CA2240775C - Toboggan - Google Patents
Toboggan Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2240775C CA2240775C CA002240775A CA2240775A CA2240775C CA 2240775 C CA2240775 C CA 2240775C CA 002240775 A CA002240775 A CA 002240775A CA 2240775 A CA2240775 A CA 2240775A CA 2240775 C CA2240775 C CA 2240775C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- toboggan
- section
- front section
- side walls
- seat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B13/00—Sledges with runners
- B62B13/02—Sledges with runners characterised by arrangement of runners
- B62B13/04—Sledges with runners characterised by arrangement of runners arranged in a single line
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B15/00—Other sledges; Ice boats or sailing sledges
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C5/00—Skis or snowboards
- A63C5/03—Mono skis; Snowboards
- A63C5/031—Snow-ski boards with two or more runners or skis connected together by a rider-supporting platform
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A relatively simple, safe toboggan includes a one-piece plastic body with a generally bowl-shaped front section; a waisted centre section and a rear section flaring outwardly from the centre section. Side walls extend from the centre section along each side of the rear section for supporting a seat. The seat is suspended from the side walls. The seat and/or the suspension are resilient, so that most of the shock normally transmitted to a rider is absorbed, thereby significantly reducing the potential for injury.
Description
This invention relates to a toboggan.
During the past few decades there has been very little activity in the area of toboggan or sled design, or rider safety. The biggest change is that toboggans are more streamlined and are now made of molded plastic rather than wood. For the most part, the modern toboggan is a one-piece, molded plastic article, which tends to be somewhat uncomfortable and even dangerous. Because there is no shock absorbing or cushioning features in the modern toboggan, when the toboggan passes over a bump and/or becomes airborne, a rider can easily sustain injuries, particularly to the spinal column.
The object of the present invention is to provide a solution to the above problem in the form of a relatively simple, streamlined toboggan which offers a smooth ride and protection against rider injury.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a toboggan comprising an elongated body, said body comprising:
~ 5 a front section, a center section and a rear section;
a substantially planar bottom wall in said center and rear sections;
a front wall defining said front section sloping upwardly and forwardly from said bottom wall, said front wall having a convex leading edge;
side walls integral with said bottom wall extending along a substantial portion of said center and rear sections;
a planar seat for carrying a passenger;
a suspension for suspending said seat between said side walls, and at least one of said seat and said suspension being resilient for cushioning shocks received by said body during use.
The invention is described below in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and wherein:
Figure 1 is a top view of a toboggan in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom view of the toboggan of Fig. 1;
Figure 3 is a front view of the toboggan of Figs. 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a rear view of the toboggan of Figs. 1 and 2;
Figure 5 is a side view of the toboggan of Figs. 1 and 2;
Figure 6 is a top view of a second embodiment of the toboggan of the present invention; and Figure 7 is a side view of the toboggan of Fig. 6.
With reference to Figs. 1 to 4, a two person toboggan in accordance with the invention includes an elongated, unitary plastic body generally indicated at 1. The body 1, when viewed from above or below is defined by a parabolic, generally bowl-shaped front section 2, a waisted central section 3 and a rear section 4 which flares outwardly from the center section and then tapers to a concave trailing edge 6.
As best shown in Fig. 2, a pair of spaced apart, parallel, ski-shaped runners 7 extend substantially the entire length of the bottom surface from proximate the front edge 10 to the rear edge 6 of the body 1. A
rearwardly tapering crossbar 11 is provided at the back ends of the runners 7.
During the past few decades there has been very little activity in the area of toboggan or sled design, or rider safety. The biggest change is that toboggans are more streamlined and are now made of molded plastic rather than wood. For the most part, the modern toboggan is a one-piece, molded plastic article, which tends to be somewhat uncomfortable and even dangerous. Because there is no shock absorbing or cushioning features in the modern toboggan, when the toboggan passes over a bump and/or becomes airborne, a rider can easily sustain injuries, particularly to the spinal column.
The object of the present invention is to provide a solution to the above problem in the form of a relatively simple, streamlined toboggan which offers a smooth ride and protection against rider injury.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a toboggan comprising an elongated body, said body comprising:
~ 5 a front section, a center section and a rear section;
a substantially planar bottom wall in said center and rear sections;
a front wall defining said front section sloping upwardly and forwardly from said bottom wall, said front wall having a convex leading edge;
side walls integral with said bottom wall extending along a substantial portion of said center and rear sections;
a planar seat for carrying a passenger;
a suspension for suspending said seat between said side walls, and at least one of said seat and said suspension being resilient for cushioning shocks received by said body during use.
