The invention relates to a piece of snow sports equipment.
Snow sports equipment in the form of sliding boards, in particular skis and snowboards, is known. Existing snow sports equipment provides either an optimum piece of descent equipment or an optimum piece of ascent equipment. If snow sports equipment is used for ascent, for example cross-country skis, climbing skins are customarily attached by hand to the lower side of the ski and are removed again for the descent. The attachment takes place in particular by means of an adhesive, and mechanical fastening elements are also used in an assisting capacity. Alternatively, skins may also stick to the ski by means of adhesion.
It is difficult to ascend with an optimum piece of descent equipment and it is difficult to descend with an optimum piece of ascent equipment.
The demands imposed on snow sports equipment are opposed for the ascent and on the descent. The following properties are advantageous:
For the Ascent:
In addition, the attaching and removing of climbing skins is very fiddly (especially in wind and weather). The adhesive property of climbing skins decreases with each change and particularly wet or frozen skins do not adhere at all under some circumstances.
It is the object to develop a piece of snow sports equipment to the effect that said piece of snow sports equipment exhibits improved properties both on the descent and for the ascent.
The achievement of the object is defined by the features of Claim 1. According to the invention, the piece of snow sports equipment comprises a sliding board with a sheetlike central part which extends in a longitudinal direction, and two sheetlike side parts which are fastened to the central part on both sides, wherein
Both the central part and the side parts therefore extend substantially in the same longitudinal direction both in the first and in the second position. In the first position, the side parts are arranged next to the central part in the transverse direction such that a continuous main surface is formed at least on the lower side, preferably also on the upper side. In the second position, the side parts are folded over essentially by 180° about a longitudinal axis under the central part, and the second main surfaces of the side parts lie parallel to the lower side of the central part, at a distance which corresponds to the thickness of the side parts.
The climbing skin can be a skin in the narrower sense, but—as is known per se—said climbing skin can also be realized by artificially attached structures or special materials introduced into the surface. Of central importance is the fact that the climbing skin prevents the sliding board from slipping rearwards, but permits sliding forwards.
The invention can be used in particular in conjunction with conventional cross-country skis, but also with what are referred to as splitboards, i.e. snowboards, which can be divided in the longitudinal direction for the ascent.
The advantage of the invention consists in that the piece of snow sports equipment can be brought by simple folding over from the first configuration (“ascent”), in which it is narrow and provided on the lower side with a climbing skin, into a second configuration (“descent”), in which it is wide and is provided with a sliding coating on the lower side. By means of the additional elevation by the fold-over parts, an increased level of grip is produced in the ascent. The awkward attaching and removing of the skins is entirely dispensed with and, in addition, so too is the risk of the skins not even sticking. In addition, because of the raised side parts, increased buoyancy and a better steering behavior arise during the descent.
Advantageously, the side parts have a descent edge on an edge located on the outside in the first position and a sliding coating on the first main surface. The side parts therefore completely fulfill the function of the corresponding regions of known sliding boards with or without an attached climbing skin both during the ascent (climbing skin) and during the descent (sliding coating, descent edge).
The central part preferably has a main portion with a substantially constant width along the longitudinal direction, and the side parts have a tapering in a portion, the longitudinal extent of which corresponds to that of the main portion of the central part. The main portion includes in particular essentially the entire length of the sliding board, except for the front tip region and optionally a region at the rear end of the sliding board.
In the first position of the side parts for the descent, a tapered sliding board is produced, wherein the tapering can in principle be optimally oriented to the descent. By the side parts being folded over into the second position, a narrower sliding board is produced which is substantially untapered because the boundary of the sliding board is no longer formed by the tapered outer shape of the side parts, now located on the inside, but rather by the substantially rectilinear outer shape of the central part. The narrow untapered sliding board is readily suitable for the ascent.
Alternatively, the invention can also be used in conjunction with (substantially) untapered sliding boards.
Advantageously, the climbing skin is attached fixedly on the second main surface. This means that said climbing skin is not removed within the scope of customary use. Of course, it may be expedient to replace the climbing skin after a certain period of use. This will take place as a rule in a workshop.
