APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OF A USER ON SNOW

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling movement of a user on snow. The apparatus includes a support member and a snow interface. The support member is elongated in a lengthwise direction. The snow interface is coupleable to the support member. The snow interface has a gliding surface positioned opposite a propulsion surface. A substantially smooth gliding portion of the gliding surface is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the snow interface from a position adjacent a coupling between the support member and the snow interface to a position adjacent an aperture disposed through the snow interface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/184,366 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OF A USER ON SNOW” and filed on Jul. 15, 2011 for Thomas Bennett, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This subject matter relates to snow sports and more particularly relates to an apparatus, system and method for controlling movement of a user on snow.

BACKGROUND

Snow sports are enjoyed by millions of user's throughout the world. The term snow sports is a broad term encompassing many types of sports enjoyed on snow. For example, the term snow sports may be used to reference skiing, snowboarding, monoboarding, no boarding (bindingless snowboarding), snowshoeing, sledding, etc.

In ascending a grade a user may wish to use a ski pole assist the user in maintaining balance and in penetrating ice and snow to give the user additional traction. This is fine for skiers who typically carry and use ski poles. However, a snowboarder stands transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard with the snowboarder's arms positioned over the snowboard. This makes using a conventional ski pole awkward and difficult with a snowboard. Accordingly, most snowboarders do not carry ski poles.

With snowboarding, much, if not all, of the control of the board is done through the user's lower body. The user's upper body is typically not used in snowboarding. Because the user's feet are coupled to a single snowboard, if the user loses his or her balance, the user has no way of regaining their balance by repositioning their feet.

In descending a slope, a snowboarder points the longitudinal axis of the snowboard down the slope. The snowboarder typically controls their speed by rotating the longitudinal axis in one direction or the other and engaging an uphill edge of the snowboard with the snow.

On gradual slopes, or areas which are flat or uphill, a snowboarder may lose their momentum and stop. Because the snowboarder's feet are coupled to a single snowboard, the user cannot walk or use their legs to traverse the snow. Additionally because conventional ski poles are difficult or awkward to use with a snowboard, the snowboarder typically does not have a way to engage their upper body to propel themselves across the snow. Often, the only way to get across a flat or uphill slope is to remove the snowboard and walk.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that engages a user's upper body in traversing snow. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would assist a user in propelling themselves over gradual, flat or uphill slopes, traversing steep and icy sections. Additionally, such an apparatus, system, and method would enhance carving characteristics, balance, and would assist in stopping a user.

The present subject matter has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available snow traversal devices. Accordingly, the present subject matter has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for controlling movement of a user on snow that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

The apparatus to control movement of a user on snow, in one embodiment, includes a support member and a snow interface. The support member is elongated in a lengthwise direction. The snow interface is coupleable to the support member. The snow interface has a gliding surface positioned opposite a propulsion surface. A substantially smooth gliding portion of the gliding surface is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the snow interface from a position adjacent a coupling between the support member and the snow interface to a position adjacent an aperture disposed through the snow interface.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a coupling element configured to adjustably couple the support member to the snow interface. The coupling element, in an exemplary embodiment, is a support member receiving orifice coupled to the snow interface. In such an embodiment, the support member is slideably received within the support member receiving orifice.

The support member, in one embodiment, includes a first support sleeve and a second support sleeve. The first support sleeve is slideably receivable within the support member receiving orifice. The second support sleeve slideably receivable within the first support sleeve.

In one embodiment, the support member is repositionable from a storage position to a use position. In the storage position, the support member is positioned adjacent to at least a portion of either the gliding surface or the propulsion surface of the snow interface. In another embodiment, in the storage position, the support member extends through the aperture disposed through the snow interface.

In certain embodiments, the support member includes a first support shaft and a second support shaft. In such an embodiment, in an uncoupled position, the first support shaft and the second support shaft are independent and are uncoupled from the snow interface. In a coupled position, the first support shaft is positioned adjacent the second support shaft and the first support shaft and the second support shaft are coupled to the snow interface.

