US20070051761A1

US20070051761A1 - Skiback, ski pack

Info

Publication number: US20070051761A1
Application number: US11/208,659
Authority: US
Inventors: Antoine McNeal
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-23
Filing date: 2005-08-23
Publication date: 2007-03-08

Abstract

A light weight carrier system used for carrying major skiing equipment (skis, ski poles, and ski boots) orthogonal to the ground, on the user's back; which affords the user free hand movement and enhanced user mobility. More specifically, a pair of shoulder straps is attached to opposite ends of a padded back plate. Between the shoulder straps are weight bearing and stability straps that stabilize the equipment and add the ability to carry ski boots. The skis/ski poles configuration is fastened in the user's posterior and the boots are carried in users anterior, via extensions from a weight bearing strap. Finally, a heel cup is attached to the back plate which ensures that the equipment moves seamlessly with the user during turns and in bending positions. Ultimately, the Skiback ski pack creates an easier way to transport skis, ski poles and ski boots in a single lightweight apparatus.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER

PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to ski carrying cases and/or packs in particular those that carry loads on the shoulders and back of the user. This ski pack invention provides a method for carrying skis, poles, and boots on the shoulders and back of the user in a lightweight non-bulky design.
Transporting skis and other ski equipment is often a cumbersome task. The task of carrying two skis, two poles, and two ski boots has proved daunting since the inception of skiing.
The complexity of solving the ski equipment transportation problem is due to the varying shapes, sizes, and weights of the necessary components (skis, poles, boots) for one skier to participate in skiing activities. For example, the lengths of skis are normally as long as the user is tall, and usually longer. Ski poles are usually a bout three quarters the size of the user and are extremely lightweight. By comparison, ski boots are not long and are extremely bulky. Moreover, the dimensions of skis are too narrow and smooth to be easily grasped at their edges, and two wide to be easily held across their width. Although, the pairing of skis and poles maybe somewhat of a natural fit, because of the elongated shape, their amalgamation with a pair of ski boots creates an unlikely marriage.
In addition to the complexities of creating a combined solution, is the difficulty of creating a basic functional solution that allows a user to operate in a relatively normalized manner while carrying only skis. More specifically, the exceptional length of skis makes it difficult to create a holding mechanism. Normal carrying methods such as mechanisms that would go around the center of the skis, allowing the user to carry them horizontally, is not possible because of the length and asymmetrical shape would be extremely unbalanced. As a result of the relative unique design of ski equipment compared to other sports equipment, the development of adequate ski equipment carrying mechanisms have are few.
Although, design challenges are many, some solutions have emerged that are capable of assisting the user in effectively carrying both skis and ski poles. Most of these solutions, although effective, are long-bulky ski bags that allow the user to carry both skis and ski poles in its interior. Normal ski packs are designed to be carried via hand straps, with the bulk of the case being carried horizontally and parallel to the ground. This common design solves the problem of carrying the skis and ski poles, but conversely increases the difficulty of walking laterally and the users passage through narrow walkways. Furthermore, the instability of the hanging bag makes it more cumbersome for even the most basic of movements and turns. Ultimately, the common accepted ski bag solutions, the had carrying ski pack, reduce the difficulty of carrying skis and ski poles, but they do not assist in carrying ski boots and they grossly restrict the users hand usage and mobility.
Aside from the common solutions for carrying skis, which is to use hand carrying mechanisms, there are some basic solutions that exists based on simple modifications of the standard backpack. In general backpacks are used in a variety of applications including carrying books, camping supplies, and basic sports equipment.
Backpacks are typically equipped with two adjustable shoulder straps and a housing unit that is used to store the desired objects by complete containment. The weight of the objects in the backpack is distributed to the shoulders of the user from the shoulder straps. These packs free the hands of the user to perform functions other than handling the items in the pack. Some multipurpose backpacks have been designed with parachute grad cord that zigzags between horizontal and diagonal strips along both sides of the backpack, which allows for a versatile holding configuration. Skiers have been known to place their skis along the sides of the backpack and securing the skis by catching the bindings in the cord configuration. This solution is moderately effective, because it frees up the hands of the user, and minimizes mobility restrictions; but the carrying capabilities is not inclusive of poles and boots and there are stability balance problems that results from the insufficient form of the unbalanced and uneven backpack.
In relation to ski packs there are three existing patents that are necessary to mention. First, Shortridge, U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,779 describes a foldable clutch or caddy for carrying elongated objects such as skis, ski poles and the like which can be readily folded and tucked away in a pocket when not in use comprises a main body of pliable fabric or other material which wraps around a first set of objects such as skis, and an auxiliary flap of material for wrapping around a second set of objects such as ski poles. One or more looped ribbons stitched to the main body form carrying handles. Various patches of hook and loop fastener material attached at strategic locations on the main body and flap combines to provide various forms of closure in both carrying and folded mode of the clutch.
Also, Hall U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,982 (1982) describes a light weight apparatus for carrying elongated equipment (skis and ski poles), via a single strap connected to a rigid carrier board for skis and poles In use the single strap of the carrier is placed on the back over only one shoulder in a sling mechanism.
