AU2020277097A1 - Sledding apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a sledding apparatus 10 comprising a base 12 for supporting at least one person thereon, in use, and a runner support 14 configured for detachable mounting to said base 12 and configured to operatively provide a support framework 16 for frozen fluid 18 thereabout which provides a low-friction runner 30 whereon the base 12 is slidable over a surface 20. 8/10 0Q CI-I

Description

8/10

Q CI-I SLEDDING APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sledding, in

general, and more particularly to sledding apparatus, a runner

for a sled, and an associated sledding runner mould.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is

intended to facilitate an understanding of the present

invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or

admission that any of the material referred to is or was part

of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the

application.

[0003] A sled, sledge, or sleigh is a land vehicle that

slides across a surface, usually of ice or snow. It is built

with either a smooth underside or a separate body supported by

one or more smooth, relatively narrow, longitudinal runners or

blades similar in principle to skis. This reduces the amount

of friction, which helps to carry loads thereon.

[0004] Similarly, skates generally comprise footwear fitted

with similar runners or blades, such as strips of metal or

wood for skating on ice, or even inline wheels for using on

hard surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt.

[0005] Various types of sledding in cold weather

environments are popular, with many forms of sledding practiced

across the world, e.g. sledding, skating, tobogganing, luging,

etc. However, sledding is not typically practical in warmer climes due to the lack of suitable sledding surfaces, i.e.

snow and ice.

[0006] The current invention was conceived with this

shortcoming in mind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention there

is provided sledding apparatus comprising:

a base for supporting at least one person thereon, in

use; and

a runner support configured for detachable mounting to

said base and configured to operatively provide a support

framework for frozen fluid thereabout which provides a low

friction runner whereon the base is slidable over a surface.

[0008] Typically, the base comprises an article of

footwear, such as a skate, or a platform, such as a bodyboard,

skateboard deck, toboggan, or the like.

[0009] Typically, the runner support comprises a blade or

similar member configured to allow sliding over a surface once

the frozen fluid ablates therefrom.

[0010] Typically, the runner support defines at least one

aperture therein to provide a support for frozen fluid

thereabout.

[0011] Typically, the runner support defines at least one

protrusion thereon to provide a support for frozen fluid

thereabout.

[0012] Preferably, the runner support defines a plurality

of bristles thereon to provide a support for frozen fluid

thereabout.

[0013] Typically, the runner support is configured for

detachable mounting by means of a suitable mount, such as a

nut-and-bolt arrangement, a press or interference fit mount,

or the like.

[0014] Typically, the runner support is shaped and

dimensioned to allow placing into a conventional household

freezer so that fluid is freezable thereabout when said runner

support is suspended within a suitable mould.

[0015] Typically, the frozen fluid comprises water ice with

or without additives for improving such ice characteristics.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the invention there

is provided a runner for a sled, said runner comprising a

runner support configured for detachable mounting to a base

for supporting at least one person thereon, in use, the support

configured to operatively provide a support framework for

frozen fluid thereabout which provides a low-friction runner

whereon the base is slidable over a surface.

[0017] Typically, the base comprises an article of

footwear, such as a skate, or a platform, such as a bodyboard,

skateboard deck, toboggan, or the like.

[0018] Typically, the runner support comprises a blade or

similar member configured to allow sliding over a surface once

the frozen fluid ablates therefrom.

[0019] Typically, the runner support defines at least one

aperture therein to provide a support for frozen fluid

thereabout.

[0020] Typically, the runner support defines at least one

protrusion thereon to provide a support for frozen fluid

thereabout.

[0021] Preferably, the runner support defines a plurality

of bristles thereon to provide a support for frozen fluid

thereabout.

[0022] Typically, the runner support is configured for

detachable mounting by means of a suitable mount, such as a

nut-and-bolt arrangement, a press or interference fit mount,

or the like.

[0023] Typically, the runner support is shaped and

dimensioned to allow placing into a conventional household

freezer so that fluid is freezable thereabout when said runner

support is suspended within a suitable mould.

[0024] Typically, the frozen fluid comprises water ice with

or without additives for improving such ice characteristics.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the invention there

is provided a sledding runner mould configured to receive:

a freezable fluid; and

a runner support configured for detachable mounting to a

base for supporting at least one person thereon, in use, the

support configured to operatively provide a support framework

for such frozen fluid thereabout which provides a low-friction

runner whereon the base is slidable over a surface.

