US20140335492A1

US20140335492A1 - Ski restraint harness

Info

Publication number: US20140335492A1
Application number: US14/273,133
Authority: US
Inventors: Dan Braaten
Original assignee: Lola's Safeski Designs LLC
Current assignee: Lola's Safeski Designs LLC
Priority date: 2013-05-08
Filing date: 2014-05-08
Publication date: 2014-11-13

Abstract

Ski restraint harnesses and methods of using ski restraint harnesses are described herein. One ski restraint harness can comprise two vertical straps, at least one horizontal strap to position and tighten around a torso of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness, and a rear training ring connected to material of the ski restraint harness and designed to be positioned on the rear of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness. The two vertical straps include a first vertical strap designed to be positioned around a first shoulder and a first leg of a person when wearing the ski restraint harness and a second vertical strap designed to be positioned around a second shoulder and a second leg of the person wearing the ski restraint harness.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/820,900, filed May 8, 2013, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Teaching children, especially small children, to ski can be difficult for a variety of reasons. Children can be eager to learn but merely telling a child what to do and expecting the child to perform the action described can be unrealistic. Rather, a trainer, such as a parent, guardian, or ski instructor, may show the child what to do and try to have the child mimic the actions. The trainer may grasp and turn the body of the child to show what needs to be done. However, this can be difficult on a ski hill as the child and the trainer may not be standing still. For example, bulky gloves and winter coats made from water-resistant fabric can make it difficult to grasp and turn the child.
Additionally, it can be difficult to control a young child when learning to ski down the ski hill (e.g., slopes). At early stages of training, the trainer may need to exercise maximum control over the child by directly controlling speed and direction of the child while skiing. As the child progresses, it may be advantageous to exercise less control over the child. The trainer may have difficulty maintaining control over the child since both the trainer and the child may be in motion (e.g., different speeds and/or different directions).
Further, in order to go down the ski hill, the child may ride a ski/chair lift that lifts the child and trainer into the air. In some instances, the trainer may have to tightly grip onto young children when riding a ski/chair lift to prevent them from falling off the ski/chair lift. If the trainer has a medical emergency or accident while on the lift, they may lose their grip on the child. If the child is unable to balance themselves, the child may fall off the lift. Further, if the trainer falls from the lift, the trainer may accidentally pull the child off the lift.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a ski restraint harness in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a back view of a ski restraint harness in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view and a side view of a child wearing a ski restraint harness in accordance with one or more embodiments of present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a child wearing a ski restraint harness while on a ski/chair lift in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate using a ski restraint harness worn by a child while skiing in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Ski restraint harnesses and methods are described herein. For example, in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure a ski restraint harness can comprise two vertical straps, wherein the first vertical strap is designed to be positioned around a first shoulder and a first leg of a person when wearing the ski restraint harness and the second vertical strap is designed to be positioned around a second shoulder and a second leg of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness, at least one horizontal strap to position and tighten around a torso of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness, and a rear training ring connected to material of the ski restraint harness and designed to be positioned on the rear of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness.
Previous approaches for a harness for a person, such as a child that is learning to ski, can include a harness that a person (e.g., a child) wears. One or more reins can be attached to each side of the person wearing the harness to assist in controlling a speed and/or a direction of the person when skiing.
