Ski Carrier Patents (Class 224/917)

Cross-Reference Art Collections

Vehicle attached (Class 224/917.5)
  • Patent number: 9609962
    Abstract: A packaged collectible display assembly displays a packaged collectible. The packaged collectible display assembly includes a board assembly and a display base. The board assembly includes a backer board, at least one pair of laterally opposed channel structures or constructions, and a ledge structure or element. The channel structures are attached to the laterally opposed portions of the backer board such as laterally opposed board edges such that channels of the channel structures face one another. The ledge structure is attached to the backer board adjacent the lower board end such that the ledge length extends across the board width and abuts the lower channel ends, the ledge structure and channel structures for supporting at least one channel-received packaged collectible. The lower board end may be preferably received in groove formed in the display base for enhancing the display of each channel-received packaged collectible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: John W. Bruns
  • Patent number: 8905275
    Abstract: A lightweight and compact alpine ski and snowboard carrying device which supports a pair of alpine skis and, in the alternative, a snowboard, in a vertical position along a user's back and which rolls up for storage in a pocket, along with a method for using the present device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Ron L. Klein
  • Patent number: 8752864
    Abstract: In principle, the device comprises a supporting element for a ski that is placed beside the outer side of a ski boot, the supporting element having a movable part formed by a rotatable body and a fixed part on which the movable part is coupled rotatingly, while the rotatable body includes a receptacle for receiving the rear end section of the ski. It is characterized in that the receptacle of the rotatable body is delimited by an elastic frontal retaining and support rim (7) for the ski and adjustable runners (8) that can be adapted to the width of the ski (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Sabina Francisca Estrugo Mari
  • Patent number: 8746769
    Abstract: A portable ski and ski pole carrier system includes a pair of flexible straps, each having a strap receiver and a strap fastener disposed at opposite ends. The strap receivers are configured to receive the strap fasteners and secure a pair of skis and ski poles within the straps. A handle is attached perpendicularly to the pair of straps and parallel to the pair of skis and ski poles. The ski poles are disposed between a heel binding on one of the pair of skis and a brake lever handle extending from the other of the pair of skis. The loops formed by the straps may be disposed between toe and heel bindings on the pair of skis. The interior of the straps may include a non-slip material to help secure the pair of skis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: David B. Owen
  • Patent number: 8616600
    Abstract: A portable ski carrier includes at least one flexible strap having a strap receiver disposed at one end and a strap fastener disposed at the other end. The strap receiver is configured to receive the strap fastener and secure a pair of skis within the strap. A handle is attached to the strap between the ends and disposed perpendicular to the pair of skis. A grip may be disposed about at least a portion of the handle. The grip may include a rubber or foam material and may be rotatably attached to the handle. In another embodiment, the handle is attached to a pair of flexible straps and aligned to the pair of skis. The interior of the strap may include a non-slip material to help secure the pair of skis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: David B. Owen
  • Patent number: 7971764
    Abstract: A backpack shell construction having a stiff back panel supporting storage compartments projecting outwardly therefrom and carried on the user's back by a pair of shoulder straps and further secured to the user by a waist strap, to which shell a pair of tandem collapsible boot shelves or platforms are integrated at lower corner portions and an outer ski carrier and helmet mounting panel is hingedly attached to the front face of the backpack shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Global Design Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Sabbah
  • Patent number: 7568599
    Abstract: A ski tote may include at least one backpack strap and/or a basic strap for holding the skis together for aid in carrying a pair of skis. The tote may also include one or more shoulder straps. The basic strap may extend longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The basic strap may have a bifurcated straps integral with or connected to first and second ends of the basic strap. Each of first and second bifurcated straps may have first and second straddling ends and a ski surrounding loop mechanism on each of the first and second straddling ends. The backpack strap may include a ski supporting substrate with one or more ski supporting straps attached to a ski supporting substrate. A pair of shoulder straps may also be attached to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Julie Hall
  • Patent number: 6932254
    Abstract: The carrying sling of the present invention comprises a length of flexible webbing in the form of a strap being twice folded back on itself to form first, second and third reaches between the first and second ends of the strap. The ends of the strap include apparatus that is adapted to interconnect with or wrap around an object to be carried. Each of the two folds is formed where the strap is trained through first and second slides that are either releasably or permanently connected to the terminal ends of the strap. Providing at least one of the reaches of the strap with means for adjusting its length adds further utility to the carrying strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Eliason Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Eliason
