Patent Publication Number: US-8529268-B2

Title: Ski or snowboard teaching apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to ski and/or snowboard instruction. More particularly, some example embodiments relate to an apparatus for teaching a student to ski or snowboard. 
     2. Related Technology 
     Teaching a beginner skier or snowboarder (generically referred to herein as a “beginner” or “beginners”) to ski or snowboard can be difficult and/or uncomfortable for ski or snowboard instructors (generically referred to herein as an “instructor” or “instructors”). Generally, beginners, whether skiers or snowboarders, lack the knowledge, balance and/or coordination necessary to ski or snowboard using correct form. Due to their lack of knowledge, balance and/or coordination, many beginners may, on occasion, accelerate out of control and become a danger to themselves and those around them. Additionally, many beginners are young children that are physically small in stature. 
     Various techniques are currently used by instructors to teach a beginner to ski or snowboard. For instance, instructors often ski/snowboard backwards immediately in front of a beginner or frontwards and immediately behind the beginner. The proximity of the instructor relative to the beginner permits the instructor to physically hold the beginner up in an attempt to show the beginner correct form and/or to brake the beginner in the event the beginner accelerates out of control. However, backward skiing/snowboarding by the instructor can be uncomfortable and/or dangerous for the instructor. Or, when the instructor is skiing/snowboarding frontwards and immediately behind the beginner, there is a danger that the beginner may accelerate beyond the reach of the instructor such that the instructor is unable to brake the beginner. 
     Moreover, to the extent the beginner is a young child or otherwise small in physical stature compared to the instructor, the instructor may have to bend over or crouch down for extended periods of time to hold up and direct the beginner using either of the backward or frontward techniques where the instructor is immediately in front of or behind the beginner. Crouching down for any amount of time while instructing can be uncomfortable for the instructor. 
     Another technique used by instructors is to attach a tether to the beginner, e.g., via a harness worn by the beginner, and ski/snowboard behind the beginner with the tether in hand. The tether permits the instructor to brake the beginner from behind if the beginner accelerates out of control, but may throw the beginner off balance. Further, insofar as the tether pulls the beginner&#39;s weight backwards to stop or slow down the beginner such that the beginner rocks back on his/her heels, the beginner is learning improper form for stopping or controlling their speed if the beginner is using skis. 
     Yet another technique used by instructors is to walk or ski/snowboard along the side of a beginner and attempt to physically hold up the beginner to teach the beginner the balance needed to control the skis or snowboard. This scenario often results in the beginner and sometimes both the beginner and the instructor falling many times until the balance is learned. This technique can be difficult since the instructor must run or ski/snowboard after the beginner to catch up when the beginner starts moving on their own. This and the other techniques of instruction described above are flawed in that the instructor is typically attempting to control the beginner&#39;s skis/snowboard by holding on to the beginner&#39;s body, either directly or via a tether. 
     The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     In general, example embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus for teaching a student to ski or snowboard. 
     In one example embodiment, an apparatus for teaching a student how to ski or snowboard includes a removably attachable instructor component, a removably attachable student component, and means for temporarily securing the instructor component and student component together. The instructor component has a first end defining a cavity configured to receive a bottom end of an instructor&#39;s ski pole and a second end disposed opposite the first end. The student component has a first end configured to attach to a portion of a student&#39;s ski or snowboard equipment and a second end disposed opposite the first end. 
     In another example embodiment, an instructor component for use by an instructor in teaching a student how to ski or snowboard includes a first end, a second end, and means for temporarily securing the instructor component to a bottom end of an instructor&#39;s ski pole. The first end defines a cavity configured to receive the bottom end of the instructor&#39;s ski pole. The second end is disposed opposite the first end and includes means for temporarily securing the instructor component to a student&#39;s ski or snowboard equipment. 
     In yet another example embodiment, a student component for use by a student in learning how to ski or snowboard includes means for removably attaching the student component to a portion of a student&#39;s ski or snowboard equipment. The student component further includes means for temporarily securing the student component to a corresponding instructor component, the instructor component being removably attached to a bottom end of an instructor&#39;s ski pole. 
