20020135159 | Anti-thrust seating assembly for folding wheelchairs | September, 2002 | Watkins |
20060202451 | CURTAIN AIRBAG DEVICE | September, 2006 | Nakanishi |
20040046353 | Quick release for bicycle axle fastener with multiple locking positions | March, 2004 | Neugent |
20040212164 | Modularized wheel chairs | October, 2004 | Chen et al. |
20140291968 | SNOWBOARD BINDING | October, 2014 | Elkington |
20160039491 | BICYCLE WITH DISC BRAKES REMOVABLE FROM THE RELATIVE WHEEL | February, 2016 | Morelli |
20070241522 | Active automobile turn gravity change control apparatus | October, 2007 | Tsai |
20090115158 | Mobility trainer | May, 2009 | Lawrence |
20080023937 | Self-centering boat loading device | January, 2008 | Bryant |
20140027990 | MECHANIC'S CREEPER HAVING INTEGRATED LIGHTS POWERED BY A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY | January, 2014 | Triglia |
20120126523 | Laterally sliding roller ski | May, 2012 | Langer |
[0001] 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.
[0002] 1. Prior Art
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029]
[0030]
[0031]
[0032]
[0033]
[0034]
[0035]
[0036]
[0037]
[0038]
[0039]
[0040]
[0041]
[0042]
[0043]
[0044]
[0045]
[0046]
[0047]
[0048]
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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 outlines
[0051] Preferred Embodiments:
[0052]
[0053] Nine embodiments of the present invention are specified as follows:
[0054] Flange Brake (
[0055] A device termed a flange brake for slowing a training snow board
[0056] The functioning of this embodiment of the present invention is as follows. When said snow board
[0057] The following eight embodiments
[0058] Rear Bracket (
[0059] A device termed a rear bracket for slowing a training snow board
[0060] The functioning of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is realized by adjustable affixing means comprised of two slots
[0061] Grooved Rear Brake (
[0062] A device termed a grooved rear brake for slowing a training snow board
[0063] The functioning of this embodiment of the present invention is by adjusting the position of said blade
[0064] Rear Pivot Brake (
[0065] A device termed a rear pivot brake for slowing a training snow board
[0066] The functioning of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is by adjusting the position of said blade
[0067] Block Mount (
[0068] A device termed a block mount for slowing a training snow board
[0069] The functioning of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is realized by adjustable affixing means comprised of two slots
[0070] Grooved Blade Mount (
[0071] A device termed a grooved blade mount for slowing a training snow board
[0072] The functioning of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is by adjusting the position of said blade
[0073] Grooved Center Mount (
[0074] A device termed a grooved center mount for slowing a training snow board
[0075] The functioning of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is by adjusting the position of said blade
[0076] Pivot Brake (
[0077] A device termed a pivot brake for slowing a training snow board
[0078] The functioning of this embodiment of the present invention is by adjusting the position of said blade
[0079] Scoop Brake (
[0080] A device termed a scoop brake for reducing the speed of a training snow board
[0081] The functioning of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is by adjusting the position of said blade
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] All of the above are only some of the examples of available embodiments of the present invention For example, the bracket