Abstract: A compact hiking sled device facilitates descent on snowy terrain while being lightweight and compact to facilitate hiking to an elevated position. The device includes a hull having a front side, a pair of lateral sides, a back side, a bottom side, and an interior space. Each of a pair of brake levers is pivotally coupled to a respective one of the lateral sides. A seat is positioned within the interior space. A thigh bar extends between the lateral sides of said hull adjacent to a front of the seat. A calf rest bar is adjacent to the front side of the hull. Each of a plurality of carrying straps is attachable to the hull for carrying the hull like a backpack.

Abstract: Container systems for transporting one or more objects, and methods of using, are provided. The container system includes a substantially rectangular symmetrical tray for supporting the one or more objects, the tray being unitarily constructed and defining a base, two opposing longitudinal sides extending away from the base, and two opposing latitudinal sides extending away from the base. Further, the container system includes at least two runners defined by the underside of the base and extending the length of the base in the direction of the longitudinal sides. The container system further has a first rope engaged with two latitudinal first holes positioned on a first latitudinal side and a second rope engaged with two latitudinal second holes positioned on a second latitudinal side.

Abstract: A toboggan steering and breaking device employs a first mounting bracket, a first steering blade; a first steering lever; a second mounting bracket; a second steering blade; and a second steering lever. The first mounting bracket mounts to a toboggan deck. The first mounting bracket restrains the first steering blade. The first steering lever is configured to push the first steering blade through a first void in the deck of the toboggan. The second mounting bracket mounts to the toboggan deck. The second mounting bracket restrains the second steering blade. The second steering lever is configured to push the second steering blade through a second void in the deck of the toboggan.

Abstract: A control system for downhill skis enables effective, continuous control of ski-to-surface resistance, to accommodate changing steepness and other conditions during a downhill ski run. Controllably positionable brake elements are mounted on the skis, centrally between the side edges thereof. Positioning motors are mounted on each ski and are operable to controllably project or retract the brake elements relative to the ski bottoms, continuously or in finite increments, allowing the skier to maintain a safe and comfortable skiing experience over almost any ski slope under a wide variety of ski conditions. The braking elements, preferably blade-like and oriented at right angles to the ski axis, are positioned close to the skier's feet, allowing the skis to be easily controlled in turns and other maneuvers. A spring-loaded, hinged mounting arrangement allows the mechanisms to momentarily pivot to retracted positions whenever the braking elements engage a rock or other immovable object.

Abstract: A toboggan steering and breaking device employs a first mounting bracket, a first steering blade; a first steering lever; a second mounting bracket; a second steering blade; and a second steering lever. The first mounting bracket mounts to a toboggan deck. The first mounting bracket restrains the first steering blade. The first steering lever is configured to push the first steering blade through a first void in the deck of the toboggan. The second mounting bracket mounts to the toboggan deck. The second mounting bracket restrains the second steering blade. The second steering lever is configured to push the second steering blade through a second void in the deck of the toboggan.

Abstract: A snowboard includes an elongate board member having an upper surface, a bottom surface and a pair of lateral edges. A footbrake is pivotally mounted to the upper surface of the board member by a pivot rod and is pivotable between a raised and undeployed position and a lowered and deployed position. A footbrake retractor attached to the footbrake urges the foot brake toward the raised and undeployed position. A pair of lateral brake paddles are operatively connected to the footbrake and extend beyond the lateral edges of the board member. When the footbrake is in the lowered and deployed position, the pair of lateral brake paddles extend below the bottom surface of the board member. A footbrake conversion kit and method for converting a conventional snowboard into a snowboard with a footbrake are also provided.