However, as the skiing ability of the person progresses, such previous approaches can be difficult to use to exercise less control over the person. For example, a child may have the ability to control direction while skiing but may not know how and/or understand when to lower a speed.
Further, some previous approaches for a harness can include a harness/vest that includes a loop of material on the back of the harness. A trainer can place their arm through the loop of material when the person (e.g., child) and trainer are on a ski/chair lift to prevent the person from falling off the ski/chair lift.
However, if the trainer has a medical emergency or an accident, the trainer may lose their grip on the person. If the person is unable to balance themselves, the person may fall off the ski/chair lift and/or have a resulting injury.
In contrast, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure can include a ski restraint harness, such as child harness. The ski restraint harness can include a tether on a back (e.g., rear) thereof for attaching a person (e.g., a child) to a ski/chair lift.
The tether can include a safety tether that can minimize the chances of the person (e.g., child) falling off of the ski/chair lift. For instance, the safety tether can prevent the person from falling off a ski/chair lift during transit by securely attaching the person to the back of the ski/chair lift.
Once the safety tether is detached from the ski/chair lift and/or the ski restraint harness, one or more reins can be attached to the ski restraint harness and extended for guiding the person while teaching the person to ski. The one or more reins can assist the trainer (e.g., an adult), in controlling a speed and/or a direction of the person (e.g., child) on the ski hill (e.g., slope).
For example, the ski restraint harness can include a rear training ring connected to a rear horizontal strip of material connecting the two vertical straps. The rear training ring can be designed to be positioned on the rear of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness.
A single rein can be attached to the rear training ring and can be designed to allow a trainer when skiing behind a person wearing the ski restraint harness to control a speed of the person with the rein. By attaching the rein to a rear training ring position on the rear of the person, the trainer can exercise less control over the person as compared to one or more reins attached to the front and/or sides of the person.
The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit or digits correspond to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. Similar elements or components between different figures may be identified by the use of similar digits.
For example, 122 may reference element “22” in FIG. 1B, and a similar element may be referenced as 322 in FIG. 3. As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional embodiments of value.
FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a ski restraint harness in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. A ski restraint harness 100, as used herein, can be a device that can be worn by a person (e.g., a child) and can be used to secure the person on a ski/chair lift and/or assist in training the person to ski. Example ski restraint harnesses can include a child harness, a full-restraint safety harness, etc.
As illustrated by FIG. 1A, the ski restraint harness 100 can include a number of straps 104-1, 104-2, 108. The number of straps 104-1, 104-2, 108 can, for example, include strips of material.
For instance, the material can be 1½ inches wide, although embodiments are not so limited and can include material of a variety of widths. The material can include nylon, polypropylene, polyesters, polyethylene, Aramids, and/or acrylics, among other suitable materials.
The number of straps 104-1, 104-2, 108 can include two vertical straps 104-1, 104-2. The two vertical straps 104-1, 104-2 can include adjustable straps that wrap over the shoulders, around the mid-section (e.g., torso), and between the legs of a person. The vertical straps 104-1, 104-2, in some embodiments, can include a crossed design. For instance, the two vertical straps 104-1, 104-2 can, in some embodiments, cross between the legs of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness 100 (e.g., and may not be fully vertical).
For instance, a first vertical strap 104-1 can be designed to be positioned around a first shoulder and a first leg of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness 100. The second vertical strap 104-2 can be designed to be positioned around a second shoulder and a second leg of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness 100.
In various embodiments, the first shoulder and first leg can include the same side (e.g., left shoulder and left leg) of the person. Similarly, the second shoulder and second leg can include the same side (e.g., right shoulder and right leg) of the person.
