U.S. patent application number 17/250927 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-28 for wheels on skis for transportation.
The applicant listed for this patent is Amira Kuhn. Invention is credited to Marcel Aeschlimann, Kilian Iannucci, Amira Kuhn, Aurelie Petit, Loic Sottas.
Application Number | 20210331063 17/250927 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005722271 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210331063 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kuhn; Amira ; et
al. |
October 28, 2021 |
WHEELS ON SKIS FOR TRANSPORTATION
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for manually transporting by
rolling or sliding, pushing or pulling, skis or the like as a pair,
on any kind of surfaces, with a pair of independent collapsible
wheels, each wheel attached to a different ski from the pair, the
wheels can be folded and deployed, enabling safe skiing when the
wheels are folded and carrying the ski upon the ground with the
assistance of the wheels, when they are deployed and the skis
attached together as a pair. The device is permanently mounted on
the ski. The wheels are made from light material, such as rubber or
plastics. The ski can also have a holder or fastener at the
opposite end for fixing a pulling or pushing aid.
Inventors: |
Kuhn; Amira; (Washington,
DC) ; Aeschlimann; Marcel; (Liegerz, CH) ;
Iannucci; Kilian; (Worb, US) ; Petit; Aurelie;
(Pully, CH) ; Sottas; Loic; (Lausanne,
CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kuhn; Amira |
20009 |
DC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005722271 |
Appl. No.: |
17/250927 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
September 30, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2018/057601 |
371 Date: |
March 29, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 11/026
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63C 11/02 20060101
A63C011/02 |
Claims
1. Device for manually transporting, board like locomotion means,
in particular of skis pairwise together or like, characterized in
that it is composed of a pair of wheels which are an integral part
of each ski tales.
2. Device for transporting on any kind of surfaces provided
pairwise together, board-like locomotion means, in particular of
skis, when gathered by the ski-stops, or the like, with at least
one collapsible wheel device on the upper surface of each ski tale,
which in an area of the tips of the means of travel, centered in
the width of the tale, characterized in that the device is
permanently mounted on the ski to form an integral part of the
means of transport, and that the device in the tail end region of
the means of transport such that the side of the tales facing the
bottom when the wheels are deployed.
3. According to claim 1, the device is carried respectively and
independently by each separate ski at the tail end portion (either
on the tips or on the end of the ski tale) and on said upper
surface of each said ski.
4. According to claim 1, the device is characterized in that the
whole device is permanently integrated on each upper surface of the
ski tale; the receptacles or rails are strongly and definitively
fixed on the means of transportation and that the wheels are
permanently attached to it by the axle; when the user is skiing,
the wheels are in a folded mode; when the user is transporting the
ski, the wheels are in a deployed position.
5. According to claims 1 and 2, characterized that the ski equipped
with the device, which it is composed of three main pieces that are
kept attached directly on the ski, characterized as non-removable
device. Wherein the three pieces: the wheel connected to the axle,
that is itself connected to either the receptacle or rail strongly
fixed to the ski (with glue or other means alike).
6. According to previous claim, the device comprises: (a) either a
rail or a receptacle (depending on the alternative embodiment
chosen) disposed on upper surface of each ski; wherein the
receptacle or the rail, that has a predetermined shape and
dimensions, includes a slot that receives an axle for rotably
holding each wheel; and (b) each axle has a flanged end portion
that can be engage in the slot on the said rail or receptacle and
mounted in the center of the wheel; and (c) a wheel is mounted on
the said axle, itself arranged on the rail or receptacle forming
part of the ski; wherein a pair of wheels are non-removable and
each wheel is independent of the other wheel. (d) a knob means at
the center of the wheel allowing to change position of the wheel
from the folded mode to the deployed position and vice-versa.
7. According to the previous claims, the device is characterized in
that it comprises the wheel, axle and the receptacle or rail, that
are kept permanently attached on the means of transportation by
means of super glue or alike (without causing any damage to the ski
tale itself).
8. Device according to the previous claim, characterized in that
the receptacle or the rail is disposed on the upper surface of the
ski.