The fixed attachment can take place in a simple and cost-effective manner, for example with a suitable adhesive. The risk of the climbing skin becoming detached within the context of customary use is minimized.
In a preferred embodiment, a hinge mechanism is arranged between the central part and each of the side parts, wherein the hinge mechanism is preferably formed by a band which is fastened in a sheetlike manner on a side surface of the central part and on a side surface of the side part. The hinge mechanism or the band have in particular the task of holding the respective side part in the position thereof axially and in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces of the main part and side part. Suitable bands are manufactured from a durable material, for example from a fiber-reinforced, bendy plastics band. Said bands can be adhesively bonded by one of the main surfaces thereof to the mentioned side surfaces of the main part and side part, which are adjacent to each other in the first position.
Instead of bands, the hinge mechanism can be realized by other elements, for example by classic hinges. The hinge mechanism may be of substantially continuous design or may comprise a plurality of spaced-apart elements in the longitudinal direction of the sliding board.
In a further preferred embodiment, the central part and the side parts are connected to each other by at least one pull-release cable. By tensioning of the cable or of the cables, the side parts can be particularly readily coupled mechanically to the central part, in particular in the first position. A change in position of the side parts is made possible by releasing the cable or the cables.
In the case of a splitboard, the pull-release cable or the pull-release cables can also be used for fastening the two parts of the splitboard to each other.
The at least one pull-release cable preferably comprises a cable which is guided through through-openings in the central part and in at least one of the side parts, and a tensioning and locking mechanism for tensioning and locking the cable when the at least one side part is in the first or second position. A cable can connect the central part to the two side parts, or there are separate cables for the two side parts. In addition, a side part can interact with the central part via a plurality of cables. In a preferred configuration, there are two pull-release cables, one in the front part of the sliding board (in front of the binding region) and a second in the rear part of the sliding board (behind the binding region), wherein the two pull-release cables each interact with the two side parts.
The through-openings and further guiding elements for the cables are advantageously directed in such a manner that the course of the cables does not fall short of certain minimum radii of, for example, 30 mm, in particular 40 mm. The actuating force can thus be kept within a range which permits easy manual actuation.
Suitable tensioning and locking mechanisms for pull-release cables are known. Corresponding products are commercially available, for example, from Boa Technology Inc., Denver (Colo.), USA.
Advantageously, the through-openings are arranged in the central part and in the at least one side part in such a manner that, in the first position of the at least one side part, the cable runs entirely within a basic body of the central part and of the at least one side part in a contact region of the central part and of the at least one side part.
The contact region is formed here by those regions of the central part and of the side part which are adjacent to one another and in which said parts are connected to one another by the pull-release cable. The cable preferably runs substantially completely within the central part and the side part and, in the case of an actuating element, protrudes upwards at most from the basic body of the central part in a central region of the central part.
The concealed arrangement of the cable is esthetically advantageous, but also improves the safety during the descent by it not being possible for the cable to become hooked, for example, on protruding roots or branches or other objects.
The piece of snow sports equipment preferably comprises means for locking the side parts in the second position, wherein the means comprise elements for the mutual fastening of the side parts to each other. As a result, the side parts can easily be locked in the second position. The elements for the mutual fastening can be, in particular, hook-like fittings which are arranged spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, connect the two side parts to each other substantially in the transverse direction and are completely accommodated in the intermediate space between the two side parts. Said fittings can enter automatically into engagement with each other when the side parts are folded over, or they are actuated manually by the user.
The side parts may be locked in some other way, for example by the side parts being fastened by the first main surface thereof to the lower side of the central part, for example magnetically or by mechanical elements.
A piece of snow sports equipment according to the invention can have locking elements arranged on an upper side of the central part for supporting the side parts in the first position. Said locking elements support the side parts against the pressure exerted from below. They can be used instead of or in addition to the pull-release cable, and optionally only in sections along the longitudinal extent of the sliding board.
