Patent Application
20240245978
The present invention generally relates to an edge configuration for a snowboard or a ski and more particularly to an edge configuration made from a single piece of material for each lateral side of the snowboard or the ski.
A snowboard is a single board used by a snowboarder to glide over snow. Snowboards are generally between 35 to 67 inches in length and between 6 and 12 inches in width. Snowboards may be constructed in many ways, depending on the desired cost, quality and characteristics of the snowboard. Snowboards typically have a core, often made of wood sandwiched between layers of fiberglass. Snowboards also have a top sheet that covers the top of the snowboard and a base on the bottom of the snowboard that makes contact and easily slides over the snow.
Snowboarders generally wear boots that fit in bindings that are attached to the snowboard. The three main types of snowboarder boots are soft boots, step in boots, and hard boots. Each of these boot types have their own method of fitting in the bindings. The bindings are typically attached to the snowboard using screws. The most common types of bindings are strap-in, step-in, speed entry, high back, and plate. The snowboarder may select the desired boot and bindings combination, as long as they are compatible with each other, based on the cost, performance characteristics and style of the boots and bindings.
Using the snowboarder's boots in the bindings, the feet of the snowboarder may be used to control the snowboard. The snowboarder will generally place their feet along the length of the snowboard so that one foot is closer to a nose, i.e., the front of the snowboard, while the other foot is closer to the tail, i.e., the rear of the snowboard. A “regular” stance has the rider's left foot closer to the nose, while a “goofy” stance has the rider's right foot closer to the nose. The snowboarder will generally use gravity along with their strength, balance and coordination to steer the snowboard while sliding down a hill covered in snow. Controlling the speed and direction of the snowboard while sliding down the hill generally takes a considerable amount of practice.
Skis are two boards used by a skier to glide over snow. Skis are generally longer and narrower than snowboards and usually run between 51 to 79 inches (130 cm to 201 cm) in length and between 2.5 and 5.2 inches (6.4 cm and 13.2 cm) in width. Skis may be constructed in many ways, depending on the desired cost, quality and characteristics of the skis. Traditionally, skis have been made of solid carved wood, but more current designs use layers of materials, such as carbon-Kevlar, fiberglass, steel, aluminum alloy, or plastic layers compressed above and below a core. The core is still typically made of wood. Each ski also has a top sheet that covers the top of the ski and a base on the bottom of the ski that slides over the snow.
Skiers generally wear hard boots that fit in bindings that are attached to the skis. There are many different kinds of skiing that are currently popular. Downhill skiing, as the name implies, involves the skier skiing down a snow-covered hill, frequently at a ski resort using a ski lift and traversing groomed trails. Cross-country and Backcountry skiing usually takes place away from a ski resort and ski lifts and often requires the skier to hike, use different techniques to go uphill and travel long distances. Alpine Touring is also usually away from ski resorts and allows the skier's heels to either be free, for traversing flat areas or uphill climbing, or locked in place, for downhill skiing. Telemark skiing usually allows the heels to be unlocked from the skis at all times, requiring different techniques for turning while skiing. Freestyle skiing often takes place in a terrain park or half pipe and often involves performing aerial tricks.
Using the skier's boots in the bindings, the feet of the skier may be used to control the skis. The skier, using the boots and bindings, will place one foot on top of each ski. The skier will use their strength, balance and coordination (and gravity when going downhill) to steer the skis while sliding across snow. Controlling the speed and direction of the skis while sliding over the snow generally takes a considerable amount of practice.
Snowboards and skis will typically have an edge along at least a portion on both of their lateral (long direction) sides to improve their cornering ability. The edge allows the snowboarder or skier to cut into the snow or ice. Light pressure on the edge allows some slippage, while more weight on the edge digs deeper into the snow and ice and allows for sharper cornering. What is needed is an improved edge on the snowboard and skis to improve their cornering characteristics.