9. According to the precedent claim, the device is characterized in
that the rail allows the axle and the wheel to move from position A
(closed mode) to position B (open mode) in order for the wheel to
exceeds over the substantial part of the ski tale's width.
10. According to an alternative claim, the device is characterized
in that a static receptacle, allow the wheel to inflate in order to
achieve its open (deployed) mode; and the wheel deflate in order to
get to its closed mode; whereas no movement on the upper surface of
the ski is necessary to exceed over the substantial part of the ski
tale's width in the open mode, since the wheel inflates enough to
exceed in an appropriate measure over the side of the ski tale
allowing for transportation.
11. According to an alternative claim, the device is characterized
in that a static receptacle, allow the wheel to unfold in order to
achieve its open (deployed) mode; and the wheel is folded in order
to get to its closed mode; whereas no movement on the upper surface
of the ski is necessary to exceed over the substantial part of the
ski tale's width in the open mode, since the unfolded part of the
wheel exceed in an appropriate measure over the side of the ski
tale allowing for transportation.
12. In order to be of no disturbance while skiing, the wheels have
to reduce in size, to fold or to move from its open (deployed)
position (B) to its closed (folded) position (A). The position (A)
can be archived either by deflating the wheel (receptacle mode), by
folding the wheel (receptacle mode), by reducing extendable wheels
(receptacle mode), by moving the wheel on the slot of the rail
(rail mode).
13. According to the previous claims, the device is characterized
in that the device has a weight that influences as little as
possible the initial ski weight and cleans vibration modes of the
ski. According to preceding claims, the device is characterized in
that it is made of material light enough to assure that the weight
distribution of the ski is not modified (and that when the device
is in folded mode the ski's balance is ensured), for example the
device is made in plastic having a high abrasion resistance and a
low coefficient of friction.
14. An alternative, if a slight imbalance still occurs (even with
light materials), is to add an equivalent weight on the opposite
end of the ski in order to rebalance the ski--by means of
decorative piece or useful add (as GPS for example).
15. Device according to one of the preceding claims is
characterized in that the receptacle or the rail and the axle are
formed from a light, but solid, material like light and strong
alloy with aluminum or carbon for example, in order to assure in
the folded mode no interference in the balance weight of the
ski.
16. Device according to one of the preceding claims is
characterized in that the wheel is formed from a light material
like rubber or plastic, in order to ensure stability and balance of
the ski itself.
17. Device according to one of the preceding claims is
characterized in that the wheel allows to roll on rough surfaces,
by profiled tire or like.
18. According to previous claims, the device is characterized in
that the collapsible wheel can be folded (closed mode) or deployed
(opening mode). The skis equipped with a pair of collapsible wheel
device of claim 1, wherein said collapsible wheel further includes
a lock release knob, mounted at the center of the wheel and the
axle, for enabling the release of said collapsible wheel from its
close position to its open position (the wheel exceeding over
substantially on the side of the ski) and vice-versa (from close
mode to open mode).
19. Apparatus according to previous claims is characterized in that
the wheel (4) deploys on the side of the ski and exceeds over the
substantial part of its width in order to allow the ski's
transportation and therefore guarantees that the ski tales do not
get damaged, since the deployed wheel exceed from ski tale width
(on the thinner side of the ski) and only the wheel gets contact
with the ground.
20. According to the previous claim, the device is characterized in
that a pair of space apart wheels on one end of the ski tale
provides that skier can grab the opposite end portion of the ski
tale in order to transport the skis; and allow transport by pulling
or pushing the ski pairwise together on any kind of surfaces.
21. According to the preceding claims, the device is characterized
in that a pair of spaced apart wheels that are independently
connected to each ski's tale so that the wheels define a spaced
wheelbase when the skis are placed in a parallel relationship to
each other allowing a better transportation. The wheelbase can be
broadened by means of a spring in the axle.
22. Device according to one of previous claims is characterized in
that the ski tales have to be gathered by the ski-stops, that can
also be secured by a simple elastic or band.
23. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized
in that a holder, a pulling or guiding means can be arranged on the
ski itself in order to ease the transportation, for example on the
ski-stops.
Description
0. OBJECT AND/OR DOMAIN OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of
skiing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
device for an easy transportation of the ski on any kind of
surface.
1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a device for carrying provided for
movement on any kind of surfaces to help the locomotion (for
manually transporting by rolling or sliding, pushing or pulling,
any pair of skis without effort) intended pairwise together,
board-like means of transport, in particular skis or the like, with
a pair of collapsible wheels, which can be folded and deployed,
enabling safe skiing when the wheels are folded and carrying the
ski upon the ground with the assistance of the wheels, when they
are deployed and with another ski connected to it.
[0003] The device is mounted on each upper surface of the tail end
of two skis or on the front end of the ski that allows the skis to
be transported when the bottom (or the top) of the skis is adjacent
to the ground.
2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In many ski site around the world, skiers are forced to walk
long distances when practicing their sport, for example when
traveling the distance between their departure place to the ski
slopes, in which the means of transportation have to be slipped off
and transported separately. Either they travel by train, thus they
have to carry the ski from home to the ski resort and then on the
ski domain itself to the ski slopes. Either skiers travel to ski
area by automobile or by bus. Thus, most ski areas provide large
parking lots at the base area. Unfortunately, skiers must still
transport their equipment from the parking lot areas to the bottom
of the ski lift. The distance, in both cases, is usually
substantial and is aggravated by other factors.
[0005] For that walk, they have to carry their heavy skis by hand
or on their shoulders, that requires a huge effort, in particular
for children. The physical effort involved in this context has
increased in recent years due to the again heavier equipment
rather. It also requires a huge effort considering the walking with
heavy confining ski boots, especially for children. In addition,
skis transported on the shoulders, for example, pose a considerable
risk of injury for both the person carrying and also those in their
environment due to their weight and their swiveling range (bulky,
painful and dangerous for others).
[0006] The skis typically must be held together as a unit in order
to handle them with any ease at all. Small children particularly
suffer, when they are required to handle the heavy load by
themselves, they can be seen trudging along, the skis often
separate from each other and "escape" to the sides.
[0007] The traditional mode of transportation (as wearing skis on
the shoulder) may dirty or damage the skier's outfit.
[0008] Skiing implies a considerable number of elements, such as
skis, poles, gloves, cap, sunglass, etc. Adding an additional
element to already important number of ski elements is not
convenient for skiers. Any new device has to be considered also in
a price perspective, since skiing require quite a budget, such
device should be affordable.
[0009] Finally, the design and integrity of the skis are an
important concern of skiers, as a matter of fact they are not
willing to harm their skis, even in order to ease their
transportation. The skier does not want to buy a special ski
manufactured with a device that eases its transportation.
[0010] The device should be addable on any pair of skis, without
hurting its design or integrity and with a reasonable cost even if
a professional is involved in fixing it to the ski tales.
[0011] A possible solution to reduce the effort required to carry
skis is to divide the weight load of the skis between the skier's
body and the ground by permanently adding light wheels at the end
of the pair of ski. Our invention tends to remedy all those
drawbacks.
3. TECHNICAL FIELD
[0012] There are already been various transporting devices, that
have been patented, which attempt to solve or to reduce the effort
required to carry the skis, that are classified under AC63/11.
[0013] The first group of patents has attempted to provide an
additional removable device, which has to be inserted in the end of
the assembled skis for transport (examples: U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,968,060, 9,656,611 or DE2650077 A1), usually called "Caddy".
[0014] The second group of patents are semi-removable devices, as
for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,159A.
[0015] The third group of patents imagined are fully integrated to
the ski, but harms the ski design: under the patents DE 10 2005 021
494 A1, BE1017343 and A6 US2009309320 A1.
4. DRAWBACKS
[0016] As seen, different types of device already exist, which
attempt to solve the above problems and thus lessen the skier's
burden. In practice, they are not used because of their inherent
drawbacks, such as the devices must each time be mounted and
subsequently disassembled before taken into a pocket of
clothing.
