Title: Braking apparatus and method for making and using the same
Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling a velocity of an object, and more specifically, to a braking apparatus to be attached with a piece of snow-sporting-equipment. The braking apparatus comprises a brake bracket with a deployable braking section. The deployable braking section may be actuated through use of a user-operated control. When actuated, the deployable braking section is forced into a snow's surface, creating drag and friction in order to control the snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial velocity.
Patent Number: 6,971,483 Issued on 12/06/2005 to Houston
| Inventors:
|
Houston; Eryn (23 Dapplegray Rd., Bell Canyon, CA 91307)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
683144 |
| Filed:
|
October 10, 2003 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
188/8; 188/32; 280/605 |
| Intern'l Class: |
B62B 017/08 |
| Field of Search: |
188/5,6,7,8,32
280/604,605,608
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 1554737 | Sep., 1925 | Knittel.
| |
| 2781200 | Feb., 1957 | Robison.
| |
| 2828135 | Mar., 1958 | Koci.
| |
| 3704024 | Nov., 1972 | Martin.
| |
| 4101145 | Jul., 1978 | Korger.
| |
| 4234207 | Nov., 1980 | De Vigili.
| |
| 5673772 | Oct., 1997 | Martin.
| |
| 5860492 | Jan., 1999 | Talaska.
| |
| 6702315 | Mar., 2004 | Barbieri et al.
| |
| Foreign Patent Documents |
| 652038 | Oct., 1985 | CH.
| |
Other References
U.S. Appl. No. 09/815,191, filed Nov. 28, 2002, Freemon.
U.S. Appl. No. 10/059,967, filed Jul. 31, 2003, Comden.
|
Primary Examiner: Siconolfi; Robert A.
Assistant Examiner: Kramer; Devon
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Risso; Marcus
Claims
1. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus, permitting a
rider to control a sporting equipment's terrestrial velocity, comprising:
a brake bracket for attaching with a piece of snow-sporting-equipment;
a deployable braking section attached with the brake bracket, thereby allowing
pivotal movement relative to the brake bracket;
a user-operated control operably attached with the deployable braking section;
wherein the brake bracket is removably attached with the snow-sporting-equipment;
wherein the brake bracket further comprises:
two opposing sides, where each of the two opposing sides have a top portion and
a bottom portion; and
an adjustable fastener connecting the two opposing sides, whereby the brake bracket
may be removably attached with a snow-sporting-equipment by:
adjusting the adjustable fastener to bring the two opposing sides in such a position
as to accommodate a width of the snow-sporting-equipment; and
tightening the top portion with the bottom portion, thereby compressing an edge
of the snow-sporting-equipment between the top portion and the bottom portion,
whereby through user manipulation, the deployable braking section is actuated
to control the snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial velocity.
2. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, wherein the brake bracket further comprises a slot located on an interior
rim, where the slot is shaped to conform with an edge of the snow-sporting-equipment,
thereby allowing the brake bracket to be firmly secured with an edge of the snow-sporting-equipment.
3. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth in
claim 2, wherein the deployable braking section further comprises an inside portion
with a downward sloping wedge shape, whereby when deployed, the wedge shape allows
the inside portion to cut into snow upon surface engagement and control the snow-sporting-equipment'terrestrial velocity.
4. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth in
claim 3, wherein the deployable braking section further comprises an outside portion
with a upward sloping shape, whereby upon surface engagement, the upward sloping
shape reduces friction and drag, thereby helping to prevent the snow-sporting-equipment
from catching an edge and causing injury when traveling in a backward direction.
5. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth in
claim 4, wherein the user-operated control is a hand operated control.
6. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth in
claim 5, wherein the brake bracket further comprises an attachment for attaching
with a flexible control.
7. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth in
claim 6, further comprising a flexible control attaching the user-operated control
with the deployable braking section.
8. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth in
claim 7, wherein the flexible control is a cable linkage.
9. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth in
claim 8, wherein the deployable braking section further comprises rounded ends
with a recessed track, thereby accommodating a cable linkage, whereby when attached
with the cable linkage, a user may use the user-operated control to deploy the
deployable braking section through use of the cable linkage.
10. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth
in claim 9, wherein the snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus further comprises
friction wings pivotally attached with the deployable braking section, whereby
when utilizing the snow-sporting-equipment, the friction wings swing out to engage
with a snow surface, creating drag and friction in order to control the snow-sporting-equipment's
terrestrial velocity.
11. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth
in claim 10, wherein the snow-sporting-equipment is a snowboard.
12. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth
in claim 1, wherein the brake bracket further comprises an attachment for attaching
with a flexible control.
13. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth
in claim 12, wherein the flexible control is a cable linkage.
14. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth
in claim 1, wherein the user-operated control is a hand operated control.
15. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth
in claim 1, further comprising a flexible control attaching the user-operated control
with the deployable braking section.
16. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth
in claim 15, wherein the flexible control is a cable linkage.
17. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth
in claim 1, wherein the snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus further comprises
friction wings pivotaly attached with the deployable braking section, whereby when
carving on the snow-sporting-equipment, the friction wings swing out to engage
a snow surface and further create drug and friction in order to control the snow-sporting-equipment's
terrestrial velocity.
18. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus, permitting a
rider to control a sporting equipment's terrestrial velocity, comprising:
a brake bracket for attaching with a piece of snow-sporting-equipment;
a deployable braking section attached with the brake bracket, thereby allowing
pivotal movement relative to the brake bracket;
a user-operated control operably attached with the deployable braking section;
wherein the brake bracket further comprises:
two opposing sides, where each of the two opposing sides have a top portion and
a bottom portion; and
a fastener connecting the two opposing sides, whereby the brake bracket may be
removably attached with a snow-sporting-equipment by:
adjusting the fastener to bring the two opposing sides in such a position as
to accommodate a width of the snow-sporting-equipment; and
tightening the top portion with the bottom portion, thereby compressing an edge
of the snow-sporting-equipment between the top portion and the bottom portion.
19. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus, permitting a
rider to control a sporting equipment's terrestrial velocity, comprising:
a brake bracket for attaching with a piece of snow-sporting-equipment;
a deployable braking section attached with the brake bracket, thereby allowing
pivotal movement relative to the brake bracket;
a user-operated control operably attached with the deployable braking section;
wherein the brake bracket further comprises a slot located on an interior rim,
where the slot is shaped to conform with an edge of the snow-sporting-equipment,
thereby allowing the brake bracket to be firmly secured with an edge of the snow-sporting-equipment.
20. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus, permitting a
rider to control a sporting equipment's terrestrial velocity, comprising:
a brake bracket for attaching with a piece of snow-sporting-equipment;
a deployable braking section attached with the brake bracket, thereby allowing
pivotal movement relative to the brake bracket;
a user-operated control operably attached with the deployable braking section,
whereby through user manipulation, the deployable braking section is actuated to
control the snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial velocity; and
wherein the deployable braking section further comprises an inside portion with
a downward sloping wedge shape, whereby when deployed, the wedge shape allows the
inside portion to cut into snow upon surface engagement and control the snow-sporting-equipment's
terrestrial velocity.
21. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus, permitting a
rider to control a sporting equipment's terrestrial velocity, comprising:
a brake bracket for attaching with a piece of snow-sporting-equipment;
a deployable braking section attached with the brake bracket, thereby allowing
pivotal movement relative to the brake bracket;
a user-operated control operably attached with the deployable braking section,
whereby through user manipulation, the deployable braking section is actuated to
control the snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial velocity; and
wherein the deployable braking section further comprises an outside portion with
a upward sloping shape, whereby upon surface engagement, the upward sloping shape
reduces friction and drag, thereby helping to prevent the snow-sporting-equipment
from catching an edge and causing injury when traveling in a backward direction.
22. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus, permitting a
rider to control a sporting equipment's terrestrial velocity, comprising:
a brake bracket for attaching with a piece of snow-sporting-equipment;
a deployable braking section attached with the brake bracket, thereby allowing
pivotal movement relative to the brake bracket;
a user-operated control operably attached with the deployable braking section,
whereby through user manipulation, the deployable braking section is actuated to
control the snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial velocity;
wherein the deployable braking section further comprises rounded ends with a
recessed track, thereby accommodating a cable linkage, whereby when attached with
the cable linkage, a user may use the user-operated control to deploy the deployable
braking section through use of the cable linkage.
23. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus, permitting a
rider to control a sporting equipment's terrestrial velocity, comprising:
a brake bracket for attaching with a piece of snow-sporting-equipment;
a deployable braking section attached with the brake bracket, thereby allowing
pivotal movement relative to the brake bracket;
a user-operated control operably attached with the deployable braking section;
wherein the user-operated control is operably attached with the deployed braking
section through an electronic connection, such that the user can deploy the deployable
braking section while riding the snow-sporting-equipment to control the user's
terrestrial velocity while riding the snow-sporting-equipment; and
wherein the deployable braking section further comprises an inside portion with
a downward wedge shape, whereby when deployed, the wedge shape allows the inside
portion to cut into snow upon surface engagement and control the snow-sporting-equipment's
terrestrial velocity.
24. A rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus as set forth
in claim 23, wherein the electronic connection is a wireless connection.
25. A method for making a rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus,
comprising acts of:
attaching a deployable braking section with a brake bracket, thereby allowing
pivotal movement relative to the brake bracket; and
operably attaching a user-operated control with the deployable braking section;
wherein in the act of attaching the deployable braking section with the brake
bracket, the brake bracket further includes:
two opposing sides, where each of the two opposing sides have a top portion and
a bottom portion; and
an adjustable fastener connecting the two opposing sides, whereby the brake bracket
may be removably attached with a snow-sporting-equipment by:
adjusting the adjustable fastener to bring the two opposing sides in such a position
as to accommodate a width of the snow-sporting-equipment; and
tightening the top portion with the bottom portion, thereby compressing an edge
of the snow-sporting-equipment between the top portion and the bottom portion,
whereby through user manipulation, the deployable braking section is actuated
to control the snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial velocity.
26. A method for making a rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus
as set forth in claim 25, wherein in the act of operably attaching a user-operated
control with the deployable braking section, the user-operated control is a hand-operated control.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling a velocity of an
object, and more specifically, to a braking apparatus to be attached with a piece
of snow-sporting-equipment, whereby when a deployable braking section is actuated,
the deployable braking section creates drag and friction in order to control the
snow-sport-equipment's terrestrial velocity.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
In pursuit of recreational sports, sporting enthusiasts have created a myriad
of recreational sporting equipment. While the sporting equipment is often devised
in pursuit of speed and mobility, braking aspects are often neglected or overlooked
altogether. Although a user may appreciate speed, an ability to slow oneself is
an integral part of recreational sports, particularly snow sports where a user's
velocity may rapidly increase. Novice snow sport enthusiasts often find themselves
traveling uncontrollably at dangerously excessive speeds. As such, a need exists
for a braking system for recreational snow-sporting-equipment.
Recently, attempts have been made to add braking systems to various forms
of recreational sporting equipment. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,492, issued
to Talaska, discloses a hand-activated brake as attached with in-line roller skates.
While the Talaska patent functions sufficiently to control in-line skates, it includes
inherent problems. The Talaska patent is specifically devised for in-line skates,
preventing it from working properly with other forms of sporting equipment, particularly snow-sporting-equipment.
Furthermore, the device disclosed by the Talaska patent is unacceptably
dangerous. The Talaska patent discloses using a rigid, elongated rod in order to
slow the user. While unfortunate, it is entirely possible that a falling user may
impale himself on the rod.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/059,967, by Comden, was disclosed in an
effort to devise a braking system specifically suited for a snow sport. The Comden
application teaches a braking system attached with a snow scooter, where the braking
system is made up of a hinge, a spring, and a piece of material that digs into
snow when stepped on. Although the device disclosed by the Comden application works
sufficiently with a snow scooter, it would be incompatible with snow-sporting-equipment
where a user's feet are stationary, such as with a snowboard or a pair of skis.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/815,191, by Freemon, discloses a braking
system for use with a snowboard. The braking system in the Freemon application
uses a spring loaded lever arm to slow a run-away snowboard. The spring loaded
lever arm is held back when a user is strapped in with a snowboard's binding. Upon
removing a boot from the snowboard's binding, the lever arm automatically swings
out and is forced into snow, functioning as a brake to slow the snowboard. While
the Freemon application effectively slows a run-away snowboard, it does not have
any user-operated controls and does little to aide a novice in controlling a velocity
of the snowboard.
Therefore, there exists a need to present a safe, userly operated braking
system that can be attached with a piece of snow-sporting-equipment. In this regard,
the present invention substantially fulfills this need.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention comprises a rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking
apparatus, permitting a rider to control a snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial
velocity. The braking apparatus comprises a brake bracket for attaching with a
piece of snow-sporting-equipment. A deployable braking section is pivotally attached
with the brake bracket, allowing pivotal movement relative to the brake bracket.