The two vertical straps 104-1, 104-2, in various embodiments, can each include an adjustable buckle 114-1, 114-2 to adjust a fit of a respective vertical strap to suit a length of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness 100. The adjustable buckles 114-1, 114-2 can be positioned (e.g., located) between the legs of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness 100.
For example, the adjustable buckles 114-1, 114-2 can snap together in the front to accommodate persons (e.g., children) of different sizes. The adjustable buckles 114-1, 114-2 on the vertical straps 104-1, 104-2 can be adjusted to fit the length of the person. A length of the person, as used herein, can be the length of the person's torso.
The number of straps 104-1, 104-2, 108 can include at least one horizontal strap 108. The at least one horizontal strap 108 can be designed to be positioned and tightened around a torso of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness 100.
The at least one horizontal strap 108 can be an adjustable strap. Although the present embodiment illustrates one strap, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are not so limited and can include a variety of number of vertical, crossed, and/or horizontal straps.
The horizontal strap 108, in some embodiments, can include an adjustable buckle 110 to adjust a fit of the horizontal strap 108 to suit a width of the torso of the person. The adjustable buckle 110 can be positioned (e.g., located) around the torso (e.g., waist) of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness 100.
The adjustable buckle 110 can snap together in the front to accommodate persons of different sizes. For instance, the adjustable buckle 110 on the at least one horizontal strap 108 can be adjusted to fit the width of the torso of the person.
The ski restraint harness 100 can include a number of training rings 106-1, 106-2, 106-3. A training ring, as used herein, can include a metal ring, although examples are not so limited and training rings in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can include rings made of a variety of materials. Example training rings can include a metal ring shaped like the letter D (e.g., a D-ring). Each training ring 106-1, 106-2, 106-3 can be connected (e.g., secured/fixed) to a surface (e.g., material) of the ski restraint harness 100.
For example, the number of training rings 106-1, 106-2, 106-3 can include a rear training ring 106-3. The rear training ring 106-3 can be connected to material of the ski restraint harness 100.
For example, the rear training ring 106-3 can be connected to a rear horizontal strip of material connecting the two vertical straps 104-1, 104-2, as discussed further herein in connection with FIG. 1B. Alternatively, the rear training ring 106-3 can be attached to the horizontal strap 108, among other material of the ski restraint harness 100. A rein can be attached to the rear training ring 106-3 to assist in training a person wearing the ski restraint harness 100 to ski, as discussed further herein in connection with FIG. 4B.
In some embodiments, the number of training rings 106-1, 106-2, 106-3 can include two front training rings 106-1, 106-2. The two front training rings 106-1, 106-2 can be connected to material of the ski restraint harness 100.
For example, the two front training rings 106-1, 106-2 can be connected to a front horizontal strip of material 112 connecting the two vertical straps 104-1, 104-2 and designed to be positioned on the front of a person when wearing the ski restraint harness 100.
For instance, each of the front training rings 106-1, 106-2 can be positioned on a side of the front of the person. For example, a first front training ring 106-1 can be on the right side of the front of the person and the second front training ring 106-2 can be on a left side of the front of the person, or vice versa.
As described further herein in connection with FIG. 4A, a first rein can be attached to the first front training ring 106-1 and a second rein can be attached to the second front training ring 106-2 to assist in training a person wearing the ski restraint harness 100 to ski. In some embodiments, the reins can include a handle.
In some embodiments, a trainer can, for instance, hold the handles while positioned behind the person wearing the ski restraint harness 100 on a ski hill. The handles and/or reins can connect the trainer (e.g., an adult) to a person wearing the ski restraint harness 100 (e.g., a child) so that the trainer can guide the person (e.g., the child) safely down the ski hill, as discussed further herein with regards to FIGS. 4A and 4B (e.g., train a child to ski using forces applied to the rein that is attached to the harness).
In some embodiments, the ski restraint harness 100 can include a strip of material 102 forming a handle. The strip of material 102 can connect the two vertical straps 104-1, 104-2 and can be designed to be positioned (e.g., located) near the shoulders of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness 100. The strip of material 102 can include a horizontal strap (e.g., a rear tether) covered with a rubber handle for easy gripping, as discussed further herein.
