SNOWBOARD BENCH

A snowboard bench and a method of using the same. The snowboard bench includes a footboard assembly and a backrest spaced a distance away from the footboard assembly. The footboard assembly includes a substantially horizontally-oriented platform and at least one ramp angling downwardly to the snow surface upon which the bench stands. A footboard extends outwardly away from the platform and is oriented at an angle relative to the platform. The snowboard bench may be positioned proximate a top of a chairlift. A snowboarder slides up a ramp and onto the platform with one foot strapped into a binding. They can hold onto provided handrails to steady themselves. The snowboarder may position their rear end against the backrest and place their snowboard on the angled footboard. Bending over they can strap their second foot into the snowboard's bindings and then slide down the ramp and back onto the snow.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to sporting equipment. More particularly, this disclosure is directed to snowboarding equipment. Specifically, this invention is a snowboard bench that aids in supporting the body of a snowboarder when they are getting into or out of the bindings on their snowboard.

Background Information

Skiers utilize two independent skis, each of which includes a binding for one of the skier's feet. A skier will typically put their skis on before heading up a mountain on a chairlift and when they exit the chairlift, they will simply ski off to their selected run.

Snowboards differ from skis in that both feet have to be strapped into bindings that are spaced a distance apart on the same board. It is far more challenging for a snowboarder to strap their feet into the bindings than is typically the case with skiers and skis. Snowboarders typically ride chairlifts with only one foot engaged in the front binding on the snowboard as this makes it easier for the snowboarder to get onto the chairlift. When the snowboarder exits the chairlift they have to rest their other foot against the back binding and slide a short distance away from the chairlift before they can engage their free foot in the back binding. The problem that ski resorts experience is that snowboarders, particularly inexperienced snowboards, tend not to travel too far away from the chairlift exit before they try and engage their free foot in the back binding. A lot of snowboarders will simply stand or sit down in the snow close to the chairlift exit in order to strap into their binding. This can cause a traffic jam close to the exit from the chairlift. The traffic jam presents a problem for skiers and snowboarders on subsequent chairs as they have to try and avoid the standing or sitting snowboarders. The chairlift operator may have to stop the movement of the chairlift to prevent possible injury to riders on the lift or people standing or sitting close to the chairlift exit.

SUMMARY

There is therefore a need in the art for an improved and safer way for snowboarders to strap into their bindings at a chairlift exit. The device of the present disclosure is a piece of equipment that can be utilized by for this purpose. The equipment takes the form of a bench that is able to be at least temporarily anchored in the ground (i.e., in the snow or ice located on a ski hill). The bench includes a frame with a backrest, a footboard, and a support handle. The snowboarder is able to place their snowboard on the footboard and rest their body against the backrest while bending over to engage or disengage the bindings. The support handle can be used to help the snowboarder stand back up and away from the backrest. The footboard includes one or two sloped surfaces that all the snowboarder to slide into or out of the bench.

The bench helps a snowboarder to balance easily and safely while engaging and disengaging bindings and therefore reduces the tendency to fall over while performing this task. The equipment helps to reduce the risk of injury when getting into or out of a snowboard. The bench is useful for novice snowboarders through to experienced snowboarders.

The present disclosure relates to a snowboard bench and a method of using the same. The snowboard bench includes a footboard assembly and a backrest spaced a distance away from the footboard assembly. The footboard assembly includes a substantially horizontally-oriented platform and at least one ramp angling downwardly to the snow surface upon which the bench stands. A footboard extends outwardly away from the platform and is oriented at an angle relative to the platform. The snowboard bench may be positioned proximate a top of a chairlift. A snowboarder slides up a ramp and onto the platform with one foot strapped into a binding. They can hold onto provided handrails to steady themselves. The snowboarder may position their rear end against the backrest and place their snowboard on the angled footboard. Bending over they can strap their second foot into the snowboard's bindings and then slide down the ramp and back onto the snow.

