Abstract: A vehicle and vehicle bumper provide protection against other vehicles underriding the vehicle. The bumper uses breakable links which break at a predetermined force. The bumper structure has a pivoting arrangement such that, upon breakage of the breakable links, the pivoting of the bumper tends to lift the rear of the vehicle which is being hit and tends to smash downward on the front end of the impinging vehicle, which might otherwise underride the vehicle having the present bumper. A method of using the bumper to prevent underride includes the smashing down and lifting up features.

Abstract: An emergency brake system for wheeled vehicles includes a deformable brake wedge for each tire on one of the vehicle's axles. The brake wedges are constructed and arranged to transfer substantially all braking forces to the vehicle through the vehicle's tires. The system also includes releasable mechanism for allowing the brake wedges to move between inoperative and operative positions and an electrically-controlled pin for retaining the brake wedges in those positions.

Abstract: An automotive creeper structure for an automotive mechanic to facilitate repairs to disabled vehicle including a creeper frame, a pad structure on the frame, swivel-like mounted casters secured to the frame to effectuate movement of the creeper structure. Parallel camming bars positioned on opposite sides of the pad structure, vertically movable creeper brake shoes mounted on the creeper frame for ground engagement. Structure is independently connected to each of the parallel camming bars and connected to an associated one of the vertically movable creeper brake shoes for causing an associated one of the vertically movable creeper brake shoes to move into braking contact with a ground surface underlying the creeper frame.

Abstract: An in-line wheeled skate includes a boot, a chassis attached beneath the boot, a plurality of wheels mounted thereupon and arranged in tandem, and a toe stop. The toe stop is fixedly mounted at the front of the chassis and defines a toe stop surface having a first, upper portion positioned relative to a chassis axis for engagement with a travel surface during movement to brake or slow motion of a skater and a second, lower portion positioned relative to the chassis axis for engagement with a travel surface during movement to impart push-off motion to a skater.

Abstract: A braking system is provided for use on an in-line roller skate wherein the braking system minimizes canting of the in-line roller skate to apply the in-line roller brake, and wherein the brake pad is securely held to a substantially rigid brake housing using interlocking grooves and ridges, and a fastening lug, which extends into a corresponding aperture formed within the brake pad. The brake housing includes two plate members, which have an aperture on their forwardmost end for securing and attaching the plate members to an axle assembly of a rearwardmost wheel of the in-line roller skate. An arm is provided to secure the brake housing to an upper portion of the lower frame of the in-line roller skate, and the arm includes a hook for engaging a ridge disposed within the lower frame of the in-line roller skate. The braking system is thus held in place by a three-point fastening system to the rear of the in-line roller skate.

Abstract: Braking device for skates including an item of footgear composed of a quarter articulated to a shell which is in turn associated with a supporting frame for one or more wheels. The device includes a rod member connected to the quarter and is slidingly associated with the shell. The rod member has an end which, upon a rotation of the quarter, pushes toward the ground, a braking element articulated to the frame.

Abstract: A go-cart includes a base, a plurality of wheels attached to the base and a restrainer operatively linked thereto the base for restraining the go-cart, wherein the restrainer includes two stands each including a shaft pivotably linked to the base of the go-cart and two feet projecting from the shaft. The feet are pivotable between a horizontal position for engaging the wheels with the ground and a vertical position for disengaging the wheels from the ground. The restrainer includes a device for retaining the feet in either of the vertical position or the horizontal position.

Abstract: Braking device particularly usable for skates including a shoe composed of at least one quarter articulated to a shell associated with a supporting frame for two or more wheels. The device includes a rod member which is connected to a braking element and has a kinematic system suitable to allow the rotation of the quarter without activating the braking element, so as to allow to deactivate the braking element while skating or allow rear-entry insertion of the foot if the skate is of the rear-entry type. A locking element is provided for locking the kinematic system and/or the devices for deactivating the braking element.

Abstract: A combination of a snowmobile with its carrying dolly in which the dolly is provided with a leg-like mechanism engageable with the propulsion track of the snowmobile as the snowmobile is loaded onto or unloaded from the dolly. This engagement causes the leg to contact the surface on which the dolly stands, thus acting as a brake to hold the dolly in position during the processes of loading and unloading.

