Field

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a sliding device, particularly for use on snow. Background

[0002] Various sliding devices used for controlled decent of snow covered terrain are known. Snow skis and snowboards are configured for a rider to ride in an upright position, with the snowboard or snow skis secured to the feet of the rider. Sit skis are also known to allow a rider to ride in a sitting position whilst various forms of sled are also known to allow a rider to ride in a prone lying position.

Summary of Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a sliding device for descending snow covered terrain, said device having a central longitudinal axis and comprising:

a single longitudinally extending runner having a lower running surface for engaging and sliding on snow;

a longitudinally extending riding deck having an upper riding surface longitudinally extending between a riding deck forward end and a riding deck aft end, said riding surface being configured to support a rider in a prone position with a lower body of the rider extending aft of said riding deck aft end; and

a pair of supports securing said riding deck to, and spacing said riding deck from, said runner;

wherein said pair of supports comprises a forward support located toward said riding deck forward end and an aft support located between said forward support and said riding deck aft end, further wherein each said support comprises a suspension assembly provides for limited relative displacement between said riding deck and said runner in a first direction substantially perpendicular to said running surface whilst restraining relative angular displacement between said riding deck and said runner.

[0004] Typically, said runner, said riding deck and each of said supports is aligned with said central longitudinal axis. [0005] In a preferred form, each said support comprises a support element pivotally mounted to said riding deck about a laterally extending upper pivot axis and pivotally mounted to said runner about a laterally extending lower pivot axis.

[0006] Typically, said upper pivot axis is longitudinally offset from said lower pivot axis.

[0007] In one embodiment, each said support further comprises a compressible primary bumper stop mounted on said riding deck and adapted to engage said support element and dampen pivotal displacement of said support element about said upper pivot axis. In one embodiment, each said support further comprises a secondary bumper stop mounted on said riding deck and adapted to engage said support after a predetermined pi votal displacement of said support element about said upper pivot axis to limit further pivotal displacement of said support element.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, said suspension assemblies limit relative displacement between said runner and said riding deck to linear displacement in said first direction only.

[0009] In another embodiment, said suspension assemblies limit relative displacement between said runner and said riding deck to displacement in said first direction and displacement in a longitudinal direction.

[0010] Typically, each said suspension assembly limits relative displacement between said riding deck and said runner in said first direction to a maximum displacement of between 25 and 90 mm.

[001 1] In a preferred form, each said suspension assembly limits relative displacement between said riding deck and said runner in said first direction to a maximum displacement of between 35 and 60 mm.

[0012] In a preferred form, each said support is detachably secured to said riding deck and said runner.

[0013] Typically, in an unloaded condition, said supports separate said riding deck and said runner in said first direction by between 125 mm and 500 mm. [0014] In one or more embodiments, each said suspension assembly comprises telescoping upper and lower support elements secured to said riding deck and said runner respectively and a shock absorber extending between a shock absorber upper end fixed in relation to said upper support element and a shock absorber lower end fixed in relation to said lower support element.

[0015] Typically, for each said suspension assembly, said shock absorber is housed within said upper and lower support elements.

[0016] In one form, each said support further comprises an upper bracket having opposing laterally extending arms, said arms being secured to, or integrally formed with, said riding deck, said upper bracket further being secured to said suspension assembly.

[0017] Typically, said upper bracket is detachably secured to said suspension assembly.

[0018] In a second aspect the present invention provides a sliding device for descending snow covered terrain, said device having a central longitudinal axis and comprising:

a single longitudinally extending runner having a lower running surface for engaging and sliding on snow;

a longitudinally extending riding deck having an upper riding surface longitudinally extending between a riding deck forward end and a riding deck aft end, said riding surface being configured to support a rider in a prone position wi th a lower body of the rider extending aft of said riding deck aft end; and

a pair of supports securing said riding deck to, and spacing said riding deck from, said runner;

wherein said riding surface is concave when viewed in a longitudinal direction and comprises a concave primary riding surface portion extending from at or adjacent said riding deck forward end toward said riding deck aft end and a concave secondary riding surface portion forming a depression in said riding surface and extending from a mid-region of said riding surface to said riding deck aft end, said secondary riding surface portion having a greater maximum depth in each laterally and vertically extending plane along its longitudinal length than a maximum depth of said primary riding surface portion in each laterally and vertically extending plane forward of said secondary riding surface portion, each said depth being measured as a distance, in a direction perpendicular to said runner surface, between a line extending in the respective plane laterally between opposing side edges of said riding surface and the respective said riding surface portion.

[0019] In a preferred form, said maximum depth of said secondary riding surface portion monotonically increases from a forward end of said secondary riding surface portion to said riding deck aft end.

[0020] Typically, adjacent said riding deck aft end, said secondary riding surface portion has a maximum depth of at least 50 mm.

[0021 ] In a preferred form, said primary riding surface portion extends along either side of said secondary riding portion toward said riding deck aft end.