In one aspect, the present disclosure may provide a snowboard bench comprising a footboard assembly and a backrest spaced a distance away from the footboard assembly; wherein said footboard assembly includes a platform oriented substantially horizontally; a ramp extending outwardly from the platform in a first direction; said ramp being inclined downwardly away from the platform and towards a remote surface upon which the snowboard bench rests; and a footboard extending outwardly from the platform in a second direction, said footboard being oriented at an angle relative to the platform.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a method of strapping on snowboard bindings or removing snowboard bindings comprising strapping a snowboarder's first foot into a first binding on a snowboard while leaving the snowboarder's second foot free of a second binding on the snowboard; sliding, on the snowboard, up a first ramp of a snowboard bench and onto a horizontally oriented platform provided on the snowboard bench; resting the snowboarder's rear end against a backrest of the snowboard bench, where the backrest is oriented at a first angle relative to the platform; placing the snowboard onto a footboard of the snowboard bench, where the footboard is inclined at a second angle relative to the platform; bending over and strapping the snowboarder's second foot into the second binding on the snowboard; placing the snowboard back onto the platform; and sliding down a first ramp or down a second ramp of the snowboard bench with the snowboard and onto a snow surface upon which the snowboard bench rests. The method may further comprise grasping a handrail extending outwardly from the backrest when sliding onto the first ramp or when sliding off of the first ramp or the second ramp. The method may further comprise grasping a portion of a handle placed a distance longitudinally in front of the backrest when sliding onto the first ramp or when sliding off of the first ramp or the second ramp.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a method of clearing congestion proximate a top or a bottom of a chairlift on a ski hill; said method comprising providing one or more snowboarding benches a distance from the top or the bottom of the chairlift; directing snowboarders towards the one or more snowboarding benches when provided at the bottom of the chairlift to strap a first foot into a first binding on their snowboards; or directing snowboarders towards the one or more snowboarding benches when provided at the top of the chairlift to strap a second foot into a second binding on their snowboards. The method may further comprise providing graphic or textual information of interest to the snowboarders on a top plate of a backrest provided on each of the one or more snowboard benches. The method may further comprise positioning the top plate on each of the one or more snowboard benches at a height that is located a distance above heads of most adult snowboarders. The method may further comprise linking the one or more snowboard benches to each other; and towing the linked one or more snowboard benches from the bottom of the chairlift up the ski hill and to the top of the chairlift. The method may further include anchoring the one or more snowboard benches in place at the bottom of the chairlift or at the top of the chairlift.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS. 1-18, there is shown a snowboard bench in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, generally indicated at10. Bench10, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, comprises a base12, a backrest14and a handle16. Backrest14and handle16are selectively engageable with base12, as will be later described herein.

Base12includes a frame assembly18, a footboard assembly20, and a support assembly22.

Referring primarily toFIGS. 2 and 7, frame assembly18includes a first rail18aand a second rail18bthat are longitudinally oriented and generally parallel to each other. First and second rails18a,18bare laterally spaced a distance “D” (FIG. 3) apart from each other with that distance being approximately 21.5 inches. A first crossbar18c, a second crossbar18d, and a third crossbar18eextend laterally between first and second rails18a,18b. A first support rail18fand a second support rail18gextends longitudinally between first and second crossbars18c,18d. First and second support rails18f,18gare located between first and second rails18a,18band may be generally parallel to first and second rails18a,18b. A front end of first rail18acurves upwardly and forms a first front upright18h. Similarly, a front end of second rail18bcurves upwardly and forms a second front upright18j. It will be understood that first front upright18hand second front upright18jmay be formed by engaging an elbow piece onto a first end of first rail18aand second rail18b, respectively. Alternatively, first front upright18hand first rail18amay be part of an integrally formed single component that has a straight section that is the first rail18aand is bent at one end to form the curve of the first front upright18h. Similarly second front upright18jand second rail18bmay be part of an integrally formed single component that has a straight section that is the second rail18band is bent at one end to form the curve of the second front upright18j. As shown inFIG. 2, first front upright18hmay define a bore18h′ therein and second front upright18jmay define a bore18j′ therein.

A first rear upright18kmay extend upwardly from first rail18aa distance rearwardly of first front upright18hand a second rear upright18mmay extend upwardly from second rail18ba distance rearwardly of second front upright18j. As is evident fromFIG. 2, first rear upright18kand second rear upright18mextends further upwardly away from first and second rails18a,18b, respectively, than do first front upright18hand second front upright18j. As shown inFIG. 2, first rear upright18kmay define a bore18k′ therein and second rear upright18mmay define a bore18m′ therein.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure each of the first and second rear uprights18k,18mincludes a lower section that is oriented generally at an angle “A” (FIG. 3) relative to the respective first or second rail18a,18b. The lower section of first rear upright18kis identified inFIG. 1by the reference number18k1. First and second uprights18k,18malso each include an upper section that is oriented at an angle “B” (FIG. 4) relative to the respective first or second rail18a,18b. The upper section of first rear upright18kis identified inFIG. 1by the reference number18k2. The angle “A” may be about ninety degrees while the angle “B” may be from about 95° up to about 100°. Preferably, the angle “B” is about 98°. The purpose of the angle “B” will be disclosed later herein.