In addition, Amos, U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,107 describes a lightweight carrier system primarily for use in carrying skis and/or poles on the user's back between the shoulders. The carrier system includes a plaint back body portion including a top holding strap and a bottom holding strap, each with a closure means. Shoulder harness straps are each attached to opposite side edges of body portion. In use, carrier is placed horizontally, and opens on a substantially flat surface with straps and on top and accessible. A pair of skis having toe binding, and heel binding, and/or a pair of ski poles, are then placed on reinforcing strip of body portion between straps. For example, the toe portion of the binding above strap and heel portion of the binding above strap. Straps are then secured tightly around the skis and/or poles and the entire carrier system lifted and placed on the user's back and between the shoulders, preferably at an oblique vertical, angle by means of harness straps. In preferred embodiments the ski carrier system is convertible to a waist belt when it is not being used as a carrier.
It is thus seen that the known prior art, references disclose ski holders which include systems for carrying skis in a sling or strap arrangement over only one shoulder; or on two shoulders through the use of straps. With no exception, none of these known prior art devices provides a light weight adjustable system for carrying a ski/pole configuration, centered on the user's back, which is also capable of carrying boots and ensures stability and directional control through the use of a heel cup. The Skiback ski pack allows both of the skier's hands to be free and reduces the navigational difficulties associated with traveling with a long object that is parallel to the ground.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the principle object of the invention to provide a single solution to effectively carry skis, ski poles, and ski boots through the use of weight-bearing and stability straps that are attached to a symmetrical back plate that will effectively redistribute the load of skis, ski poles, and ski boots to shoulder straps; placing the weight of the ski pack on the back and shoulders of the user, freeing the user's hands, and enhancing mobility by positioning the skis vertically instead of horizontally.
A further object is to provide a robust weight bearing strap that is capable of supporting ski boots in user's anterior and functions as a leveraging mechanism that can be used to adjust the positioning of the skis.
A further object is to provide a heel cup, which stabilizes the ski/pole configuration vertically, and serves to ensure simultaneously movement that is coordinated with the user; which allows the user greater mobility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective anterior view of a first embodiment of the ski pack with the weight bearing strap, stability strap, and heel cup in plain view.
FIG. 2 is a posterior perspective view thereof; with the extended weight-bearing strap illustrated on the shoulder straps, aligned by guide rings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings illustrates a Skiback ski pack apparatus (1), preferably made of a durable fabric. According to a first embodiment of the invention, the Skiback ski pack (1) basically comprises a back plate (2) with no internal compartments. The back plate (2) is similar in construction to the base member of a backpack without use of the additional materials that house that backpack's contents; the back plate's (2) shape is also distinguishable because of its shape that conforms to the back of the user, because of the curvature which is designed to conform to the nape of the user's neck. The back plate (2) serves as a permanent fixture that enhances the user comfort by preventing ski equipment from digging into the user's back, this is an improvement over any existing design that allows users to carry skis on their back.
The ski pack is also comprised of a weight bearing strap (3) that is connected to the upper third portion of the back plate's (2) anterior face. The weight bearing strap (3) extends from the double adjustable buckle (4), on the ski pack's (1) anterior face, over the top of the ski pack (1) and downward through guide rings (5) that are attached to each shoulder strap (6); then the extensions hang freely with a boot ring (11) sewn into the two ends of each weight bearing strap (3). The boot ring (11) on the ends of the weight bearing strap (3) allow the user to carry their ski boots. The weight bearing strap (3) design, as a whole, allows the user to achieve some adjustable control over the positioning of the ski/pole configuration while carrying ski boots; this is a significant and unique design improvement that distinguishes the ski pack (1) from any other design that allows its user to carry skis on their back. Also, a stability strap (7) is connected to the middle third portion of the back plate's (2) anterior face. A heel cup (8) is connected to the bottom of the back plate (2) by two heel cords (9) on opposite sides of the heel cup (8). The heel cup (8) is critical in ensuring directional guidance of the ski/pole configurations during dynamic maneuvers such as turns and bending positions. Ultimately, the Skiback ski pack's weight bearing strap (3), stability strap (7), and heel cup (8) make up the primary components that hold and secure the skis, ski poles, and ski boots in place.
With the weight-bearing strap (3) attached to the ski pack (1) as described, the weight of the skis, ski poles, and ski boots are distributed directly to the back and shoulders of the user. No other ski pack allows is designed for carrying all three components; this capability is ideal and creates a more superior ski pack that does not restrict mobility in anyway.
The shoulder straps (6) are made of padded fabric or other durable and flexible material. Each shoulder strap (6) is secured to the top of the back plate (2) of the ski pack (1) at one end, and is secured to the lower end of the back plate (2) via a releasable and adjustable slide (or snap fastener) (10).
Use of the Skiback ski pack (1) as a method of carrying skis, ski poles, and ski boots in a single apparatus is beneficial for reducing problems associated with carrying each of these items separately in bulky-fully enclosed-hand carry ski packs. Use of the Skiback ski pack (1) apparatus comprises the steps of: brining skis together and interlocking them at the binding; then the user peripherally engages the anterior face of the back plate, vertically inserting skis with interlocked bindings and poles, placed on the opposite sides of the skis, into the unbuckled enclosure loop of the weight bearing strap (3) and the unfastened loop of the stability strap (7), tightly resting the heels of the skis in the heel cup (8); then the weight bearing strap (3) is tightened and buckled, then the stability strap (7) is tightly fastened with Velcro; finally, ski boots are attached to the boot rings (11) that hang freely in the user anterior.
Although some exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described above by way of example only, it will be understood by those skilled in the field that modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.
While the invention has been described with reference to at least one preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.

