This invention relates to a device for transporting skis.

Today skiing is a sport enjoyed by millions of people around the world. In this area, especially in recent decades, equipment of all kinds to improve the safety of the skier and skiing performance have been developed The range of accessories available to the skier has increased, particularly those relating to the transport of skis.

Most skiers carry their skis up to the slope of the ski resort from the car, or vice versa, via "shoulder" transport, which consists essentially of coupling skis bottom to bottom, supporting them on one's shoulder and sustaining them with an arm. Another transport method commonly used by skiers is to keep the skis "under arm" at abdomen level.

Note that the transport of skis, which are of considerable weight and dimension, generally occurs under conditions of unstable equilibrium, due to the simultaneous transport of other ski equipment or due to physical obstacles present in mountain areas (climbs, discontinuities in the land, snow, ice). This can lead to the occurrence of unpleasant or even dangerous situations for the skier.

The drawbacks of these methods of transportation are well known, including: physical fatigue, possibility of falling, difficulty gripping, possible accidents and muscle tears, possible accidents with other people, as well as the impossibility for some users, such as children, to support the weight of the skis for long stretches.

To avoid having to carry skis on one's shoulder or under one's arm, which can lead to problems of various natures for the skier, accessories have been developed for the transport of skis that allow the user to carry the skis without supporting their weight.

The advantages of devices for transporting skis lie in the fact that the skis no longer have to be lifted by the user, but can be dragged by means of a device on the ground, unloading their weight on the ground and is not a burden on the user. Also, this way the skis are no longer suspended in the air, which reduces the risk of accidents with people or objects.

Devices for transporting skis are known, with the advantages mentioned above. These devices are configured to receive the lower part of the ski and to roll along the ground with wheels, allowing the user to carry skis by gripping them in front of themselves during the walk.

These devices, however, are cumbersome, because they must have at least sufficient dimensions to contain the width of the bottom of the skis, as shown, for example, in patent application WO 2004/087269.

In particular, such devices for transporting skis are cumbersome to carry when skiing, or during their not-in-use configuration. These devices are in fact of such a size that they cannot be stowed in a pocket, such as that of a jacket or a pair of trousers so that they can be easily transported when not in use. Therefore the skier, after using such a device to transport skis to reach the ski hill, finds themselves with a cumbersome accessory to have to lug around while skiing, resulting in an obstacle.

Another problem of such ski transport devices is that they require the skis to be inserted into the device in such a way as to assume a position in which they can be transported more horizontally relative to the user who drags them. This horizontal configuration for transporting skis, in addition to being awkward and cumbersome for the user while walking, requires the skis to be affixed in the front area.

In fact, if a fixture for the front area of the ski had not been provided, a user who simply rests the skis on their hand rather than clutching them uncomfortably and with difficulty, runs the risk that the skis will fall from the balanced transport position during the journey.

Another known drawback of such devices is that they require laborious assembly operations, including fastening the tips of the skis.

Moreover, prior ski transporting devices do not prevent the ski from sliding out from the device during transport unless to modify the skis such as the transport device shown in the patent application WO 2010/056140. In fact, there are devices for transporting skis that can be used with modified skis by means of connecting them to a device integrated into the ski. These devices require that the ski be modified, for example by making holes, thus compromising the integrity of the ski itself and its use on the slopes, in addition to the non-versatility of the device with other skis not modified ad hoc.

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a device for transporting skis that overcomes one or more of the drawbacks of the techniques mentioned above.

In particular, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a device for transporting skis that is compact, of small dimensions, easy to assemble with the skis and at the same time effective in the transport phase.

A Further aim of the present invention is to propose a device for transporting skis that is structurally simple and economical in construction. The technical task mentioned and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a device for transporting skis, comprising the technical characteristics described in one or more of the appended claims.

In particular, the present invention provides a device for transporting skis comprising a body and a cart attached to that body.

The body is configured to receive a rear portion of at least one ski. The cart is configured to define a drag direction in which the ski associated with the transport device can be grabbed and dragged by a user along this drag direction.

The body further comprises a fissure that extends along a main direction of development suitable to be placed in a plane containing the drag direction in a configuration of use of the device.