  • Patent number: 6832711
    Abstract: A backpack (1) for carrying a personal transportation device having forward and rear portions (3, 4). The backpack (1) includes; a harness arrangement (5) for securing to the back of a user; a body portion (10) securable to the harness (5) and having first and second ends (12, 14); and first and second securing devices (15) at each end respectively and extending outwardly therefrom to releasably engage each respective portion (3, 4) of the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Bradley Thomas Black
  • Publication number: 20040159687
    Abstract: The carrying sling of the present invention comprises a length of flexible webbing in the form of a strap being twice folded back on itself to form first, second and third reaches between the first and second ends of the strap. The ends of the strap include apparatus that is adapted to interconnect with or wrap around an object to be carried. Each of the two folds is formed where the strap is trained through first and second slides that are either releasably or permanently connected to the terminal ends of the strap. Providing at least one of the reaches of the strap with means for adjusting its length adds further utility to the carrying strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Eliason
  • Publication number: 20040094586
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel ski carrying harness apparatus that is worn over a head and over a shoulder of a skier to assist the skier in carrying a pair of skis. The apparatus uses a small ski loop connected to a larger body loop assembly to encircle and support a portion of a ski binding of one of a pair of skis and then the apparatus is used to lift and carry the pair of skis suspended from a point near the waist of the skier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Kirk C. MacAllister
  • Patent number: 6672495
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a bifurcated carrier pack for electively transporting snowboard equipment either in a traditional, back-mounted position or in an unconventional, hip-mounted position. A snowboard may be removably attached to the bifurcated pack while in a back-mounted position for transportation and detachment ease. When the user elects to remove the snowboard from the pack, the bifurcated pack may be easily configured to a hip-mounted position to shift the user's center of gravity from a superior center of gravity to an inferior center of gravity for improving the downhill snowboarding experience. The bifurcated pack comprises a pair of storage compartments, two shoulder straps and an abdominal encircling belt. At the election of the user, the storage compartments may be pivoted about their lower half to achieve either a back-mounted configuration or a hip-mounted configuration. The shoulder straps secure the storage compartments in place while in either configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: David W. Sagan
  • Publication number: 20030173382
    Abstract: A ski carrier device for the hands free carrying of a pair of skis. The carrier includes a toe loop for securing the skis near first binding component. The carrier also includes an aft loop for attaching near a second binding component. Shoulder straps connect the toe and aft loops. A skier places his arms through the shoulder straps and adjusts the skis to rest upon his back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Kenton L. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20030034370
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for carrying, storing, and deterring the theft of elongate recreational boards such as snowboards, skis, skateboards, surfboards, and sailboards and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Wade L. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6457762
    Abstract: A dual-purpose device that can be used to both carry a pair of skis and be used to lock skis. The device has a main line with looped ends, and a second line attached to a midsection of the main line having one exterior looped end. One of the looped ends of the main line is slipped over a pair of skis behind a foot support, and second line is wrapped about the skis and the other looped end of the main line is passed through the second line exterior loop, and can be draped over a shoulder of a user and held by a user's hand like a handle. Moving the handle raises and lowers the position of the skis. The skis are supported in a vertical position behind and separated from the user's back where the main line further acts as a cushion between the user's back and the skis. An adjustably positioned shoulder pad can be used to further cushion the main line from the user's shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Angelo Garutti
  • Patent number: 6371346
    Abstract: The accessory is designed to interchange between a waist belt that is fully portable and a sling that can carry large or bulky equipment such as inline skates and snowboards. Hence, the accessory has a dual use nature. The accessory is composed of an elongated belt with connector members on opposite ends and two open and closeable cargo-carrying loops attached along the length of the belt. At least one of the cargo-carrying loops is attached to the belt via a sliding buckle. The sliding buckle can slide and lock the attached cargo-carrying loop to any available point on the elongated belt. Acting as a waist belt, the accessory is completely portable and allows the user to convert the accessory into an equipment-carrying sling at any alternative location. Acting as a sling, the accessory can be adapted into two different configurations. Both configurations use a shoulder of the user as a fulcrum in which to balance carded equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Sanjiv Ranjan Sharma
