WO1999055434A1

WO1999055434A1 - Ski carrier

Info

Publication number: WO1999055434A1
Application number: PCT/GB1999/001296
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Jaiyeola
Original assignee: Charles Jaiyeola
Priority date: 1998-04-25
Filing date: 1999-04-26
Publication date: 1999-11-04
Also published as: GB9808713D0; GB2353697A; GB0028831D0; AU3718399A; GB2353697B

Abstract

A ski carrier characterised by a flexible belt member (1) comprising at least two attachment means, one of which is located at or toward each end of said belt member (1) wherein said attachment means are adapted to secure a pair of skis such that during carriage said skis are placed in juxtaposition but separate so as to prevent or reduce contact between said skis.

Description

SKI CARRIER

The invention relates to a ski carrier.

Recreational and competitive skiing is an extremely popular pastime and sport generating considerable revenue from a variety of sources, for example, skiing holidays, media coverage of major skiing events, advertising revenue from sponsors and not least the equipment needed to fully kit out individuals who may be either novice or advanced skiers. Skiing is almost a world-wide activity but particularly popular in Europe, USA, Canada and Japan.

Skis have been used as far back as 4000-5000 years ago. Examples of primitive skis were found in Sweden, Norway and Finland and looked more like snow shoes than the conventional skis used today. They were mainly used by hunters as cross country skis to ease their way across snow bound terrain when on hunting expeditions.

In Norway in the late 17^th century the first traditional shaped skis were made. They were manufactured from highly polished wood. In recent years considerable improvements have been made to ski design and the materials used for construction. Skis are now made of strips of shaped wood, or metal or more usually of highly resistant synthetic materials. These developments have allowed skiers to achieve high speeds and increased manoeuvrability over snow, and resulted in lighter skis.

The dimensions of a ski are now matched to the height and build of the skier. For example, downhill skis comprise a pointed tip and a front, middle and rear section. Downhill ski width can vary, for example, from 7- 10cm in the front to be tapered inwardly in the middle section and broaden out at the rear of the ski usually to a slightly smaller width than the front. Their length also varies and can be of, for example, 1.6-2.1 meters for an adult.

The camber (i.e. amount of bow) of a ski can also vary depending on the particular purpose for which the ski is to be used. For example, double camber skis for cross-country skiing have a large bow and are so designed to facilitate skiing in rolling terrain. Single camber skis for cross-country skiing have a smaller bow and are designed for downhill skiing and turning.

It is apparent that ski technology has advanced considerably over the years to satisfy an ever increasing demand to match a ski to a particular purpose and to maximise performance. This is particularly evident in competitive skiing where the difference between winning and losing can amount to hundreths of a second. Consequently there is wide variability in the cost of a pair of skis, for example, at the lower end of the market a pair of skis may cost £200- £300. This can rise to £700-£1000 and more for state of the art skis used by the competitive skier. Skiing is an expensive participation sport.

It is apparent that because of their expense, it is necessary to protect skis from damage and also to prepare skis accordingly to ensure the skis provide maximum performance when in use.

Downhill, mountaineering and cross country skis all usually have a synthetic base. In the case of downhill and mountaineering skis, this base is edged by harder, usually metallic strips. The strips may be sharpened for improved grip on the skiing surface. Base preparation such as waxing of all types of skis is considered essential to guarantee good performance, particularly with new skis. Waxing prevents snow sticking to the base of the ski which would result in a slower and possibly uneven passage across the snow when skiing and also acts to give a base smooth and the resultant lower friction characteristics. For example, a commonly used material for the base of cross country skis is Petex_tm. Petex_tm is full of microscopic pores which allow water to penetrate the base of the ski. When the water freezes it attracts snow resulting in clogging of the ski base. Base waxing plugs the pores thereby reducing the likelihood of water penetration and freezing. How frequently one base waxes skis depends on use, however, typically one would base wax any type of ski several times during a season.

There exist on the market no-wax cross-country skis which are attractive since they represent considerable saving of time and effort. However, the serious skier would still base wax no-wax skis to extract the full performance potential from the skis.