FIG. 1B illustrates a back view of a ski restraint harness in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The ski restraint harness 100 illustrated by FIG. 1B can include a back view of the ski restraint harness 100 illustrated by FIG. 1A, in various embodiments.
As illustrated by FIG. 1B, the ski restraint harness 100 can include two vertical straps 104-1, 104-2, at least one horizontal strap 108, a strip of material 102 forming a handle, and a number of training rings 106-1 (e.g., not illustrated in FIG. 1B), 106-2, 106-3. The two vertical straps 104-1, 104-2 can, in some embodiments, cross between the legs of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness 100. That is, the two vertical straps 104-1, 104-2 can include a continuous loop of material.
As illustrated by the back view of the ski restraint harness 100, the rear training ring 106-3 (as previously discussed in FIG. 1A) can be connected to material of the ski restraint harness 100. For example, the rear training ring 106-3 can be connected to a rear horizontal strip of material 116. The rear horizontal strip of material 116 can connect the two vertical straps 104-1, 104-2 and can be designed to be positioned on the rear of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness 100.
In various embodiments, the ski restraint harness 100 can include a safety tether 120 attached (e.g., removable attached) and/or connected (e.g., secured/fixed) to the back of the ski restraint harness 100. The safety tether 120 can include a rein, such as a strip of material (e.g., a smaller strap).
In some instances, the safety tether 120 can be a rein connected to the back of the ski restraint harness 100 extending outward with a clip 122 on the end of the safety tether 120. The clip 122 can include, for example, a carabineer clip, although embodiments are not so limited and can include a variety of clips. The safety tether 120 can be designed to be placed around a ski/chair lift when a person is wearing the ski restraint harness 100 and seated on the ski/chair lift.
Alternatively, the safety tether 120 can be attached to the back training ring 106-3. For example, the safety tether 120 can include two clips (e.g., carabineer clips), with one on each end of the safety tether 120. At least one of the two clips can attach the safety tether 120 to the back training ring 106-3, as described further herein in connection with FIG. 3.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view and a side view of a child wearing a ski restraint harness in accordance with one or more embodiments of present disclosure. The ski restraint harness 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 can include the ski restraint harness 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in some embodiments.
The front view 230, as illustrated by FIG. 2, illustrates how a person (e.g., child 252) can wear the ski restraint harness 200. As illustrated by the front view 230, the ski restraint harness 200 can include two adjustable vertical straps that wrap over the shoulders of the person and between the legs. The ski restraint harness 200 can further include an adjustable horizontal strap that wraps around the torso of the person.
The side view 234 illustrates a trainer 262 (e.g., an adult) lifting a child 252 wearing the ski restraint harness 200. As previously discussed, in various embodiments, the ski restraint harness 200 can include a horizontal strip of material 202 forming a handle.
The horizontal strip of material 202 can be connected to the two adjustable vertical straps of the ski restraint harness 200 and positioned near the shoulder of the child 252 when wearing the ski restraint harness 200. With such an embodiment, a trainer 262 (e.g., an adult) can grip the strip of material 202 forming the handle and apply one or more upward forces on the strip of material 202 to lift the child 252 wearing the ski restraint harness 200 in a vertical direction.
That is, the ski restraint harness 200 can include a rear grip/rear tether (e.g., the strip of material 202) that allows a trainer 262 (e.g., an adult) to lift a child 252 wearing the ski restraint harness 200. The strip of material 202 forming the handle can function as a safety option wherein a trainer 262 (e.g., an adult) can quickly grab the child 252, for example, in case of emergency, among other benefits.
In a number of embodiments, the strip of material 202 forming the handle can be used with/or without a rein (e.g., reins 460-1, 460-2, 460 as discussed herein with connection to FIGS. 4A and 4B). For example, the child 252 can continue to wear the ski restraint harness 200 when the child has the ability to control speed and/or direction while skiing, such as for safety reasons. For instance, the trainer 262 may continue having the child 252 wear the ski restraint harness 200 to secure (e.g., attach) the child 252 to a ski/chair lift (as discussed further in connection with FIG. 3) and/or to lift the child 252 in vertical direction if the child 252 falls and/or has an injury while on the ski hill.
