Snow Riding Implement Sidewall

Snow riding implements, such as snow skis and snowboards are sometimes used in extreme conditions and exposed to high stress example, some snow riding implements are using freestyle events where the snow riding implements may slide along a rail.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

Disclosed are example snow riding implements that may provide enhanced durability and performance. The example snow riding implements may better withstand the high stresses and forces imposed upon the implement during use, such as during freestyle skiing or snowboarding. The example snow riding implements have at least one sidewall that undercuts or extends below a core of the implement in midportions of the implement, proximate to where the implement experiences loading from a person wearing the implement. In some implementations, the least one sidewall undercuts the core to a greater extent in midportions of the implement as compared to tail and tip portions. In some implementations, the at least one sidewall has a greater vertical height or thickness in midportions of the implement as compared to tail and to portions of the implement.

is a perspective view of an example snow riding implementin the form of a pair of skis. Each of skishas substantially the same construction. Each of skiscomprises a top face, a bottom face, a tail portionterminating at a tail end, a tip portionterminating at a tip endand a midportionbetween the tail portionand the tip portion. As shown by, midportionunderlies a user interfacewhich releasably connects the person using the skis. In the example illustrated in which snow riding implementcomprise a pair of skis, user interfacecomprises a pair of ski bindings secured to the top faceon midportion.

illustrate portions of one of the skisshown in.is a side view of ski.is a sectional view of the skioftaken along line-.is a sectional view of the skioftaken along line-.is a sectional view of the skioftaken along line-.is a top view of the skiof. Skicomprises coreand sidewalls-,-(collectively referred to as sidewalls).

Coreextends from tail portionto tip portion. Coreis formed from a lightweight and flexible material. In some implementations, coreis formed from a wood or foam material. In some implement coremay be formed from multiple strips of wood or foam which are laminated to one another. In yet other implementations, coremay be formed from other materials.

Although not shown in, in addition to sidewall, skimay further comprise additional layers above and below core. For example, in some implementations, skimay additionally comprise composite layers, such as fiberglass, above and below the core. In some implementations, skimay further comprise a base, such as an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, a top sheet formed from a material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyurethane, and steel edges.

Sidewallsextend along opposite sides of coreand overly a steel edge (not shown) of ski. Sidewalls, together, continuously extend about an entire periphery of coreand of ski. Sidewallsprovide support to the steel edge or edge strip to increase durability and performance of the snow riding implement. Sidewallsare formed from material distinct from the material forming core. Sidewallsare formed from material that is generally more rigid and dense as compared to the material or materials forming core. In some implementations, sidewallsare formed from ABS. In yet other implementations, sidewallsmay be formed from other materials such as a thermoplastic polymeric material, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a wood and/or a metal.

As shown by, each of sidewallshas a non-uniform width along or about coreand partially underlies portions of core. In the example illustrated, each of sidewallscomprises a central side portion, a rearward side portionand forward side portion. Central side portionextends between side portionsand. Central side portionextends along the midportionof ski, extending along those portions of corethat are to underlie the foot residing on top of ski. As shown by, central side portionhas a facethat faces in an upward direction opposite to and facing core. Said another way, central side portionundercuts portions of corethat form midportion.

Central side portionhas an upper facethat extends at an angle A that is oblique to the bottom faceof ski(shown in). In some implementations, upper faceextends at an angle Ano greater than 80°. In some implementations, upper faceextends an angle Ano greater than 70°. In yet other implementations, upper faceextends at an angle Ano greater than 60°. Because central side portionundercuts portions of coreso as to upwardly face portions of core, a stronger mechanical bond is achievable between the material of sidewalland the material of coreduring any molding/pressing process. In particular, in some implementations, layers of skiare pressed together in a vertical direction to securely bond the different layers to one another. Because portions of sidewall-,-underlie and face overlying portions of core, the bond between the sidewall-,-and coremay be stronger. As compared to traditional skis in which the sidewall and the core abut one another along a vertical joint (angle Ais 90°), everything else (materials, dimensions, thicknesses, manufacturing processes, adhesives) being equal, the bond between sidewall-,-and coremay be at least 50% more durable and in some implementations more than 60% more durable.

Rearward side portionextends alongside tail portionof ski. Rearward side portionhas an inner facethat extends at a second angle A, different than the first angle A, relative to the bottom face. In the example illustrated, inner faceextends at the angle Aof 90° with respect to the bottom face. In other words, rearward side portiondoes not undercut any portion of corealong the tail portion. In other implementations, inner facemay extend an angle Athat is less than 90° so as to undercut portions of corealong tail portion, but greater than angle A. As result, tail portionmay have higher degree of flexibility as compared to midportion.