     These and other aspects of example embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To further clarify various aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an example apparatus including an instructor component and a student component for teaching a student how to ski; 
         FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional view of the instructor component of  FIG. 1A  attached to an instructor&#39;s ski pole; 
         FIG. 1C  is a top view of the student component of  FIG. 1A  attached to a student&#39;s ski binding assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view illustrating an example usage scenario for the apparatus of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another example apparatus including another instructor component and student component that can be implemented according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another student component that can be implemented according to some embodiments in an apparatus for teaching a student how to ski; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of yet another student component that can be implemented according to some embodiments in an apparatus with an instructor component for teaching a student how to snowboard; 
         FIG. 5B  is a side view illustrating an example usage scenario for the student component of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of yet another student component that can be implemented according to some embodiments in an apparatus for teaching a student how to ski; and 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are perspective views of a ski and snowboard, respectively, with a hole formed in an end thereof for being temporarily engaged by an instructor component such as the instructor components of  FIGS. 1A and 3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe various aspects of some example embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of such exemplary embodiments, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. 
     I. First Example Embodiment 
     With reference to  FIG. 1A , a first example apparatus  100  for teaching a student to snow ski is disclosed. The apparatus  100  includes an instructor component  102  and a student component  104 . In general, the instructor component  102  is configured to be removably attached to a piece of instructor equipment, such as a ski pole, trekking pole, or other pole used by the instructor, and the student component  104  is configured to be removably attached to a piece of student equipment, such as one of the student&#39;s skis, a portion of a ski binding assembly, a binding plate, a boot, or the like. 
     As will be more fully explained below, after the instructor component  102  and student component  104  have been attached to the instructor equipment or student equipment, respectively, the instructor temporarily secures the instructor component  102  to the student component  104  to thereby control the student&#39;s ski and teach the student proper form for skiing. By using two apparatuses  100 , the instructor can independently control both of the student&#39;s skis using two ski poles. As used herein, the term “instructor” refers to any person using instructor equipment with an attached instructor component  102 , while the term “student” refers to any person using student equipment with an attached student component  104 . 
     A. Instructor Component 
     The instructor component  102  has a first end  106  and a second end  108 . With additional reference to  FIG. 1B , the first end  106  defines a cavity  110  configured to receive a portion of a pole  112 . Although not required, in some embodiments, the pole  112  is one of the instructor&#39;s ski poles and the cavity  110  receives at least a lower portion  114  of the pole  112  disposed beneath basket  116 . It is appreciated, however, with the benefit of the present disclosure, that the pole may instead be a trekking pole or other pole with a lower end sized to be received within the cavity  110 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 1B , the cavity  110  is substantially cylindrical in some embodiments and has a longitudinal axis  118 . In other embodiments, the cavity  110  is substantially conical or frustoconical. When the cavity  110  is substantially cylindrical, conical, or frustoconical, a cross-section of the cavity  110  taken normal to the longitudinal axis  110  is substantially circular. Alternately, the cavity  110  is an n-sided prism, pyramid, or other shape such that a cross-section of the cavity  110  taken normal to the longitudinal axis  110  is an n-sided polygon. More generally, the cavity  110  can be any shape configured to receive the lower end  114  of the pole  112 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first end  106  further includes two tapped holes  120  formed in sidewalls  122  of the first end  106 . Corresponding thumbscrews  124  are disposed within tapped holes  120  at least partially within the sidewalls  122  for temporarily securing the instructor component  102  to the pole  112 . The tapped holes  120  extend radially through the sidewalls  122  towards the longitudinal axis  118  such that the thumbscrews  124  are generally disposed radially relative to the longitudinal axis  118 . As such, rotation of the thumbscrews  124  within tapped holes  120  translates to radial movement of the thumbscrews  124 . Specifically, the thumbscrews  124  can be screwed in (e.g., radially inwards) to secure the instructor component  102  to the pole  112 , and out (e.g., radially outwards) to release the instructor component  102  from the pole  112 . 
     The thumbscrews  124  are one example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing the instructor component  102  to the pole  112 . Other examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the instructor component  102  to the pole  112  include as few as one thumbscrew or three or more thumbscrews disposed at least partially within sidewalls  122 . Still other examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the instructor component  102  to the pole  112  include one or more screws, bolts, clamps, clips, tape, carabiners, rings, pins, or other fasteners, or any combination thereof. 
     The second end  108  of the instructor component  102  is disposed opposite the first end  106 . As best seen in  FIG. 1A , the second end  108  includes a hook  126 . The hook  126  is generally configured to temporarily secure the instructor component  102  to the student component  104 , as explained more fully below with respect to the student component  104 . Thus, the hook  126  is one example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing the instructor component  102  to the student component  104 . Other non-limiting examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the instructor component  102  to the student component  104  include a hook, hole, ball or socket formed in the second end  108  of the instructor component  102  for engaging a corresponding hole, hook, socket or ball formed in the student component  104 . 