A crossbar18nextends between first rear upright18kand second rear upright18m. In particular, crossbar18nmay extend between the upper sections of the first and second rear uprights18k,18m.

The second end of first rail18acurves upwardly and connects to first rear upright18kthereby forming a first bracing member18r. First bracing member18rmay connect to the upper section18k1of first rear upright18k. The second end of second rail18bcurves upwardly and connects to rear second upright18mthereby forming a second bracing member18s. Second bracing member18smay connect to the upper section (unnumbered) of second rear upright18m. It will be understood that first bracing member18rand second bracing member18smay be formed by engaging an elbow piece onto a second end of first rail18aand second rail18b, respectively. Alternatively, first bracing member18rand first rail18amay be part of an integrally formed single component that has a straight section that is the first rail18aand is bent at one end to form the curve of the first bracing member18r. Similarly, second bracing member18sand second rail18bmay be part of an integrally formed single component that has a straight section that is the second rail18band is bent at one end to form the curve of the second bracing member18s. First and second bracing members18r,18sare aligned with first and second rails18a,18band are also spaced the distance “D” (FIG. 8) laterally apart from each other.

Footboard assembly20comprises a platform24, a footboard26, an inclined first ramp28, and an inclined second ramp30. Platform24has an upper surface24a, a lower surface24b(FIG. 8), a first end24c, a second end24d, a first side24e, and a second side24f. Footboard26has an upper surface26a, a lower surface26b(FIG. 8), a first end26c, a second end26d, a first side26e, and a second side26f. First ramp28has an upper surface28a, a lower surface28b(FIG. 8), a first end28c, a second end28d, a first side28e, and a second side28f. Second ramp30has an upper surface30a, a lower surface30b(FIG. 8), a first end30c, a second end30d, a first side30e, and a second side30f. The platform24and footboard26are secured to frame assembly18by way of a plurality of fasteners32. Fasteners32may be bolts and nuts, where the bolts pass through aligned holes in the platform24or footboard26and in the associated members of the frame assembly18that are positioned beneath platform24or footboard26. Nuts may be used to secure the bolts in place.FIG. 2shows a plurality of bolts being used as fasteners and also shows holes defined in the frame members of frame assembly18to receive those bolts. Preferably, fasteners32may be embedded in platform24and footboard26so that they do not present any sharp edges that might damage snowboards that slide onto and off of platform24or are positioned on footboard26. Alternatively, fasteners32may be countersunk into the material from which platform24and footboard26are fabricated.

Alternatively, rivets may be utilized as fasteners32. In other instances, platform24and/or footboard26may be adhered to frame assembly18using an adhesive or they may be welded to frame assembly18.

When footboard assembly20is assembled, platform24is substantially horizontally oriented and is spaced a distance above the surface of the snow “S” (FIG. 6) upon which base12stands. Footboard26is positioned at an angle relative to platform24. In particular, front surface26aof footboard26is positioned at an angle “C” (FIG. 4) relative to the upper surface24aof platform24. The angle “C” may be from about 10° up to about 30°. Preferably, the angle “C” may be about 20°. The angle “C” is one that is suitable for a snowboarder to retain their snowboard at a suitable angle to easily reach over and strap into their snowboard bindings while the snowboarder is resting their rear end on the backrest14. This will be described later herein.

First ramp28and second ramp30may be formed as integral parts of platform24. In other words, a single unitary, monolithic sheet of material may be provided and sections of this single sheet may be bent to form first ramp28and second ramp30. First ramp28may angle downwardly away from platform24in a first direction and towards the snow “S” upon which base12rests. Second ramp30is engaged on an opposite side of platform24from first ramp28. Second ramp30may angle downwardly away from platform24in a second direction and towards the snow “S” upon which base12rests. However, instead of platform24, first ramp28and second ramp30being fabricated from a single sheet of material, first ramp28may be engaged with platform24via one or more first hinges34and second ramp30may be engaged with platform24via one or more second hinges36. This arrangement is illustrated inFIGS. 1-18. First and second hinges34,36may permit the angle of the first and second ramps28,30relative to platform24to be readily adjusted to suit the snow surface “S” upon which base12rests. The angle of first ramp28or second ramp30relative to platform24is identified inFIG. 6as the angle “E”. The angle “E” may be from about 100° up to about 120° relative to upper surface24aof platform24.