Base waxing a pair of skis is not a straight forward activity and takes time and effort. Initially the ski base has to be thoroughly cleaned to remove residual anti-freezing or other agents (e.g. Maxiglide_tm) from the base of the ski. This can be done using a variety of scrapers, brushes or abrasive pads. The base is then treated with a degreasing agent to remove dirt and old wax. Once thoroughly cleaned the wax is melted onto the base of the ski. The set wax is then remelted, using a flat iron, to ensure the ski base is thoroughly covered. It is important not to overheat the wax as this can permanently damage the ski. The skis are then left to cool and residual wax is removed with a fine abrasive cloth. It is clear that the process requires some skill and experience to effectively wax a pair of skis. Ski resorts do offer waxing services but this adds expense to an already expensive activity.

Clearly, preparation and protection of skis to ensure good performance is a time consuming activity.

It is apparent that the transport of skis from a home, hotel, car etc. can be problematic insofar as the skis can be up to around 2.1m long, and therefore unwieldy during transfer to the ski slope. Also transfer of skiers to the top of the ski slopes requires the use of ski-lifts which have restricted space. It is also desirable to prevent unnecessary contact between the base of the ski and any resistant and/or abrasive material that may damage the ski base and/or edges and/or the tips and/or body of the ski. Also it is important that skis are safely stored when not in use to prevent damage.

A number of prior art devices exist to facilitate the carrying of skis to the slopes. DE29619970 describes a simple ski carrier which can be hand held or supported over the shoulder. The carrier comprises a flexible strap member to which a pair of end located circular supporting straps wrap around a pair of skis and ski poles. Notably, the ski bases are placed opposite and in contact with each other and therefore it is likely that during transport the bases abrade each other therefore possibly damaging the ski base and/or disrupting the wax covering of the ski base.

UK patent GB2280094 describes a belt adapted to carry skis. The belt is placed about the waist of a skier. The belt has an accessory loop through which the skis pass and are held vertically. Notably, the skis are supported at a single site along the body of the ski the ski and is therefore able to move longitudinally with respect to the skier's body line. The skis are placed in juxtaposition and in contact to each other thereby increasing the possibility of damage to either ski.

US 5104017 describes a "ski caddy" comprising an elongate case for carrying a pair of skis which is further adapted by the provision of terminally located pockets into which the front and rear tips of the skis are placed to prevent damage to the skis and/or other skiers. The case is further adapted to facilitate the storage and transport by the provision of a bag into which the case fits. Notably, although protection of the tips of the skis is provided the base of the skis are in contact and potentially vulnerable to abrasion damage.

US5400937 describes a hands free ski carrier comprising a belt placed over the shoulder and providing a base located pocket into which the skis are placed and supported in a vertical orientation. Three straps located on the belt secure the ski to the belt and prevent lateral movement of the skis. Notably, the ski bases are placed in contact with each other. As with the prior art ski carriers hereindescribed the ski bases could be damaged through abrasion between the bases of the skis.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a ski carrier that effectively carries a pair of skis but which additionally protects the skis from damage.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a ski carrier that also serves as a protective storage means. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a ski carrier characterised by a flexible belt member having at least two attachment means, one of which is located at or toward each end of said belt member wherein said attachment means are adapted to secure a pair of skis such that during carriage said skis are placed in juxtaposition but separable so as to prevent or reduce contact between said skis.

Said attachment means may have suitable shape and form, for example it may comprise a rigid or elastic clip arrangement or any number of flexible bands.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention said attachment means is characterised by a band of flexible material.

Preferably said attachment means is suitably sized and shaped to wind around and between a pair of skis to secure and separate said skis to prevent or reduce contact between said skis.

Said attached means may be fixedly or removeably mounted to said flexible belt member by use of adhesive, stitching, velcro ™, zips, buttons or other fasteners and fastening methods.

Any part of said attachment means may be positioned between the skis. Preferably an end portion or other projecting tab of said attachment means is positioned therebetween. This facilitates use of the ski carrier. 7 More preferably said tab has a length approximately equal to or slightly greater than the ski width.

In a preferred embodiment said tab is delimited by at least a part of said fixing means.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the provision of a band of resistant, durable material between said skis will prevent contact between said skis over much of the length of the ski thereby reducing abrasion between said skis during transport and/or storage. In this respect the number of, and spacing between, attachment means is ideally optimised so as to securely hold said skis there apart, or adjustable for different conditions by provision of a selection of spaced mounting means on said flexible belt member to which said band may be mounted.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention said band is provided with a releasable fixing means such as a button, press stud, velcro zip or other arrangement to secure said band around and between a pair of skis.