Abstract: An ice brake is presented that provides stopping traction on ice, snow, water, dirt, gravel, and solid ground. It is driven by a hydraulic ram to provide quick response. The brake has a blade with a bottom edge that has cutout portions to allow up to 50% debris accumulated by the brake to escape. This increases drag, because debris is forced to pass through these cutout sections. The brake is strong enough to apply sufficient loading force on ice to break a craft's hull free from being frozen down to ice, yet it is flexible enough to bend out of the way of rocks and other immovable objects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller ski comprising a ski body (1) having a front and a rear end. A wheel (2) is arranged at each end. The invention aims at providing a roller ski that resembles skiing on snow. In accordance with the invention the roller ski is provided with a wheel brake and a brake activator, which brake activator is arranged the wheel brake when a certain downward flexing of the ski is exceeded. The brake activator comprises electric brake activating means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling a velocity of an object, and more specifically, to a braking apparatus to be attached with a piece of snow-sporting-equipment. The braking apparatus comprises a brake bracket with a deployable braking section. The deployable braking section may be actuated through use of a user-operated control. When actuated, the deployable braking section is forced into a snow's surface, creating drag and friction in order to control the snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial velocity.

Abstract: A snow sled having a body with a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface is configured to receive a rider in at least one of a prone position and a seated position. The snow sled further including a brake mechanism pivotally mounted to the body for hand actuation to impede the speed of the snow sled, wherein the brake mechanism includes a handle end and a barbed end and wherein the brake mechanism has a first orientation for actuation when the rider is in a prone position and a second orientation for actuation when the rider is in a seated position.

Abstract: A braking system for an inflatable vehicle, including a rigid housing attached to the deck of the vehicle and a braking lever pivotally attached to the housing. The lever is frictionally held in an inactivated position where the drag arm forming the lower portion of the lever is positioned above the lower panel of the deck. When the hand grip that forms the upper portion of the lever is pulled up, it overcomes the frictional force and moves the drag arm down below the lower panel of the deck to provide a braking force. In one embodiment, the brake system housing is matingly received and frictionally secured in an open cavity extending between the top and bottom panels of the deck. In another embodiment, the top and bottom panels of the deck are sealingly attached to the housing. A pair of housings with associated braking levers may be transversely spaced on the deck to provide braking and selective steering of the inflatable vehicle.

Abstract: Device for locking in position linear elements movable translationwise such as rods (51) of cylinders (50) and the like, comprising an external body (11) provided internally with a chamber (13) housing elements (21) for locking the rod (51), between which resilient means (22;122) acting on the locking elements themselves are arranged, the chamber (13) having, formed inside it, two opposing cylinders (33) which are arranged on opposite sides of the rod (51) and the pistons (31) of which are designed to be arranged in a position for engagement/disengagement with/from the locking elements (21;121) so as to cause the movement towards/away from one other and the consequent unlocking/locking of the rod (51).

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to make available to snowboard riders a brake device which is specially designed for snowboards. Further objects are to make available a brake device which is functional and safe, automatic, small and compact and easy to fit and use.

Abstract: A ground-engaging emergency brake and anti-jackknife system for a vehicle comprises a brake skid which has at least one elongated substantially planar rigid base member, and upper and lower planar surfaces. A replaceable traction member is removably affixed to the base member lower planar surface. A linkage mechanism positions the brake skid in a ground-engaging deployed plane which is parallel to the plane of the vehicle, and when retracted, in a position adjacent to the underside of the vehicle. An actuating mechanism actuates the brake skid between the deployed and retracted positions. The brake skid is centered axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle between the rear wheels of the vehicle. The actuating mechanism and linkage mechanism are effective to place a substantial amount of the vehicle weight on the brake skid when the brake skid is in its deployed position.

Abstract: In a safety arrangement of a cable-supported component of a medical device that can be adjusted via a cart at a column, a force acts on the cable via at least one clamping lever that is adjustably supported at the cart, and the cart is free for purposes of adjustment along the column given action of the force, and the clamping lever is moved such that it blocks displacement of the cart relative to the column when the force is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a snowmobile suspension system comprising a slide frame for engagement with an endless track, a suspension arm, a bracket arm, and a rocker arm. The suspension arm has an upper portion adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to a chassis on a snowmobile and a lower portion adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to the slide frame. The bracket arm has an end fixedly connected to the lower portion of the suspension arm. The rocker arm has an upper end pivotally connected to the other end of the bracket arm and a lower end supporting a lower end of a shock absorber, the lower end of said shock absorber being pivotally attached thereto. The upper end of the shock absorber is pivotally interconnected to the chassis. The rocker arm is constructed and arranged such that a lower end thereof is disposed beneath the lower portion of the suspension arm.

