U.S. patent application number 10/373243 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-26 for inflatable barricade and snow collection method.
Invention is credited to Bernasconi, Edo.
Application Number | 20040164285 10/373243 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32868667 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040164285 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bernasconi, Edo |
August 26, 2004 |
Inflatable barricade and snow collection method
Abstract
An inflatable chamber is secured to the ground to provide both a
collection point for snow and a resilient barricade. The chamber
may contain a light-weight and flexible metal or plastic support
frame to provide increased strength or to hold a desired shape upon
inflation. One or more longitudinally disposed flaps are preferably
used with attached means for aiding in the securement of the
chamber to the ground. Snow collection methods and ski slopes
involving one or more inflatable barricades are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Bernasconi, Edo; (Park City,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUARLES & BRADY STREICH LANG, LLP
ONE SOUTH CHURCH AVENUE
SUITE 1700
TUCSON
AZ
85701-1621
US
|
Family ID: |
32868667 |
Appl. No.: |
10/373243 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/12.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 7/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/012.5 |
International
Class: |
E01F 007/02 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A protective barricade anchored to the ground, comprising: (a)
an inflatable chamber; and (b) means for securing said inflatable
chamber to said ground.
2. The barricade of claim 1, wherein said inflatable chamber forms
a barricade that is substantially triangular in cross-section when
inflated.
3. The barricade of claim 1, wherein said inflatable chamber forms
a barricade that is substantially circular or semi-circular in
cross-section when inflated.
4. The barricade of claim 1, wherein said inflatable, elongated
chamber further includes a support frame attached thereto.
5. The barricade of claim 4, wherein said support frame comprises
carbon fiber poles.
6. The barricade of claim 1, further including at least one flap
disposed along an edge of said inflatable chamber.
7. The barricade of claim 6, wherein said means for securing
comprises a securing rod placed through a hole in said at least one
flap.
8. The barricade of claim 1, wherein said means for securing
comprise a rod placed through a loop or a grommet of a belt.
9. A barricade for trapping snow on the ground, comprising: (a) an
inflatable chamber including a first flap and a second flap
disposed along opposing sides of said inflatable chamber; and (b)
means for securing said inflatable chamber to said ground.
10. The barricade of claim 9, wherein said means for securing
comprises a rod disposed through at least one aperture in said
first and said second flaps.
11. The barricade of claim 9, wherein said inflatable chamber forms
a barricade that is substantially triangular in cross-section when
inflated.
12. The barricade of claim 9, wherein said inflatable, elongated
chamber forms a barricade that is substantially circular or
semi-circular in cross-section when inflated.
13. The barricade of claim 9, wherein said inflatable chamber
further includes a support frame attached thereto.
14. The barricade of claim 13, wherein said support frame comprises
carbon fiber poles.
15. The barricade of claim 9, further including a second inflatable
chamber connected to said barricade.
16. A method of collecting snow on the ground, comprising: (a)
positioning an inflatable chamber in a desired location; (b)
securing said inflatable chamber to the ground; (c) inflating said
inflatable chamber; and (d) collecting snow upon and around said
inflatable chamber during a snowstorm.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein snow is collected between two
or more inflatable chambers.
18. The method of claim 16, additionally comprising the step of:
(e) deflating and removing said inflatable chamber after collection
of said snow.
19. A ski slope barricade, comprising: (a) an inflatable chamber,
(b) means for securing said inflatable chamber to said ski slope;
and (c) a bank of snow substantially covering said inflatable
chamber.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates in general to the field of
recreational fences or barriers and more particularly to an
inflatable barricade useful in collecting snow on a ski slope.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), 7.4
million skiers and 3.6 million snowboarders with a combined total
of 52.2 million total visits to ski areas occurred in the United
States during the 1999-2000 season. In order to meet this demand,
ski areas obviously have a strong interest in providing good ski
conditions for as long as possible during each season. Often,
man-made snow is relied upon to provide coverage in many areas.
Moreover, even when mother nature does provide ample snow, wind and
terrain features will often lead to unequal distribution of snow or
bare spots on a slope or along a trail.
[0005] In addition to improving ski conditions and providing
adequate snow coverage for slopes and trails, ski areas are
constantly looking to improve safety and to prevent skiing-related
injuries. In a typical year there are at least 135,000 "medically
significant" (i.e., injuries requiring medical attention and the
cessation of skiing for at least one day) snow sport injuries in
the United States. However, because many studies estimate that up
to 40% of all injuries go unreported, there may be as many as
500,000 skiing-related injuries each year. Many of these injuries
involve collisions with trees or other obstacles. Thus, it would be
desirable to provide an apparatus and method for improving the
safety and snow coverage of ski areas.
