US20140327236A1 - Apparatus, system, and method for controlling movement of a user on snow - Google Patents
Apparatus, system, and method for controlling movement of a user on snow Download PDFInfo
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- US20140327236A1 US20140327236A1 US14/333,403 US201414333403A US2014327236A1 US 20140327236 A1 US20140327236 A1 US 20140327236A1 US 201414333403 A US201414333403 A US 201414333403A US 2014327236 A1 US2014327236 A1 US 2014327236A1
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- Prior art keywords
- snow
- support member
- support shaft
- support
- interface
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C11/00—Accessories for skiing or snowboarding
- A63C11/22—Ski-sticks
- A63C11/24—Rings for ski-sticks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C11/00—Accessories for skiing or snowboarding
- A63C11/22—Ski-sticks
- A63C11/227—Details; Structure
-
- 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
Definitions
- This subject matter relates to snow sports and more particularly relates to an apparatus, system and method for controlling movement of a user on snow.
- snow sports are enjoyed by millions of user's throughout the world.
- the term snow sports is a broad term encompassing many types of sports enjoyed on snow.
- the term snow sports may be used to reference skiing, snowboarding, monoboarding, no boarding (bindingless snowboarding), snowshoeing, sledding, etc.
- a user may wish to use a ski pole assist the user in maintaining balance and in penetrating ice and snow to give the user additional traction. This is fine for skiers who typically carry and use ski poles.
- a snowboarder stands transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard with the snowboarder's arms positioned over the snowboard. This makes using a conventional ski pole awkward and difficult with a snowboard. Accordingly, most snowboarders do not carry ski poles.
- a snowboarder In descending a slope, a snowboarder points the longitudinal axis of the snowboard down the slope.
- the snowboarder typically controls their speed by rotating the longitudinal axis in one direction or the other and engaging an uphill edge of the snowboard with the snow.
- a snowboarder may lose their momentum and stop. Because the snowboarder's feet are coupled to a single snowboard, the user cannot walk or use their legs to traverse the snow. Additionally because conventional ski poles are difficult or awkward to use with a snowboard, the snowboarder typically does not have a way to engage their upper body to propel themselves across the snow. Often, the only way to get across a flat or uphill slope is to remove the snowboard and walk.
- the present subject matter has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available snow traversal devices. Accordingly, the present subject matter has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for controlling movement of a user on snow that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.
- the apparatus to control movement of a user on snow in one embodiment, includes a support member and a snow interface.
- the support member is elongated in a lengthwise direction.
- the snow interface is coupleable to the support member.
- the snow interface has a gliding surface positioned opposite a propulsion surface.
- a substantially smooth gliding portion of the gliding surface is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the snow interface from a position adjacent a coupling between the support member and the snow interface to a position adjacent an aperture disposed through the snow interface.
- the apparatus includes a coupling element configured to adjustably couple the support member to the snow interface.
- the coupling element in an exemplary embodiment, is a support member receiving orifice coupled to the snow interface. In such an embodiment, the support member is slideably received within the support member receiving orifice.
- the support member in one embodiment, includes a first support sleeve and a second support sleeve.
- the first support sleeve is slideably receivable within the support member receiving orifice.
- the second support sleeve slideably receivable within the first support sleeve.
- the support member is repositionable from a storage position to a use position. In the storage position, the support member is positioned adjacent to at least a portion of either the gliding surface or the propulsion surface of the snow interface. In another embodiment, in the storage position, the support member extends through the aperture disposed through the snow interface.
- the support member includes a first support shaft and a second support shaft.
- first support shaft and the second support shaft are independent and are uncoupled from the snow interface.
- first support shaft is positioned adjacent the second support shaft and the first support shaft and the second support shaft are coupled to the snow interface.
- the apparatus in an exemplary embodiment, includes at least two snow supporting platforms.
- Each snow supporting platform has a surface area that is substantially larger than a cross-sectional area of either the first support shaft or the second support shaft.
- Each of the snow supporting platforms is removably coupleable to one of the support shafts.
- the apparatus includes a single snow supporting platform.
- the snow supporting platform having a surface area substantially larger than a cross-sectional area of the support member.
- the snow supporting platform is removably coupleable to the support member.
- FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter
- FIG. 2 is an exploded top view further illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present subject matter
- FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a snow interface in accordance with the present subject matter
- FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a snow interface in accordance with the present subject matter
- FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter.
- FIG. 7 is a top view further illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 6 in accordance with the present subject matter.
- FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus 100 for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter.
- the apparatus 100 includes a support member 104 and a snow interface 104 .
- the support member 104 in one embodiment, is a shaft 106 elongated in a lengthwise direction 108 .
- the snow interface 102 extends from and is coupleable to a first end 124 of the support member 104 .
- the first end 124 of the support member 102 is positioned opposite a manipulation member 154 .