In one embodiment, an improved edge configuration for a snow apparatus, e.g., snowboard, ski or the like is shown. For clarity and convenience, aspects of the invention will now be described using only a snowboard as an example. It should be understood, however, that the invention equally applies to any snow apparatus, e.g., snowboards, ski, skis or the like, unless excluded by the context or specifically stated otherwise.
In one embodiment, the integrated edge of the snow apparatus has improved steering and stopping characteristics that allow for controlled and sharp corning in snow or ice. Another aspect is a strong and durable edge with an increased lifetime of superior performance.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a snowboard may be manufactured with a plurality of layers. As one non-limiting example, the snowboard may have a base having a bottom surface configured for sliding over snow. The snowboard may also have a core attached to a top surface of the base. The snowboard may also have a strength layer attached to a top surface of the core. The snowboard may also have a top sheet attached to a top surface of the strength layer.
The snowboard may also have a first one-piece multi-edge and a second one-piece multi-edge attached to at least a portion of a corresponding first lateral side and a second lateral side of the snowboard. The first one-piece multi-edge and the second one-piece multi-edge may each have at least a first edge and a second edge and optionally a third edge each configured to cut into snow and ice. The second edge is preferably below the first edge. The first one-piece multi-edge and the second one-piece multi-edge may have an edge tab attached to the snowboard between the top surface of the base and a bottom surface of the core. In preferred embodiments, the first edge, the second edge, and the edge tab all form one piece of continuous material before being attached to the snowboard. This improves the strength and durability of the snowboard.
In another embodiment, the snowboard, while also having a base, a core, a strength layer, and a top sheet, may have a different edge configuration. In this embodiment the edge configuration may be a single metal edge attached along at least a portion of a first lateral side of the snowboard. The metal edge may have a bottom surface that is beveled between one and three degrees from horizontal. The metal edge may also have a side surface beveled between one and three degrees from vertical. As in previous embodiments, the metal edge may also have an edge tab. The bottom surface, the side surface and the edge tab are preferably all formed a single piece of material before being attached to the snowboard.
In some embodiments, the edge tab may comprise a plurality of rigid tabs and a plurality of flex tabs to further control the strength and flexibility of the snowboard, thereby allowing the cornering characteristics of the snowboard to be further adjusted. In some embodiments, a plurality of rigid tabs and the plurality of flex tabs are alternated. In other embodiments, other patterns of rigid tabs and flex tabs may be used to fine tune the flexibility of the snowboard to a desired level. In yet other embodiments, the edge tab may have a uniform width, with no rigid tabs or flex tabs.
While the strength layer may be made of any desirable material, in preferred embodiments the strength layer is made of fiberglass or carbon fibers. The core may also be made of any desirable material and, as non-limiting examples, may be made of wood, such as bamboo, beech, birch, or poplar.
This Summary section is neither intended to be, nor should be, construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. Additional benefits, features and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the attached figures and in the description hereinbelow, and as described by the claims. Accordingly, it should be understood that this Summary section may not contain all of the aspects and embodiments claimed herein.
Additionally, the disclosure herein is not meant to be limiting or restrictive in any manner. Moreover, the present disclosure is intended to provide an understanding to those of ordinary skill in the art of one or more representative embodiments supporting the claims. Thus, it is important that the claims be regarded as having a scope including constructions of various features of the present disclosure insofar as they do not depart from the scope of the methods and apparatuses consistent with the present disclosure (including the originally filed claims). Moreover, the present disclosure is intended to encompass and include obvious improvements and modifications of the present disclosure.
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
In the drawings:
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same.
Appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an “example,” or similar language in this specification may but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.
As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps unless explicitly stated otherwise.
As used in the specification and appended claims, directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “left,” “right,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “proximal,” “distal” and the like are used herein solely to indicate relative directions and are not otherwise intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.
Various aspects of the present devices and assemblies may be illustrated by describing components that are coupled, attached, and/or joined together. As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “attached”, and/or “joined” are used to indicate either a direct connection between two components or, where appropriate, an indirect connection to one another through intervening or intermediate components. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being “directly coupled”, “directly attached”, and/or “directly joined” to another component, there are no intervening elements present. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “connection,” “connected,” and the like do not necessarily imply direct contact between the two or more elements.