     B. Student Component 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the student component  104  includes a substantially u-shaped first end  128  and a second end  130  disposed opposite the first end  128 . In some embodiments, the second end  130  is a tongue extending from a base of the u-shaped first end  128 . 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 1C , the first end  128  is configured to receive and attach to a portion of a student&#39;s ski binding assembly  132 . The ski binding assembly  132  includes a heel unit  134 , a toe unit (not shown) and a binding plate/spacer  136  attached to the student&#39;s ski  138 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1C , the first end  128  of student component  104  straddles the binding plate/spacer  136  such that a portion of the bind plate/spacer  136  is received between the u-shaped first end  128 . After receiving the binding plate/spacer  136  between u-shaped first end  128 , the student component  104  can be removably attached to the binding plate/spacer  136  as described in more detail below. In other embodiments, the first end  128  of student component  104  is removably attached to the heel unit  134  or other portion of the ski binding assembly  132 , or directly to the ski  138 . Thus, the u-shaped first end  128  is one example of a structural implementation of a means for removably attaching the student component  104  to a portion of a student&#39;s ski equipment. 
     The heel unit  134  may include, among other things, an upper heel housing  139  with a depression  139 A formed near a rearward end thereof. The upper heel housing  139  and depression  139 A are discussed in more detail with respect to  FIG. 4 . 
     One or both of the heel unit  134  or toe unit (not shown) may be adjustably positioned along the length of the ski  138  to permit adjustment and accommodation of a range of boot sizes. Notwithstanding such lengthwise adjustability, the heel unit  134  and toe unit are semi-permanently attached to the ski  138 . That is, the heel unit  134  and/or toe unit are typically not configured to be detached from the ski  138  during normal usage, although under some circumstances, such as binding repair/replacement, the heel unit  134  and/or toe unit may be detached from the ski  138  with the appropriate tools and effort. Moreover, removal and/or attachment of the heel unit  134  and/or toe unit is typically performed by trained individuals with a certain amount of technical expertise to ensure proper removal/installation thereof. 
     The binding plate/spacer  136  is non-adjustably attached to the ski  138 . Typically, the binding plate/spacer  136  is implemented to provide a mounting surface for the heel unit  104  and toe unit (not shown) that spreads stress across a larger area of the ski  138  than if the heel unit  104  and toe unit were mounted directly to the ski  138 . Similar to the heel unit  104  and toe unit, the binding plate/spacer is semi-permanently attached to the ski  138 . 
     The ski binding assembly  132  described herein is only one example of a ski binding assembly with which embodiments of the apparatus  100 , including instructor component  102  and student component  104 , can be implemented. Thus, the example of the ski binding assembly  132  should not be construed to limit the claimed invention. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1C , the u-shaped first end  128  of student component  104  includes two arms  140  connected by a base  142 . The arms  140  are disposed substantially parallel to and apart from each other so as to straddle the binding plate/spacer  136  (or heel unit  134 ). Alternately or additionally, the arms  140  each include an elbow or other feature(s) such that the arms  140  are vertically displaced beneath the base  142  so as to straddle the ski  138 ; e.g., the base  142  would be disposed on or above the top surface of the ski  138  while a significant portion of each arm  140  is vertically displaced downwards from the base  142 , the significant portions of the arms  140  extending alongside opposing sides of the ski  138 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1A and 1C , the first end  128  further includes four tapped holes (not shown) formed in the arms  140 . Corresponding rearward and forward thumbscrews  144 ,  146  (collectively “thumbscrews  144 ,  146 ”) are at least partially disposed in the arms  140  via the tapped holes. Although not required, in the illustrated embodiment the thumbscrews  144 ,  146  are disposed in arms  140  substantially normal to the arms  140 . Analogous to the thumbscrews  124  of instructor component  102 , the thumbscrews  144 ,  146  of student component  104  can be rotated within the tapped holes so as to be screwed in or out for temporarily securing the student component  104  to a portion of the ski binding assembly  132  or ski  138 . 
     By implementing thumbscrews  144 ,  146  within corresponding tapped holes such that the thumbscrews  144 ,  146  can be independently screwed in or out to varying depths, the student component  104  can be temporarily secured to portions of binding assemblies  132  notwithstanding non-planar surface topologies. For instance, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 1C , the binding plate/spacer  136  is narrower towards the rear of the heel unit  134  than towards the front of the heel unit  134 . To accommodate this non-planar surface topology of the binding plate/spacer  136 , the rearward thumbscrews  144  are screwed in a greater amount than the forward thumbscrews  146  such that the rearward thumbscrews  144  engage the narrower rearward portion of the binding plate/spacer  136  while the forward thumbscrews  146  engage the wider forward portion of the binding plate/spacer  136 . 