[0006] While several inventions have addressed one of these issues
or the other, none are known to be employed for both slope safety
and improved snow coverage. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,777
issued to Brochu et al. describes a method of covering snow such
that it can be conserved and repositioned over a slope for skiing
without the need for natural or man-made snow early in the skiing
season.
[0007] Essentially, the Brochu et al. method comprises the steps of
closing the selected slope in the late winter or early spring while
there is still adequate snow cover, concentrating existing snow by
hand or machine into a series of piles over the entire length of
the slope, covering the piles of snow with sheets of insulating
material, uncovering the snow when the weather permits one to do so
withing significant melting, and redistributing the conserved snow
by hand and/or machine over the selected areas of the slope. While
this method may allow one to improve snow coverage for early season
skiing, it does nothing to prevent collision-related injuries.
Moreover, this method can only preserve snow and is not practical
to use for the collection or concentration of snow during the
skiing season.
[0008] Similarly, net-like recreation area boundaries, such as the
fence disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,927 by Huebner, provide an
apparatus that may be used to cordon off a trail from trees and
other objects. However, Huebner's netting material does nothing to
trap or conserve snow for redistribution over a skiing area.
Moreover, fence-like barriers typically are rigid or do not absorb
force well, potentially causing significant injuries that result
from the impact of a collision. Thus, there is still a need in the
art for an apparatus and method that traps or collects snow while
also providing a barricade that lessens the risk of injury
resulting from collisions with objects or leaving a safely
maintained area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention relates in general to an inflatable chamber
that collects snow during a snowstorm or man-made snow from
snow-making equipment. More specifically, the invention provides in
one embodiment an inflatable chamber that is secured to the ground
to provide both a collection point for snow and a resilient
barricade. The chamber may then be deflated and removed to allow
redistribution of the snow and use of the chamber elsewhere or kept
in place as a safety barrier. Preferably, the chamber of the
invention contains light-weight and flexible metal or plastic
support frame to provide increased strength or to hold a desired
shape upon inflation. The preferred chamber also possesses one or
more longitudinally disposed flaps with attached means for securing
the chamber to the ground.
[0010] Thus, it is a primary objective of the invention to provide
an inflatable chamber that traps or collects snow for
redistribution or later use.
[0011] Further, an object of the invention is to provide an
inflatable chamber that acts as a safety barrier.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a snow
collecting device and method that does not require the labor or
material needed to cover snow with an insulating material.
[0013] Still another object of the invention is to provide a snow
collecting method that is adaptable to different weather conditions
and terrain.
[0014] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a safety
barricade/snow collecting device that is highly portable and easy
to use with or without a towing vehicle, such as a snowmobile.
[0015] An additional object of the invention is to provide a safety
barricade/snow collecting device that is economical to produce and
inexpensive to utilize.
[0016] In accordance with these and other objects there is provided
new and improved snow collecting apparatus and method for use in
ski areas, which is also for use generally wherever a flexible yet
resilient safety barrier would be desirable. Furthermore, a new and
improved skiing area containing inflatable, snow-covered barricades
is provided.
[0017] Various other purposes and advantages of the invention will
become clear from its description in the specification that
follows. Therefore, to the accomplishment of the objectives
described above, this invention includes the features hereinafter
fully described in the detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, and particularly pointed out in the claims. However,
such description discloses only some of the various ways in which
the invention may be practiced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention being
towed by an all-terrain vehicle.
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 1 as it undergoes
inflation.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows in cross-section the embodiment of FIG. 2 taken
along line 3-3.
[0021] FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a preferred securing
rod of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of a stake-like securing
rod placed through a loop attached to the inflatable chamber of the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 4C is a front perspective view of a flag pole-like
securing rod of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 depicts in a partially cut-out perspective view a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a partially cut-out perspective view of another
embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a partially cut-out perspective view of a
multi-chambered embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view illustrating a method of
snow collection utilizing the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] The invention relates in general to an inflatable chamber
that provides both a safety barrier and a method of collecting snow
useful for a variety of purposes. More specifically, in one
embodiment of the invention, an inflatable chamber having two
air-tight seams is integrally formed from a single piece of
material, such as rubber or vinyl. In other embodiments of the
invention, an inflatable chamber containing a support frame to
assist the chamber in forming and maintaining a particular
geometric shape is provided. An additional embodiment features a
multiple-chamber barricade. Means for securing the inflatable
chamber to the ground is provided in the form of, for example, rods
that fit through openings in belts or flaps attached to the chamber
or separate components (such as cables) that are placed over the
chamber.
