Modular Synthetic Skiing and Riding System

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Technical Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to ski slope systems, and more particularly to a ski slope system having a plurality of angle and riser modules designed to create different topographical features of a snow surface above an underlying ground.

Description of the Related Art

Synthetic ski slopes have been widely utilized in places that are not cold enough or do not receive enough natural snow for skiing and other snow sports. These ski slopes enables skiers, snowboarders, sledders, tubers and practitioners of related sports and activities to practice and partake in places where it would not otherwise be possible. Synthetic ski slopes are used as training facilities for athletes, as centers for recreational snow sports, and as places for beginning practitioners to learn.

A synthetic ski slope consists of a slope (typically an existing hillside), and a synthetic ski surface that is laid over the slope (a plastic brush or similar material that approximates the response of natural snow when skied over). It optionally includes a misting system to moisten the synthetic surface, a lubrication system (which may be integrated into the misting system) to further reduce friction, and a means of moving people up the slope. The slope may be graded smooth or may contain naturally occurring or graded topographical features that are translated up to the ski surface. The slope includes permanent or movable terrain features like jumps and rails. The synthetic ski surface is typically available in rectangular or square-shaped tiles, which are fit together to cover the slope. In many cases the tiles must be cut to custom shapes to properly cover topographical and terrain features.

Recently synthetic ski slopes have begun to be built indoors. Instead of being built with an existing hillside, the slope is constructed specifically for the purpose of the ski slope, either out of dirt or wood, metal or concrete construction.

One of the problems with synthetic ski slopes is the lack of varied terrain. The underlying topography of slopes built on existing hills or on custom construction is unchanging. Skiers will experience the same topography on every single run, which can be boring. This is particularly true for indoor slopes, which tend to be small and thus offer even less variety.

Thus, there is a need for a reliable and portable ski slope system that enables user to perform skiing and other recreational snow sports. Such a needed system would provide a large number of topographical features to keep the skiing experience fresh and interesting. Further, such a ski slope system would be able to install and remove any topographical features quickly, easily and inexpensively utilizing relatively unskilled labor. Moreover, such a system would minimize waste and maximize reuse of the materials used for constructing different topographical features. These and other objectives are accomplished by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations found in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon the reading of the specification, the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a modular synthetic ski slope system with an underlying topography that changes periodically will keep the skiing experience fresh and interesting and also allows a small facility to be changed to suit practicing different techniques. The synthetic ski slope system comprises of a plurality of riser modules and a plurality of angle modules. Each of the plurality of riser modules and the plurality of angle modules include a top side and a bottom side. The top side and the bottom side of the riser modules are parallel to each other. The top side of the riser modules is adapted to attach to and releasing from the bottom side of a synthetic snow surface. Each of the plurality of the riser modules is adapted to attach to and release from a floor or the ground. Each of the top side and bottom side of the plurality of angle modules are not parallel to each other. Each of the top side of the plurality of angle modules are adapted to attach to and releasing from the bottom side of the synthetic snow surface. Each of the bottom side of the angle modules are adapted to attach to and release from the floor or ground. Optionally, the synthetic snow surface may rest on top of the plurality of angle modules and the riser modules. Each of the bottom side of the angle modules are capable of attaching and releasing from the top side of the riser modules and vice versa and also that each of the bottom side of the riser modules are capable of attaching and releasing from the top side of other riser modules thereby providing the ability to in order to make taller riser modules. In this way, the ski slope system provides a varying experience for the participants.

The modular synthetic ski slope system further includes one or more intermediate layers for cushioning or drainage or other purposes. The intermediate layers include a top side and a bottom side. The synthetic snow surface is capable of attaching to and releasing from the top side of the intermediate layer or layers. The bottom side of the intermediate layer or layers is capable of attaching to and releasing from the top sides of the riser and angle modules.

The preferred embodiment provides a method for modifying the topographical features of a synthetic ski slope. The method commences by providing the ski slope system and rearranging the riser modules and angle modules. Then, the tiles are oriented to a specific angle or combination of angles. Next, the topographical features between slopes of varying angles are moved. Thereafter, new modules with desired features are generated. Then, the topographical features with the modular system are designed. Finally, a means for approximating arbitrary topographical shapes with the modular system is coupled to the ski slope system.

A first objective of the present invention is to provide a ski slope system adaptable to create a large number of topographical features with minimal custom materials.

A second objective of the present invention is to provide a ski slope system that enables to install and remove any topographical features quickly, easily, and inexpensively using relatively unskilled labor.