The invention is described below in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and wherein:
Figure 1 is a top view of a toboggan in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom view of the toboggan of Fig. 1;
Figure 3 is a front view of the toboggan of Figs. 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a rear view of the toboggan of Figs. 1 and 2;
Figure 5 is a side view of the toboggan of Figs. 1 and 2;
Figure 6 is a top view of a second embodiment of the toboggan of the present invention; and Figure 7 is a side view of the toboggan of Fig. 6.
With reference to Figs. 1 to 4, a two person toboggan in accordance with the invention includes an elongated, unitary plastic body generally indicated at 1. The body 1, when viewed from above or below is defined by a parabolic, generally bowl-shaped front section 2, a waisted central section 3 and a rear section 4 which flares outwardly from the center section and then tapers to a concave trailing edge 6.
As best shown in Fig. 2, a pair of spaced apart, parallel, ski-shaped runners 7 extend substantially the entire length of the bottom surface from proximate the front edge 10 to the rear edge 6 of the body 1. A
rearwardly tapering crossbar 11 is provided at the back ends of the runners 7.
2 The runners 7 are also waisted, i.e. in the shape of so-called parabolic skis to improve the ride of the toboggan and facilitate turning. A single central, longitudinally extending runner (not shown) could also be used with essentially the same results.
As best shown in Fig. 5, the bowl-shaped front end 2 slopes upwardly and forwardly from the remainder of the body, providing minimum resistance to forward travel of the toboggan. The front section 2 includes openings 12 on either side of the center for receiving a rope 13 (Fig. 1).
When not in use, the rope 13 is stored in the toboggan. For such purpose groove 14 are provided in the sides of the front section 2 for receiving the rope. A
recess is provided on each side of center near the front end 10 of the body 1 for receiving the feet of a rider. The recesses 15 are separated by a longitudinally extending central partition 16. Transversely extending grooves 18 in the bottom of the recesses 15 define treads. The partition 16 extends rearwardly to a 15 transversely extending, generally chevron-shaped partition 19, which defines the front end of a second pair of feet receiving recesses 20 located centrally of the body. The central recesses 20 are intended for use by a shorter rider than a rider using the front recesses 15. A third, outer set of recesses 21 is provided near the side edges of the front section 2 at the rear or trailing end thereof. Holes 22 in the outer sides 23 of the recesses 21 define handles for carrying the toboggan.
The central and rear sections 3 and 4, respectively include side walls 25, which are higher at the back than at the front ends 16 thereof. The side walls 25 extend forwardly from the rear end of the body 1 through the
As best shown in Fig. 5, the bowl-shaped front end 2 slopes upwardly and forwardly from the remainder of the body, providing minimum resistance to forward travel of the toboggan. The front section 2 includes openings 12 on either side of the center for receiving a rope 13 (Fig. 1).
When not in use, the rope 13 is stored in the toboggan. For such purpose groove 14 are provided in the sides of the front section 2 for receiving the rope. A
recess is provided on each side of center near the front end 10 of the body 1 for receiving the feet of a rider. The recesses 15 are separated by a longitudinally extending central partition 16. Transversely extending grooves 18 in the bottom of the recesses 15 define treads. The partition 16 extends rearwardly to a 15 transversely extending, generally chevron-shaped partition 19, which defines the front end of a second pair of feet receiving recesses 20 located centrally of the body. The central recesses 20 are intended for use by a shorter rider than a rider using the front recesses 15. A third, outer set of recesses 21 is provided near the side edges of the front section 2 at the rear or trailing end thereof. Holes 22 in the outer sides 23 of the recesses 21 define handles for carrying the toboggan.
The central and rear sections 3 and 4, respectively include side walls 25, which are higher at the back than at the front ends 16 thereof. The side walls 25 extend forwardly from the rear end of the body 1 through the
3 center section 3 into the front section 2. The side walls 25 slope upwardly and outwardly from a rearwardly tapering floor 36. Each wall 25 includes a planar inner side 27 and small shoulders 28 on the inclined outer surfaces thereof.
Each side wall 25 also tapers slightly upwardly to a horizontal top ledge 30, which acts as a handle during use, i.e. the ledges 30 are gripped by passengers on the sled. The front end 31 of each wall 25 defines the outside of a central recess 20 and the inside of an outer recess 21. The front end 31 of each wall 25 slopes sharply downwardly to a point beneath the concave plane of the sides of the front end. A central, longitudinally extending partition defines the inner side of each central recess 20. The top of the trailing end of the partition 32 is flush with the front end of the floor 26 of the body 1.