     The thumbscrews  144 ,  146  are one example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing the student component  104  to a ski binding assembly  132  or ski  138 . Other examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the student component  104  to a ski binding assembly  132  or ski  138  include as few as one, two, or three thumbscrews or five or more thumbscrews disposed at least partially within arms  140 . Still other examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the student component  104  to a ski binding assembly  132  or ski  138  include one or more screws, bolts, clamps, clips, tape, carabiners, rings, pins, or other fasteners, or any combination thereof. 
     It will be appreciated, with the benefit of the present disclosure, that the configuration of the student component  104  described herein permits the student component  104  to be attached to and removed from the ski binding assembly  132  or ski  138  without removing any portion of the ski binding assembly  132 . Specifically, the student component  104  can be quickly attached to or removed from the ski binding assembly  132  or ski  138  by screwing the thumbscrews  144 ,  146  in or out as needed, without ever removing the ski binding assembly  132  from the ski  138 . Thus, at least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide a quick, easy, and convenient method of temporarily securing the student component  104  to the ski binding assembly  132  or ski  138  which can be performed by a student and/or instructor with little or no technical expertise relating to bindings. 
     The second end  130  of the student component  104  is disposed opposite the first end  128 . In the example of  FIGS. 1A and 1C , the second end  130  extends from the base  142  of the first end  128 . The second end  130  includes a hole  148  formed therein for receiving the hook  126  of the instructor component. When the hook  126  is received in the hole  148 , the instructor component  102  is attached to the pole  112 , and the student component  104  is attached to the ski binding assembly  132 , the instructor can apply a force and have that force transferred through the pole  112 , instructor component  102 , student component  104  and ski binding assembly  132  to the student&#39;s ski  138  to control the direction and edging of the ski  138 . 
     Thus, the hole  148  is one example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing the student component  104  to instructor component  102 . Other non-limiting examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the student component  104  to the instructor component  102  include a hole, hook, socket or ball formed in the second end  130  of the student component  104  for engaging a corresponding hook, hole, ball, or socket formed in the instructor component  102 . 
     Moreover, the hook  126  formed in the instructor component  102  and the hole  148  formed in the student component  104  are collectively one example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing the instructor component  102  and student component  104  together. Other non-limiting examples of structural implementations of means for temporarily securing the instructor component  102  and student component  104  together include a hole formed in the instructor component  102  and a corresponding hook formed in the student component  104 , a ball formed in the instructor component  102  and a corresponding socket formed in the student component  104 , or a socket formed in the instructor component  102  and a corresponding ball formed in the student component  104 . 
       FIG. 2  discloses an example usage scenario for the apparatus  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1C . In particular, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the instructor component  102  is removably secured to the lower end  202  of an instructor&#39;s ski pole  204  using one or more thumbscrews  124 . The hook  126  of the instructor component  102  is removably received in the hole  148  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the student component  104 . The student component  104  is removably secured to the binding plate/spacer  206  of a student&#39;s ski binding assembly  208  using thumbscrews  144 ,  146 . The ski binding assembly  208  additionally includes a heel unit  209  made up of an upper heel housing  209 A and a lower heel housing  209 B. The binding plate/spacer  206  and ski binding assembly  208  are mounted to the student&#39;s ski  210 . 
     Under the usage scenario of  FIG. 2  and under analogous usage scenarios using one or more of the other embodiments described herein, the instructor can easily control the student&#39;s direction and edging by applying forces through the ski pole  204 , apparatus  100  and binding plate/spacer  206  to the student&#39;s ski  210 . Thus, the instructor can show the student proper ski techniques for turning, stopping, etc., by applying the appropriate forces. In this manner, the student can feel exactly how the skis  210  should be maneuvered to perform the techniques. Further, the length of the instructor&#39;s ski pole  210  permits the instructor to demonstrate the proper techniques to the student without the instructor being forced to crouch over significantly, even when the student is physically small in stature compared to the instructor. 
     According to some embodiments, the apparatus  100  also permits the student to ski substantially under his/her own control without assistance from the instructor. For instance, the instructor can simply let go of the ski poles  204  while the instructor component  102  is still connected to the student component  104  and allow the ski poles  204  to be dragged behind the student. Leaving the ski poles  204  connected to the student via apparatus  100  permits the instructor to almost immediately resume control at any time by simply picking up the ski poles  204 . 
