Technical Field

The field of the invention relates to a device for winter sports used for motion on snow.

Background

Winter sports devices are used for motion of users on solid water for example all sorts of snow and/or ice. Such devices are also known as downhill skis, cross-country skis, back country skis, Telemark skis, jumping skis, snow boards, split boards, snowshoes, snow rackets, sledges or more.

Skis or snowboards are available in many different versions which are specialized for certain snow conditions or skiing styles. For example, some skis are optimized to be used on groomed runs whereas others are optimized for off-piste conditions and deep snow. Some skis are optimized for narrow turns whereas others are built for wider turns. In some cases, the skis are used for moving uphill and then so- called ski skins are attached to the flat base of the skis which prevent slipping back. Therefore, it would be advantageous if the user could change the properties of his skies and adapt them to the actual conditions.

Especially devices which can be used for uphill motion and downhill motion are employed by mountaineers or cross-country skiers. This sport is also known as ski touring. To avoid slipping back when moving uphill, typically so-called ski skins are attached to the flat base of the skis. These skins comprise densely packed fibers or bristles which are oriented such that the friction in moving direction is low and high in the opposite direction. The attachment of these skins is typically achieved by adhesives on the back of the skin. Before moving downhill, the skins are removed and the flat and very low friction gliding surface of the skis allows easy and fast turns.

Figure 1 exhibits cross sections of a state-of-the-art ski for ski touring with (Figure la) and without such a skin D (Figure lb) adhered to the gliding side B via an adhesive G. A ski typically has two narrow sides S and two wide sides, a lower side B an upper surface C. A metallic edge K is attached on each side to the bottom of the core A of a ski. Such an edge allows grip on hard snow or ice. Figure lc displays the different portions into which a device for motion on solid water may be divided. There is a tip T at the front of the device which allows the device to be lifted over smaller obstacles. There are a front portion F, a middle portion M and an end portion E. Other portions that may be considered are the mid end portion ME, the back half portion BH. The length portion L covers the total length of the device except the tip portion. On the upper surface C of the device means for fixing the user are attached. Such means are also known as bindings. Almost all devices carry a front part FB and most of them carry a back part BB also. Devices with just a FB are known as cross country skis or Telemark skis. LA denotes the long axis of the device.

The problem with glued skins is, that the adhesion is temperature dependent and decreases with decreasing temperature. The adhesion is also altered and reduced by dirt or wax residues from the gliding surface. At some point the loss in adhesion may be that severe that the skin does not adhere anymore. This has dramatic consequences as the ski is sliding backwards and moving uphill becomes exceedingly difficult if not impossible. Then a tour may have to be canceled and the user must return to the starting point, or he must carry the skis on his shoulders or on a backpack. In soft and deep snow, the user will sink into the snow much deeper than with skis which makes walking very strenuous. Another serious problem may arise, when a skin is lost e.g. due to stormy winds. Another problem is the fact, that the skins must be stored somewhere when they are not attached to the skis. In most cases this is done in a backpack where they need a lot of space which could be used for other stuff. Some snow or ice is often adhering to the skins, this may melt and wet other material transported in the backpack e.g. clothes. With the skin mounted, the forward movement is slowed down compared to the ski without skins, since the friction with skins is higher than without. Therefore, going downhill with the skins mounted is slow and the maneuvering requires more force and energy. Especially in a terrain with many relatively short uphill and downhill sections the user is confronted with the question whether it is justified to mount and demount the skins or not. Mounting and demounting the skin takes time and can become tedious.

Hence a task of the invention described in the following is to reduce or eliminate these drawbacks of glued skins. Another task to be solved by the invention is to provide devices that can at least partially be adapted to different conditions and makes use of the two wide sides of such a device.

Summary of invention

The tasks may be achieved by using the two different main sides of a skiing device in combination with a reversibly detachable tip portion and switching between the two different sdes.

A first embodiment concerns a device for motion on solid water comprising at least one movable portion comprising two wide sides and two narrow sides, wherein the first wide side and the second wide side of the movable portion have different properties and wherein one of the wide sides of the at least one portion is movable from an inactive state to an active state and vice versa. In this context movable means that a portion of the device may face the ground during motion with at least one of the two different sides. Non-movable portions of the device comprise the tip and portions that are configured to not contact the ground.

A second embodiment relates to a device according to the previous embodiment wherein the movement from inactive to active state comprises at least one rotation. The at least one rotation is a rotation by substantially 180° in relation to the tip T of the device. The rotation angle may be in the range of 160° to 200°, more preferably in the range of 170° to 190° and more preferably in the range of 175° to 185°. The rotation axis of the rotation may be substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the device. A further embodiment is about a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the at least one movable portion is a front portion F, a middle portion M, an end portion E, a middle end portion ME, a back half portion BH, a length portion L or combinations thereof. The portions may be complete portions of the device with the same dimensions in thickness and width as the neighboring portions which might be non movable portions. Depending on the type of skis the movable portions may be selected. For example, for cross country skis or for Telemark skis the ME portion may be movable, whereas for devices with both parts of the means for fixation of a user either one or all the portions F, M and E may be movable. For example, when the difference between the two wide sides is a difference in friction, the surface at least partially configured to have a low friction on solid water in one direction and a high friction in the opposite direction represents the first wide side 1 of the movable portions. When only one of the portions mentioned above is activated, the friction generated may be high enough to move on horizontal slopes or slopes with a low inclination. The more portions get activated the higher gets the friction and the higher the inclination of the slopes may be that can be climbed without sliding backwards. In addition, with only one portion activated the friction in forward direction is also lower and the user may slide down slopes without losing to much speed. For steeper slopes more or all portions may be activated. In this manner the sliding properties can be adjusted to the terrain and frequent changes of the activation state can be omitted. In addition, the device can be split into shorter segments which is advantageous for storage and transportation. In this manner the device may fit into a car trunk for example. Also, when fixed to a backpack transport is easier.

Another embodiment relates to a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the portion to be rotated is a plank like structure with a length corresponding to the portion L and at least one reversibly detachable tip portion and wherein at least a part of a binding for fixation of a user can be mounted from the first or second wide side of the plank like structure such that the device can be used with either the first or the second wide side facing the ground. The rotation axis of the rotation of the movable portion or plank like structure is parallel to the main axis of the device. The at least one tip portion 5 has to be detached during the rotation and re-attached afterwards. In this manner the different properties of the first and second wide side can be used by the user according to his wish. The device may be equipped with two reversibly detachable tip portions, one at each end of the plank like structure. Such a device may be a downhill ski, a cross-country ski, a back country ski, a Telemark ski, a trick ski, a jumping ski, a snow board, a split board or more.

A further embodiment relates to a device according to the previous embodiment wherein the plank like structure comprises at least one through hole and/or at least one blind hole accessible from either the first or the second wide side of the plank like structure. The at least one through hole may have any shape, its cross section may be circular, elliptic, triangular, quadratic, rectangular, trapezoidal, polygonal, or any combination thereof. Preferably the cross section of the blind hole is circular. The cross section of the through hole is preferably circular or rectangular. The diameter (largest distance from one edge to another) of the at least one trough hole may be in the range of 0,1 cm to 50 cm. In case of circular ore elliptical through holes the diameter may be in the range of 0,1 cm to 5 cm, preferably in the range of 0,25 cm to 4 cm, more preferably in the range of 0,25 cm to 3 cm. In case of a rectangular through hole the length and the width may correlate with the length of the binding and the width of the plank like structure. Preferably the length of a rectangular through hole may be in the range of 1 cm to 50 cm, preferably in the range of 2 cm to 40 cm, more preferably in the range of 2 cm to 30 cm, but lower length in the range of 10 cm or less are also possible. The width of a rectangular through hole must be lower than the width of the plank like structure and may be in the range of 0,1 cm to 15 cm, preferably in the range of 0,2 cm to 12 cm, more preferably in the range of 0,3 to 10 cm. A rectangular trough hole may be oriented in any direction. Preferably the long axis of a rectangular through hole is oriented parallel or perpendicular to the long axis of the plank like structure. The blind holes are preferably circular in cross section. The diameter of a blind hole may be in the range of 0,1 cm to 5 cm, preferably in the range of 0,25 cm to 4 cm, more preferably in the range of 0,25 cm to 3 cm. The depth of a blind hole must be lower than the thickness of the plank like structure and may be in the range of 0,1 cm to 3cm, preferably in the range of 0,2 cm to 2 cm, more preferably in the range of 0,2 to 1 cm. The position of the at least one through hole and/or at least one blind hole may be at a position where the binding is usually mounted to a ski.

Another embodiment relates to a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the through hole or blind hole are equipped with a thread. In that manner, the at least one part of a binding may be screwed to the plank like structure. For example, one trough hole or blind hole may be used to screw one part of a binding which is equipped with the corresponding screw which serves as fixation means. The at least one part of a binding may be the front part of a binding such as they are used for cross country skis or Telemark skis. Optionally there may be additional parts of a binding that are mounted to the plank like structure e.g., rear parts of bindings as they are used for alpine skis or back country skis. The front and rear parts of a binding may be mounted onto a frame or plate which connects the wo parts. Such a frame may be pivotal at the front part and fixable at the rear part. All these parts of a binding may be attached to the plank like structure using one or more screws.