[0026] Typically, the fluid comprises water with or without

additives for improving ice characteristics.

[0027] Typically, the mould comprises a polymer shell

adapted for fitment about the runner support.

[0028] Typically, the mould is configured to suspend the

runner support therein so that said support is substantially

surrounded by the fluid.

[0029] Typically, the runner support comprises a blade or

similar member configured to allow sliding over a surface once

the frozen fluid ablates therefrom.

[0030] Typically, the runner support defines at least one

aperture therein to provide a support for frozen fluid

thereabout.

[0031] Typically, the runner support defines at least one

protrusion thereon to provide a support for frozen fluid

thereabout.

[0032] Preferably, the runner support defines a plurality

of bristles thereon to provide a support for frozen fluid

thereabout.

[0033] Typically, the runner support is shaped and

dimensioned to allow placing into a conventional household

freezer so that fluid is freezable thereabout when said runner

support is placed and/or suspended within the mould.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there

is provided a method of moulding a runner for a sled, said

method comprising the steps of:

providing a mould in accordance with the third aspect of

the invention above;

placing or suspending a runner for a sled in accordance

with the second aspect of the invention therein;

adding a freezable fluid to the mould; and

freezing the fluid about the runner to provide a low

friction runner whereon the sled is slidable over a surface.

[0035] Typically, the fluid comprises water with or without

additives for improving ice characteristics.

[0036] Typically, the step of freezing is performed by means

of a conventional household freezer.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the present

invention there is provided sledding apparatus, a runner for a

sled, a sledding runner mould as well as a method of moulding

a runner for a sled, substantially as herein described and/or

illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the accompanying

drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective-view

representation of a runner for a sled, in accordance with an

aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional representation

of the runner for a sled of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is diagrammatic side-sectional representation of

a mould for a runner for a sled of Figure 1 being filled with

freezable fluid;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side-sectional representation

of the mould for the runner for a sled of Figure 3 with the

fluid frozen;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic side-sectional representation

of the runner for a sled of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic side-sectional representation

of the frozen runner of Figure 5 mounted to a base;

Figure 7 is diagrammatic perspective-view representation

of another embodiment of a runner for a sled, in accordance

with an aspect of the invention;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional representation

of the runner of Figure 7, attached to a base;

Figures 9 and 10 are diagrammatic side-view

representations of sledding apparatus in accordance with an

aspect of the invention, in use;

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic perspective representation of

the sledding apparatus of Figures 9 and 10;

Figures 12 and 13 are diagrammatic side-view

representations of another embodiment of sledding apparatus having different runners, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, in use; and

Figures 14 to 17 are diagrammatic representations of a

yet further embodiment of sledding apparatus in accordance

with aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Further features of the present invention are more

fully described in the following description of several non

limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included

solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention

to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a

restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of

the invention as set out above. In the figures, incorporated

to illustrate features of the example embodiment or

embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like

parts throughout.

[0039] With reference now to the accompanying figures,

there is shown embodiments of sledding apparatus 10 which

generally comprises a base 12 for supporting at least one

person thereon, in use, and a runner support 14 which is

configured for detachable mounting to the base 12. The runner

support 14 is further configured to operatively provide a

support framework 16 for frozen fluid 18 thereabout, as shown,

which provides a low-friction runner 30 whereon the base 12 is

slidable over a surface 20.

[0040] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the

frozen fluid runner 30 provides a low-friction interface

between apparatus 10 and the surface 20, which may comprise lawn, concrete, etc. instead of a surface covered in snow and/or ice. In this manner, apparatus 10 facilitates sledding in warmer climates.

[0041] The base 12 can comprise a number of forms, such as

an article of footwear to form a skate, or a platform, such as

a bodyboard, skateboard deck, toboggan, or the like. The

skilled addressee will appreciate that variations hereon are

possible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0042] In one example, the runner support 14 comprises a

blade or similar member configured to allow sliding over a

surface once the frozen fluid 18 ablates therefrom. Such an

arrangement generally facilitates safe use of apparatus 10, so

that the base 12 does not come to an abrupt and potentially

dangerous stop once the frozen fluid ablates.