Various aspects of the present devices, assemblies, and methods may be illustrated with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the terms “embodiment,” “alternative embodiment” and “exemplary embodiment” mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as required or as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments disclosed herein.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Although a number of methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present disclosure, the preferred materials and methods are described herein.
In order to appreciate the present disclosure more fully and to provide additional related features, the following references are incorporated therein by reference in their entirety:
(1) U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,244 by Vance discloses a double-edged snowboard. The snowboard includes a middle portion with a core, a tail at the rear end of the middle portion, a shovel at the front end of the middle portion, and a base along the bottom of the middle, tail, and shovel portions of the snowboard. The base includes a central running surface, two outer running surfaces, first and second outer edges, first and second forward, curved, inner edges, and first and second rearward, linear, inner edges. The central running surface is lower in elevation than the outer running surfaces. The first and second outer edges surround a portion of the perimeter of the first and second outer running surfaces, respectively. The first and second inner edges are disposed between the central running surface and the first and second outer running surfaces, respectively. The inner and outer edges are generally symmetric about the longitudinal axis of the snowboard. The forward, curved, inner edges are generally parallel to the outer edges, whereas the rearward, linear, inner edges are nonparallel to the outer edges, and are either parallel to or converging towards the longitudinal axis of the snowboard. At least a portion of the central running surface behind the longitudinal midline may also be thicker than central running surface in front of the longitudinal midline.
For clarity and convenience, the invention will now be described using a snowboard as an example. It should be understood however that the invention equally applies to a ski or skis or any other product that can be used on snow or ice that uses an edge, unless excluded by the context or specifically stated otherwise.
The edge configuration of a snow apparatus is a feature that contacts the snow and allows the user to grip the snow, turn the snow apparatus and stop the snow apparatus. Snow apparatus with non-sharp or poor edges do not easily cut into the snow and/or ice and are thus difficult to steer and corner. The disclosed edge configurations are designed to aggressively cut into the snow and/or ice to improve steering, stopping, and corning of the snowboard and maneuverability of the snow apparatus. The disclosed edge configuration can also be custom configured and/or tuned to enhance desired steering, stopping, and corning properties specific to an individual.
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
In some embodiments, a top surface 172 of the base 170 may be attached to a bottom surface 174 of a core 210. The core 210, often made of wood, such as bamboo, beech, birch, or poplar, provides much of the strength and general shape of the snowboard 100. Core 210 can also be made of other materials used as a core on conventional skis and snowboards, including polymeric and composite materials. Core 210 can also be made of 2, 3, 4, or more separate layers or pieces of material that are bound, laminated, or otherwise secured together.
A top surface 176 of the core 210 may be attached to a bottom surface 178 of a strength layer 200. The strength layer 200 may be made of any desired material, but, as non-limiting examples, is preferably made of fiberglass, carbon fibers, or other composite materials. A top surface 180 of the strength layer 200 may be attached to a bottom surface 182 of a top sheet 160. Top sheet 160 is commonly made of nylon, wood, fiberglass, plastic, or composites. The top of the top sheet 160 may have designs, logos and be colored as desired. A sidewall 220 may be attached to both opposing lateral sides, i.e., in the longitudinal direction, of the snowboard 100. In one embodiment, sidewall 220 can connect directly to core 210, strength layer 200 and/or top sheet 160. In some embodiments, core 210 can also connect directly to base 170.
While the base 170, core 210, strength layer 200 and top sheet 160 may be attached in the described and illustrated order by any desired means, additional layers may also be added in between the example layers to provide additional desired characteristics, such as to change the shape, weight, cost, durability, rigidity, or flexibility of the snowboard 100.
In preferred embodiments epoxy, resins, and/or other adhesives are applied between the different layers of the snowboard 100 during its manufacturing process to permanently attach and sandwich the different layers of the snowboard 100 together.