Forward side portionextends alongside tip portionof ski. Forward side portionhas an inner facethat extends at a third angle A, different than the first angle A, relative to the bottom face. In the example illustrated, inner faceextends at the angle Aof 90° with respect to the bottom face. In other words, forward side portiondoes not undercut any portion of corealong the tail portion. In other implementations, inner facemay extend an angle Athat is less than 90° so as to undercut portions of corealong tip portion, but greater than angle A. As result, tip portionmay have higher degree of flexibility as compared to midportion.

In some implementations, the angles Aand Aof inner facesand, respectively, may be the same. In some implementations, the angles Aand Aof inner facesand, respectively, may be different. For example, in some implementations, angle Amay be greater than A. In other implementations, angle Amay be greater than angle A.

In the example illustrated, each of sidewallsis formed from a material that is uniform, having consistent material properties along the entirety of each of sidewalls. In some implementations, the material properties (those characteristics or properties of the material itself, not dependent on dimensions) of the material forming each of sidewallsmay vary along the length of ski. For example, central side portionmay be formed from a polymer that is more rigid or dense as compared to the material forming rearward side portionor forward side portion. In some implementations, each of sidewallsare formed from different individual segments forming portions,and, wherein the individual segments are coupled to core. In some implementations, each of sidewallsis a single integral unitary body, molded or otherwise, but wherein the materials forming different portions of the unitary body are not uniform. In some implementations, distinct portions,andsidewallsare co-molded.

In the example illustrated, sidewalls-and-are illustrated as being identical to one another, mirroring one another on opposite sides of ski. In other implementations, sidewalls-and-may differ depending upon whether the particular sidewall is on an outer side or an inner side of the particular ski. In such implementations, central side portionof sidewall-may have a different angle Athan the central side portionof sidewall-. Likewise, sidewall-may have different angles Aand/or Afor rearward side portionforward side portionas compared to sidewall-.

Although each of sidewallsis illustrated as having three portions,,and, in other implementations, each of sidewallsmay have more than a single side portion on either side of portion. For example, rearward side portionmay instead comprise multiple sub portions, wherein each of the sub portions has an inner face at a different angle with respect to the bottom faceof ski. Likewise, forward side portionmay instead comprise multiple sub portions, wherein each of the sub portions has an inner face at a different angle with respect to the bottom faceof ski. The number of side portions of a sidewall (wherein each of the side portions has an inner face at a distinct angle with respect to bottom face) may vary between sidewalls-and-depending upon whether the particular sidewall is on an outer side or an inner side of the particular ski.

In the example shown in, the longitudinal ends of central side portionare abrupt, transitioning from the angle Ato angles Aand Aat one single longitudinal location along ski, along a transition line perpendicular to the sides of ski. In other implementations, central side portionmay have an upper facethat gradually transitions to the angles Aand Aof portionand.illustrates one example of such a gradual transition.

illustrates one of two identical skisof an example snow riding implement. Skiis similar to skiexcept that skicomprises sidewalls-,-(collectively referred to as sidewalls) in place of sidewalls-and-, respectively. Sidewalls-and-are similar sidewalls-and-except that such sidewallscomprise central side portionsin place of central side portions. Central side portionshave opposite ends that gradually taper, in a linear fashion, to rearward side portionand to forward side portion. As shown by, the extent to which central side portionundercuts or underlies portions of coregradually declines as central side portionapproaches tail end dand as central side portiongradually approaches tip end.

illustrates one of two identical skisof an example snow riding implement. Skiis similar to skiexcept that skicomprises sidewalls-,-(collectively referred to as sidewalls) in place of sidewalls-and-, respectively. Sidewalls-and-are similar to sidewalls-and-except that such sidewallscomprise central side portionsin place of central side portions. Central side portionshave opposite ends that gradually taper, in a curved fashion, to rearward side portionand to forward side portion. As shown by, the extent to which central side portionundercuts or underlies portions of coregradually declines as central side portionapproaches tail endand as central side portionapproaches tip end.

illustrate portions of an example snow riding implementwhich is in the form of a pair of skis.illustrate one of the two identical pairs of skis.illustrate an example of how the rearward and/or forward side portions of each of the sidewalls of a ski may also undercut or underlie portions of the core in a variable fashion along the length of the ski.

Skicomprises core(described above) and sidewalls-,-(collectively referred to as sidewalls. Although not shown in, in addition to sidewalls, skimay further comprise additional layers above and below core. For example, in some implementations, skimay additionally comprise composite layers, such as fiberglass, above and below the core. In some implementations, skimay further comprise a base, such as an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, a top sheet formed from a material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyurethane, and steel edges.