[0022] In a preferred form, adjacent each side of said secondary riding surface portion, over at least the majority of the longitudinal length of said secondary riding portion, said secondary riding surface portion is inclined with respect to said runner surface by an angle of inclination of at least 20 degrees, more preferably at least 30 degrees.

[0023] In a preferred form, said secondary riding surface portion has a longitudinal length of between 200 mm and 500 mm.

[0024] In one form, said riding deck further comprises a pair of laterally opposing side walls extending upwardly from, each side on both sides of said secondary riding surface portion.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 is an isometric view from above of a sliding device according to a first embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 is an isometric view from below of the sliding device of Figure 1 ; [0028] Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the sliding device of Figure 1; [0029] Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the sliding device of Fi gure 1; [0030] Figure 5 is an inverse plan view of the sliding device of Figure 1 ; [0031] Figure 6 is a plan view of the sliding device of Figure 1;

[0032] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the sliding device of Figure 1 , taken at secti on 7-7 of Figure 6;

[0033] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the sliding device of Figure 1 taken at section 8-8 of Figure 6;

[0034] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the sliding device of Figure 1 taken at section 9-9 of Figure 6;

[0035] Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the sliding device of Figure 1 with a rider lying prone on the sliding device;

[0036] Figure 1 1 is a exploded isometric view from below of the sliding device of Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 12 is an isometric view from above of the riding deck base of the sliding device of Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 13 is a plan view of the riding deck base of Figure 12;

[0039] Figures 14a to 14d are plan views of alternate forms of runner of the sliding device of Figure 1 ;

[0040] Figure 15 is an isometric view of a support of the sliding device of Figure 1 ; [0041 ] Figure 16 is a partly exploded view of the support of Figure 15;

[0042] Figure 17 is an isometric view of a first alternate support for use in the sliding device of Figure 1 ; [0043] Figure 18 is an exploded view of a second alternate support for use in the sliding device of Figure 1 ;

[0044] Figure 19 is an isometric view of a third alternate support for use in the sliding device of Figure 1 ;

[0045] Figure 20 is a side elevation view of a sliding device according to a second embodiment with a rider lying prone on the sliding device;

[0046] Figure 21 is an isometric view from above of a sli ding device according to a third embodiment;

[0047] Figure 22 is an isometric view from below of the sliding device of Figure 21; [0048] Figure 23 is a side elevation view of the sliding device of Figure 21; [0049] Figure 24 is a front elevation view of the sliding device of Figure 21 ; [0050] Figure 25 is an inverse plan view of the sliding device of Figure 21; [0051] Figure 26 is a plan view of the sliding device of Figure 21 ;

[0052] Figure 27 is a exploded isometric view from below of the sliding device of Figure 21 ;

[0053] Figure 28 is a side elevation view of a sliding device according to a fourth embodiment in an uncompressed condition;

[0054] Figure 29 is a fragmentary detailed view of a support of the sliding device of Figure 28 in the uncompressed condition;

[0055] Figure 30 is a side elevation view of the sliding device of Figure 28 in a compressed condition;

[0056] Figure 31 is a fragmentary detailed view of a support of the sliding device of Figure 28 in the compressed condition; [0057] Figure 32 is an exploded view from the front of the sliding device of Figure 28;

[0058] Figure 33 is a exploded view from the rear of the sliding device of Figure 28;

[0059] Figure 34 is a plan view of the sliding device of Figure 28;

[0060] Figure 35 is a rear elevation view of the sliding device of Figure 28 ;

[0061 ] Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view of the sliding device of Figure 28, taken at cross- section 36-36 of Figure 34;

[0062] Figure 37 is cross-sectional view of the sliding device of Figure 28, taken at cross- section 37-37 of Figure 34; and

[0063] Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view of the sliding device of Figure 28, taken at cross- section 38-38 of Figure 34.

Description of Embodiments

[0064] Referring to Figures 1 to 10 of the accompanying drawings, a sliding device 100 for descending snow covered terrain according to a first embodiment comprises a runner 120, a riding deck 140 and a pair of supports 160 securing the riding deck 140 to, and spacing the riding deck 140 from, the runner 120. The sliding device 100 has a central longitudinal axis L with the runner 120 longitudinally extending. The sliding device 100 has a single runner 120 only, mounted in line with the central longitudinal axis L. The sliding device 100 is symmetric about a vertically extending plane running through the central longitudinal axis L. The runner 120 has a lower running surface 121 for engaging and sliding on snow. The runner 120 is typically in the general form of a snowboard, as will be discussed further below.

[0065] The riding deck 140 is longitudinally extending and is again mounted in line with the central longitudinal axis L. The riding deck 140 has an upper riding surface 141 that longitudinally extends between a riding deck forward end 142 and a riding deck aft end 143. The riding surface 141 laterally extends between opposing riding deck sides 144. As best appreciated from Figure 10, the riding surface 141 is configured to support a rider 10 in a prone position, with a lower body of the rider 10, typically from the rider's thighs down, extending aft of the riding deck aft end 143. The riding surface 141 is sized to recei ve the rider 10 with the rider's forearms extending adjacent the riding deck sides 144 and the hands of the rider 10 gripping the riding deck sides 144 and/or riding deck forward end 142. The configuration of the riding deck 140 is akin to that of a bodyboard as used in water sports for riding waves.