The apparatus, in an exemplary embodiment, includes at least two snow supporting platforms. Each snow supporting platform has a surface area that is substantially larger than a cross-sectional area of either the first support shaft or the second support shaft. Each of the snow supporting platforms is removably coupleable to one of the support shafts.

In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a single snow supporting platform. In such an embodiment, the snow supporting platform having a surface area substantially larger than a cross-sectional area of the support member. The snow supporting platform is removably coupleable to the support member.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present subject matter should be or are in any single embodiment of the subject matter. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present subject matter. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the subject matter may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments.

These features and advantages of the present subject matter will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the subject matter will be readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter;

FIG. 2 is an exploded top view further illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present subject matter;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a snow interface in accordance with the present subject matter;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a snow interface in accordance with the present subject matter;

FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter; and

FIG. 7 is a top view further illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 6 in accordance with the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the subject matter may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter.

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus 100 for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes a support member 104 and a snow interface 104.

The support member 104, in one embodiment, is a shaft 106 elongated in a lengthwise direction 108. The snow interface 102 extends from and is coupleable to a first end 124 of the support member 104. The first end 124 of the support member 102 is positioned opposite a manipulation member 154.

The shaft 106 is made from a substantially rigid material for supporting a user. For example, in certain embodiments, the shaft 106 may be made of aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic, or any other material having a structural resiliency sufficient to support a user. In certain embodiments, the material comprising the shaft 106 may be selected to accommodate a desired amount of flexibility of the shaft 106. Selecting an appropriate material to achieve a desired amount flexibility of the shaft 106 is within the skill of one of skill in the art.

In certain embodiments, a length of the support member 104 is adjustable in the lengthwise direction 108. For example, FIG. 2 is an exploded top view further illustrating the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the support member 104 may include first support sleeve 104a and a second support sleeve 104b. The second support sleeve 104b is slideably received within the first support sleeve 104a. Withdrawal of the second support sleeve 104b from within the first support sleeve 104a operates to lengthen the support member 104. Sliding the second support sleeve 104b further into the first support sleeve 104a operates to shorten the support member 104.

The second support sleeve 104b, in one embodiment, is coupled to the manipulation member 154. In use a user grasps the manipulation member 154 to manipulate the apparatus 100. A taller user may wish to position the manipulation member further form the snow interface 102 than a shorter user would. Thus, in one embodiment, the length of the support member 104 may be adjusted by extending the position of the manipulation member 154 to accommodate a taller or shorter user. Alternatively, users may wish to adjust the length of the support member 104 to accommodate different riding styles.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes locking element 202 configure to inhibit movement of the second support sleeve 104b with respect to the first support sleeve 104a. In one embodiment the locking element 202 is a cam lock as is known in the art. The locking element 202 prohibits further withdrawal or insertion of the second support sleeve 104b within the first support sleeve 104a. In this manner, the length of the support member 104 may be locked into place in a desired position. The use of a cam lock as the locking element 202 allows the support member 104 to be adjusted continuously along the lengths of the first support sleeve 104a and the second support sleeve 104b. One of skill in the art will recognize other ways of locking the second support sleeve 104b within the first support sleeve 104a to prohibit further withdrawal or insertion of the second support sleeve 104b within the first support sleeve 104a.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a snow interface 102 in accordance with the present subject matter. The snow interface 104 includes a gliding surface 122 positioned opposite a propulsion surface 126. The gliding surface 122, in one embodiment, includes a substantially smooth gliding portion 302. The smooth gliding portion 302 of the gliding surface 122 is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the snow interface from a position adjacent a coupling 304 between the support member 104 and the snow interface 102 to a position adjacent an aperture 306 disposed through the snow interface 102.

The smooth gliding portion 302 of the gliding surface 122 of the snow interface 102 is configured to glide along a surface of the snow when the user places the gliding surface 122 of the snow interface 102. Because the snow interface 102 is free from protrusions, the snow interface 102 smoothly glides along the surface of the snow. Lateral movement of the snow interface 102 is possible given the substantially smooth nature of the gliding portion 302 of the gliding surface 122 of the snow interface 102.