Another embodiment is related to a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the at least one blind hole is sealed, preferably when it is facing the ground. In order to prevent filling of a blind hole with dirt, snow and/or ice it may be sealed with a sealing means. For example, the sealing means may be a screw, a plug, a cap, or combinations thereof. The surface of the sealing means facing the ground is preferably flat and covered with a material which has a low friction on ice or snow.

A further embodiment is about a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the at least one part of a binding may be attached to the plank like structure using the at least one blind hole and/or the at least one through hole in combination with at least one fixation means. The fixation means creates a mechanically stable connection between the binding and the plank like structure. Only one fixation means may be used to attach a part of a binding to the plank like structure but preferably more than one fixation means is used. Preferably two or three fixation means are used for each part of a binding. In case front and rear parts of a binding are mounted onto a frame or plate more than four fixation means may be used.

An embodiment is about a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the fixation means comprises a screw, a bolt, a pin, a blade, a bar, a strip, a band, a spindle, a lever, or combinations thereof. The fixation means are configured such that they may be fastened or loosened by the user by hand. This may require a tool e.g. a screw driver, a hex-wrench or an open end wrench. Preferably the be fastening or loosening of the fixation means do not require a tool and the fixation means are configured accordingly. For example, butterfly screws may be used. The dimensions of the fixation mean may be configured such that it perfectly fits into the through hole or blind hole. In case of a combination with a through hole the fixation means is configured to have the same dimension perpendicular to the wide side than the thickness of the plank like structure at this position. In some cases, the dimension perpendicular to the wide side may be larger than the thickness of the plank like structure. For example, a bolt with a length larger than the thickness may be used which has a larger diameter at both ends than a diameter of a through hole. In this manner the bolt cannot be removed or lost but can be slid back and forth such that there is room between the lower edge of the bolt and the surface of a wide side. A portion of a part of a binding may be slid into this room and such gets fixed.

An additional embodiment concerns a device wherein the fixation means has at least one flat portion which is coplanar to the surface of the first or second wide side of the device when fixing the at least one part of a binding. In case a fixation means is employed in combination with a through hole the fixation means may be configured to fit into the through hole and have a flat portion which is arranged such that in a fixed position the flat portion is coplanar with the side facing the ground. In such a manner it is assured that the surface gliding over the ground does not have any edges or indentations that could reduce friction or get filled with snow or ice. The surface of the flat portion of the fixation means may be equipped with a smooth low friction material. Preferably the flat portion is made of the same material than the surface of the first or second wide side.

Further according to the invention there is described a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the at least one part of a binding is locked in a fixed position using a locking means. Depending on the fixation means there may be a need to lock the arrangement to avoid that the fixation means or the part of a binding may loosen itself. There are numerous ways for locking known to the person skilled in the art. The features of the locking means depend strongly on the arrangement and the nature of the fixation means and need to be adapted accordingly. For example, when a blade like fixation means is used in combination with a rectangular trough hole, a pin or screw or shaft may be inserted from a narrow side through holes in the plank like structure and in the blade like fixation means.

An additional embodiment describes a device according to the first embodiment, wherein the at least one part of a binding for fixation of a user is attached to the plank like structure using at least one clamping means. The at least one clamping mean may be attached to the at least one part of a binding and configured to open and close. In an open state the binding may be removed and in a closed state it is fixed to the device. The opening and closing of the clamping may be combined with the fastening or opening of the binding.

Another embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the clamping means grip into indentations in the narrow sides of the plank like structure. In order to securely fix the part of a binding the clamps of the clamping mean are configured such that they grip into indentations which are arranged in each of the narrow sides of the plank like structure. To fix a front part of a binding for example, one clamping mean may be sufficient, but here may be more than one clamping means to fix a binding. In case of a binding with a plate or frame to connect front and rear part of a binding two or more clamping means may be used. Preferably the indentations are centered with respect to the width of the narrow sides. The depth of the indentations may be in the range of 0,1 cm to 3cm, preferably in the range of 0,2 cm to 2 cm and more preferably in the range of 0,2 cm to 1 cm. The length of an indentation may be in the range of 0,1 cm to 10 cm, preferably in the range of 0,2 cm to 7,5 cm and more preferably in the range of 0,2 cm to 5 cm, but also lower length may be used, especially when many indentations are used for one side of a clamping mean. The width of the indentation must be smaller than the thickness of the plank like structure and may be in the range of 0,1 cm to 2cm, preferably in the range of 0,1 cm to 1 cm and more preferably in the range of 0,2 cm to 0, 5cm. A clamping means may comprise at least one claw like portion on each side of the clamp which fits into the corresponding indentation. The dimensions of the claw like portions are slightly smaller than those of the corresponding indentations.

An additional embodiment describes a device according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the clamping means are configured to constitute a part of a narrow side of the plank like structure in the closed state. In such an arrangement the clamping means may carry a metallic edge which is aligned with the edges of the plank like structure. The advantage of this arrangement is that the clamping means are not wider than the plank like structure and allow to effectively use the edges even at low angles between the narrow side of the device and the ground. The clamping means may carry additional protrusions or claws which fit into indentations in the plank like structure to enhance mechanical stability of the connection. The dimensions of the indentations and claws may be the same than described previously.

The clamping mechanism may be any mechanism known to the person skilled in the art. The clamping mechanism may comprise a pivotal clamping, a clamping lever, a clamping bar, a clamping spring, a clamping bolt, a clamping plate, a clamping nut, a clamping screw, a clamping cylinder, a clamping bracket, strap, a clamping rail, a clamping spindle, a clamping yoke, a clamping wheel, an eccentrical clamping, a clamping or combinations thereof.

Another embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the difference between the first and second wide side is related to a difference in friction, a difference in bending strength, a difference in roughness, a difference in camber, difference in edge design or combinations thereof.

A further embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the difference in friction is such that the first wide side has a lower friction in all directions and the second wide side has a higher friction. Being able to use different sides with different friction has the advantage, that with the first side one may go downhill with high speed and it enables easy turns. And with the second wide side facing the ground one can move uphill without sliding backwards. The first wide side may have a friction which is low in all directions. The second wide side may have a high friction to allow moving horizontal or uphill without sliding back. The friction of the second wide side preferably is configured such that the friction in one direction, preferably the moving direction, is higher than the friction of the first wide side but is very high in the opposite direction such that sliding back is avoided. For example, such a higher friction may be achieved using skins which are made from synthetic fabrics which have a nap of stiff, rearwardly angled fibers projecting from a bottom surface. The skin typically includes carrier layer and a bottom layer of short fibers, made of mohair, polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, nylon or combinations thereof. Examples for such skins that are mostly adhered to the complete base of a device may be found in DE000004309488, DE9304437, CH 637839, DE102007025280, EP2167204, EP2000182A1, EP3437701A1 and DE20220713U1. Such skins may be permanently fixed to the second side of a device using technologies known to the person skilled in the art. The carrier layer may be fixed for example by permanent adhesives. The length of the fibers or bristles is in the range of 0,01 mm to 3 mm. Preferable the length of the fibers or bristles is in the range of 0,2 mm to 2 mm, more preferably in the range of 0,3 mm to 1,5 mm.

A further embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments wherein the difference in roughness is such that the first wide side has a lower roughness and the second wide side has a higher roughness. In such a case the first wide side has a low roughness and is substantially flat and reduces adhesion to the ground. The roughness of the second wide side may be higher due to indentations and/or protrusions on the surface. Indentations, protrusions or teeth may be shaped and distributed on the surface in many different ways such as described for example in FR2586199, FR2644352, GB1179049, US4178012, CA1114850 and US20110193322. Surfaces with such protrusions and /or indentations can be permanently attached to the core using the technologies known to the person skilled in the art. For example, they may be glued using permanent adhesives, the protrusions or indentations may be formed by milling, cutting, pressing a surface, or by molding onto a form comprising the structure information. The depth of the indentations or the height of protrusions of the with a low friction in one direction and a high friction in the opposite direction surface is in the range of 0,01 mm to 3 mm. The height or depth is determined where it is highest or deepest. Preferably the height or depth is in the range of 0,1 mm to 2,5 mm, more preferably in the range of 0,3 mm to 2 mm.

An embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the difference in camber is such that the first wide side has higher camber and the second wide side has lower camber, no camber or negative camber. For example, the first wide side may have a high camber which results in good grip on hard runs and allows narrow turns, whereas the second wide side has negative camber which allows easy turns and high flotation or uplift in deep snow. The first and/or second wide side may have portions which have higher camber and portions which have lower camber.

An additional embodiment describes a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the reversibly detachable tip portion can be detached from the plank like structure and re-attached to the plank like structure whereby the tip is oriented such that it points away from the ground. The upward orientation of the tip ensures good flotation of the device in deep snow and allows the device to be lifted over smaller obstacles.

