Detachable snow ski edge

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to snow sporting boards and in particular detachable edges for snow skis, snow boards and the like.

Background of the invention

As the sport of skiing or snowboarding has developed, manoeuvres such as sliding along metal rails has become an ever growing part of the sport. Many of these manoeuvres have been adopted from other board riding sports, such as skate board riding. A distinguishing feature between skates boards and skis and snowboards is that, unlike skate boards, the perimeter base edge surface of skis and snowboards are critical to precision turning. Indeed the perimeter base edge surface, in combination with the longitudinal and torsional flex characteristics of the ski or snowboard, is critical to the performance of the equipment.

While edge damage to a skate board is generally not fatal to the performance of the board, perimeter base edge surface damage to the skis or snowboard may render the equipment irreparably damaged. This fact stems from the conventional method of ski and snowboard constructions, in which the base and edge of the board is integrally laminated into the board through a sandwich or laminated construction. Consequently, the impact of the board's edge on the stunt rails or through collisions with rocks and stones may lead to indentions in the edge which results in the board no longer functioning at an effective operational level.

The replacement of boards are a significant cost impost upon skiers. As a result of these changing trends in ski use, manufacturers have attempted to address this problem by making cheaper skis, which are considered to be more disposable. A problem with this approach is that the skier still faces a considerable cost penalty for damaging their boards. Further, the performance of the less expensive boards are, at least in some cases, inferior to more expensive boards, due to inferior materials of construction and design.

Therefore there is a need for a snow ski or snowboard which overcomes the problem of edge damage through the impact with a hard surface.

As used herein, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Summary of the invention

In the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a removably attachable edge for a snow sporting board comprising:

an elongated edge section having an elongated edge portion and an attachment means,

wherein the elongated edge section is removably attachable by attachment means into anchoring means in at least one elongated side of a sporting board such that the elongated edge section aids in the manoeuvring of the sporting board.

The attachment means is preferably separable from the elongated edge portion.

As defined for the purposes of the present invention, a snow sporting board includes snow skis, snowboards and the like boards used on snow.

Preferably, the sporting boards are selected from a group consisting of snow skis and snowboards.

Preferably, the elongated edge section forms a peripheral elongated contiguous edge between a base and an elongated sidewall of the board.

The elongated edge portion preferably has a base member and a side member. The side member covers at least a portion of the sidewall of the sporting board. The base member covers at least part of the base of the sporting board. The elongated edge section preferably received by the sporting board such that the elongated edge section is positioned flush with the base and the sidewall of the sporting board.

Preferably, the attachment means removably attaches the elongated edge to the base of the sporting board.

The use of an attachable edge has several advantages. Firstly, if the elongated edges become damaged during use, they may be conveniently replaced with new edges to restore the sporting board, such as a snow ski or snowboard, to its original functional condition. This may be achieved at a fraction of the cost compared to the replacement of the whole ski or snowboard. The replacement of edges may be beneficially used by ski hirers, which have been reluctant to hire skis or snowboards for use in stunt manoeuvres.

Secondly, the edges may be changed depending upon the environmental conditions or particular application the sportsperson requires. For instance, a sharper elongated edge may be attached for better holding and control under icy conditions. Alternatively, a blunter edge may be employed for better manoeuvring in powder snow. Therefore, the board riding enthusiast need only be equipped with replacement elongated edge sections for a variety of conditions, rather than the more bulky and more expensive spare snowboard, skis or the like.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a snow sporting board comprising:

a body section having two elongated sidewalls and a base; and

an anchoring means in the body section for removably attaching at least one elongated edge section to at least one elongated sidewall of the sporting board,

wherein the at least one elongated edge section is removably attachable to the anchoring means, such that the elongated edge section aids in the manoeuvring of the snow sporting board.

The elongated edge section is typically positioned on the peripheral lower edges of the longitudinal sidewalls of the body section of the sporting board, which contacts a transport medium as the board rider adjusts their body weight distribution to steer or

manoeuvre the board. The profile (eg. shape, smoothness) of the elongated edges are important performance parameters to enable optimum control of the board to be achieved by the board rider.