A user-operated control is operably attached with the deployable braking section,
whereby through user manipulation, the deployable braking section is actuated to
control the snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial velocity.
In another aspect, the brake bracket further comprises two opposing sides, where
each of the two opposing sides have a top portion and a bottom portion. An adjustable
fastener connects the two opposing sides.
Additionally, the brake bracket is removably attached with the snow-sporting-equipment.
The brake bracket may be removably attached with a snow-sporting-equipment by adjusting
the adjustable fastener to bring the two opposing sides in such a position as to
accommodate a width of the snow-sporting-equipment. The top portion is then tightened
with the bottom portion, thereby compressing an edge of the snow-sporting-equipment
between the top portion and the bottom portion.
In yet another aspect, the brake bracket further comprises a slot located on
an
interior rim. The slot is shaped to conform with an edge of the snow-sporting-equipment,
thereby allowing the brake bracket to be firmly secured with an edge of the snow-sporting-equipment.
Additionally, the deployable braking section further comprises an inside
portion with a downward sloping wedge shape. When deployed, the wedge shape allows
the inside portion to cut into snow upon surface engagement and control the snow-sporting-equipment's
terrestrial velocity.
In another aspect, the deployable braking section further comprises an outside
portion with a upward sloping shape, whereby upon surface engagement, the upward
sloping shape reduces friction and drag.
Furthermore, the user-operated control is a hand operated control.
In yet another aspect, the brake bracket further comprises an attachment for
attaching
with a flexible control. Additionally, the snow-sporting-equipment further comprises
a flexible control attaching the user-operated control with the deployable braking
section. Furthermore, the flexible control is a cable linkage.
In another aspect, the deployable braking section further comprises rounded ends
with a recessed track, thereby accommodating a cable linkage. When attached with
the cable linkage, a user may use the user-operated control to deploy the deployable
braking section through use of the cable linkage.
In yet another aspect, the snowboard braking apparatus further comprises friction
wings pivotally attached with the deployable braking section. When utilizing the
snow-sporting-equipment, the friction wings swing out to engage with a snow surface,
creating drag and friction in order to control the snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial velocity.
In another aspect, the snow-sporting-equipment is a snowboard.
In yet another aspect, the user-operated control is operably attached with the
deployable braking section through an electronic connection.
In another aspect, the electronic connection is a wireless connection.
Additionally, it is another objective of the present invention to claim
a method for making a rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus.
The method comprises an act of attaching a deployable braking section with a brake
bracket, thereby allowing pivotal movement relative to the brake bracket. The method
also comprises an act of operably attaching a user-operated control with the deployable
braking section, whereby through user manipulation, the deployable braking section
is actuated to control the snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial velocity.
Additionally, in the act of attaching the deployable braking section
with the brake bracket, the brake bracket further includes two opposing sides,
where each of the two opposing sides have a top portion and a bottom portion, and
an adjustable fastener connecting the two opposing sides. The brake bracket may
be removably attached with a snow-sporting-equipment by adjusting the adjustable
fastener to bring the two opposing sides in such a position as to accommodate a
width of the snow-sporting-equipment and tightening the top portion with the bottom
portion, thereby compressing an edge of the snow-sporting-equipment between the
top portion and the bottom portion.
Furthermore, in the act of operably attaching a user-operated control
with the deployable braking section, the user-operated control is a hand-operated control.
Additionally, it is yet another objective of the present invention
to claim a method for using a rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment braking apparatus.
The method comprises an act of manipulating a user-operated control to deploy a
deployable braking section, whereby through deployment, the deployable braking
section engages with a snow surface to control the snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial velocity.
Finally, in the act of manipulating the user-operated control to deploy
the deployable braking section, the user-operated control is a hand-operated control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The nature of the braking apparatus described herein will be readily apparent
in the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a braking apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the braking apparatus attached with a snowboard;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the brake bracket attached with a deployable
braking section;
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the brake bracket;
FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the brake bracket with and an unattached
deployable braking section;
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the deployable braking section;
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the brake bracket;
FIG. 8 is top perspective view of friction wings pivotally attached with the
deployable braking section;
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the friction wings as swung out to engage
with a snow surface; and
FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a user-operated control, where the user-operated
control is an electronic controller.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for slowing a velocity of an object,
more particularly, to a braking apparatus to be attached with a piece of snow sport
equipment, whereby when a deployable braking section is actuated, the deployable
braking section creates drag and friction in order to control the snow sport equipment's
terrestrial velocity.