A further embodiment is about a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the reversibly detachable tip portion can be fixed and locked in both positions wherein the first position is a position where the first wide side is facing the ground and the second position is a position where the second wide side is facing the ground. In such a manner it the tip portion is always securely and mechanically stable fixed to the plank like structure.

Another embodiment relates to a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the reversibly detachable tip portion comprises an indentation, into which a protrusion of the plank fits. The protrusion fits exactly into the indentation and stabilizes the connection between the plank like structure and the tip portion. The protrusion is preferably an integral part of the plank like structure which has the advantage that it may not be lost. The shape of the indentation and of the protrusion may have any shape, but its cross section should be symmetrical to the flipping of the tip portion. For example, circular, rectangular, square or elliptical cross sections may be used. Preferably the shape of the indentation and of the protrusion is rectangular in case there is only one indentation and protrusion. A circular or elliptical cross section is preferred when more than one indentation and protrusion are used. The location of the indentation and of the protrusion within the device need to be symmetrically with respect to a 180° rotation. The length of the protrusion and the depth of the indentation may be chosen according to the required mechanical stability of the connection. In general, the length and depth are in the range of 1 cm to 20 cm, preferably in the range of 2 cm to 15 cm and more preferably in the range of 3 cm to 10 cm. The width and thickness of the of the protrusion and the indentation are governed by the width and thickness of the device at the position of the connection. In general, the width of the protrusion may be less the 90%, preferably less than 85% and more preferably less than 80 % of the width of the device at the connection. The thickness of the protrusion may be less the 90%, preferably less than 85% and more preferably less than 80 % of the thickness of the device at the connection.

A further embodiment relates to a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the protrusion can be fixed and/or locked to the tip portion when inserted into the tip portion. For example, the locking means may be a pin which is inserted into a hole in the tip portion and in the protrusion.

A further embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein four metallic edges are attached to the long edges of the plank like structure. These edges assure good grip on hard snow or ice, especially when traversing steep hill sides. Preferably the metallic edges are made of steel, more preferably of stainless steel. The size of the edges is not limited. Preferably the length of the edges corresponds to the length of the plank like structure. Preferably the length of the edges may be longer of 80%, more preferably more than 90% and most preferably more than 95% of the length of the plank like structure. The edge angle may be different between the first and second wide side. In one case it may be 90° or lower and in the other case it may be 90° or higher. In some cases, it may be sufficient to use only two metallic edges preferably when one of the first or second wide sides shall be used in soft deep snow.

An embodiment is about a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the movable portion is a layer which substantially covers the length L of the device. In this case the movable portion represents a layer attached to the lower surface of the device and that layer comprises the base layer with smooth surface and good sliding properties B on one side and the surface at least partially configured to have a low friction in one direction and a high friction in the opposite direction on the other side. The rotation axis of the rotation of the layer is parallel to the main axis of the device. In such an arrangement it is not necessary to detach and attach the means for fixation of a user. In this manner the substantially whole length of the device is equipped with that layer resulting in a high friction allowing to climb steep slopes. The movable portion is configured as a stable layer which comprises the edges K also. For example, the attachment of the movable portion to the device may be achieved by a ball joint which allows for rotation and inclination without complete detachment of the movable portion.

An additional embodiment concerns a device wherein a layer of the back half portion of the device is rotated whereby the rotation axis is perpendicular to the long axis of the device. In this case the movable portion represents a layer attached to the lower surface of the device and that layer comprises the base with smooth surface and good sliding properties B on one side and the surface at least partially configured to have a low friction in one direction and a high friction in the opposite direction on the other side. The rotation of that layer may be achieved using at least one hinge located in the middle of the device. In this arrangement the lower surface of the back half portion which remains in place is configured to have a low friction in one direction and a high friction in the opposite direction. In this manner substantially the whole length of the device is equipped with that surface resulting in a high friction allowing to climb steep slopes. In the activated state a step is created at the hinge in the middle of the device. This step is an additional means that prevents the device to slide backwards and enables the user to climb even steeper slopes which may be covered with relatively hard snow. Optionally the lower edge of the step may be reinforced with a metallic edge which increases the grip on hard ground further. An advantage of this arrangement is that the means for fixation of a user may remain fixed at their location.

Further according to the invention there is described a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the movement of the movable portion comprises at least one sliding movement. The sliding movement is in addition to the at least one rotation and is mainly used to position the portion in or at the device. In a preferred embodiment two sliding movements are performed. In a preferred embodiment the sequence of the movements is the following: a sliding movement followed by a rotation followed by a sliding movement. In another embodiment the at least one sliding movement of the movable portion is performed in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the long axis of the device. Such slidable portions may represent at least one of the different portions E, M, F, ME, BH and L or may be slid into those portions. When the slidable portions represent a portion of the device, the device can be split into shorter segments which is advantageous for storage and transportation. In this manner the device may fit into a car trunk for example. Also, when fixed to a backpack transport is easier.

An additional embodiment describes a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the thickness of the movable portion which is undergoing a sliding movement is equal to or lower than the thickness of the device. A further embodiment is about a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the thickness of the movable portion which is undergoing a sliding movement is equal to the thickness of the device and wherein a property of the first wide side is different from the second wide side. The difference between the two wide sides can, a difference in bending strength, a difference in surface roughness, a difference in friction or combinations thereof. In case, that one wide side of the portion is configured as flat sliding surface B and the opposite surface is configured to have a low friction in one direction and a high friction in the opposite direction. In case that the sliding movable portion is thinner than the device, the surface configured to have a low friction in one direction and a high friction in the opposite direction is located inside the device and protected against damage or dirt uptake while in the inactive state.

An additional embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the thickness of a first movable portion which is undergoing a sliding movement is equal to the thickness of the device is exchanged with a second slidable portion with a different property than the first movable portion. For a device wherein the thickness of the movable portion which is undergoing a sliding movement is equal to the thickness of the device a first sliding portion may be exchanged with a second portion which has different properties. The different properties may be for example differences in length, bending strength, edge design, radius of curvature, camber, roughness, friction or combinations thereof. For example, a first portion and a second portion may difference in length and/or bending strength. With such a system a user may decide to use a shorter or stiffer portion for movement on hard runs whereas a longer and softer portion may be used in deep snow.

In case the sliding movement is performed parallel to the long axis of the device, it is preferred that the device is constructed with a cavity which is open towards the lower surface of the device and has a length slightly shorter than the length of the device. Preferably the cavity is also open towards the end of the device. The cavity is closed at or near the tip or at any position in-between. In this manner the movable portion can be slid into the device from the end until it reaches the closed end which severs as a limit stop. In an alternative arrangement the slidable portion may have a thickness equal to that of the device. In this case the tip, the means for fixation of a user and optionally further bridging parts connect and stabilize the two parts which form the sides of the device and the cavity to slide the movable portion in. These two parts which form the sides of the device carry the edges.

An embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the movable portion which is undergoing a sliding movement comprises side wings or indentations that fit with indentations or side wings of a neighboring part or with indentations or side wings of the device. Such side wings keep the slidable portion in place and may have any shape as long it is symmetrical to a rotation by 180°. The shape may be for example circular, elliptic, triangular, quadratic, rectangular, trapezoidal, polygonal or combinations thereof. Preferably the side wings and indentations are constructed in a manner that movements of the connected portions in other directions than the sliding movement are inhibited. The form of the side wings may be conical for example. The side wings are preferably located at or close to the center of the sides of the slidable portion. In such a symmetric arrangement it is assured that the two surfaces of the slidable portion are coplanar to the lower surface of the device.

In case the slidable portion is sliding in a direction parallel to the long axis of the device, the width of the slidable portion including the side wings needs to be smaller than the width of the device at its most narrow position. It is preferred, that in this case the dimensions of the side wings are as small as possible. In this manner it is possible to maximize the area of the surface configured to have a low friction in one direction and a high friction in the opposite direction. At the same time small dimensions of the side wings help to minimize the friction between the slidable portion and the device the contact area of the side wings and the device should be minimized. Preferable small triangular or round (half cylinder shape) side wings are used. In case that the slidable portion is sliding in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the device the side wings are preferably less long than the width of the device. In this manner it is possible to construct a corresponding indentation such that it serves as a limit stop. This may be achieved by making the indention less long than the width device but shorter than the side wing.

In case that the slidable portion is sliding in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the device and the thickness of the slidable portion is lower than the thickness of the device, the dimension of the side wings can be minimized to reduce friction between the slidable portion and the device. In case that the slidable portion is slid in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the device and the thickness of the slidable portion is equal to the thickness of the device, the dimension of the side wings can be larger. In this case it is important to generate a connection between the two neighboring portions which is mechanically stable. Larger side wings result in higher friction between the slidable portion and the device. Therefore, the surfaces of the indentations and the side wings may be coated with a friction reducing coating or made from a low friction material such as Teflon for example.