The fissure is configured to receive, when in use, at least one ski with a cut, so that the ski's main direction of motion is parallel to the direction of the cut.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and therefore non-limiting embodiment of a preferred but not exclusive form of a device for transporting skis, as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a ski rack device according to a possible embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the ski rack device opposite to that of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 3 is a schematic bird's eye view of the ski rack device in figure 1 in a respective condition of coupling with the skis;

- Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the ski rack device in figure 3 when in use;

- Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the ski rack device in figure 3 in use according to another possible embodiment;

- Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of the ski rack device illustrated in figure 5;

- Figure 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the ski rack device in figure 1 ;

- Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the ski rack device in figure 1 when in the rest configuration;

- Figure 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a ski rack device according to another possible embodiment;

- Figure 10 is a schematic bird's eye view of the ski rack device in figure 1 in a respective condition of coupling with the skis;

- Figure 1 1 is a schematic side view of the ski rack device in figure 1 in use with skis by a skier ;

- Figure 12 is a schematic perspective exploded view of the ski rack of the

Figure 1 device associated with an extension element according to the present invention; and

- Figure 13 is a partially sectioned schematic side view of the device of Figure 12 in a condition of use.

With reference to the attached figures, a device for transporting skis has been generally indicated for 1 . Device 1 for transporting skis that is the subject of the present invention substantially comprises body 2 to which is carriage 3 is attached.

Body 2 is configured to receive an end portion, preferably a rear portion 4, of at least one ski 5 that must be transported. The rear portion 4 of the ski 5 is preferably that portion in which the ski 5 is planar, and even more preferably that portion in the immediate vicinity of the rear portion 4 of the bent ski terminal 5. Alternatively the body 2 can be configured to receive a front portion of at least one ski 5. The terms front and rear with reference to the ski 5 have been used with reference to a normal condition of forward travel of the ski 5 on the track.

The cart is configured to define a drag direction in which the ski associated with transport device can be grabbed and dragged by a user along this drag direction.

In other words, the user moves with the device 1 along the drag direction X.

The body further comprises a fissure that extends along a main direction of development suitable to be placed in a plane containing the drag direction in a configuration of use of the device. The fissure is configured to receive, when in use, at least one ski with a cut, so that the ski's main direction of motion is parallel to the direction of the cut.

It should be specified that, the reference to a ski with a "cut" means a ski 5 disposed with its planar surface, in particular a bottom surface, lying in a plane that intersects with the ground surface by generating an internal angle between the two planes, preferably a right angle. The term lower surface with reference to the ski indicates the surface resting on the snow during the normal condition of forward travel of the ski on the track.

In other words, the ski 5, more preferably a pair of skis 5 side by side and laid on the ground with their bottom surface in contact with the ground, are inserted into the cutting device 1 to be grasped and transported comfortably by the user without bear their weight, for example on the shoulder. The body 2 of the device 1 that are the subject of the present invention comprises a base wall 7 from which extend two side walls 8, preferably parallel and facing each other. The base wall 7 and side walls 8 and bottom laterally delimit the slit 6 of the body 2.

In other words, the body 2 has a slit 6 that opens upward and laterally with respect to the body 2; in this way the ski 5 is insertable from above into the slit 6, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The terms top/bottom and from above are used with reference to the condition of use of the device, i.e. in which the carriage 3 rests on the ground.

Preferably the distance between said two side walls 8 is substantially equal to the thickness of at least one ski 5 or a pair of coupled skis 5. In this way the side walls 8 of the body 2, once the ski 5 is inserted into the slit 6, squeezing the ski 5 to prevent it from sliding out, moving or skidding during transport. In the examples illustrated in the figures refer to the case where the distance between the two side walls 8 (i.e. the width of the slit 6) is substantially equal to the thickness of a pair of coupled skis 5.

The body 2 and the carriage 3 of the device 1 , as illustrated in Figure 5, essentially two independent elements which are interconnected to obtain the device 1 for transporting skis 5, which is the subject of the present invention.

The device 1 comprises in fact reversible means of interconnection 9 between the carriage 3 and the body 2, configured to connect the carriage 3 to the body 2 in a configuration of use in which the carriage 3 defines the drag direction X.

The reversible means of interconnection 9 in turn comprise a seat 10 of the body 2 adapted to receive an engagement portion 1 1 of the carriage 3 in the configuration of use.