Sidewallsextend along opposite sides of coreand overlie a steel edge (not shown) of ski. Sidewalls, together, continuously extend about an entire periphery of coreand of ski. Sidewallsprovide support to the steel edge to increase durability and performance of the snow riding implement. Sidewallsare formed from material distinct from the material forming core. Sidewallsare formed from material that is generally more rigid and dense as compared to the material or materials forming core. In some implementations, sidewallsare formed from ABS. In yet other implementations, sidewallsmay be formed from other materials such as a thermoplastic polymeric material, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a wood and/or a metal.

Sidewallseach comprise central side portion(described above), rearward side portionand forward side portion. As shown by, rearward side portionhas an inner facethat extends at a second angle A, different than the first angle A, relative to the bottom face. In the example illustrated, inner faceextends at an angle Athat is oblique with respect to the bottom face. In other words, rearward side portionundercuts a portion of corealong the tail portion.

Forward side portionextends alongside tip portionof ski. Forward side portionhas an inner facethat extends at a third angle A, different than angles Aand A, relative to the bottom face. In the example illustrated, inner facean angle Athat is oblique with respect to the bottom face. In the example illustrated, angle Ais greater than angle Asuch that forward side portionundercuts coreto a lesser extent as compared to rearward side portion. In some implementations, the angles Aand Aof inner faceand, respectively, may be the same. In some implementations, the angle a two may be greater than angle A.

As discussed above, in the example illustrated, each of sidewallsis formed from a material that is uniform, having consistent material properties along the entirety of each of sidewalls. In some implementations, the material properties (those characteristics or properties of the material itself, not dependent on dimensions) of the material forming each of sidewallsmay vary along the length of ski. For example, central side portionmay be formed from a polymer that is more rigid or dense as compared to the material forming rearward side portionor forward side portion. In some implementations, each of sidewallsare formed from different individual segments forming portions,and, wherein the individual segments are coupled to core. In some implementations, each of sidewallsis a single integral unitary body, molded or otherwise, but wherein the materials forming different portions of the unitary body are not uniform. In some implementations, distinct portions,andof sidewallsare co-molded.

In the example illustrated, sidewalls-and-are illustrated as being identical to one another, mirroring one another on opposite sides of ski. In other implementations, sidewalls-and-may differ depending upon whether the particular sidewall is on an outer side or an inner side of the particular ski. In such implementations, central side portionof sidewall-may have a different angle Athan the central side portionof sidewall-. Likewise, sidewall-may have different angles Aand/or Afor rearward portionand forward portionas compared to sidewall-.

Although each of sidewallsis illustrated as having three portions,,and, in other implementations, each of sidewallsmay have more than a single side portion on either end of portion. For example, rearward side portionmay instead comprise multiple sub portions, wherein each of the sub portions has an inner face at a different angle with respect to the bottom faceof ski. Likewise, forward side portionmay instead comprise multiple sub portions, wherein each of the sub portions has an inner face at a different angle with respect to the bottom faceof ski. The number of side portions of a sidewall (wherein each of the side portions has an inner face at a distinct angle with respect to bottom face) may vary between sidewalls-and-depending upon whether the particular sidewall is on an outer side or an inner side of the particular ski.

illustrates one of two identical example skisof an example snow riding implement. Skiis similar to skiexcept that skicomprises sidewalls-and-(collectively referred to as sidewalls) in place of sidewalls-and-. Sidewallsare similar to sidewallsexcept that sidewallseach include central side portion. Central side portionis similar to central side portionexcept that, like central side portiondescribed above with respect to, central side portionhas opposite ends that gradually taper, in a linear fashion, to rearward side portionand to forward side portion. As shown by, the extent to which central side portionundercuts or underlies portions of coregradually declines as central side portionapproaches tail endand as central side portiongradually approaches tip end. In the example illustrated, the angles or rates of such tapers on opposite longitudinal ends of central side portiondiffer from one another, providing less stiffness towards tip endand greater stiffness towards tail end. In other implementations, this relationship may be reversed.

illustrates one of two identical example skisof an example snow riding implement. Skiis similar to skiexcept that skicomprises sidewalls-and-(collectively referred to as sidewalls) in place of sidewall-and-. Sidewallsare similar to sidewallsexcept that sidewallseach include central side portion. Central side portionis similar to central side portionexcept that, like central side portiondescribed above with respect to, central side portionhas opposite ends that gradually taper, in a curved fashion, to rearward side portionand to forward side portion. As shown by, the extent to which central side portionundercuts or underlies portions of coregradually declines as central side portionapproaches tail endand as central side portiongradually approaches tip end. In the example illustrated, the radii on opposite longitudinal ends of central side portiondiffer from one another, providing less stiffness towards tip endand greater stiffness towards tail end. In other implementations, this relationship may be reversed.