Another embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the at least one movable portion is fixed in the inactive and/or active state by at least one fixation means. In another embodiment the at least one fixation means is located at the end of the device, the tip of the device, at least one side S of the device, the surface of a neighboring portion, the front part or back part of a means for fixation of a user, inside the device or combinations thereof. In a further embodiment the at least one fixation means fixes at least two neighboring portions, more than two neighboring portions or all portions.

In some cases, it might be necessary to apply some force to fix the different portions. And in another embodiment at least one fixation means comprises a tensioning device, a lever, a spring, a rubber, a screw, a nut, an elastic material or combinations thereof.

A further embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the at least one fixation means comprises at least one latch, lock bar, screw, nut, lock, pin, clip, clamp, bracket, hook-and- loop fastener, hook-and-pile fastener, magnetic means, hinge, tensioning device, hook, rope, wire, band, or combinations thereof.

An additional embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments wherein the at least one fixation means comprises at least one channel located at least partially inside of at least one movable portion or at least partially inside a non-movable portion. The channel may have any shape, but its cross section should be symmetrical to a rotation by 180°. For example, circular, elliptic, triangular, quadratic, rectangular, trapezoidal, polygonal cross sections may be used. Preferably a circular cross section is employed. Preferably the channel is located at the center of the core of the portions, especially at the ends of the portions where a connection to a neighboring portion shall be made. Inside a portion the channel may deviate from the central axis. The channel may protrude through the upper surface of a non-movable portion which may allow easy fixation of a connection means.

A further embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments wherein the channel comprises a movable connection means configured to be movable within the channel of at least two portions and configured to be fixed to other portions or parts of the means for fixation of a user. Examples for a movable connection means are a spring, a rope, a wire, a band, a pole, a rod, a rubber or combinations thereof. In a fixed state the connection means keeps the portions firmly pressed against each other. In a released state the connection means allow to move the portions apart and to rotate them. The connection means may connect more than two portions and a device may comprise more than one connection means. Preferable the device comprises one or two connection means. In the first case the connection means connects all movable portions. In the latter case one connection means connects the movable portions of the rear part of the device and the other connects the movable portions of the front part of the device.

Another embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein neighboring portions comprise at least one indentation and at least one counterpart which fits into the indentation of a neighboring portion. The indentation may be located within a movable portion or a non-movable portion of neighboring portions or in both. Preferably the indentation is in a non-movable portion and the counterpart in a movable portion as this arrangement allows to attach a fixation means to the surface C of the non movable portion. The counterpart of the neighboring portion fits exactly into the indentation of the other portion and stabilizes the connection between the two portions. The counterpart is preferably an integral part of one of the neighboring portions which has the advantage that it may not be lost. The shape of the indentation and of the counterpart may have any shape, but its cross section should be symmetrical to the rotation by 180°. The cross section may be circular, elliptic, triangular, quadratic, rectangular, trapezoidal, polygonal or combinations thereof.

The counterpart and/or the neighboring portion may have a channel to allow a connection between the neighboring portions with a connection means. When a counterpart is used in combination with the channel and the connection means, the maximum length to which the connection means may be expanded should be longer than the length of the longest counterpart and the corresponding portion to allow easy and unhindered rotation of the movable part. Such a connection means may connect two or more neighboring portions, preferably it connects two or three portions or all portions. The connection means in an expanded state allows rotation of the portions whereas in a contracted or fixed state it keeps the portions together and stabilizes the arrangement. It is preferred that the connection means is configured to have a limit stop such that the portions cannot slip off, which prevents accidental los of a portion. But one may also be able to remove the limit stop to exchange portions when they are defect. The connection means may be a rope, a rod, a bar, a wire, or combinations thereof. The connection means may be flexible and/or elastic which may allow to fold the device whereby all portions remain connected.

Another embodiment relates to a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the difference between the first and second wide side of a movable portion is related to a difference in friction, such that the first wide side has a lower friction and the second wide side has a higher friction. An additional embodiment describes a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the first wide side of a movable portion has a low friction in all directions and the second wide side of a movable portion has a low friction in one direction and a high friction in the opposite direction.

A further embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the surface with a low friction in one direction and a high friction in the opposite direction comprises oriented regular or irregular indentations or protrusions, teeth, oriented fibers, oriented bristles or non-woven materials or combinations thereof. The orientation of the indentations, the protrusions, teeth, fibers or bristles is such that high friction is generated in a direction opposite to the direction of the motion of the user.

Indentations, protrusions or teeth may be shaped and distributed on the surface in many different ways such as described for example in FR2586199, FR2644352, GB1179049, US4178012, CA1114850 and US20110193322. Surfaces with such protrusions and indentations can be permanently attached to the core of a device according to the invention using technologies known to the person skilled in the art. For example, they may be glued using permanent adhesives, the protrusions or indentations may be formed by milling, cutting, pressing a surface, or by molding onto a form comprising the structure information.

A higher friction is achieved using skins which are made from synthetic fabrics which have a nap of stiff, rearwardly angled fibers projecting from a bottom surface. The skin typically includes carrier layer and a bottom layer of short fibers, made of mohair, polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, nylon or combinations thereof. Examples for such skins that are mostly adhered to the base of a device may be found in DE000004309488, DE9304437, CH 637839, DE102007025280, EP2167204, EP2000182A1, EP3437701A1 and DE20220713U1. Such skins may be permanently fixed to a surface of a part of a device according to the invention using technologies known to the person skilled in the art. The carrier layer may be fixed for example by permanent adhesives.

Another embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the depth of the indentations or the height of the protrusions of the surface with a low friction in one direction and a high friction in the opposite direction surface is in the range of 0,01 mm to 3 mm. The height or depth is determined where it is highest or deepest. Preferably the height or depth is in the range of 0,1 mm to 2,5 mm, more preferably in the range of 0,3 mm to 2 mm. An embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the length of the fibers or bristles is in the range of 0,01 mm to 3 mm. Preferable the length of the fibers or bristles is in the range of 0,2 mm to 2 mm, more preferably in the range of 0,3 mm to 1,5 mm.

A further embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the movable portions carry metallic edges. Preferably the metallic edges are arranged at the 4 edges of a movable part two of which align with the 2 metallic edges of the non-movable portions of the device. In some cases, it may be sufficient to use only two metallic edges as only one side of the movable part gets into contact with the ground in the active or inactive state. In other cases, especially when the movable part is designed as movable layer it may be enough to use just one metallic edge which is as thick as the layer and serves as grip enhancement in the active and in active state. These arrangements assure good grip when traversing steep hill sides. Preferably the metallic edges are made of steel, more preferably of stainless steel. The size of the edges is not limited and is preferably the same than the size of the metallic edges of the non movable portions.

Another embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the means for fixation of a user comprises a front part, a front and back part, independent front and back parts or front and back parts which are connected or may be connected or combinations thereof. The means for fixation of a user can be chosen from standard equipment available on the market and can be adjusted according to the specific requirements.

One additional embodiment concerns a device according to the previous embodiments, wherein the at least one movable portion is in the active or inactive state for a time which is substantially longer than one step of the user during his motion. The period that the movable portion is in the active or inactive state is in the range of 1 minute to several hours, preferably in the range of 1 minute to 10 hours, more preferably in the range of 2 minutes to 5 hours, most preferably in the range of 5 minutes to 5 hours.

Further according to the invention, there is provided a method for activating a device for motion on solid water comprising at least one movable portion at least partially covered on one side with a surface configured to have a low friction on solid water in one direction and a high friction in the opposite direction wherein the at least one portion is movable from an inactive state to an active state and vice versa comprising the steps: a) Provision of a device according to the previous embodiments, b) Opening or loosening the fixation means, c) Performing at least one rotation of a portion of the device, whereby the portion is transferred from an inactive to an active state or vice versa, d) Closing or fastening the fixation means, e) Optionally detaching of means for fixation of a user and attachment of means for fixation of a user at any stage of the sequence above.

The at least one rotation may be a rotation by is a rotation by substantially 180° in relation to the tip portion. The method may additionally comprise a sliding movement of the movable portion, preferably in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the long axis LA of the device. The at least one movable portion may be a front portion F, a middle portion M, an end portion E, a middle end portion ME, a back half portion BH, a length portion L or combinations thereof.

A further embodiment describes a method according to the previous embodiment wherein the device is in the active or inactive state for a time which is substantially longer than one step of the user during his motion. The period that the movable portion is in the active or inactive state is in the range of 1 minute to several hours, preferably in the range of 1 minute to 10 hours, more preferably in the range of 2 minutes to 5 hours, most preferably in the range of 5 minutes to 5 hours.

An embodiment concerns a method for using the first and second wide side of a device for motion on snow the device comprising a plank like structure, at least one detachable tip and at least one a part of a binding for fixation of a user which can be mounted from the first or second wide side of the plank like structure, the method comprising the steps: f) Detaching the detachable tip portion, g) Detaching the at least one a part of a binding for fixation of a user from a first wide side of the plank like structure, h) Attaching the at least one a part of a binding for fixation of a user from a second wide side of the plank like structure and i) Attaching the detachable tip portion such that the tip is pointing away from the ground wherein the steps may be performed in any meaningful order.