     Alternately, the instructor can remove the hook  126  of the instructor component  102  from the hole  148  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the student component  104  by sliding the hook  126  out of the hole  148  to completely detach the ski poles  204  from the student and allow the student to ski under his/her own control. Of course, the ability to easily and quickly slide the hook  126  out of the hole  148  also permits the instructor to wait until the instructor and student are on the loading platform of a ski chairlift (or tow rope) before detaching the ski poles  204  from the student. As such, if necessary, the instructor can keep the ski poles  204  connected to the student while navigating through the lift line to push the student through the lift line using the ski poles  204 . After getting to the top of the chairlift and dismounting from the chair, the ski poles  204  can easily and quickly be re-attached to the student by inserting the hook  126  of instructor component  102  into the hole  148  of student component  104 . 
     Alternately or additionally, the instructor can use the ski poles  204  connected to the student via apparatus  100  to push the student across flat areas or uphill areas where the student might otherwise have to skate or use the student&#39;s own poles to propel him/herself forward. Such a use of the apparatus  100  may be helpful for students, such as young students or other students, that lack the coordination to skate using their skis and/or that are skiing without poles. 
     II. Alternative Embodiments 
     The apparatus  100  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-2  is described by way of example only and not limitation. Numerous variations and modifications of one or both of the instructor component  102  or student component  104  fall within the scope of the claimed invention. 
     For example,  FIG. 3  discloses another embodiment of an apparatus  300  that is similar in some respects to the apparatus  100  disclosed above. The apparatus  300  includes an instructor component  302  and student component  304  that are substantially similar in function to the instructor component  102  and student component  104  of  FIGS. 1A-1C . In particular, the instructor component  302  is configured to removably attach to a piece of instructor equipment, e.g., an instructor&#39;s ski pole, the student component  304  is configured to removably attach to a piece of student equipment, e.g., the student&#39;s ski, and the instructor component  302  is further configured to be temporarily secured to the student component  304  to permit the instructor to control the student&#39;s skis via the instructor&#39;s ski poles and the apparatus  300 . 
     Similar to the instructor component  102 , the instructor component  302  of  FIG. 3  includes a first end  306  and a second end  308  disposed opposite the first end  306 , the second end  308  including a hook  310 . In comparison with the instructor component  102 , the instructor component  302  includes only a single thumbscrew  312  partially disposed within a sidewall of the first end  306  for temporarily securing the instructor component  302  to a portion of the instructor&#39;s pole. The thumbscrew  312  is another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing an instructor component  302  to a bottom end of an instructor&#39;s ski pole. 
     In the illustrated example of  FIG. 3 , the hook  310  includes an enlarged portion  314  disposed on the end of a neck  315  which is narrower in diameter than the enlarged portion  314 , aspects of which are described in additional detail below. The hook  310  is another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing the instructor component  302  to a corresponding student component  304 . 
     Similar to the student component  104 , the student component  304  of  FIG. 3  includes a substantially u-shaped first end  316  and a second end  318  disposed opposite the first end  316 . The u-shaped first end  316  includes two arms  320  connected by a base  322 , the arms  320  being disposed substantially parallel to and apart from each other. In comparison with the student component  104 , the arms  320  are vertically displaced beneath the base  322  via upper arm portions  320 A and elbows  324 . Accordingly, the student component  304  can be attached to a student&#39;s ski by placing the base  322  on a top surface of the ski with the arms  320  being displaced vertically downwards beneath the base  322  such that the arms  320  straddle the ski and run along its sides. The u-shaped first end  316  of  FIG. 3  is another example of a structural implementation of a means for removably attaching a student component  304  to a portion of a student&#39;s ski equipment (e.g., the student&#39;s skis). 
     Additionally, the student component  104  includes only two tapped holes (not labeled) and two corresponding thumbscrews  326  for temporarily securing the student component  304  to the student&#39;s ski, as compared to four tapped holes and four corresponding thumbscrews  144 ,  146  in the student component  104  illustrated in  FIG. 1A . The thumbscrews  326  are another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing a student component  304  to a portion of a student&#39;s ski equipment. 
     Moreover, the second end  318  of student component  304  includes a hole  328  formed therein, the hole  328  having a specialized shape. In particular, the hole  328  includes a hook insertion portion  330  connected to a hook locking portion  332  via a neck portion  334 . Generally, the hook insertion portion  330  is sufficiently large to receive the enlarged portion  314  of the hook  310 . The hook locking portion  332  and neck portion  334  are sufficiently large to accommodate the neck  315  of the hook  310 , but not the enlarged portion  314  of the hook  310 . In operation, to connect the instructor component  302  to the student component  304 , the enlarged portion  314  of the hook is fully inserted through the hook insertion portion  330  of hole  328 . After the enlarged portion  314  has cleared the hook insertion portion  330 , the neck  315  of the hook  310  is navigated through the neck portion  334  and into the hook locking portion  332  of the hole  328 . Because the enlarged portion  314  is too large to exit through the hook locking portion  332  or neck portion  334 , it is unlikely that the instructor component  302  will inadvertently detach from the student component  304  if, for instance, the instructor drops the instructor&#39;s ski poles to drag behind the student&#39;s skis. 
