SNOWBOARD BENCH

Abstract

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

Description

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

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

Background Information

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

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

SUMMARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A sample embodiment of the disclosure is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are fully incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various examples, methods, and other example embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a top, front, perspective view of a snowboard bench in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, partially exploded, top, front perspective view of the snowboard bench;

FIG. 3 is a top, rear, perspective view of the snowboard bench of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is right side elevation view thereof; the un-shown left side elevation view being a mirror image thereof;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the snowboard bench;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a bottom, front, perspective view of the snowboard bench;

FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of the snowboard bench showing an alternative embodiment of the bracing member;

FIG. 9 is a left side elevation view of the snowboard bench showing a snowboarder resting their body against the backrest of the bench and with their snowboard on the angled portion of the footboard;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a right side elevation view of the snowboard bench with the snowboarder standing upright on the horizontal portion of the footboard and ready to exit the snowboard bench;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top, front, perspective view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a top, front, perspective view of the snowboarder standing upright and holding on to the support handle;

FIG. 15 is a top, front, perspective view of the snowboarder holding onto the support handle and a support bar on the backrest in a position to slide up the first inclined surface of the footboard to get into the platform;

FIG. 16 is a top, front, perspective view of the snowboard bench illustrating the components that are rotatable and foldable away for moving the bench or storing the bench;

FIG. 17 is a left side elevation view of the snowboard bench in the folded position for moving or storage; and

FIG. 18 is a rear elevation view of the snowboard bench of FIG. 17.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-18, there is shown a snowboard bench in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, generally indicated at 10. Bench 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, comprises a base 12, a backrest 14 and a handle 16. Backrest 14 and handle 16 are selectively engageable with base 12, as will be later described herein.

Base 12 includes a frame assembly 18, a footboard assembly 20, and a support assembly 22.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 2 and 7, frame assembly 18 includes a first rail 18a and a second rail 18b that are longitudinally oriented and generally parallel to each other. First and second rails 18a, 18b are laterally spaced a distance “D” (FIG. 3) apart from each other with that distance being approximately 21.5 inches. A first crossbar 18c, a second crossbar 18d, and a third crossbar 18e extend laterally between first and second rails 18a, 18b. A first support rail 18f and a second support rail 18g extends longitudinally between first and second crossbars 18c, 18d. First and second support rails 18f, 18g are located between first and second rails 18a, 18b and may be generally parallel to first and second rails 18a, 18b. A front end of first rail 18a curves upwardly and forms a first front upright 18h. Similarly, a front end of second rail 18b curves upwardly and forms a second front upright 18j. It will be understood that first front upright 18h and second front upright 18j may be formed by engaging an elbow piece onto a first end of first rail 18a and second rail 18b, respectively. Alternatively, first front upright 18h and first rail 18a may be part of an integrally formed single component that has a straight section that is the first rail 18a and is bent at one end to form the curve of the first front upright 18h. Similarly second front upright 18j and second rail 18b may be part of an integrally formed single component that has a straight section that is the second rail 18b and is bent at one end to form the curve of the second front upright 18j. As shown in FIG. 2, first front upright 18h may define a bore 18h′ therein and second front upright 18j may define a bore 18j′ therein.

A first rear upright 18k may extend upwardly from first rail 18a a distance rearwardly of first front upright 18h and a second rear upright 18m may extend upwardly from second rail 18b a distance rearwardly of second front upright 18j. As is evident from FIG. 2, first rear upright 18k and second rear upright 18m extends further upwardly away from first and second rails 18a, 18b, respectively, than do first front upright 18h and second front upright 18j. As shown in FIG. 2, first rear upright 18k may define a bore 18k′ therein and second rear upright 18m may define a bore 18m′ therein.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure each of the first and second rear uprights 18k, 18m includes a lower section that is oriented generally at an angle “A” (FIG. 3) relative to the respective first or second rail 18a, 18b. The lower section of first rear upright 18k is identified in FIG. 1 by the reference number 18k1. First and second uprights 18k, 18m also each include an upper section that is oriented at an angle “B” (FIG. 4) relative to the respective first or second rail 18a, 18b. The upper section of first rear upright 18k is identified in FIG. 1 by the reference number 18k2. The angle “A” may be about ninety degrees while the angle “B” may be from about 95° up to about 100°. Preferably, the angle “B” is about 98°. The purpose of the angle “B” will be disclosed later herein.