Claims

1. A light weight ski pack apparatus with no internal enclosure with two shoulder straps on opposite sides of the base member or back plate; with a weight bearing strap is connected to the back plate's anterior face (side not against the back of the user); a stability strap is also connected to the anterior face of the back plate; a heel cup is connected to the bottom of the back plate by two cords on opposite sides of the heel cup; The stability strap, weight bearing strap, and heel cup make up the primary components that hold and secure the skis, ski poles, and ski boots securely in the ski pack.

2. The ski pack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight bearing strap is sewn to the upper one third of the back plate, with a double adjustable buckle on opposite sides of the stitching that fastens together to form a buckled loop on the anterior face of the back plate; the straps extend from the buckle, to the user's front through several guide rings along each shoulder strap, and then hangs freely with a boot ring sewn into the end of each strap.

3. The ski pack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stability strap is strapping that is sewn to the middle one third of the back plate and extends around the ski/pole configuration and fastens them via Velcro to provide additional stability, ensuring that the ski pack's excess anterior weight is tightly secured to the ski pack and coupled with the user's back.

4. The ski pack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heel cup is made of mesh material that is double folded to increase the durability of the heel cup and prevent ripping caused by friction from the skis heels rubbing against the cup's material.

5. The ski pack as claimed in claim 1, the back plate is made of a thick layer of semi-rigid foam material.

6. The ski pack as claimed in claim 2, wherein the weight bearing strap is one inch strapping that extends around the skis/poles configuration then beyond anterior face of the double adjustable buckle along the shoulder straps of the backpack ending in a free form hang, with rings sewn into the ends of each strap for the purposes of attaching ski boots; positing the boots in the anterior of the user, whereby distribution of the weight of the ski boots occurs to counterbalance the ski/pole configuration which is in the users posterior.

7. The ski pack as claimed in claim 2, including a double adjustable buckle connected to the weight bearing strap on the back plate allows for tightening of the ski/pole configuration by pulling on strapping.

8. The ski pack as claimed in claim 2, wherein the guide rings are made of hardened material and is sewn in place into each shoulder strap with a stitch above and below the guide ring.

9. The ski pack as claimed in claim 2, wherein the boot rings are made of hardened material and, are large enough for 8 mm binners to be attached, is sewn in place into both ends of the weight bearing strap, which allows for ski boots to be clamped on or attached to the ski pack.

10. The ski pack as claimed in claim 4, wherein the heel cup is connected to the back plate with one uncut heel cord that is stitched along the crease of the heel cup, starting from the top edge of one side to the nadir to the opposite edge of the heel cup, and extends beyond the top edge of the opposite side of the heel cup, and is sewn into the bottom seam of the back plate with reinforced stitching.