     The hole  328  is another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing a student component  304  to a corresponding instructor component  302 . Moreover, the hook  310  and hole  328  are collectively another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing an instructor component  302  and student component  304  together. 
       FIG. 4  discloses another embodiment of a student component  400  that can be implemented in an apparatus such as the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1A  in place of student component  104 . The student component  400  includes a substantially u-shaped first end  402  and a second end  404  disposed opposite the first end  402 . The student component  400  further includes a tapped hole (not shown) in the first end  402  within which a thumbscrew  406  is at least partially disposed, and a hole  408  formed in the second end  404 . The thumbscrew  406  is another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing a student component  400  to a portion of a student&#39;s ski equipment. The hole  408  is another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing a student component  400  to a corresponding instructor component. 
     The student component  400  is configured to removably attach to a portion of the student&#39;s equipment, such as to the heel unit of the student&#39;s skis. For instance, with combined reference to  FIG. 1C  and  FIG. 4 , the student component  400  can be removably attached to the upper heel housing  139  of heel unit  134  by positioning the rearward end of the upper heel housing  139  within the u-shaped opening of the first end  402  of the student component  400  such that the bottom end of the thumbscrew  406  is located substantially above the depression  139 A. The thumbscrew  406  can then be screwed in to engage the depression  139 A and thereby temporarily secure the student component  400  to the heel unit  134  for use with an instructor component, such as instructor components  102 ,  302  of  FIGS. 1A and 3 . As another example, the student component  400  can alternately or additionally be removably attached to the rearward end of the upper heel housing  209 A of  FIG. 2 . Accordingly, the u-shaped first end  402  is another example of a structural implementation of a means for removably attaching a student component  400  to a portion of a student&#39;s ski or snowboard equipment. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  disclose yet another embodiment of a student component  500  that can be implemented in an apparatus such as the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1A  in place of student component  104 . In contrast to the student components  104 ,  304 ,  400  described above, which are generally configured for removably attaching to ski equipment, the student component  500  of  FIG. 5  is configured for removably attaching to snowboard equipment. Specifically, the student component  500  is configured to be removably attached to the end of a snowboard  502  ( FIG. 5B ). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the student component  500  includes a substantially u-shaped first end  504  and a second end  506  disposed opposite the first end  504 . The first end  504  includes two arms  508  connected by a base  510 . A substantially u-shaped channel  512  is formed along the interior of the u-shaped first end  504 , the channel  512  being configured to receive a perimeter portion of an end of the snowboard  502 . After positioning the perimeter portion of the end of the snowboard  502  within the channel  512 , thumbscrews  514  disposed within tapped holes (not shown in  FIG. 5A  or  5 B) formed in the first end are screwed in to removably attach the student component  500  to the snowboard  502 . Accordingly, the u-shaped first end  504  is an example of a structural implementation of a means for removably attaching a student component  500  to a portion of a student&#39;s snowboard equipment, while the thumbscrews  514  are an example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing a student component  500  to a portion of a student&#39;s snowboard equipment. 
     The second end  506  of student component  500  includes a hole  516  formed therein for removably receiving a corresponding hook, such as the hook  126 , on an instructor component attached to an instructor&#39;s pole. The hook can be inserted through the hole  516  to permit the instructor to control the direction and edging of the student&#39;s snowboard  502 . The hole  516  formed in the second end  506  of student component  500  is another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing a student component  500  to a corresponding instructor component. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  disclose yet another embodiment of a student component  600  that can be implemented in an apparatus such as the apparatus of  FIG. 1A  in place of student component  104 , the student component  600  being configured to removably attach to a student&#39;s ski. The student component  600  includes a first barrel  602 , a second barrel  604 , first leg  606 , second leg  608 , first foot  610 , second foot  612 , threaded fastener  614 , and tongue  615 . 
     The first barrel  602  includes opposing first and second ends  616 ,  618  with a hollow interior  620  ( FIG. 6B ) extending therebetween. The hollow interior  620  defines a longitudinal axis  621  ( FIG. 6B ). When the student component  600  is removably attached to a student&#39;s ski, the longitudinal axis  620  is arranged substantially normal to a length of the student&#39;s ski according to some embodiments. 
