Steerable toboggan
US5687977A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62B13/12
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steerable toboggan for sledding on snow is disclosed which includes a support having a bottom gliding surface which slides directly on the snow, and a pair of runner arms carrying guide ribs which extend forwardly beyond the gliding surface. Each of the guide ribs includes a curved portion which is vertically movable relative to the other between a raised position, with the curved portion raised above the snow, and a lowered position where the curved portion of the guide rib is brought against the snow. The toboggan is steered by selectively lowering the curved portion of one of the guide ribs onto the snow as the toboggan moves. The bulk of the user's weight is supported by the underlying snow, enabling the support to be formed from thinner less expensive materials, without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.