A crossbar 18n extends between first rear upright 18k and second rear upright 18m. In particular, crossbar 18n may extend between the upper sections of the first and second rear uprights 18k, 18m.

The second end of first rail 18a curves upwardly and connects to first rear upright 18k thereby forming a first bracing member 18r. First bracing member 18r may connect to the upper section 18k1 of first rear upright 18k. The second end of second rail 18b curves upwardly and connects to rear second upright 18m thereby forming a second bracing member 18s. Second bracing member 18s may connect to the upper section (unnumbered) of second rear upright 18m. It will be understood that first bracing member 18r and second bracing member 18s may be formed by engaging an elbow piece onto a second end of first rail 18a and second rail 18b, respectively. Alternatively, first bracing member 18r and first rail 18a may be part of an integrally formed single component that has a straight section that is the first rail 18a and is bent at one end to form the curve of the first bracing member 18r. Similarly, second bracing member 18s and second rail 18b may be part of an integrally formed single component that has a straight section that is the second rail 18b and is bent at one end to form the curve of the second bracing member 18s. First and second bracing members 18r, 18s are aligned with first and second rails 18a, 18b and are also spaced the distance “D” (FIG. 8) laterally apart from each other.

Footboard assembly 20 comprises a platform 24, a footboard 26, an inclined first ramp 28, and an inclined second ramp 30. Platform 24 has an upper surface 24a, a lower surface 24b (FIG. 8), a first end 24c, a second end 24d, a first side 24e, and a second side 24f. Footboard 26 has an upper surface 26a, a lower surface 26b (FIG. 8), a first end 26c, a second end 26d, a first side 26e, and a second side 26f. First ramp 28 has an upper surface 28a, a lower surface 28b (FIG. 8), a first end 28c, a second end 28d, a first side 28e, and a second side 28f. Second ramp 30 has an upper surface 30a, a lower surface 30b (FIG. 8), a first end 30c, a second end 30d, a first side 30e, and a second side 30f. The platform 24 and footboard 26 are secured to frame assembly 18 by way of a plurality of fasteners 32. Fasteners 32 may be bolts and nuts, where the bolts pass through aligned holes in the platform 24 or footboard 26 and in the associated members of the frame assembly 18 that are positioned beneath platform 24 or footboard 26. Nuts may be used to secure the bolts in place. FIG. 2 shows a plurality of bolts being used as fasteners and also shows holes defined in the frame members of frame assembly 18 to receive those bolts. Preferably, fasteners 32 may be embedded in platform 24 and footboard 26 so that they do not present any sharp edges that might damage snowboards that slide onto and off of platform 24 or are positioned on footboard 26. Alternatively, fasteners 32 may be countersunk into the material from which platform 24 and footboard 26 are fabricated.

Alternatively, rivets may be utilized as fasteners 32. In other instances, platform 24 and/or footboard 26 may be adhered to frame assembly 18 using an adhesive or they may be welded to frame assembly 18.

When footboard assembly 20 is assembled, platform 24 is substantially horizontally oriented and is spaced a distance above the surface of the snow “S” (FIG. 6) upon which base 12 stands. Footboard 26 is positioned at an angle relative to platform 24. In particular, front surface 26a of footboard 26 is positioned at an angle “C” (FIG. 4) relative to the upper surface 24a of platform 24. The angle “C” may be from about 10° up to about 30°. Preferably, the angle “C” may be about 20°. The angle “C” is one that is suitable for a snowboarder to retain their snowboard at a suitable angle to easily reach over and strap into their snowboard bindings while the snowboarder is resting their rear end on the backrest 14. This will be described later herein.