First ramp28is provided for a snowboarder to slide off the snow surface “S” and onto platform24and second ramp30is provided for a snowboarder to slide off platform24and back onto snow surface “S”.

As shown inFIG. 3, backrest14, comprises a frame38that is selectively engageable with frame assembly18, a back plate40, and a top plate42. Frame38comprises a first generally rectangular region and a second generally rectangular region. The first generally rectangular region is engaged with frame assembly18and the second generally rectangular region extends upwardly from the first generally rectangular region. The second generally rectangular region may be smaller in size than the first generally rectangular region.

The first generally rectangular region comprises a first member38aand a second member38bthat are oriented substantially parallel to each other and are located a distance “D” (FIG. 8) laterally apart from each other. First and second members38a,38bare generally vertically oriented. A lower end of first member38ais dimensioned to be received in the bore18k′ of first rear upright18kof frame assembly18; and a lower end of second member8bis dimensioned to be received in the bore18m′ of second rear upright18mof frame assembly18. (It will be understood that in other examples of snowboard bench10, a bore may be defined in each of the first and second members38a,38b, and the upper ends of the first rear upright and the second rear upright may be dimensioned to be received within the bores of the first and second members38a,38b.)

An upper crossbar38cand a lower crossbar38dconnect first and second members38a,38btogether. Upper crossbar38cis located proximate an upper end of each of the first and second members38a,38b. Lower crossbar38dis located proximate a lower end of each of the first and second members38a,38b. Upper and lower crossbars38c,38dmay be generally parallel to each other and spaced vertically a distance apart. A first handrail38eextends outwardly and forwardly from first member38aand a second handrail38fextends outwardly and forwardly from second member38b. As can be seen inFIG. 5, each of the first handrail38eand the second handrail38fis oriented at an angle “F” relative to the respective first member38aor second member38b. Additionally, each of the first handrail38eand second handrail38fis oriented at the angle “F” relative to back plate40. The angle “F” may be from about 130° up to about 140°. Preferably, the angle “F” may be about 135°. The angle “F” may be sufficient to allow a snowboarder to easily enter or exit the space defined between backrest14and handle16without first or second handrails38e,38fpresenting an obstruction that may cause the snowboarder to awkwardly angle their body or inadvertently contact their body and hurt themselves. The angling of the handrails38e,38falso positions the handrails in a suitable location on snowboard bench10that enables the snowboarder to grasps the respective handrail38eor38fbefore they slide up one of the inclined first or second ramps28,30and hang onto and push off the opposite handrail38eor38fwhen they slide down the other of inclined first or second ramps28,30. If a snowboarder starts to slide across the back plate40while leaning against the same, then handrails38e,38fwill tend to stop the snowboarder from sliding off of the unit and falling. Each handrail38e,38fhas an upper end and a lower end. The lower ends of handrails38e,38fare spaced a distance “D1” laterally apart from each other while the upper ends of the handrails38e,38fare spaced a distance “D2” laterally apart. The distance “D” between first and second members38a,38bis smaller than the distance “D2” between the upper ends of handrails38e,38f, which in turn is smaller than the distance “D1” between the lower ends of the handrails38e,38f.

Back plate40has a front surface40a, a rear surface40b(FIG. 3), a top edge40c, a bottom edge40d, a first side40e, and a second side40f. Rear surface40bis in abutting contact with first and second members38a,38b. Top edge40cis secured to first crossbar38c, bottom edge40dis secured to second crossbar38d, first side40eis secured to first member38aand second side40fis secured to second member40a. Back plate40is engaged with first and second frame members38a,38band first and second crossbars38c,38dutilizing fasteners44. Fasteners44, like fasteners32, may be bolts and associated nuts, rivets, or any other similar device. Alternatively, back plate40may be adhered to frame members38a,38b, and/or crossbars38c,38dby an adhesive or by welding. Back plate40is located at a height that is suitable for snowboarders to rest their rear ends against when strapping into their snowboard bindings (as is illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10).