[0017] The first group of devices indicated previously are in this
respect considered to be disadvantageous, as they are either
unwieldy, bulky, difficult to install and tedious to store during
skiing, that may make the skier's outfit or bag dirty. The major
disadvantage of this kind of solution is the need to unpack the
skis from the equipment carrier and find a temporary storage
solution for the equipment carrier or rather for the skier to carry
it while skiing. None saying that skiers have to think of taking it
with them, next to many other items indispensable to take with
while skiing (as the gloves, helmet, the poles, etc.).
[0018] The second group of devices (listed above) generally also
suffer from drawbacks because they do not allow for an easy
storage, they usually have bulky fixed wheel bases, and enlarged
structural parts that would be heavy to carry, bulky to store and
expensive to manufacture. None saying that skiers have to think of
taking it with them, next to many other items indispensable to take
with while skiing.
[0019] The third group suffers also from disadvantages, most of
them harms the integrity of the ski tale itself and creates some
serious imbalance issues (ski weight's balanced). More
specifically, the patent A6 US2009309320 A1 is very bulky and
heavy. Since it is fixed only on one ski (not on each ski tale), it
might generate imbalances while skiing. The devices, under patents
BE1017343 and DE 102005021494 A1, are disadvantageous because it
changes the shape of the ski (that might imply imbalance) and harms
its design. Since it injuries the ski itself, it means either buy a
special ski already manufactured with that device or that the skier
must ask a professional to add the present device probably at a
high cost (whether it can be added later on normal skis is also
questionable). Furthermore, the position of skis does not provide
for a comfortable transportation, since the skier has to grab the
biggest part of the ski tale.
[0020] There is thus a widely-recognized need for, and it would be
highly advantageous to have a device, that enables reducing the
load of carrying skis without having any significant effect on the
pleasure and performance of the skier.
4.1. Technical Issues
[0021] The goal of the present invention is to develop a device to
help skier transporting their skis from their departure's place to
the ski slopes without effort and without having to take an
additional device that would be complicated to store. The solution
according to the present invention to the problem described above
is providing a compact collapsible wheel device which can be
assembled to different kind of skis. The object of the invention is
to definitively incorporate a very light wheel on each spatula
(either on the front or the back end of the skis).
[0022] This solution enables carrying the skis with their weight
carried partially by the ground, and afterwards folding the device
and using the skis for skiing, with the device carried on each one
of the skis.
[0023] It has the following advantages: integrated to the ski (not
an additional device to think of taking with or to stow while
skiing; no need of mounting and dismounting the device), small and
light device, that does not create imbalance neither harm the ski
itself or its design (can be added later on a pair of skis--no need
to buy the special ski with the device already manufactured on it),
easy to use/user friendly and allows for a safe handling to the
means of transport during skiing.
[0024] Since the device is permanently mounted on the ski, the
device's material has to be light in order to assure that the ski
keeps its weight balanced.
4.2. Solution
[0025] This objective is achieved by a device provided as an
integral part of the ski and that the wheel in the end of the
region of the ski spatula (or on the front). By arranging the
device on the means of transportation itself, there is no more
effort to carry the device. The invention allows the skier to
easily transport their skis, without mounting and dismounting or
storing a device in a pocket.
[0026] This invention is permanently mounted on each of the ski
spatula, in a location provided in the end region of the ski.
[0027] According to the embodiment of the present invention,
collapsible wheel device is integrated to the top surface of each
tale of a pair of skis, in a manner that is definitive (preventing
them from being separated). Namely, it is possible to ski with the
device connected to the skis, and the skis can be stored with
it.
[0028] The pair of skis, gathered by ski-stop, are held together as
a unit providing for a paired means of locomotion, the collapsible
wheel device on each ski works together as the skis are assembled.
The two skis' tales are fastened together by the brakes, an elastic
band or a scratch band can also be added in order to strengthen the
grip, achieving a single unit that will not come apart during the
transportation of the skis.