The elongated sidewalls may be recessed, such that when the sidewalls and/or base receives the elongated edge section, the sidewall and/or base of the sporting board, with the elongated edge section attached, forms a smooth continuous surface profile (i.e the peripheral surface of the elongated edge section sits flush with the peripheral sidewall and/or base surface of the sporting board).

The anchoring means preferably enables two elongated edge sections to be removable attached to opposing elongated sidewalls of the body section of the sporting board. The anchoring means may form part of a mounting plate which is integrally formed into the sporting board. The mounting plate may extend across the body section of the board and thus contribute to the torsional and longitudinal flex characteristics of the board. Consequently, the mounting plate may have various design configurations which affect the torsional and/or longitudinal flex of the sporting board. For instance, the mounting plate may possess voids along its longitudinal axis to increase the board's ability to flex along its length (longitudinal flex). The width of the mounting plate relative to the width of the board will affect the ability of the board to flex in the transverse axis of the board.

The mounting plate may include a shock absorbance means for absorbing at least a portion of the impact forces which occur when the elongated edge sections are impacted. The shock absorbance means reduces the impact force sustained by the elongated edge section and thus the damage to the elongated edge, thereby prolonging the life of the elongated edge section.

The shock absorbance means may include a resilient material, such as a foamed polymeric composition, which may disperse the energy dissipated from the impact along the length of the board. The resilient material is preferably attached to the elongated edge portion, such that it forms a shock absorbing layer between the elongated edge section and the body section of the sporting board. The shock absorbing layer may frictionally engage with the base layer and/or sidewall of the board. By attaching the

resilient material to the elongated edge section, the functionality of the shock absorbance means may be more easily maintained through replacing the layer of resilient material or replacing the entire elongated edge section.

Other shock absorbance means such as spring loaded inserts (anchorage means) and/or mounting screws (attachment means) may also be included to enable the elongated edge to flex inwardly and absorb the impact energy before the elongated edge section rebounded to its original position. The shock absorbance means also preferably functions to dampen the vibration or "chattering" of the board.

The anchorage means may include

• plurality of inserts positioned between the base and the top layers, the inserts having openings therein for receiving the attachment means for removably attaching the elongated edge section; and

• a mounting plate interconnecting the inserts, said mounting plate fixedly positioning each of said inserts with respect to each other.

The inserts preferably extend normally from the mounting plate, such that the inserts accept attachments means through the base layer of the sporting board.

The mounting plate may include an anchor surrounding the base of each insert, the anchors being larger than the openings of the inserts by a predetermined amount to prohibit the inserts from being pulled from the sporting board. For instance, the anchorage means may include a plurality of threaded tubular inserts containing a flanged ends which is embedded into the core layer during the construction of the board.

The anchoring means, such as an insert, may include a threaded recess or cavity for receiving a threaded screw or pin like attachment means of the elongated edge. Preferably, at least a portion of the threaded cavity forms part of the mounting plate.

The attachment means preferably includes a head member which may be rotated by

use of a screw driver or polygonal shaped engagement device, such as an Allen or hex key.

The elongated edge section preferably spans the substantial length of the body section of the sporting board. Preferably, the elongated edge section extends from the minimum waist width of the body section towards the board's tail and tip. Typically, the ratio (expressed in %) of the elongated edge's length to the board's total length is between 10% to 100%, more preferably between 30% to 80% and even more preferably between 40% and 70%.

The elongated edge section may extend at least a substantial portion of the elongated sidewall height, from the board's base towards the board's top surface. For instance, when the sporting board is being frequently used on stunt apparatus, such as rails, the elongated edge may form the entire sidewall of the board, thus protecting all the edges of the laminated layers of the board. The elongated edge section may similarly extend across the base of the body section of the board, thereby providing a more durable base surface.

The elongated edge section is preferably removably attachable to the board's base, which includes the bottom surface of the board. The board's base may include the mounting plate, with the mounting plate and/or the elongated edges removably attachable to the board. In some embodiments, the mounting plate may be removably attachable to the snow sporting board.