  • Patent number: 6311883
    Abstract: A case for carrying a pair of skis assembled bottom-to-bottom includes front and rear bags telescopingly overlapping. Preferably, the overlap is effective so that the bindings of downhill skis are accommodated within the overlapping portions of the bags. A padding layer enhances protection while a shoulder strap spans the bags to facilitate carrying by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Miriam A. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 6257261
    Abstract: A canopy top for use with a vehicle having an open passenger compartment and carrying equipment. The canopy top has a frame adaptable for being secured to the vehicle and supported above the passenger compartment. A canopy overlies the frame. Means formed integral with the frame for securing equipment to the top is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Mitchel B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6126188
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a trailer hitch extension member 20 mountable on a conventional rear box end receiver trailer hitch mounting arm 14. The extendable rotatable hitch/trailer coupling device 10 which communicates between a conventional vehicle's hitch mounting arm 14 and a trailer tongue 16 having a trailer hitch connecting or securing means on its front tongue 62 permits a single individual to hook up a trailer 16. The present invention 10 extends the conventional hitch mounting arm 14 from a fixed point, to an elliptical connection zone whereby the hitch extension member 20 and swivel head member 18 can be selectively engaged either individually or in concert to extend to the trailer hitch component 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Alexander Volodarsky
  • Patent number: 6086102
    Abstract: A ski equipment transport device is provided for eliminating the hassles of carrying snow skis and poles independently. An integral bag, handle and contoured base is deployed by opening the bag securement and emptying the contents. The bag and straps are affixed to a pair of snow skis and poles by placing the ski tails into the contoured base and securing the crossover strap and hand loops. The handle is grasped and the ski and poles are pulled using the transport device thereby eliminating a portion of the weight of the skis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Innovative Ski Systems
    Inventors: Joel Stark, Tod Shultz
  • Patent number: 6021937
    Abstract: A device for carrying equipment, such as a pair of snow skis and other ski equipment, is provided. The device comprises a container, a means for holding the skis attached to the outside surface of the container, and a carrying belt attached to the container. The device permits skis to be conveniently transported in a sling-like fashion. In addition, other supplies can be transported within the container, or secured to the outside of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventors: Robert R. Schryver, Marcia Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5979726
    Abstract: A ski securement and carrying harness including an adjustable central strap member. A first securement strap is fixedly secured to an upper end of the central strap member. The first securement strap secures to a pair of skis disposed below toe bindings thereof to facilitate securement of the pair of skis together. A second securement strap is fixedly secured to a lower end of the central strap member. The second securement strap secures to the pair of skis disposed below heel bindings thereof to facilitate securement of the pair of skis together. A third securement strap is slidably coupled with the central strap member by a coupling loop intermediate the first securement strap and the adjustment bracket. The third securement strap secures to the pair of skis disposed between the toe bindings and upper tips thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Leon Chisholm, Fannie Chisholm
  • Patent number: 5961014
    Abstract: A universal backpack harness having two shoulder straps, a backpack support strap attached to each shoulder strap and upper and lower stabilizing straps also attached to each of the shoulder straps. The backpack support strap passes through a loop on the backpack and supports the backpack by means of the backpack loop. An upper and lower stabilizing strap wrap around a vertical backpack member to stabilize and position the backpack on the wearer's body. Alternatively, the stabilizing straps can also pass through additional loops on the backpack. A breast strap keeps the shoulder straps in place. An optional back pad and shoulder pads are used for wearer comfort. A unique backpack design for use with the harness features horizontal and vertical load securing straps and a vertical support strap that forms a loop for receiving the harness horizontal support strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Ricky L. Knerr
  • Patent number: 5957283
    Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary ski protector comprising an elongate sleeve body having a top side, a bottom side, a back end, a front end, and a midsection between the front and back ends. The sleeve body flares at the midsection so that the sleeve body is adapted to closely conform to the shape of a ski when placed therein. A fastener extends at least part way between the back end and the front end and provides an access way into the sleeve body when unfastened. A handle is attached to the sleeve body at the midsection such that the sleeve body may be balanced about the handle when the ski is within the sleeve body. A pair of resilient straps are attached to the bottom side of the sleeve body and are adapted to hold a second ski against the bottom side of the sleeve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Gear Reichert, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Reichert
