US 7,547,023 B2Granted

Method and apparatus for control of a collapsible gravity powered snow vehicle

OwnerChi Lam Yauinventor

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Abstract

A gravity powered snow vehicle employing a crank 5 and steering mechanism 4, able to twist a sliding element 21 along its length, and enabling intuitive and direct control over the vehicle to increase performance and agility. Twisting the sliding element 21 generates on its edges varying levels of bite in the snow, allowing the rider to control both speed and direction. The rider in position, holding the handlebar 4, sitting on a seat 14 or standing on foot pegs 15, similar to riding a bicycle, controls the sliding element in a way similar to how snowboarders interact with their sliding element. The vehicle's linkage and architecture allows the sliding element 21 to flex. The vehicle has a collapsible configuration, facilitating transport and access to ascending systems, and their related receptacles, used at ski resorts.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A collapsible, gravity-powered snow vehicle comprising:

a single sliding element capable of sliding on snow;
a mounting bracket secured to a foremost portion of the sliding element;
a journal yoke;
a shaft suitably adapted to engage the mounting bracket and journal yoke in a rotating relationship;
a steering crank suitably adapted to engage the journal yoke;
a latch suitably adapted to engage both the journal yoke and steering crank when assembled such that the steering crank and journal yoke may be disassembled when the latch is removed;
and
a main structural member comprising:
a foremost end pivotally coupled with the steering crank;
and
a rearmost end opposite the foremost end, the rearmost end pivotally coupled with the sliding element, whereby a user on the vehicle operating the steering crank can twist a foremost end of the sliding element to turn and control the vehicle, and then release the steering crank from the journal yoke to collapse the vehicle for transportation.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.