In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing a snow sporting board to receive an elongated edge section, the method including:

forming on body section of a snow sporting board, the body section having an anchoring means for removably attaching at least one elongated edge section to at least one elongated sidewall of the sporting board,

wherein the at least one elongated edge section is removably attachable to the anchoring means, such that the elongated edge section extends along a proportion of the body section of the snow sporting board.

The snow sporting board is preferably constructed by a sandwich or laminating construction technique, whereby layers of materials having different functionally properties are laminated or bonded together. The snow sporting board preferably has a base layer, a core layer and a top layer. The anchoring means is preferably integrally formed into the base layer or core layer of the board. The base or core layer may include a mounting plate, which includes the anchoring means. The anchoring means may be integrally formed into the base or core layer by machining or drilling at least one threaded aperture into the mounting plate for receiving the attachment means of the elongated edge section.

Preferably, the anchoring means include an insert which are embedded into the layered construction of the sporting board.

In one embodiment of this the third aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises the steps of:

• providing a mounting plate to which the elongated edge section may be removably attached, the mounting plate including a substantially flat portion and a plurality of threaded inserts extending outwardly therefrom, the inserts being fixedly joined to the flat portion;

• placing the mounting plate between the base layer and the top layer in a position for removably attaching the elongated edge section;

• after placing the mounting plate between the base layer and the top layer, substantially layering the mounting plate with the core layer; and

• joining the base layer and the top layer to the core.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of:

• providing a plurality of interconnected inserts to which elongated edge section may be secured, the inserts being connected by a mounting plate, the inserts including openings for removable attaching the attachment means of the

elongated edge section in a substantially normal direction from the mounting plate; and

• layering the inserts at least substantially with the core layer after placing the inserts between the base layer and the top layer. In a forth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing an elongated edge section to removable attach to a sporting board, the method including:

forming an elongated edge having an elongated edge portion and an attachment means,

wherein the elongated edge is removably attachable to at least one elongated side of a sporting board such that the elongated edge section aids in the manoeuvring of the sporting board.

The method may further include the step of machining or drilling an aperture into the elongated edge section to receive the attachment means. The aperture is preferably recessed to enable the attachment means to sit flush (or embedded) with the profile of the board.

It will be appreciated that the features of individual aspects of the invention may be appropriated applied or added to other aspects of the present invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a bottom plan view of a conventional ski.

Figure 2 is a side plan view of the ski of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of a ski in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a side plane view of the ski of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a partial bottom cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a ski and a removably attachable elongated edge section in accordance with the invention.

Figure 6 is a partial side cross sectional view of the ski and the removably attachable elongated edge section of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a bottom cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a ski and a removably attachable elongated edge section in accordance with the invention.

Figure 8 is a side cross sectional view of the ski and the removably attachable elongated edge section of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a partial bottom cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a ski and an removably attachable elongated edge section in accordance with the invention.

Figure 10 is a partial side cross sectional view of the ski and the removably attachable elongated edge section of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a side cross-sectional view of fifth embodiment of a ski and an removably attachable elongated edge section in accordance with the invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a conventional ski has a base 1 , including a body section 3 (including elongated sidewalls 4), a tip 5 and a tail 7 which has a permanent metal edge 9 encompassing its perimeter. The body section 3 of the ski is laminated onto the base 1 and metal edge 9. The metal edge is commonly produced from extruded and punched hardened steel, which is integrated into the ski during the lamination process. As a consequence of the method of construction of the ski, the metal edge is not adjustable or removeable. Once the metal edge is integrated into the ski, the ski is restricted to the original metal edge for the life of the ski. Once, the edge is damaged and is no longer functional, the entire ski is inoperable.

In contrast, the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 3 and 4 illustrates a ski including a base 10, a body section 13 (including an elongated sidewall 14), a tip 15 and a tail 17. The ski includes removably attachable elongated edge sections 11 extending a substantial length of the peripheral lower edges of the body section 13. The board is produced with an anchorage means such as inserts, tapped holes, backing or mounting plates or a locking system by which the elongated edge section 11 may be attached after the construction of the board has been completed. The elongated edge section provides a more versatile use of the skis, with the elongated edge section being able to be changed for riding rails or varying snow conditions. Further, once the elongated edge has been damaged, it may be conveniently replaced or repaired.