[0029] The invention has a pair of spaced apart wheels that are
independently connected to the ski so that the wheels define a
spaced wheelbase (conferring a better stability) when the skis are
placed in a parallel relationship to each other, the skis are in
between the wheels when transporting.
[0030] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the
device is connected directly to each of the rear part of a pair of
skis (that can also be the rear curved end of the skis). Two
collapsible wheel devices are necessarily mounted on each ski tale.
Each device includes a unique wheel.
[0031] The collapsible wheel device has two modes: a closed mode
suitable for skiing, and an open mode suitable for transportation.
The wheel can be folded and deployed: i) enabling safe skiing when
the wheels are folded (closed mode), and ii) carrying the ski upon
the ground (open mode) with the assistance of the wheels, when the
wheels of the two skis are deployed. Opening and deploying the
wheel can be done with a simple knob. A lock is a possible
development in order to secure the knob in both of these modes.
[0032] Transporting the pair of skis is done with the ski equipped
with the device turned perpendicularly to the ground, namely the
thinner slice of the skis facing the ground and the upper surface
of the ski face upward.
[0033] According to particular embodiments: bearing can be produced
by a wheel mounted on an axle that is connected either to a
receptacle or a rail. The wheel axle is interlocked with the
receptacle or the slots of the rail directly on the skis.
[0034] The wheel axle is connected to either the receptacle or the
rail permanently fixed (for example by the means of a super glue,
preferably not by stews in order to avoid any harm or damage of the
integrity of the ski) on the spatula of the ski. The receptacle or
the rail is fixed on the rear of the ski spatula.
[0035] The wheel is mounted on an axle (and turns on it), that is
connected either to a receptacle or a rail. In order to get its
open mode (transporting position), the wheel can either deployed
itself on a stable receptacle by unfolding or inflating, or by
sliding on rail to take its "transporting position".
[0036] 4.3. Advantages
[0037] The advantage of the present invention is that it helps
skier transporting their skis from their departure's place to the
ski slopes without effort and without having to take an additional
device that would be complicated to store.
[0038] The skier does not suffer any gene from the device while
skiing both on the slots and in deep snow, thanks to a low weight
and a fluid shape that is adapted to the geometry of the spatula.
The mass of the device is chosen in such a way that the vibratory
modes of the ski are not negatively influenced.
5. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is exposed in
more detailed with the help of the following drawings:
[0039] FIG. 1: of the prior art illustrates the collapsible wheel
device in an open mode (deployed), which are supported by a
person's hand on one side;
[0040] FIG. 2: is a view from an above perspective of a collapsible
wheel device in closed mode (folded);
[0041] FIG. 3: is a side view of the collapsible wheel device with
a rail embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 4: is a view of the collapsible wheel device with a
receptacle embodiment; 4a) in a closed mode (folded) and 4b) in the
open mode (deployed), allowing for a broader space wheelbase;
[0043] FIG. 5: is a view of the different wheel embodiments; 5a)
basic wheel matching with the rail embodiment; 5b) an inflating
wheel corresponding to the receptacle embodiment; 5c) a foldable
wheel matching with a receptacle embodiment.
6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0044] The principles and operation of skis equipped with a
collapsible wheel device according to the present invention may be
better understood with reference to the drawings and the
accompanying description.
[0045] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
in its application to the details of construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out
in various ways.
[0046] Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. Unless otherwise defined, all
technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as
commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this invention belongs. The materials, dimension, methods, and
examples provided herein are illustrative only and are not intended
to be limiting.
[0047] The following is a list of legends of the numbering of the
application illustration: [0048] 1) ski equipped with a collapsible
wheel device [0049] 2) ski upper surface [0050] 3) ski thinner
slice [0051] 4) collapsible wheel device: 4a) deployed mode, 4b)
folded mode [0052] 5) wheel: 5a) basic wheel, 5b) inflating wheel,
5c) foldable wheel [0053] 6) rail 6a) or receptacle 6b) [0054] 7)
axle [0055] 8) collapsible wheel release knob
[0056] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is perspective view
schematic illustration of the first exemplary embodiment of skis
equipped with the device n. 1, according to the present
invention.
