Patent Publication Number: US-2005121480-A1

Title: Systems and methods for providing a self-arresting device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/503,139 filed Sep. 15, 2003, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A SELF-ARRESTING DEVICE, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/528,114 filed Dec. 8, 2003, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A SELF-ARRESTING DEVICE. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a self-arresting device. In particular, the present invention relates to providing a self-arresting device configured for use on snowy/icy slopes.  
      2. Background and Related Art  
      Skiers currently have the option of using self-arresting ski poles. While this is a viable alternative for skiers, utilization of ski poles is not practical for snowboarders. Accordingly, snowboarders typically don&#39;t have anything in their hands when they snowboard. Instead, the snowboarders use their free hands to occasionally drag the snow when they make their turns.  
      Thus, while self-arresting devices currently exist that are used to allow a skier to self arrest, a viable option for snowboarders does not exist. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace current techniques with other techniques.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a self-arresting device. In particular, the present invention relates to providing a self-arresting device configured for use on snowy/icy slopes.  
      Implementation of the present invention takes place in association with a self-arresting device for use on icy/snowy slopes. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for allowing a user (e.g., a snow boarder) on a steep icy/snowy slope to stop the user as he/she is falling or otherwise uncontrollably sliding down the slope. The self-arresting device includes a handle that is coupled to a head, which is configured to dig into the steep icy/snowy slope, an arm brace that prevents the device from escaping the user&#39;s hand while in use, and straps to further couple the device to the user. The head is comprised of a material that can withstand the load exerted onto the self-arresting device (e.g., high strength aluminum, steel, graphite, fiberglass, a high strength polymer, another metal, a metal alloy, or another material). The arm brace also comprises a material that can withstand a load exerted on the self-arresting device (e.g., spring stainless steel, high strength aluminum, steel, graphite, fiberglass, a high strength polymer, another metal, a metal alloy, or another material). Thus, a snow-boarder is able to self-arrest or otherwise stop himself/herself by placing force on the device, causing the head to dig into the icy/snowy slope and stop the user&#39;s fall or uncontrollable slide and/or reduce injury.  
      While the methods and processes of the present invention have proven to be particularly useful in the area of providing a self-arresting device for snowboarders, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the methods and processes can be used in a variety of different applications and in a variety of different areas of manufacture to yield a self-arresting device for a user, such as a hiker, climber, etc.  
      These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a representative self-arresting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  illustrates the representative device coupled to a user;  
       FIG. 3  illustrates another representative self-arresting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of the representative embodiment of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 5A  illustrates another representative self-arresting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 5B  illustrates the head configuration of the embodiment of  FIG. 5A ;  
       FIG. 6  illustrates another representative self-arresting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 7  illustrates another representative self-arresting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 8  illustrates the representative embodiment of  FIG. 7  without an arm brace;  
       FIG. 9  illustrates another representative self-arresting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and  
       FIG. 10  illustrates another representative self-arresting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a self-arresting device. In particular, the present invention relates to providing a self-arresting device configured for use on snowy/icy slopes.  
      In the disclosure and in the claims the term “self-arresting” shall refer to slowing down or stopping oneself.  
      Embodiments of the present invention take place in association with a self-arresting device for use on icy/snowy slopes. In particular, some embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for allowing a user (e.g., a snow boarder, hiker, etc.) on a steep icy/snowy slope to stop himself/herself as he/she is falling down the slope. In at least some embodiments, the self-arresting device includes a handle that is coupled to a head, which is configured to dig into the steep icy/snowy slope, an arm brace that prevents the device from escaping the user&#39;s hand while in use, and straps to further couple the device to the user. In one embodiment the head is comprised of high strength aluminum and the arm brace comprises spring stainless steel. Thus, a user when he/she is going down an icy/snowy slope in the back country, the user is able to self-arrest or otherwise stop himself/herself by placing force on the device, causing the head to dig into the slope and stop the user&#39;s fall or uncontrollable slide and/or reduce injury.  
      Skiers and snowboarders participate in snow related activities year-round if the weather conditions permit. Much of the activity is performed at developed ski and snowboard resorts where the terrain is fairly benign and the risk of injury is minimized. In addition, hikers are usually out in the mountains early in the spring and continue their hiking activities until late fall. This hiking activity is usually done on conditioned hiking trails where risk of injury may only be a sprained ankle or a broken bone of some kind. However, an ever increasing number of individuals can be found skiing, snowboarding, hiking or otherwise endeavoring dangerous snow and/or ice covered areas where the conditions constitute extreme risk of severe injury or even death.  
      One type of this extreme risk results when skiers, snowboarders or hikers venture onto steep snow-covered slopes without adequate means to stop themselves if they should somehow fall and begin to uncontrollably slide down the mountain.  
      Areas where this dangerous terrain exists can be within ski area boundaries or just outside of ski area boundaries. For example, where the skier or snowboarder may use the ski lift to get as high on the mountain as possible, then begin hiking even higher (across ski area boundaries) to the more steep and extreme areas of the mountain. In addition, dangerous areas are even more abundant in almost all mountainous areas around the world. These areas are accessed by skiers, snowboarders and hikers alike.  