For example, a child 252 may fall and injure themselves while skiing. The trainer 262 can assist the child 252 in getting up by grabbing the handle on the ski restraint harness 200 and applying an upward force on the handle to lift the child 252 in a vertical direction.
Further, in some embodiments, the trainer 262 can assist the child 252 in getting to the bottom of the ski hill, such as when the child 252 is injured and/or having difficulty continuing to ski (e.g., scared, upset, etc.). For example, the trainer 262 can place the child 252 between the trainer's 262 skis (e.g., while the child is on skis) and can continue to place upward force on the handle while going down the ski hill. The child's 252 skis may or may not be touching the ski hill, although use of the ski restraint harness 200 in accordance with the present disclosure are not so limited and can include a variety of uses.
FIG. 3 illustrates a child wearing a ski restraint harness while on a ski/chair lift in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. That is, FIG. 3 illustrates the ski restraint harness 300 in operation on a ski/chair lift 350. The ski restraint harness 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 can include the ski restraint harness 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and/or 2, in some embodiments.
The ski restraint harness 300 can be comprised of multiple tethers that can be fixed, removable, and/or retractable. The multiple tethers can include a safety tether 320 and a strip of material 302 forming a handle.
One or more of the tethers can be adjusted to secure the child 352 in a seated position on a ski/chair lift 350. The safety tether 320 can, for instance, be positioned on the back of the ski restraint harness 300.
In some embodiments, the safety tether 320 can be a strip of a material (e.g., a rein) connected (e.g., secured/fixed) to back of the ski restraint harness 300 and extending outward. The safety tether 320 can include a clip 322 on an end of the safety tether 320. The clip 322 can, for example, be a carabineer clip or other suitable connecting mechanism. The safety tether 320 can be designed to be placed around a ski/chair lift 350 when a person is wearing the ski restraint harness 300 and seated on the ski/chair lift 350.
As an example, a trainer 362 (e.g., an adult) can attach the clip 322 on the back of the ski restraint harness 300 to the ski/chair lift 350 when the child 352 is in a seated position on the ski/chair lift 350. At the top of the lift, the trainer 362 can unhook the clip 322 (to unhook the child 352) and/or pull the child 352 out of the ski/chair lift 350 using the strip of material 302 forming the handle on the back of the ski restraint harness 300.
This can, for instance, operate as a safeguard in the event of accident, illness, or injury of the trainer 362 (e.g., the adult). The ski restraint harness 300 can further provide protection to the child 352 by way of the strip of material 302 forming the handle that enables the trainer 362 to lift the child 352, among other benefits.
Alternatively, the safety tether 320 can be attached to a back training ring (e.g., 106-3 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B). For example, the safety tether 320 can include two clips, with one clip on each end of the safety tether 320. At least one of the two clips can attach the safety tether 320 to the back training ring.
As an example, a trainer 362 can attach a first end of the safety tether 320 to the back training ring. For instance, the trainer 362 can attach the first end of the safety tether 320 using a first clip that is attached to the first end of a safety tether 320 and attach the first clip to the back training ring.
The first end of the safety tether 320 can be attached prior to or after the child 352 and trainer 362 are seated on the ski/chair lift 350. The trainer 362 can place the safety tether 320 around the ski/chair lift 350 when the child 352 wearing the ski restraint harness 300 is seated on the ski/chair lift 350 and can attach the second end of the safety tether 320 to the back training ring. The trainer 362 can attach the second end of the safety tether 320 using a second clip that is attached to the second end of the safety tether 320 and attach the second clip to the back training ring.
In some such embodiments, the safety tether 320 can be removable from the back training ring/the ski restraint harness 300. For example, the trainer 362 can remove the safety tether 320 from the ski restraint harness 300 subsequent to the child 352 and trainer 362 exiting (e.g., getting off) the ski/chair lift 350. The trainer 362 can store the removed safety tether 320, such as in a backpack or attach the safety tether 320 to their clothing. Alternatively, the safety tether 320 can remain connected to the ski restraint harness 300.
