Patent ID: 6224086
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: A63C

Abstract:
An apparatus for gliding over snow comprising:(a) at least one foot enclosure assembly including a first magnet affixed thereto;(b) at least one support base having an upper surface and a lower snow-engaging surface;(c) connector means connected to said support base for releasably interconnecting said foot enclosure assembly with said support base, said connector means including a second magnet movable with respect to said first magnet; and(d) release means for disconnecting said foot enclosure assembly from said connector means, said release means including displacement means for displacing said second magnet relative to said first magnet, said connector means comprising a frame connected to said upper surface of said support base, said frame having an opening for slidably mounting said second magnet therewithin, said displacement means comprising a displacement mechanism operably associated with said frame for controllably sliding said second magnet within said opening between a first position wherein said second magnet is substantially aligned with said first magnet to a second position wherein said second magnet is misaligned with said first magnet, said displacement mechanism comprising:(i) a driven member connected to said frame for movement between a first position and a second position, said driven member having a pinion gear and a head portion connected to said pinion gear;(ii) a driving member operably associated with said driven member for rotating said driven member relative to said frame, said driving member including a rotatable shaft having a rack portion in engagement with said pinion gear to impart rotation to said pinion gear and to said head portion upon rotation of said rotatable shaft; and(iii) a connector link connected to said head portion of said driven member thereby interconnecting said driven member with said second magnet for controllably moving said second magnet toward said second position upon rotation of said driven member by said driving member.