[0057] In FIG. 1, it should be thus understood that the skis n. 1,
as shown are in a positioned assembled together and held as a unit.
This is a common position for skis during transportation wherein
the bottoms are affixed together so that the ski bindings and the
ski tops are exposed. A pair of skis gathered by ski-stop, that can
even be secured by a simple elastic.
[0058] The transportation assure that the ski's tales do not get
damaged, since only the thinner side n. 3 of the ski might get
contact with the ground.
[0059] The skis equipped with collapsible wheel device n. 1
includes three main assemblies: a ski, which can be a standard ski,
which is connected to the ski upper surface n. 2 by means of strong
adhesive (as super or thermic-resistant glue) [ideally not with
screws in order to safeguard the integrity of the ski], or any
other suitable means, and the device n. 4. This connection is
definitive and strong in order to become an integral part of the
ski.
[0060] It is even possible that the ski n. 1 is manufactured with
the rail n. 6a) or a receptacle n. 6b) as an integral part. The
receptacle n. 6b) is provided as a fixed part of the upper surface
of the means of transport n. 2 (ideally arranged in the end region
of the means of transport) such that the means of locomotion n. 1
can be rolled on the ground.
[0061] The collapsible wheel device n. 4 is fixedly connected to
the means of transport n. 2 and remains during use of the means of
transportation, but does not interfere with the locomotion itself
n. 4b).
[0062] The device n. 1 should be assembled as close as possible
either to the front or to the bottom of the ski, with a preference
to the bottom of the ski since the ski bottom surface are typically
flat and unobstructed while the ski tops typically carry
bindings.
[0063] The present invention includes a rail n. 6a) or a receptacle
body n. 6b) of preferably plastic construction using, but can also
be machined from metal such as stainless steel, for example. A pair
of receptacle bodies n. 6b) attaches respectively to the upper
surfaces of the ski n. 2. The rail n. 6a) or receptacle n. 6b) can
be arranged on the ski upper surface n. 2 either by professional or
by individuals themselves with the help of a stencil (adapted to
the different ski shape that is apt to keep the cost low).
[0064] The wheel n. 5 is assembled to the rail n. 6a) or the
receptacle n. 6b) by the means of the axle n. 7. The collapsible
wheel device n. 4 can only be removed with special products (such
as solvent), due to their mechanical structures to secure its
assembly during skiing, as will be described in the following.
[0065] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the first embodiment
of the rail n. 6a) and the axle n. 7 and the wheel n. 5. FIG. 3
shows that the axle n. 7 of the first exemplary embodiment is
composed of two tubes, which are compatible to each other in size
and shape. The elastic device inner tube can move lengthwise within
the elastic device outer tube. Within the elastic device outer
tube, there is disposed a spring, which is designated to assist in
going from closed mode, which is suitable for skiing, to open mode,
which is suitable for carrying after deployment of wheel 5.
[0066] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the second embodiment
of the receptacle n. 6b) and the axle n. 7 and the wheel n. 5.
According to the present invention, the close mode (folded mode) is
illustrated by FIG. 4a and the open mode (deployed mode) is
illustrated by FIG. 4b. The collapsible wheel device n. 4 includes
either a rail n. 6a) or a receptacle n. 6b) and an axle n. 7, with
release knob n. 8) disposed at its middle part.
[0067] The receptacle n. 6b) is connected to the ski upper surface
n.) by means of strong adhesive (such as super or thermic-resistant
glue), or any other suitable means [ideally not with screws in
order to safeguard the integrity of the ski].
[0068] Connection of the rail n. 6a) or the receptacle n. 6b) to
the wheel n. 5) is achieved by an axle n. 7). The wheel n. 5) is
rotably mounted upon its stub axles n. 7). The axle n. 7) supports
the wheel n. 5), which can be, for example, of a rubber
construction.
[0069] They are also locked by means of release knob n. 8, which
makes "non-voluntary" separation impossible.