Riders of the toboggan are supported on a flexible platform 35 suspended between the side walls 25 of the body 1. For such purpose holes 36 and 37 are provided in the side walls 25 for receiving a suspension or connector defined by a resilient cord 39. The holes 36 extend transversely through the front ends of the side walls 25, and the holes 37 extend downwardly through the ledges 30 at the center and rear of the side walls 25.
The cord 39 is threaded through the holes 36 and 37 and grommets (not shown) in the platform 35. The front and rear ends of the platform 35 are folded over and stitched to define sleeves 41 and 42, respectively for receiving the cord 39. The platform 35 is formed of a non-resilient material so that any shocks to the toboggan during use are absorbed by the resilient cord 39. It will be appreciated that the platform 35 can be resilient and the cord inextensible or non-resilient, or both elements could be resilient.
Each side wall 25 also tapers slightly upwardly to a horizontal top ledge 30, which acts as a handle during use, i.e. the ledges 30 are gripped by passengers on the sled. The front end 31 of each wall 25 defines the outside of a central recess 20 and the inside of an outer recess 21. The front end 31 of each wall 25 slopes sharply downwardly to a point beneath the concave plane of the sides of the front end. A central, longitudinally extending partition defines the inner side of each central recess 20. The top of the trailing end of the partition 32 is flush with the front end of the floor 26 of the body 1.
Riders of the toboggan are supported on a flexible platform 35 suspended between the side walls 25 of the body 1. For such purpose holes 36 and 37 are provided in the side walls 25 for receiving a suspension or connector defined by a resilient cord 39. The holes 36 extend transversely through the front ends of the side walls 25, and the holes 37 extend downwardly through the ledges 30 at the center and rear of the side walls 25.
The cord 39 is threaded through the holes 36 and 37 and grommets (not shown) in the platform 35. The front and rear ends of the platform 35 are folded over and stitched to define sleeves 41 and 42, respectively for receiving the cord 39. The platform 35 is formed of a non-resilient material so that any shocks to the toboggan during use are absorbed by the resilient cord 39. It will be appreciated that the platform 35 can be resilient and the cord inextensible or non-resilient, or both elements could be resilient.
4 As best shown in Fig. 4, the side surfaces 44 of the bottom wall and the center and rear sections 3 and 4 of the body slope upwardly and outwardly form the runners 7. The same is true of the side surfaces 45 of the bottom of the front section 2. The inclined bottom surfaces 45 of the front section 2 extend outwardly beyond the corresponding surfaces 44 of the center and rear sections 3 and 4. Moreover, the inclination of such surfaces 44 and 45 are the same, and the surfaces are substantially coplanar. Accordingly, when the toboggan tilts around the longitudinal axis thereof, the side edges of the front section 2 contact the ground first, preventing the ledges 30 and consequently the rider's hands from hitting the ground.
Wherever possible, the same references are used in Figs. 6 and 7 to define elements the same or similar to the elements of the toboggan illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5.
Referring to Figs. 6 and 7 a single rider version of the toboggan is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, except that the body generally indicated at 47 is somewhat shorter. The side walls 25 extend from the waisted central section 3 to the rear end of the body 40.
Holes 48 are provided in the front end of the body 47 for receiving a rope (not shown). Instead of three pairs of recesses, the body includes a front pair of recesses 50 separated by a longitudinally extending partition 51, and a single rear recess 52 separated from the front recesses 51 by a transversely extending partition 53 of generally inverted V-shaped cross-section. Otherwise the toboggan of Figs. 6 and 7 is substantially the same as the toboggan of Figs. 1 to 5.
Wherever possible, the same references are used in Figs. 6 and 7 to define elements the same or similar to the elements of the toboggan illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5.
Referring to Figs. 6 and 7 a single rider version of the toboggan is similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, except that the body generally indicated at 47 is somewhat shorter. The side walls 25 extend from the waisted central section 3 to the rear end of the body 40.
Holes 48 are provided in the front end of the body 47 for receiving a rope (not shown). Instead of three pairs of recesses, the body includes a front pair of recesses 50 separated by a longitudinally extending partition 51, and a single rear recess 52 separated from the front recesses 51 by a transversely extending partition 53 of generally inverted V-shaped cross-section. Otherwise the toboggan of Figs. 6 and 7 is substantially the same as the toboggan of Figs. 1 to 5.
5 In use, the ski-shaped runners 7 result in a relatively fast ride and facilitate turning of the toboggan. The resilient seat protects riders from injury.
With a solid plastic body, a rider is likely to sustain injury on a bumpy slope.