  • Patent number: 5941435
    Abstract: A single, telescoping, collapsible, quick-release snowboarding pole with leg mounting system includes a telescoping, collapsible pole and leg mounting assemblies, to secure the pole, in the collapsed position, to the lower leg of an individual, such as a snowboarder. This invention allows the user to quickly release the collapsed pole from the leg mounting assemblies and extend and lock the telescoping pole, to use as needed, usually to gain momentum while snowboarding or performing other outdoor sports. The pole comprises three sections of telescoping tubing, the lower pole section sliding into the middle pole section which then slides into the upper pole section, in the collapsed position. The pole is locked into its extended position by way of two snap-lock buttons positioned inside the middle and lower pole sections, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Stephen James Smith
    Inventor: Alexander Finlay Munro, III
  • Patent number: 5934533
    Abstract: An apparatus for releasably retaining a recreational board, such as a skateboard, snowboard or skis, is shown and described. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a main body with a front portion to which one or more straps is attached, and a rear portion to which a pair of opposing flaps is attached. The flaps extend from the main body such that the second flap overlaps the first flap when the two are wrapped in opposite directions around the recreational board. The overlapping surfaces of the two flaps are secured together to releasably retain the board. A connector is fixed to the second flap and extends from the rear portion of the carrier to the front portion of the carrier where it terminates in a grip. A force exerted on the grip subjects the connector to tension, causes the second flap to be separated from the first flap, and releases the board. In another embodiment, the connector extends through apertures in the front and rear portions of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Megan H. Callanan
  • Patent number: 5881708
    Abstract: A backpack for carrying bulky, heavy footwear such as inline skates, conventional roller skates, ice skates or ski boots is provided. Preferably, a backpack for carrying inline skates is provided. According to the invention, the backpack includes a left and right opposed footwear compartments. The left and right compartments are angularly joined together at the front base portion of the compartments to form an isosceles triangle there between. The joined right and left compartments define a portion of the front face of the backpack. The compartments have a sufficient height for receipt of the blade portion of a skate and/or of the top portion of a bulky boot, for example, a ski boot. In addition, the compartments have a sufficient depth to receive the blade portion of a skate. In one improvement, the footwear compartments are L-shaped and nested such that the ankle-receiving portion of one compartment is situated above the ankle receiving portion of the other compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Visual Impact Films Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene M. Kliot
  • Patent number: 5803332
    Abstract: A pack (10) for selectively carrying either relatively wide elongate articles, or relatively narrow elongate articles. The pack includes a bag (14) for carrying smaller articles internally. Near the top forward edge of the bag, shoulder straps (16a, 16b) are attached, extending downwardly to attachment points adjacent the lower sides of the bag. A waistband (22) extends forwardly from each side of the pack. The waistband extends continuously around the rearwardly facing surface of the pack, forming webs (28, 30) that are attached to cuffs (32, 34). The cuffs are tapered, each having a slot (36,38) formed at its wider end where the cuff attaches to the bag. Similar cuffs (54, 56) are attached at their wider ends at opposite sides of the bag, near its top, and webs (46, 48) are attached to these cuffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventor: Jesse B. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5762242
    Abstract: A system for carrying skis and ski poles either by hand or over the shoulder comprises an elongated strap assembly extending between fore and aft ski loops to freely receive the ends of a pair of skis in side-by-side relationship. An adjustment buckle interconnects first and second strap members and their associated fore and aft ski loops to selectively create a transport loop of reduced size for carrying the skis by hand or one of enlarged size for carrying the skis over the shoulder. Fore and aft loops may also be provided to receive a pair of ski poles. In one embodiment, the strap members extend away from the ski loops at locations adjacent the ring members and the strap members are threaded through the ring members to form the pole loops such that as the strap members are drawn in a direction away from the ring members, the size of the pole loops is reduced until the pole loops snugly engage the ski poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: George P. Yost
  • Patent number: 5746361
