US Patent:
20040036257, Feb 26, 2004
Inventors:
Gregory Lille - Auburn CA, US
Sam Morishima - Sacramento CA, US
Jack Kim - San Jose CA, US
Robert Strickler - Riverbank CA, US
International Classification:
A63C005/00
Abstract:
A braking device for slowing a snow board which is to be used by novice or inexperienced users. The invention is comprised of a blade which is affixed either between the rear boot attachment means and the rear of the snow board or on the bottom upturned portion of the rear end of the snow board. The blade is adjustably angled forward against the snow in the direction of travel. When the blade is in the lowered position it cuts snow and directs the cut snow upward over the blade. A slot in the snow board just ahead of the blade allows the snow to pass upward through the snow board. Alternately for another embodiment, the blade is held in a bracket which is affixed to the rear upturned surface of the snow board. For this embodiment of the invention, the cut snow is directed upward between the blade and its supporting structure. The preferred embodiment of the invention is to employ a broad straight bottom edge for the blade about 4 inches wide with a maximum depth of cut of about inch. An acceptable angle of cut of the angled blade can range from a vertical position to about 45 degrees downward and forward. When the snow board is not being used, the blade is repositioned by loosening the blade and sliding or rotating it relative to its support with tightening of the blade fixing means for its final securement. In another embodiment, a fixed blade in the form of a angle is attached directly to the bottom of the snow board perpendicular to the length of the snow board. Such blades can extend downward different distances to provide different amounts of drag.
