Ski Tote With Snap Clasp Strap System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Carrying skis is cumbersome due to their length and shape, especially when multiple pairs need to be transported, as existing solutions require complex strap manipulation and can be difficult in cold weather, and often involve undue shoulder pressure and the need for hands.

Innovation Solution

A ski carrying device featuring a short strap with a snap plastic clasp attached behind the toe binding, allowing for easy attachment and use of a long strap to carry skis over the shoulder or with one hand, eliminating the need for manual handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If elastic bands are placed around the two skis at both the front and rear to prevent splaying, then the skis remain parallel, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveski parallelismVSAvoidstrap arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrying device is divided into separate functional components: a first strap for securing the skis together, a second strap for carrying over the shoulder, and an optional third strap for additional support. Each strap performs a specific function, allowing the system to prevent splaying while maintaining simplicity in each individual component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first strap serves multiple functions: it prevents the skis from splaying apart, secures the skis to the carrier, and can be adjusted to accommodate different ski sizes. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If Velcro materials are used to secure the straps about the skis to prevent cold weather manipulation issues, then the strap security is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive plastic snap clasps and simple fabric straps instead of expensive Velcro materials. These components are designed to be functional and durable enough for the intended use, providing reliable strap security without the high manufacturing cost of Velcro.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the fastening function from the strap material itself (as in Velcro) and separates it into distinct snap clasp components. This allows the use of simpler, cheaper materials for the straps while maintaining secure fastening through the dedicated snap clasp mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If multiple straps are used to bind skis at front and rear ends, then the skis are securely bound, but the time required for fastening and unfastening increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveski binding strengthVSAvoidfastening time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The straps are pre-configured with snap clasps and attachment points in optimal positions. The first strap is designed to be placed around both skis in a single motion, and the snap clasps are positioned for easy engagement. This preliminary arrangement of components allows for rapid fastening and unfastening while maintaining secure binding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the binding function for both skis into a single first strap that loops around both skis together, rather than requiring separate straps for each ski. The snap clasps on both ends of the first strap can be engaged simultaneously or in quick succession, reducing the total time required for fastening while maintaining binding strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If skis are carried over the shoulder with bottom surfaces in contact, then the carrying method is simple, but the shoulder pressure increases and balance requires an additional arm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrying simplicityVSAvoidshoulder pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second strap as an intermediary carrying mechanism that distributes the weight of the skis from the shoulder to the hand or arm. This second strap can be held in the hand or wrapped around the arm, providing a more comfortable weight distribution and reducing shoulder pressure while maintaining carrying simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10427025B2Ski tote

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 GREENFIELD BRIAN

AI summary

A ski tote is formed with a short strap having a snap clasp fastened to respective ends thereof. A long strap is fastened to the short strap just inside of the clasp parts. The short strap can be placed about a pair of skis and locked there with the clasp. The long strap can be used for carrying the skis.