Skibob and Method for Riding a Chairlift
a chairlift and skibob technology, applied in the direction of rider propulsion, rider propulsion, transportation and packaging, etc., can solve the problems of traditional skibobs, the bulkiness of skibobs does not lend itself to transporting on a standard ski lift, and the barriers to skibob access to the ski slopes have not been addressed
Active Publication Date: 2013-03-28
KOLESAR ROBERT +1
View PDF0 Cites 4 Cited by
- Summary
- Abstract
- Description
- Claims
- Application Information
AI Technical Summary
Benefits of technology
The present invention provides a skibob that allows riders to remain seated on a chairlift and easily dismount at the top of the ski lift. The skibob has a suspension system that raises the rider's seat without using their upper body strength and a space under the seat for the chairlift bench to support it during transport. The rider only needs to lean forward to offload from the chairlift onto the ski slope, and the suspension and seat provide a boost to assist with dismounting and skiing down the slope. This invention improves safety and accessibility for skiers with disabilities or physical limitations and allows for a more efficient and comfortable skiing experience.
Problems solved by technology
Geary, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,134, also remarks on the need for improvement in accessing chairlifts, commenting that “a major disadvantage to the traditional skibob is that it's bulkiness does not lend it to transport on a standard ski lift.
Note that the above art relates to normal skiers, and that for disabled and persons with limited physical abilities, barriers to access to the ski slopes with skibobs have not been addressed.
It is generally impractical for a disabled person to manhandle a skibob on a chairlift as proposed by Geary.
The rider using such a skibob risks dropping the skibob from the chairlift or being pulled off by the heavy skibob.
The disabled rider is unlikely to be able to master the difficult challenge of jumping down at the offload platform, running clear of the moving chairlift, and reassembling the skibob seat before remounting.
Not all disabilities are confined to the lower body, however, and skibobs are suited for a broad range of disabilities where a sitski is not appropriate.
Other barriers to the use of skibobs exist for disabled persons.
Ski lift operators have been fearful that a skibob will fall from the chairlift, injuring those below, or that a disabled rider will become ensnared in the chairlift and be dragged around the bullwheel.
Also of concern has been the possibility that the skibob, if released when freestanding, can slide away from the rider's grip, possibly colliding with or tripping someone.
Dismounting from a chairlift poses particular hazards, particularly given that the offloading areas of chairlifts frequently do not meet established standards.
Method used
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View moreImage
Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Smart ImageViewing Examples
Examples
Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test
example 1
[0105]A skibob of the design of FIG. 2 was fabricated and tested. As built, the shock travel is about 2.5 inches; the total suspension travel is 7.8 inches. The average leverage ratio is 3.1, but varies with the travel and has a progressive rise rate. The swingarm length L2=22.4 inches (from the pivot attachment to the frame to the rear ski attachment axle or pivot) and the seat cantilever length L1=17.1 inches (the distance from the seat member fulcrum to the tail of the seat). The following specifications are given:[0106]Frame: 6061 Aluminum alloy hollow 2″ square tubing,[0107]Frame Construction: TIG Welded,[0108]Front Fork Rock Shox Tora 350 with 85 to 130 mm travel and rebound adjustments,[0109]Rear Suspension: Fox Racing Shox DHX AIR 50 with rebound, bottom out and sag adjustments,[0110]Ski attachment: angle adjustable, solid mounted, nylon composite, form permits any short ski with standard ski binding to be attached,[0111]Ride height: varies from 16 inches to 24 inches unload...
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More PUM
Login to View More Abstract
Skibobs are disclosed having features for conveying the skibob with rider on a moving chairlift while the rider remains mounted on the seat of the skibob. The frame and suspension are configured for elevating the underside of the skibob seat above the level of the chairlift bench during loading, so that the chairlift bench, while moving forward from behind the rider, can pick up the skibob, rider and all, and carry the mounted rider up the ski slope without falling. As the undercarriage of the skibob is lifted off the snow, the rider is deposited on the chairlift bench so that the seat of the skibob is secured in place by the weight of the rider on the seat. During offloading, the skibob is nonetheless readily disengaged from the chairlift bench with an active boost from the suspension and optional spring-loaded seat as the undercarriage contacts the offloading platform, permitting the rider to ski away from the chairlift without dismounting the skibob, thus improving ease of use for riders with limits in physical capacity. These and other features of the invention are a benefit to disabled persons in gaining access to the ski slopes.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 277,311, now U.S. patent Ser. No. ______, filed 28 Nov. 2008, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Appl. Ser. No. 61 / 004,808, filed 2007 Dec. 1, from which priority is claimed under 35 USC 119(e). All said patent documents are incorporated herein in full by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention is related generally to apparatus and methods for skibobbing. Skibobs (also known collectively as skibikes, snow bikes, or snow scooters of Class 280) are gravity-propelled ski vehicles for travel across snow, conventionally having a bicycle-like frame with seat or saddle, but having a front and rear ski taking the place of bicycle wheels. Skibobs are generally ridden while seated as if on a bicycle; the rider wearing short footskis for balance, and controlling the rate and direction of descent by a combination of movements of the handlebar and the footsk...
Claims
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More Application Information
Patent Timeline
Login to View More IPC IPC(8): B62B13/04
CPCB61B11/008Y10T74/18056B62B13/046B62B13/04
InventorKOLESAR, ROBERTRITTER, WILLIAM J.
OwnerKOLESAR ROBERT