A meaningful order for example may be step g) followed by step f), followed by step h) followed by step i). Not meaning full for example is a sequence where step h) would be performed before step g).

An embodiment is about a method according to the previous embodiment wherein step f) comprises the following sub-steps: i) Releasing a locking means of the at least one tip portion, ii) Releasing a fixation means of the at least one tip portion and iii) Detaching the at least one tip portion.

Another embodiment is about a method according to the previous embodiments, wherein step g) comprises the following sub-steps: iv) Releasing a locking means of the at least one part of a binding for fixation of a user, v) Releasing a fixation means of the at least one part of a binding for fixation of a user and vi) Detaching the at least one part of a binding for fixation of a user.

A further embodiment is about a method according to the previous embodiments, wherein step h) comprises the following sub-steps: vii) Attaching the at least one part of a binding for fixation of a user, viii) Fixing the fixation means of the at least one part of a binding for fixation of a user and ix) Locking the locking means of the at least one part of a binding for fixation of a user.

One more embodiment is about a method according to the previous embodiments, wherein step i) comprises the following sub-steps: x) Attaching the at least one tip portion, xi) Fixing the fixation means of the at least one tip portion and xii) Locking the locking means of the at least one tip portion.

The methods in the embodiments above describe how a user may change the properties of his device by making use of the different properties of the first and second wide side of the plank like structure. The properties of the device as described in the previous embodiments apply to the methods in analogous ways.

Brief description of the Figures

Figure 1: State of the art for a device for motion on solid water, a) cross section without skin, b) cross section with skin; c) definition of different portions of the device.

Figure 2: Different possible arrangements of movable parts where: a) ME portion is movable b) End portion E is movable c) Middle portion M is movable d) Front F and End E portions are movable e) Front F, Middle M and End E portions are movable.

Figure 3: Device with one movable portion a plank like structure of length L and a removable tip portion 5, a) first wide side in inactive state, b) detachment of means for fixation of a user and rotation with respect to tip, c) first wide side in active state.

Figure 4: Cross sections of the plank like structure a) with blind holes, through hole and sealing means, b) with through holes, slidable bolts and part of a binding. Figure 5: Cross sections of the plank like structure with clamping means a) clamping with indentation on narrow sides, b) clamping with clamping means representing a part of the narrow sides.

Figure 6: Device with a movable part designed as layer which spans substantially the whole length of the device, a) movement from inactive state to active state, b) cross sectional views of the end of the device with the first wide side in inactive state, c) cross sectional views of the end of the device with the first wide side in active state.

Figure 7: Rotation of a layer of the back half portion a) rotation of first wide side from inactive state to active state, b) first wide side in active state, c) cross section of back half portion in inactive state.

Figure 8: Device with a slidable portion whereby the sliding direction is parallel to the long axis of device, a) in inactive state, b) during sliding out of the device, c) after rotation during sliding into the device, d) in active state, e) cross section with slidable portion in inactive state, f) cross section with slidable portion in active state.

Figure 9: Device with a slidable portion with sliding direction perpendicular to the long axis of device with a thickness lower than the thickness of the device, a) in inactive state, b) during sliding, c) in active state.

Figure 10: Device with a slidable portion with sliding direction perpendicular to the long axis of device and a thickness equal to the thickness of the neighboring portion, a) in inactive state, b) in active state, c) top view in inactive state, d) cross section in inactive state, e) cross section in active state with side wings attached to non-movable portions.

Figure 11: a) two neighboring portions at a distance which allows movement b) two neighboring portions in close distance with fixation on surface of one portion c) neighboring portions in close distance with fixation on part of the means for fixation of a user.

Figure 12: a) cross section of movable portion with channel inside, b) possible arrangement and attachment of the connection means at two portions of the means for fixation of a user.

Figure 13: Cross sections of a device with a movable portion connected to a side of the device, a) movable portion in inactive state, b) movable portion in active state c) two movable portions; left hand side in inactive state, right hand side in active state.

Detailed description of the embodiments

The more detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the present invention will enable one of ordinary skill in the art to better understand and implement the inventions described herein but are not intended to and should not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. All terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs, unless otherwise defined.

Motion on snow may comprise the motion on all kinds of snow and ice, as well as on mats designed to replace snow or ice. Motion on snow comprises all kind of motions whether it is downhill, uphill or more or less horizontal. Motion on snow comprises straight movements, curved movements, periodic or non periodic movements.

A movable portion shall be understood as a portion of the device which is movable and has first wide side with different properties than the second wide side. Such a portion is in an inactive state when the second wide side touches the ground. It is in an active state when the first wide side touches the ground during motion of the user.

A non-movable portion of the device shall be understood as a portion of the device which has a gliding surface and only this gliding surface is configured to touch the ground during motion of the user. The tip portion of the device is always a non-movable portion.

A tip portion is meant as a portion of a device which is pointing upwards, away from the ground. The upward curve of the tip ensures good flotation of the device in deep snow and allows the device to be lifted over smaller obstacles. The tip may be more or less round or pointed. The height of a tip is typically in the range of a couple of cm but not more than 15 cm and not less than 5 cm. The tip portion may be longer than just the curved part and may be up to 20 cm long, preferably up to 15 cm. A tip portion may be on the front end of a plank like portion or at both ends of a plank like portion.

Movable in this context is restricted to the movement when a movable portion is brought from the inactive state to the active state and vice versa. A movable portion may undergo several different movements in sequence or at the same time. Of course, all portions of the device are movable when a user is using the device for his motion or transporting it.

Reversibly detachable shall be understood that the part may be removed for a period of time, but then may be attached again, in the same or a different orientation. In the attached state the connection is mechanically stable.

A plank like structure is defined as a structure with a length in the range of 50 cm to 250 cm. the width of a plank like structure is in the range of 5 cm to 50 cm and this may vary from one end to the other. Typically, the width is larger at the tip and the end and smaller in the middle of a plank like structure. The thickness of a plank like structure is in the range of 0,5 cm to 8 cm. The thickness may vary from one end to the other and typically the thickness at the ends is smaller than the thickness in the middle of the plank like structure. A plank like structure has two narrow sides and two wide sides. Typically, one of the wide sides touches the ground or snow and is made with a flat surface with a low friction. The flat surface facing the ground may be framed by metallic edges which allow for grip. The other wide side of conventional devices has no function but carries indicia and graphics. Such a device may be used as a downhill ski, a cross-country ski, a back country ski, a Telemark ski, a trick ski, a jumping ski, a snow board, a split board or more.

A side or surface facing the ground shall be understood that the side or surface is in touch with snow, ice or other material when the user is using it for his movement.

A part of a binding for fixation of a user is a part mounted to the plank like structure which makes a stable connection between the device and a shoe or the feet of a user. There are many different types of bindings available, but they all comprise al least one part with which the front part of a shoe is connected to the device. Typically, such a binding is used for jumping skis, cross country skis or Telemark skis. For alpine or downhill skis, back country skis, trick skis, snow boards or split boards additional parts like a rear part of a binding or systems where front and rear parts are combined with a frame or plate are used.

A slidable portion is a portion which is brought into its active or in active state by a sliding movement in combination with a rotation. The rotation orients the surfaces of the portion in the desired way whereas the sliding movement is used to position the portion in or at the device. This is a different motion then the sliding which might occur when portions are moved away or towards each other to de-connect or connect them.

In the following cases and examples are described wherein the difference in properties between the wide sides is a difference in friction. The first wide side has a higher friction than the second wide side. The friction of the first wide side is such that in direction of the movement it is lower than in the opposite direction.

Figure 2 illustrates some possible arrangements in which at least one movable portion is rotated by 180° parallel to the long axis of the device to get activated. A semicircle arrow indicates the rotation which is needed to activate this portion. The straight large arrow indicates the direction of the motion of the user. Figure 2a displays a device which is divided into a movable middle end portion 3 equipped with a first wide side 1 with different properties than second wide side 2. In Figure la the middle end portion is in the inactive state as the sliding surface 2 is touching the ground. A non-movable front portion 4 is carrying a front part of means for fixation of a user FB and is permanently connected to the tip portion T. Such an arrangement is typical for cross country skis or Telemark skis.

In Figure 2b an arrangement for a typical downhill ski with a front part of means for fixation of a user FB and a back part of means for fixation of a user BB is shown. In this case the end portion E is in its inactive state. A rotation with its axis parallel to the main axis of the device will activate the end position E.

Figure 2c illustrates an arrangement wherein the middle portion M can be rotated to activate it. Figure 2d exhibits an arrangement wherein two portions, the end portion E and the Front portion F, can be rotated to get activated. The middle portion carries the two parts of the means for fixation of a user and is non movable. In Figure 2e three portions are movable from an inactive to an active state: the end portion E, the middle portion M and the front portion F. The portions carrying the means for fixation of a user and the Tip portion are non-movable. Other arrangements are possible as well, but are not shown, e.g. the front portion is movable, the middle portion and the front portion are movable.