Abstract: An emergency brake device for stopping the rear wheels of a vehicle comprises a wedge assembly including a frame and a resilient wedge carried by the frame operably secured to the underside of the vehicle. The wedge assembly is movable from a stored position to an operative position such that the wedge is disposed between the rear wheel and the ground thereby to stop the vehicle. The wedge is substantially triangular formed by an inclined arcuate surface for engaging against the wheel and horizontal and vertical planar surfaces. The arcuate surface and the vertical planar surface terminate into a longitudinal projection portion at an upper end portion of the wedge adapted to engage the wheel when the wedge assembly is in the operative position.

Abstract: A braking system for an in-line roller skate includes a generally U-shaped brake bracket and a brake pad mounted thereon. The brake bracket is pivotably mounted on the wheel bracket of the in-line roller skate such that the bracket pivots about a generally transverse horizontal pivot axis. A brake actuator including a handle and lever is provided. A cable extends between and is connected to the brake actuator and the brake pad, the cable operative to pivot the brake bracket upon engagement of the brake actuator, thus causing the brake pad to frictionally engage a wheel of the skate. Finally, a spring extends between and is connected to the brake bracket and the shoe of the in-line skate, the spring operative to bias the brake bracket away from the wheel of the skate thereby stopping frictional engagement between the brake pad and the wheel.

Abstract: Improved skate including a shoe composed of a shell with which a frame for two or more mutually parallel or aligned wheels is associated. In this skate, a first half-quarter is articulated to the shell and is in turn connected to a braking element. A second half-quarter is furthermore associated with the first half-quarter, and its position with respect to the first half-quarter is adjustable. The skate thus allows both optimum activation of the braking element and quick and easy variation of the support of the leg, for example according to the sport practiced.

Abstract: A mobile orthopedic device to support a disabled leg of a standing patient while the leg is bent at the knee, especially as when partially amputated or encased in a cast or support device. A base having peripheral caster wheels supports a medial upstanding support shaft that is adjustable for height. The upper portion of the support shaft carries a horizontal support with padded upper surface configured to cradle the knee and adjacent lower leg of a patient. A handlebar assembly extends upwardly from the forward end of the horizontal support to aid user support, steerage and maneuvering of the device. A medial, adjustably depending foot optionally aids positional maintenance of the support on a supporting surface. A first species provides a releasable, adjustably positionable strap and knee pad that are carried on the upper surface of the horizontal support to aid positional maintenance of a supported leg to prevent overturning of the support in a forward direction.

Abstract: A braking device, particularly usable for skates including a shoe composed of a quarter articulated to a shell in turn associated with a supporting frame for one or more wheels. The device comprises at least one rod-like element which is rotatably associated with the quarter and is slidingly associated with a guide formed on a wing which is associated with the frame. The rod-like element is kinematically connected to a braking element articulated to the frame. When the quarter is rotated backwards, the rod-like element causes the braking element to rotate so that it interacts with the ground.

Abstract: A braking device for a wheeled vehicle such as a cart or trolley includes a braking member which can contact the ground and lift the vehicle to impede further movement thereof, a blocking member which can block the braking member to prevent its contact with the ground, and a trigger which is actuated by a magnet in the ground to release the blocking member and its blocking relationship with the braking member.

Abstract: A hand-held braking device for use with foot-mounted wheeled vehicles such as in-line skates, rollerskates, skateboards, roller skis, and other similar wheeled vehicles designed to control speed or to stop quickly in a short distance. The device consists of a pole whose length is approximately 90% of the height of the user. The top end has a handle; the center has a foam rubber hand grip; the bottom end has a brake pad assembly. The brake pad assembly comprises a front and a back trapezoid plate fastened to the bottom end of the pole, between which is fastened a replacable trapezoid pad of rubber or similar material, The rubber pad is approximately twice as large as the two plates and extends below the lower edges of the two plates. The rubber pad and the two plates are both curved to form a scoop, The bottom 6 to 8 inches of the pole is bent in a curve at approximately a 20' angle to the upper end of the pole.

Abstract: A ski control system incorporating carve control amplification to activate by deployment of auxiliary ski control surfaces, such as a probe assembly resiliently mounted on the ski at or near the center of pressure of the ski, and which functions when deployed to impose control forces on the ski in proportion to the degree of carve of the ski.