First ramp 28 and second ramp 30 may be formed as integral parts of platform 24. In other words, a single unitary, monolithic sheet of material may be provided and sections of this single sheet may be bent to form first ramp 28 and second ramp 30. First ramp 28 may angle downwardly away from platform 24 in a first direction and towards the snow “S” upon which base 12 rests. Second ramp 30 is engaged on an opposite side of platform 24 from first ramp 28. Second ramp 30 may angle downwardly away from platform 24 in a second direction and towards the snow “S” upon which base 12 rests. However, instead of platform 24, first ramp 28 and second ramp 30 being fabricated from a single sheet of material, first ramp 28 may be engaged with platform 24 via one or more first hinges 34 and second ramp 30 may be engaged with platform 24 via one or more second hinges 36. This arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 1-18. First and second hinges 34, 36 may permit the angle of the first and second ramps 28, 30 relative to platform 24 to be readily adjusted to suit the snow surface “S” upon which base 12 rests. The angle of first ramp 28 or second ramp 30 relative to platform 24 is identified in FIG. 6 as the angle “E”. The angle “E” may be from about 100° up to about 120° relative to upper surface 24a of platform 24.

First ramp 28 is provided for a snowboarder to slide off the snow surface “S” and onto platform 24 and second ramp 30 is provided for a snowboarder to slide off platform 24 and back onto snow surface “S”.

As shown in FIG. 3, backrest 14, comprises a frame 38 that is selectively engageable with frame assembly 18, a back plate 40, and a top plate 42. Frame 38 comprises a first generally rectangular region and a second generally rectangular region. The first generally rectangular region is engaged with frame assembly 18 and the second generally rectangular region extends upwardly from the first generally rectangular region. The second generally rectangular region may be smaller in size than the first generally rectangular region.

The first generally rectangular region comprises a first member 38a and a second member 38b that are oriented substantially parallel to each other and are located a distance “D” (FIG. 8) laterally apart from each other. First and second members 38a, 38b are generally vertically oriented. A lower end of first member 38a is dimensioned to be received in the bore 18k′ of first rear upright 18k of frame assembly 18; and a lower end of second member 8b is dimensioned to be received in the bore 18m′ of second rear upright 18m of frame assembly 18. (It will be understood that in other examples of snowboard bench 10, a bore may be defined in each of the first and second members 38a, 38b, and the upper ends of the first rear upright and the second rear upright may be dimensioned to be received within the bores of the first and second members 38a, 38b.)

An upper crossbar 38c and a lower crossbar 38d connect first and second members 38a, 38b together. Upper crossbar 38c is located proximate an upper end of each of the first and second members 38a, 38b. Lower crossbar 38d is located proximate a lower end of each of the first and second members 38a, 38b. Upper and lower crossbars 38c, 38d may be generally parallel to each other and spaced vertically a distance apart. A first handrail 38e extends outwardly and forwardly from first member 38a and a second handrail 38f extends outwardly and forwardly from second member 38b. As can be seen in FIG. 5, each of the first handrail 38e and the second handrail 38f is oriented at an angle “F” relative to the respective first member 38a or second member 38b. Additionally, each of the first handrail 38e and second handrail 38f is oriented at the angle “F” relative to back plate 40. The angle “F” may be from about 130° up to about 140°. Preferably, the angle “F” may be about 135°. The angle “F” may be sufficient to allow a snowboarder to easily enter or exit the space defined between backrest 14 and handle 16 without first or second handrails 38e, 38f presenting an obstruction that may cause the snowboarder to awkwardly angle their body or inadvertently contact their body and hurt themselves. The angling of the handrails 38e, 38f also positions the handrails in a suitable location on snowboard bench 10 that enables the snowboarder to grasps the respective handrail 38e or 38f before they slide up one of the inclined first or second ramps 28, 30 and hang onto and push off the opposite handrail 38e or 38f when they slide down the other of inclined first or second ramps 28, 30. If a snowboarder starts to slide across the back plate 40 while leaning against the same, then handrails 38e, 38f will tend to stop the snowboarder from sliding off of the unit and falling. Each handrail 38e, 38f has an upper end and a lower end. The lower ends of handrails 38e, 38f are spaced a distance “D1” laterally apart from each other while the upper ends of the handrails 38e, 38f are spaced a distance “D2” laterally apart. The distance “D” between first and second members 38a, 38b is smaller than the distance “D2” between the upper ends of handrails 38e, 38f, which in turn is smaller than the distance “D1” between the lower ends of the handrails 38e, 38f.