In the examples above, each of the skis are illustrated as having sidewalls that have height or thickness matching the height or thickness of corealong the longitudinal length of the ski. In some implementations, the vertical height or thickness of the sidewalls may differ along the length of the ski as well as relative to the vertical height or thickness of the adjacent portions of core.illustrate portions of an example ski having sidewalls that have a height or thickness that varies along the length of the ski and relative to the adjacent portions of core.

are sectional views of portions of an example skiof an example snow riding implement.is a sectional view taken along a line extending perpendicular through the midportionof the ski. Skicomprises coreand sidewalls-,-(collectively referred to as sidewalls).is a sectional view taken along a line extending perpendicular through the tail portionof the ski.is a sectional view taken along line extending perpendicular through the tip portionof the example ski. Although not shown in, in addition to sidewall, skimay further comprise additional layers above and below core. For example, in some implementations, skimay additionally comprise composite layers, such as fiberglass, above and below the core. In some implementations, skimay further comprise a base, such as an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, a top sheet formed from a material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyurethane, and steel edges.

As shown by, the vertical height or thickness of sidewallschanges along the longitudinal length of ski. Central side portionof sidewallhas the greatest vertical height or thickness. Rearward side portionof sidewallhas a vertical height or thickness less than that of central side portion. Forward side portionof sidewallhas a vertical height or thickness less than that of the vertical height or thickness of rearward side portion. In the example illustrated, central side portionof sidewallalso has a horizontal width greater than the horizontal width of rearward side portionand forward side portionof sidewall. As result, enhanced durability is provided at midportionof ski, providing enhanced durability and support in those portions of skithat underlie a person's foot and that experience greater loads. At the same time, the reduced thickness and width of side portionsandprovide such portions with enhanced flexibility and reduced weight.

In the example illustrated in, sidewall portionsandare similar to sidewall portionsanddescribed above. Likewise, central side portionis similar to side portiondescribed above in that the transitioning to the adjacent sidewall portionsandmay be abrupt as shown in. In other implementations, sidewall portionsandmay alternatively be similar to sidewall portionsanddescribed above. Central sidewall portionmay alternatively transition in a fashion similar to that shown above with respect to central sidewall portions,,or. In all of such implementations described in this application, the proportional or relative longitudinal lengths of the central side portions, the rearward side portions and the forward side portions may vary or differ from the particular illustrated examples.

In one example, rearward side portionand forward side portioneach have a width of between 3 mm and 6 mm and nominally 4 mm. Central side portionhas a width of at least 5 mm, no greater than 9 mm and nominally 7.5 mm In such examples, central side portionhas a vertical height or thickness of at least 4 mm, no greater than 10 mm. Rearward side portionhas a vertical height or thickness of at least 2 mm, no greater than 7 mm. Forward side portionhas a vertical height or thickness of at least 2 mm, no greater than 7 mm. In other implementations, such portions of sidewallsmay have other dimensions.

As shown by, coreand midportionfurther includes a binding platform. Binding platformcomprises a recessto facilitate locating a user interface in the form of binding(shown in) of ski. Additional layers position on top of coremay have a uniform thickness such that the recessis not completely filled in, remains for reception of binding. In other implementations, the recessmay be omitted or may have other configurations.

is a sectional view through a left side of one example skiof an example snow riding implement. The sectional view is through a midportionof the ski similar to that shown in. The right side of the example skiwould mirror the left side shown in. In some implementations, the midportionmay include a binding platformwith recessas shown in.

Skicomprises core, sidewall, top sheet, bottom sheet, top coating, protective layer, bottom sheet, base, and edge. Corecomprise multiple layers of wood and/or foam laminated otherwise secured to one another. The layers of wood and such or foam are chosen so as to provide skiwith the desired degree of flexibility along its length. In some implementations, coremay be formed from other sets of material layers or a single layer of material. As shown by, corehas a downwardly facing or angled side edgewhich faces outwardly and downwardly.

Sidewallis similar to sidewall-described above. Sidewallis formed from material that is more rigid than core. In the example illustrated, sidewall portionis formed from ABS. Sidewallhas an inwardly and upwardly facing facewhich extends opposite to surface, undercutting side portions of core. As shown in broken lines, portions of sidewall, top coatingand protective layeralong the side of skimay be removed following the pressing and joining of the various layers of material forming ski. As discussed above, because sidewallundercuts side edge portions of core, a stronger bond or junction between coreand sidewallis achieved, enhancing the durability of ski.

