WO2009131466A1

WO2009131466A1 - Combined towing unit for ski lift

Info

Publication number: WO2009131466A1
Application number: PCT/NO2009/000153
Authority: WO
Inventors: Heidi Jeannette Haugen
Original assignee: Heidi Jeannette Haugen
Priority date: 2008-04-23
Filing date: 2009-04-22
Publication date: 2009-10-29

Abstract

The present invention relates to a towing device that in reality can be regarded as constituting a combination of the known T-bar and the known button lift. The device is suitable for the transport of persons up a ski slope, and in particular the transport of alternative winter sports participants such as snowboarders. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a ski lift which comprises at least one towing device according to the invention.

Description

COMBINED TOWING UNIT FOR SKI LIFT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a towing device that in reality can be regarded as constituting a combination of the known T-bar and the known button lift. The device is suitable for the transport of persons up a ski slope, and in particular the transport of alternative winter sports participants such as snowboarders. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a ski lift which comprises at least one towing device according to the invention.,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ski lifts are typically a structure or system for transporting one or more persons to a given destination, usually from a lower-lying point to a higher-lying point. To achieve this purpose, the device is equipped with at least one towing device in some form or other.

One example of such a towing device is the so-called T-bar. As the name suggests, this device is shaped in the form of a letter T, typically in the form of a horizontal bar that is fixedly mounted on a tube. A number of alternative embodiments are known, one example of which is discussed in more detail in DE3134909. The general T-bar design is intended to be suitable for the transport of one or two persons per towing device.

Since the first T-bar was put into service in Norway in about 1965, the bars have only undergone minor adjustments, from wood to plastic and an extension of the tube. In addition to the fact that skiing is a sport that has seen an explosive increase in the number of participants, new disciplines of the sport have also been developed which differ significantly from the traditional disciplines such as alpine or downhill skiing and telemark skiing. One of these new disciplines is snowboarding.

The T-bar, as currently designed, is not a suitable means of transport for the last- mentioned group of winter sports participants. In addition to their finding it difficult to use the said T-bar, snowboarders often experience pain when using the traditional T-bar because the load is distributed on the inside of the thigh and not on the buttocks as is the case for participants of the traditional disciplines. In addition to the aforementioned disadvantages associated with the use of the traditional T-bars, it may also be found difficult to use the traditional T-bar in the cases where two persons of very different height use the same T-bar.

5

The aforementioned problems associated with the use of a traditional T-bar are well known in the art and alternative suggestions of solutions to these problems are also previously known. One example of a possible solution is described in CH683487, where participants of alternative disciplines, such as snowboarders, use a harness that is I₀ fastened to a traditional T-bar. This makes traditional T-bars easier to use and load on the inside of the thigh is also avoided.

Another example of a towing device is the so-called disc lift, also known as a button lift or platter pull. As the name suggests, this device is in the form of a button, disc or is platter that is fixedly mounted on a tube. A number of alternative embodiments are known, one example of which is discussed in some detail in ES2149095. This general button/disc/platter design is intended to be suitable for the transport of one person per towing device, and the use of such a towing device will therefore reduce the capacity of a ski lift by half compared with the use of the traditional T-bar. 0

The present invention relates to a new towing device where the advantages of the traditional T-bar are retained whilst the problems associated with this device are avoided. S SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a towing device suitable for the transport of persons up a ski slope, wherein said towing device comprises a horizontal bar (1) that is fixedly mounted on a tube (2), characterised in that said towing device 0 further comprises a second device (3).

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a ski lift, characterised in that it comprises at least one towing device according to the present invention.

3₅ DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a towing device in the form of a typical T-bar, wherein a horizontal bar (1) is fixedly mounted on a tube (2) with the aid of a fastening device that is passed through a hole (8) in said horizontal bar.

Figure 2 shows the design of a possible telescopic tube (4). In said telescopic tube (4) there is formed a slot (5) and two points of attachment 9A and 9B.