Back plate 40 has a front surface 40a, a rear surface 40b (FIG. 3), a top edge 40c, a bottom edge 40d, a first side 40e, and a second side 40f. Rear surface 40b is in abutting contact with first and second members 38a, 38b. Top edge 40c is secured to first crossbar 38c, bottom edge 40d is secured to second crossbar 38d, first side 40e is secured to first member 38a and second side 40f is secured to second member 40a. Back plate 40 is engaged with first and second frame members 38a, 38b and first and second crossbars 38c, 38d utilizing fasteners 44. Fasteners 44, like fasteners 32, may be bolts and associated nuts, rivets, or any other similar device. Alternatively, back plate 40 may be adhered to frame members 38a, 38b, and/or crossbars 38c, 38d by an adhesive or by welding. Back plate 40 is located at a height that is suitable for snowboarders to rest their rear ends against when strapping into their snowboard bindings (as is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10).

As best seen in FIG. 3, the second generally rectangular region of frame 38 comprises a first member 46a, a second member 46b, and a crossbar 46c. First and second members 46a, 46b are generally parallel to each other and are spaced a distance apart from each other. A lower end of each of the first member 46a and the second member 46b is engaged with first crossbar 38c and the first and second members 46a, 46b extend upwardly away from first crossbar 38c.

FIG. 2 shows that top plate 42 may include a base member 42a and a cover 42b. Base member 42a is secured to first and second members 46a, 46b, and crossbar 46c utilizing fasteners 48. Fasteners 48 may be bolts and nuts, rivets etc. Alternatively, base member 42a may be glued or welded to first and second members 46a, 46b, and crossbar 46c.

Cover 42b may be selectively engaged with base member 42a by connectors 50. Advertising copy, maps, or other information (generally indicated by the number 52) may be inserted between base member 42a and cover 42b. Cover 42b may be fabricated from a transparent material, such as PLEXIGLAS®, so that advertising or information is readily visible therethrough. (PLEZIGLAS® is a registered trademark of Rohm & Haas Company of Philadelphia, Pa., USA.)

As disclosed earlier herein with reference to FIG. 4, first and second uprights 18k, 18m each include an upper section that is oriented at angle “B” (FIG. 4) relative to the respective first or second rail 18a, 18b. When backrest 18 is engaged with frame assembly 14, first and second members 38a, 38b, and therefore back plate 40 are oriented at the angle “B” relative to first or second rail 18a, 18b. As is further evident from FIG. 4, the first and second members 46a, 46b and thereby top plate 42 are oriented at an angle “G” relative to first and second members 38a, 38b and therefore to back plate 40. Furthermore, first and second members 46a, 46b, and top plate 42 are oriented generally at right angles to first and second members 18a, 18b. Still further, first and second members 46a, 46b and top plate 42 are oriented substantially parallel to first and second rear uprights 18k, 18m. First and second members 46a, 46b, top plate 42 and first and second rear uprights 18k, 18m are substantially vertical in their orientation.

In accordance with one aspect of the snowboard bench 10, the overall height “H” (FIG. 4) of the bench 10 from first and second rails 18a, 18b to a top end 42c, 46c of top plate 42 is from about 80 inches up to about 90 inches in height. Preferably, height “H” is at least about 84 inches. The height “H” may be sufficient to permit substantially the entire top plate 42 to be viewable from a distance. This ensures that a snowboarder exiting a chairlift will be readily able to locate one or more snowboard benches 10 over the heads of skiers and snowboarders who have exited the chairlift in front of them. This helps ensure that people who need to locate a snowboard bench 10 to assist them in strapping into their bindings will be able to quickly and easily locate the equipment. The height “H” is also sufficient to ensure that advertising, maps, and other information 52 displayed on top plate 42 can be readily seen when snowboard bench 10 is being used by a snowboarder.

