 said first support and said cover are metal.    
     
     
         3 . A grinding rail assembly, comprising: 
 an elongated non-metallic beam having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a bottom;    a first metal support having an upper receiving area coupled to said first end of said beam adjacent said bottom of said beam, said first support having a lower portion for contacting a supporting surface and for spacing said beam from the supporting surface;    a second metal support having an upper receiving area coupled to said second end of said beam adjacent said bottom of said beam, said second support having a lower portion for contacting the supporting surface and for spacing said beam from the supporting surface; and    a metal cover positioned over substantially the entire length of said top surface of said beam and spaced from said first and second supports, said cover having a relatively smooth, upper exterior surface.    
     
     
         4 . A method of using a rail, comprising the steps of: 
 providing an elongated member having an L-shaped transverse cross-section;    positioning the member on a rigid support in a nesting relationship with the support, the support having a surface corresponding to the L-shaped cross-section of the member;    moving a vehicle along the member;    removing the member from the rigid support; and    repositioning the member on the rigid support.