As best seen inFIG. 3, the second generally rectangular region of frame38comprises a first member46a, a second member46b, and a crossbar46c. First and second members46a,46bare generally parallel to each other and are spaced a distance apart from each other. A lower end of each of the first member46aand the second member46bis engaged with first crossbar38cand the first and second members46a,46bextend upwardly away from first crossbar38c.

FIG. 2shows that top plate42may include a base member42aand a cover42b. Base member42ais secured to first and second members46a,46b, and crossbar46cutilizing fasteners48. Fasteners48may be bolts and nuts, rivets etc. Alternatively, base member42amay be glued or welded to first and second members46a,46b, and crossbar46c.

Cover42bmay be selectively engaged with base member42aby connectors50. Advertising copy, maps, or other information (generally indicated by the number52) may be inserted between base member42aand cover42b. Cover42bmay be fabricated from a transparent material, such as PLEXIGLAS®, so that advertising or information is readily visible therethrough. (PLEZIGLAS® is a registered trademark of Rohm & Haas Company of Philadelphia, Pa., USA.)

As disclosed earlier herein with reference toFIG. 4, first and second uprights18k,18meach include an upper section that is oriented at angle “B” (FIG. 4) relative to the respective first or second rail18a,18b. When backrest18is engaged with frame assembly14, first and second members38a,38b, and therefore back plate40are oriented at the angle “B” relative to first or second rail18a,18b. As is further evident fromFIG. 4, the first and second members46a,46band thereby top plate42are oriented at an angle “G” relative to first and second members38a,38band therefore to back plate40. Furthermore, first and second members46a,46b, and top plate42are oriented generally at right angles to first and second members18a,18b. Still further, first and second members46a,46band top plate42are oriented substantially parallel to first and second rear uprights18k,18m. First and second members46a,46b, top plate42and first and second rear uprights18k,18mare substantially vertical in their orientation.

In accordance with one aspect of the snowboard bench10, the overall height “H” (FIG. 4) of the bench10from first and second rails18a,18bto a top end42c,46cof top plate42is from about 80 inches up to about 90 inches in height. Preferably, height “H” is at least about 84 inches. The height “H” may be sufficient to permit substantially the entire top plate42to be viewable from a distance. This ensures that a snowboarder exiting a chairlift will be readily able to locate one or more snowboard benches10over the heads of skiers and snowboarders who have exited the chairlift in front of them. This helps ensure that people who need to locate a snowboard bench10to assist them in strapping into their bindings will be able to quickly and easily locate the equipment. The height “H” is also sufficient to ensure that advertising, maps, and other information52displayed on top plate42can be readily seen when snowboard bench10is being used by a snowboarder.

The length “L” (FIG. 4) of snowboard bench10as measured from a forwardmost region of handle16and a rearmost region of frame assembly18may be from about 50 inches up to about 60 inches and preferably may be around 55 inches. A gap11is defined between backrest14and handle16and this gap11is of a size sufficient to enable an adult snowboarder70to enter, utilize, and exit snowboard bench10.

Handle16may be a generally U-shaped member that is engageable with first and second front uprights18h,18j. Handle16may be comprised of a first section16aand a second section16bthat are oriented substantially parallel to each other and spaced a distance laterally apart from each other. First and second sections16a,16bmay be spaced the distance “D” apart from each other and be generally aligned with first and second rails18a,18bwhen handle16is engaged with frame assembly18. A crossbar16cmay extend between first and second sections16a,16b. As is evident fromFIGS. 1 and 4, a top portion of each of first and second sections16a,16bis inclined at an angle “J” relative to a remaining portion of the first and second sections16a,16b. The angle “J” is from about 40° up to about 50° relative to the vertically-oriented remaining portions of the first and second sections16a,16b. In particular, the angle “J” may be about 45° relative to the remaining portions. As shown inFIG. 3, the top portion of first section16ais indicated by the reference character16a′ and the top portion of second section16bis indicated by the reference character16b′. The crossbar16cextends between top portion16a′ and top portion16b′. The top portions16a′,16b′ and crossbar16cangle away from over footboard26. This ensures that a snowboarder in snowboard bench10can bend over and strap into their bindings or get out of their bindings without hitting their head on crossbar16c(seeFIGS. 9 and 10) Crossbar16cis still positioned, however, so that the snowboarder can grab hold of crossbar16cto steady themselves, should this prove necessary.