In the example illustrated, the example sidewallshown inextends along the midportionof ski. Those portions of Sidewallthat extend along the tail portion and tip portion of ski(portionand) may have a reduced width and a reduced height as compared to the central side portionshown in. In some implementations, those portions sidewallalong the tail portion and the tip portion skimay not undercut core(similar to sidewallsshown in) or may undercut core, but to a lesser extent as compared to central side portion(in a fashion similar to that shown with respect to). As discussed above with respect to, central side portionof sidewallmay abruptly terminate or may gradually taper the linear curve fashion as it approaches tail endor tip end(shown in).

Top sheetextends over coreand over sidewall. Top sheetmay be formed from a polymer material such as polyurethane. Bottom sheetextends below coreand sidewall. Bottom sheetis similar to top sheetbut extends below coreand below sidewall. Bottom sheetmay be formed from a polymer material such as polyurethane.

Protective layeris formed from material chosen to protect top sheet. In some implementations, protective layermay be formed from a rigid thin coating or film of a polymer plastic material. Protective layermay include decorative graphics, text and the like.

Baseextends below bottom sheetand forms a lower surface which is to slide along a snowy surface. Basemay be coated with a wax or other lubricant. In some implementations, baseis formed from a rigid tougher material than bottom sheet. In some implementations, basemay be formed from an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.

Edgeextends along an outer lower edge of ski. Edgeis formed from an extremely hard and durable materials such as a metal or steel. In the example illustrated, edgeis partially captured between bottom sheetand base. In some implementations, each of such layers forming skimay be joined by an adhesive such as an epoxy. As discussed above, in some imitations, such layers may be pressed during manufacture ski, such as with a Panini press.

illustrate portions of an example skiof an example snow riding implement.is a longitudinally compressed [?] perspective view of an example coreand example sidewallsof the example ski.is a sectional view of the skitaken along line-of. Although not shown in, in addition to sidewalls, skimay further comprise additional layers above and below core. For example, in some implementations, skimay additionally comprise composite layers, such as fiberglass, above and below the core. In some implementations, skimay further comprise a base, such as an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, a top sheet formed from a material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyurethane, and steel edges. For example, skimay additionally comprise top sheet, bottom sheet, protective layer, baseand edgeshown and described above with respect to skiof.

Coreis similar to coredescribed above with respect to ski. Coremay be formed from one or more sections or layers of wood and/or foam material. In the example illustrated, Corecomprises a binding platformin the form of a recessperforming a depression for receiving a binding, such as a binding shown in.

Sidewallsextend along opposite transfer sides of ski. Sidewallsare molded as a single integral unitary body from a material that is more durable and harder or rigid than the material or materials of core. In the example illustrated, sidewallseach molded from ABS. In other implementations, sidewallsmay be molded from other polymers or other materials.

As shown by, each of sidewallscomprises a central side portion, a rearward side portionand a forward side portion. Similar to central side portion, central side portionhas an upper interfacethat faces upwardly and inwardly, undercutting opposing portions of core. Central side portionextends alongside binding platformto provide additional durability and strength adjacent to binding platformwhere skiencounters increased loading from the weight of the person using ski.

Because central side portionundercuts portions of coreso as to upwardly face portions of core, a stronger mechanical bond is achievable between the material of sidewallin the material of coreduring any molding/pressing process. In particular, in some implementations, layers of skiare pressed together in a vertical direction to securely bond the different layers to one another. Because portions of sidewallsunderlie and face overlying portions of core, the bond between the each of the sidewallsand coremay be stronger. As compared to traditional skis in which the sidewall and the core abut one another along a vertical joint, everything else (materials, dimensions, thicknesses, manufacturing processes, adhesives) being equal, the bond between each of sidewallsand coremay be at least 50% more durable and in some implementations more than 60% more durable.

In the example illustrated, the height of each of rearward side portionand forward side portionof sidewallsgradually tapers or slopes downwardly as sidewallapproaches tail endand tip end. In other implementations, the height of rearward side portionand forwards side portionmay decrease in other fashions, such as a stepped fashion recurve fashion. In some implementations, the horizontal thickness of rearward side portionand forward side portionmay also decrease in a gradual or stepped manner as such sidewall portions approach tail endand tip end.

As further shown by, skigenerally has a parabolic shape, being wider along tail portionand tip portionthan midportion. As result, sidewallseach are inwardly curved so as have a concave outer side and a convex inner side. In other implementations, sidewallsmay have other curvatures or may be linear depending upon the shape of coreand the shape of particular ski.