The elongated edge section may be removably attached or mounted on the sidewall(s) 14 or the base 10 to form part or all of the sidewall(s) 14 and/or base 10. The elongated edge section may extend the entire length of the ski, including the tip and tail section. Alternatively, the elongated edge section may be restricted to the elongated sidewall of the body section of the ski. It is preferable that the elongated edge's length to the board's total length including tip and tail section be in the range of 10 to 100% but it is more likely to be 40 to 70%.

The elongated edge section includes an elongated edge portion and an attachment means.

The elongated edge portion may be made from a variety of materials which are used in ski or snowboard constructions, including sacrificial or impact resistant materials. Preferably, the material of construction of the edge is selected from a group consisting of: hardened steel, steel alloy (eg. bisalloy), magnesium, aluminium, titanium, Teflon™, acrylonitrile-butadiene-stryene (ABS), ABS/polyurethane blends, phenolic compositions or suitable polymeric compositions.

The attachment means may be selected from the wide variety of suitable attachment means which enable the elongated edge portion to be removably attached to body section of the sporting board. To ensure that a secure attachment to the board is achieved, which will withstand the high impact conditions of use, the attachment means

preferably includes an elongated pin member which may be attached to an anchorage means within the board. The pin member preferably includes a threaded section and a head section.

Typically, the ski is produced via a multilayered construction technique, such as lamination. The ski preferably includes a base layer, a top layer and a core layer. The anchorage means is preferably embedded into a structural support core layer or between adjacent structural support core layers which form at least part of the core layer.

As illustrated in Figures 5 to 11 , there is a variety of ways in which the elongated edge section may be removably attached to the sporting board.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrates a ski having a mounting plate 22 embedded into the core of the body section of the ski 23. It will be understood that the mounting plate may be either embedded into an existing core layer or embedded between core layers during the construction of the board. The mounting plate 22 includes a plurality of threaded holes 21 sized to securely receive the fastening screws 26 of the elongated edge portion 25. The base layer of the board 28 is rebated to enable the elongated edge portion 25 to sit flush with the base layer, including the existing permanent edge 24, when it is removably attached to the ski body 23.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrates an alternative means of attaching the elongated edge section 33 to the body section of the ski, in which a mounting plate is not required. In this embodiment, the anchorage means are a plurality of tubular threaded inserts 31 which are embedded into the core 38 of the board. Each of the tubular inserts may further include a substantially planar flanged end (not shown) distal to the opening end which receives the fastening screw 34. The flanged end may be embedded into the core layer, during the construction process, to anchor the tubular insert into the ski body 32. As in Figures 5 and 6, the base layer 35 of the ski is rebated 36 to enable the elongated edge section 33 to sit flush to the base 35, sidewall 39 and permanent edge 40 of the ski. The elongated edge section 33 also includes an optional shock absorbent layer 37 disposed on the inner side of the elongated edge section. When the fastening screw 34

is secured through the elongated edge portion into the inserts 31, the shock absorbent layer 37 is sandwiched between the ski and elongated edge section. The shock absorbent layer 37 may be bonded to the elongated edge portion 33, such that it may be readily removed and replaced, if required.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an elongated edge section in which the elongated edge portion 43 (including a shock absorbent layer 46) is attached to the sidewall 47 with a plurality of fastening screws 44. In this embodiment, the elongated edge section partially covers the sidewall 47 of the ski. Tubular threaded inserts 45 are embedded into the core of the ski body 42, such that the insert's opening is formed in the ski's sidewall 47. The sidewall of the ski 47 is rebated to enable the elongated edge to be flush with the base layer 48, sidewall and permanent edge 41 , when removably attached to the body 42 of the ski.

Figure 11 discloses a variation on the previous embodiment, in which the mounting plate 52, including a plurality of threaded holes 53, forms part of the sidewall 57. The removably attachable elongated edge portion 51 is removably attachable to the rebated section of the ski's body 54 by the fastening screws 56, such that the elongated edge section is flush with the sidewall 57 and base 56.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.