    Abstract: A carrier (10) for transporting a snowboard (100) is described. The carrier includes a panel (12) on which are mounted top and bottom securing straps (24 and 26) which are securing through top and bottom securing buckles (30 and 32), on the opposite side of the panel. The snowboard is mounted adjacent the inner surface (12F) of the panel such that the sides (12C and 12D) of the panel are adjacent the sides (100C) of the board. A first carrying strap (34) is mounted at the top (12A) of the panel on the right side (12C) and a second carrying strap is mounted at the bottom (12B) of the panel on the left side (12D). The second ends (24B and 26B) of the first and second carrying straps are connected together to form a complete strap. To use, the user (102) inserts an arm (104) and head (106) through the complete strap such that the complete strap extends across the torso (108) of the user and the panel is adjacent the back (110) of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Randall LeRoy Johnson
  • Patent number: 5647522
    Abstract: A user borne load carrying system comprising a support structure that is securable to, or otherwise carryable by, a user, and a retention mechanism to secure a load to the support structure. The retention mechanism includes a girth-like embrasure of friction enhancing material adapted to encircle the load. The retention mechanism further includes an adjustment mechanism in the form of a strap mechanism coupled to the support structure and extending across the embrasure. The strap mechanism urges the embrasure and load against each other and the support structure to thereby secure the load to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: CirqueWorks LLC
    Inventor: Thomas R. Routh
  • Patent number: 5611427
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for carrying in-line skates. The in-line skates have blades that include at least two adjacent wheels. The apparatus comprises a base member having a front, back and bottom. The base member defines first and second slots, each open to the bottom and extending from the front to the back. The first and second slots are each sized to receive the blade of an in-line skate so that the base member is substantially perpendicular to the in-line skate blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: David W. Bigham
  • Patent number: 5575412
    Abstract: A carrier to be worn to easily transport elongated articles such as, for example, pairs of skis and poles. In the preferred embodiment, the carrier comprises a shoulder strap, a first end strap at one end of the shoulder strap adapted to be releasably attached to first ends of the pair of skis, a first auxiliary strap at the first end strap adapted to be releasably attached to first ends of the pair of poles, a second end strap at the opposite end of the shoulder strap adapted to be releasably attached to second ends of the pair of skis, and a second auxiliary strap at the second end strap adapted to be releasably attached to second ends of the pair of poles. A cross strap extends from one of the end straps around the back, under the shoulder, and across the chest of the wearer to be releasably attached to the shoulder strap to exert a pulling force thereon and thereby prevent the shoulder strap from sliding off the shoulder of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Fred Arias
  • Patent number: 5540364
    Abstract: An article carrier for wearing by a user and modifiable into a plurality of different configurations. This article carrier may be utilized as a fanny pack, a backpack carrier, and/or a carrier for skis and the like. Included in the article carrier is a shoulder harness detachably secured to the fanny pack. This harness may be utilized in conjunction with, or independent from, the fanny pack. When the harness is attached to the fanny pack, it may be entirely stored within the compartment or it may be draped over the user's shoulders. The front surface of the shoulder harness includes a pair of straps, each being adjustably mounted thereto. These straps can be utilized to secure such items as skis, or they can be utilized to removably secure a backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventors: Julian Z. Krieger, Padraic J. Cassidy
  • Patent number: 5538137
    Abstract: A combination ski and boot bag including an elongated generally tubular shaped main portion for holding skis and ends on the main portion, a zipper along at least part of the length of the main portion allows access to the inside. A strap has ends attached to the main portion and has a support area near about one-half the length of the main portion. At least two satellite boot compartments are connected to the outside of the main portion and are spaced from each other and generally equally spaced from the support area of the strap along the length of the ski bag. The satellite boot compartments having closures which permit the boots to the placed therein and removed. The bottoms of the satellite boot compartments are generally on the same plane near the bottom side of the bag so that boots will stand up when in the satellite boot compartments and set on a horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventors: David M. Deioma, David B. Deioma
  • Patent number: 5527146
    Abstract: A support rack for carrying articles behind a vehicle is disclosed. The rack includes a base member, a forward beam, a rearward beam, a top member, and lock arms. The base member is securable to the rearward end of the vehicle. The forward and rearward beams are pivotally connected to the base member and project upwardly therefrom. The beams are parallel to each other and together form a parallelogram with the base member and the top member. The top member is pivotally connected to the forward and rearward beams. The lock arms are for releasably locking the forward beam and the rearward beam in upright positions above the base member. Support arms are also slidably coupled to the top member for securing bicycles thereon. A crank clamp attachment structure is also provided, which fits on top of the top member to hold extra bicycles. The crank clamp attachment structure includes crank clamps and wheel rails. A ski rack is also disclosed that may be pivotally coupled to the support rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Softride, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivor J. Allsop, Eivind Clausen