[0029] Turning to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the barricade 2 is
shown being towed to a desired location by an all-terrain vehicle
4. The barricade 2 includes an inflatable, elongated chamber 6 that
is inflated through valve 7 and a means for securing chamber 6 to
the ground 8, which, in this particular embodiment, is a plurality
of belts 10 having a grommet 12 at each end. A fastener (not
shown), including but not limited to a variety of rods, poles,
stakes, ice screws, hooks, and bolts, is then placed through the
grommet 12 to secure the chamber in place. The belts 10 may be
glued, bonded, sewn or otherwise attached to the chamber 6 as long
as the chamber remains air tight.
[0030] In FIG. 2, the barricade 2 of FIG. 1 is being inflated
through valve 7 with a hose 14 attached to a compressor on the
vehicle 4. Inflating the chamber 6 serves at least two important
functions. First, the resilient cushion of air that is formed upon
inflation provides an improved safety barrier. Depending upon the
size of the inflated chamber, this barrier may be used to redirect
or soften the approach of one who strays "out-of-bounds" or into an
area of danger. In a skiing context, such a barrier provides a
practical way to gently "rein-in" children on beginner slopes as
well as to lessen the chances of injuries resulting from skiers
hitting barricades at high velocities. Second, the increased
surface area of the inflated chamber coupled with the ability to
deflate and remove the same provides an ideal method for collecting
snow (as illustrated in FIG. 8 and described below).
[0031] Turning to FIG. 3, the filly inflated barricade 2 of FIG. 2
is seen in cross-section along line 3-3 in the direction indicated
by the arrows. As shown, the elongated chamber 6 assumes a
substantially cylindrical shape upon inflation in this embodiment.
The grommets 12 on belt 10 can then be easily fastened to the
ground 8 with implements such as those pictured in FIGS. 4A-4C.
[0032] In FIG. 4A, a particularly preferred rod 16 for securing a
barricade of the invention to the ground includes a shaft 18 that
features a stop collar 20 and a threaded screw-like portion 22 at
the bottom end. The top end 24 of shaft 18 is substantially flat,
allowing rod 16 to be driven into the ground if desired.
Alternatively, the rod 16 may also be turned into the ground by
hand using cross-bar 26. Preferably, the securing rod is made from
a hard plastic, however any lightweight and durable material may be
used. Depending on the application, the height and color of the
securing rod may vary. For example, a rod that is brightly covered
and taller than the barricade would be desirable in applications in
which the barricade is collecting snow so its exact location can
remain visible even after heavy snow fall. On the other hand,
safety barrier applications would typically call for the securing
rod to be very short in order to minimize injury resulting from
accidental contact.
[0033] In FIGS. 4B and 4C, alternative rods and means for securing
an elongated, inflatable chamber to the ground are shown. One means
for securing includes a stake 28 and loop 30 combination. The loop
30 is attached to the chamber 32 and provides a eye through which
the stake 28 is placed to anchor chamber 32 to the ground. Another
securing rod 34 features a flag-pole like design, with a shaft 36
having a pointed bottom end 38 and a flag 40 located near the top
end. The flag-pole like rod 34 may be especially desirable for
pinpointing the location of a barricade of the invention in heavy
winter weather. However, it is important to recognize that,
although not shown, other means for securing an inflatable
barricade to the ground without using loops, belts with grommets,
or flaps (e.g., chains or rope), may be used alone or in
combination with the implements described above.
[0034] Turning to FIG. 5, a semi-cylindrical barricade 42
implementation of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the
elongated, inflatable chamber 44 includes a first flap 46 and a
second flap 47 disposed longitudinally along edges 48 and 49,
respectively. The flaps 46 and 47 preferably contain holes 50
through which a securing rod 52 is placed to anchor barricade 42 to
the ground. A stop collar 54 on securing rod 52 helps to keep the
flaps 46 and 47 (and thereby chamber 44) flush with the ground.
While this embodiment may be transported to a desired location in
its fully spread-out state, it is ideally suited to be rolled on a
hub such that deployment is accomplished simply by unrolling the
deflated chamber over a desired location. Preferably, a hand,
mechanical, or electrical winch is employed to carry out the
rolling and unrolling process.
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a triangular section barricade 56 of the
invention especially suitable for collecting snow. This embodiment
includes an inflatable chamber 58 having a longitudinally disposed
flap 60 attached along a bottom edge 61. As in previous
embodiments, the chamber 58 is secured to the ground through one or
more securing rods (not shown) placed in one or more holes 62.
