U.S. patent application number 11/406132 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-25 for back country and cross country soft snow ski traction device for ascent and descent.
Invention is credited to George Coulbourn.
Application Number | 20070246913 11/406132 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38618766 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070246913 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Coulbourn; George |
October 25, 2007 |
Back country and cross country soft snow ski traction device for
ascent and descent
Abstract
This device is designed to facilitate the ascent and descent by
a back country or cross country skier on moderate to steeply
inclined soft snow slopes. Its utility consists of its ease of
installation and removal, and its exceptional performance as tested
in prototype form. This device is unique in that it facilitates
both ascent and descent. It is believed that no existing device
allows for ascent as well as for safe, controlled descent thereby
giving the skier the option not to ski down a slope if he does not
feel he can safely do so.
Inventors: |
Coulbourn; George; (Black
Diamond, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GEORGE COULBOURN
23710 ROBERTS DR.
BLACK DIAMOND
WA
98010
US
|
Family ID: |
38618766 |
Appl. No.: |
11/406132 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/604 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 7/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/604 |
International
Class: |
A63C 5/00 20060101
A63C005/00 |
Claims
1) Safety and utility: An attachable apparatus that allows a
backcountry or cross country skier to safely ascend and descend
moderate to steep soft snow covered slopes.
2) Ease of use: An apparatus that may be quickly attached and
removed without modification or damage to the ski, allowing the
skier to choose specifically when and when not to use it.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None that offer the functionality provided by this device
are believed to exist.
SPONSORSHIP
[0002] No federal or any other kind of sponsorship has been
involved.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This device allows the backcountry and cross country skier
to ascend and descend moderate to steep soft snow slopes. It is an
easily attached and removed without modification to the ski.
Existing devices are designed either for hard snow and ice, or do
not facilitate descent, or both. The device has been rigorously
tested in prototype form by the inventor, an experienced
mountaineer and year-around volunteer in the backcountry of Mt
Rainier National park.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] This device is designed to facilitate the ascent and descent
by a back country or cross country skier of moderate to steeply
inclined soft snow slopes. Its utility consists of its ease of
installation and removal, and its exceptional performance as tested
in prototype form (see drawings and photo). This device is unique
in that it facilitates both ascent and descent. It is believed that
no existing device allows for safe, controlled descent thereby
giving the skier the option to descend a slope without skiing if he
feels he can not safely do so. The device is used in pairs, one on
each ski. It is installed in seconds, by slipping it over the front
end of the ski, sliding it down, and securing it immediately in
front of the toe binding.
[0005] All other existing ski attachments are designed primarily
for use on ice and hard snow and/or for ascent only. They resemble
crampons commonly used by mountaineers for glacier or hard snow and
ice travel. This device differs from them in the following ways: 1)
This device is not permanently attached to the ski. 2) It can be
installed and removed in seconds. 3) It is highly reliable,
user-friendly, and provides high confidence to the user. 4) It is
compact, lightweight and robust. 5) It is easily transported (in a
pocket, for example), thereby not cluttering or adding weight to
the ski when not in use. 6) It requires no modification to the ski
and protects the ski against damage by the device itself. 7) It is
simple to fabricate and will be considerably less expensive, more
reliable, and longer lasting than the few effective alternatives
such as "climbing skins".
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] Included in FIG. 1 are three orthogonal views of the
device.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a photograph of the prototype as tested.
[0008] As seen in FIG. 1, the inventor contemplates offering
different sizes of the device both to accommodate differing ski
widths (dimension W) and different snow conditions (dimension
D).
[0009] The prototype as shown is fabricated using steel and
aluminum. Production models may use high strength plastics for some
parts as well. One device per ski is required.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] The inventor feels that the Background, Summary, Drawings
and Photograph adequately explain both the device and its intended
use and that avoiding repetition makes the most efficient and
considerate use of the reviewer's time.
[0011] Inhancements: Although the device provides excellent results
in prototype form, four enhancements are currently under
consideration. 1) The prototype device employs an "Angle" shape for
traction and control. A "Tee" shape would provide additional
rigidity and allow securing it to the ski with two separate
clamping brackets. However, the prototype functions well without
this additional feature. 2) Side plates parallel to the direction
of travel would negate a tendency for the ski to slip downhill
sideways. However, the prototype functions well without this
additional feature. 3) A non-stick coating might be useful to avoid
adherence by snow. However, the prototype functions well without
this additional feature. 4) Use of plastic instead of a metal alloy
for various parts might be desirable. However, the prototype
functions well without this additional feature.
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