When only one of the portions mentioned above is activated, the friction generated may be high enough to move on horizontal slopes or slopes with a low inclination. The more portions get activated the higher gets the friction and the higher the inclination of the slopes may be that can be climbed without sliding backwards. In addition, with only one portion activated the friction in forward direction is also lower and the user may slide down slopes without losing to much speed. For steeper slopes more or all portions may be activated. In this manner the sliding properties can be adjusted to the terrain and frequent changes of the activation state can be omitted. In addition, the device can be split into shorter segments which is advantageous for storage and transportation. In this manner the device may fit into a car trunk for example. Also, when fixed to a backpack transport is easier.

Figure 3 illustrates an arrangement where only a tip portion is non-movable but almost the whole length of the device can be rotated with the rotation axis parallel to the long axis of the device. Figure 3a exhibits the device with the first wide side 1 in its inactive state. A plank like structure 6 and a removable tip portion 5, a front part of a binding FB and an optional rear part of a binding BB are connected in a starting configuration. In Figure 3b the means for fixation of a user and the tip portion are detached. Figure 3c shows the device with the first wide side activated and the means for fixation of a user mounted from the second wide side 2. In this new configuration the second wide side faces the ground. The user is now able to move uphill in case the second wide side has a higher friction than the first wide side and an even higher friction in the opposite direction to the moving direction. The same situation may be achieved when the difference of the properties of the two wide sides is based on a difference in roughness. In addition, such an arrangement requires only two portions to be connected and fixed. The length of the movable portion may be more than 70% of the total length of the device, preferably more than 80% of the total length, more preferable more than 90% of the total length. The tip portion may need to be a little longer to accommodate fixation means to generate a mechanically stable connection to the other portion. Such fixation means are shown and described below (see for example Figures 10 to 12).

Figure 3d shows a cross section of a plank like structure with the second wide side 2 facing the ground which corresponds to the configuration in Figure 3a. The narrow side S and the first or second wide sides typically form 90° angles, but lower or higher angles are possible also. The deviations from the 90° angle are less than ±3°. Metallic edges 7 may be arranged at the four corners of the plank like structure. In case the angles between the narrow and wide sides change, the angles of the metallic edges may change accordingly. In such an arrangement the properties of the first and second wide side differ by the edge angle whereby the grip of the edges on a hard snow surface is different. A user may select the side with the edges with an angle lower than 90° for very hard snow s and the side with edges with an angle higher than 90° for skiing conditions with soft snow. The edge design may be altered as well. For example, one design may use continuous edges on the first wide side and discontinuous edges on the second wide side. Such a difference in edge design may have an influence on the bending properties of the first and second wide side. The device may exhibit a stiffer behavior with the first wide side facing the ground and a softer behavior on the second wide side.

Figure 4 displays cross sections of the plank like structure in which the use of blind holes and through holes to fix a part of a binding is illustrated. On the left-hand side in Figure 4a two blind holes are shown, these blind holes 9 are equipped with threads as indicated by the inclined lines. In such an arrangement screws can be used to fix a part of a binding to the first wide side 1 of the device. Only blind holes or only through hole might be used but combinations of them are possible as well. In the middle of Figure 4a a through hole 8 is drawn, equipped with threads as well. Such a central through hole can be used to attach a part of a binding which is equipped with a screw that fits into the through hole by simply screwing the part of the binding into the through hole. The part of a binding may be rotated by the user without any tool. The size and shape of the part of the binding are generally such that it allows good grip of the user, even when wearing gloves, and strong leverage. Each part of a binding may be attached in this manner using a through hole for each part but also a complete binding system can be attached using a single through hole.

Preferably the screw serving as fixations means has at least one flat portion which is coplanar to the surface of the first or second wide side of the device. The surface of the flat portion of the fixation means may be equipped with a smooth low friction material. Preferably the flat portion is made of the same material than the surface of the first or second wide side.

On the right-hand side of Figure 4a two blind holes facing the ground are shown in a sealed state. A screw serving as plug 10 is placed inside the blind hole and protects it against dirt, snow and ice. Preferably the flat surface of the plug which seals a blind hole has at least one flat portion which is coplanar to the surface of the first or second wide side of the device. The surface of the flat portion of the sealing means may be equipped with a smooth low friction material. Preferably the flat portion is made of the same material than the surface of the first or second wide side.

Figure 4b displays a cross sections of the plank like structure with through holes, slidable bolts 11 and a part of a binding fixed to the plank like structure. For example, the bolts are configured to be longer than the thickness of the plank like structure and both ends are wider than the narrowest part of the through holes. The trough holes have wider sections at the first and second side of the plank like structure such that the wider ends of the bolts perfectly fit into them. In such a manner the bolts can be slid up and down whereby one side of the bolt is sealing the through hole on the side facing the ground. The other end of the bolt leaves room for a part of the binding 12 to be arranged underneath the supernatant parts of the bolts. The part of the binding 12 may have a channel into which the bolts fit into. With an additional locking means (not shown) the part of the binding can be locked and is securely attached to the plank like structure. Such an arrangement has the advantages, that the bolts cannot get lost and that the part of the through hole facing the ground is sealed and protected against dirt, snow or ice. Preferably the surfaces of the bolt which may face the ground may be made of the same material than that of the corresponding side generating a seamless flat surface.

Clamping means are well suited to attach parts for the fixation of a user from both sides of the plank like structure. The clamping means may be an integral part of a fixation for a user which is activated at the same time than as the fixation of a user. The clamping means may be operated independently form the fixation of a user. In Figure 5 cross sections of the plank like structure with clamping means are displayed. Figure 5a shows a clamping means with indentation in the narrow sides. On the left-hand side the clamp is removed and just the indentation 13 is visible. On the right-hand side of Figure 5a the clamp is shown in the closed state whereby the claw of the clamp is inserted into the indentation and fixing a part of the binding 14. Such an arrangement for example uses a plank like structure with four edges. Since the indentations can be made relatively small, the inner structure of the plank like structure can be designed with a lot of freedom.

Another example for the use of a clamping means is shown in Figure 5b. In this case the clamping means constitute a part of the narrow sides. On the left hand-side of Figure 5b the clamp is shown in the open state whereas on the right-hand side it is closed. In such an arrangement the clamping means may carry or form an edge 16. The advantage of this arrangement is that only two edges are needed which saves weight. In addition, the narrow side does not get wider than the wide faces and allow effective use the edges even at low angles between the narrow side of the device and the ground. In this example an indentation into the plank like structure is shown but it may be omitted.

The clamping mechanism may be any mechanism known to the person skilled in the art. The clamping mechanism may comprise a pivotal clamping, a clamping lever, a clamping bar, a clamping spring, a clamping bolt, a clamping plate, a clamping nut, a clamping screw, a clamping cylinder, a clamping bracket, strap, a clamping rail, a clamping spindle, a clamping yoke, a clamping wheel, an eccentrical clamping, a clamping or combinations thereof.

A further embodiment of the invention is directed to a device, wherein the movable portion is a layer which substantially covers the length L of the device. Figure 6 exemplarily shows a device with a movable part with different wide sides. Figure 6a describes the rotation of such a layer 17 from an inactive to an active state. In this manner substantially the whole length of the device may be activated and the means for fixation of a user and the tip portion do not have to be detached. Figure 6b shows a cross sectional view of the end of the device with the first wide side in the inactive state and Figure 6c with the first wide side in the active state. In both cross sections a means for fixation 18 at the rear end of the device is shown. In such an arrangement only one connection needs to be made and the majority of the device remains as one piece which may have advantages in terms of mechanical stability and overall properties. An additional advantage of this arrangement is the fact that surface 1 is protected from being damaged or contaminated when it is in the inactive state. The movable portion is configured as a stable layer which comprises the edges K also. The attachment of the movable portion to the device may be achieved by a ball joint for example which allows for rotation and inclination without detachment of the movable portion.

According to an embodiment comprises a device wherein a layer of the back half portion of the device is rotated and hereby the rotation axis is perpendicular to the long axis of the device. Figure 7 exhibits an example for such a device. In Figure 7a the rotation perpendicular to the long axis of a layer of the back half portion of the device is rotated. In the inactive state on the left-hand side the first wide side 1 of the layer faces the lower side of the back portion of the device which carries a surface configured to have a low friction on solid water in one direction and a high friction in the opposite direction. Figure 7b shows the device with the surfaces activated. In this manner substantially the whole length of the device is equipped with that surface resulting in a high friction allowing to climb steep slopes. Figure 7b demonstrates, that a step is formed in the middle of the device, where the layer is fixed for example by a hinge (not shown).

