Flexible C-Shaped Ski Carrier With Torso Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual carrying of skis and snowboards is cumbersome and hazardous due to their bulkiness, weight, and the slippery surfaces at ski resorts, with existing carriers not fully addressing the need for hands-free, self-supporting, adjustable, and waterproof solutions that accommodate different sizes and can be easily deployed and stored.
Innovation Solution
A ski carrier apparatus featuring a flexible 'C' shaped channel with elastic bands and semi-rigid 'U' shaped sections that securely hold skis together, combined with an adjustable strap and cord system allowing hands-free carrying by looping around the user's torso and toe binding, accommodating various sizes and providing easy deployment and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If skis are carried horizontally on the shoulder, then the weight is supported by the shoulder, but the skis can slip off and hit someone in crowded situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carrier device as an intermediary between the skis and the user's body. The carrier includes a strap that wraps around the skis and connects to the user's backpack or belt, serving as a mediating structure that securely holds the skis without requiring direct shoulder balancing. This intermediary mechanism prevents the skis from slipping off while distributing the weight safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical balancing method (carrying skis horizontally on the shoulder requiring active balance) with a passive mechanical restraint system. The carrier uses friction, tension, and geometric constraints through its strap and channel structure to automatically secure the skis in place, eliminating the need for active balancing by the user.
2Reliability
If skis are carried vertically, then the safety in crowded situations is improved, but the weight becomes burdensome on the skier
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier system allows dynamic adjustment of ski position and orientation. The flexible strap and channel structure enable the skis to be carried in various configurations (vertical, angled, or horizontal) depending on the user's needs and the terrain, while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic adaptability allows the user to optimize between safety and comfort in different situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of weight distribution by transferring the load from the skier's shoulder to the skier's back or waist through the backpack or belt connection. This parameter change in load bearing position reduces the perceived burden and fatigue on the skier while maintaining secure vertical or angled ski carriage for safety.
3Ease of operation
If a manual ski carrier is designed to be hands-free, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier device is segmented into distinct functional components: a strap for wrapping around the skis, a channel structure for securing the skis in place, and connection points for attaching to existing gear (backpack or belt). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, while the overall system achieves hands-free operation without excessive complexity. The modular nature also allows for easy assembly and adjustment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the ski carrier is made adjustable for different sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier utilizes flexible materials for the strap and channel structure that can naturally conform to and adjust to different ski widths, lengths, and shapes. The flexibility of these components provides inherent adaptability without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The flexible nature allows the carrier to accommodate various ski sizes through simple elastic deformation and repositioning rather than discrete adjustment steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe, hands-free, and adjustable carrying of skis and snowboards, reducing user fatigue and risk, while being compact, lightweight, and suitable for cold weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible bracket is constructed of an elastic band that extends through said first hook section, continuing to the first leg, next to the planar base portion, further to the second leg, and to said second hook section
Data Source
AI summary
A ski carrier apparatus for manually carrying skis, the ski carrier apparatus includes a flexible bracket to hold skis together in the form of a “C” shaped channel including a planar base portion having a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, a first leg and a second leg that each extend in a same direction and parallel to one another, the first and second legs each terminate in a respective first and second hook sections. The ski carrier apparatus further includes a strap having a first strap end and a second strap end that are removably engageable to a cord, wherein the strap is looped around an upper torso of a user and the cord looped around a ski toe binding assembly to suspend the skis above the ground allowing the user to carry the skis via walking in a handsfree manner.