As illustrated in both
The first one-piece multi-edge 150 and the second one-piece multi-edge 150 may each have the same configuration and include a first edge 340 (top edge) and a second edge 350 (bottom edge) each configured to cut into the snow and ice. The second edge 350 is preferably below and towards the center of the snowboard 100 compared to the first edge 340. The first one-piece multi-edge 150 and the second one-piece multi-edge 150 may each have an edge tab 300 attached to the snowboard 100 between the top surface 172 of the base 170 and a bottom surface 174 of the core 210 (see
In preferred embodiments, the first edge 340, the second edge 350, and the edge tab 300 all form one piece of continuous material that is formed before being attached to the snowboard 100. That is, one-piece multi-edge 150 comprises a single, integral, unitary structure as opposed to two or more separate structures that are connected together. The one-piece multi-edge 150 may be made of any desirable material but is preferably made of metal, such as steel or an alloy. In other embodiments, one-piece multi-edge 150 can be formed from a polymer material, a plastic material, or a composite material. The one-piece multi-edge 150 improves the strength, rigidity, durability, and gripping ability of the snowboard 100.
With continued reference to
Similar to first edge 340, second edge 350 comprises a second base face 362 and an opposing second top face 364 with a second outer side face 366 extending from second base face 362 to first base face 352 of first edge 340. Second edge 350 can also include a second inner side face 368 disposed opposite of second outer side face 366 and extending from second base face 362 to or toward second top face 364. First inner side face 358 of first edge 340 can extend from first top face 354 to second top face 364. Second base face 362 and second outer side face 366 converge at a second outside corner 370. Depending on intended use, second outside corner 370 is also typically a sharp corner that works in conjunction first outside corner 360 of first edge 340 to easily and efficiently engage snow and ice to further enhance the turning, steering, and stopping abilities and other properties of snowboard 100.
One-piece multi-edge 150 includes first inner side face 358 and/or first base face 352 of first edge 340 integrally joining with second outer side face 366 and/or second top face 364 of second edge 350. In one embodiment, first base face 352 and second outer side face converge to form a first inside corner 388 while first inner side face 358 and second top face 364 converge to form a second inside corner 389. Edge tab 300 integrally extends from second edge 350. In one embodiment, edge tab 300 outwardly extends from second inner side face 368 so as to be flush with second top face 364. In one embodiment, it is noted that no portion of base 170 or a material used to form base 170 is disposed between first edge 340 and second edge 350.
In the depicted embodiment, one-piece multi-edge 150 can be configured so that at one or more transverse cross sections of one-piece multi-edge 150, the width of first base face 352 and the height of first outer side face 356 can both be linear and disposed in perpendicular alignment. Likewise, the transverse cross section of first edge 340 can be square or rectangular with first base face 352 being parallel to first top face 354 and with first outer side face 356 being parallel to first inner side face. In alternative embodiments, as discussed below, one or more of the various faces of first edge 340 can be angled or beveled.
Similarly, one-piece multi-edge 150 can be configured so that at one or more transverse cross sections of one-piece multi-edge 150, the width of second base face 362 and the height of second outer side face 366 can both be linear and disposed in perpendicular alignment. Likewise, the transverse cross section of second edge 350 can be square or rectangular with second base face 362 being parallel to second top face 364 and with second outer side face 366 being parallel to second inner side face 368. Likewise, first base face 532 can be parallel to second base face 362 and first outer side face 356 can be parallel to second outer side face 366. In this embodiment, first inside corner 388 and/or second inside corner 389 can each be at right angle. Again, in alternative embodiments, as discussed below, one or more of the various faces of second edge 350 can also be angled or beveled.