In various embodiments, the safety tether 320 can include an extendable rein. For instance, a length of the safety tether 320 can be changed such that the safety tether 320 can be used to attach a person (e.g., the child 352) wearing the ski restraint harness 300 to a variety of ski/chair lifts 350 of a variety of shapes and sizes.
In some embodiments, the length of the safety tether 320 can be revised by adding or removing rings, wherein the safety tether 320 includes a number of metal rings forming a chain link. Alternatively and/or in addition, the safety tether 320 can include a removable safety tether 320. In some embodiments, a safety harness system can include a plurality of safety tethers of a variety of lengths that can accommodate (e.g., attach a person wearing the ski restraint harness 300 to) a variety of ski/chair lifts.
FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate using a ski restraint harness worn by a child while skiing in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For instance, FIGS. 4A-4B illustrates the ski restraint harness 400 in use on a ski hill (e.g., a ski slope). The ski restraint harness 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 can include the ski restraint harness 100, 200, 300 illustrated in FIGS. 1A,1B, 2, and/or 3, in some embodiments.
As previously discussed, the ski restraint harness 400, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B, can include two vertical straps, at least one horizontal strap, two front training rings (e.g., 406-1, 406-2 illustrated in FIG. 4A), and/or a rear training ring (e.g., 406-3 illustrated in FIG. 4B). The front of the ski restraint harness 400 can include a front horizontal strip of material (e.g., a smaller strap) connecting the two vertical straps with the two front training rings (e.g., two D-rings) attached to the ends of the front horizontal strip of material. The back of the ski restraint harness 400 can include a rear horizontal strip of material connecting the two vertical straps with the back training ring attached to the rear horizontal strip of material.
Reins can be attached to the training rings in a variety of manners, in accordance with the present disclosure. For instance, at least one rein can be attached to at least one of the rear training ring and the two front training rings to control a speed of the person (e.g., the child 452) when wearing the ski restraint harness 400. Example reins can include a leash with a handle on the end of the leash and/or retractable leash in a lightweight housing with a handle on the side of the housing. Using a leash and/or other ribbon type rein can increase the visibility of the reins and/or increase the trainer's 462 ability to control the child 452, as compared to other material or reins.
The reins (e.g., leashes) can be utilized for training the child 452 how to ski. For example, the reins (e.g., leashes) can enable the trainer 462 (e.g., adult) to maintain control over the child 452 while going down the ski hill (e.g., slope) so that the child 452 will not fall off the path. This will keep the trainer 462 (e.g., adult) and the child 452 on the same course and enable greater supervision and safety of the child 452.
FIG. 4A illustrates use of a ski restraint harness 400 to train a person (e.g., the child 452) to ski using two front training rings 406-1, 406-2. A first rein 460-1 can be attached to the first front training ring 406-1 and a second rein 460-2 can be attached to the second front training ring 406-2.
For instance, the first and second rein 460-1, 460-2 can be designed to allow a trainer 462 (e.g., the adult) when skiing behind the child 452 wearing the ski restraint harness 400 to control a speed and/or a direction of the child 452. The first and second rein 460-1, 460-2 can include a length of 10 feet or less, for instance.
The ski restraint harness 400 can be used to perform a number of methods. For example, the child 452 can include a first skier wearing the ski restraint harness 400 and the trainer 462 can include a second skier. An example method can include attaching the first rein 460-1 to the first front training ring 406-1 and attaching the second rein 460-2 to the second front training ring 406-2.
A rein, in such embodiments, may not be connected to the rear training ring (e.g., 406-3 illustrated in FIG. 4B) of the ski restraint harness 400. The example method can include applying one or more rearward forces (e.g., by the trainer 462) on the first rein 460-1 and/or the second rein 460-2 to control a speed and/or a direction of the child 452 (e.g., first skier). The child 452 wearing the ski restraint harness 400, in such a method, can be positioned in front of the trainer 462 such that the child 452 and the trainer's skis cannot contact one another.