Abstract: A movable base for a baby walker includes a looped base frame, a number of casters, a corresponding number of compression spring members and a plurality of suction cup units. The base frame has a horizontal ring portion with an outer peripheral edge and a surrounding wall which extends downwardly from the outer peripheral edge. Each of the spring members has a first end connected to the ring portion and a second end connected to a respective one of the casters. The spring members are compressible so as to permit movement of the base frame between a first position, wherein the lowermost edge of the surrounding wall is located above the casters, and a second position, wherein the lowermost edge of the surrounding wall is in contact with the floor. Each of the suction cup units includes a shank portion that has a first end connected to the ring portion and a second end that is provided with a suction cup.

Abstract: A wheeled suitcase has a handle connected via a cabling mechanism to a brake or lock for at least one wheel. A first spring mechanism acts upon the brake or lock in a locking direction with a lesser force than that of a second spring mechanism acting upon the cabling mechanism in the opposite direction. Engagement of the handle by the user releases the brake. The relaxation of the second spring mechanism allows the first spring mechanism to reengage the brake when the handle is released.

Abstract: A braking system for in-line skates allows a brake pad to have a retracted position for the brake pad during normal skating operations and an extended position for the brake pad during braking operations. The extended position is achieved by a spring actuated retainer screw attached to a pad retainer to drive the brake pad down to the pavement so as to contact the pavement without having to rock the braking foot back. Once the skater has come to a complete stop, the skater rocks the braking foot back at least a predetermined amount so as to push the retainer screw upwards a predetermined vertical distance so as to allow a retainer pin to engage the bottom portion of the head of the retainer screw, thereby maintain the spring in its compressed state and the brake pad in its retracted state.

Abstract: A skate brake system includes a carriage that pivots about the rear of a skate so as to bring a brake pad into contact with the skating surface when activated by a hand-activated actuator. The skater need not perform any special body movement to raise (or lower) the toe of the skate, and, accordingly, the angle of the skate relative to the ground remains constant while the brake is applied. In another embodiment, a plunger cannister contains a plunger that brings a brake pad into contact with the skating surface when the plunger is actuated by a hand-activated actuator.

Abstract: A brake for restraining movement of rolling carts. Attachable to heavy tool carts as used in machine and auto shops, a mechanical brake of heavy-duty construction uses a spring-biased bolt to hold a brake pad. The brake pad is of sturdy but resiliently flexible material to engage the floor. To engage the brake, a brake set lever is depressed as by stepping on the lever. The brake set lever is pivotably attached to the brake chassis and has mechanical advantage over the spring-biased bolt. The other end of the brake set lever prevents the longer end from flying up when the brake is released. When the brake is engaged, it is held frictionally in place by the spring-biased brake release lever. The bolt shank passes through the brake release lever. The spring-biasing of the bolt causes the brake release lever to more tightly engage the bolt shank to hold the bolt in place. To release the brake, the spring-biasing of the brake release lever is overcome as by stepping on the lever.

Abstract: A skate brake system includes a rocker arm that pivots about the rear of a skate so as to bring a brake pad into contact with the skating surface when the rocker arm is activated. The rocker arm is mechanically activated so that the skater need not perform any special body movement so as to raise (or lower) the toe of the skate. Accordingly, the angle of the skate relative to the ground remains constant while the brake is applied.

Abstract: A brake and wheel for in-line roller skates having multiple slip disks (30a to 30ad) which are placed on retainer ring (40). Slip disks (30a to 30ad) being made of flexible plastic material, and retainer ring (40) being made of low friction plastic material. Retainer ring (40) being snapped closed once slip disks (30a to 30ad) are in place. A right rim (20) and a left rim (50) are placed abutting each other. The rims are joined in the circular hollow of assembled retainer ring (40) and slip disks (30a to 30ad) by screws (10a to 10c).

Abstract: A braking system is disclosed for foot-bound roller skates, particularly in-line roller skates, consisting of a method and apparatus for activating the brake, continuously applying braking force while the brake is activated without the application of force to the activating apparatus, and stowing the brake. Preferably, the brake deploys to serve as the aft point on which the skate rides, along with one or more forward wheels.

Abstract: A roller brake for a roller vehicle such as an in-line roller skate is mounted at an end of a substantially horizontal platform. The roller brake includes a non-rotatable brake hub connected to the chassis, the hub having a horizontal axis perpendicular to a direction of forward travel. The brake hub has a circumferential periphery defining a V-shaped groove, for receiving a brake tire rotatably mounted annularly on the brake hub. The outer periphery of the brake tire is normally disposed above the ground surface but is selectively engageable with the ground surface, preferably simply by tilting the horizontal platform on an endmost ground-engaging wheel adjacent the roller brake. Contact with the ground surface engages the tire with the ground and produces rotation of the tire on the brake hub. Kinetic energy of motion is dissipated as frictional heating between the rotating brake tire and the fixed brake hub. The V-shaped groove is 120.degree. to 150.degree.