The length “L” (FIG. 4) of snowboard bench 10 as measured from a forwardmost region of handle 16 and a rearmost region of frame assembly 18 may be from about 50 inches up to about 60 inches and preferably may be around 55 inches. A gap 11 is defined between backrest 14 and handle 16 and this gap 11 is of a size sufficient to enable an adult snowboarder 70 to enter, utilize, and exit snowboard bench 10.

Handle 16 may be a generally U-shaped member that is engageable with first and second front uprights 18h, 18j. Handle 16 may be comprised of a first section 16a and a second section 16b that are oriented substantially parallel to each other and spaced a distance laterally apart from each other. First and second sections 16a, 16b may be spaced the distance “D” apart from each other and be generally aligned with first and second rails 18a, 18b when handle 16 is engaged with frame assembly 18. A crossbar 16c may extend between first and second sections 16a, 16b. As is evident from FIGS. 1 and 4, a top portion of each of first and second sections 16a, 16b is inclined at an angle “J” relative to a remaining portion of the first and second sections 16a, 16b. The angle “J” is from about 40° up to about 50° relative to the vertically-oriented remaining portions of the first and second sections 16a, 16b. In particular, the angle “J” may be about 45° relative to the remaining portions. As shown in FIG. 3, the top portion of first section 16a is indicated by the reference character 16a′ and the top portion of second section 16b is indicated by the reference character 16b′. The crossbar 16c extends between top portion 16a′ and top portion 16b′. The top portions 16a′, 16b′ and crossbar 16c angle away from over footboard 26. This ensures that a snowboarder in snowboard bench 10 can bend over and strap into their bindings or get out of their bindings without hitting their head on crossbar 16c (see FIGS. 9 and 10) Crossbar 16c is still positioned, however, so that the snowboarder can grab hold of crossbar 16c to steady themselves, should this prove necessary.

As indicated earlier herein and in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, snowboard bench 10 may be provided with support assembly 22. Support assembly 22 make take a number of different forms. In FIGS. 1 through 6, support assembly may comprise a pair of bracing members 54. Each bracing member 54 may be fixedly engaged to one of the first or second rear uprights 18k or 18m as shown in FIG. 3. In particular, each bracing member 54 may be welded to one of first or second rear uprights 18k, 18m. Each bracing member 54 may comprise a pair of longitudinally spaced apart, triangularly-shaped plates 54a, 54b that are connected to each other by a connector plate 54c. Connector plate 54c may extend outwardly beyond the lowermost, outer corner of each triangularly-shaped plate 54a, 54b for a short distance. Connector plate 54c is positioned to rest upon the snow surface “S” and is generally located in the same plane as the bottom regions of first and second rails 18a, 18b. Bracing members 54 help to stabilize snowboard bench 10 against a lateral rocking motion as a snowboarder slides on and off first and second ramps 28, 30. The distance between the outermost ends 54c′ of the two connector plates 54c is indicated in FIG. 5 as the distance “D3”. Distance “D3” is greater than any of the distances “D”, “D1”, or “D2”. Distance “D3” may be about 43 inches. FIG. 5 also shows that the outermost ends of the two connector plates 54c are located laterally outwardly beyond the edges 28e, 30f of first and second ramps 28, 30.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of bracing member. The alternative embodiment of bracing member is indicated by the reference character 154. Bracing members 154 are substantially identical to bracing members 54 except that in addition to a pair of spaced-apart, triangularly shaped plates, the connector plate 154c includes a tapered spike 156 that extends downwardly from a lower surface of connector plate 154c. Instead of simply resting upon the surface of snow “S”, spikes 156 get driven a distance into the snow “S”, thereby more effectively anchoring snowboard bench 10 in place. All other aspects of snowboard bench shown in FIG. 8 are substantially identical with the snowboard bench shown in FIGS. 1-7.