     The second barrel  604  includes opposing first and second ends  622  ( FIG. 6B ),  624  with a threaded hollow interior  626  ( FIG. 6B ) extending therebetween. The second barrel  604  is slidably received within the hollow interior  620  of the first barrel  602 . The threaded hollow interior  626  of the second barrel  604  is configured to receive a threaded end  628  of the threaded fastener  614 . 
     The threaded fastener  614  is configured to adjustably secure the second barrel  604  within the hollow interior  620  of the first barrel  602 . To this end, the threaded end  628  of threaded fastener  614  is configured to be inserted from the first end  616  of first barrel  602  through the hollow interior  620  of the first barrel  602  and into the threaded hollow interior  626  of the second barrel  604 , whereupon external threads of the threaded end  628  engage corresponding internal threads of the threaded hollow interior  626 . The threaded fastener  614  includes a head  630  that engages a shoulder  632  formed in the hollow interior  620  of the first barrel  602 . It will be appreciated, with the benefit of the present disclosure, that after engaging the second barrel  604 , the threaded fastener  614  can be screwed in or out to draw the second barrel  604  further into or out of the hollow interior  620  of the first barrel  602 . 
     The first foot  610  is attached to and separated from the first end  616  of the first barrel  602  by the first leg  606 . Analogously, the second foot  612  is attached to and separated from the second end  624  of the second barrel  604  by the second leg  608 . The first foot  610  extends from the first leg  606  towards the second foot  612  in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis  621 . The second foot  612  similarly extends from the second leg  608  towards the first foot  610  in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis  621 . The first and second barrels  602 ,  604 , first and second legs  606 ,  608 , first and second feet  610 ,  612  and threaded fastener  614  define an adjustable aperture  634  configured to receive therethrough a student&#39;s ski. The adjustability of the aperture  634  permits the student component  600  to be removably attached to student skis having a wide range of widths. Moreover, the first barrel  602 , second barrel  604 , first and second legs  606 ,  608 , first and second feet  610 ,  612  and threaded fastener  614  are collectively another example of a structural implementation of a means for removably attaching a student component  600  to a portion of a student&#39; ski. 
     The tongue  615  includes a hole  636  formed therein for removably receiving a corresponding hook, such as the hook  126  of  FIG. 1A , on an instructor component attached to an instructor&#39;s pole. The hook can be inserted through the hole  636  to permit the instructor to control the direction and edging of the student&#39;s ski. The hole  636  is another example of a structural implementation of a means for temporarily securing a student component  600  to a corresponding instructor component. 
     It will be appreciated, with the benefit of the present disclosure, that the embodiments disclosed in  FIGS. 1A-6B  are not mutually exclusively and can be combined in a number of ways that fall within the scope of the claims. For example, rather than including a hole  148 ,  408 ,  516 ,  636  that is substantially circular, each of student components  104 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  of FIGS.  1 A and  4 - 6 B can instead implement a hole with a specialized shape, such as the hole  328  of  FIG. 3 , such that the student components  104 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  can be used with the instructor component  302  of  FIG. 3 . Alternately or additionally, instructor component  102  or  302  can be implemented with either of student components  104 ,  304 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  in an apparatus for teaching a student how to ski or snowboard. 
     III. General Aspects of Some Example Embodiments 
     As already explained above with respect to  FIG. 2 , embodiments of the instructor component  102 ,  302  and/or student component  104 ,  304 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  permit an instructor to control the direction and edging of a student&#39;s ski or snowboard. As such, the instructor can show the student proper ski or snowboard techniques for turning, stopping, etc., by applying the appropriate forces. In this manner, the student can feel exactly how the student&#39;s skis or snowboard should be maneuvered to perform the techniques. Further, the length of the instructor&#39;s pole permits the instructor to demonstrate the proper techniques to the student without the instructor being forced to crouch over, even if the student is physically small in stature compared to the instructor. 
     Alternately or additionally, embodiments of the instructor component  102 ,  302  and/or student component  104 ,  304 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  permit the student to ski or snowboard substantially under his/her own control without assistance from the instructor if the instructor drops the poles and lets them drag behind the student, or if the instructor completely detaches the poles from the student. Alternately or additionally, embodiments of the instructor component  102 ,  302  and/or student component  104 ,  304 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  permit the instructor to push the student through lift lines using the poles all the way to the loading platform before quickly detaching the poles from the student, or to push the student across flat areas or uphill areas. 
