Land vehicles – Runner vehicle – Central runner
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-06
2001-01-30
Swann, J. J. (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Runner vehicle
Central runner
C280S014100, C280S845000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06179305
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention primarily relates to snowboarding and skiing. Specifically, it provides an opportunity for an individual to use a snowboard or monoski from a seated position. The device is particularly useful for physically challenged individuals and provides them a means to enjoy the sport of snowboarding or skiing. The accessible seating assembly could also be adapted for use as a skateboard or other mounted uni-track apparatus which could be controlled by a rider's weight shifts and rotational movements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently, various ski systems exist for physically challenged individuals. The current systems include the use of a seating apparatus attached to a conventional ski or a monoski where the user faces forward and in line with the longitudinal direction of the ski. Usually these systems require specialized poles for balance or stability, as well as directional guidance while in use. Also, some of the monoski systems are used with the assistance of another non-physically challenged skier who provides guidance and assists the physically challenged skier in maintaining balance and controlling their path of movement.
Other systems for physically challenged skiers provide a seating assembly attached in a forward facing orientation to a pair of skis. The seating assembly allows the user to face forward and use ski-crutches or other specialized poles in order to control their path of motion.
Still other monoski systems use steering devices such as handles that attach to the single ski. The steering devices require the user to lean forward in a kneeling position and from that position attempt to maintain balance and directional control. This type of steering means leaves the physically challenged user vulnerable to loss of balance or directional control and leaves them highly susceptible to injury.
While standing skiers not otherwise physically challenged are able to exert both weight shifting and rotational movements to control direction, it is very difficult for a seated skier to use such body motion to affect directional control.
A further problem commonly associated with the ski systems designed for the physically challenged involves the inability to use a conventional ski lift in the usual manner.
The above systems are generally directed to use for downhill snow skiing. However, systems adapted to use by physically challenged users are also available for water skiing. In water skiing, propulsion and primary directional guidance are provided by gripping a tow rope attached to a power boat. Weight shifting is the primary means for directional control. Using one ski requires greater skill and agility than using two, as balance becomes a more critical issue.
The physically challenged water skier is generally towed on a two-ski assembly or on a platform wide enough to provide stability from tipping over sideways. Basic water skiing in this manner requires a lesser overall control capability of the user and ski system for maintaining balance and applying directional control. As in conventional snow skiing, the water skier faces forward in line with the longitudinal direction of the ski. Both snow skis and water skis are limited in their lateral motion over the support medium; their long, narrow shape designed primarily for forward movement.
Skateboards use a wheel assembly on each end that steers left or right both to maintain balance and control direction in response to the user's weight-shifting. Frames have been adapted to skateboards to allow a user to sit, kneel or crouch down on the skateboard and hold on to outriggers to help in weight-shifting; however, these adaptations constrain riders to face primarily forward.
Snowboards, arriving relatively recently, are shorter and wider than snow skis. They are mounted in a transverse fashion, are capable of being rotated and controlled by a combination of weight shifting and body twisting, and can be ridden laterally or longitudinally at will down the slope. They have, however, been inaccessible to physically challenged users, until now.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention in its simplest form is an accessible seating assembly mounted on a snowboard or any other equivalent apparatus. The invention allows a user to operate a snowboard from a seated or kneeling position, without the use of poles, handles, or steering devices for stability. Due to the assembly's low profile, a user may propel himself using his hands, if necessary. The user is strapped securely in a seated or kneeling position to the seat on the board. In the riding position, the seat is low and oriented transversely to the length of the board. The user faces perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the snowboard, while riding. A suspension mechanism provides for shock absorption analogous to the knee action of a standing user. Being secured tightly at the hips and the thighs, the user is well-connected to the board and can use upper body motion to control movement of the board, similar to that of a standing user.
Moreover, for accessing ski lifts and tow bars, the seat rotates and allows the user to face forward, down the longitudinal axis of the board. Once facing forward, the user can elevate the seat and therefore be in a position to mount a conventional ski lift easily, while still seated in the apparatus.
The invention allows a physically challenged person to use a snowboard without the assistance of any poles and minimizes the assistance needed for getting onto and off of ski lifts. The rotatable seating assembly allows for an easy change in position from riding position to lift position. It also allows for users of any orientation (left or right handed) to use the same assembly without changing the mounting orientation on the snowboard. The invention allows physically challenged individuals the opportunity to experience snowboarding, in a near-natural manner, applying his or her upper body strength and agility to balance and control the board in much the same way as does a normal user.
The invention is made of a high strength metal or other material. It is desirable for the material to be lightweight as well. Materials suitable for the invention can be selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to; steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber or other lightweight steel alloys. The preferred embodiment has two mounting feet that are attachable to snowboards or the like and are typically bolted in a standard pattern similar to regular snowboard bindings. The first foot of the assembly is attached to a primary suspension bar which serves as the mounting bar for the rotatable seating assembly. The rotatable seating assembly allows a user to easily adjust between the riding position (transverse) and the lift position (face-forward). This seating assembly is then capable of being connected to any type of seat that a user would desire. The second foot is attached to a secondary suspension bar which functions to cushion the rider during use. This secondary suspension bar is typically a shock absorber of some type.
An alternative embodiment entails the use of only one foot that is connected to a snowboard. It is then connected to a primary suspension bar which would also function to cushion the rider during use.
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Tech Update; Students Learn to Invent, Popular Mechanics, Jul. 1997 issue, p. 24.
Capozzi Matthew V.
Connolly Nathan T.
Twitchell Colin S.
Kilponen Ronald R.
McClellan James S.
Swann J. J.
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