GB2200395A - Retaining device - Google Patents

Abstract

A ski locking device comprises two coupling parts 1, 2 defining a ski-receiving gap between them when locked together. The coupling parts can comprise a base 3 with spaced apart extending arms 4. One part preferably having projecting blades 7 which are inserted into recesses 8 within the corresponding arms on the other part. The two parts can be locked by key 6, combination lock or similar which improves security for unattended skis. <IMAGE>

Description

Retaining Device This invention is concerned with a retaining device. It is more particularly concerned with a.retaining device suitable for retaining or even locking skis in a fixed position, when they are not being worn by a skier.

The sport of skiing istAgaining popularity and the materials used in making skis are becoming more sophisticated and accordingly more expensive.

Arrangements for storing one's skis when not in use have not proved altogether satisfactory. When a skier is taking a break or refreshment his or her skis are generally placed together (running surface to running surface) and then driven into the snow, heel-end first. As such, the skis are retained in post on by friction, although it is acknowledged that rubber straps have been used for this purpose. The arrangement without a rubber strap is susceptible to theft and dislodgement, the combination of skis and rubber strap whilst possibly more stable is equally liable to risk of'theft. Therefore, cautious skiers will place their skis in position in the snow whereby they can be observed during a break or refreshment. The sense of security is not, however, great.

Consequently, there is a need to provide a securing or retaining device which reduces the likelihood of theft occurring and which may improve the stability of the skis when placed together in the snow.

It is from a consideration of this need which had led to the present invention.

According to this invention there is provided a retaining device suitable for a pair of skis and comprising two engageable coupling parts, one of which comprises a base and extending therefrom spaced apart parallel arms, the end of each arm either having a projecting member or being provided with a recess, the other coupling part comprising a base with or without extending arms but incorporating one or two recesses which can receive said projecting member or members if present on the one coupling part and/or incorporating one or two projecting members which can be located in said recess or recesses if present in the one coupling part, both parts constructed to permit engagement, retention together and release.

Each part may include a pair of parallel extending arms. One part may be provided with a pair of projecting arms and the other part may be provided with a pair of co-operating recesses in which the said arms or members projecting therefrom can be located and retained.

One suitable form of projecting member comprises a substantially flat blade. The blade may be made of metal whereas the body of both coupling parts may substantially comprise plastics material. Other materials may also be suitable.

Either of the parts may incorporate a retaining mechanism.

For example, the retaining mechanism may be in the form of a keyactuated member which engages either the arms or projecting members of one of the coupling parts, One of the coupling parts may be provided with means for securing that part to an external fixture. For example, a releasable fastening may be provided for attaching the one part or the complete retaining device with or without skis retained therein, to a fixed structural member such as a wire, narrow beam, ring, hook or other fixture.

The invention includes within its scope the assembled retaining device and the retaining device in combination with a pair of skis retained thereby.

In order that the invention may be illustrated and readily carried into effect, an embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings and in which: Figure 1 is a view of the retaining device wherein the coupling parts are separated, Figure 2 shows a rear isometric view of one coupling part, Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the assembled retaining device, Figure 4 shows a plan view of Figure 3 in part-sectional form, and Figure 5 shows the retaining device being closed upon a pair of upright skis.

Heferring firstly to Figures 1 - 3 of the drawings, the retaining device comprises two engageable coupling parts 1,2.

One of these parts 1 is provided with a base 3 from which extend a pair of spaced apart and parallel arms 4. The end 5 of each arm 4 carries a projecting member 7 in the form of a thin metal blade having a small aperture 9 in the region of one end thereof.

The other coupling part 2 comprises a base 3a similar in shape and dimension to base 3 and in this embodiment carries extending arms 4a. The said arms 4a each incorporate an internal recess, each of which is capable of receiving the projecting member 7 on the said one part. For clarity the coupling parts are shown separated in Figure 1.