[0043] As shown in the accompanying drawings, a number of

variations on the runner support 14 are possible and envisaged

by the inventor. For example, a blade-like support 14 is shown

in Figures 1 to 4, with an inverted concave support 14 in

Figures 7 and 8. Such an inverted concave support may be of

varying sizes, with two examples shown in the figures.

[0044] Importantly, as mentioned above, the runner support

14 is generally shaped such that sliding over surface 20

remains possible once the frozen fluid 18 ablates from the

runner support 14. To this end, a blade-like support 14

typically includes a bevelled edge with raised ends, or an

inverted concave shape, or the like, which prevents the base

12 from stopping abruptly once the frozen fluid 18 ablates

therefrom. Other runner support shapes are possible and within

the scope of the present invention.

[0045] In one example, the runner support 14 defines at

least one aperture 22 therein to provide a support for frozen

fluid thereabout. Similarly, the runner support 14 may define

at least one protrusion 24 thereon to provide a support for

frozen fluid thereabout. Again, such apertures 22 and

protrusions 24 provide purchase for the frozen fluid and may

take a variety of forms.

[0046] For example, as shown in the embodiment of Figures

14 to 17, the runner support 14 may include or define a

plurality of bristles thereon to providea support for frozen

fluid thereabout. In addition, such bristles 24 are typically

stiff to facilitate that sliding over surface 20 remains

possible once the frozen fluid 18 ablates from the runner

support 14 whilst minimising any hazardous sharp surfaces, or

the like. Use of bristles 24 also facilitates with safety, as

once the frozen fluid 18 ablates or melts, the bristles allow

sliding without biting into surface 20 and also prevent damage

to surface 20, such as grass, or the like. The configuration

and style of such bristles may vary, depending on requirements.

[0047] The runner support 14 is generally configured for

detachable mounting by means of a suitable mount 26, such as

a nut-and-bolt arrangement, a press or interference fit mount,

a U-bolt arrangement, or the like, requirements depending.

[0048] The runner support 14 is generally is shaped and

dimensioned to allow placing into a conventional household

freezer so that fluid 18 is freezable thereabout when said

runner support is suspended within a suitable mould 28.

Typically, the freezable or frozen fluid 18 comprises water ice with or without additives for improving such ice characteristics, e.g. longevity, or the like.

[0049] The mould 28 typically comprises a polymer shell

adapted for fitment about the runner support 14, e.g. a plastic

water bottle, etc. The mould 28 is generally configured to

suspend the runner support 14 therein so that said support is

substantially surrounded by the fluid 18.

[0050] The invention also includes an associated method of

moulding the runner 30 for a sled. Such a method typically

features the steps of providing the mould 28, placing or

suspending the runner support 14 therein, adding the freezable

fluid 18 to the mould 28, and freezing the fluid 18 about the

runner support 14 to provide the low-friction runner 30 whereon

the sled is slidable over the surface 20. As described above,

the step of freezing is typically performed by means of a

conventional household freezer.

[0051] Applicant believes is particularly advantageous that

the present invention provides for a means whereby sledding is

practicable in warmer climates without surfaces covered in

snow or ice.

[0052] Optional embodiments of the present invention may

also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and

features referred to or indicated herein, individually or

collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the

parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are

mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to

which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed

to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the

example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee.

[0053] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or

similar referents in the context of describing various

embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject

matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the

plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly

contradicted by context. The terms "comprising, " "having,

" "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open

ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")

unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or"

includes any and all combinations of one or more of the

associated listed items. No language in the specification

should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject

matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject

matter.

[0054] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer,"

"beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like,

may be used herein for ease of description to describe one

element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or

feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative

terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of

the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation

depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the

figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or

"beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term

"below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below.

The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0055] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one

example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary

language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive

sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and

useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are

described herein, textually and/or graphically, for carrying

out the claimed subject matter.

[0056] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain

aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified

in a different example. These examples are intended to assist

the skilled person in performing the invention and are not

intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any

way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations

(e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more

embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of

ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The

inventor(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations

as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intends for the claimed

subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically

described herein.