[0066] In a particularly preferred form, the riding surface 141 is concave when viewed in a longitudinal direction as may be best appreciated from Figures 4, 8 and 9. The riding surface 141 comprises a concave primary riding surface portion 145 that extends from at or adjacent the riding deck forward end 142 toward the riding deck aft end 143 and a concave secondary riding surface portion 146 forming a depression in the riding surface 141. The secondary riding surface portion 146 extends from a mid-region of the riding surface 141 to the riding deck aft end 143. In the configuration depicted, the secondary riding surface portion 146 does not extend lateral ly across the entire lateral extent of the riding surface 141, such that the primary riding surface portion 145 has a pair of narrow strips 147 extending along either side of the secondary riding portion 146 toward the riding deck aft end 143.

[0067] In the configuration depicted, the riding deck 140 has an overall length of approximately 1 120 mm and overall width of approximately 590 mm. The secondary riding surface portion 146 has a length of approximately 400 mm and maximum width of approximately 400 mm. It is envisaged, however, that the dimensions of the riding deck 140, and secondary riding portion 146 thereof, may vary to suit different body sizes and applications. The riding deck 140 will typically have a length of between 600 and 1300 mm, with preferred lengths of 1000 mm to 1 150 mm for adult riders, and 750 mm to 900 mm for younger riders. The riding deck 140 will typically have a width of between 300 and 900 mm, with preferred widths of 550 mm to 700 mm for adult riders and 400 to 500 mm for younger riders. The secondary riding surface 146 will typically have a length of between 20 percent and 45 percent of the overall length of the riding deck 140, or between 200 mm and 500 mm.

[0068] Referring to Figures 7 to 9 of the accompanying drawings, the secondary riding surface portion 146 forms a deeper concavity than that of the primary riding surface portion 145.

Specifically, at any point on the primary and secondary riding surface portions 145, 146, its depth may be measured as the vertical distance (being the distance in a first direction

substantially perpendicular to the running surface 121) between the respective riding surface portion 145, 146 and a line extending laterally between opposing side edges of the riding surface 141. The secondary riding surface 146 has a greater maximum depth D2 in each laterally and vertically extending plane along its longitudinal length than the maximum depth Dl of the primary riding surface 145 in each laterally and vertically extending plane forward of the secondary riding surface portion 146. With the riding deck 140 being symmetric about the longitudinal axis L, in each laterally and vertically extending plane the maximum depth of the relevant riding surface portion 145, 146 is in line with the longitudinal axis L. The maximum depth of the primary riding surface 145, in the depicted embodiment, increases from about 10 mm adjacent to the riding deck forward end 142 to about 20 mm at a position 30 percent along the length of the riding deck 140, maintaining a substantially constant depth of about 20 mm up to the forward end 148 of the secondary riding surface portion 146. The maximum depth of the secondary riding surface portion 146 monotonically increases from its forward end 148 to the riding deck aft end 143. In the configuration depicted, the maximum depth of the secondary riding surface portion 146 increases from approximately 20 mm at its forward end 148, at the intersection with the primary surface riding portion 145, to approximately 60 mm adjacent the riding deck aft end 143.

[0069] As best depicted in Figures 8 and 9, the secondary riding surface portion 146 has a cross- section comprising of a relatively flat base area 149 and steeper side walls 150 adjacent each side of the seconding riding surface portion 146. Over a least the majority of the length of the secondary riding surface portion 146, the side walls 150 are inclined with respect to the runner surface 121 by an angle of inclination of at least 20 degrees and preferably at least 30 degrees. The angle of inclination increases, providing steeper side walls 150, toward the riding deck aft end 143, with the side walls 150 being inclined with respect to the running surface 121 by approximately 40 degrees adjacent the riding deck aft end 143 in the configuration depicted. Toward the forward end 148 of the secondary riding surface portion 146, the side walls 150 are inclined with respect to the running surface 120 by approximately 20 degrees.

[0070] The configuration of the riding surface 141 provides both a comfortable prone riding position for the rider 10 and also allows the rider 10 to control the sliding device 100 by applying lateral pressure to the riding surface 141 by leaning movement of the rider's body. The depression defined by the secondary riding surface portion 146 particularly assists in locking the rider's hips and upper thighs into a comfortable riding position and facilitates the application of lateral forces to the aft section of the riding deck 140 by engaging the hips and upper thighs with the side walls 150 of the secondary riding surface portion 146. The application of lateral pressure to the aft section of the riding deck 141 in turn applies lateral pressure to the aft section of the runner 120, via the aft support 160, whilst also inclining the sliding device 100 so as to engage the side edge 122 of the runner 120 with the snow surface. This results in a carving turn of the riding device 100 similar to the manner in which a carving turn may be executed on a snow board by engaging one side edge with the snow surface.