Abstract: A braking device for a motorized snow vehicle having a front steering assembly with at least one steering column secured to at least one ski, and articulated in rotation around a spindle. The motorized snow vehicle further has a rear support assembly, equipped with at least one driving caterpillar track. The front steering assembly comprises at least one mobile braking element operated, by control means, between a retracted rest position inside a cavity of the ski, and an active braking position protruding out under the general sliding surface of the ski in a middle zone situated appreciably at the level of the articulation spindle between the steering column and the ski.

Abstract: A safety system for dissipating the forces involved in a vehicle collision comprises two large friction platforms beneath the vehicle unibody or floor pan, with each platform having an actuator between the platform and the overlying vehicle structure and connected to the platform by a series of struts or arms. The actuators are preferably automated and pyrotechnically actuated to drive the struts outwardly and downwardly, thereby driving the platforms downwardly beneath the vehicle and against the underlying surface to lift the vehicle slightly above the underlying surface. The vehicle may be surrounded by a plurality of bumper-like impact absorbing contact structures, with each structure also linked to a corresponding friction platform. The outer portion of each contact structure telescopes into the inner portion, and drives a series of struts connected to the corresponding friction platform.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski-type runner braking system provides a braking "claw" at the trailing end of each snowmobile ski-type runner that can be activated by the operator from his console to pivot downward into digging engagement with the snow to help brake the snowmobile. The claws are activated in unison so that balanced braking force is applied to each trailing ski end on both sides of the snowmobile. Even with the claws extended into their digging mode, the operator can still steer by turning the skis. Each claw can be actuated by an electric motor and power screw mechanism mounted on the runner. Alternately, each claw can be actuated by a hydraulic piston/cylinder mechanism mounted on the runner.

Abstract: The toboggan proposed has a device which adjusts the runner to allow the toboggan to negotiate curves, the adjustment being made by means of a steering member in such a way that the radius of curvature of the runners is the same as the radius of the curve to be negotiated. The toboggan may be stopped by an automatic braking member when the steering member is not pulled rearwardly or restrained by the operator of the toboggan.

Abstract: A coaster having a pair of longitudinally-extending and laterally-spaced flexible sled runners which support and define a path for the coaster along a ground surface. The coaster includes forward, intermediate, and rearward lateral struts extending between the flexible runners. The flexible sled runners extend forward from the forward lateral strut to leading rail ends. A longitudinally-extending body support board is mounted above the runners in such a manner as to-allow it to pivot or tilt, relative to the flexible sled runners, about a longitudinal axis. A steering handle is operably connected to the leading rail ends to laterally displace the leading rail ends and to thereby arc the flexible sled runners. Interlinkage between the steering handle and the body support board pivots the body support board in response to turning the steering handle.

Abstract: A new and improved stabilizer device for skiers having two skis, each of the two skis has an upper surface and a lower surface. Two front supports are secured to a corresponding upper surface of the two skis. Two back supports have a triangular support bracket theresecured. Each triangular support bracket is secured to a corresponding upper surface of the two skis. A U-shaped cross member has two convoluted end portions positioned to be secured to the two front supports and to the two back supports. Two brake handles, each of the two brake handles are secured to the U-shaped cross member. Two brake cables are secured to the corresponding brake handle and to the corresponding triangular support bracket of the back support. Two drag brakes are secured to the corresponding triangular support brackets and secured to the brake cables. Two spring mechanisms are secured to the triangular supports brackets and to the drag brakes.