- the shaft 106 is made from a substantially rigid material for supporting a user.
- the shaft 106 may be made of aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic, or any other material having a structural resiliency sufficient to support a user.
- the material comprising the shaft 106 may be selected to accommodate a desired amount of flexibility of the shaft 106 . Selecting an appropriate material to achieve a desired amount flexibility of the shaft 106 is within the skill of one of skill in the art.
- a length of the support member 104 is adjustable in the lengthwise direction 108 .
- FIG. 2 is an exploded top view further illustrating the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present subject matter.
- the support member 104 may include first support sleeve 104 a and a second support sleeve 104 b .
- the second support sleeve 104 b is slideably received within the first support sleeve 104 a . Withdrawal of the second support sleeve 104 b from within the first support sleeve 104 a operates to lengthen the support member 104 . Sliding the second support sleeve 104 b further into the first support sleeve 104 a operates to shorten the support member 104 .
- the second support sleeve 104 b in one embodiment, is coupled to the manipulation member 154 .
- a user grasps the manipulation member 154 to manipulate the apparatus 100 .
- a taller user may wish to position the manipulation member further form the snow interface 102 than a shorter user would.
- the length of the support member 104 may be adjusted by extending the position of the manipulation member 154 to accommodate a taller or shorter user.
- users may wish to adjust the length of the support member 104 to accommodate different riding styles.
- the apparatus 100 includes locking element 202 configure to inhibit movement of the second support sleeve 104 b with respect to the first support sleeve 104 a .
- the locking element 202 is a cam lock as is known in the art. The locking element 202 prohibits further withdrawal or insertion of the second support sleeve 104 b within the first support sleeve 104 a . In this manner, the length of the support member 104 may be locked into place in a desired position.
- the use of a cam lock as the locking element 202 allows the support member 104 to be adjusted continuously along the lengths of the first support sleeve 104 a and the second support sleeve 104 b .
- FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a snow interface 102 in accordance with the present subject matter.
- the snow interface 104 includes a gliding surface 122 positioned opposite a propulsion surface 126 .
- the gliding surface 122 in one embodiment, includes a substantially smooth gliding portion 302 .
- the smooth gliding portion 302 of the gliding surface 122 is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the snow interface from a position adjacent a coupling 304 between the support member 104 and the snow interface 102 to a position adjacent an aperture 306 disposed through the snow interface 102 .
- the smooth gliding portion 302 of the gliding surface 122 of the snow interface 102 is configured to glide along a surface of the snow when the user places the gliding surface 122 of the snow interface 102 . Because the snow interface 102 is free from protrusions, the snow interface 102 smoothly glides along the surface of the snow. Lateral movement of the snow interface 102 is possible given the substantially smooth nature of the gliding portion 302 of the gliding surface 122 of the snow interface 102 .
- the aperture 306 extends from the gliding surface 122 through the snow interface 102 to the propulsion surface 126 .
- the aperture 132 includes a leading surface 134 and a trailing surface 136 .
- the trailing surface 136 engages the snow to increase a frictional resistance between the snow interface 102 and the snow.
- the increased frictional resistance between the snow interface 102 and the snow can be used to slow or stop the user.
- FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a snow interface 102 in accordance with the present subject matter.
- the apparatus 100 includes a coupling element 402 configured to adjustably couple the support member 104 to the snow interface 102 .
- the coupling element 402 is a support member receiving orifice 404 .
- the support member receiving orifice 404 is coupled to and extends from to the snow interface 102 at a position adjacent the gliding portion 302 of the gliding surface 122 of the snow interface.
- the support member receiving orifice 404 is open at each end 406 , 408 of the orifice 404 .
- the support member 104 may be slideably received within the support member receiving orifice 404 .
- the support member receiving orifice 404 may also be used to adjust a distance between the manipulation member 154 and the snow interface 102 by sliding the support member through the support member receiving orifice 404 in the direction indicated by arrow 410 .
- the coupling element 402 includes a second locking element 412 .
- the second locking element 412 is a cam lock as is known in the art.
- the second locking element 412 prohibits further withdrawal or insertion of the first support sleeve 104 a within the support member receiving orifice 404 .
- the first support sleeve 104 a is slideably received within the support member receiving orifice 404 to adjustably couple the first support sleeve 104 a to the snow interface 102 .
- the support member 104 is repositionable between a storage position and a use position.
- FIG. 1 depicts the apparatus 100 in a use position 120 .
- the support member 104 is extended to position the manipulation member 154 a comfortable distance away from the snow interface 102 in the lengthwise direction 108 .
- a comfortable distance for a particular user may vary depending on certain characteristics of the user. For instance, a shorter user may feel more comfortable with the manipulation member 154 positioned closer to the snow interface 102 than a taller user would. Other characteristics may include a user's riding ability, a type of terrain the user will be riding, a speed that the user will be traveling, etc.
- FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus 100 for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter.
- the apparatus is positioned in a storage position 502 .
- the support member is positioned adjacent to at least a portion of either the gliding surface 122 or the propulsion surface 126 of the snow interface 102 .
- the second support sleeve 104 b is slideably received within the first support sleeve 104 a such that most of the second support sleeve 104 b is disposed within the first support sleeve 104 a .
- the first support sleeve 104 a is slid into the support member receiving orifice 404 in the direction indicated by arrow 504 .
- the support member 104 In this position, with the second support sleeve 104 b positioned within the first support sleeve 104 a and with the first support sleeve positioned within the support member receiving orifice 404 , the support member 104 is at its shortest. That is, in the storage position 502 , the manipulation member 154 is approximately adjacent the 408 of the orifice 404 making the apparatus 100 relatively small when compared with the apparatus 100 positioned in the use position 120 as depicted in FIG. 1 .
- the support member 104 is positioned through the aperture 306 disposed through the snow interface 102 .
- the propulsion surface 126 of the snow interface 102 is substantially concave in two dimensions such that the snow interface 102 is substantially spoon shaped.
- the propulsion surface 126 of the snow interface 102 is substantially concave in a single dimensions such that the snow interface 102 curves up and away from the gliding surface 122 of the snow interface.
- a concave propulsion surface 126 acts as a scoop to engage lighter snow.
- the support member 104 may be blocked from being fully inserted into the support member receiving orifice 404 by contact with the propulsion surface 126 of the snow interface 102 .
- the support member 104 may extend at least partially through the aperture 306 in the snow interface 102 when the apparatus 100 is positioned in the storage position 120 .
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an apparatus 600 for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter.
- the apparatus 600 includes a support member 602 and a snow interface 102 .
- the snow interface is substantially similar to the snow interface discussed above with reference to apparatus 100 .
- a user may wish to use a ski pole assist the user in maintaining balance and in penetrating ice and snow to give the user additional traction. This is fine for skiers who typically carries and uses ski poles.
- a snowboarder user stands transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard. Therefore, the user's arms are typically positioned over the snowboard. This makes using a conventional ski pole awkward and difficult with a snowboard. Accordingly, in certain embodiments the apparatus 600 may be used to create one or more ski poles.
- the support member 602 may be uncoupleable from the snow interface 102 so that the support member 602 may be used as a pole to assist the user in ascending a slope.
- the support member 602 is shown in an uncoupled position 604 .
- the support member 602 includes a first support shaft 602 a and a second support shaft 602 b .
- the first support shaft 602 a and the second support shaft 602 b are independent from one another and are uncoupled from the snow interface 102 .
- the user has a pair of “ski poles” that they may use to assist in ascending or descending a slope.
- the first support shaft 602 a may include a first support strut 606 a and a second support strut 606 b .
- the second support strut 606 b is slideably received within the first support strut 606 a such that a height of the first support shaft 602 a may be adjusted to accommodate users of differing heights or to accommodate different uses of the first support shaft 602 a.
- the second support shaft 602 b may include a third support strut 606 c and a fourth support strut 606 d .
- the fourth support strut 606 d is slideably received within the third support strut 606 c such that a height of the second support shaft 602 b may be adjusted to accommodate users of differing heights or to accommodate different uses of the second support shaft 602 b.
- each of the first support shaft 602 a and the second support shaft 602 b may be coupled to portions of a manipulation member 608 .
- the first support shaft 602 a may be coupled to approximately one half of the manipulation member 608 and the second support shaft 602 b may be coupled to the other half of the manipulation member 608 .
- the manipulation member 608 may be a solid piece independent of the first support shaft 602 a and the second support shaft 602 b . In such an embodiment, the manipulation member 608 may be coupled to the first support shaft 602 a and the second support shaft 602 b once the first support shaft 602 a and the second support shaft 602 b are coupled to the snow interface 102 .
- the first support shaft 602 a and the second support shaft 602 b are positioned adjacent one another. Additionally, in the coupled position 702 , the first support shaft 602 a and the second support shaft 602 b are coupled to the snow interface 102 . In certain embodiments, the first support shaft 602 a and the second support shaft 602 b may be coupled to the snow interface 102 in a manner substantially similar to the manner in which the support member 104 of apparatus 100 is coupled to the snow interface 102 of apparatus 100 .
- the apparatus 600 may be positionable in the storage position 502 in a manner substantially similar to the manner in which apparatus 100 is positionable in the storage position 502 .
- the first support shaft 602 a and the second support shaft 602 b extend through the aperture 306 disposed through the snow interface 102 .
- the apparatus 600 also includes at least one snow supporting platform that is removably coupleable to the support member 602 .
- the apparatus 600 includes two snow supporting platforms 610 a and 610 b .
- each of the snow supporting platforms 610 a and 610 b include a shaft 614 a and 614 b respectively.