Abstract: An in-line skate braking system for braking of an individual on in-line skates by transferring the center of gravity about the rear roller to frictionally engage a brake pad of one in-line skate or both in-line skates against the ground. The brake pad is of a suitable material, such as rubber, so as to frictionally engage with the ground surface. The degree of braking is determined by the degree of pressure axially transferred about the rear roller by the center of gravity to the brake pad. By the skater properly shifting his or her weight about the rear roller, maximum force can be applied between the brake pad to the ground surface, causing a safe stop over a finite distance.

Abstract: A braking assembly mounted to a bottom wall of a truck trailer includes telescoping legs biased exteriorly of tubes, wherein the legs are in a parallel relationship pivotally mounted to opposed distal ends of a brake bar securing a brake pad longitudinally and coextensively thereof, with a medially oriented hydraulically actuated piston mounted to an elongate spring arranged for projecting the brake pad downwardly relative to the truck trailer bottom wall.

Abstract: An impact absorber for a vehicle having a frame and a front bumper includes an elongate arm having a front end and a back end. This arm is suitably mounted by a mounting system in a rest position at an angle to horizontal with the back end higher than the front end and the front end extending beyond the bumper so that the front end is engaged before any other portion of the vehicle by any horizontal impact force at the level thereof. The mounting system includes a rotation device for mounting the back end of the arm to the frame for rotation about a horizontal axis such that a horizontal impact force to the front end of the arm is changed directly to a lifting force at the rotation device and hence to a lifting force of the frame of the vehicle as the arm rotates about the rotation device due to the impact force. Preferably, the front end includes a vertical extension with a forwardmost pad.

Abstract: An in-line roller skate brake having a progressively engagable braking surface and a method for applying such a brake are provided herein. A brake embodying the present invention includes selectively located relief apertures that enable a skater to controllably collapse and deform the brake pad such that the braking surface engages the skating surface from the trailing edge forwardly. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of relief apertures each having a substantially crescent shaped, cross-sectional configuration extend from the braking pad braking surface upwardly into the braking pad. The relief apertures further provide a means for controlling the abrasive wear on the rear portion of the brake pad so that the braking surface will engage the skating surface from the trailing edge forward to the leading edge throughout its use life.

Abstract: A skate brake system includes a carriage that pivots about the rear of a skate so as to bring a brake pad into contact with the skating surface when activated by a hand-activated actuator. The skater need not perform any special body movement to raise (or lower) the toe of the skate, and, accordingly, the angle of the skate relative to the ground remains constant while the brake is applied. In another embodiment, a plunger cannister contains a plunger that brings a brake pad into contact with the skating surface when the plunger is actuated by a hand-activated actuator.

Abstract: A skate pole device can be used alone or in pairs by a roller skater in order to advance or retard movement along a skate surface. The skate pole has an elongated shaft with a handle portion on one end and a foot portion on the other end. First and second pads are mounted in the foot portion. The first pad is constructed of a type adapted to frictionally grip the skate surface so that the skater may exert a thrusting motion with the skate pole, and this material may be a stiff, yet resilient, rubber-like substance such as a soft thermoplastic. The second pad is constructed of a different type of material, such as a hard thermoplastic, that is adapted to act as a brake pad against the skate surface so that the skater may apply a drag force. A pair of such skate poles may be used and, if desired, interconnecting elements are provided to releasably secure two such skate poles alongside one another.

Abstract: A collision-avoidance safety apparatus for a car has a reaction force absorber for absorbing at least some of a reaction force of an impact of an object upon the car pivotally mounted on a supporting component fixed to a frame of the car. The reaction force absorber is a swinging component having an up end with a steel or hard rubber plate and a spring mounted thereon. It is attached to the supporting component by a middle portion inserted into a hole in the supporting component. A down end with a wheel mounted thereon contacts the ground when a force acts on the up end.

Abstract: A skate brake system includes a rocker arm that pivots about the rear of a skate so as to bring a brake pad into contact with the skating surface when the rocker arm is activated. The rocker arm is mechanically activated so that the skater need not perform any special body movement so as to raise (or lower) the toe of the skate. Accordingly, the angle of the skate relative to the ground remains constant while the brake is applied.