FIG. 13 shows an alternative support member that is utilized to help prevent snowboard bench from laterally rocking side to side as snowboarders slide on and off first and second ramps 28, 30. In this instance, a pair of support plates 258 are provided on frame assembly 18 instead of the pair of bracing members 56. All other components on the snowboard bench are substantially identical with what is illustrated on the snowboard bench shown in FIGS. 1-7. Each support plate 258 is secured to one of the first and second rails 18a, 18b in a location forwardly of the respective first ramp 28 or second ramp 30. Support plates 258 are secured to the associated first or second rails 18a, 18b by welding, or any other suitable means. Each support plate 258 may be generally horizontally oriented so as to be able to rest upon the surface of snow “S” upon which snowboard bench is placed. Support plates 258 may be generally a truncated-triangular shape and may include an upturned flange 258a positioned toward a front region of each plate 258. A tapered spike 260 may be provided on an underside of each support plate 258, i.e., on the surface of the support plate 258 that will be placed in contact with the snow upon which the snowboard bench 10 sits. When the snowboard bench is placed on the snow surface the spikes 260 are driven into the snow and the support plates 258 rest on the surface and thereby help to anchor the snowboard bench in place and to aid in preventing it from rocking from side to side during use.

FIG. 16 shows the snowboard bench 10 that has been modified by providing a pair of rings 62 either on handle 16 or on frame assembly 18 or positioned between handle 16 and frame assembly 18. Rings 62 may be provided proximate the lowermost ends of first and second sections 16a, 16b. Alternatively, rings 62 may be provided on first and second front uprights 18h, 18j. Still further, rings 62 may, instead, be provided on mounting members that are interposed between the lowermost ends of first and second sections 16a, 16b and first and second front uprights 16a, 16b. Rings 62 may be used to thread a chain or rope therethrough to secure snowboard bench 10 to an anchoring member, such as pole. In some instances, first and second front uprights 18h, 18j may be formed to include corners 18t (FIG. 17) that are larger and more gently curved than the smaller, more tightly-curved corners 18t′ shown in the snowboard bench of FIG. 9. In particular, a front end of each of the first rail 18a and the second rail 18b curves through a corner and forms a front upright (18h, 18j) and these corners have a curvature that is suitable for enabling the frame assembly 18 and thereby the snowboard bench 10′ to slide across a snow or ice surface “S” when towed. The bigger, gentle corners 18t on the snowboard bench 10 enable the snowboard bench 10 to be pulled up a ski-hill behind a towing vehicle. This can be accomplished by placing a chain through rings 62 of a first snowboard bench and then attaching the chain to the towing vehicle. The first and second ramps 28, 30 on the snowboard bench 10 may be pivoted about the respective hinges 34, 36 to a position where the ramps are oriented substantially vertically relative to upper surface 24a of platform 24 or are pivoted so they lie onto upper surface 24a. The vehicle may then be driven up the ski-hill to a location proximate an exit of one of the chairlifts.

Several snowboard benches 10 may be towed, one behind the other, by placing a chain through the bracing members 18r, 18s of a first snowboard bench 10 then through the rings 62 of a second snowboard bench 10. A second chain may be passed through the bracing members 18r, 18s of the second snowboard bench 10 and then through rings 62 of a third snowboard bench, and so on. The plurality of chained snowboard benches can then be towed behind a vehicle and up to the top of the ski hill. (At the end of the snowboarding season, the snowboard benches can be towed back to the bottom of the hill.)

Multiple snowboard benches can be connected together in a side-by-side arrangement by passing a single chain through rings 62 of multiple snowboard benches or by passing a single chain through the bracing members 18r, 18s of multiple snowboard benches. This may be helpful when securing the snowboard benches 10 in a location in the off-season, for example, or at any other time. Individual snowboard benches 10 can also be secured in desired locations at a top or a bottom of a ski-hill or adjacent ski chalets etc. utilizing chains that are passed through rings 62 and/or through bracing members 18r, 18s or around portions of backrest 14.