- each of the snow supporting platforms 610 a and 610 b also include a coupling element 616 a and 6161 b respectively.
- Each snow supporting platform 610 a and 610 b has a surface area substantially larger than a cross-sectional area of the support member 602 .
- the snow supporting platforms 610 a and 610 b are coupleable to the ends 612 a and 612 b of the first support shaft 602 a and the second support shaft 602 b respectively.
- the coupling element 616 a and 6161 b are slid onto or into the ends 612 a and 612 b of the first support shaft 602 a and the second support shaft 602 b respectively.
- the snow supporting platforms 610 a and 610 b are conventional ski-pole basket as is known in the art.
- the apparatus 600 may be converted from a device that assists a user in controlling their movement as they descend the mountain to a device that assists the user in ascending the mountain. Further, because the apparatus 600 can be positioned in the storage position 502 , the user can easily store the apparatus 600 in a backpack when the user wishes to snowboard without the assistance of the apparatus 600 .
Abstract
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling movement of a user on snow. The apparatus includes a support member and a snow interface. The support member is elongated in a lengthwise direction. The snow interface is coupleable to the support member. The snow interface has a gliding surface positioned opposite a propulsion surface. A substantially smooth gliding portion of the gliding surface is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the snow interface from a position adjacent a coupling between the support member and the snow interface to a position adjacent an aperture disposed through the snow interface.
Description
- This is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/184,366 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OF A USER ON SNOW” and filed on Jul. 15, 2011 for Thomas Bennett, which is incorporated herein by reference.
- This subject matter relates to snow sports and more particularly relates to an apparatus, system and method for controlling movement of a user on snow.
- Snow sports are enjoyed by millions of user's throughout the world. The term snow sports is a broad term encompassing many types of sports enjoyed on snow. For example, the term snow sports may be used to reference skiing, snowboarding, monoboarding, no boarding (bindingless snowboarding), snowshoeing, sledding, etc.
- In ascending a grade a user may wish to use a ski pole assist the user in maintaining balance and in penetrating ice and snow to give the user additional traction. This is fine for skiers who typically carry and use ski poles. However, a snowboarder stands transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard with the snowboarder's arms positioned over the snowboard. This makes using a conventional ski pole awkward and difficult with a snowboard. Accordingly, most snowboarders do not carry ski poles.
- With snowboarding, much, if not all, of the control of the board is done through the user's lower body. The user's upper body is typically not used in snowboarding. Because the user's feet are coupled to a single snowboard, if the user loses his or her balance, the user has no way of regaining their balance by repositioning their feet.
- In descending a slope, a snowboarder points the longitudinal axis of the snowboard down the slope. The snowboarder typically controls their speed by rotating the longitudinal axis in one direction or the other and engaging an uphill edge of the snowboard with the snow.
- On gradual slopes, or areas which are flat or uphill, a snowboarder may lose their momentum and stop. Because the snowboarder's feet are coupled to a single snowboard, the user cannot walk or use their legs to traverse the snow. Additionally because conventional ski poles are difficult or awkward to use with a snowboard, the snowboarder typically does not have a way to engage their upper body to propel themselves across the snow. Often, the only way to get across a flat or uphill slope is to remove the snowboard and walk.
- From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that engages a user's upper body in traversing snow. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would assist a user in propelling themselves over gradual, flat or uphill slopes, traversing steep and icy sections. Additionally, such an apparatus, system, and method would enhance carving characteristics, balance, and would assist in stopping a user.
- The present subject matter has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available snow traversal devices. Accordingly, the present subject matter has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for controlling movement of a user on snow that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.
- The apparatus to control movement of a user on snow, in one embodiment, includes a support member and a snow interface. The support member is elongated in a lengthwise direction. The snow interface is coupleable to the support member. The snow interface has a gliding surface positioned opposite a propulsion surface. A substantially smooth gliding portion of the gliding surface is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the snow interface from a position adjacent a coupling between the support member and the snow interface to a position adjacent an aperture disposed through the snow interface.
- In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a coupling element configured to adjustably couple the support member to the snow interface. The coupling element, in an exemplary embodiment, is a support member receiving orifice coupled to the snow interface. In such an embodiment, the support member is slideably received within the support member receiving orifice.
- The support member, in one embodiment, includes a first support sleeve and a second support sleeve. The first support sleeve is slideably receivable within the support member receiving orifice. The second support sleeve slideably receivable within the first support sleeve.
- In one embodiment, the support member is repositionable from a storage position to a use position. In the storage position, the support member is positioned adjacent to at least a portion of either the gliding surface or the propulsion surface of the snow interface. In another embodiment, in the storage position, the support member extends through the aperture disposed through the snow interface.