A third objective of the present invention is to provide a ski slope system that minimize waste and maximize reuse of the materials used for constructing various topographical features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention, thus the drawings are generalized in form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1A shows a right side view of an angle module of a synthetic ski slope system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B shows a rear view of the angle module of the synthetic ski slope system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of the angle module of the synthetic ski slope system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A shows a right side view of a riser module of the synthetic ski slope system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B shows a rear view of the riser module of the synthetic ski slope system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of the riser module of the synthetic ski slope system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows the angle module mounted on the riser module of the synthetic ski slope system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows the riser module connected with two angle modules of the synthetic ski slope system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows the two riser modules connected with two angle modules of the synthetic ski slope system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a large hill feature of the synthetic ski slope system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a wide roller feature of the synthetic ski slope system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows the large hill feature of the synthetic ski slope system at FIG. 6 on a sloped floor according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 shows the large hill feature with gradients along two axes composed of several angle and riser modules, illustrating an underlying system of the synthetic ski slope system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or only address one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. “And” as used herein is interchangeably used with “or” unless expressly stated otherwise. As used herein, the term ‘about” means +/−5% of the recited parameter. All embodiments of any aspect of the invention can be used in combination, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “wherein”, “whereas”, “above,” and “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of the application.

The description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. While the specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-9 of the drawings, a ski slope system having a plurality of angle modules 10 (FIG. 1A) and a plurality of riser modules 20 (FIG. 2A) according to the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 30 (FIG. 5). In FIGS. 1A-1C, a synthetic snow surface 12 is attached to the angle module 10 such that it creates a 10-degree slope. In this case, 10 degrees was chosen because it is a reasonable angle for the transition between two tiles of the synthetic surface 12. The angle module 10 further includes an underlayment 14 and a plurality of structural members 16. The angle module 10 is designed to install on floor/ground 18. Using angles that are too large creates sharp edges and corners that may feel unnatural to ski over. Using only angles that are too small limits the ability of the ski slope system 30 to create dramatic terrain features that will be interesting to ski on. The ski slope system 30 can make use of any arbitrary angle less than 90 degrees.

Each of the plurality of angle modules 10 includes a top side 54 and a bottom side 56. The top side 54 and bottom side 56 of each of the plurality of angle modules 10 are not parallel to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, each of the plurality of riser modules 20 includes a top side 26 and a bottom side 58. The top side 26 and the bottom side 58 of the riser modules 20 are parallel to each other. The top side 26 of the riser modules 20 is adapted to attach to and releasing from the bottom portion of a synthetic snow surface 12. Each of the plurality of the riser modules 20 is adapted to attach to and release form the floor or the ground 18. Each of the top side 54 of the plurality of angle modules 10 are adapted to attach to and releasing from the bottom portion of the synthetic snow surface 12. Each of the bottom side 56 of the angle modules 10 are adapted to attach to and release from the floor or ground 18. Optionally, the synthetic snow surface 12 rests on top of the plurality of angle modules 10 and the riser modules 20. Each of the bottom side 56 of the angle modules 10 are capable of attaching and releasing from the top side 26 of the riser modules 20 and vice versa and also that each of the bottom side 58 of the riser modules 20 are capable of attaching and releasing from the top side 26 of other riser modules thereby providing the ability to make taller riser modules 20. In this way, the ski slope system 30 provides a varying experience for the participants.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, a riser underlayment 22 is attached to the top side 26 (FIG. 2C) of the riser module 20 to provide a surface for an angle module 10 (or another riser module) to attach thereon. The synthetic snow surface 12 is attached directly to the top side 26 of the riser module 20 if the riser module 20 will not have another module stacked on the top side 26. The riser module 20 shown has a height of approximately 0.539 meters. The heights of risers required will depend on the angles of the angle module 10 selected. The riser module 20 of any arbitrary height can be designed for the ski slope 30 system as needed. The riser module 20 includes several structural members 24 to provide structural rigidity.

The footprint of every module is one meter square which is the tile size for some synthetic snow surfaces, although the ski slope system 30 can support the use of any arbitrary module footprint size. The size of the synthetic snow tile 32 (or pieces of tiles) needed to cover a module depends on its angle and can be computed with basic trigonometry. For example, the size of the tile for a 10-degree angle module 10 with a one meter square footprint is 1 meter×1.025 meters.

Lumber in standard sizes and wood screws are used for the construction of the modules 10 and 20, though in practice they may be made from any material that is sufficiently strong and rigid. In one embodiment, several cross members and other structural components are utilized to provide rigidity to the angle module 10 and the riser module 20.