Figure 3 shows the design of a possible connecting member (7) for telescopic tube (4) and a second device, such as a typical disc or button. The illustrated connecting member (7) has the same design as the connecting member that is used today to secure the disc/platter/button to a tube in traditional disc/platter/button lift towing devices.

Figure 4 shows the design of a possible telescopic tube (4) wherein a connecting member (7) for telescopic tube (4) and a second device, such as a typical disc or button, is secured to point of attachment 9B.

Figures 5 A and 5B show a possible design of a complete towing device according to the invention comprising a horizontal bar (1) that is fixedly mounted on a hollow tube (2), wherein arranged in said tube is a telescopic tube (4) which is made having a slot (5) to ensure free movement past a fastening means (8) where a connecting member (7) connects said telescopic tube (4) to a second device (3).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a towing device suitable for the transport of persons up a ski slope, wherein said towing device comprises a horizontal bar (1) that is fixedly mounted on a tube (2), characterised in that said towing device further comprises a second device (3).

It will be understood that the present invention, in addition to being suitable for the transport of persons up a ski slope, is also suitable for the transport of persons on less steep terrain, such as flat ground. Said horizontal bar (1) may be made of materials such as wood, plastic, metal or any combination of these. However, it is most preferable that said horizontal bar (1) is made of a plastic material.

Furthermore, it will be understood that said horizontal bar (1) may be of different configurations, such as straight, curved or other suitable configuration. However, it is preferred that said horizontal bar (1) has a straight configuration.

It is preferable that said horizontal bar (1) is fixedly mounted in the middle of said tube (2).

Said tube (2) may be made of materials such as wood, plastic, metal or any combination of these. When using a metallic material, aluminium is the most preferable.

Furthermore, it should be understood that said tube (2) may be solid throughout or hollow, optionally parts of its length may be hollow and parts of its length solid. It should also be understood that in the case of a hollow tube (2), the diameter of the inner cavity may be constant or vary along the length of the tube. It is preferable that said tube (2) is hollow throughout.

Said second device (3) preferably has a design that is especially suitable for the transport of alternative winter sports participants, such as snowboarders. Preferably, said second device (3) has a shape that is intended to place load on the buttocks. Non- limiting examples of such designs are the traditional button, disc or platter.

It will be appreciated that said second device (3) can be made of materials such as wood, plastic or metal or any combination of these. However, it is most preferable that said second device (2) is made of a plastic material, optionally a combination of metal and plastic.

One possible embodiment according to the invention relates to a towing device suitable for the transport of persons up a ski slope, wherein said towing device comprises a horizontal bar (1) that is fixedly mounted on a hollow tube (2), characterised in that said towing device further comprises a second device (3), said second device being attached to a telescopic tube (4) that is arranged in said hollow tube (2). Said telescopic tube (4) may, for example, be secured to said second device (3) by using a suitable connecting member (7) as, for example, is shown in Figure 4. Preferably, said telescopic tube (4) is spring-mounted in said hollow tube (2), but it will be appreciated that other methods of attachment which result in the same or similar effect can also be used. For example, a spring can be used that is about 50 cm long in its position of rest and about 75 cm long when extended, one end of the spring being secured to said telescopic rod (4) and the other end being fastened to said hollow tube (2). It will further be understood that said telescopic tube (4) alternatively can be replaced by a wire or other suitable connecting member, but for safety reasons it is preferable that a device is used which has rigid properties such as a telescopic tube (4).

As the present invention permits retrofitting of said second device (3) to an existing T- bar towing device, one embodiment of the invention relates to a traditional T-bar which further comprises said second device (3).

In one embodiment according to the invention, said second device (3) is retrofitted to an existing T-bar towing device in that in said horizontal bar (1) there is made a through hole (6), said through hole (6) being so positioned that there is free passage through said through hole (6) to the point where said hollow tube (2) is fixedly mounted on said horizontal bar (1). Furthermore, a telescopic tube (4) is placed in said hollow tube (4), preferably spring-mounted in said hollow tube (2).