Advantageously, the central part has a cover sheet on an upper side, wherein the cover sheet protrudes laterally over a basic body of the central part in order to support the side parts in the first position.
This measure can also be used in addition to or instead of the pull-release cable and/or the locking elements.
In general, locking elements, a protruding cover sheet, both measures or neither thereof can be used, depending on the design of the hinge mechanism or of the pull-release cable.
The side parts preferably have a plurality of segments and/or are manufactured from a flexible material in a tip region of the sliding board. The segments are arranged one behind another in the longitudinal direction and are separated from one another or are connected by a pliant material. The flexible material may be a rubber material. This permits adaptation of the folded-over side part to the bent-up portion in the tip region.
Advantageously, the side parts comprise, on an edge located at the bottom in the second position, gripping means for improving the grip during ascent on hard terrain. The outer edge, the inner edge or the two edges can be equipped here with said gripping means. The gripping means are, in particular, edges, elements or surfaces of a suitable material and with a suitable geometry or profiling. The gripping means can entirely or partially take on the function of a crampon or can make the use of a crampon unnecessary in a certain situation.
Advantageously, a basic body of the central part has side surfaces running obliquely relative to the upper side and lower side, and the basic bodies of the side parts have correspondingly obliquely running side surfaces which, in the first position, interact with the side surfaces of the central part in such a manner that they transmit vertical forces, acting on the lower side of the side parts, to the central part. As a result, in particular the connection between central part and side parts is also relieved of load.
A container which can be filled with snow is preferably attached to the sliding board in order to increase a dead weight of the piece of snow sports equipment for the descent. The smoothness of the snow sports equipment is improved as a result. The container can be delimited downwards by the upper side of the central part and upwards by a net. The net permits a lightweight design and simplifies the filling.
The container for filling with snow can in principle also be realized in conjunction with a piece of snow sports equipment without foldable side parts where it also combines the advantages of a lightweight sliding board for the ascent and a heavier sliding board for the descent.
Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the detailed description below and the entirety of the patent claims.
In the drawings used for explaining the exemplary embodiment:
In principle, identical parts are provided with the same reference numbers in the figures.
The central part 110 comprises a basic body 113 which can be designed in a manner known per se from ski manufacturing and comprises, for example, a rigid foam core which is enclosed along the main surfaces thereof by an upper flange and a lower flange (for example made of aluminum or glass-fiber-reinforced plastic). The basic body 113 is covered on the upper side by a cover sheet 112. A laminate layer 114 and a sliding coating 115 are arranged on the lower side of the basic body 113.
The layered construction of the side parts 120, 130 is substantially analogous in an inner region to the central part 110: instead of the cover sheet, a climbing skin 127, 137 is fixedly arranged on the upper side of the side parts 120, 130. Said climbing skin does not extend as far as the inner end surface, and therefore a recess is formed on the upper side. In the descent position shown in
A basic body 123, 133 which is constructed analogously to that of the central part is connected in turn below the climbing skin 127, 137 and the recesses. A laminate layer 124, 134 and a sliding coating 125, 135 subsequently follow in turn. The laminate layer 124, 134 and the sliding coating 125, 135 do not extend as far as the outer side surface of the side parts 120, 130; said side surface is instead formed in the region of said layers by a descent edge 126, 136. In the descent position, the side parts 120, 130 are fastened to the central part 110 in such a manner that the customary construction of a ski with a continuous sliding surface and lateral edges is produced.
In the ascent position shown in
The central part 210 comprises a basic body 213 which can be designed in a manner known per se from ski manufacturing and comprises, for example, a rigid foam core which is enclosed along the main surfaces thereof by an upper flange and a lower flange (for example made from aluminum or glass-fiber-reinforced plastic). On the upper side, the basic body 213 is covered by a cover sheet 212. A laminate layer 214 and a sliding coating 215 are arranged on the lower side of the basic body 213.