FIG. 3 shows the method by which the angle module 10 and the riser module 20 are combined to elevate the angle module 10. Steel bolts with washers and locking nuts are used to attach the angle module 10 and the riser module 20 together so that they may be easily separated as needed for relocation or reconfiguration. In practice, any sufficiently strong reusable fastener system can be used.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, different combinations of angle and riser modules 10 and 20 to create common features, including ramps and hills or “rollers” of varying sizes are possible. The angle module 10 and the riser module 20 connect together to form a large number of topographical features to keep the skiing experience fresh and interesting. The modules 10 and 20 are connected to one another with steel bolts with washers and wing nuts such that they can be easily separated as needed for relocation and reconfiguration. In practice, any sufficiently strong reusable fastener system can be used.

In another embodiment, the modular synthetic ski slope system 30 further includes one or more intermediate layers for cushioning or drainage or other purposes. The intermediate layers include a top side and a bottom side. The synthetic snow surface 12 is capable of attaching to and releasing from the top side of the intermediate layer or layers. The bottom side of the intermediate layer or layers is capable of attaching to and releasing from the top sides of the riser 20 and angle modules 10.

The preferred embodiment provides a method for modifying the topographical features of a synthetic ski slope system 30. The method commences by providing the ski slope system 30 and rearranging the riser modules 20 and angle modules 10. Then, the tiles 32 are oriented to a specific angle or combination of angles. Next, the topographical features between slopes of varying angles are moved. Thereafter, new modules with desired features are generated. Then, the topographical features with the modular system 30 are designed. Finally, a means for approximating arbitrary topographical shapes with the modular system 30 is coupled to the system 30.

Referring to FIG. 4, a four piece skiing slope system 30 that combines angle modules 10 and rising modules 20 to provide a sloped surface is illustrated. This simplified system arrangement includes one flat synthetic snow surface 12, two angle modules 10 and 38 and one rising module 20. The flat synthetic snow surface tile 32 attaches to the flat floor or ground surface 18. By connecting the ski slope system 30 to an external ground or indoor floor surface, the synthetic snow surface tile 32 allows skiers and snowboarders to transition from an external surface (e.g., natural or synthetic snow pack) to the sloped angle module surfaces included in the system 30.

The synthetic snow surface tile 32 joins to a lower end 34 of the 10 degree angle module thereby providing a gradual increase in slope from 0 degrees relative to the ground surface 18 anchoring the snow surface tile 32 to a 10 degree vertical angle.

The 10 degree angle module 10 linearly slopes from 0 degrees at its lower end 34 to 10 vertical degrees at its upper end 36. The gradual linear increase in slope allows smooth transitions onto the modular skiing and riding system 30 from ground 18 external to the ski and riding system 30.

The upper end 36 of the 10 degree angle module 10 joins to a 20 degree angle module 38 to further increase the slope of the ski slope system 30. The 20 degree angle module 38 linearly slopes from 0 degrees at a second lower end 40 to a 20 vertical degrees at its second upper end 42. As shown in FIG. 4, the length of the 10 degree angle module 10 sloped surface and the length of the 20 degree angle module sloped surface are the same, therefore, the slope of the 20 degree angle module 38 is steeper than the slope of the 10 degree angle module 10. To add more slope, the 20 degree angle module 38 may attach to a 30 degree angle module. Arranging the angle modules 10 included in a ski slope system 30 to gradually increase and/or decreasing the slope in increments of 10 degrees (e.g., joining a 30 degree angle module to a 20 degree angle module joined to a 10 degree angle module) allows for smooth transitions to steeper or shallower inclines. The angled modules 10 of the preferred embodiment are designed to have any angle of sloped surface. Additionally, the length of the sloped surface of the angled module is also variable so that higher degree angle modules 10 (e.g. 20 or more degree angle modules) can have shallower or similar slopes relative to a 10 degree angle module 10. In FIG. 4, the riser module 20 is incorporated beneath the 20 degree angle module 38. The riser modules 20 of any height may be incorporated into skiing and riding systems 30 to add more height to the angled modules 10 as needed to position angled modules above the flat synthetic snow surface tiles 32 or the angled modules 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the riser module 20 is needed beneath to the 20 degree angle module 38 because of the increased vertical angle of the 20 degree angle module 38 and an elevated starting position of the 20 degree angle module 38 as a result of the connection to the top side 54 of the 10 degree angle module 10. The bottom portion of the 20 degree angle module 38 secures to the top of the riser module 20 attached to the ground surface 18. These attachments prevent the 20 degree angle module 38 from moving as objects move over the module 38. The synthetic snow surface 12 of the top side 54 of the 10 degree angle module 10 and the 20 degree angle module 38 allows skis and snowboards to slide over the modules 10 and 20 smoothly. FIG. 5 shows the riser modules 20 connected with two angle modules 10 to create a small hill or “roller” feature. Referring to FIG. 6, several angle modules 10 and riser modules 20 are combined to create a large hill feature 44 of the synthetic ski slope system 30. In one embodiment, the ski slope system 30 is 10 or more meters wide and it is desirable for the feature to span the entire run. FIG. 7 shows a side-by-side arrangement of rows of modules to create arbitrarily wide extensions of any feature. Here, an arbitrarily wide roller feature of the synthetic ski slope system 30 is created by connecting rows of angle module 10 and riser module 20 together. The synthetic ski slope system 30 is typically angled between 10 and 30 degrees. The modular system 30 can simply be rotated to accommodate a slope of any arbitrary steepness provided the modules 10 and 20 are constructed to withstand the appropriate forces across the desired range of slopes. Referring to FIG. 8, a complex large hill structure 44 of the ski slope system shown at FIG. 6 is translated to a sloped ground or floor 18 is illustrated as would be typical for a ski slope. The most interesting features of this complex structure are angles along multiple planes.

