WHEELS ON SKIS FOR TRANSPORTATION

0. OBJECT AND/OR DOMAIN OF THE INVENTION

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

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.

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

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. ETnfortunately, 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.

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).

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.

The traditional mode of transportation (as wearing skis on the shoulder) may dirty or damage the skier's outfit.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 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: US4968060,

US9656611 or DE2650077 Al), usually called“Caddy”.

The second group of patents are semi-removable devices, as for example US 4792159A.

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 Al, BE1017343 and A6 US2009309320 Al.

4. DRAWBACKS

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.

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.).

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.

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 Al 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 Al, 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.

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

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

This invention is permanently mounted on each of the ski spatula, in a location provided in the end region of the ski.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

4.3. Advantages

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.

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:

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;

Fig. 2 : is a view from an above perspective of a collapsible wheel device in closed mode (folded);

Fig. 3 : is a side view of the collapsible wheel device with a rail embodiment;

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; 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

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.

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.

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. The following is a list of legends of the numbering of the application illustration:

1) ski equipped with a collapsible wheel device

2) ski upper surface

3) ski thinner slice

4) collapsible wheel device: 4a) deployed mode, 4b) folded mode

5) wheel: 5a) basic wheel, 5b) inflating wheel, 5c) foldable wheel

6) rail 6a) or receptacle 6b)

7) axle

8) collapsible wheel release knob

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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].

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.

They are also locked by means of release knob n. 8, which makes "non -voluntary" separation impossible.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fig. 4a shows that by providing a not too large distance to the upper surface of the ski n. 2 (in closed mode n. 4 b), the accumulation of snow adhering to the wheel can be avoided.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

An expedient development of the device may consist either of a connected button, of a led wheel or of guiding means.

The lock button can also be connected, as for example with GPS.

The wheel can be lighted (for example by leds) when folded, helping other skiers to identify that specific skier especially in fog.

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.