[0071] The riding deck forward end 142 has a relatively straight form to give a comfortable and secure handgrip for a rider, as a rider may ride the sliding device 100 by gripping the riding deck forward end 142 and/or riding deck sides 144. The riding deck aft end 143 is generally crescent shaped to assist in locking a rider's thighs into place centrally on the riding surface 141.

[0072] Referring to Figure 1 1, the riding deck 140 may be formed of a relatively stiff riding deck base 151 , a riding deck core 152 mounted on top of the riding deck base 151 and an upper riding deck casing 153 mounted over the mounting deck core 152 and bonded around its edges to the riding deck base 151. The riding deck base 151 may be formed of any of various relatively stiff materials, such as timber, fibreglass, plastic or carbon fibre based materials. The riding deck base 151 provides structural rigidity to the riding deck 140 and provides for the transfer of forces applied to the riding deck 140 to the runner 120 by way of the supports 160. The riding deck base 151 , depicted in further detail in Figures 12 and 13, is provided with mounting points 154, in the form of internally screw threaded metal inserts, at forward and aft positions towards each side of the riding deck base 151 for mounting of the forward and aft supports 160 as will be discussed further below. At each general mounting location, a plurality of longitudinally spaced mounting points 154 may be provided, such as four mounting points 154 as depicted. This allows for simple modification of the location of the supports 160 relative to the riding deck 140 to allow for customisation of the perfonnance of the sli ding device 100 to suit varying conditions and riding styles.

[0073] The riding deck core 152 is typically fonned of a light weight foam material, providing the rider 10 with a cushioned support for comfort when riding in the prone position. The riding deck core 152 will typically have a thickness of the order of 40 to 60 mm, although this thickness is significantly reduced within the secondary riding surface portion 146, as will be appreciated from Figures 7 to 9. The riding deck casing 153 forms a waterproof skin defining the riding surface 141. The riding deck casing 153 is bonded and extends across the top of the riding surface core 152 and down the sides of the riding surface core 152 where it is bonded to the edges of the riding deck base 151. The riding deck casing 153 is also typically formed of a foam material, such as polyethylene foam. The construction of the riding deck 140 is akin to that of a typical bodyboard.

[0074] As noted above, the runner 120 is typically in the general form of a snowboard and made of a similar construction to a snowboard, typically with a plastic base forming the running surface 121 , a laminated or foam core, an upper casing and metal side edges 122 extending along either lateral side of the running surface 121. The runner 120 may be specifically designed for the sliding device 100, or may alternatively be in the form of a standard

snowboard. The runner 120 will typically have an upturned nose 123 and may additionally have an upturned tail 124, although it is envisaged that the running surface 120 may be substantially planar along its length, particularly apart from the nose 123. The longitudinal length of the runner 120 may vary relative to the length of the riding deck 140, although it will typically have a length of between 700 mm and 1650 mm. The width of the runner 120 will typically be less than the width of the riding deck 140. The runner 120 will typically have a maximum width of between 100 mm and 600 mm. The runner may be provided with a side cut and, the nose section may have a greater width than the tail section. Having a wider nose section produces stability and the capacity to float over soft snow more easily, whilst a narrow tail section provides greater edge control with less pressure applied from the riding deck 140. Providing a relatively narrow runner 120 provides quicker transition from edge to edge for turning and stopping the sliding device 100. With extra width of the runner 120 comes a loss of leverage which may result in the requirement for more lateral pressure applied to the riding deck 140 to set the runner 120 on its edge 122 in the snow. The harder the snow is packed, the greater the pressure required to set the edge 122. In powder snow, the opposite is tme as the added width of the runner 120 will allow the device 100 to float in the snow, allowing the sliding device 100 to ride higher in the snow pack and therefore be easier to turn.

[0075] As further discussed below, each of the supports 160 may be detachably secured to the riding deck 140 and runner 120, such that, for example, runners 120 of different configuration may be interchanged on the same riding deck 140, depending on the snow conditions, terrain and type of riding to be undertaken by the rider 10. Four forms of runner 120 are depicted in Figures 14a to 14d reflecting four different styles suitable for use on a riding deck 140 having a length of approximately 1 120 mm and width of approximately 590 mm. [0076] The runner 120 of Figure 14a is a carving runner having a length of 1 120 mm, a maximum width of 160 mm and a minimum waist width of 120 mm. This form of runner excels in hard packed snow up to about 100 mm deep and in carving styles of turning on such hard packed snow. The narrow width of this runner 120 allows for a quicker transition from edge to edge and allows for greater leverage applied from the riding deck 140. A combination of these factors make this runner 120 very nimble as well as being easy to turn and stop when compared to the other described forms of runner 120. The narrow width sacrifices some top speed and acceleration to the wider mnners, and is also less stable than the wider runners, especially at low speed.

