Device for supporting a snowboard during use

Abstract

The present invention is a support device for easing the strain on the legs of a snowboarder by supporting the weight of a snowboard while riding a chair lift as well as while snowboarding. The device comprises a belt wearable around a waist of a user, a down strap, where one end of the strap has a connector attachable to the snowboard and where another end of the strap is attached to a flexible link, and a flexible link attached to the down strap and the belt.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE [0001] The present application relies on for priority purposes U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 630,980 filed on Nov. 26, 2004 and entitled “Snowboard leash for automatic support of snowboard weight when riding ski lift”.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is related generally to the field of sporting accessories and, more specifically, to a device for supporting and managing the weight of a snowboard while in use. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Snowboarding is a popular sport that involves riding a wide, flat, elongated runner similar to a ski, sled, or other gliding device down a snow-covered slope. Unlike in skiing, where the rider of the ski uses ski boots which restrict ankle motion and are mounted inside releasable binding, snowboarding requires constant motion of knees and ankles to maintain the rider's balance and to maneuver the board. [0004] A leash or tether connecting the rider to the snowboard is required by ski areas to red...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] Optionally, the down strap has a length of flexible material being capable of adjusting the distance between the belt and the snowboard. The geometry of said device adapts to support the weight of said snowboard when said user rides a ski lift chair. At least a part of the flexible link is comprised of elasticized material. The flexible link has a “Y” configuration. The flexible link comprises multiple straps connected to the waist belt and the down strap. A strap is wearable around the leg of the user and the strap is configured to maintain the device close to the body of the user. One end of the down strap is releasably attachable to the snowboard by a quick-release coupling. The device can be integrated with an item of apparel worn by the user. In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for supporting the weight of a snowboard during the user's use of said snowboard and while riding a ski lift chair, comprising the steps of connecting around the user's waist a waist belt, connecting a first end of a down strap to said snowboard wherein a second end of said down strap is connected to a flexible link, and adjusting said waist belt and said down strap. Optionally, the method further comprises the step of connecting a strap wearable around the leg of the user, wherein the strap is configured to maintain the device close to the body of the user.

Problems solved by technology

Because snowboards can weigh a substantial amount, considerable downward force is experienced by the front leg of the snowboarder, causing stress and fatigue.

Additionally, prior art devices are designed to require frequent adjustments or other interactions by the users, thereby increasing the degree of inconvenience and imposing a safety risk if the prior art devices are not adjusted properly.

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