The central part 210 has a trapezoidal cross section, wherein a width decreases from the top (i.e. starting from the cover sheet 212) downwards (towards the sliding surface 215). The side parts accordingly have an obliquely running inner end surface in such a manner that, in the descent position according to
The layered construction of the side parts 220, 230 is substantially analogous in an inner region to the central part 210: instead of the cover sheet, a climbing skin 227, 237 is arranged fixedly on the upper side of the side parts 220, 230. A basic body 223, 233 which is constructed analogously to that of the central part is connected in turn below the climbing skin 227, 237. A laminate layer 224, 234 and a sliding coating 225, 235 subsequently follow in turn. The laminate layer 224, 234 and the sliding coating 225, 235 do not extend as far as the outer side surface of the side parts 220, 230; said side surface is instead formed in the region of said layers by a descent edge 226, 236. In the descent position, the side parts 220, 230 are fastened to the central part 210 in such a manner that the customary construction of a ski with a continuous sliding surface and lateral edges is produced.
In the ascent position shown in
In a further embodiment (not illustrated), the central part has a trapezoidal cross section, the width of which increases from the top (i.e. starting from the cover sheet) downwards (towards the sliding surface). The side parts accordingly have an inner end surface which runs obliquely in a different direction in such a manner that, in the descent position the cross sections complement each other to form the desired overall cross section of the ski.
The channels in the side parts 420, 430 and in the central part 410 are shaped in such a manner that a maximum angle of curvature does not fall below a certain value and that the cable of the pull-release cable 460 therefore does not have to perform any abrupt changes in direction resulting in a large amount of resistance. The mouths of the channels in the side parts 420, 430 and in the central part 410 are coordinated with each other such that, when the cable is tensioned, the side parts 420, 430 are suitably arranged on the central part 410 both in the longitudinal direction and in the vertical direction. In the transverse direction, the side parts 420, 430 bear fixedly against the central part 410 such that functionally, in the descent position, a standard sliding board is formed.
A similar pull-release cable (not illustrated here) runs in the rear part of the ski 401.
By pressing of the buttons of the tensioning devices, the cables of the pull-release cables are released, and the side parts 420, 430 can fold downwards under the central part 410. They can be connected there to each other, as mentioned above, by hook-like connecting elements running parallel to the main surfaces of the central part 410. Subsequently, the cables are tensioned again in order to ensure a fixed seat. The ascent position is therefore reached.
In order to pass again from the ascent position into the descent position, first of all the cable is released, followed by the connecting elements. By tensioning the cables, the side parts 420, 430 are raised again and pass into the arrangement thereof for the descent position.
The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments illustrated. Structural details can be realized in some other way, or elements of different exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another. The invention is not restricted to skis, but can also be used, for example, in the case of what are referred to as splitboards.
The sketched internal construction of the ski should be understood merely as an example; in principle, the invention can be realized with most currently known structures.
In summary, it should be emphasized that the invention provides a piece of snow sports equipment which exhibits improved properties both on the descent and for the ascent.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1670/14 | Oct 2014 | CH | national |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1989377 | Osborn | Jan 1935 | A |
3178194 | Buchmuller | Apr 1965 | A |
5551728 | Barthel | Sep 1996 | A |
5857682 | Hyman | Jan 1999 | A |
7543839 | Hartmann | Jun 2009 | B2 |
8528930 | Titterington | Sep 2013 | B2 |
8876144 | Darnell | Nov 2014 | B1 |
9010797 | Elliott | Apr 2015 | B2 |
9108101 | Gilson | Aug 2015 | B2 |
20040251287 | Myers | Dec 2004 | A1 |
20090026731 | Stewart, III | Jan 2009 | A1 |
20100171288 | Nicosia | Jul 2010 | A1 |
20110285109 | Horn | Nov 2011 | A1 |
20130134691 | Holzer | May 2013 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
74 326 | Jul 2012 | CH |
31 34 051 | Mar 1983 | DE |
7-34875 | Jun 1995 | JP |
Entry |
---|
European Search Report dated Feb. 26, 2016 issued in corresponding EP Application No. 15191700.2. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20160121196 A1 | May 2016 | US |