[0070] The structural materials of the collapsible wheel device n.
4 and the wheel n. 5 should have qualities that ensure a high
strength to weight ratio, such as rigid plastic materials (plastic
pad having a high abrasion resistance and a low coefficient of
friction, such as Teflon for example), suitable metals, and
silicon, with optional combination of several different structural
materials, according to the embodiment of the wheel n. 5.
[0071] The skier does not suffer any gene from the collapsible
wheel device n. 4 while skiing both on the slopes and in deep snow,
thanks to a low weight and a fluid shape that is adapted to the
geometry of the spatula or the curved back tip ski. The mass of the
device is chosen in such a way that the vibratory modes of the ski
are not negatively influenced.
[0072] Finally, a development of the device in which the wheels n.
5 are made of a rubber, a plastic or similar material, which roll
relatively smoothly on the particular floor and which, for example,
may additionally be coated or star wheel to prevent buildup of
snow.
[0073] The dimension of the collapsible wheel device n. 4 and the
wheel n. 5) can vary greatly to comply to the size of any ski.
[0074] While the wheel n. 5 is blocked in the folded mode n. 4b),
the full device remains on the middle of the upper surface of the
ski n. 2, such a position in which the wheel is blocked by the knob
at this position.
[0075] FIG. 4a shows that by providing a not too large distance to
the upper surface of the ski n. 2 (in closed mode n. 4b), the
accumulation of snow adhering to the wheel can be avoided.
[0076] The deployed (open) mode n. 4a) can be achieved by pressing
release knob n. 8, which is disposed in the center of the wheel n.
5.
[0077] Wheel release knob n. 8, according to the first exemplary
embodiment, releases the wheel on the rail n. 6a) to change its
position (from point a to point b) with a single pressure. The
wheel n. 5a) slides on the rail n. 6a) to attain its deployed mode
(open mode) n. 4a), so the distance between the middle of the ski
tale (horizontal) and the extremity of it decrease, granting the
access to the floor to the wheel.
[0078] According to another exemplary embodiment FIG. 5b, the
collapsible wheel device n. 4, the wheel n. 5 still has a release
knob n. 8 and pressing to it implies an inflation of the wheel n.
5b). Accordingly, the wheel deploys itself (similar to an aircraft
safe jacket) and extends its surface.
[0079] According to another exemplary embodiment FIG. 5c, the
collapsible wheel device n. 4, the wheel n. 5 still has one lock
release button n. 8 and pressing to it implies that the foldable
wheel n. 5c) collapses from half to full.
[0080] When the skis are placed in a parallel relationship to each
other bond by the brakes form a unit and the two wheels are
independently deployed on each tales, the invention is composed of
a pair of spaced apart wheels, so that the wheels define a spaced
wheelbase, the skis are in between the wheels when transporting. In
the open mode n. 4a) the wheels n. 5 move away from the ski tale
and the space between the two wheels increases allowing for a
better stability.
[0081] The device n. 4 adapts itself in an appropriate manner to
different landscape and weather-related conditions, but also, for
example, different body sizes of the transporting person, because
of inclination, so that the wheel n. 5 with respect to the top of
the sports equipment can take different positions.
[0082] Because many varying and different embodiments may be made
within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught, and
because many modification may be made in the embodiment of the law,
it is to be understood that the details herein are to be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
7. POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0083] An expedient development of the device may consist either of
a connected button, of a led wheel or of guiding means.
[0084] The lock button can also be connected, as for example with
GPS.
[0085] The wheel can be lighted (for example by leds) when folded,
helping other skiers to identify that specific skier especially in
fog.
[0086] In order to transport the means of transport in the form of
skis without fatigue over long distances, a pulling or guiding
means can be arranged, for example the skis equipped with the
collapsible wheel device can also use a tangling or snagging
counteracting guide. The distance to the transporting person is
variably adjustable over the length of this pulling or guiding
means. In this way, skis can be conveniently pulled over the
shoulder of the person carrying it on the side on such a trained
approximately in the manner of a rope or tape train or guide
means.
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