CA1090385A - Twin ski - Google Patents
Twin skiInfo
- Publication number
- CA1090385A CA1090385A CA299,045A CA299045A CA1090385A CA 1090385 A CA1090385 A CA 1090385A CA 299045 A CA299045 A CA 299045A CA 1090385 A CA1090385 A CA 1090385A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- twinski
- tail
- ski
- tail sections
- integral
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 230000027455 binding Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 238000009739 binding Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 16
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 10
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 241000723418 Carya Species 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 241000264877 Hippospongia communis Species 0.000 claims 2
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 abstract description 6
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 abstract description 4
- 235000005824 Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 4
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 4
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 4
- NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N novaluron Chemical compound C1=C(Cl)C(OC(F)(F)C(OC(F)(F)F)F)=CC=C1NC(=O)NC(=O)C1=C(F)C=CC=C1F NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 15
- -1 e.g. Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- 230000009975 flexible effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 101710125089 Bindin Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 206010013082 Discomfort Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 101100257011 Mus musculus Skil gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 206010043268 Tension Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000266 injurious effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002674 ointment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C5/00—Skis or snowboards
- A63C5/06—Skis or snowboards with special devices thereon, e.g. steering devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C5/00—Skis or snowboards
- A63C5/04—Structure of the surface thereof
- A63C5/052—Structure of the surface thereof of the tips or rear ends
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C5/00—Skis or snowboards
- A63C5/16—Devices enabling skis to be used whilst held in a particular configuration with respect to each other, e.g. for training purposes
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A twinski is provided herein having an integral mononose section and bifurcated tail sections separated by a longitudinal slot. The tail sections are at least five times as long as the integral nose section, the integral nose section including an upwardly curved forward tip region, the tail sections including a pair of central waist segments comprising a central waist portion, and a pair of terminal tail segments comprising a tail portion, the twinski having its greatest thickness at the central waist portion, and being reduced in thickness both towards the tail portion and the forward tip, the minimum thickness being adjacent to the forward tip region; ski bindings adapted to be mounted on each of the tail sections of the ski adjacent the central waist portion for holding the feet of a skier in side-by-side relation; and bridge means at the tail portion adjustably and floatingly holding the tail sections in predetermined spaced-apart relation, so that the lateral spacings are predetermined but yet the tail sections are allowed to move vertically. The ski has extremely good manoeuverability, good pivot turnability, controlled turns at substantially all speeds, good support on powder snow and excellent manoeuverability in both packed and corn snow. The four edges provide greater control and the interconnected tail sections work independently.
A twinski is provided herein having an integral mononose section and bifurcated tail sections separated by a longitudinal slot. The tail sections are at least five times as long as the integral nose section, the integral nose section including an upwardly curved forward tip region, the tail sections including a pair of central waist segments comprising a central waist portion, and a pair of terminal tail segments comprising a tail portion, the twinski having its greatest thickness at the central waist portion, and being reduced in thickness both towards the tail portion and the forward tip, the minimum thickness being adjacent to the forward tip region; ski bindings adapted to be mounted on each of the tail sections of the ski adjacent the central waist portion for holding the feet of a skier in side-by-side relation; and bridge means at the tail portion adjustably and floatingly holding the tail sections in predetermined spaced-apart relation, so that the lateral spacings are predetermined but yet the tail sections are allowed to move vertically. The ski has extremely good manoeuverability, good pivot turnability, controlled turns at substantially all speeds, good support on powder snow and excellent manoeuverability in both packed and corn snow. The four edges provide greater control and the interconnected tail sections work independently.
Description
This invention relates to a twinski, namely, a ski wlllch is ad;lp-ted to support both feet of a skier and including means for securing both feet or boots of the skier directly over the ski and alongside each other.
More particularly, it is an improvement over the monoski disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 989,435 issued May 18, 1976 to Alec Pedersen.
Monoskis have been disclosed in the past in, for example, in U.S.
Patent No. 3,154,312 patented by Jacques Marchand on Oct. 27, 1964. As taught in that patent, the desirability of a single ski on which to ride was based on the greater challenge thereby offered to skiers, in that more skill would be required than by using two skis. Another desirable feature was based on its greater safety in that it would avoid twisting a leg when the skier falls, which often happens when using two skis. If the skier on the monoski should fall, the legs would both turn with the body and there would be very little, if any, injurious twisting of the legs. With that monoski, sharp turns could be made and the ski braked to be brought to a stop without assisting accessories. To provide a ski having the foregoing advantages, however, the patentee found that it was essential to secure a pair of boot fasteners to the ski proper so that they would be directly over the ski and also would be alongside each other. It was also found to be essential that such bindings not extend beyond the sides of the ski, at least not substantially.
In another prior patent, namely, U.S. Patent No. 3,685,846 paten-ted by Hans Schmid on Aug. 22, 1972 improvements were provided in such monoskis of the kind in which a single conventional ski body member, formed with a gliding surface, was provided with two ski bindings fixed on the ski body member in side-by-side arrangement, each binding having a toe portion and a heel portion. Such known monoskis comprised a rigid supporting plate to which the ski bindings, including toe and heel portions, were screwed, Skiing with this known ski, however, has shown certain aspects which hin-dered its running performance.