In a preferred embodiment said band is mounted substantially perpendicularly to said flexible belt member.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention said fixing means is via the provision of Velcro_tm, suitably sized and positioned so as to facilitate the fixing of said band around and between said skis. More ideally, and additionally, or alternatively, a conventional press-action stud or similar fixing means is included on or about said band to provide additional fixing. 8 In yet still a further preferred embodiment of the invention said flexible belt member is provided with means to adjust the length of the belt member to adapt the ski carrier to the height of the skier. Optionally, a padded and/or enlarged section may be provided preferably on the flexible belt member, for improved handling comfort.

Alternatively, in yet a still further preferred embodiment of the invention said flexible belt member is provided in a series of suitably sized belt members appropriate to the height and/or build of the skier

It will be apparent that the ski carrier can be designed for both junior use and adult use as the dimension of skis used by children and adults vary significantly.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention said ski carrier is bipartite, wherein each part is releasably connected by the provision of a conventional clip or other suitable means to facilitate the connection of each part theretogether. Suitably, the connection means is provided on the belt member.

In yet still a further preferred embodiment of the invention said ski carrier is manufactured from flexible, durable material, for example and not by way of limitation, nylon, polyester, polyvinyl, leather, or alternative synthetic materials of sufficient strength and flexibility. Each portion of the ski carrier may be manufactured of a different grade, type and size of material. The belt member may be manufactured from a different material for example, thinner than the attachment means and the tab may be thicker and/or less flexible than the remainder of the belt. 9 According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a ski storage device according to any preceding embodiment of the invention.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art and with reference to the enclosed photographs that the ski carrier has a dual function insofar as it can be used for transporting skis to the ski slopes and also provides a convenient means to store skis ergonomically.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a ski carrier as substantially hereindescribed and/or with reference to the corresponding figures.

The ski carrier hereindescribed provides a light, easily stored carrying and/or storage means for skis. The ski carrier is versatile insofar as the skis may be carried by hand or across the skiers shoulder in a stable manner thus protecting the skis from physical damage and other skiers from injury from the front and rear tips and in particular the sharp front tip of the ski.

An embodiment of the ski carrier will now be described, by example only, with reference to the following figures wherein;

Figure 1 represents a diagramatic representation of a ski carrier;

Figure 2 represents a diagramatic representation of alternate aspects of open attachment bands; and

Figure 3 represents a diagramatic representation of a conventional releasable clip and length adjustment means. 10 Referring to Figure 1 an example of a ski carrier is shown. The ski- carrier comprises a flexible belt member (1). The belt member (1) described in this embodiment of the invention is biparitite, each part is releasably connected theretogether by a conventional clip (2 and 3) and Figure 3. The clip (2 and 3) is adapted to facilitate the adjustment of the length of the belt member. The passage of excess belt member material (8) through clip member (9) provides means by which the overall length of the belt member can be adjusted to match the height and build of the skier.

The ski carrier, in the example, has two terminally located attachment means. The upper attachment means of Figure 1 is shown in open aspect to show the various components of the attachment means. The attachment means comprises a band of flexible, durable material, mounted to the main portion of the belt so that its longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of belt member (1). Fixing means are provided to secure the attachment means around and between a pair of skis.

In Figure 1 fixing means is provided by the selective positioning of a conventional press-action stud (6,7) and a pair of selectively positioned Velcro_TM strips. The lower attachment means represents the passage of the attachment means around and between a pair of skis (skis not shown). The velcro T and press-action stud function to fix and secure the attachment means about a pair of skis. The attachment means is provided with a protective tab (10) which passes between the skis to hold the skis in juxtaposition but not in physical contact with each other.

The length of the protective tab (10) is approximately equal to the width of the ski at the point at which the attachment means is secured around and 11 between the skis to prevent the skis moving against each other. The protective tab (10) therefore provides a buffer to prevent the ski base surfaces and edges abrading each other which may result in damage to the ski base edges and/or protective wax covering.

Referring to Figure 2A alternate open aspects of the attachment means are shown. Two strips of Velcro_TM (5 and 11) are selectively sized and positioned to facilitate the fixing of the attachment means around and between the skis. Additional fixing is provided by a conventional press action stud (6 and 7) to ensure the attachment means is securely fixed about and between the skis. In use, the first step in securing the attachment means around and between a pair of skis is the passage of the flexible attachment means around a pair of skis at a selected position along the length of the skis. The protective tab (10) is positioned between the skis and the press-action stud is actuated to fix the attachment means in place. The remainder of the attachment means is wound around the fixed skis to bring the Velcro_TM strips (5,11) into contact and thereby complete the fixing of the attachment means around the skis.