The term "use configuration" means a configuration in which the carriage 3 and the body 2 are connected to each other so as to configure the device 1 to receive the skis 5 and to slide along the ground. Preferably, the reversible means of interconnection 9 comprise at least one snap coupling 12, so as to facilitate the assembly phase for the user and to prevent accidental disconnection of the carriage 3 from the body 2 during the transport of skis 5.

In the configuration in use, the engagement portion 1 1 of the carriage 3 is insertable in the seat 10 of the body 2. The snap coupling 12 is preferably disposed on both sides of the hooking portion 1 1 , advantageously allowing the user to be able to insert the cart 3 into the body 2 even upside down. The carriage 3 of the device 1 comprises actuating means 13 that are configured to slide the device 1 along the drag direction X of the skis 5. Preferably the movement means 13 comprise at least two wheels 14 keyed on a shaft 15 defining an axis of rotation of the wheels 14 K.

Preferably the shaft 15 of the carriage 3 is provided with clips 15a at the ends to engage with the wheels 14.

In a possible embodiment of the carriage 3 of the present invention, not illustrated in the attached figures, the shaft 15 may be a pin passing through the basket 3 itself.

The reversible means of interconnection 9 between the body 2 and the carriage 3, previously defined, are configured to attach the carriage 3 to the body 2 in the configuration of use so that the rotation axis K of the wheels 14 is disposed perpendicularly to the main direction Y of the slit 6 of the body 2.

In a possible variant of the device 1 according to the present invention, illustrated in Figure 5, the movement means 13 comprise at least one shoe 14a. Preferably, the shoe 14a is provided in addition to the wheels 14.

In this way it is possible to carry skis 5 even in less favourable conditions of ground surface, such as fresh snow, in which the wheels 14 of the carriage 3 cannot complete their rotation.

The shoe 14a applied to the lower portion of the device 1 in the configuration of use, allows the device 1 to slide on the snow allowing the user easy transport of the skis 5 without having to carry them on a shoulder.

In particular, with reference to Figure 6, the shoe 14a includes two hooking lugs 14b arranged along the axis K equipped with a plug 14c. The coupling tabs 14b are configured to engage the wheels 14 of the carriage 3.

Advantageously, the carriage 3 and the slit 6 of the device 1 for transporting skis 5 are configured to be at least partially inserted one inside the other in a resting configuration.

Here the "resting configuration" of the device 1 is intended as the configuration such that the device 1 is not used for the transport of skis 5 and can be easily stored in a pocket.

With reference to Figure 6, the carriage 3 and the slit 6 are in fact configured to be at least partially inserted one inside the other, so that the rotation axis K of the wheels 14 is arranged parallel to the main direction Y of slit 6.

Preferably, the carriage 3 includes recesses 16 adapted to receive the wheels 14 in the resting configuration.

In other words, the carriage 3 can be inserted into the slit 6 of the body 2 assuming the resting configuration illustrated in Figure 6.

The slit 6 of the body 2 is configured to receive the coupling portion 1 1 of the carriage 3, if provided, in the resting configuration.

So the same coupling portion 1 1 of the carriage 3 can be inserted in the slot 10 of the body 2 in order to have the device 1 in the configuration of use; it is also insertable (not simultaneously) in the slit 6 of the body 2 in order to have the device in the resting configuration.

In particular, the same as for the configuration of use, conveniently, the carriage 3 does not have a preferred direction of insertion. Therefore, it can be inserted into the slit 6 even upside down, simplifying the procedure for the user. The device 1 of the present invention is therefore conveniently arranged and the constructed in such a way that it can be stored in a jacket or trousers pocket when not in use or in its resting configuration.

In fact, after using the device 1 to transport skis 5, it is possible to switch from the configuration of use, illustrated for example in Figure 1 , to the resting position, shown in Figure 8, by modifying the device 1 in a few seconds with a couple of simple steps.

Moreover, in its resting configuration the device 1 is conveniently compact and can be carried in a pocket.

Note that the runner 14a, after it has been mounted on the device 1 to be used in the configuration of use, can be kept mounted also in the resting configuration, occupying a minimum of space. In fact, by rotating the runner 14a along the axis of rotation K, it is possible to turn the runner 14a to face the outer surface of the body 2.