As indicated earlier herein and in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, snowboard bench10may be provided with support assembly22. Support assembly22make take a number of different forms. InFIGS. 1 through 6, support assembly may comprise a pair of bracing members54. Each bracing member54may be fixedly engaged to one of the first or second rear uprights18kor18mas shown inFIG. 3. In particular, each bracing member54may be welded to one of first or second rear uprights18k,18m. Each bracing member54may comprise a pair of longitudinally spaced apart, triangularly-shaped plates54a,54bthat are connected to each other by a connector plate54c. Connector plate54cmay extend outwardly beyond the lowermost, outer corner of each triangularly-shaped plate54a,54bfor a short distance. Connector plate54cis positioned to rest upon the snow surface “S” and is generally located in the same plane as the bottom regions of first and second rails18a,18b. Bracing members54help to stabilize snowboard bench10against a lateral rocking motion as a snowboarder slides on and off first and second ramps28,30. The distance between the outermost ends54c′ of the two connector plates54cis indicated inFIG. 5as the distance “D3”. Distance “D3” is greater than any of the distances “D”, “D1”, or “D2”. Distance “D3” may be about 43 inches.FIG. 5also shows that the outermost ends of the two connector plates54care located laterally outwardly beyond the edges28e,30fof first and second ramps28,30.

FIG. 8shows an alternative embodiment of bracing member. The alternative embodiment of bracing member is indicated by the reference character154. Bracing members154are substantially identical to bracing members54except that in addition to a pair of spaced-apart, triangularly shaped plates, the connector plate154cincludes a tapered spike156that extends downwardly from a lower surface of connector plate154c. Instead of simply resting upon the surface of snow “S”, spikes156get driven a distance into the snow “S”, thereby more effectively anchoring snowboard bench10in place. All other aspects of snowboard bench shown inFIG. 8are substantially identical with the snowboard bench shown inFIGS. 1-7.

FIG. 13shows an alternative support member that is utilized to help prevent snowboard bench from laterally rocking side to side as snowboarders slide on and off first and second ramps28,30. In this instance, a pair of support plates258are provided on frame assembly18instead of the pair of bracing members56. All other components on the snowboard bench are substantially identical with what is illustrated on the snowboard bench shown inFIGS. 1-7. Each support plate258is secured to one of the first and second rails18a,18bin a location forwardly of the respective first ramp28or second ramp30. Support plates258are secured to the associated first or second rails18a,18bby welding, or any other suitable means. Each support plate258may be generally horizontally oriented so as to be able to rest upon the surface of snow “S” upon which snowboard bench is placed. Support plates258may be generally a truncated-triangular shape and may include an upturned flange258apositioned toward a front region of each plate258. A tapered spike260may be provided on an underside of each support plate258, i.e., on the surface of the support plate258that will be placed in contact with the snow upon which the snowboard bench10sits. When the snowboard bench is placed on the snow surface the spikes260are driven into the snow and the support plates258rest on the surface and thereby help to anchor the snowboard bench in place and to aid in preventing it from rocking from side to side during use.

FIG. 16shows the snowboard bench10that has been modified by providing a pair of rings62either on handle16or on frame assembly18or positioned between handle16and frame assembly18. Rings62may be provided proximate the lowermost ends of first and second sections16a,16b. Alternatively, rings62may be provided on first and second front uprights18h,18j. Still further, rings62may, instead, be provided on mounting members that are interposed between the lowermost ends of first and second sections16a,16band first and second front uprights16a,16b. Rings62may be used to thread a chain or rope therethrough to secure snowboard bench10to an anchoring member, such as pole. In some instances, first and second front uprights18h,18jmay be formed to include corners18t(FIG. 17) that are larger and more gently curved than the smaller, more tightly-curved corners18t′ shown in the snowboard bench ofFIG. 9. In particular, a front end of each of the first rail18aand the second rail18bcurves through a corner and forms a front upright (18h,18j) and these corners have a curvature that is suitable for enabling the frame assembly18and thereby the snowboard bench10′ to slide across a snow or ice surface “S” when towed. The bigger, gentle corners18ton the snowboard bench10enable the snowboard bench10to be pulled up a ski-hill behind a towing vehicle. This can be accomplished by placing a chain through rings62of a first snowboard bench and then attaching the chain to the towing vehicle. The first and second ramps28,30on the snowboard bench10may be pivoted about the respective hinges34,36to a position where the ramps are oriented substantially vertically relative to upper surface24aof platform24or are pivoted so they lie onto upper surface24a. The vehicle may then be driven up the ski-hill to a location proximate an exit of one of the chairlifts.