      Death or serious injury is usually caused when a skier, snowboarder, or hiker falls while attempting to climb up or descend down a slope. Some falls are as harmless as losing one&#39;s balance and falling over onto the slope. This type of fall, while usually not dangerous in other less extreme conditions, can escalate into a life-threatening situation within seconds. This occurs, for example, when the falling person begins to uncontrollably slide on the slick slope and has no way to stop (arrest) himself/herself from this slide. Speed increases rapidly, often resulting in tumbling, rolling, bouncing, and then breaking of bones and/or tearing of muscles. If the slope ends in a cliff, the falling person usually slides off the cliff at high speeds and is launched into the air, only to meet with death upon impact. If the slope ends in rock fields or trees, the falling person can be seriously injured or killed upon impact with any of these objects. If the snowfield is littered with trees, rocks, ice chunks, etc. a sliding person can hit the debris or slide over it, once again causing injury or death.  
      This risk of injury and death can be brought about and increased by the presence of one or more of the following factors: (i) steep snow-covered terrain; (ii) hard and compacted snow conditions; (iii) the presence of ice; (iv) terrain at the end of the snowfield; and/or (v) debris scattered within the snowfield.  
      Embodiments of the present invention enable users to stop or slow down when falling or sliding down a snow or ice covered mountain, thereby helping them avoid serious injury and death. This process of stopping while falling or sliding is typically called a “self arrest”. At least some embodiments of the present invention can be operated effectively with one hand. Other embodiments include having the user employ a self-arresting device with both hands independently. Further, some embodiments include a wrist or forearm brace that allows significant pressure to be brought to bear on the device, thereby bringing the sliding person to a stop. In some embodiments the brace is detachable to enable an interchange of components. Further, at least some devices of the present invention are small, compact and not bulky. Moreover, in at least some embodiments, no long shaft, which is normally associated with traditional ice axes or self-arresting ski poles, is included to further allow the user freedom of movement.  
      A device of the present invention may be used by snowboarders, hikers, climbers, etc. who choose not to carry an ice axe but still desire safety and desire a device that is lighter and more compact than contemporary technologies. In some embodiments, the device is used by snowboarders as it fits easily into the user&#39;s hand and allows the user to still have the use of his/her hands if desired, until the device is needed in the event of a fall or a slide.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 1 , a representative self-arresting device is provided. In  FIG. 1 , device  10  includes handle  12 , head  14 , protrusions  16 , pad  18 , strap  20 , and strap  22 . In the illustrated embodiment, handle  12  is easily gripped by the user&#39;s hand. A wrist strap  22  extends from the handle and is configured to wrap around the wrist of user  30  ( FIG. 2 ). Head  14  may include a variety of different configurations, such as a pick configuration ( FIG. 1 ), an adze configuration, a multiple pick or surface configuration, a claw configuration, and/or another configuration to aid in self-arresting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention embrace a variety of head configurations, including any type of geometric configuration that provides a surface area for use in self-arresting.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of head  14  extends into the handle, giving device  10  increased strength. In another embodiment, handle  12  and head  14  are a single component. A forearm brace extends from head  14  and in the illustrated embodiment includes protrusions  16 , pad  18 , and strap  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, protrusions  16  are pivotably coupled to head  14  to enable head  14  to transition between a non-use position to a ready or use position. In the non-use position, the wrist brace may fold down against the blade, allowing it to lay flat (more compact) for packing, carrying, or storing or for keeping the blade out of the way when snowboarding, hiking, climbing or otherwise endeavoring. When device  10  is coupled to the user, but is in a non-use position, the snowboarder may continue to freely use his/her hands as needed or desired, and can quickly grab onto handle  12  when needed. In some embodiments, the forearm or wrist brace is detachable to allow the user to operate the device without the brace if desired. Pad  18  is coupled to protrusions  16 , thereby padding the arm of the user  30  ( FIG. 2 ). Pad  18  diffuses the force of a slide/self-arrest along a greater portion of the user&#39;s arm, protecting the arm against bruising or breaking when the device is engaged against or into the snow or ice. In the illustrated embodiment, strap  20  is coupled to wrist pad  18 , allowing the user to secure the device to his/her arm so that the user&#39;s hands can remain free until the device is needed for safety. Further straps  20  and/or  22  facilitate placing device  10  in a ready position.  
      In some embodiments, device  10  is a portable, collapsible self-arresting device that may be packed in a hiker&#39;s or snowboarder&#39;s backpack, attached to the outside of a backpack, stuck into a pocket, etc. When the user of the device comes upon a snow or ice field where safety from falling and uncontrollably sliding is a concern, the user removes the device from where it is being stored/carried and quickly protects himself/herself by coupling the device onto the user&#39;s arm and/or hand, such as is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Utilization of device  10  can allow user  30  to feel more protected from the effects of uncontrollably slipping or sliding on the snow or ice. User  30  may then proceed on to steeper terrain, for example, where the user would not be able to self-arrest without device  10 . In  FIGS. 3-4  another representative embodiment is illustrated in accordance with the present invention, wherein the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-4  does not include a strap coupled to pad  18 .  