Although it is possible to construct a chamber that forms a
triangular shape upon inflation, preferably the chamber is
reinforced by a support frame, such as carbon-fiber poles 64, to
help maintain its shape in windy conditions or under the weight of
snow. The carbon poles 64 may be of the flexible type commonly used
to support smaller tents (e.g., backpacking tents). Moreover, the
poles may be bonded to the surface of the chamber 58 or held in
place through sleeves, pockets, and the like.
[0036] In FIG. 7, an inflated, multiple-chamber embodiment of the
invention is depicted. A first semi-cylindrical chamber 66 having
longitudinally disposed edge flaps 68 and 69 provides the
foundation for a second triangular chamber 70. The two chambers 66
and 70 may either be independently sealed from each other or
segmented such that air flow in or out is shared. Of course, any
number of individual chambers may be used to form a "single"
elongated barricade. A flexible support frame including ribs 72 is
formed by bonding ribs 72 to the surface of chambers 66 and 70.
Preferably, the ribs are composed of metal (such as aluminum)
strips. Thus, the ribs 72 assist in maintaining a desired geometric
shape upon inflation of the chambers and collapse upon deflation of
the same.
[0037] Turning to FIG. 8, a preferred method of collecting snow
using barricades of the invention is illustrated. Two barricades,
75 and 76, are positioned in parallel fashion. The elongated,
inflatable chambers 78 and 80 of each barricade are then inflated
and secured to the ground with securing rods 82 placed through
holes 83 in flaps 84-87. While not shown, the flaps could be placed
at the ends of the inflatable chambers in addition to, or instead
of, along the length. Moreover, certain embodiments (e.g.,
cylindrical barricades) may have one or more flaps disposed along
one or more sides (rather then along edges).
[0038] While the weather conditions at the collection location may
require one to first secure each inflatable chamber in place before
inflation, it should be recognized that the order in which the
inflation and securing steps occur is not important. As a winter
storm progresses, snow 90 is collected between chambers 78 and 80.
For simplicity, only snow collected between the barricades is
shown. However, snow can also accumulate atop and on all sides of
each barricade, forming a snow bank that may be used in conjunction
with the barricades as a barrier or harvested for grooming purposes
upon barricade deflation and removal.
[0039] The invention, having been described above, may be better
understood by reference to an example. The following example is
intended for illustration purposes only, and should not be
construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.
[0040] A SNOWCAT.TM.-brand all-terrain vehicle or snowmobile
transports the deflated barricade along the surface of a ski slope
to a desired location. The deflated barricade is then deployed by
positioning it on the ground, installing the securing rods (or
other means for securing) through holes in a flap attached to the
inflatable chamber such that the barricade is held in place. The
number and type of rods installed would be determined by the
anticipated weather conditions--the windier the conditions, the
more rods should be used. The tension of the barricade can also be
set by controlling how stretched the barricade is. A hose is then
connected to a valve of the inflatable chamber such that air can be
pumped inside. Upon inflation of the chamber (or chambers), the
hose is removed and the valve sealed.
[0041] As natural snow falls (or as man-made snow is blown) across
the ski slope, the barricade(s) force snow to stop on its surface
or drop nearby, creating a bank of snow that can partially or
completely cover the barricade. The end of the inflatable chamber
can then be located so that the valve is opened for deflation.
After deflation, the means for securing are taken out and the
barricade is removed from the snow bank. The accumulated snow is
now ready to be groomed over bare spots or left for future use.
[0042] The invention is particularly well suited for snow
collection because snow tends to accumulate upon the inflated
chamber (as well as between multiple inflated barriers). Otherwise,
wind and other conditions tend to disperse falling snow. Thus, snow
that has been concentrated upon the inflated chamber can be
"harvested" for covering wind-swept bare spots as described above
or protect structures (e.g., doorways) from becoming obstructed by
banks of snow. Moreover, the snow may be left covering the inflated
chamber to form an unique ski slope boundary or barrier.
[0043] The inflatable chambers of the invention may be manufactured
using existing tooling and technology as employed in, for example,
the waterbed industry. First, two flexible polyvinyl sheets (or a
doubled-over single sheet) may be cut into any desirable shape for
a barricade. Next, an electrically heated iron is used to seal the
polyvinyl in accordance with the desired shape. The temperature of
the iron can be precisely controlled such that the vinyl pieces are
fused together, creating an air-tight seam so that the chamber may
be inflated through an added valve.
[0044] Various changes in the details and components that have been
described may be made by those skilled in the art within the
principles and scope of the invention herein described in the
specification and defined in the appended claims. Therefore, while
the present invention has been shown and described herein in what
is believed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it
is recognized that departures can be made therefrom within the
scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details
disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims
so as to embrace any and all equivalent processes and products.
* * * * *