Skis transport device 1 further comprises retaining means 17. These are suitable to use on skis 5 and are configured to prevent them from sliding along the slit 6 of the body 2, at least in terms of the main development direction Y of the slit 6.

In other words, the retaining means 17 are made to prevent the skis 5 from sliding during transport towards the ground along slit 6 under the pressure of their own weight and thus come into contact with the ground surface and risk damage.

The retaining means 17 are engaged with the body 2, at least in a configuration of use of the device 1 .

Preferably, according to a possible embodiment of the device 1 illustrated by way of example in Figures 3 and 4, the retaining means 17 comprises at least one strip 18.

For example, strip 18 may be made of Velcro ®.

The strip 18 of the retaining means 17 is adapted to be arranged transversely to the main development direction Y of the slit 6 of the body 2 in correspondence to a rear portion of the device 1 . In this way, the skis 5 in their rear part are wrapped by the strip 18, which holds them, preventing a possible fall under their own weight.

On the outer side walls of the body 2 can be made at least two opposing slots 19, adapted to receive the strip 18.

Conveniently, the strip 18 can also be used during the resting configuration to engage more effectively body 2 to the carriage 3.

In another possible embodiment of the skis transportation device 1 of the present invention, illustrated by way of example in Figures 9 and 10, the retaining means 17 are disposed along at least one inner surface 20 of the slit 6 of the body 2.

Preferably, the retaining means 17 comprise at least one layer 21 capable of generating friction against a planar surface of the skis 5, for example a layer of rubber. The layer 21 may be applied at least on an inner surface 20 of the slit 6 of the body 2.

Conveniently enough, in this way the bottom and top surfaces of the ski 5, if the device 1 is configured to carry only 1 ski 5, or the upper surfaces of the pair of skis 5 facing each other, after being inserted into the slit 6 in the configuration of use are in contact with friction surface 21 that prevents accidental disconnection.

In other words, it generates friction between the inner surfaces 20 of the slit 6 of the device 1 and skis 5, which prevents the skis 5 to move during transport.

Preferably, the inner surface 20 comprises a plurality of elements in relief 22, and even more preferably elongated in a transverse development direction N in relation to the main development direction Y of the slit 6.

These relief elements 22 are such as to hinder the sliding of the said skis 5 along the main development direction Z of the skis 5 during transport. The user who is about to carry skis 5 using the device 1 of the present invention must first switch the device 1 from the resting configuration to the configuration of use, unless it has already been pre-configured for use, in the following way: - Pull the carriage 3 from the body 2;

- Rotate the carriage 3 by 90 °;

- Insert the carriage 3 in the slot 10 of the body 2.

At this point, the device 1 is in the use configuration and ready to receive skis 5 for transport. The user, using for example the device 1 in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , therefore needs to:

- Insert the rear part 4 of the pair of skis in 5 into slit 6;

- Fix the rear part of the skis 5 with the Velcro ® strip 18;

- Grip the skis 5 in their front part.

At this point, moving on foot, the user can carry the skis 5 supporting them comfortably with one hand by the front. The device 1 will thus be integral with the movement of the user.

Everything that has been described above is valid for both one ski 5 and a pair of skis 5, and does not exclude the possibility of adapting the device 1 to snowboards.

According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figures 12 and 13, the device 1 preferably comprises an extension element 23 suitable to be arranged between the body 2 and the carriage 3 so as to increase the distance relative to the ground of the body 2 during the use configuration of the device 1 .

Conveniently, the extension element 23 allows increased distance from the ground of body 2, and therefore of slit 6, which thus receives the skis 5 in a position raised from the ground.

The extension element 23 comprises an interconnection part 23a configured to interconnect with the slot 10 of the body 2 and a receiving part 23b configured to receive the coupling portion 1 1 of the carriage 3. The extension element 23 is therefore particularly useful when the user needs to carry carving or twin tips skis. In particular, the rear part 4 of the skis with raised tips on both ends (for freestyle and skiing backwards) can be inserted in a position further back than normal skis, in order to avoid dragging the skis 5 on the ground during transport with the device 1 . The extension element 23 makes it possible to increase the distance to the ground of the skis 5 inserted in the slot 6 of the body 2 of the device 1 for an agile transport.