Ski and snowboard sling-belt

Abstract

The Ski and Snowboard Sling-Belt is a device enabling an individual to transport a snowboard or a pair of skis, worn diagonally across their back. This design allows for unimpeded use of the arms and thus facilitates navigation under relevant conditions. The device is worn around the waist, as like a belt, when not in use.

Description

[0001]This application is for the invention entitled, The Ski and Snowboard Sling-Belt as invented by SIMS, Andrew Jason, Canadian citizen, resident of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of Invention[0003]This invention relates to an article carrier, more specifically, a sling-belt consisting of a main carrying strap with a plurality of secondary straps attached transversely thereto, equally adaptable to attaching and transporting either a snowboard or a pair of skis, such that this load can be worn diagonally across the back, allowing the user unimpeded use of the arms. The sling-belt is designed to be conveniently worn around the waist of the user, as like a belt, when not in use as an article carrier.[0004]2. Discussion of Background Art[0005]Due to the quantity, and cumbersome nature, of much of the current equipment used in the winter sports of skiing and snowboarding, it is advantageous to use devices to assist in the transportation of this equipment, under vari...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The disadvantages common in the use of any of the aforementioned devices can be overcome by resort to the adequately adapted Ski and Snowboard Sling-Belt. This approach to the task of transporting such equipment limits the risk of damage and injury as the equipment is positioned diagonally across the back of the user. In this way, the weight of the load is centrally positioned on the body, greatly reducing the risk that the strap would slip off the shoulder. Also, this approach does not require the active use of shoulder muscle, to maintain the strap elevated and prevent it from easily slipping off of the shoulder, thus reducing fatigue. As well, should the user fall backward the diagonal inclination of the load results in the load rotating about the sling rather than pivoting on the carrying device and striking the user, thus reducing the risk of serious injury. Furthermore, the user may, for example: outstretch their arms for improved balance, grasp handrails where available, grasp and engage door handles and pass through doorways easily. The user can further make use of poles while transporting the equipment, when appropriate. When not in use as a sling the Ski and Snowboard Sling-Belt is conveniently worn around the waist of the user as like a belt.

Problems solved by technology

Often times, however, these inventions are either cumbersome in of themselves, or not simple and well suited to this purpose.

Such devices are not without their limitations, however.

Equipment carried using a strap on a shoulder, where the load is parallel to the ground, has a tendency to both pivot on the shoulder, and to slip off of the shoulder potentially causing damage to the equipment or injury.

Additionally, when the load consists of skis or a snowboard, which are generally lengthy, relative to the user's outstretched arm, it is difficult to reach and engage door handles, and pass through such doorways, without the potential of the equipment being scratched or damaged.

Carrying equipment in this way, where the load is perpendicular to the ground, is more effective, but still involves risks.

The shoulder strap, and equipment, can still slip off of the shoulder easily causing injury or damage.

A potential hazard stemming from devices that have a vertically mounted load, U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,361 to Johnson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,346 to Sharma, arises if the individual slips and falls such that they land on their buttocks.

In this case the snowboard or skis, due to their length, hit the ground first, this can result in serious injury if the snowboard or skis strike the individual in the head.

Additionally, there exists the possibly that the equipment can break, potentially causing other serious injuries.

The use of a device such a back pack, or similar arrangement, U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,051 to Callanan, U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,495 to Sagan can pose far less risk, but can be somewhat cumbersome, and requires that the user have a place to store such a device, when not in use, or be prepared to wear such a device the entire time that they are engaged in the relevant activity.

This may be acceptable to some practitioners, however, wearing such devices can limit mobility.

Furthermore, prolonged usage of these devices, can lead to increased heat build up and to discomfort.

Images