Faces 352, 354, 362, and 364 can each have a width that is at least or smaller than 0.05 cm, 0.1 cm, 0.2 cm, 0.4 cm, 0.6 cm, 0.8 cm, or 1 cm or is in a range between any two of the foregoing such as between 0.1 cm and 1 cm or between 0.1 cm and 0.5 cm. Similarly, faces 356, 358, 366, and 368 can each have a height that is at least or smaller than 0.05 cm, 0.1 cm, 0.2 cm, 0.4 cm, 0.6 cm, 0.8 cm, or 1 cm or is in a range between any two of the foregoing such as between 0.1 cm and 1 cm or between 0.1 cm and 0.5 cm. Accordingly, outside corners 360 and 370 are separated both laterally and vertically by at least 0.05 cm, 0.1 cm, 0.2 cm, 0.4 cm, 0.6 cm, 0.8 cm, or 1 cm or in a range between any two of the foregoing. Other dimensions for the foregoing can also be used.
The offset angle 400 may also be adjusted by changing the relative horizontal locations of the first edge 340/first outside corner 360 and the second edge 350/second outside corner 370. Specifically, if the first edge 340/first outside corner 360 is moved laterally away from the second edge 350/second outside corner 370, the offset angle 400 is decreased. On the other hand, if the first edge 340/first outside corner 360 is moved laterally towards the second edge 350/second outside corner 370, the offset angle 400 is increased. Expressed in other terms, the offset angle 400 can be adjusted by adjusting the height of second outer side face 366 of second edge 350 and/or by adjusting the width of first base face 352 of first edge 340. Thus, in alternative embodiments, the height of second outer side face 366 can be equal to the width of first base face 352, the height of second outer side face 366 can be greater than the width of first base face 352, or the height of second outer side face 366 can be less than the width of first base face 352. Depending on the intended use, the offset angle 400 of one-piece multi-edge 150 is typically at least or less than 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70° or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. For example, the range is commonly between 20° and 70° and more commonly between 30° and 60°. The offset angle 400 may thus be easily adjusted when the one-piece multi-edge 150 is manufactured. This allows snowboards 100 to be adjusted or tuned to different skill levels or different desired steering, turning, and/or stopping characteristics based on the created offset angle 400. For example, in some situations, a larger offset angle 400 can assist with enhancing sharper turns on snowboards 100 while having a lower offset angle 400 may be preferred for beginners or recreational snowboarders desiring smoother, gradual turns.
As previously discussed and depicted in
Similarly, as previously discussed and depicted in
Thus, in one embodiment the second base face 362, as shown in
Referring back to
Returning to
Turning to
It is appreciated that one-piece multi-edge 150 provides a number of advantages to snowboards, skis and other snow apparatus to which they can be applied. For example, the spacing of first edge 340 and second edge 350 provides greater rigidity of one-piece multi-edge 150 which in turn increases the rigidity and stability of the snowboard or ski for improved handling. In addition, the spacing between outside corners 360 and 370 is relatively close so that they both concurrently act on the snow/ice to improve handling of the snowboard/ski. This benefit is further enhanced by the fact that first edge 340 and second edge 350 are integrally formed from the same material and thus better act in unison. Furthermore, the formation of first edge 340 and second edge 350 significantly increases direct engagement between one-piece multi-edge 150 and the snow/ice during use of the snowboard or ski which in turn enables the user to have better control over turning, carving, stopping and otherwise manipulating the snowboard. In addition, by modifying the dimensions and/or taper of the different faces of one-piece multi-edge 150, preferred operating conditions can be optimized for a given user based on intended use. Finally, the configuration of one-piece multi-edge 150 enables it to be easily and securely fixed to snowboard 100 during the manufacturing process. Other benefits also exist.
Depicted in
For clarity and convenience, the invention has been described using a snowboard 100 as an example. It should be understood that the invention equally applies to a ski or skis, unless specifically stated otherwise.
The inventions and methods described herein can be viewed as a whole, or as a number of separate inventions, that can be used independently or mixed and matched as desired. All inventions, steps, processed, devices, and methods described herein can be mixed and matched as desired. All previously described features, functions, or inventions described herein or by reference may be mixed and matched as desired. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/440,193, filed Jan. 20, 2023, which is incorporated herein by specific reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63440193 | Jan 2023 | US |