[0077] The configuration of runner 120 depicted in Figure 14b is a free style runner having a length of 1 120 mm, a maximum width of 250 mm and a minimum waist width of 220 mm. This runner 120 is best suited to free style tricks and being ridden in snow 20 to 150 mm depth. This runner 120 is roughly the same length as the riding deck 140, whilst still retaining a relatively broad width, producing good acceleration and stability while being narrow enough to easily throw into and push around during tricks. Having a reasonable width runner 120 gives the sliding device 100 the capacity to be stabilised quickly when landing aerial tricks, thus making the transition from landing to riding away in the trick less difficult and more achievable.

[0078] The configuration of runner 120 depi cted in Figure 14c is a mountain/powder runner 120 having a length of 1560 mm, a maximum width of 290 mm and minimum waist width of 240mm. This runner 120 is best suited to long and fast runs in deeper snow, over 100 mm in depth. This runner 120 is sized to give the sliding device 100 a better flotation over soft snow, stopping it from being slowed or stopped due to snow engulfing the runner 120 and supports 160. A runner 120 of this length and width gi ves the sliding device 100 faster acceleration and greater stability due to the overall size of the running surface 121.

[0079] The configuration of runner 120 depicted in Figure 14d is an all-round runner 120 having a length of 1 120 mm, a maximum width of 290 mm and a narrower waist width of 120 mm. This runner is a combination of the freestyle and carving runners, for a rider that wants to enjoy reliable all-round performance. Unlike the other runners 120 described, the nose 123 and tail 124 are sized differently. Roughly the front third of the runner 120 is sized similar to that of a freestyle runner 120 and the tail third of the runner 120 is roughly sized similarly to a carving runner 120, with the middle third roughly transitioning in width between the two end sections. The sliding device 100 with such a runner 120 has good performance in float and speed when the rider's weight is pushed forward on the riding deck 140, as well as good performance in turning and stopping when weight is shifted to the back half of the riding deck 140. This runner 120 sacrifices some freestyle and carving performance, but still has a good capacity for both.

[0080] The upper surface of each of the runners 120 has mounting points 125 located toward the nose and tail sections for mounting of the supports 160, as described below. The mounting points 125 may again be in the form of internally screw -threaded metal inserts. As with the mounting points 154 on the riding deck base 151 , the runner configurations of Figures 14b to 14d have multiple longitudinally separated mounting points 125 that allow for selection of various mounting locations for the supports 160 to adjust riding characteristics as desired.

[0081 ] The pair of supports 160 comprises a forward support 160 located toward the riding deck forward end 142 and an aft support 160 located between the forward support 160 and the riding deck aft end 143. In a preferred form, specifically depicted in Figures 15 and 16, each support 160 comprises a suspension assembly 161 that provides for limited relative displacement between the riding deck 140 and the runner 120. Each support 160 extends in a first direction which is substantially perpendicular to the running surface 121 , and is thus a vertical direction when the running surface 121 is located on a horizontal surface. In this specification, the first direction will thus be referred to as a vertical direction, with reference to when the running surface 121 is located on such a horizontal surface.

[0082] Each of the supports 160 is centrally aligned with the central longitudinal axis L of the sliding device 100. Each of the supports 160 provides for limited relative displacement between the riding deck 140 and the runner 120 in the first (vertical) direction. In the configuration of Figures 15 and 16, each of the suspension assemblies 161 limits the relative displacement in the first direction only, restraining relative longitudinal and lateral displacement between the riding deck 140 and runner 120, and further restraining relative angular displacement between the riding deck 140 and runner 120. As a result of restraining relative lateral and angular displacement, lateral pressure and torque applied by the rider 10 to the riding surface 141 may be translated in full to the runner 120 for control of the sliding device 100. Each suspension assembly 161 typically has a limited range of travel in the first (vertical) direction of between 25 and 90 mm, and more typically between 35 and 60 mm, providing limited relative vertical displacement between the riding deck 140 and runner 120 of equal magnitude. Each of the supports 160 typically has a length in the first (vertical) direction of between 125 mm and 500 mm when in the unloaded condition, thereby spacing the riding deck 140 from the runner 120 by the same distance. Whilst the forward and aft supports 160 will typically be of identical configuration and length, it is envisaged that the supports 160 may be of differing lengths and/or configuration.

[0083] In the configuration of Figures 15 and 16, each support 160 comprises the suspension assembly 161, an upper mounting bracket 162 and a lower mounting bracket 163. The suspension assembly 161 comprises telescoping upper and lower support elements 164, 165 and a shock absorber 166 extending between a shock absorber upper end fixed in relation to the upper support element 164 and a shock absorber lower end fixed in relation to the lower support element 165. The support 160 has a length of 200 mm when in the unloaded condition.

[0084] In the configuration of Figures 15 and 16, the shock absorber 166 comprises a hydraulic damper 167 and externally mounted compression coil spring 168 housed within the upper and lower support elements 164, 165. In this particular configuration, the upper and lower support elements 164, 165 and shock absorber 166 are configured to provide the suspension assembly 161 with a limited range of travel of approximately 45 mm. In the confi guration depicted, the upper and lower support elements 164, 165 are of a square tubular cross-section, however other tubular cross-sections, including circular, oval and rectangular are also envisaged.