Such a step can act as an additional means to prevent the user from sliding backwards. This effect may be enhanced by the addition of a metallic edge to the lower end of the step and works well on extremely hard snow or ice. Figure 7c displays a cross section of the rear half of the device in an inactive state. From Figure 7c it is obvious that the surfaces with a high friction 1 are protected from being damaged or contaminated when in the inactive state. Figure 7c illustrates that the back end of the device and the layer to be rotated may be equipped with metallic edges 7 along the long sides which ensures good grip on steep slopes. Such an arrangement has only one movable portion and the majority of the device remains as one piece which has advantages in terms of mechanical stability and overall properties of the device. Fixation of the movable portion in the inactive state can be made to the top surface of the rear end of the device (not shown). In activated state the fixation can easily be made to the top of the tip portion (not shown). It can be imagined that a skilled user can activate or in activate the movable portion without stepping out of the means for fixation of the user.

Further embodiments concern a device, wherein the movement of the movable portion comprises at least one sliding movement which may be parallel or perpendicular to the long axis of the device, wherein the thickness of the movable portion which is undergoing a sliding movement is equal to or lower than the thickness of the device and wherein the movable portion which is undergoing a sliding movement comprises side wings or indentations that fit with indentations or side wings of a neighboring part or with indentations or side wings of the device.

Figure 8 displays a device with such a slidable portion 19 whereby the sliding direction is parallel to the long axis of device. Figure 8a shows the device with a slidable portion in the inactive state. The movement of the slidable portion comprises a sliding movement followed by a rotation of 180° followed by a sliding movement. The arrangement shown in Figure 8 is just an example for a preferred arrangement wherein the slidable portion is making use of almost the whole length of the device. In other arrangements any length may be chosen and may correspond to E, ME or BH. In Figure 8b the slidable portion is sliding out of a cavity of the device and the first wide side 1 is pointing upwards. Figure 8c shows the slidable portion after its rotation while it is siding into the device and surface 1 is oriented towards the ground. In Figure 8d the slidable portion 19 is shown in its final active state. In this example the cavity is open toward the end of the device and the tip portion serves as a limit stop. In an alternative arrangement, the cavity is open towards the tip portion which is removable and may be used to fix the slidable portion. The limit stop may be anywhere along the length of the device depending on the length of the slidable portion. In even another alternative arrangement there may be two cavities, one being open towards the end and the other towards the front of the device and the cavities are filled by two slidable portions with a limit stop near the middle of the device.

Figure 8e displays a cross section with slidable portion 19 in the inactive state, wherein the gliding surface 2 is oriented towards the ground. In this state the first wide side 1 is protected from damage and contamination while covered by the corps of the device. Figure 8f exhibits the slidable portion in the active state wherein surface 1 is oriented towards the ground and preventing sliding back. In this example the thickness of the slidable portion is lower than the thickness of the device and it is residing in a cavity inside the device which has dimensions such that the slidable portion fits into it. Flowever, the thickness of the slidable portion may be equal to the thickness of the device. The thickness of the slidable portion in such an arrangement may be in the range of 5 % to 100% of the thickness of the device. In an alternative arrange ment the cavity is open on three sides: to the top of the device, the bottom of the device and towards the end of the device (not shown). The two sides of the device will be stabilized and kept together by the tip portion, the means for fixation of a user and optionally additional bridges. In alternative arrangement, the cavity may be open towards the tip portion which is removable and may be used to fix the slidable portion. The shape of the cross section of the slidable portion should be symmetrically with respect to a 180 ° rotation parallel to the main axis to arrange the two surfaces at the same level in both states.

The drawings of the cross sections in Figure 8e and 8f show side wings 20 on each small side of the slidable portion which fit into indentations in the core of the device. Alternatively, the slidable portion may comprise indentations into which side wings of the core of the device fit. Such side wings keep the sliding portion in place. In figures 8e and 8f the side wings are drawn with a rectangular cross section. But the shape of the side wings may have any shape as long it is symmetrical to the central symmetry plain of the slidable portion. The width of the slidable portion including the side wings should be smaller than the width of the narrowest part of the core of the device. To have a device with sufficient stability and a maximum area of surface 1 the width of the slidable part should be in the range of 60 % to 95% of the narrowest part of the core of the device.

The size of the side wings in an arrangement shown in Figure 8 can be rather small as they do not have to carry high loads and it is advantageous if their surface is low to reduce friction during sliding them in and out of the device. Preferable small triangular or round (half cylinder shape) side wings are used, and their dimensions may be lower than 5 mm.

Figure 9 exhibits a device with a slidable portion 21 with a second wide side 2 with sliding direction perpendicular to the long axis of device and wherein the thickness of the slidable portion is lower than the thickness of the device. In Figure 9a the slidable portion is in its in active state and in Figure 9b it is sliding out of the device. In Figure 9c the slidable portion has reached its final position in the active state after a rotation by 180° and sliding movements. The number of such slidable portions where the sliding direction is perpendicular to the long axis of the device can be one or more, preferably the number of slidable portions is two or three. In case two slidable portions are used, they may be placed in sections F and M, F and E or M and E. Three slidable portions are preferably placed in section F, M and E of the device. Since the different slidable portions can be activated independently the user may adapt the friction according to the steepness of a slope by activating one or more portions. The more slidable portions are activated the steeper the slope to be climbed may be. In this example the thickness of the slidable portion is lower than the thickness of the device and is residing in a cavity inside the device which has dimensions such that the slidable portion fits into it. Flowever, the thickness of the slidable portion may be equal to the thickness of the device. The thickness of the slidable portion in such an arrangement may be in the range of 5 % to 100% of the thickness of the device.

The length of such a slidable portion including side wings may be any length between 1 cm and substantially the whole length of the device. Preferably the length the slidable portion corresponds to the section it is sliding into. In such cases the length of the slidable portion can be in the range of 10 cm to 70 cm, preferably in the range of 15 cm to 60 cm and more preferably in the range of 15 cm to 50 cm.

The drawings in Figure 9 show side wings 20 on each short side of the slidable portion which fit into indentations in the core of the device. Alternatively, the slidable portion may comprise indentations into which side wings of the core of the device fit. Such side wings keep the sliding portion in place. The size of the side wings in an arrangement shown in Figure 9 can be rather small as they do not have to carry high loads and it is advantageous if their surface is low to reduce friction during sliding them in and out of the device. Preferable small triangular or round (half cylinder shape) side wings are used, and their dimensions may be lower than 5 mm. In Figure 9 the side wings are drawn with a rectangular cross section. But the shape of the side wings may have any shape as long it is symmetrical to the rotation by 180°. The width of the slidable portion can be equal or lower than the width of the core of the device. In case that the width of the slidable portion is equal to the width of the core of the device there need to be fixation means on both sides of the device to keep the slidable portion in its position. The cavity in the device is open on three sides, to the ground, and to the two sides of the device. It is preferred, that in this arrangement the slidable portion is equipped with metallic edges on all four edges which are parallel to the long axis of the device.

In an alternative arrangement the cavity may be open on two sides (to the ground and to one side S) and closed on one side which represents a limit stop. In this case the width of the slidable portion is lower than the width of the device. The width of the slidable portion can be in the range of 80 % to 99% of the device, preferably 90 % to 98 % and more preferably in the range of 95 % to 98% of the width of the device. In that manner only one fixation means is required on the open side. For such an arrangement metallic edges are necessary only on the edges of the slidable portion which is arranged at the open side of the cavity.

Figure 10 shows a device according to an embodiment with a slidable portion 21 with sliding direction perpendicular to long axis of device and wherein the thickness of the slidable portion is equal to the thickness of the neighboring portions. In Figure 10a the inactive state and in Figure 10b the active state is shown. Metallic edges 22 are arranged on all four edges of the slidable portion which are parallel to the long axis of the device. Preferably the edges 22 are made such that they fit perfectly with the edges K of the non-movable portion. The slidable portions in such an arrangement also have side wing which fit into the corresponding indentations in the non-movable portion. In alternative arrangement the side wings are attached to the non-movable portion and the indentations are present in the movable portion as shown in Figure lOe. The shape may be for example triangular, round, cylindrical or trapezoidal. Preferably the side wings and indentations are constructed in a manner that movements of the connected portions in other directions than the sliding movement are prohibited. The form of the side wings may be conical or circular for example. The side wings are preferably located at or close to the center of the sides of the slidable portion. In such a symmetric arrangement it is assured that the two surfaces of the slidable portion are at the same level than the lower surface of the device. In Figure 10 the side wings are drawn with a conical cross section. But the shape of the side wings may have any shape as long it is symmetrical to the rotation by 180°. In Figure 10 the slidable portions are all shown with two side wings, but when the end portion E is a slidable portion, only one side wing is sufficient. This one side wing makes the connection to the device and there is no need for one at the other end of the slidable portion.