The suspended seat used on the toboggan of this invention cushions most or all of the shocks resulting from a bumpy ride.
With a solid plastic body, a rider is likely to sustain injury on a bumpy slope.
The suspended seat used on the toboggan of this invention cushions most or all of the shocks resulting from a bumpy ride.
6
Claims (17)
EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS
FOLLOWS:
1. A toboggan comprising an elongated body, said body comprising:
a front section, a center section and a rear section;
a substantially planar bottom wall in said center and rear sections;
a front wall defining said front section sloping upwardly and forwardly from said bottom wall, said front wall having a convex leading edge;
side walls integral with said bottom wall extending along a substantial portion of said center and rear sections;
a planar seat for carrying a passenger;
a suspension for suspending said seat between said side walls, and at least one of said seat and said suspension being resilient for cushioning shocks received by said body during use.
a front section, a center section and a rear section;
a substantially planar bottom wall in said center and rear sections;
a front wall defining said front section sloping upwardly and forwardly from said bottom wall, said front wall having a convex leading edge;
side walls integral with said bottom wall extending along a substantial portion of said center and rear sections;
a planar seat for carrying a passenger;
a suspension for suspending said seat between said side walls, and at least one of said seat and said suspension being resilient for cushioning shocks received by said body during use.
2. The toboggan of claim 1, wherein said suspension includes at least one shock absorbing connector connecting said side walls to said seat.
3. The toboggan of claim 1, wherein said suspension includes a plurality of resilient connectors connecting said side walls to side edges of said seat.
4. The toboggan of claim 2, wherein said connector is a resilient, extensible cord.
5. The toboggan of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein said seat is defined by a flexible sheet.
6. The toboggan of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said body includes a substantially bowl-shaped front section, a waisted center section and a rearwardly flaring rear section defined by at least the rear ends of said side walls.
7. The toboggan of claim 6, wherein said side walls converge forwardly beyond said center section into said front section.
8. The toboggan of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said side walls are inclined upwardly and outwardly from said bottom wall.
9. The toboggan of any one of claims 1 to 8, including a ledge extending outwardly from the top of each side wall for gripping by a user of the toboggan.
10. The toboggan of any one of claims 1 to 9, including at least one runner extending downwardly from said body along substantially the entire length of the bottom of the body.
11. The toboggan of claim 10, wherein said runner includes outer edges.
12. The toboggan of claim 10, including a pair of ski-shaped runners extending downwardly from said body on either side of the longitudinal center thereof, each said runner including a straight inner side and a concave outer side, facilitating steering of the toboggan.
13. The toboggan of claim 5, wherein said front section of the body includes a generally parabolic leading edge having rear ends curving inwardly to the waisted center section of the body.
14. The toboggan of any one of claims 1 to 13, including a first front pair of recesses in said front section of the body for receiving the feet of a rider; a second rear pair of recesses rearwardly and substantially aligned with said first pair of recesses; and a third rear pair of recesses bordering said second pair of recesses proximate side, rear edges of said front section.
15. The toboggan of any one of claims 1 to 13, including a first, front pair of recesses in said front section of the body for receiving the feet of a rider; and a second, rear recess extending transversely of the body across substantially the entire rear end of the front section.
16. The toboggan of any one of claims 1 to 15, including holes in sides of said front section for receiving a rope for pulling the toboggan; and inclined grooves in said sides of said front section for receiving the rope in a rope storage position.
17. The toboggan of claim 9, wherein said bowl-shaped front section includes inclined sides, the inclination of said sides being the same as the inclination of said side walls of the center and rear sections, and said sides of said front section extending outwardly beyond said side wall of the rear section, whereby, during tilting of the body around its longitudinal axis, the ledge and consequently the hands of a rider do not contact the ground.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002240775A CA2240775C (en) | 1998-06-16 | 1998-06-16 | Toboggan |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002240775A CA2240775C (en) | 1998-06-16 | 1998-06-16 | Toboggan |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2240775C true CA2240775C (en) | 2000-11-14 |
Family
ID=29275901
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002240775A Expired - Lifetime CA2240775C (en) | 1998-06-16 | 1998-06-16 | Toboggan |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2240775C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9988066B2 (en) * | 2015-08-18 | 2018-06-05 | Mercier Raymond | Snow raft having a plurality of adjustable speed control studs |
-
1998
- 1998-06-16 CA CA002240775A patent/CA2240775C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9988066B2 (en) * | 2015-08-18 | 2018-06-05 | Mercier Raymond | Snow raft having a plurality of adjustable speed control studs |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20180618 |