At a mounting point 10 on base 3 a "quick-release" fitting is deployed. Whilst this is not an essential item it does improve the versatility of the device in so far as it enables either the one coupling part or the complete locking device with or without skis to be temporarily secured to some external fixture.

Therefore, a skier need only carry the other part 2 and a suitable key or other mechanism for actuating the retaining means. Of course, the skier will be quite free to carry the said one part if required. The other part 2 carries a key-operated locking mechanism 6 which is further described below with reference to Figure 4.

Referring to Figure 4, the key-operated locking device 6 has a rotatable member 13 to which a pair of retaining bars 12 are fitted. Upon turning the appropriate key, as referenced 15 in Figure 5, the rotatable mounting 13 and consequently the said bars 12 are caused to rotate and engage or disengage from the small apertures 9 in the projecting members 7 whereby the parts 1 and 2 may be locked together or separated.

The blades 7 or the bars 12 could be resiliently flexible and permit a rapid snap-fitting engagement but positive release by key or the like. At the end of each blade remote from part 3, a small spring may be provided (not shown) to abut an interior part on closure and compress so that upon release of the mechanism the part 3 and its attached blades spring apart slightly to assist the movement.

As an alternative to providing a small aperture 9 in each rA projecting member there may be provided a groove which has an opening suitable for receiving the said bars 12. Where it is not desired to use a key-operated retaining mechanism an alternative external fitting could be adapted to suit the particular use. It may be possible to adapt, for example, a combination lock requiring alignment of numerals rather than key-operation.

In some embodiments of the invention it may be desirable to dispense with a locking mechanism, but to incorporate some means of "snap-fastening" the two coupling parts together to form the device. Such an arrangement might be provided by forming a notch in each blade 7 which is caused to engage a co-operating formation within the interior of part 2 in approximately the same position occupied by bars 12 in Figure 4.

Finally, Figure 5 shows the arrangement whereby a pair of skis 1t have been inserted in the space between arms 4a on part 2 and tio skis are to be locked together by inserting part 1 as shown whereby the projecting members engage their co-operating recesses within the interior of said arms 4a. To lock the device the owner of the skis simply inserts and turns key 15 and retains the key within that person's custody and control.

The ski retaining device may be of relatively lightweight construction and can provide improved security for skiers during periods when their skis are not in use.

In order to accommodate skis of different widths or thicknesses, e.g. both adult and child skis, the device might include a pair of sprung bands or other clamping mechanism situated within the central aperture defined by the two parts when assembled.

This would exert pressure upon the skis and help lock them securely.

In another arrangement shown in Figures 6 and 7 an apertured plate 15 projects beyond a V-shaped notch 16 formed in coupling part 3a. This acts as a further strong lug for connecting the device to fixture. The plate 15 is generally rectangular and extends within the interior (not shown) being held in position by suitable internal walls or projections.

Claims (11)

1. A retaining device suitable for a pair of skis and comprising two engageable coupling parts, one of which comprises a base and extending therefrom spaced apart parallel arms, the end 9f each arm either having a projecting member or being provided with a recess, the other coupling part comprising a base with or without extending arms but incorporating one or two recesses which-can receive said projecting member or members if present on the one coupling part and/or incorporating one or two projecting members which can be located in said recess or recesses if present in the one coupling part, both parts constructed to permit engagement, retention together and release.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1 in which each coupling part comprises a pair of parallel extending arms.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which one part has a pair of projecting members and the other coupling part has a pair of co-operating- recesses in which the said arms, or members projecting therefrom can be located and retained.

4. A device as claimed in Claim 3 in which the projecting embers comprise substantially flat blades.

5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which either coupling part includes a retaining mechanism.

6. A device as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the retaining mechanism is key operated and engages either extending arms or any projecting members thereon.

7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which one coupling part has means for securing the device to an external fixture.

8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the two parts can be snap-fitted together.

9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with a clamping mechanism useful in accommodating skis of different width or thickness.

10. A retaining device substantially as herein described and illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.

11. A pair of skis whenever clamped together by means of a retaining device as claimed in any preceding claim.