- In certain embodiments, the support member includes a first support shaft and a second support shaft. In such an embodiment, in an uncoupled position, the first support shaft and the second support shaft are independent and are uncoupled from the snow interface. In a coupled position, the first support shaft is positioned adjacent the second support shaft and the first support shaft and the second support shaft are coupled to the snow interface.
- The apparatus, in an exemplary embodiment, includes at least two snow supporting platforms. Each snow supporting platform has a surface area that is substantially larger than a cross-sectional area of either the first support shaft or the second support shaft. Each of the snow supporting platforms is removably coupleable to one of the support shafts.
- In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a single snow supporting platform. In such an embodiment, the snow supporting platform having a surface area substantially larger than a cross-sectional area of the support member. The snow supporting platform is removably coupleable to the support member.
- Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present subject matter should be or are in any single embodiment of the subject matter. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present subject matter. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
- Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the subject matter may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments.
- These features and advantages of the present subject matter will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.
- In order that the advantages of the subject matter will be readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
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FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded top view further illustrating the apparatus ofFIG. 1 in accordance with the present subject matter; -
FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a snow interface in accordance with the present subject matter; -
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a snow interface in accordance with the present subject matter; -
FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter; and -
FIG. 7 is a top view further illustrating the apparatus ofFIG. 6 in accordance with the present subject matter. - Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
- Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the subject matter may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter.
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FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view illustrating one embodiment of anapparatus 100 for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, theapparatus 100 includes asupport member 104 and asnow interface 104. - The
support member 104, in one embodiment, is a shaft 106 elongated in alengthwise direction 108. Thesnow interface 102 extends from and is coupleable to afirst end 124 of thesupport member 104. Thefirst end 124 of thesupport member 102 is positioned opposite amanipulation member 154. - The shaft 106 is made from a substantially rigid material for supporting a user. For example, in certain embodiments, the shaft 106 may be made of aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic, or any other material having a structural resiliency sufficient to support a user. In certain embodiments, the material comprising the shaft 106 may be selected to accommodate a desired amount of flexibility of the shaft 106. Selecting an appropriate material to achieve a desired amount flexibility of the shaft 106 is within the skill of one of skill in the art.
- In certain embodiments, a length of the
support member 104 is adjustable in thelengthwise direction 108. For example,FIG. 2 is an exploded top view further illustrating theapparatus 100 ofFIG. 1 in accordance with the present subject matter. In one embodiment, thesupport member 104 may includefirst support sleeve 104 a and asecond support sleeve 104 b. Thesecond support sleeve 104 b is slideably received within thefirst support sleeve 104 a. Withdrawal of thesecond support sleeve 104 b from within thefirst support sleeve 104 a operates to lengthen thesupport member 104. Sliding thesecond support sleeve 104 b further into thefirst support sleeve 104 a operates to shorten thesupport member 104. - The
second support sleeve 104 b, in one embodiment, is coupled to themanipulation member 154. In use a user grasps themanipulation member 154 to manipulate theapparatus 100. A taller user may wish to position the manipulation member further form thesnow interface 102 than a shorter user would. Thus, in one embodiment, the length of thesupport member 104 may be adjusted by extending the position of themanipulation member 154 to accommodate a taller or shorter user. Alternatively, users may wish to adjust the length of thesupport member 104 to accommodate different riding styles. - In certain embodiments, the
apparatus 100 includes lockingelement 202 configure to inhibit movement of thesecond support sleeve 104 b with respect to thefirst support sleeve 104 a. In one embodiment thelocking element 202 is a cam lock as is known in the art. The lockingelement 202 prohibits further withdrawal or insertion of thesecond support sleeve 104 b within thefirst support sleeve 104 a. In this manner, the length of thesupport member 104 may be locked into place in a desired position. The use of a cam lock as the lockingelement 202 allows thesupport member 104 to be adjusted continuously along the lengths of thefirst support sleeve 104 a and thesecond support sleeve 104 b. One of skill in the art will recognize other ways of locking thesecond support sleeve 104 b within thefirst support sleeve 104 a to prohibit further withdrawal or insertion of thesecond support sleeve 104 b within thefirst support sleeve 104 a. -
FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of asnow interface 102 in accordance with the present subject matter. Thesnow interface 104 includes agliding surface 122 positioned opposite apropulsion surface 126. Thegliding surface 122, in one embodiment, includes a substantiallysmooth gliding portion 302. Thesmooth gliding portion 302 of thegliding surface 122 is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the snow interface from a position adjacent acoupling 304 between thesupport member 104 and thesnow interface 102 to a position adjacent anaperture 306 disposed through thesnow interface 102. - The