Abstract: A ski brake including two wire-braking arms supported in bearing points on a ski, which wire-braking arms are, if necessary, combined to one wire bar. The ski brake can be swung from a braking position into a ready position, in which the ski brake is stepped down upon by a ski boot and is held down with the help of an operating pedal arranged pivotally about a transversely extending axle, with the free ends of the wire-braking arms being held lying above the plane of the upper side of the ski. The bearing points of the wire-braking arms are arranged on the upper side of the ski. At least one further bearing point for the operating pedal is constructed on or in a spring board spaced above the upper side of the ski and movable relative to the ski.

Abstract: The invention relates to a braking for installation on a snow ski. Such mechanisms are known, for example, in the form of a ski binding. The ski binding allows the movement of the ski with the foot. However, it is not possible to achieve a braking effect with parallel guided skis. Therefore, it is suggested to arrange at least one braking member on the ski for movement against the ground relative to the respective ski. The braking member is operatively connected with an operating mechanism to be actuated by the skier.

Abstract: A climbing device for skis has a member with a ski receiving aperture therethrough. The member has a deformed shape where the aperture can slidably fit over a tail end of the ski to a position rearwards of a binding on the ski. The member is resiliently biased away from the deformed shape towards a second shape where portions of the member about the aperture grip the ski to resist sliding of the device from the position towards the tail end of the ski. The member has a part projecting below the ski when the device is in the position. This part is shaped to project into snow below the ski.

Abstract: A ski brake, which is mounted on the ski and provided with two brake arms, one on each side of the ski, which brake arms by spring action can be turned to a catching position, in which the brake arms extend downward, substantially perpendicularly to the ski.The invention is characterized in that the ski brake consists of single piece of material, and the resilience is obtained by utilizing the design of the sheet metal material, a.o. reinforcing grooves.

Abstract: A snow shuttle for use in winter recreation upon hills and the like in which the shuttle includes a forward steering section, a frame area pivotally connected thereto, a seating area disposed upon the frame, and a braking apparatus similarly carried on the frame so that the shuttle can be controlled both by steering and braking. Ribs are provided on the bottom face of the steering mechanism and the frame for added stability and control.

Abstract: A brake surface is provided for slide coaster sleds in which the brake surface is configured to be an elongated surface of much greater length relative to the width. The braking surface is particularly useful for use on wet slide surfaces because the foremost sections of the brake surface remove the moisture at the brake-slide interface and dry the surface through frictional contact. Therefore, the following brake portions of about two-thirds of the length are available to bring about effective braking action. Preferably, the elongated brakes are formed in a U-shape in cross section with a central groove for containing moisture. Also, it is preferred to have two spaced apart brake surfaces positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal center line of the sled.

Abstract: A tractor pull sled including a weighted pan movably supported on a frame intermediate the forward and rearward ends. The frame is supported by a plurality of ground engaging wheels, at least one of which is coupled to and actuates a pan support assembly which transfers the weight of the pan to the ground at a rate which is a function of the distance of forward travel of the sled. The pan support assembly also functions to transfer the weight of the frame onto the pan after the full weight of the pan has been applied to the ground.

Abstract: A pleasure vehicle which is to be used on a trough-shaped downhill track, includes a vehicle body and a leg support, extending frontwardly therefrom. A plurality of support elements support the vehicle on the downhill track for movement down the track. A plurality of brake shoes are mounted on the vehicle body, for simultaneous displacement by a single actuating lever into and out of braking positions, so that the support elements of the vehicle body are lifted off the downhill track, while the support elements of the leg support continue to guide the vehicle on the downhill track.