FIGS. 16 and 17 shows a pivotable support plate 354 mounted to first and second rails 18a, 18b and by arms 356 to backrest 16. One or more hinges 358 (FIG. 17) secure an end of each support plate 354 to the respective first or second rails 18a, 18b or the bracing members 18r, 18s extending rearwardly therefrom. FIG. 16 shows that an optional spike 360 may be provided on each support plate 354. The spike 360 may be permanently secured to the underside of the respective support plate 354 or may be removably engaged therewith. Arms 356 may pivot and/or telescope as indicated by the arrows to move the support plates 354 between a deployed position, shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, and a storage or towing position shown in FIG. 17.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a snowboarder 70 with their snowboard 72 placed onto the upper surface 26a of footboard 26 and with the snowboarder 70 resting their rear end 70a against the front surface 40a of back plate 40. The relative orientations of footboard 26 and back plate 40 help ensure that the snowboarder 70 can bend over and strap their feet into the bindings on snowboard 72 or remove their feet from the bindings without falling over. The orientation of the top portion of handle 16 (that includes portions 16a′, 16b′ and crossbar 16c) relative to the remaining portion of the handle 16, helps to ensure that snowboarder 70 will not hit their head 70b when bending down or standing up. FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, show snowboarder 70 standing on their snowboard 72 on platform 24 of snowboard bench 10. The snowboarder 70 can readily balance on their snowboard 72 on platform 24 after entering the gap between backrest 14 and handle 16 to strap into their bindings or after strapping into the bindings and prior to exiting snowboard bench 10.

FIG. 14 shows snowboarder 70 steadying himself by holding onto handle 16.

FIG. 15 shows snowboarder 70 holding onto first handrail 38e and first section 16a in order to steady himself while sliding up first ramp 28. The angle of first handrail 38e relative to first member 38a helps to ensure that snowboard 70 can grasp first handrail 38e before beginning to move up first ramp 28. The angle also helps to ensure that there are no obstructions in the snowboarder's way as he slides up first ramp 28. The snowboarder 70 can similarly hold onto second handrail 38f and second section 16b when sliding down second ramp 30. It will be understood that snowboarder 70 enter the gap between backrest 14 and handle 16 by sliding up first ramp 28 or by sliding up second ramp 30. Similarly, snowboarder 70 can exit the gap between backrest 14 and handle 16 by sliding down first ramp 28 or by sliding down second ramp 30.

Frame assembly 18, handrail 16, and the frame 38 of backrest 14 may be fabricated from a strong, rigid material such as metal. Stainless steel or aluminum may be suitable metals for the fabrication of frame assembly 18, handrail 16 and frame 38.

The components of footboard assembly 20, particularly, platform 24, footboard 26, and first and second ramps 28, 30 may be fabricated from a material such as polypropylene or metal. Polypropylene is durable, strong, and may be provided in a single molded piece to form platform 24 and first and second ramps 28, 30, as has been described earlier herein.

Top plate 42 may be fabricated from a variety of different materials, including but not limited to utilizing a wood, metal, or plastic base member 42a and a PLEXIGLAS® or other transparent material as cover 42b. Graphic and textual information of interest to snowboarders, skiers, and others at the ski hill, may be provided directly on base member 42a or may be provided as an insert made of paper, plastic or any other material that is selectively positioned between base member 42a and cover 42b. If the graphic or textual information is provided directly on base member 42a, the cover 42b may be positioned over that information or may be omitted. The graphic or textual information may include advertising, information about upcoming events, safety information, and maps and so on.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of the disclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. A snowboard bench comprising:

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

2. The snowboard bench according to claim 1, wherein the angle of the footboard relative to the platform is from about 10° up to about 30°.

3. The snowboard bench according to claim 1, wherein the backrest is oriented at about from about 95° up to about 100° relative to an upper surface of the platform.

4. The snowboard bench according to claim 1, wherein the backrest includes a back plate adapted to contact a snowboarder's rear end when the snowboarder places their snowboard upon the footboard.

5. The snowboard bench according to claim 4, wherein the backrest further comprises a top plate positioned a distance vertically upwardly from the back plate; and wherein the top plate includes a base member adapted to support graphic or textual information thereon.

6. The snowboard bench according to claim 5, wherein the top plate further includes a transparent cover that is removably positioned over the base member.

7. The snowboard bench according to claim 4, wherein the backrest further comprises at least one handrail extending outwardly away from the backrest at an angle of from about 130° up to about 140° relative to the back plate.

8. The snowboard bench according to claim 7, wherein the at least one handrail is generally vertically oriented.

9. The snowboard bench according to claim 1, further comprising a frame assembly; wherein the footboard assembly and the backrest are mounted to the frame assembly a distance longitudinally from each other.

