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This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/797,907 entitled “Ski-Safety Vest” filed on May 5, 2006.
The disclosures made herein relate generally to the sporting accessories industry. The invention discussed herein is in the general classification of safety devices for skiing or other sports.
Skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports are becoming increasingly popular. Unfortunately, the crowded ski slopes are also becoming increasing dangerous with skiers having a wide range of experience and skill levels. Every year, a large number of individuals are injured or killed from collisions on ski slopes. Collisions with trees or other fixed objects are commonplace. A skier often can see the potential for a collision prior to the collision, but he is helpless to prevent it or minimize the impact from it.
Currently, no devices for preventing or lessening the impact of collisions are available to skiers.
Hence, there is a need in the art for a convenient to use, inexpensive, durable, safe and effective device for protecting a skier or other individual from an impending collision.
Ski-Safety Vest is a vest with an airbag system that can be worn by skiers and deployed instantly in the event of an impending collision with a tree or other object found on a ski slope or the like.
The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a vest with adjustable straps, a ripcord, airbag, airbag flap and a carbon dioxide container with a connecting line operatively attached to the airbag.
The principal object of this invention is to provide a device that can be deployed by a skier to mitigate impact and injuries from a collision with a tree or other object.
Another object of this invention is to provide a lightweight device that a skier deploys to mitigate the impact from an impending collision.
Another object of this invention is to provide an aesthetically pleasing device that a skier deploys to mitigate the impact from an impending collision.
Another object of this invention is to provide an affordable device that a skier deploys to mitigate the impact from an impending collision.
Another object of this invention is to provide an easily used device that a skier deploys to mitigate the impact from an impending collision.
Another object of this invention is to provide a reliable device that a skier deploys to mitigate the impact from an impending collision.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a durable device that a skier deploys to mitigate the impact from an impending collision.
FIG. 1 depicts a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 depicts a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention attached to a skier.
FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention attached to a skier as it is being deployed.
The preferred embodiment of Ski-Safety Vest is comprised of at least some of the following: a vest with adjustable straps, a ripcord, airbag, airbag flap and a carbon dioxide container with a connecting line operatively attached to the airbag.
FIG. 1 depicts a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A vest 1 has an airbag flap 2 in the front. The vest 1 can be made of a variety of materials though a waterproof material is preferable. The vest 1 has a standard configuration with a neck hole 3 and a first arm hole 4 and a second arm hole 5 and will come in different sizes to accommodate different users. The airbag flap 2 is approximately square in shape in this preferred embodiment and covers an inflatable airbag (not pictured) within the vest 1.
A ripcord 6 emanates from the vest 1 and is operatively attached to a carbon dioxide container (not pictured) in the rear of the vest 1. A connecting line (not pictured) is also located internally in the vest 1 and operatively connects the carbon dioxide container to the airbag.
A pair of straps 7 made of velcro are located on the side of the vest 1 to permit the vest 1 to be adjusted for various size users. In alternative embodiments of the invention, a different number of straps or a different material could be used for the straps.
FIG. 2 depicts a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The pair of straps 7 can be seen in greater detail on the vest 1. The neck hole 3, the first arm hole 4 and the second arm hole 5 are also visible from this view. A protective padding 20 covers the carbon dioxide container on the rear of the vest 1.
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention attached to a skier. The vest 1 can be easily and comfortably worn by the skier 30. The ripcord 6 can be pulled to allow the airbag to deploy through the airbag flap 2 when the skier 30 believes a collision is imminent.
FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention attached to a skier as it is being deployed. In this view, the skier 30 has deployed the airbag 40 through the airbag flap 2 of the vest 1 to minimize the impact from a collision with a tree 41. The airbag 40 extends from approximately the top of the head of the skier 30 to the toes of the skier 30 to minimize the effect of an impact with the tree 41. The airbag 40 is made of nylon in this preferred embodiment though a variety of materials would suffice. The protective padding 20 covering the carbon dioxide container of the preferred embodiment can also be seen. In alternative embodiments of the invention, other types of gas containers could be used to quickly fill the airbag.
To use the preferred embodiment of Ski-Safety Vest, an individual would place the vest over his chest and waist with the airbag flap on the front and the carbon dioxide container side of the vest on the back. The straps would then be adjusted to provide a comfortable and firm fit. In the event of an impending collision with a tree or other object, the ripcord on the front of the vest would be pulled, activating the carbon dioxide container which would deploy the airbag from the airbag flap.
The materials utilized for Ski-Safety Vest may vary widely but will likely include metal and plastic components. The metals would ideally be selected from available steel or alloys of steel and aluminum. The production process related to the use of these metals insures that the metal is non-corrosive, durable and strong. The selected metal should have high impact strength and be capable of accepting and retaining coloring materials for an extended length of time.
The plastic used in the production will ideally be selected for durability and longevity. Thermoplastics are commonly used in the manufacturing of components similar to those used in this invention. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and other similar thermoplastic materials would be among those with the necessary traits. Members of this family are recognized universally as being versatile and of high quality.
The plastic components of Ski-Safety Vest can also be formed with the use of plastic molding techniques, such as injection molding or blow molding. Injection molding requires melted plastic to be forcefully injected into relatively cool molds. As the plastic begins to harden, it takes on the shape of the mold cavity. This technique is ideal for the mass production of products. Alternatively, blow molding, a form of extrusion, could be utilized. Blow molding involves a molten tube being pushed into a mold. Compressed air then forces the molten tube against the cold walls of the mold.
It should be obvious that the components of the present invention can be of various shapes and sizes. It should also be obvious that the components of the invention can be made of different types of plastics or other suitable materials and can be of any color.
It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.