Abstract: A snow toboggan, or a flat bottomed sled, has a body with a curved forward portion. At its aft end, the sled is outfitted with a pair of hinged drag panels, each hinged independently to the body of the sled. On the underside of each panel is disposed one or more spikes which are capable of digging into the snow. Also on the underside of the body near its aft end is fixed a longitudinally oriented fin which is used to stabilize the forward motion of the sled. On the underside of the curved portion of the body is pivotably supported a pair of front stabilizing fins which are used to stabilize the sled when the sled is travelling across a hill or traversing a hill, to prevent the forward end from sliding down the hill. When not needed, these front stabilizing fins are rotated up out of the snow so that sharp turns can be maneuvered. Sharp turns are obtained by lowering one panel at a time by suitable means mounted in the body to allow the spikes thereunder to grip into the snow.

Abstract: A sledding system having a track installed on a ski slope in the summer has U-shaped track sections with a flat bottom and substantially upright sides which serve to retain a driver controlled sled sliding on the track. Braking is provided by extendable side brakes which engage the upright sides.

Abstract: A monorail mountain coaster for recreational transportation along an inclined path on a hill or mountain comprising a channel disposed on and spaced from the path, a chassis frame moveable along the channel, a coaster shell resiliently mounted on the chassis frame, riding wheels rotatably mounted on the chassis frame and engaged with the channel for movement of the frame along the channel, retainer wheels rotatably mounted to the frame disposed about and engaged with the channel to retain the frame on the channel and a brake pivotally mounted to the frame and engageable with the channel to stop the movement of the frame on the channel. The channel is suspended above the inclined path on, for example, the side of a hill, by suspension brackets which securely prevent the channel from moving. The frame with pivotally mounted shell is then allowed to roll along the channel on its wheels and provide entertaining and recreational transportation along the path.

Abstract: A maneuverable ski machine is provided having a seat frame supported by spaced skis and individual manual controls are provided for swinging the skis about vertical axes into "snow plow" stopping or turning positions. Banking devices automatically bank the skis in proportion to the amount of swinging movement. The controls are also effective to swing and bank the skis into "parallel" turning positions and to properly laterally locate the skier's center of gravity during execution of parallel turns.

Abstract: A snow sled having braking and steering means on a toboggan-like main body having a substantially thin, flat main portion and a forward arcuate portion, said main body extending continuously from front to back and from side to side. Runners depend downwardly from a bottom surface of the main body, and a steering runner with a thin central blade is slidably and rotatably mounted on the main body having a steering arm extending from the steering runner for the sled operator. Braking means are provided by a pivotal plate, at the rear of the main body, pitched downwardly so that when lowered into the snow, the plate digs into the snow and forces snow upwardly and over the plate.

Abstract: Ski braking devices are described for braking skis when they become accidentally detached from skiers' boots so as to bring the skis to rest in safe positions without hurting the skiers or other persons. Each described device has a frame with spaced parallel plates extending across the ski and a braking lever pivoted between them about an axis at one edge of the ski. A pivoted holding device snaps over the lever to hold it in an inoperative position in which it lies over the ski. When putting on the ski, the skier releases the holding device, for example with his boot, but the braking lever is retained in the inoperative position by the boot. On being released, the holding device is swung away from the braking lever by spring action. When the ski becomes detached, a spring swings the braking lever through about 270.degree. so that it projects downwards into the snow.

Abstract: A braking device for sleds, according to which rollers are used as braking elements which by means of an actuating element are moved from a non-braking position into a braking position while being pressed against the surface of the sliding path for the sled. According to a preferred design of the invention, pairs of rollers are employed with the rollers of each pair having different diameters.

Abstract: A dual braking system is provided for high speed sleds in which the center of gravity of the operator is placed between fore and aft brake shoes, which are operated simultaneously by the operator without the need for shifting positions. Thus, the brake system is effective even though the operator is naturally shifted forward by the braking action. Also included in the brake system is a wheel assembly, which may be operated by the single brake lever to accommodate fast acceleration. Operating the brake lever to shift the wheel assembly into effective operative shifts the center of gravity of the operator over the wheel assembly. The dual brake shoes pivot around horizontal axes and are disposed adjacent the longitudinal centerline of the sled to avoid lateral deflection of the sled when the brakes are applied.