[0057] Any method steps, processes, and operations

described herein are not to be construed as necessarily

requiring their performance in the particular order discussed

or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of

performance. It is also to be understood that additional or

alternative steps may be employed.

Claims (26)

1. Sledding apparatus comprising:

a base for supporting at least one person thereon, in

use; and

a runner support configured for detachable mounting to

said base and configured to operatively provide a support

framework for frozen fluid thereabout which provides a low

friction runner whereon the base is slidable over a surface.

2. Apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base comprises an

article of footwear, such as a skate, or a platform, such as

a bodyboard, skateboard deck, toboggan, or the like.

3. Apparatus of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the runner

support comprises a blade or similar member configured to allow

sliding over a surface once the frozen fluid ablates therefrom.

4. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the runner

support defines at least one aperture therein to provide a

support for frozen fluid thereabout.

5. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the runner

support defines at least one protrusion thereon to provide a

support for frozen fluid thereabout.

6. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the runner

support defines a plurality of bristles thereon to provide a

support for frozen fluid thereabout.

7. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the runner

support is configured for detachable mounting by means of a suitable mount, such as a nut-and-bolt arrangement, a press or interference fit mount, or the like.

8. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the runner

support is shaped and dimensioned to allow placing into a

conventional household freezer so that fluid is freezable

thereabout when said runner support is suspended within a

suitable mould.

9. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the frozen

fluid comprises water ice with or without additives for

improving such ice characteristics.

10. A runner for a sled, said runner comprising a runner

support configured for detachable mounting to a base for

supporting at least one person thereon, in use, the support

configured to operatively provide a support framework for

frozen fluid thereabout which provides a low-friction runner

whereon the base is slidable over a surface.

11. The runner of claim 10, wherein the base comprises an

article of footwear, such as a skate, or a platform, such as

a bodyboard, skateboard deck, toboggan, or the like.

12. The runner of either of claims 10 or 11, which comprises

a blade or similar member configured to allow sliding over a

surface once the frozen fluid ablates therefrom.

13. The runner of any of claims 10 to 12, which defines at

least one aperture therein to provide a support for frozen

fluid thereabout.

14. The runner of any of claims 10 to 13, which defines at

least one protrusion thereon to provide a support for frozen

fluid thereabout.

15. The runner of any of claims 10 to 14, which defines a

plurality of bristles thereon to providea support for frozen

fluid thereabout.

16. The runner of any of claims 10 to 15, which is configured

for detachable mounting by means of a suitable mount, such as

a nut-and-bolt arrangement, a press or interference fit mount,

or the like.

17. The runner of any of claims 10 to 16, which is shaped and

dimensioned to allow placing into a conventional household

freezer so that fluid is freezable thereabout when said runner

support is suspended within a suitable mould.

18. The runner of any of claims 10 to 17, wherein the frozen

fluid comprises water ice with or without additives for

improving such ice characteristics.

19. A sledding runner mould configured to receive:

a freezable fluid; and

a runner support configured for detachable mounting to a

base for supporting at least one person thereon, in use, the

support configured to operatively provide a support framework

for such frozen fluid thereabout which provides a low-friction

runner whereon the base is slidable over a surface.

20. The runner mould of claim 19, wherein the fluid comprises

water with or without additives for improving ice

characteristics.

21. The runner mould of either of claims 19 or 20, which

comprises a polymer shell adapted for fitment about the runner

support.

22. The runner mould of any of claims 19 to 21, which is

configured to suspend the runner support therein so that said

support is substantially surrounded by the fluid.

23. The runner mould of any of claims 19 to 22, which is

shaped and dimensioned to allow placing into a conventional

household freezer so that fluid is freezable thereabout when

said runner support is placed and/or suspended within the

mould.

24. A method of moulding a runner for a sled, said method

comprising the steps of:

providing a mould in accordance with any of claims 20 to

23;

placing or suspending a runner for a sled in accordance

with any of claims 10 to 19 therein;

adding a freezable fluid to the mould; and

freezing the fluid about the runner to provide a low

friction runner whereon the sled is slidable over a surface.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the fluid comprises water

with or without additives for improving ice characteristics.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of freezing is

performed by means of a conventional household freezer.