Snowboard tether device

Abstract

A snowboard tether device comprising a base and a dome. The base is affixed to a snowboard and comprises two finger grips, a thumb grip and a receiving area with a steel plate. The dome comprises a top part, a bottom part, a shaft, a spool with a cable and a spring, and an underside with one or more magnets. When the shaft is in a locked position, the toothed section of the shaft is engaged with both the tooth receiving area of the spool and the tooth receiving area of the bottom part of the dome. When the shaft is in an unlocked position, the toothed section of the shaft is engaged with the tooth receiving area of the bottom part of the dome but is not engaged with the tooth receiving area of the spool.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to the field of snowboards, and more particularly, to a snowboard tether device.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]According to research conducted on behalf of the inventors, seventy-two percent (72%) of snowboarders experience knee and / or ankle pain while on the chairlift because only one foot is attached to the snowboard, and the entire weight of the snowboard is therefore borne by one leg (usually the left leg). Some snowboarders compensate for this discomfort by positioning one side of the snowboard on top of the free foot (i.e., the foot that is not attached to the board).[0005]Market research indicates that there were approximately five million snowboarders in the United States in 2007. If seventy-two percent (72%) of them are experiencing the problem described above, then between three and four million people are suffering on chairlift rides each year. Not only ar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a snowboard tether device that allows for easy and secure attachment of a snowboard to a snowboarder. The device includes a base and a dome that can be pulled away from the base to extend a cable. The dome has magnets on its underside that can be coupled to a steel token or a clothing clip for easy attachment. The device also includes a spring and a cable that creates tension when the dome is pulled away from the base, and a toothed section that engages with the bottom part of the dome to lock it in place. The device is made of thermoplastic elastomer and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. The technical effects of the invention include improved safety and ease of use for snowboarders."

Problems solved by technology

Not only are the chairlift rides uncomfortable for these people, but the pain and discomfort they experience on the chairlift can lead to fatigue, which causes shorter days on the slopes and ultimately contributes to the likelihood of injury.

The disadvantages of this invention are that it requires the snowboarder to wear a waist belt, and the strap is not retractable, which poses a safety hazard.

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