smooth gliding portion 302 of thegliding surface 122 of thesnow interface 102 is configured to glide along a surface of the snow when the user places thegliding surface 122 of thesnow interface 102. Because thesnow interface 102 is free from protrusions, thesnow interface 102 smoothly glides along the surface of the snow. Lateral movement of thesnow interface 102 is possible given the substantially smooth nature of the glidingportion 302 of thegliding surface 122 of thesnow interface 102. - The
aperture 306 extends from thegliding surface 122 through thesnow interface 102 to thepropulsion surface 126. The aperture 132 includes a leadingsurface 134 and a trailingsurface 136. When the engagement section 204 of thesnow interface 102 is positioned in a slowing position, the trailingsurface 136 engages the snow to increase a frictional resistance between thesnow interface 102 and the snow. The increased frictional resistance between thesnow interface 102 and the snow can be used to slow or stop the user. -
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of asnow interface 102 in accordance with the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, theapparatus 100 includes acoupling element 402 configured to adjustably couple thesupport member 104 to thesnow interface 102. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3 , thecoupling element 402 is a supportmember receiving orifice 404. The supportmember receiving orifice 404 is coupled to and extends from to thesnow interface 102 at a position adjacent the glidingportion 302 of thegliding surface 122 of the snow interface. - In one embodiment, the support
member receiving orifice 404 is open at eachend orifice 404. In such an embodiment, thesupport member 104 may be slideably received within the supportmember receiving orifice 404. In certain embodiments, wherein the supportmember receiving orifice 404 is open at eachend orifice 404, the supportmember receiving orifice 404 may also be used to adjust a distance between themanipulation member 154 and thesnow interface 102 by sliding the support member through the supportmember receiving orifice 404 in the direction indicated byarrow 410. - In certain embodiments, the
coupling element 402 includes asecond locking element 412. In one embodiment thesecond locking element 412 is a cam lock as is known in the art. Thesecond locking element 412 prohibits further withdrawal or insertion of thefirst support sleeve 104 a within the supportmember receiving orifice 404. In this manner, thefirst support sleeve 104 a is slideably received within the supportmember receiving orifice 404 to adjustably couple thefirst support sleeve 104 a to thesnow interface 102. - In an exemplary embodiment, the
support member 104 is repositionable between a storage position and a use position. For example,FIG. 1 depicts theapparatus 100 in ause position 120. In theuse position 120, thesupport member 104 is extended to position the manipulation member 154 a comfortable distance away from thesnow interface 102 in thelengthwise direction 108. A comfortable distance for a particular user may vary depending on certain characteristics of the user. For instance, a shorter user may feel more comfortable with themanipulation member 154 positioned closer to thesnow interface 102 than a taller user would. Other characteristics may include a user's riding ability, a type of terrain the user will be riding, a speed that the user will be traveling, etc. -
FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of anapparatus 100 for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5 , the apparatus is positioned in astorage position 502. - In the
storage position 502, the support member is positioned adjacent to at least a portion of either thegliding surface 122 or thepropulsion surface 126 of thesnow interface 102. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5 , thesecond support sleeve 104 b is slideably received within thefirst support sleeve 104 a such that most of thesecond support sleeve 104 b is disposed within thefirst support sleeve 104 a. Thefirst support sleeve 104 a is slid into the supportmember receiving orifice 404 in the direction indicated byarrow 504. In this position, with thesecond support sleeve 104 b positioned within thefirst support sleeve 104 a and with the first support sleeve positioned within the supportmember receiving orifice 404, thesupport member 104 is at its shortest. That is, in thestorage position 502, themanipulation member 154 is approximately adjacent the 408 of theorifice 404 making theapparatus 100 relatively small when compared with theapparatus 100 positioned in theuse position 120 as depicted inFIG. 1 . - In certain embodiments, in the
storage position 502, thesupport member 104 is positioned through theaperture 306 disposed through thesnow interface 102. For example, in certain embodiments, thepropulsion surface 126 of thesnow interface 102 is substantially concave in two dimensions such that thesnow interface 102 is substantially spoon shaped. In other embodiments, thepropulsion surface 126 of thesnow interface 102 is substantially concave in a single dimensions such that thesnow interface 102 curves up and away from thegliding surface 122 of the snow interface. In either embodiment, aconcave propulsion surface 126 acts as a scoop to engage lighter snow. - In embodiments wherein the
snow interface 102 curves up and away from thegliding surface 122 of thesnow interface 102 thesupport member 104 may be blocked from being fully inserted into the supportmember receiving orifice 404 by contact with thepropulsion surface 126 of thesnow interface 102. In such an embodiment, in order to avoid interference between thesupport member 104 and thepropulsion surface 126 of thesnow interface 102, thesupport member 104 may extend at least partially through theaperture 306 in thesnow interface 102 when theapparatus 100 is positioned in thestorage position 120. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of anapparatus 600 for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter. In certain embodiments theapparatus 600 includes asupport member 602 and asnow interface 102. In certain embodiments, the snow interface is substantially similar to the snow interface discussed above with reference toapparatus 100. - As discussed above, in ascending a grade a user may wish to use a ski pole assist the user in maintaining balance and in penetrating ice and snow to give the user additional traction. This is fine for skiers who typically carries and uses ski poles. However, a snowboarder user stands transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard. Therefore, the user's arms are typically positioned over the snowboard. This makes using a conventional ski pole awkward and difficult with a snowboard. Accordingly, in certain embodiments the
apparatus 600 may be used to create one or more ski poles. - For example, in certain embodiments, the
