# US 5,348,322 A · Snow luge > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,348,322 A - Document ID: US5348322A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 08/156,997 - Filed: 1993-11-24 - Granted: 1994-09-20 - Earliest claimed: 1992-10-30 - Assignees: Canadian Luge Association - Inventors: Wally Rauf; Derek Gratz - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5348322A ## CPC - B62B 13/06: arranged in two or more parallel lines - B62B: HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES (characterised by animal propulsion B62C; propulsion of sledges by driver or engine B62M) ## Abstract A luge (10) for tobogganing on snow comprises an integrally moulded body member (12) having a front end and a rear end. The body member (12) comprises a pair of spaced runners (14) extending from the front to the rear ends thereof. A single bridge portion (16) extends between the runners (14) and is moulded integrally with the runners (14). A projection (26) extends rearwardly of the bridge portion (16) and is moulded integrally with the body member (12). The projection (26) is provided with a formation for engaging with snow when the body member (12) is tilted rearwardly, thereby to effect braking of the movement of the luge (10) over the snow. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A luge for tobogganing on snow comprising a pair of spaced runners having spaced forward ends and spaced rearward ends, a single bridge portion extending between said runners and connecting the runners together and a seat portion located between said runners and extending generally rearwardly of said bridge portion wherein said bridge portion is spaced at a first predetermined distance rearwardly of the forward ends of said runners and spaced at a second predetermined distance forwardly of the rearward ends of said runners. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The luge according to claim 1, further comprising a projection extending rearwardly of said bridge portion, said projection being provided with a formation for engaging with snow when the body member is tilted rearwardly thereby to effect braking of the movement of the luge over said snow. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The luge according to claim 2, further comprising a tubular member supported on said body member and extending in a generally U-shaped formation along one of said runners, across the space spanning the runners rearwardly of the bridge portion and along the other runner, the free ends of the legs of the "U" extending forwardly of said bridge portion for serving as handles for a rider of the luge. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The luge according to claim 3, wherein said tubular member defines the outline of said seat portion and said seat portion is at least partially supported by said tubular member. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The luge according to claim 2, wherein said formation for engaging with the snow comprises a downwardly projecting bar or blade on said projection. ### Claim 6 (depends on 2) The luge according to claim 2, wherein said formation for engaging with the snow comprises a recess on the underside of said projection for scooping into the snow to effect said braking action. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The luge according to claim 1, wherein said bridge formation forms an arch between said runners. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The luge according to claim 1, further comprising a rib extending along the mutually facing sides of the runners forwardly of said bridge formation. ### Claim 9 A luge for tobogganing on snow comprising an integrally moulded body member having a front end and a rear end, which body member comprises a pair of spaced runners extending from the front to the rear ends thereof, a single bridge portion extending between the runners and moulded integrally with the runners and a projection extending rearwardly of the bridge portion and moulded integrally with the body member, said projection being provided with a formation for engaging with snow when the body member is tilted rearwardly, thereby to effect braking of the movement of the luge over said snow and further comprising a tubular member supported on said body member and extending in a generally U-shaped formation along one of said runners, across the space spanning the runners rearwardly of the bridge portion and along the other runner, the free ends of the legs of the "U" extending forwardly of said bridge portion for serving as handles for a rider of the luge. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The luge according to claim 9, wherein said tubular member defines the outline of said seat portion and said seat portion is at least partially supported by said tubular member. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The luge according to claim 9, wherein said formation for engaging with the snow comprises a downwardly projecting bar or blade on said projection. ### Claim 12 (depends on 9) The luge according to claim 9, wherein said formation for engaging with the snow comprises a recess on the underside of said projection for scooping into the snow to effect said braking action. ### Claim 13 (depends on 9) The luge according to claim 9, wherein said bridge formation forms an arch between said runners. ### Claim 14 (depends on 9) The luge according to claim 9, further comprising a rib extending along the mutually facing sides of the runners forwardly of said bridge formation. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The luge according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined distance is greater than said second predetermined distance. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The luge according to claim 1, wherein said runners are tilted inwardly towards one another so that the runners have ground-contacting surfaces which are on edge relative to the ground as viewed from said forward or rearward ends of the runners. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The luge according to claim 1, wherein said second predetermined distance is from about one-third to about one-half the length of the runners as measured from a position substantially centrally of said bridge portion. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The luge according to claim 17, wherein said second predetermined distance is about two-fifths the length of the runners. ### Claim 19 A luge for tobogganing on snow comprising a pair of spaced runners, a single bridge portion extending between said runners and connecting the runners together, a seat portion located between said runners and extending generally rearwardly of said bridge portion, a projection extending rearwardly of said bridge portion, said projection being provided with a formation for engaging with snow when the body member is tilted rearwardly, thereby to effect braking of the movement of the luge over said snow and a tubular member supported on said body member and extending in a generally U-shaped formation along one of said runners, across the space spanning the runners rearwardly of the bridge portion and along the other runner, the free ends of the legs of the "U" extending forwardly of said bridge portion for serving as handles for a rider of the luge.