  • Patent number: 5499752
    Abstract: A shoulder bow carrier comprising an adjustable shoulder strap made of flexible material, having loops at each end of the shoulder strap for receiving and supporting the ends of a bow and joining the ends of the shoulder strap by a flexible, stretchable piece of material which is within a fixed-length flexible tube assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: David A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5490621
    Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system. The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Sport Carriers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Dixon, James B. Hudson, Jon Apogee
  • Patent number: 5468036
    Abstract: A strap system for temporarily binding skis and poles together for easy carrying and stowage. The system comprises a pair of hook and loop pile fastener material straps for securing the skis face to face. Each strap comprises an elongated body having an outer side provided with fastener material and inner and remote ends. A gripping surface and fastener material backing are affixed to an inner side of the body. The gripping surface frictionally contacts a pair of skis bound by the straps, preventing slippage of the installed strap. The backing releasably engages the body's fastener material when the strap is installed. A ski pole band for separately, releasably binding ski poles to previously bound skis extends from a central portion of the body. The band is a length of fastener material adapted to selectively mate with the body outer side fastener material. When deployed, the band provides a smooth, protective outer side for normally guarding the installed strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Ronny W. Brown
  • Patent number: 5464138
    Abstract: A device for carrying a pair of skis includes an elongated tube of rigid material having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a mid portion intermediate the first and second end portions. A ski mounting is provided on the second end portion for holding the pair of skis in an inclined position extending upwardly ahead of the user. The tube is shaped so that the first end portion is curved in a U-shaped configuration that fits over the shoulder of a user standing in an erect position, the mid portion extends downwardly from the first end portion ahead of the shoulder alongside the torso of the user to the second end portion, and the second end extends downwardly and rearwardly from the mid portion alongside the user in a position enabling the user to grip the second end portion while standing erect, thereby enabling the user to steady the skis and to adjust the incline of the skis by rotating the tube relative to the shoulder of the user by pushing and pulling the second end portion of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: Richard Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5460310
    Abstract: The magnetically coupling ski rack has a panel made of magnetic material which is associable with a motor vehicle roof, and removable therefrom by lifting one edge of the magnetic panel and then gradually removing the entire magnetic panel. Ski-supporting brackets are connected to the magnetic panel. The magnetic panel is covered by a covering element. A locking mechanism is provided for preventing removal of skis from the ski supporting brackets. The locking mechanism also prevents removal of the covering element in order to gain access to the magnetic panel, which in turn prevents removal of the magnetic panel from a vehicle roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: I.L.M.A. S.r.l. Industria Lavorazioni Meccaniche Autoaccessori
    Inventor: Luciano Fabbri Corsarini
  • Patent number: 5456397
    Abstract: A clamp for supporting elongated articles such as a pair of skis on a motor vehicle includes a support base attachable to a load bar mounted transversely above a motor vehicle. A retaining element is pivotally attached at one end to the support base and is pivotable from an open position in which elongated articles can be inserted in or removed from said clamp to a closed position wherein it can be locked. The retaining element, together with its associated lock, further is pivotable about a second axis from a first position located to the rear of the rearward surface of the support base to a raised position spaced above the top surface of the support base wherein elongated articles can be clamped between the retaining element and the top of the support base. The retaining element is provided with a soft elastomeric surface for engagement with the top of the skis, while the top of the support base is provided with a layer of hard polymeric material to engage the bottom of the skis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
  • Patent number: 5450991