     The instructor components  102 ,  302  and/or student components  104 ,  304 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  can be made from any of a variety of materials. For example, the instructor components  102 ,  302  and/or student components  104 ,  304 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  can be made from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, ABS plastic, zinc-based alloys, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other suitable material(s). Alternately or additionally, the instructor components  102 ,  302  and/or student components  104 ,  304 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  may be made from a combination of two or more of the foregoing materials and/or other suitable materials. For instance, the instructor components  102 ,  302  and/or student components  104 ,  304 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  may be made from composite materials such as injected plastic reinforced with steel. 
     Some embodiments of the invention include systems made up of an apparatus for teaching a student how to ski, such as the apparatus  100  or  300 , and a device for keeping a student&#39;s ski tips together to help the student maintain balance, control wedge position and/or eliminate the spreading or crossing of the ski tips while skiing. Devices for keeping a student&#39;s ski tips together include devices marketed under the Edgie Wedgie® trademark, as well as various devices marketed by the Lucky Bums company under the names “Easy Wedge” and “Tip Clip Ski Tip Connector”. Generally, such devices include a connecting member, such as a cable, rope, strap, wire, or the like, with first and second and ski tip fasteners coupled to first and second ends of the connecting member. The ski tip fasteners connect to the student&#39;s ski tips such that the connecting member substantially prevents the ski tips from spreading apart from or crossing each other. A connecting member with first and second ski tip fasteners coupled to first and second ends of the connecting member are collectively an example of a structural implementation of a means for holding tips of a student&#39;s skis together. 
     The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to apparatuses having an instructor component  102 ,  302  in combination with a corresponding student component  104 ,  304 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 , but also extend to instructor components  102 ,  302  and student components  104 ,  304 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  individually. According to some embodiments, an instructor component for use by an instructor in teaching a student how to ski or snowboard generally includes a first end defining a cavity configured to receive a bottom end of an instructor&#39;s ski pole; a second end disposed opposite the first end, the second end including means for temporarily securing the instructor component to a student&#39;s ski or snowboard equipment; and means for temporarily securing the instructor component to the bottom end of the instructor&#39;s ski pole. 
     The instructor component can be temporarily secured to the student&#39;s ski equipment through a student component or directly to the student&#39;s ski or snowboard equipment. As such, the means for temporarily securing the instructor component to the student&#39;s ski or snowboard equipment can include, e.g., a hook, hole, ball or socket for engaging a corresponding hole, hook, socket or ball formed in a student component removably attached to the student&#39;s ski or snowboard equipment. 
     Alternately, the means for temporarily securing the instructor component to the student&#39;s ski or snowboard equipment can include, e.g., a hook, hole, ball or socket for engaging a corresponding hole, hook, socket or ball formed in the student&#39;s ski or snowboard equipment. For example,  FIGS. 7A and 7B  disclose, respectively, a ski  702  and a snowboard  704 , each including a hole  706 ,  708  formed in a rearward end of the ski  702  or snowboard  704 . In this example, an instructor component, such as instructor component  102 ,  302 , can be temporarily secured to the ski  702  or snowboard  704  by inserting the hook  126 ,  310  into the hole  706  or  708 . Alternately, the ski  702  or snowboard  704  can include a hook, socket or ball formed therein for being engaged by a corresponding hole, ball or socket formed in the second end of the instructor component. Alternately or additionally, a hook, hole, ball or socket formed in the second end of the instructor component can engage a hole, hook, socket or ball formed in a corresponding ski binding assembly mounted on the ski  702 , or in a ski boot, or in a corresponding snowboard binding mounted on the snowboard  704 , or in a snowboard boot, or the like or any combination thereof. 
     Alternately or additionally, some embodiments include a student component for use by a student in learning how to ski or snowboard. According to these and other embodiments, the student component generally includes means for removably attaching the student component to a portion of a student&#39;s ski or snowboard equipment, and means for temporarily securing the student component to a corresponding instructor component, the instructor component being removably attached to a bottom end of an instructor&#39;s ski pole. 
     The means for removably attaching the student component to a portion of a student&#39;s ski or snowboard equipment can include, for instance, a substantially u-shaped first end configured to attach to a student&#39;s ski, ski binding assembly, ski boot, or snowboard, such as first ends  128 ,  316 ,  402 ,  504  of the student components  104 ,  304 ,  400 ,  500  disclosed above. Alternately or additionally, the means for removably attaching the student component to a portion or a student&#39;s ski or snowboard equipment can include, for example, the first and second barrels  602 ,  604 , first and second legs  606 ,  608 , first and second feet  610 ,  612  and threaded fastener  630  of the student component  600 . 
     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 which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.