      As provided above, embodiments of the present invention embrace a variety of configurations for a self-arresting device head. For example, with reference now to  FIGS. 5A-5B , a blade or adze configuration is illustrated as head  40 . The adze configuration allows for increased surface area to self-arrest. Alternatively, the pick configuration of head  14  ( FIG. 1 ) allows increased penetration into the snow/ice.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 6  another embodiment is illustrated. In some embodiments, the head of the self-arresting device is selectively detachable to allow a user to determine which head to use. In some environments it is advantageous to have a head penetrate the snow/ice surface to self-arrest, whereas other environments allow for self-arresting based upon friction caused by force on a surface area.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 7 , another embodiment is illustrated. In  FIG. 7 , the illustrated self-arresting device includes handle  12 , head  50 , protrusions  16 , and pad  18 . As discussed above, a head may include a variety of different configurations. For example, head  50  includes a pick configuration portion  52  and an adze configuration portion  54 . For example, in at least one embodiment, portion  52  provides increased penetration, while portion  54  provides increased surface area to aide in the process to self-arrest. In the illustrated embodiment, handle  12  is easily gripped by the user&#39;s hand. A wrist strap (not shown) may extend from the handle and be configured to wrap around the wrist of a user.  
      In at least some embodiments, a portion of head  50  extends into or the length of handle  12 , giving the self-arresting device increased strength. In another embodiment, handle  12  and head  50  are a single component. A forearm brace may extends from head  50  or handle  12 , and may include protrusions  16 , pad  18 , and one or more straps (not shown). In at least some embodiments, protrusions  16  are pivotably coupled to head  50  to enable head  50  to transition between a non-use position to a ready or use position.  
      In some embodiments, the forearm or wrist brace is detachable to allow the user to operate the device without the brace if desired. For example, with reference to  FIG. 8  the embodiment of  FIG. 7  is provided without an arm brace.  
      In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a head of a self-arresting device may include a variety of configurations or combinations of configurations. For example, with reference now to  FIG. 9 , another representative embodiment is illustrated. In  FIG. 9 , the illustrated self-arresting device includes handle  12  and head  60 , which includes an adze configuration portion  62  and a pick configuration portion  64 . For example, in at least one embodiment, portion  64  provides increased penetration, while portion  62  provides increased surface area to aide in the process to self-arrest. In the illustrated embodiment, handle  12  is easily gripped by the user&#39;s hand. A wrist strap (not shown) may extend from the handle and be configured to wrap around the wrist of a user.  
      In at least some embodiments, a portion of head  60  extends into or the length of handle  12 , giving the self-arresting device increased strength. In another embodiment, handle  12  and head  60  are a single component. A forearm brace may extends from head  60  or handle  12 , and may include protrusions, a pad, and one or more straps. In at least some embodiments, protrusions  16  are pivotably coupled to head  60  to enable head  60  to transition between a non-use position to a ready or use position. In some further embodiments, the forearm or wrist brace is detachable to allow the user to operate the device without the brace if desired.  
      In  FIG. 10 , the illustrated self-arresting device includes handle  12 , head  70 , protrusions  16 , and pad  18 . Head  70  includes a pick configuration portion  72  and an adze configuration portion  74 . For example, in at least one embodiment, portion  72  provides increased penetration, while portion  74  provides additional penetration and/or increased surface area to aide in the process to self-arrest. In the illustrated embodiment, handle  12  is easily gripped by the user&#39;s hand. A wrist strap (not shown) may extend from the handle and be configured to wrap around the wrist of a user.  
      In at least some embodiments, a portion of head  70  extends into or down the length of handle  12 , giving the self-arresting device increased strength. In another embodiment, handle  12  and head  70  are a single component. A forearm brace may extend from head  70  or handle  12 , and may include protrusions  16 , pad  18 , and one or more straps (not shown). In at least some embodiments, protrusions  16  are pivotably coupled to handle  12  to enable handle  12  to transition between a non-use position to a ready or use position. In some embodiments, the forearm or wrist brace is detachable to allow the user to operate the device without the brace if desired.  
      In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the head and handle portions of a self-arresting device may be coupled in a variety of different locations. For example, in some embodiments the head is in a parallel configuration in association with the handle (as illustrated in  FIG. 9 ). In other embodiments, the head is in a transverse configuration in association with the handle (as illustrated in  FIG. 10 ). Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, the head extends from or is coupled to a bottom surface of the handle (as illustrated in  FIG. 9 ). In other embodiments, the head extends from or is coupled to another portion of the handle, such as a top surface (as illustrated in  FIG. 10 ).  
      Thus, as discussed herein, the embodiments of the present invention embrace systems and methods for providing a self-arresting device. In particular, the present invention relates to providing a self-arresting device configured for use on snowy/icy slopes.  
      The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.