[0085] The lower mounting bracket 163 is here fixed to the lower support element 165. The fixation of the lower mounting bracket 163 to the l ower support element 165 may either be by way of a permanent or detachable attachment. The lower mounting bracket 163 has a pair of laterally opposing webs 169 bearing mounting holes 170 through which fasteners 171 are received to mount the lower mounting bracket 163 to the runner 120 by way of the mounting points 125 in the top surface of the runner 120. The upper mounting bracket 162 has a central opening 172 within which the upper end of the upper support element 164 is recei ved, with laterally and longitudinally extending fasteners 173 being used to detachably secure the upper support element 164 within the opening 172. The upper mounting bracket 162 has a pair of laterally extending arms 174 configured to extend laterally across the lower surface of the riding deck base 151 and be detachably secured thereto by fasteners 175 extending through apertures 176 provided toward the lateral ends of the arms 174 and into the mounting points 154 in the lower surface of the riding deck base 151 . The laterally extending arms 174 assist in retaining the riding deck 140 secured to the support 160 and transferring loads from the riding deck 140 to the suspension assembly 161.

[0086] The suspension assembly 161 of each support 160 absorbs forces from the impact of the runner 120 as the sliding device 100 is ridden across uneven terrain, or through and over obstacles, commonly found in snow terrain parks, including absorbing impact when the sliding device 100 lands after becoming airborne after riding over a natural terrain feature or a terrain park obstacle. Whilst snow boarders and skiers are able to absorb such impacts with their knees, the prone position of the rider 10 on the sliding device 100 does not allow for the body to absorb such impacts, which would be applied directly to the rider's body through the runner 120, supports 160 and riding deck 140 if no form of suspension were provided. The arrangement of the supports 160 described will thus allow a prone rider to ride similar terrain to that of a snow boarder or skier in safety and comfort. Where it is intended to use the sliding device 100 over larger obstacles and larger drops, it may be appropriate to provide a range of travel of up to 90 mm on each support 160. The supports 160 may be readily interchanged, providing varying ranges of travel and shock absorption to suit different terrain as desired, by virtue of the detachable mounting of the upper and lower mounting brackets 162, 163. Rather than detach the upper mounting bracket 162 of each support 160 from the sliding deck 140 to interchange supports, it is also envisaged that the upper mounting bracket 162 may be left secured to the riding deck 140 and the upper support element 164 instead detached from the upper mounting bracket 162. When the upper support element 164 is detachably attached to the upper mounting bracket 162, it envisaged that the upper mounting bracket 162 might be permanently fixed to, or integrally formed with, the riding deck 140.

[0087] The vertical length of each of the supports 160 may be selected to ensure that the riding deck 140 remains spaced from the snow surface as the sliding device 100 is manoeuvred, rolling laterally and pitching longitudinally during manoeuvres. The length of each support 160 will typically be between 125 and 500 mm, more typically between 200 and 400 mm. Again, this length may be varied by interchanging the supports for supports of a different length, with a more elongated form of support 260 as depicted in Figure 18. The support 260 has a length of 300 mm and is otherwise identical to the support 160 of Figures 15 and 16.

[0088] In the configuration of Figure 18, the support 360 is identical to the support 160 of Figures 15 and 16 except that the shock absorber 366 is in the fonn of a pneumatic damper. The upper and lower ends of the pneumatic damper are fixed to the upper and lower support elements 164, 165 respectively.

[0089] Figure 19 depicts a further alternate form of support element 460 which has a single fixed support element 464 that is fixed to both the upper mounting bracket 162 and lower mounting bracket 163. Accordingly, the support 460 does not have any suspension assembly and does not provide for relative displacement between the riding deck 140 and runner 120. While this is generally not a preferred configuration, it is a less expensive configuration which may still be suitable for use on groomed runs.

[0090] Figure 20 depicts a sliding device 200 according to a second embodiment, which is identical to the sliding device 100 of the first embodiment, apart from the configuration of the riding deck 240. In the sliding device 200, the riding deck 240 has a pair of laterally opposing side walls 255 that each extend upwardly from each side of the secondary riding surface portion. In the configuration depicted, each of the side walls 255 has a height of the order of 120 mm. The side walls 255 provide a further surface against which lateral pressure may be applied by leaning the body of the rider 10 to control the sliding device 200.

[0091 ] Figures 21 to 27 depict a sliding device 300 according to a third embodiment. This sliding device 300 is of the same general form as the sliding device 100 of the first embodiment, comprising a single runner 120 identical to that used in the sliding device 100, a riding deck 340 and a pair of supports 560.