    Abstract: A combination storage belt and ski carrier accessory includes a belt mounting a pair of releasably and reversably attachable flexible members at each of a pair of opposite ends of the belt and a storage bag at an intermediate location thereon between the opposite ends of the belt. The belt is adjustable to convert it between a contracted condition and an expanded condition. In the contracted condition, the adjustable belt is adapted to be worn about a user's waist with the flexible members forming closed loops positioned on the same side of the belt as the storage bag. In the expanded condition, the belt is adapted to be worn across the front of the user's torso and over one shoulder with the flexible members forming closed loops positioned on the opposite side of the belt from the storage bag to hold and carry skis in a generally upright orientation along the user's back. The storage bag is accessible both when the belt is worn around waist and when worn across the torso to carry skis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Ryan R. Neading
  • Patent number: 5441184
    Abstract: A ski seat and carrier comprises a generally rectangular seat panel, with provision at the top of the seat panel for attaching the seat panel to a pair of skis for suspending the seat panel between a pair of skis, and with provision at the bottom of the seat panel for receiving a ski pole for suspending the bottom of the seat panel between a pair of skis so that the seat panel can provide a sling-type seat for a skier when suspended between a pair of skis. A pocket is provided extending across the bottom of the seat panel. The pocket has a closed bottom end and closed side ends and provides a compartment having a depth substantially less than the length of the seat panel and a width extending substantially across the width of the seat panel. The pocket has an opening extending substantially across the width of the seat panel so that the compartment opens toward the end of the seat panel that is opposite the seat panel's bottom end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Joe Durso
  • Patent number: 5427291
    Abstract: A ski carrier has a strap with opposite end portions having overlapping ends formed into eyelets. Separable segments are brought through the eyelets to form ski carrying loops at toe and heel ends of outwardly facing bindings of skis aligned in tandem, back-to-back positions. After forming loops, segments are joined by mating male and female elements of a snapping fastener. Ski poles are brought through an opening of a tie loop attached to one element, and a spring-loaded barrel lock closes loop about the poles. Skis are carried by lifting carrier with the hand around fastener and poles. The lifting causes loops to self-tighten about the skis against the outward bias of the ski camber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: David S. Smith
  • Patent number: 5425485
    Abstract: A shoulder strap for carrying and coupling a pair of ski boots. The strap is adjustable in length, and has a cord attached to it that is used to connect the strap to the boots and also to hold the boots together. The strap and cord also use swivel-type connectors that allow the boots to be positioned in the most convenient and comfortable position when being carried by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Doug Carlo
  • Patent number: 5423466
    Abstract: A ski carrier combined with a rubber magnet plate and a vacuum sucking adhering plate to be mounted on a roof of an automobile. A fixing member comprises a fixing plate body and a rubber magnet plate attached to a bottom surface of a fixing plate body and is formed with the vacuum sucking adhering plate inserting portion at the center. A carrier main body for fastening the ski is fixed on a fixing member and is pierced with the shaft inserting hole. A vacuum sucking adhering plate is provided between the vacuum sucking adhering plate inserting portion and the shaft inserting hole, and a cover for covering the ski is connected by a hinge to a carrier main body and it covers on a lever of the vacuum sucking adhering plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: Soo M. Moon
  • Patent number: 5415333
    Abstract: A ski carrier for alternatively transporting skis by manually carrying, by a vehicle mounting the ski carrier therein, or by a common carrier. The ski carrier has a case having a cover portion and a holder portion, and an end cap positionable over an opening in a first end of the case when the cover and holder portions thereof are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: James H. Wills
  • Patent number: 5400937
    Abstract: A device for the hands-free carrying of skis and ski poles. The device comprises a carrying strap having a first and second end, and a length adapted to fit around a person. The carrying strap has securement means at the ends adapted to receive and hold the carrying strap in a closed loop configuration around the person. A pouch has an open end and a closed end. The pouch couples the carrying strap with the open end facing upwards. The pouch is adapted to hold the ends of skis and ends of ski poles. A plurality of ski straps have first and second ends and an intermediate portion therebetween with a length adapted to fit around a plurality of skis. The intermediate portion of each ski strap is coupled to the carrying strap. Each ski strap further has a securement member at the first and second ends adapted to receive and hold the ski straps in a closed loop configuration around skis that are inserted into the open end of the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Jason L. Rottenberg
  • Patent number: 5388738
    Abstract: An easily mountable and removable rack for carrying long items such as surfboards and the like on a vehicle. The inventive device includes a first main portion positionable between a window of the vehicle and an adjoining vehicle door panel. A second substantially U-shaped main portion is adjustably coupled to the first main portion and is operable to receive a load to support the same relative to the vehicle. Preferably, the device is utilized in pairs to support elongated objects along the length of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: John Russell