10. The snowboard bench according to claim 9, wherein the frame assembly includes a first rail and a second rail spaced laterally from each other; and wherein the platform and the footboard are engaged with and extend between the first rail and the second rail; and wherein the footboard is mounted longitudinally in front of the footboard.

11. The snowboard bench according to claim 10, wherein a front end of each of the first rail and the second rail curves through a corner and forms a front upright; and wherein the corner has a curvature that is suitable for enabling the frame assembly and thereby the snowboard bench to slide across a snow or ice surface when towed.

12. The snowboard bench according to claim 10, further comprising a handrail assembly engaged with the first and second rail; wherein the handrail assembly is located longitudinally in front of the footboard.

13. The snowboard bench according to claim 12, wherein the handrail assembly includes a first section engaged with the first rail and a second section engaged with the second rail; wherein each of the first section and the second section includes a top portion that angles forwardly away from a generally vertically-oriented remaining portion of the respective first section or second section; and wherein the top portion of the first section is connected to the top portion of the second section by a crossbar.

14. The snowboard bench according to claim 13, wherein each top portion angles away from the remaining portion of the respective one of the first or second section at an angle of from about 40° up to about 50° relative to the respective remaining portion.

15. The snowboard bench according to claim 9, further comprising at least one support assembly engaged with the frame assembly and extending laterally outwardly from the first rail and the second rail, said at least one support assembly being adapted to contact a snow surface upon which the frame assembly rests.

16. The snowboard bench according to claim 15, wherein the at least one support assembly includes a tapered spike that extends outwardly from a snow-contacting surface of the at least one support assembly.

17. The snowboard bench according to claim 15, wherein the at least one support assembly is pivotally engaged with the first rail or the second rail.

18. A method of strapping on snowboard bindings or removing snowboard bindings comprising:

strapping a snowboarder's first foot into a first binding on a snowboard while leaving the snowboarder's second foot free of a second binding on the snowboard;

sliding, on the snowboard, up a first ramp of a snowboard bench and onto a horizontally oriented platform provided on the snowboard bench;

resting the snowboarder's rear end against a backrest of the snowboard bench, where the backrest is oriented at a first angle relative to the platform;

placing the snowboard onto a footboard of the snowboard bench, where the footboard is inclined at a second angle relative to the platform;

bending over and strapping the snowboarder's second foot into the second binding on the snowboard;

placing the snowboard back onto the platform; and

sliding down a first ramp or down a second ramp of the snowboard bench with the snowboard and onto a snow surface upon which the snowboard bench rests.

19. The method as defined in claim 18, further comprising:

grasping a handrail extending outwardly from the backrest when sliding onto the first ramp or when sliding off of the first ramp or the second ramp.

20. The method as defined in claim 18, further comprising:

grasping a portion of a handle placed a distance longitudinally in front of the backrest when sliding onto the first ramp or when sliding off of the first ramp or the second ramp.

21. A method of clearing congestion proximate a top or a bottom of a chairlift on a ski hill; said method comprising:

providing one or more snowboarding benches a distance from the top or the bottom of the chairlift;

directing snowboarders towards the one or more snowboarding benches when provided at the bottom of the chairlift to strap a first foot into a first binding on their snowboards; or

directing snowboarders towards the one or more snowboarding benches when provided at the top of the chairlift to strap a second foot into a second binding on their snowboards.

22. The method as defined in claim 21, further comprising:

providing graphic or textual information of interest to the snowboarders on a top plate of a backrest provided on each of the one or more snowboard benches.

23. The method as defined in claim 22, further comprising:

positioning the top plate on each of the one or more snowboard benches at a height that is located a distance above heads of most adult snowboarders.

24. The method as defined in claim 21, further comprising:

linking the one or more snowboard benches to each other; and

towing the linked one or more snowboard benches from the bottom of the chairlift up the ski hill and to the top of the chairlift.

25. The method as defined in claim 21, further comprising:

anchoring the one or more snowboard benches in place at the bottom of the chairlift or at the top of the chairlift.