[0092] The riding deck 340 is of substantially the same geometric form as the riding deck 140 of the sliding device 100 of the first embodiment, however, the riding deck 340 is integrally moulded from a rigid plastics material, such as polypropylene with foam cushion pads 356, 357 being bonded to the upper face of the plastic moulding and thus forming part of the upper riding surface 341. The cushion pads 356, 357 comprise a pair of laterally opposing elbow and forearm pads 356 located adjacent each riding deck side 344 and a series of concentric hip pads 357 located toward the riding deck aft end 343 and defining, in part, the secondary riding surface portion 346. The elbow and forearm pads 356 are positioned to support the riders elbow and forearms whilst the hip pads 357 provides support for the rider's hips, providing increased comfort to the rider in view of the fact that the riding deck 340 is primarily formed of rigid plastics material. The geometric configuration of the upper riding surface 341 is generally as per the riding surface 141 of the riding deck 140 of the sl iding device 100 of the first embodiment, having concave primary and secondary riding surface portions 345, 346 of concave form generally as described in relation to the first embodiment.

[0093] The supports 560 of the sliding device 300 are of a relatively simple, inexpensive form, comprising a fixed support element 564, a lower mounting bracket 563 that is detachably secured to the top surface of the runner 120 and an upper mounting bracket 562 that is integrally formed with the lower surface of the riding deck 340. The support element 564 is detachably secured to the upper mounting bracket 562 by way of a longitudinally extending fastener 573. Whilst, in the arrangement depicted, the supports 560 do not incorporate a suspension assembly, and are thus not able to absorb impacts, it is envisaged that the fixed support element 564 may be replaced with a suspension assembly if so desired, and thereby obtain the benefits of a suspension assembly as described above. The sliding device 300 of the third embodiment is intended to be a low cost version of the sliding device, which may be particularly suitable for novice riders on groomed runs.

[0094] Figures 28 to 38 depict a sliding device 400 according to a fourth embodiment. The sliding device 400 is of the same general form as the sliding device 100 of the first embodiment, comprising a single runner 120 identical to that used in the sliding device 100, a riding deck 440 and a pair of supports 660.

[0095] The pair of supports 660 comprises a forward support 660 located toward the riding deck forward end 442 and an aft support 660 located between the forward support 660 and the riding deck aft end 443. As with the embodiments described above, the supports 660, riding deck 440 and runner 120 are aligned with the central longitudinal axis L. As with the embodiments described above, the supports 660 secure the riding deck 440 to, and space the riding deck 440 from, the runner 120. In the embodiment depicted, the supports 660 vertically space the riding deck 440 from the runner 120 by about 200 mm in the unloaded condition.

[0096] Each support 160 comprises a suspension assembly 661 that provides for limited relative displacement between the riding deck 440 and the runner 120 in a first direction which is substantially perpendicular to the running surface 121 , being a vertical direction when the running surface 121 is located on a horizontal surface as discussed above. Each of the suspension assemblies 661 restrains relative lateral and angular displacement between the riding deck 440 and the runner 120, such that torque and lateral pressure applied by the rider to the riding surface 441 may be translated in full to the runner 120 for control of the sliding device 400 in the same manner as described above in relation to the first embodiment. The suspension assemblies 661 of the sliding device 400 of the fourth embodiment do, however, allow for relative displacement between the riding deck 440 and the runner 120 in the longitudinal direction, (in the direction of the central longitudinal axis L), in addition to relative displacement in the first (vertical) direction due to the pivoting motion of the supports 660 as will be discussed below. In the arrangement depicted, the supports 660 are of identical configuration, primarily to save on manufacturing costs.

[0097] Each support 660 comprises an upper mounting bracket 662, a lower mounting bracket 663, a support element 664 and a bumper stop assembly 665.

[0098] Each lower mounting bracket 663 is here detachably secured to the top surface of the runner 120 by way of fasteners. Each lower mounting bracket 663 has a pair of longitudinally and upwardly extending and laterally opposing lower mounting flanges 666. Each of the lower mounting flanges 666 has a laterally extending lower mounting aperture 667. The lower mounting apertures 667 are arranged co-axially to define a laterally extending lower pivot axis P2.

[0099] Each upper mounting bracket 662 is formed of two separate upper mounting bracket halves 662a. Each upper mounting bracket 662 is detachably secured to the lower surface of the riding deck base 451 by way of fasteners. Each of the upper mounting bracket halves 662a h as a longitudinally and downwardly extending upper mounting flange 668 having an upper mounting aperture 669. Each pair of upper mounting bracket halves 662a is arranged such that the upper mounting apertures 669 extend laterally and co-axially to define a laterally extending upper pivot axis PI . Rather than being formed as two separate upper mounting bracket halves 662a, the upper mounting bracket 662 could be formed integrally similar to the lower mounting brackets 663. Conversely, each of the lower mounting brackets 663 could be formed as separate lower mounting bracket halves, similar to the upper mounting brackets 662.