The aperture 306 extends from the gliding surface 122 through the snow interface 102 to the propulsion surface 126. The aperture 132 includes a leading surface 134 and a trailing surface 136. When the engagement section 204 of the snow interface 102 is positioned in a slowing position, the trailing surface 136 engages the snow to increase a frictional resistance between the snow interface 102 and the snow. The increased frictional resistance between the snow interface 102 and the snow can be used to slow or stop the user.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a snow interface 102 in accordance with the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes a coupling element 402 configured to adjustably couple the support member 104 to the snow interface 102. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the coupling element 402 is a support member receiving orifice 404. The support member receiving orifice 404 is coupled to and extends from to the snow interface 102 at a position adjacent the gliding portion 302 of the gliding surface 122 of the snow interface.

In one embodiment, the support member receiving orifice 404 is open at each end 406, 408 of the orifice 404. In such an embodiment, the support member 104 may be slideably received within the support member receiving orifice 404. In certain embodiments, wherein the support member receiving orifice 404 is open at each end 406, 408 of the orifice 404, the support member receiving orifice 404 may also be used to adjust a distance between the manipulation member 154 and the snow interface 102 by sliding the support member through the support member receiving orifice 404 in the direction indicated by arrow 410.

In certain embodiments, the coupling element 402 includes a second locking element 412. In one embodiment the second locking element 412 is a cam lock as is known in the art. The second locking element 412 prohibits further withdrawal or insertion of the first support sleeve 104a within the support member receiving orifice 404. In this manner, the first support sleeve 104a is slideably received within the support member receiving orifice 404 to adjustably couple the first support sleeve 104a to the snow interface 102.

In an exemplary embodiment, the support member 104 is repositionable between a storage position and a use position. For example, FIG. 1 depicts the apparatus 100 in a use position 120. In the use position 120, the support member 104 is extended to position the manipulation member 154 a comfortable distance away from the snow interface 102 in the lengthwise direction 108. A comfortable distance for a particular user may vary depending on certain characteristics of the user. For instance, a shorter user may feel more comfortable with the manipulation member 154 positioned closer to the snow interface 102 than a taller user would. Other characteristics may include a user's riding ability, a type of terrain the user will be riding, a speed that the user will be traveling, etc.

FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus 100 for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the apparatus is positioned in a storage position 502.

In the storage position 502, the support member is positioned adjacent to at least a portion of either the gliding surface 122 or the propulsion surface 126 of the snow interface 102. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the second support sleeve 104b is slideably received within the first support sleeve 104a such that most of the second support sleeve 104b is disposed within the first support sleeve 104a. The first support sleeve 104a is slid into the support member receiving orifice 404 in the direction indicated by arrow 504. In this position, with the second support sleeve 104b positioned within the first support sleeve 104a and with the first support sleeve positioned within the support member receiving orifice 404, the support member 104 is at its shortest. That is, in the storage position 502, the manipulation member 154 is approximately adjacent the 408 of the orifice 404 making the apparatus 100 relatively small when compared with the apparatus 100 positioned in the use position 120 as depicted in FIG. 1.

In certain embodiments, in the storage position 502, the support member 104 is positioned through the aperture 306 disposed through the snow interface 102. For example, in certain embodiments, the propulsion surface 126 of the snow interface 102 is substantially concave in two dimensions such that the snow interface 102 is substantially spoon shaped. In other embodiments, the propulsion surface 126 of the snow interface 102 is substantially concave in a single dimensions such that the snow interface 102 curves up and away from the gliding surface 122 of the snow interface. In either embodiment, a concave propulsion surface 126 acts as a scoop to engage lighter snow.

In embodiments wherein the snow interface 102 curves up and away from the gliding surface 122 of the snow interface 102 the support member 104 may be blocked from being fully inserted into the support member receiving orifice 404 by contact with the propulsion surface 126 of the snow interface 102. In such an embodiment, in order to avoid interference between the support member 104 and the propulsion surface 126 of the snow interface 102, the support member 104 may extend at least partially through the aperture 306 in the snow interface 102 when the apparatus 100 is positioned in the storage position 120.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an apparatus 600 for controlling movement of a user on snow in accordance with the present subject matter. In certain embodiments the apparatus 600 includes a support member 602 and a snow interface 102. In certain embodiments, the snow interface is substantially similar to the snow interface discussed above with reference to apparatus 100.