The side wings in this case should be larger since they are responsible for a mechanically stable connection between the neighboring portions. The width of the side wings WS may be equal or lower than the width of the device or non-movable neighboring portion and then it may slide in and out by both sides. This arrangement requires four fixation means to keep the slidable portion at its position in the activated and inactivated state. Preferably the width of the side wings WS is lower than the width of the neighboring portion: this allows to have the corresponding indentation closed at one side whereby a limit stop is formed. On the other side a fixation means may be arranged such that it may close the other side of the indentation whereby the slidable part is secured. Such an arrangement is drawn in Figure 10c as top view and the slidable portion in its inactive state. The limit stop 23 secures the slidable part on one side and the locking means 24 are shown in their open position. Figure lOd presents the same arrangement as cross section with a fixation means in its open state 24 and in a closed state 25.

The length of the side wings LS can be in the range of 0,5 cm to 10 cm, preferably in the range of 1 cm to 7,5 cm, more preferably in the range of 2 cm to 5 cm. The thickness of the side wings TS should be lower than the thickness of the neighboring portion. Preferably the thickness TS is in the range of 20 % to 90 % of the thickness of the neighboring portion, more preferably in the range of 30 % to 80 % and more preferably in the range of 30 % to 70 % of the thickness of the neighboring portion. Larger side wings result in higher friction between the slidable portion and the device. Therefore, the surfaces of the indentations and the side wings may be coated with a friction reducing coating or made from a low friction material such as Teflon for example.

The number of slidable portions 21 with sliding direction perpendicular to long axis of device and wherein the thickness of the slidable portion is equal to the thickness of the device can be one or more. Preferably more than one of these slidable portions is used, more preferably two or three slidable portions are used.

In case that one of such slidable portions is used it may preferably be located at the front F or the end E. When two of such slidable portions are used they may preferably be located at the front F and the end E. In case three of such slidable portions are employed they are arranged at the front F, the middle M and the end E. In addition, a device which is built with such slidable portions can be split into shorter segments which is advantageous for storage and transportation. In this manner the device may fit into a car trunk for example. Also, when fixed to or stored in a backpack transport is easier.

Movable portions that undergo a rotation by 180 parallel to the long axis of the device a fixation means comprises at least one indentation and at least one counterpart which fits into the indentation of a neighboring portion. Figure 11a exhibits two neighboring portions at a distance which allows movement, an indentation 26 inside a non-movable portion and a counterpart 27 attached to a movable portion. The counterpart of the neighboring portion fits exactly into the indentation and stabilizes the connection between the two. The counterpart is preferably an integral part of one of the neighboring portions which has the advantage that it may not be lost. The shape of the indentation and of the counterpart may have any shape, but its cross section should be symmetrical to the rotation by 180°. For example, circular, elliptic, triangular, quadratic, rectangular, trapezoidal, polygonal cross sections may be used. Preferably the shape of the indentation and of the counterpart is rectangular in case there is only one indentation and counterpart. A circular or elliptical cross section is preferred when more than one indentation and counterpart are used. The location of the indentation and of the counterpart within the device need to be symmetrically with respect to a 180° rotation. The length of the counterpart LC and the depth of the indentation may be chosen according to the required mechanical stability of the connection. In general, the length and depth are in the range of 1 cm to 20 cm, preferably in the range of 2 cm to 15 cm and more preferably in the range of 3 cm to 10 cm. The width WC and thickness TC of the of the counterpart and the indentation are governed by the width and thickness of the device at the connection. In general, the width of the counterpart may be less than 90%, preferably less than 85% and more preferably less than 80 % of the width of the device at the connection. The thickness of the counterpart may be less than 90%, pre ferably less than 85% and more preferably less than 80 % of the thickness of the device at the connection.

Figure lib shows two neighboring portions in close distance with a fixation28 means which is fixed to the surface of a non-movable portion. Figure 11c exhibits two neighboring portions in close distance where the fixation means is fixed on part of the means for fixation of a user. The example shown is representing a movable end portion where a fixation means can be attached to the back part of the means for fixation of a user BB. In addition, a fixation means can be located at the end of the device, the tip of the device, at least one side S of the device, the surface of a neighboring portion, the front part or back part of a means for fixation of a user, inside the device or combinations thereof. In a further embodiment the at least one fixation means fixes at least two neighboring portions, more than two neighboring portions or all portions. In some cases, it might be necessary to apply some force to fix the different portions. And in another embodiment at least one fixation means comprises a tensioning device, a lever, a spring, an elastic material or combinations thereof. The at least one fixation means comprises at least one latch, lock bar, screw, nut, lock, pin, clip, clamp, bracket, hook-and-loop fastener, hook-and-pile fastener, magnetic means, hinge, tensioning device, hook, rope, band, or combinations thereof.

Figure 12a displays an example of another embodiment of the inventions in which a portion is equipped with a channel 29 inside the core in which a connection means 30 is located. The channel is configured to allow movement of the connection means within the channel. Ideally the channel is in the center of a movable portion but may be placed out of center in a non-movable portion. The cross section of the channel can have any shape preferably circular or elliptical shapes are used. The diameter of the channel is preferably smaller than the width of a counterpart through which it is drilled but if the stability is not reduced to much it may be larger. The diameter of the channel is in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 7 mm, more preferably 3 mm to 5 mm. The size of the connection means may be such that it fits into the channel and is movable without too much friction. In such a configuration the connection means may connect two or more portions whereby its length is longer than the length of the longest counterpart and the corresponding portion to allow easy and unhindered rotation of the movable part. In a lose configuration the connection means allows to move portions apart from each other and rotate them. After rotation, the connection means is put under tension and fixed whereby the portions are pressed together and get stabilized. Tensioning may occur due to the elastic properties of the connection means or for example by levering or screwing. The connection means may be fixed on a part of the device. Optionally metallic edges 22 may be arranged to allow strong grip when the device is used with wide side 1 facing the ground.

Figure 12b displays a possible arrangement and attachment of the fixation means at two portions of the means for fixation of a user in a fixed state. Two connection means 30 are connecting a front potion on the right and an end portion on the left to the middle portion M of a device (the channels are not shown). Both connections are shown in the fixed state and keep the portions together. One end of the connection means 30 on the left is fixed inside the end portion E and the other end is fixed at the front part FB of the means for fixation of a user. The connection means 30 on the right-hand side connects the middle portion M, the front portion F and the tip potion T (not shown). One end of the connection means is fixed at the back part BB of the means for fixation of a user and the other end is fixed at the tip portion (not shown). The channels in the middle portion enter the middle portion in the center of it and are then directed out of the center and exit the core to get fixed at the means for fixation of a user.

Figure 13 shows cross sections of a further possible arrangement of a device with a movable portion connected to one or both sides of the device. In Figure 13a the movable portion 31 has the same width than the device and is constructed as a layer with the first wide side 1 with low friction in one direction and high friction in the opposite direction directed towards the surface of the device in the inactive state. In this state the side 1 is protected from damage and/or contamination. The movable portion is exhibited in the active state in Figure 13b. The movable portion is preferably equipped with optional metallic edges 22 which generate grip on steep slopes. The movable portion is fixed to a side of the device with at least one flexible or versatile connection 32. Depending on the length of the movable portion two or more connections 32 are used to make the connection. On the side opposite to the bendable connection at least one fixation means 33 is configured in a manner that it can secure and fix the movable portion in both states.

Figure 13c shows an alternative arrangement wherein the movable portion is constructed as two parts with approximately half the width of the device which are connected to the sides of the device and a fixation means 33 attached to the two parts and not at the narrow sides of the device. The connection in this case is exemplarily made with two hinges. Both arrangements of Figure 13 form a step in the activated state which can act as an additional means to prevent the user from sliding backwards. This effect may be enhanced by the addition of a metallic edge at the lower end of the step and works well on extremely hard snow or ice.

The examples and drawings above do not limit the scope of the invention but merely illustrate some possible and preferable options.

Numbering:

A corps of the device

B wide side, base with smooth surface and good sliding properties, lower surface C wide side, top side

D flexible skin with low friction in one direction and high friction in the opposite direction

G glue or adhesive for reversible attachment of skin

K metallic edge

S narrow sides of the device

E end portion of device

M middle portion of device

F front portion of device

T tip portion of device

ME middle end portion of the device

BH back half portion of the device

L length of the device (without tip)

FB front part of means for fixation of a user

BB back part of means for fixation of a user

LA long axis of device

WC width of counterpart

TC thickness of counterpart

LC length of counterpart

TS thickness of side wing

WS width of side wing

LS length of side wing

1 first wide side

2 second wide side (sliding surface with low friction in all directions)

3 movable portion of device with wide sides with different properties .

4 non-movable portion of the device.

5 detachable tip portion

6 plank like structure metallic edges through hole blind hole plug sealing a blind hole slidable bolt part of a binding indentation in narrow side

Part of a binding clamped to device

Clamping means being part of a narrow side

Edge being part of a clamping means movable portion configured as a layer which can be rotated means for fixation slidable portion with length L side wings slidable portion with sliding direction perpendicular to long axis optional metallic edges limit stop locking means open locking means closed indentation counterpart which fits into indentation of neighboring portion fixation means channel inside the portions connection means inside a channel movable portion with a surface with low friction in one direction and high friction in the opposite direction connection between device and movable portion fixation means hinge