For instance, the child 452 and the trainer 462 can be skiing together during the application of rearward forces. The reins 460-1, 460-2 can be a length such that the child 452 and the trainer 462 can a ski together at a distance where the skis of the child 452 and the trainer 462 do not touch. The rearward forces applied can include pulling equally on the reins 460-1, 460-2 (e.g., by the trainer 462) in a rearward direction to control a speed and/or pulling on the reins 460-1, 460-1 (e.g., by the trainer 462) differentially in a rearward direction to control a direction of the child 452 while skiing.
FIG. 4B illustrates use of the ski restraint harness 400 to train a person (e.g., the child 452) to ski using a back training ring 406-3. A rein 460 can be attached to the back training ring 406-3 of the ski restraint harness 400.
For instance, the rein 460 can be designed to allow a trainer 462 (e.g., the adult) when skiing behind the child 452 wearing the ski restraint harness 400 to control a speed of the child 452. The rein 460 can include a length of at least 16 feet. That is, the rein 460 as illustrated in FIG. 4B can include a longer length than the reins 460-1, 460-1 as illustrated in FIG. 4A.
The different length reins (e.g., the reins 460-1, 460-2, 460 illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B) can be used by the trainer 462 to exercise different control over the child 452. For instance, the reins 460-1, 460-2 illustrated in FIG. 4A can be used to exercise greater control over the child 452 while skiing than the rein 460 illustrated in FIG. 4B. Once the child 452 becomes more accustomed to changing directions on their skis, the pair of reins 460-1,460-2 attached to the front training rings 406-1, 406-2 can be replaced by the rein 460 attached to the back training ring 406-3.
This configuration can, for example, be used to control the child's speed without controlling their direction. Furthermore, the child 452 can continue to wear the ski restraint harness 400 once the child 452 can control their speed so that the adult 462 can lift the child 452 in case of a fall or emergency using the strip of material forming a harness.
The ski restraint harness 400 illustrated in FIG. 4B can be used to perform a number of methods. For instance, the child 452 can include a first skier wearing the ski restraint harness 400 and the trainer 462 can include a second skier. An example method can include attaching the rein 460 to the back training ring 406-3.
The example method can include applying one or more rearward forces (e.g., by the trainer 462) on the rein 460 to control a speed of the child 452 (e.g., first skier). The child 452 wearing the ski restraint harness 400, in such a method, can be positioned in front of the trainer 462 such that the child 452 and the trainer's skis cannot contact one another. In some embodiments, the trainer 462 may be unable to control (and/or may have less ability to control as compared to the reins 460-1, 460-2 attached to the front training rings 406-1, 406-2) a direction of the child 452 when the rein 460 is attached to the back training ring 406-3.
For example, the child 452 and the trainer 462 can be skiing together during the application of a rearward force. The rein 460 can be a length such that the child 452 and the trainer 462 can a ski together at a distance where the skis of the child 452 and the trainer 462 do not touch. The one or more rearward forces applied can include pulling on the rein 460 (e.g., by the trainer 462) in a rearward direction to control speed of the child 452.
In various embodiments, the rearward forces can be applied to stop the child 452. For instance, the trainer 462 can perform a technique to stop their movement (e.g., completely) resulting in the child 452 stopping. Such a technique can include the trainer 462 turning their skis sideways such that the skis are perpendicular to the downward direction of the hill (e.g., the tip of the trainer's 462 skis are pointing sideways) and/or (if the speed is low) the trainer 462 placing the skis in a triangle shape with the tip of the skis closer together than the back of the skis (sometimes referred to as a “pizza” or snowplow position).
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposed of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure, various embodiments of the invention can be performed in one or more devices, device types, and system environments.
Combination of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure includes other applications in which the above structures and methods can be used. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may have been grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim.
Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A ski restraint harness, comprising:

two vertical straps, wherein the first vertical strap is designed to be positioned around a first shoulder and a first leg of a person when wearing the ski restraint harness and the second vertical strap is designed to be positioned around a second shoulder and a second leg of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness;

at least one horizontal strap designed to be positioned and tightened around a torso of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness; and

a rear training ring connected to material of the ski restraint harness and designed to be positioned on the rear of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness.

2. The ski restraint harness of claim 1, including a safety tether attached to the back of the ski restraint harness, wherein the safety tether is designed to be placed around a ski/chair lift when the person is wearing the ski restraint harness and seated on the ski/chair lift.

3. The ski restraint harness of claim 2, including a clip to attach the safety tether to the rear training ring.

4. The ski restraint harness of claim 1, including a rein attached to the rear training ring, wherein the training rein attached to the rear training ring is designed to allow a trainer when skiing behind the person control a speed of the person with the rein.

5. The ski restraint harness of claim 4, wherein the rein includes a length of at least 16 feet.

6. The ski restraint harness of claim 1, wherein each of the vertical straps include an adjustable buckle to adjust a fit of the respective vertical strap to suit a length of the person.

7. The ski restraint harness of claim 1, wherein the horizontal strap includes an adjustable buckle to adjust a fit of the horizontal strap to suit a width of the torso of the person.

8. The ski restraint harness of claim 1, including two front training rings connected to a front horizontal strip of material, the front horizontal strip of material connecting the two vertical straps and designed to be positioned on the front of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness.

9. The ski restraint harness of claim 8, including a first rein connected to the first front training ring and a second rein connected to the second front training ring, wherein the first and second rein are designed to allow a trainer when skiing behind the person skiing to control a speed and a direction of the person.

10. The ski restraint harness of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second training rein include a length of 10 feet or less.

11. A method of using a ski restraint harness, the method comprising:

attaching a rein to a rear training ring of a ski restraint harness, wherein the ski restraint harness includes:

two vertical straps, wherein the first vertical strap is designed to be positioned around a first shoulder and a first leg of first skier wearing the ski restraint harness and the second vertical strap is designed to be positioned around a second shoulder and a second leg of the first skier;

at least one horizontal strap to positioned around a torso of the first skier; and

the rear training ring positioned on the rear of the first skier;

positioning the first skier wearing the ski restraint harness in front of a second skier such that the first skier and the second skier's skis cannot contact one another; and

applying a rearward force on the training rein attached to the rear training ring to control a speed of the first skier.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the rein includes a first rein and wherein the method further includes:

attaching a second rein to a first front training ring of the ski restraint harness, wherein the first rein is not connected to the rear training ring of the ski restraint harness;

attaching a third rein to a second front training ring of the ski restraint harness; and

applying a rearward force on at least one of the second and third rein to control at least one of a speed and a direction of the first skier.

13. The method of claim 11, further including:

gripping a strip of material forming a handle, wherein the strip of material is connected to the two adjustable vertical straps of the ski restraint harness and positioned near the shoulders of the first skier; and

applying an upward force on the strip of material to lift the first skier in a vertical direction.

14. The method of claim 11, further including attaching a first end of a safety tether to the back training ring.

15. The method of claim 14, further including:

placing the safety tether around a ski/chair lift when the first skier wearing the ski restraint harness is seated on the ski/chair lift; and

attaching a second end of the safety tether to the back training ring.

16. A ski restraint harness, comprising:

two adjustable vertical straps, wherein the first adjustable vertical strap is designed to be positioned around a first shoulder and a first leg of a person when wearing the ski restraint harness and the second vertical strap is designed to be positioned around a second shoulder and a second leg of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness;

at least one adjustable horizontal strap designed to be positioned and tightened around a torso of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness;

a rear training ring connected to a rear horizontal strip of material connecting the two adjustable vertical straps and designed to be positioned on a rear of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness;

a safety tether connected to the back training ring, wherein the safety tether is designed to be placed around a ski/chair lift when the person is wearing the ski restraint harness and seated on the ski/chair lift;

a horizontal strip of material forming a handle connected to the two adjustable vertical straps and designed to be positioned near the shoulders of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness; and

two front training rings connected to a front horizontal strip of material connecting the two adjustable vertical straps and designed to be positioned on a front of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness.

17. The ski restraint harness of claim 16, wherein the two adjustable vertical straps and at least one adjustable horizontal strap include a 1½ inch wide material.

18. The ski restraint harness of claim 16, including at least one rein attached to at least one of the rear training ring and the two front training rings to control a speed of the person when wearing the ski restraint harness.

19. The ski restraint harness of claim 16, wherein the safety tether is removable from the back training ring.

20. The ski restraint harness of claim 16, wherein the two adjustable vertical straps and the at least one adjustable horizontal strap are adjustable to fit the person when wearing the ski restraint harness.