As discussed above, in ascending a grade a user may wish to use a ski pole assist the user in maintaining balance and in penetrating ice and snow to give the user additional traction. This is fine for skiers who typically carries and uses ski poles. However, a snowboarder user stands transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard. Therefore, the user's arms are typically positioned over the snowboard. This makes using a conventional ski pole awkward and difficult with a snowboard. Accordingly, in certain embodiments the apparatus 600 may be used to create one or more ski poles.

For example, in certain embodiments, the support member 602 may be uncoupleable from the snow interface 102 so that the support member 602 may be used as a pole to assist the user in ascending a slope. Thus, in FIG. 6, the support member 602 is shown in an uncoupled position 604.

In one embodiment the support member 602 includes a first support shaft 602a and a second support shaft 602b. In the uncoupled position 604, the first support shaft 602a and the second support shaft 602b are independent from one another and are uncoupled from the snow interface 102. Thus, in the uncoupled position 604, the user has a pair of “ski poles” that they may use to assist in ascending or descending a slope.

In certain embodiments, the first support shaft 602a may include a first support strut 606a and a second support strut 606b. The second support strut 606b is slideably received within the first support strut 606a such that a height of the first support shaft 602a may be adjusted to accommodate users of differing heights or to accommodate different uses of the first support shaft 602a.

Similarly, the second support shaft 602b may include a third support strut 606c and a fourth support strut 606d. The fourth support strut 606d is slideably received within the third support strut 606c such that a height of the second support shaft 602b may be adjusted to accommodate users of differing heights or to accommodate different uses of the second support shaft 602b.

In one embodiment, each of the first support shaft 602a and the second support shaft 602b may be coupled to portions of a manipulation member 608. For example, in one embodiment, the first support shaft 602a may be coupled to approximately one half of the manipulation member 608 and the second support shaft 602b may be coupled to the other half of the manipulation member 608. In other embodiments, the manipulation member 608 may be a solid piece independent of the first support shaft 602a and the second support shaft 602b. In such an embodiment, the manipulation member 608 may be coupled to the first support shaft 602a and the second support shaft 602b once the first support shaft 602a and the second support shaft 602b are coupled to the snow interface 102.

In one embodiment, in a coupled position 702, as depicted in FIG. 7, the first support shaft 602a and the second support shaft 602b are positioned adjacent one another. Additionally, in the coupled position 702, the first support shaft 602a and the second support shaft 602b are coupled to the snow interface 102. In certain embodiments, the first support shaft 602a and the second support shaft 602b may be coupled to the snow interface 102 in a manner substantially similar to the manner in which the support member 104 of apparatus 100 is coupled to the snow interface 102 of apparatus 100.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus 600 may be positionable in the storage position 502 in a manner substantially similar to the manner in which apparatus 100 is positionable in the storage position 502. Thus, in the storage position 502, the first support shaft 602a and the second support shaft 602b extend through the aperture 306 disposed through the snow interface 102.

The apparatus 600, in one embodiment, also includes at least one snow supporting platform that is removably coupleable to the support member 602. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the apparatus 600 includes two snow supporting platforms 610a and 610b. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the snow supporting platforms 610a and 610b include a shaft 614a and 614b respectively. Additionally, each of the snow supporting platforms 610a and 610b also include a coupling element 616a and 6161b respectively. Each snow supporting platform 610a and 610b has a surface area substantially larger than a cross-sectional area of the support member 602. The snow supporting platforms 610a and 610b are coupleable to the ends 612a and 612b of the first support shaft 602a and the second support shaft 602b respectively. To couple the snow supporting platforms 610a and 610b to the ends 612a and 612b of the first support shaft 602a and the second support shaft 602b respectively, the coupling element 616a and 6161b are slid onto or into the ends 612a and 612b of the first support shaft 602a and the second support shaft 602b respectively. In certain embodiments, the snow supporting platforms 610a and 610b are conventional ski-pole basket as is known in the art.