In a traditional T-bar there is a fastening means (8) on said horizontal bar (1) which seemingly may prevent free passage of said telescopic tube (4). To avoid this, said telescopic tube can be equipped with a slot (5) which is adapted to said fastening means (8). The length of said slot (5) can then be adapted so as to determine maximum and/or minimum distance from said horizontal bar (1) to said second device (3). Preferably, the distance between said horizontal bar (1) and said second device (3) can be varied within a range of 0-50 cm, most preferably in a range of 0-25 cm.

As mentioned above, the present invention relates to a towing device which in reality can be regarded as constituting a combination of the known T-bar and the known button lift. In an inactive position, i.e., when the button part of the towing device is not in use, the towing device can be used as a traditional T-bar. The distance between said horizontal bar (1) and said second device (3) will then be very small, such as 0-10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, more preferably less than 2 cm, such as 0-2 cm.

The towing device according to the present invention moves into an active position, i.e., that the button part of the towing device is taken into use, in that a user grips hold of, for example, the said second device (3) and places it between their legs or under their buttocks. The distance between said horizontal bar (1) and said second device (3) will be greater in the active position that in the inactive position. Non-limiting examples of such distances, i.e., the distance between said horizontal bar (1) and said second device (3) in the active position, are 10-50 cm, 12-50 cm, 15-50 cm , 20-40 cm etc.

When dismounting the towing device in the active position, the user frees himself from said second device (3), whereafter this device is then automatically pulled up in said hollow tube (2) with the aid of, for example, a spring.

In addition to experiencing that the load comes under the buttocks instead of on the inside of the thigh, giving a significantly more comfortable transport stage, an alternative winter sports participant, such as a snowboarder, will also be able to grip said horizontal bar (1) and/or tube (2) and consequently more easily be able to keep his or her balance and the direction of travel during the transport stage.

In addition to the transport stage being significantly more comfortable for alternative winter sports participants, such as snowboarders, the present invention will also enable the maintenance of optimal capacity of the skiing installation in that other winter sports participants such as alpine skiers, can use the present towing device in the inactive position, i.e., that the button part of the towing device is not in use.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows retrofitting of said second device (3) to an existing T-bar.

Claims

P a t e n t c l a i m s

1.

A towing device suitable for transport of persons up a ski slope, wherein said towing device comprises a horizontal bar (1) that is fixedly mounted on a tube (2), characterised in that said towing device further comprises a second device (3).

2.

A towing device according to claim 1, characterised in that said horizontal bar (1) is fixedly mounted on the middle of said tube (2).

3.

A towing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said horizontal bar (1) is equipped with a through hole (6).

4.

A towing device according to claim 3, characterised in that said through hole (6) is so positioned that there is free passage through said through hole (6) to the point where said tube (2) is fixedly mounted on said horizontal bar (1).

5.

A towing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said tube (2) is hollow.

6.

A towing device according to claim 5, characterised in that arranged in said hollow tube (2) is a telescopic tube (4).

7. A towing device according to claim 6, characterised in that said telescopic tube (4) is spring-mounted in said hollow tube (2).

8.

A towing device according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that said telescopic tube (4) is equipped with a slot (5).

9.

A towing device according to claim 8, characterised in that the maximum and/or minimum distance from said horizontal bar (1) to said second device (3) is defined by the length of said slot (5).

10.

A towing device according to any one of claims 6-9, characterised in that said telescopic tube (4) is secured to said second device (3).

11.

A towing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said second device (3) has a configuration that makes it suitable for placing between the legs below the buttocks.

12.

A towing device according to claim 11, characterised in that said second device (3) is designed as a disc, platter or button.

13. A towing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the distance between said horizontal bar (1) and said second device (3) can be varied within a given range.

14. A towing device according to claim 13, characterised in that the distance between said horizontal bar (1) and said second device (3) can be varied within a range of 0-50 cm, preferably within a range of 0-25 cm.

15. A ski lift, characterised in that it comprises at least one towing device as defined in any one of the preceding claims.