FIG. 9 shows a multi-directional large hill feature 50 along two perpendicular axes with gradients along two axes composed of several angles 10 and riser modules 20. Here, some of the riser 20 and angle modules 10 are removed to show the underlying system of the synthetic ski slope system 30. It also includes some angle modules 10 at the corners that themselves have angles along two perpendicular axes. These multi-directional angle module systems 50 are compatible with the same riser modules 20 as angle modules 10 have angles along a single axis. The multi-directional angle module system 50 supports angle modules 10 with angles along any arbitrary directions, limited only by the practical challenges of actual module construction.

FIG. 9 shows a plurality of corner modules 62 sloping in multiple planes. The corner modules 62 shown to the left of an opening 60 in the drawing are sloped on two sides. In this example, the slope of the front surface of the module 50 is perpendicular to the slope of the left surface of the corner module 62. This arrangement allows objects to pass over the feature along a horizontal axis (e.g., while moving from left to right and right to left) and along a vertical axis (e.g., while moving back to front and front to back). Additionally, the multi-sloped corner pieces allow objects to pass diagonally over one corner of the feature to the opposite corner. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 9, objects can pass over all sides of the roller feature.

The first step in the process of designing new modules is to determine the size of the underlayment 14 (or of the synthetic ski surface 12 if no underlayment 14 is used). This is done by determining the desired height at each of the four corners 52 of the corner module 62 and defining the two-dimensional shapes that are required to achieve those heights. It is also possible for the height to vary at any point along the edge of the corner module 62. If the corners and edges are coplanar then it is possible to create a single quadrilateral underlayment. If they are not coplanar it is necessary to create two or more pieces for the underlayment 14. Once the underlayment 14 is designed, the structural members are designed to elevate the pieces of the underlayment 14 to the correct height. Finally, the appropriate shapes of the synthetic snow surface are cut in order to cover the underlayment 14. In many cases, a single tile 32 of synthetic snow is not sufficient to cover the underlayment 14, and it must be cut from multiple tiles.

It may be desirable to create curved surfaces between modules. In order to do this the module designer simply has to design modules with a curved underlayment and synthetic snow tile 32. Using curved surfaces typically requires more module types to be designed since they are not as interchangeable.

It is straightforward to design features using the modular ski slope system 30 using either a pencil and graph paper or a 3D modeling tool. Since the footprint of every module is identical, the designer simply plots out the location of each module or combination of angle and riser module 10 and 20 on the grid, using care to make sure that modules are only placed adjacent to one another when they have edges of a similar height and angle (unless it is the desire for the feature to have a discontinuity, as in a ramp). The same process can be done using a 3D modeling tool, which has the added benefit of providing a 3-dimensional visualization of the resulting feature.

To approximate arbitrary topographical shapes with the system, the designer simply converts the desired topographical shape to a height map with resolution similar to the module dimensions. The designer then selects the right modules and to best match the desired height, taking care that modules are only placed adjacent to one another when they have edges that are of similar height and angle (unless the shape in question has a discontinuity). The accuracy to which the ski slope system 30 can approximate an arbitrary shape depends only on the variety of modules that the designer is willing to create.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the present invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

Modular Synthetic Skiing and Riding System

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