In this manner, the apparatus 600 may be converted from a device that assists a user in controlling their movement as they descend the mountain to a device that assists the user in ascending the mountain. Further, because the apparatus 600 can be positioned in the storage position 502, the user can easily store the apparatus 600 in a backpack when the user wishes to snowboard without the assistance of the apparatus 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.

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow, the apparatus comprising:

a support member elongated in a lengthwise direction; and

a snow interface coupleable to the support member, the snow interface having a gliding surface disposed opposite a propulsion surface, wherein a substantially smooth gliding portion of the gliding surface is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the snow interface from a position adjacent a coupling between the support member and the snow interface to a position adjacent an aperture disposed through the snow interface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a coupling element configured to adjustably couple the support member to the snow interface.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the coupling element comprises a support member receiving orifice coupled to the snow interface and wherein the support member is slideably received within the support member receiving orifice.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the support member comprises a first support sleeve and a second support sleeve, the first support sleeve slideably receivable within the support member receiving orifice, the second support sleeve slideably receivable within the first support sleeve.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member is repositionable from a storage position to a use position.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, in the storage position, the support member is positioned adjacent to at least a portion of at least one of the gliding surface and the propulsion surface of the snow interface.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, in the storage position, the support member extends through the aperture disposed through the snow interface.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member comprises a first support shaft and a second support shaft, wherein, in an uncoupled position, the first support shaft and the second support shaft are independent and are uncoupled from the snow interface.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, in a coupled position, the first support shaft is positioned adjacent the second support shaft and wherein the first support shaft and the second support shaft are coupled to the snow interface.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, in a storage position, the first support shaft and the second support shaft extend through the aperture disposed through the snow interface.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising at least two snow supporting platforms, each snow supporting platform having a surface area substantially larger than a cross-sectional area of at least one of the first support shaft and the second support shaft, each of the snow supporting platforms removably coupleable to one of the first support shaft and the second support shaft.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one snow supporting platform, the at least one snow supporting platform having a surface area substantially larger than a cross-sectional area of the support member, wherein the at least one snow supporting platform is removably coupleable to the support member.

13. An apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow, the apparatus comprising:

a support member elongated in a lengthwise direction;

a snow interface coupled to the support member, the snow interface having a gliding surface disposed opposite a propulsion surface, wherein a substantially smooth gliding portion of the gliding surface is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the gliding surface; and

a coupling element that couples the support member to the snow interface, wherein the support member is repositionable from a storage position to a use position.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the coupling element comprises a support member receiving orifice coupled to the snow interface and wherein the support member is slideably received within the support member receiving orifice.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, in the storage position, the support member extends adjacent to at least a portion of at least one of the gliding surface and the propulsion surface of the snow interface.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, in the storage position, the support member extends through the aperture disposed through the snow interface.

17. An apparatus for controlling movement of a user on snow, the apparatus comprising:

a support member elongated in a lengthwise direction, the support member comprising a first support shaft and a second support shaft, wherein, in an uncoupled position, the first support shaft and the second support shaft are independent and are uncoupled from the snow interface; and

a snow interface coupled to the support member, the snow interface having a gliding surface disposed opposite a propulsion surface, wherein a substantially smooth gliding portion of the gliding surface is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the snow interface from a position adjacent a coupling between the support member and the snow interface to a position adjacent an aperture disposed through the snow interface.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, in a coupled position, the first support shaft is positioned adjacent the second support shaft and wherein the first support shaft and the second support shaft are coupled to the snow interface.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, in a storage position, the first support shaft and the second support shaft are extend through the aperture disposed through the snow interface.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising at least two snow supporting platforms, each snow supporting platform having a surface area substantially larger than a cross-sectional area of at least one of the first support shaft and the second support shaft, each of the snow supporting platforms removably coupleable to one of the first support shaft and the second support shaft.