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(11) | EP 4 335 522 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | ADJUSTABLE SKI CARRIER |
| (57) Provided is an adjustable ski carrier that is suitable for carrying skis. Skis are
heavy and inconvenient when carried by hand. The adjustable ski carrier will be available
in different sizes making it suitable for individuals of all ages, sizes, and experience
level. When the skis are not in use, they can be placed in the ski carrier and carried
across the body to free the hands to perform other tasks. The adjustable ski carrier comprises of an adjustable body strap attached to a bindings sack in which the skis can be inserted. The strap of the adjustable ski carrier can be buckled securely and worn across the body so that the skis in the bindings sack rest comfortably against the shoulder and supported by the hand of the individual as desired. |
[0001] The present subject matter relates to the invention of an adjustable ski carrier that is wearable across the body.
[BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION]
[0002] The main reason behind the invention of an adjustable ski carrier is to provide flexibility, ease, and comfort, as well as keeping the hands free when carrying heavy skis.
[0003] Skiing is a favorite recreational sporting activity for millions of people during the winter months. As its popularity and accessibility increases to a broader population, the need to accommodate a wider range of people with physical inabilities, limitations, and need for comfort is increasing.
[0004] There have been inventions to make the ski boots more comfortable when walking by adding ski or walk mode, making them more padded and flexible, also, the jackets to have pocket on the forearm for the ski pass to be easily scanned, as well as Velcro strap that binds the skis together when not in use. These attempt to increase comfort for when the skier is not actually skiing, which for the most part they do, however, they fall short of addressing the real issue, which is the weight and bulkiness of the skis themselves. Skis are designed and intended to be used on the slopes, therefore a practical solution for carrying the weighty and cumbersome skis to the slopes is needed. This invention provides such a solution.
[DRAWBACKS WITH CURRENT METHOD]
[0005] The current method for carrying skis has the following drawbacks:
First of all, skis are long, heavy, and cumbersome to carry. In addition to clasping them together at the bindings, they sometimes need to be held together by a strap so they don't pull apart.
[0006] Secondly, it's difficult to multi-task when carrying the skis. Purchasing tickets for the ski lifts, public transport, getting snacks, and such the like, require skiers to find a wall, or stand, or similar to rest the skis against to free their hands.
[0007] Thirdly, children find the task of carrying their own skis very challenging. Small children generally do not have the physical strength to carry their own skis. They have difficulties walking in the ski boots and on the snow, this means an adult must carry the skis in addition to their own ski gear and poles.
[0008] Fourthly, after putting on all the ski gear including helmet and ski shoes, walking from the slippery parking lot to the entry of the some ski resorts can range in distance from a few meters to a few hundred meters. The skiers would have carried the heavy skis on his or her shoulder or in the hand the entire duration. After a long day on the slopes, the skiers must once again carry the heavy skis in their hands or on their shoulders.
[0009] Fifthly, individuals who make use of available public transport when commuting to and from the ski resorts, face challenges of walking long distances with the skis on their shoulders. The same is true for individuals who enjoy a single day trip to the slopes and return home after a day of skiing.
[0010] Sixthly, the skis have filed edges to help the skis glide through the snow, however, these are dangerous for children and new skiers because they can injure the palm of the hands if the skis are not handled carefully.
[0011] And finally, skis should not be placed on rough surfaces because the skis could get scratched, and damages can occur to the surface or edges that make contact with the snow. Dents or deep scratches will negatively affect the performance of the skis and could put the skier in danger.
[SOLUTION]
[0012] It is the purpose of the invention to create a ski carrier to overcome and solve the above mentioned drawbacks.
[0013] The adjustable ski carrier is lightweight and strong enough to carry one pair of skis. Skiers are accustomed to carrying their skis on top of their shoulders. This invention takes this into account and provides freedom of movement to skiers.
[0014] The adjustable ski carrier is wearable across the body so that the weight of the skis rests to one side of the body and is supported by the hand and opposite shoulder. This will ensure the skis do not interfere with head range of motion compared to carrying them on the shoulder or vertically down the back, and will not impede on the walking mobility of the individual.
[DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]
[0015] A referenced drawing shows the invention of the adjustable ski carrier, in which:
Fig. 1 shows the ski carrier with a pair of skis across the body of the skier,
Fig. 2 shows the detailed components of the shoulder strap,
Fig. 2 (1) Shoulder strap: This strap rests comfortably diagonally against the body from the shoulder to the waist or hip. The strap is sturdy enough to support the weight of one pair of skis.
Fig. 2 (2) Adjusting strap buckle: For the shoulder strap to be able to fit various body types and sizes, the shoulder strap is adjustable allowing the skier to adjust the length of the shoulder strap to the desired comfort. Another feature the buckle is that it easily opens and closes, allowing the individual to quickly attach and detach the carrier to and from the body.
Fig. 2 (3) D-ring: Used for connecting the bindings sack to the shoulder strap to make the carrier into one unit.
Fig. 3 shows the components of the bindings sack,
Fig. 3 (4) Metal clasp or hook: Used to secure the bindings sack to the shoulder strap.
Fig. 3 (5) Sewing along the side of the bindings sack: This provides additional strength to the sack where the hook is attached and helps to resists tearing.
Fig. 3 (6) Smooth protective layer: At the base of the bindings sack is a smooth protective layer of material that will not scratch the ski edges or base of the bindings while in the bindings sack.
Fig. 3 (7) Hole: At the base of the bindings sack is a hole to allow the back ends of the skis to pass through. This hole also allows for melted ice and snow to be eliminated from the bindings sack.
Fig. 3 (8) Drawstring: This drawstring tightly holds the skis in place so that they function as one unit in the bindings sack. The skier is able to tighten and loosen the drawstring as desired. This drawstring replaces the need for a separate Velcro band to bind the skis.
[USE AND STORAGE OF THE ADJUSTABLE SKI CARRIER]
[0016] The adjustable ski carrier with waist strap will be available in different sizes making it suitable for individuals of all ages, sizes, and experience level. The carrier is used for carrying one pair of skis. When the skis are not in use, i.e. not bound to the ski boots, they can be placed in the adjustable ski carrier and carried across the body to free the hands. The adjustable ski carrier allows the skis to rest gently against the shoulder and can be supported by the hand as needed.