Several snowboard benches10may be towed, one behind the other, by placing a chain through the bracing members18r,18sof a first snowboard bench10then through the rings62of a second snowboard bench10. A second chain may be passed through the bracing members18r,18sof the second snowboard bench10and then through rings62of a third snowboard bench, and so on. The plurality of chained snowboard benches can then be towed behind a vehicle and up to the top of the ski hill. (At the end of the snowboarding season, the snowboard benches can be towed back to the bottom of the hill.)

Multiple snowboard benches can be connected together in a side-by-side arrangement by passing a single chain through rings62of multiple snowboard benches or by passing a single chain through the bracing members18r,18sof multiple snowboard benches. This may be helpful when securing the snowboard benches10in a location in the off-season, for example, or at any other time. Individual snowboard benches10can also be secured in desired locations at a top or a bottom of a ski-hill or adjacent ski chalets etc. utilizing chains that are passed through rings62and/or through bracing members18r,18sor around portions of backrest14.

FIGS. 16 and 17shows a pivotable support plate354mounted to first and second rails18a,18band by arms356to backrest16. One or more hinges358(FIG. 17) secure an end of each support plate354to the respective first or second rails18a,18bor the bracing members18r,18sextending rearwardly therefrom.FIG. 16shows that an optional spike360may be provided on each support plate354. The spike360may be permanently secured to the underside of the respective support plate354or may be removably engaged therewith. Arms356may pivot and/or telescope as indicated by the arrows to move the support plates354between a deployed position, shown inFIGS. 16 and 18, and a storage or towing position shown inFIG. 17.

FIGS. 9 and 10show a snowboarder70with their snowboard72placed onto the upper surface26aof footboard26and with the snowboarder70resting their rear end70aagainst the front surface40aof back plate40. The relative orientations of footboard26and back plate40help ensure that the snowboarder70can bend over and strap their feet into the bindings on snowboard72or remove their feet from the bindings without falling over. The orientation of the top portion of handle16(that includes portions16a′,16b′ and crossbar16c) relative to the remaining portion of the handle16, helps to ensure that snowboarder70will not hit their head70bwhen bending down or standing up.FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, show snowboarder70standing on their snowboard72on platform24of snowboard bench10. The snowboarder70can readily balance on their snowboard72on platform24after entering the gap between backrest14and handle16to strap into their bindings or after strapping into the bindings and prior to exiting snowboard bench10.

FIG. 15shows snowboarder70holding onto first handrail38eand first section16ain order to steady himself while sliding up first ramp28. The angle of first handrail38erelative to first member38ahelps to ensure that snowboard70can grasp first handrail38ebefore beginning to move up first ramp28. The angle also helps to ensure that there are no obstructions in the snowboarder's way as he slides up first ramp28. The snowboarder70can similarly hold onto second handrail38fand second section16bwhen sliding down second ramp30. It will be understood that snowboarder70enter the gap between backrest14and handle16by sliding up first ramp28or by sliding up second ramp30. Similarly, snowboarder70can exit the gap between backrest14and handle16by sliding down first ramp28or by sliding down second ramp30.

Frame assembly18, handrail16, and the frame38of backrest14may be fabricated from a strong, rigid material such as metal. Stainless steel or aluminum may be suitable metals for the fabrication of frame assembly18, handrail16and frame38.

The components of footboard assembly20, particularly, platform24, footboard26, and first and second ramps28,30may be fabricated from a material such as polypropylene or metal. Polypropylene is durable, strong, and may be provided in a single molded piece to form platform24and first and second ramps28,30, as has been described earlier herein.

Top plate42may be fabricated from a variety of different materials, including but not limited to utilizing a wood, metal, or plastic base member42aand a PLEXIGLAS® or other transparent material as cover42b. Graphic and textual information of interest to snowboarders, skiers, and others at the ski hill, may be provided directly on base member42aor may be provided as an insert made of paper, plastic or any other material that is selectively positioned between base member42aand cover42b. If the graphic or textual information is provided directly on base member42a, the cover42bmay be positioned over that information or may be omitted. The graphic or textual information may include advertising, information about upcoming events, safety information, and maps and so on.