Abstract: A brake structure for an in line skate is mounted on the forward end of the skate. The brake structure comprises two brackets secured to the skate and a rotatable cylinder which rotates in contact with the brackets to produce a frictional braking force when the cylinder is contacted with the ground.

Abstract: An in-line skate braking system for braking of an individual on in-line skates by transferring the center of gravity about the rear roller to frictionally engage a brake pad of one in-line skate or both in-line skates against the ground. The brake pad is of a suitable material, such as rubber, so as to frictionally engage with the ground surface. The degree of braking is determined by the degree of pressure axially transferred about the rear roller by the center of gravity to the brake pad. By the skater properly shifting his or her weight about the rear roller, maximum force can be applied between the brake pad to the ground surface, causing a safe stop over a finite distance. In a fourth embodiment, an after-market replacement brake assembly includes a cast member for engagement with a brake shoe of an in-line skate, and a rubber pad which screws onto the cast member.

Abstract: A brake for in-line roller skates with an articulated mounting on the roller skate frame that movably mounts a roller for selective engagement with rear roller skate wheel on the skate and a ground engaging brake pad arrangement the serves to actuate mounting to move the roller into contact with the roller skate wheel and apply a braking force to the skate wheel and the skate itself.

Abstract: Luggage cases which include four wheels may uncontrollably roll down inclined conveyor belts and the like. Disclosed is a brake system for selectively disabling at least some of the four wheels 12,14 on such a case 10. Preferably, this brake system is selectively operated by a pull strap or the like. In one condition, the brake system deploys a ground engaging arm which supports one end of the case 10 and prevents the wheels to be disabled from engaging the inclined surface of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Presented is a universal integral ski control system including a base member on which is mounted a drag control probe assembly including probes that are selectively displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position in which the control probes extend past the running surface of the ski so as to project into the snow on opposite sides of the ski when the skis are in use. The probe assembly is manipulable by the skier for selectively effecting displacement of the drag control probes into either a retracted position or extended position. The base is universally applicable in that it may be integrally incorporated into a ski boot and thus be available for use when the ski boots are donned and the skier steps into the ski bindings, or it may be incorporated integrally into the toe piece assembly of the bindings, or under the toe piece, or incorporated integrally into the ski itself.

Abstract: There is provided a rollerboard for road-skiing using a pair of poles and having a board body with two footholds on the both sides of the longitudinal axis thereof. A front roller assembly and a rear roller assembly is supported by and disposed under the board body. The front roller is horizontally journaled by a front roller bracket vertically pivoted on a plate secured on the board body with a horizontal distance between the shaft of the front roller and the pivot of the front rollerbracket, and the rear roller assembly includes a rear roller journaled by a rear rollerbracket mounted on the board body under the region of the footholds. In addition, a brake means is provided including at least a brake shoe bracket, whose one end is hingedly mounted at the rear end region of said board body and the other end is secured with a brake shoe facing the ground, and at least a spring means interposed between each said shoe bracket and said board body respectively to provide braking tolerance.

Abstract: A baby-walker with a temporarily stopping device and a safety belt which includes a drum pivotally secured on the frames of the baby-walker and having therein a torsion spring wound around a central shaft, a sheet of cloth of which one end is received in the drum and the other portion of the cloth is wound around the drum, and several fastening elements, opposite to the drum, fixed on the base of the baby-walker. By unwinding the cloth and securing the free end of the cloth on the base of the baby-walker with the fastening elements hooking the cloth, the baby-walker will not move when baby steps on the cloth.

Abstract: An in-line roller skate and brake utilizes an improved braking assembly in which the brake pad is retained to the brake housing by an interacting tongue and slot system which causes the pad to be tightly forced into the housing during braking. The upper face of the pad is retained to the housing, and compression of the rubber pad forces a slot on the periphery of the pad tightly into locking engagement with the housing so as to provide a substantially improved retention system for the brake pad during heavy braking operation.

Abstract: A roller skate and brake utilizes a generally flat rectangular road surface engaging base which pivots about the rear wheel through an arc of approximately twelve degrees to achieve full facial engagement with the road surface to achieve safer, more controlled braking. The brake pad is provided with an internal plate which provides an audible and vibrating wear indicator to alert the skater to replace the brake pad. The pad has an upright, arcuate protuberance and a transverse rib which are mateably received within an arcuate cross section socket and a slot adjacent the socket to closely restrain and confine the brake pad within a brake pad housing when the brake pad is attached to the housing.