support member 602 may be uncoupleable from thesnow interface 102 so that thesupport member 602 may be used as a pole to assist the user in ascending a slope. Thus, inFIG. 6 , thesupport member 602 is shown in anuncoupled position 604. - In one embodiment the
support member 602 includes afirst support shaft 602 a and asecond support shaft 602 b. In theuncoupled position 604, thefirst support shaft 602 a and thesecond support shaft 602 b are independent from one another and are uncoupled from thesnow interface 102. Thus, in theuncoupled position 604, the user has a pair of “ski poles” that they may use to assist in ascending or descending a slope. - In certain embodiments, the
first support shaft 602 a may include afirst support strut 606 a and asecond support strut 606 b. Thesecond support strut 606 b is slideably received within thefirst support strut 606 a such that a height of thefirst support shaft 602 a may be adjusted to accommodate users of differing heights or to accommodate different uses of thefirst support shaft 602 a. - Similarly, the
second support shaft 602 b may include athird support strut 606 c and afourth support strut 606 d. Thefourth support strut 606 d is slideably received within thethird support strut 606 c such that a height of thesecond support shaft 602 b may be adjusted to accommodate users of differing heights or to accommodate different uses of thesecond support shaft 602 b. - In one embodiment, each of the
first support shaft 602 a and thesecond support shaft 602 b may be coupled to portions of amanipulation member 608. For example, in one embodiment, thefirst support shaft 602 a may be coupled to approximately one half of themanipulation member 608 and thesecond support shaft 602 b may be coupled to the other half of themanipulation member 608. In other embodiments, themanipulation member 608 may be a solid piece independent of thefirst support shaft 602 a and thesecond support shaft 602 b. In such an embodiment, themanipulation member 608 may be coupled to thefirst support shaft 602 a and thesecond support shaft 602 b once thefirst support shaft 602 a and thesecond support shaft 602 b are coupled to thesnow interface 102. - In one embodiment, in a coupled
position 702, as depicted inFIG. 7 , thefirst support shaft 602 a and thesecond support shaft 602 b are positioned adjacent one another. Additionally, in the coupledposition 702, thefirst support shaft 602 a and thesecond support shaft 602 b are coupled to thesnow interface 102. In certain embodiments, thefirst support shaft 602 a and thesecond support shaft 602 b may be coupled to thesnow interface 102 in a manner substantially similar to the manner in which thesupport member 104 ofapparatus 100 is coupled to thesnow interface 102 ofapparatus 100. - In certain embodiments, the
apparatus 600 may be positionable in thestorage position 502 in a manner substantially similar to the manner in whichapparatus 100 is positionable in thestorage position 502. Thus, in thestorage position 502, thefirst support shaft 602 a and thesecond support shaft 602 b extend through theaperture 306 disposed through thesnow interface 102. - The
apparatus 600, in one embodiment, also includes at least one snow supporting platform that is removably coupleable to thesupport member 602. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6 , theapparatus 600 includes twosnow supporting platforms snow supporting platforms shaft snow supporting platforms coupling element 616 a and 6161 b respectively. Eachsnow supporting platform support member 602. Thesnow supporting platforms ends first support shaft 602 a and thesecond support shaft 602 b respectively. To couple thesnow supporting platforms ends first support shaft 602 a and thesecond support shaft 602 b respectively, thecoupling element 616 a and 6161 b are slid onto or into theends first support shaft 602 a and thesecond support shaft 602 b respectively. In certain embodiments, thesnow supporting platforms - In this manner, the
apparatus 600 may be converted from a device that assists a user in controlling their movement as they descend the mountain to a device that assists the user in ascending the mountain. Further, because theapparatus 600 can be positioned in thestorage position 502, the user can easily store theapparatus 600 in a backpack when the user wishes to snowboard without the assistance of theapparatus 600. - The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow, the apparatus comprising:
a support member elongated in a lengthwise direction; and
a snow interface coupleable to the support member, the snow interface having a gliding surface disposed opposite a propulsion surface, wherein a substantially smooth gliding portion of the gliding surface is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the snow interface from a position adjacent a coupling between the support member and the snow interface to a position adjacent an aperture disposed through the snow interface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a coupling element configured to adjustably couple the support member to the snow interface.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the coupling element comprises a support member receiving orifice coupled to the snow interface and wherein the support member is slideably received within the support member receiving orifice.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the support member comprises a first support sleeve and a second support sleeve, the first support sleeve slideably receivable within the support member receiving orifice, the second support sleeve slideably receivable within the first support sleeve.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support member is repositionable from a storage position to a use position.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein, in the storage position, the support member is positioned adjacent to at least a portion of at least one of the gliding surface and the propulsion surface of the snow interface.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein, in the storage position, the support member extends through the aperture disposed through the snow interface.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support member comprises a first support shaft and a second support shaft, wherein, in an uncoupled position, the first support shaft and the second support shaft are independent and are uncoupled from the snow interface.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein, in a coupled position, the first support shaft is positioned adjacent the second support shaft and wherein the first support shaft and the second support shaft are coupled to the snow interface.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein, in a storage position, the first support shaft and the second support shaft extend through the aperture disposed through the snow interface.
