TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to boards supporting riders, and in particular boards which are used for supporting humans as they travel upon a supporting surface. The boards include skis, water skis, snow skates, and snow boards and incorporate an undulating edge to efficiently grip the supporting surface during a turn.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Skis and snow boards have traditionally had non-parallel edges, including a wider portion at either or both the front or rear of the sides, wherein as the rider moves the board to its edge to turn, the rider's weight causes the board to flex, causing the wider portion to dig into the snow, facilitating the turn. Further, because a water ski board is used on a specific medium, i.e. water, and the skis are relatively stiff, the same geometry does not come into play. However, the rider of a water ski board likewise wants the ski to efficiently carve a corner. Therefore, it is proposed that the undulating edge would likewise function on a water ski to assist in the turn.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a goal of the present invention to provide a vehicle, which is dependent upon sliding contact with the support surface to transport a rider, with a means for more efficient cornering.
Yet another goal of the present invention is to provide a surface upon a vehicle, which, when in contact with the supporting surface, promotes cornering.
It is a further goal of the present invention to provide the turning or downhill edge of a board with a scalloped or undulating edge such that the leading edge of each scallop, because of the angle of attack, knives more directly into the supporting surface carving the turn. The relieved portion following each scallop enhances the cutting edge of the following scallop. The net result of the invention is to provide a series of interconnected cutting edges, which bite deeper into the surface.
Still a further goal of the present invention is to modify the turn-generating surface of a vehicle to cause more efficient cornering.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a snow board incorporating the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a snow board incorporating the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a snowboard incorporating the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a snowboard incorporating the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an illustrative depiction of the interaction with the supporting snow that the present invention is designed to prevent.
FIG. 6 is a snow ski incorporating the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a second species of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a water ski incorporating the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a snow skate incorporating the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
As seen in FIG. 1, a snow board 2 of substantially a standard size having an upper portion including threaded bores 4 for mounting bindings, protruding ends 6 which are flared slightly outwardly as at 8 and 10 and undulated side portions 12 and 14. It is to be understood that the side portions 12, 14, although shown with a specific number of undulations, is intended to be only representative, and the number and size of undulations may be varied to maximize performance. Further, as discussed later, the undulations need not be continuous, but may be broken by straight sections.
As best seen in FIG. 3, undulations on both sides 12 and 14 form a smooth transition from concave to convex along the entire side of the board. It is to be understood that the outwardly flared portion comprises a regular design to help a board carve a corner and therefore the undulations and their reaction to the supporting surface may in fact allow the flared portion to be reduced.
Reference is now had to FIG. 4, wherein it can be seen that the elevational side view includes the top skin 20, core 22 and a bottom metal edge 24 make the appearance much the same as expected with a standard ski.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the board 2 with the trailing edge 14 is illustrated, showing the pattern that would be traced in the snow as the board moves laterally during the corner run.
As can be seen in FIG. 6, the inventive principle is applied to a snow ski having a smooth body portion 26, bindings 28, 30, tip 32 incorporating a flared portion 34 and an end portion 36; with a flared portion 38, with the undulations extending the length of the ski, as at 40.
FIG. 7 depicts the inventive concept wherein the concave portions 42 are separated by straight portions 44.
FIG. 8 depicts the inventive concept on a water ski 46 having bindings 48 and serrated edges 50.
FIG. 9 shows a snow skate having an upper platform or deck 52 similar to a skateboard platform, having mounted to the lower surface thereof a pair of substantially parallel bent metal brackets 54, to which are mounted a shortened ski or skate 56, having scalloped edges 58.
It is to be understood that although most illustrations show a smooth scallop, variations may, in fact, be more effective in some applications.
Patent Application
20060091645