Referring to Figure 2B an alternate embodiment of the attachment means is shown in open aspect. The attachment means is characterised by continuous strips of Velcro_TM ( 15,16) selectively sized and positioned to facilitate the fixing of the attachment means around and between a pair of skis. The Velcro_TM is either a continuous strip or a series of distinct strips that functionally provide secure fixing of the attachment means around and between a pair of skis. Figure 2C represents a closed attachment means showing the position of the Velcro_TM strips ( 15, 16 ) relative to the protective tab (10) and a pair of skis (17). Please note the selective positioning of the protective tab (10) between the skis (17) to prevent contact 12 between the ski surfaces. The tab (10) is slightly greater in length than the ski width.

Referring to Figure 3 a diagramatic representation of the releasable clip is shown in a closed conformation (A) and in an open or released conformation

(B). The male part (12) can be easily inserted and secured to the female part by pushing into the cavity provided by (13). The release of (12) from (13) is effected by hand pressure inwardly followed by release of (12) from (13).

In use the attachment means are wound around and between a pair of skis at selected positions toward the end of the skis so as to provide stable support for the skis when in transit or in storage. The skier adjusts the length of the carrier to his or her height to provide optimal ski support and comfort for the skier when transporting the skis to the ski slopes. Care is taken to ensure that the protective tab (10) is positioned between the skis to prevent contact and thereby provide protection to the ski base.

It will be apparent that the ski carrier can be adapted to provide a versatile storage means for skis. Please see photographs, Figures 4 and 5, showing the position of the skis in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. This allows the skier to store the skis in an elevated position and, depending on the nature of the storage space, in either a horizontal or vertical orientation.

Claims

13CLAIMS

1. A ski carrier comprising a flexible belt member having at least two attachment means, one of which is located at or toward each end of said belt member wherein said attachment means are adapted to secure a pair of skis such that during carriage said skis are placed in juxtaposition but separate so as to prevent or reduce contact between said skis.

2. A ski carrier as defined in Claim 1 wherein said attachment means is characterised by a band of flexible material.

3. A ski carrier as defined in Claim 1 or 2 suitably sized and shaped to wind around and between a pair of skis to secure and separate said skis to prevent or reduce contact between said skis.

4. A ski carrier as defined in any of Claims 1 to 3 wherein said attachment means is fixedly mounted to said belt member.

5. A ski carrier as defined in any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein a tab of said attachment means is adapted to be positioned between the skis in use.

6. A ski carrier as defined in Claim 5 wherein said tab has a length approximately equal to or slightly greater than the ski width.

7. A ski carrier as defined in any of Claims 2 to 6 wherein said band is provided with a fixing means to secure said band around and between a pair of skis. 14

8. A ski carrier as defined in any of Claims 2 to 7 wherein said band is fixed substantially perpendicular to said belt member by said fixing means.

9. A ski carrier as defined in Claim 7 or 8 wherein said fixing means is releasable, preferably via the provision of Velcr╬╕╧ä_M suitably sized and positioned so as to facilitate the fixing of said band around and between the skis.

10. The ski carrier as defined in any of Claims 7 to 9 wherein an additional fixing means is included on or about said band.

11. The ski carrier as defined in any of Claims 1 to 10 wherein said ski carrier is provided with means to adjust the length of the belt member to adapt the ski carrier to the height of the skier.

12. A ski carrier as defined in any of Claims 1 to 10 wherein said ski carrier is provided in a series of suitably sized belt members appropriate to the height and/or build of the skier.

13. A ski carrier as defined in any of Claims 1 to 12 wherein said ski carrier is bipartite and wherein each part is releasably connected by the provision of a conventional clip or other suitable means to facilitate the connection of each part theretogether.

14. A ski carrier as defined in any of Claims 1 to 13 wherein said belt 15 member and/or attachment means is manufactured from flexible, durable material, for example nylon, polyester, polyvinyl, leather or alternative synthetic materials of sufficient strength and flexibility.

15. A ski storage device comprising a ski carrier according to any of Claims 1 to 14.

16. A ski carrier as substantially herein described and/or with reference to the corresponding figures.