11. The apparatus of claim 8 , further comprising at least two snow supporting platforms, each snow supporting platform having a surface area substantially larger than a cross-sectional area of at least one of the first support shaft and the second support shaft, each of the snow supporting platforms removably coupleable to one of the first support shaft and the second support shaft.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one snow supporting platform, the at least one snow supporting platform having a surface area substantially larger than a cross-sectional area of the support member, wherein the at least one snow supporting platform is removably coupleable to the support member.
13. An apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow, the apparatus comprising:
a support member elongated in a lengthwise direction;
a snow interface coupled to the support member, the snow interface having a gliding surface disposed opposite a propulsion surface, wherein a substantially smooth gliding portion of the gliding surface is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the gliding surface; and
a coupling element that couples the support member to the snow interface, wherein the support member is repositionable from a storage position to a use position.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the coupling element comprises a support member receiving orifice coupled to the snow interface and wherein the support member is slideably received within the support member receiving orifice.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein, in the storage position, the support member extends adjacent to at least a portion of at least one of the gliding surface and the propulsion surface of the snow interface.
16. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein, in the storage position, the support member extends through the aperture disposed through the snow interface.
17. An apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow, the apparatus comprising:
a support member elongated in a lengthwise direction, the support member comprising a first support shaft and a second support shaft, wherein, in an uncoupled position, the first support shaft and the second support shaft are independent and are uncoupled from the snow interface; and
a snow interface coupled to the support member, the snow interface having a gliding surface disposed opposite a propulsion surface, wherein a substantially smooth gliding portion of the gliding surface is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the snow interface from a position adjacent a coupling between the support member and the snow interface to a position adjacent an aperture disposed through the snow interface.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein, in a coupled position, the first support shaft is positioned adjacent the second support shaft and wherein the first support shaft and the second support shaft are coupled to the snow interface.
19. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein, in a storage position, the first support shaft and the second support shaft are extend through the aperture disposed through the snow interface.
20. The apparatus of claim 17 , further comprising at least two snow supporting platforms, each snow supporting platform having a surface area substantially larger than a cross-sectional area of at least one of the first support shaft and the second support shaft, each of the snow supporting platforms removably coupleable to one of the first support shaft and the second support shaft.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2014/046908 WO2016010537A1 (en) | 2014-07-16 | 2014-07-16 | Apparatus, system, and method for controlling movement of a user on snow |
US14/333,403 US20140327236A1 (en) | 2011-07-15 | 2014-07-16 | Apparatus, system, and method for controlling movement of a user on snow |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/184,366 US8814212B2 (en) | 2011-02-03 | 2011-07-15 | Apparatus, system, and method for controlling movement of a user on snow |
US14/333,403 US20140327236A1 (en) | 2011-07-15 | 2014-07-16 | Apparatus, system, and method for controlling movement of a user on snow |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/184,366 Continuation-In-Part US8814212B2 (en) | 2011-02-03 | 2011-07-15 | Apparatus, system, and method for controlling movement of a user on snow |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20140327236A1 true US20140327236A1 (en) | 2014-11-06 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/333,403 Abandoned US20140327236A1 (en) | 2011-07-15 | 2014-07-16 | Apparatus, system, and method for controlling movement of a user on snow |
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US (1) | US20140327236A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016010537A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3862765A (en) * | 1973-03-21 | 1975-01-28 | Byron R Goheen | Runner-equipped ski pole |
US5139283A (en) * | 1990-12-21 | 1992-08-18 | Dow Robert L | Adjustable and foldable ski pole |
US5876066A (en) * | 1996-12-03 | 1999-03-02 | Petkov; Ivan | Carving ski pole |
US7172219B2 (en) * | 2003-10-02 | 2007-02-06 | Sparker International, Inc. | Snowboard utility pole |
US8814212B2 (en) * | 2011-02-03 | 2014-08-26 | Thomas Bennett | Apparatus, system, and method for controlling movement of a user on snow |
-
2014
- 2014-07-16 US US14/333,403 patent/US20140327236A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-07-16 WO PCT/US2014/046908 patent/WO2016010537A1/en active Application Filing
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WO2016010537A1 (en) | 2016-01-21 |
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