The following description, taken in conjunction with the referenced drawings,
is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention.
Various modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and
the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of aspects.
Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects presented,
but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel
features disclosed herein. Furthermore it should be noted that unless explicitly
stated otherwise, the figures included herein are illustrated diagrammatically
and without any specific scale, as they are provided as qualitative illustrations
of the concept of the present invention.
Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a rider-operated, snow-sporting-equipment,
braking apparatus
100. The braking apparatus
100 is constructed such
that it may be removably attached with any suitable plank-style snow-sporting-equipment,
non-limiting examples of which include a snowboard and skis. The braking apparatus
100 comprises a brake bracket
102 with a front section
104.
Attached with the front section
104 is a deployable braking section
106.
The brake bracket
102 and deployable braking section
106 may be constructed
of any suitably rigid material, non-limiting examples of which include plastic
and metal. The deployable braking section
106 is attached with the front
section
104 of the brake bracket
102 in such a manner as to allow
pivotal movement relative to the brake bracket
102.
A user-operated control
108 is operably attached with the deployable braking
section
106. The user-operated control
108 may be any suitable mechanism
or device allowing a user to deploy the deployable braking section
106,
a non-limiting examples of which include a hand-operated control. As illustrated
in FIG. 1, the hand-operated control may be a brake-lever squeeze controller.
The brake bracket
102 includes an attachment for attaching with a flexible
control
110. The flexible control
110 operably attaches the user-operated
control
108 with the deployable braking section
106. The flexible
control
110 may be any suitably flexible mechanism or device for operably
attaching one medium with another, a non-limiting example of which includes a cable
linkage. Through use of the user-operated control
108, the deployable braking
section
106 is actuated. When actuated, the deployable braking section
106
is pulled from a closed position to a deployed position. In the deployed position,
an outer edge
112 of the deployable braking section
106 is forced
downward and into snow upon surface engagement to control the snow-sporting-equipment's
terrestrial velocity.
FIG. 2 illustrates a braking apparatus
100 attached with a snow-sporting-equipment
200. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the braking apparatus
100 may be attached
with a back end
202 of a snowboard
204. When attached with the back
end
202 of a snowboard
204, a user may deploy the deployable braking
section
106. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, when traveling in a forward
direction
206, the deployable braking section
106 can be deployed
to create drag and friction in a snow surface
208 in order to control the
snowboard's
204 velocity.
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the brake bracket
102 attached
with the deployable braking section
106. The brake bracket
102 is
adjustably attachable with a piece of snow-sporting-equipment through use of two
opposing sides
300. An adjustable fastener
302 connects the two opposing
sides
300, allowing the two opposing sides
300 to be adjusted to
accommodate snow-sporting-equipment of varying widths. The adjustable fastener
302 may be any suitable mechanism or device to fasten one medium with another,
a non-limiting example of which includes screws.
The brake bracket
102 also includes a slot
304 located on an interior
rim. The interior rim is located on any suitable side of the brake bracket
102
that is to interact with the snow-sporting-equipment. The slot
304 is shaped
to conform with an edge of the snow-sporting-equipment, thereby allowing the brake
bracket
102 to be firmly secured with an edge of the snow-sporting-equipment.
The brake bracket
102 also includes a top portion
306 and a bottom
portion
308.
The brake bracket
102 is firmly attached with a piece of snow-sporting-equipment
by sliding an edge of the snow-sporting-equipment into the slot
304. The
adjustable fastener
302 is then adjusted to bring the two opposing sides
300 in a suitable position to accommodate a width of the snow-sporting-equipment.
The top portion
306 is then tightened against the bottom portion
308,
thereby compressing an edge of the snow-sporting-equipment between the top portion
306 and the bottom portion
308 and effectively securing the brake
bracket
102 with the piece of snow-sporting-equipment.
The deployable braking section
106 is pivotally attached with the brake
bracket
102 through a pivotal attachment
310. The pivotal attachment
310 may be any suitable mechanism or device for pivotally attaching one
medium with another, a non-limiting example of which includes a bolt
312,
a spacer
314, and a nut
316. In another example, the pivotal attachment
310 may be a hinge. The deployable braking section
106 further includes
rounded ends with a recessed track
318. The recessed track
318 accommodates
the flexible control, whereby when attached with the flexible control, a user may
use the user-operated control to deploy the deployable braking section
106.
FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the brake bracket
102. The
brake bracket
102 includes a plurality of vertical fasteners
400.
The vertical fasteners
400 may be any suitable mechanism or device to fasten
one medium with another, a non-limiting example of which includes screws. After
having slid an edge of the snow-sporting-equipment into the slot
304 on
the interior rim
305, the vertical fasteners
400 are used to tighten
the top portion
306 against the bottom portion
308, thereby affixing
the brake bracket
102 with the snow-sporting-equipment.
FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of the brake bracket
102 and
an unattached deployable braking section
106. As shown in FIG. 5, the top
portion
306 is tightened against the bottom portion
308 with the
vertical fasteners
400. Additionally, the brake bracket
102 includes
an attachment
500 for attaching with a flexible control
110. The
attachment
500 may be any suitable mechanism or device for affixing one
medium with another, a non-limiting example of which includes cable attachment.
The flexible control
110 operably attaches the user-operated control
108
with the deployable braking section
106. The deployable braking section
106 includes a rounded end with a recessed track
318 in order to
accommodate the flexible control
110.
Through use of the user-operated control
108, the flexible control
110 forces the deployable braking section
106 into a deployed position.
The deployable braking section
106 further includes an inside portion
502
with a downward sloping wedge shape. When the deployable braking section
106
is deployed and the snow-sporting-equipment is traveling in a forward direction
206, the wedge shape allows the inside portion
502 to cut into snow
upon surface engagement and control the snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial velocity.
The deployable braking section
106 also includes an outside portion
504
with an upward sloping shape. The upward sloping shape is instrumental when the
snow-sporting-equipment is traveling in a backward direction
506. Because
of its upward sloping shape, the outside portion
504 reduces friction and
drag when traveling in a backward direction
506. By reducing friction and
drag, the upward sloping shape helps to prevent the snow-sporting-equipment from
catching an edge and causing injury when traveling in a backward direction
506.
FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the deployable braking section
106. The deployable braking section
106 includes a recessed track
318 and a wedge shaped inside portion
502. The deployable braking
section
106 is shaped in any suitable manner to create friction and drag
on the inside portion
502. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the deployable braking
section
106 may be u-shaped.
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the brake bracket
102. The brake
bracket
102 attaches with the deployable braking section through a pivotal
attachment
310. Additionally, the brake bracket
102 includes an attachment
500 for attaching with a flexible control
110.
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another aspect of the deployable braking
section
800. In this aspect, the deployable braking section
800 includes
friction wings
802. The deployable braking section
800 and friction
wings
802 may be constructed of any suitable rigid material, non-limiting
examples of which include plastic and metal. The friction wings
802 are
pivotally attached with the deployable braking section
800 to allow pivotal
movement of the friction wings
802. When utilizing the snow-sporting-equipment,
the friction wings
802 swing out from the deployable braking section
800
to engage with a snow surface, creating drag and friction in order to control the
snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial velocity.
FIG. 9 illustrates the deployable braking section
800 with the friction
wings
802 swung out to engage with a snow surface.
FIG. 10 illustrates another aspect of the present invention, where the user-operated
control
108 is an electronic controller
1000. As an electronic controller
1000, the user-operated control
108 is operably attached with the
deployable braking section
106 through an electronic connection. In this
aspect, a signal receiver
1002, and a deployer
1004 are operably
attached with the deployable braking section
106. The electronic controller
1000 may be any suitable mechanism or device for receiving a user input
and sending a signal to the signal receiver
1002, a non-limiting example
of which includes an electric switch with a wireless signal emitter. The signal
receiver
1002 may be any suitable mechanism or device for receiving a signal,
a non-limiting example of which includes a wireless signal receiver. The deployer
1004 may be any suitable mechanism or device for forcing one object to move
in relation to another, non-limiting examples of which include a motor, spring,
and pump. Upon receiving a signal from the electronic controller
1000, the
signal receiver
1002 actuates the deployer
1004, thereby deploying
the deployable braking section
106 in order to control the snow-sporting-equipment's velocity.
As shown in FIG. 10, the electronic controller
1000 may be a wireless
electronic
controller, where the user-operated control
108 is operably attached with
the deployable braking section
106 through an electronic wireless connection.
*