[0100] Each support element 664 is in the form of an elongate swing arm that is rigid in form, here being formed of aluminium (as are the upper and lower mounting brackets 662, 663). It is also envisaged that the support elements (and upper and lower mounting brackets 662, 663) may be formed of other rigid structural materials, such as fibre reinforced plastics materials or other metallic materials. The support elements 664 are each pivotally mounted to the riding deck 140 and runner 120. Specifically, each support element 664 is pivotally mounted to the riding deck 140 about the upper pivot axis P I by an upper mounting bracket 662. Each support element 664 is also pivotally mounted to the runner 120 about the lower pivot axis P2 by a lower mounting bracket 663. For each support 660, the upper pivot axis PI is longitudinally offset from the lower pivot axis P2, here being located forward of the lower pivot axis P2.

[0101] The support element 664 has a pair of laterally opposing and downwardly extending lower arms 670, with laterally extending co-axial lower axles 671 extending from the lower end of each lower arm 670. The lower axles 671 are mounted in bearings that are in turn mounted within the lower mounting aperture 667 of each lower mounting bracket 663. Each support element 664 is thus able to freely pivot about the lower pivot axis P2 defined by the respective lower mounting apertures 667.

[0102] Each support element 664 also has a pair of laterally opposing and upwardly and forwardly extending upper arms 672. The upper arms 672 are each provided with laterally extending co-axial upper axles 673. The upper axles 673 are mounted in bearings that are in turn mounted within the upper mounting apertures 669 of the upper mounting brackets 662. Accordingly, each support element 664 is able to pivot about the upper pivot axis PI defined by the upper mounting apertures 669.

[0103] The pivotal mounting of each support element 664 relati ve to the upper and lower mounting brackets 662, 663 provides for relative displacement between the riding deck 440 and the runner 120, with the pivotal motion providing for relative vertical and longitudinal displacement of the riding deck 440 relative to the runner 120. This relati ve displacement is dampened and limited by the bumper stop assembly 665 which acts as a shock absorber and detent limiting pivotal displacement of the support element 664. Each stop assembly 665 comprises a base 674 that is detachably secured to the lower surface of the riding deck base 451, by fasteners, between each pair of upper mounting bracket hal ves 662a. To the base 674 is fastened a primary bumper stop 675 and a secondary bumper stop 676. The forwardmost bumper stop 675 of each stop assembly 665 is of an increased height compared to the secondary bumper stop 676. When the sliding device 400 is in an unloaded condition, the primary bumper stops 675 each engage a bearing surface 677 of the respective support element 664 located between the upper arms 672, as best depicted Fig. 29. As loading of the riding deck 440 increases, the primary bumper stop 676 compresses, allowing for damped relative displacement between the riding deck 440 and the runner 120 by pivoting of the support element 664 relative to the upper and lower mounting brackets 662, 663. This acts to absorb shock on impact when landing from a jump. The relative displacement is limited by the secondary bumper stop 676, which engages the bearing surface 677 upon a pre- determined relative displacement of the riding deck 440 relative to the runner 120, as best depicted in Fig. 31, equating to a predetermined relative pivotal displacement of the support elements 664 about the upper pivot axis PI . In the arrangement depicted, the pre-determined relative displacement in the vertical direction is approximately 37mm. To allow for the dampened relative displacement, the primary bumper stop 675 is formed of a compressible material, such as a compressible plastics material. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is utilised in the preferred embodiment. In the preferred embodiment, each primary bumper stop 675 is formed of TPU having a Shore A hardness of 70 to 80, and is of a hollow cylindrical form. The secondary bumper stop 676 is also fonned of a compressible material, so as not to provide a "hard landing" when each suspension assembly 661 reaches the end of its travel. In the preferred embodiment each secondary bumper stop 676 is fonned of TPU having a greater hardness than that of the primary bumper stop 675, particularly having a Shore A hardness of approximately 85. In place of, or in addition to, the bumper stop assembly 665 a spring or other form of shock absorber may be provided to absorb impact and dampen displacement of the support elements 664.

[0104] Referring to Figures 34 through 38 of the accompanying drawings, the riding deck 440 is of the same general configuration as the riding deck 140 described above, however the riding surface 441 does not have as deep a concavity as that of the riding surface 141 of the riding deck 140 of the sliding device 100 of the first embodiment, apart from toward the riding deck aft end 443, aft of the rearmost upper mounting brackets 662. This configuration is primarily to provide a relatively planar lower surface of the riding deck base 451 for mounting of the upper mounting brackets 662 and bumper stop assemblies 665. The riding surface 441 does still, however, comprise a concave primary riding surface portion 445 that extends from adjacent the riding deck forward end 442 toward the riding deck aft end 443 and a concave secondary riding surface portion 446 that forms a depression in the riding surface 441 and extends from a mid- region of the riding surface 441 to the riding deck aft end 443, with the secondary riding surface portion 446 having greater maximum depth in each laterally and vertically extending plane along its longitudinal length than the maximum depth of the primary riding surface portion 445 in each laterally and vertically extending plane forward of the secondary riding surface portion 446. In the fourth embodiment, the secondary riding surface portion 446 blends gradually into the primary riding surface portion 445, rather than being formed with a distinct intersection with the primary riding surface portion 445 as is the case in the first embodiment.

[0105] A person skilled in the art will appreciate various other modifications to the sliding devices described.