Abstract: A walker has a basket, a handle for use in pushing the walker along an upwardly facing surface and a plurality of legs connected to the basket and to the handle. The legs have lower ends, and a wheel and a braking element are associated with the lower end of each leg. A braking mechanism is provided for automatically actuating the braking elements and causing same to engage the upwardly facing surface if a predetermined weight is applied to the handle or to the basket, thus to stop the walker. The walker also has a manually operable brake system whereby the user can deliberately bring the walker to a stop.

Abstract: A device for stopping a fallen skier. The device may be worn by a snow skier, the device having a surface which will provide a braking action against the snow if the skier falls. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a plurality of foam blocks arranged on a rectangular piece of fabric which may be strapped onto the skier's back. The blocks have an outwardly pointing wedge shape which provides an outward edge which can produce a braking force when in contact with the snow surface.

Abstract: A brake mechanism is provided with brake pedals that are pivotably attached to opposite sides of a cart, or the like, by hinges and mounting brackets. Each brake pedal includes a downwardly extending leg having a friction foot at a distal end thereof. The brake pedals are pivotable to a braking position whereat the friction feet are frictionally engaged with the ground, thereby anchoring the cart, or the like, in place. One or more crossbars connect the brake pedals so that the pedals pivot in unison. A crossbar is provided which engages the underside of the cart to thereby limit the pivotal travel of the brake pedals. Adjustable length crossbars are preferred so that the dimensions of the brake mechanism can be adjusted for retrofit application with various sized dollies, or the like. A quick release locking device is provided to maintain the brake pedals in the braking position as well as in a freewheeling position.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling transport incubators for infants and adaptable for handling any hospital patient conveyance having a wheeled base. The apparatus includes a carrier having a wheeled undercarriage, a hoistable elevator platform affixed to the undercarriage and a handle for steering and propelling the carrier. The undercarriage and the elevator platform are interconnected by a pair of cross-linked X-shaped lazy tongs that are interconnected by a cross member that is connected to the ram of a hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the elevator platform. The elevator platform is provided with a loading guide and locking mechanism to ensure that a patient conveyance cannot be inadvertently disembarked therefrom. A brake mechanism is also provided on the wheeled undercarriage to prevent unintentional movement thereof. The apparatus is used for moving heavy or heavily laden patient conveyances to and from ambulances of other raised surfaces.

Abstract: A blade sheathing device for loading bales of an agricultural product, e.g. silage, into an elongated, flexible bag, comprises a framework movable along the ground and supporting an open-ended drum that has an outer surface for supporting the bag in a compressed condition. The device has pads connected to the framework that can be lowered to a location underlying the wheels of a vehicle that is used to load a bale through the drum and into a space in the bag beyond the drum. The result is to immobilize the device during the loading operation by virtue of the weight of the vehicle on the pads. The same vehicle can be used between bale loading operations to pull the sheathing device forwards to a new location to dispense a portion of the bag from the surface of the drum and hence create a space in the bag to receive the next bale.

Abstract: A lightweight, easily stored, portable, strong, ride-on-device (1) for transportation and stunt riding. The device is usable on a supporting surface and includes a V-shaped frame (2) on which is mounted an upper and lower body stabilization and support. At least two wheels (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) are rotatably attached to each of two wheel mountings such that in use, the device may be propelled by potential and/or kinetic energy. The direction of travel of the device is governed by the non-perpendicular positioning of the frame relative to the supporting surface. The device further includes a braking device (8).

Abstract: Presented is a method and apparatus that permits a skier to control the speed at which he descends a ski slope. In terms of structure, the invention includes an integral probe assembly including a pair of probes mounted on each ski at about the center of gravity that protrude below the running surface of the ski when deployed and thereby drag in the snow. The probes may be controlled as to the depth of penetration of the snow either before the skier starts the downhill run, or during descent. The skier may also retract the probes so as eliminate the control and maneuverability that they provide. Having deployed the probes, added maneuverability control is achieved merely by conventional body movements which affect the depth to which the probes penetrate the snow. The probe assembly may be incorporated in the skis during manufacture of the skis, or may be added to the skis subsequent to manufacture.