~J,
More particularly, it is an improvement over the monoski disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 989,435 issued May 18, 1976 to Alec Pedersen.
Monoskis have been disclosed in the past in, for example, in U.S.
Patent No. 3,154,312 patented by Jacques Marchand on Oct. 27, 1964. As taught in that patent, the desirability of a single ski on which to ride was based on the greater challenge thereby offered to skiers, in that more skill would be required than by using two skis. Another desirable feature was based on its greater safety in that it would avoid twisting a leg when the skier falls, which often happens when using two skis. If the skier on the monoski should fall, the legs would both turn with the body and there would be very little, if any, injurious twisting of the legs. With that monoski, sharp turns could be made and the ski braked to be brought to a stop without assisting accessories. To provide a ski having the foregoing advantages, however, the patentee found that it was essential to secure a pair of boot fasteners to the ski proper so that they would be directly over the ski and also would be alongside each other. It was also found to be essential that such bindings not extend beyond the sides of the ski, at least not substantially.
In another prior patent, namely, U.S. Patent No. 3,685,846 paten-ted by Hans Schmid on Aug. 22, 1972 improvements were provided in such monoskis of the kind in which a single conventional ski body member, formed with a gliding surface, was provided with two ski bindings fixed on the ski body member in side-by-side arrangement, each binding having a toe portion and a heel portion. Such known monoskis comprised a rigid supporting plate to which the ski bindings, including toe and heel portions, were screwed, Skiing with this known ski, however, has shown certain aspects which hin-dered its running performance.
~J,
- 2 -. .
lU90385 In the first place, such known monoski was substantially rigid in its waist portion, which carried the supporting plate of the ski bind-ing. This rigid waist portion was adjacent to forward and tail portions having the required elasticity and flexibility. This structure thus pro-vided discontinuous transitions of the elastic properties of the gliding member of the monoski and tended to result in a loosening or tearing off of the screws by means of which the supporting plate was fixed to the glid-ing member, thus rendering the ski unfit after only a short time of use.
That patentee provided a novel construction of a monoski in which the components supporting the tow and heel portions of the ski binding were so formed that the ski body portion provided with the gliding surface allegedly did not have any rigid waist portion. This was alleged to have been provided in a ski having a single ski body member formed with a glid-ing surface, and two ski bindings mounted on the body member in side by side arrangement, each binding having a toe portion and a heel portion. A
support was provided for the toe portion, and a support was provided for the heel portion. The two supports were fixed one behind the other in longitudinally spaced relation on the ski body. Furthermore, in order to facilitate the action of the ski edges during running and to keep the width of the ski body portion in the order of magnitude of a conventional ski without having the sole edges of the ski-boot making contact with the track when laterally inclining the ski during turning manoevers, the ski-boot supporting surface on the toe and heel portions of the binding was raised a distance above the ski body member corresponding substantially to the width of the ski.
The ski body member provided with the gliding surface as taught by that patentee was a conventional ski, i.e., one having a width from 7 to 10 centimeters and a length of 210 centimeters when the ski is destined to be used by a person of 175 centimeters height.
.
. . - : ~ :
- ~ .
. -~ ' - - .
Another improvement in monoskis was providcd ~n U.S. P.IL~nt No.
lU90385 In the first place, such known monoski was substantially rigid in its waist portion, which carried the supporting plate of the ski bind-ing. This rigid waist portion was adjacent to forward and tail portions having the required elasticity and flexibility. This structure thus pro-vided discontinuous transitions of the elastic properties of the gliding member of the monoski and tended to result in a loosening or tearing off of the screws by means of which the supporting plate was fixed to the glid-ing member, thus rendering the ski unfit after only a short time of use.
That patentee provided a novel construction of a monoski in which the components supporting the tow and heel portions of the ski binding were so formed that the ski body portion provided with the gliding surface allegedly did not have any rigid waist portion. This was alleged to have been provided in a ski having a single ski body member formed with a glid-ing surface, and two ski bindings mounted on the body member in side by side arrangement, each binding having a toe portion and a heel portion. A
support was provided for the toe portion, and a support was provided for the heel portion. The two supports were fixed one behind the other in longitudinally spaced relation on the ski body. Furthermore, in order to facilitate the action of the ski edges during running and to keep the width of the ski body portion in the order of magnitude of a conventional ski without having the sole edges of the ski-boot making contact with the track when laterally inclining the ski during turning manoevers, the ski-boot supporting surface on the toe and heel portions of the binding was raised a distance above the ski body member corresponding substantially to the width of the ski.
The ski body member provided with the gliding surface as taught by that patentee was a conventional ski, i.e., one having a width from 7 to 10 centimeters and a length of 210 centimeters when the ski is destined to be used by a person of 175 centimeters height.
.
. . - : ~ :
- ~ .
. -~ ' - - .
Another improvement in monoskis was providcd ~n U.S. P.IL~nt No.
3,802,714 patented by Stephen D. Freegard on April 9, 1974. In that patent a deck structure was provided which could be added to one of a conventional pair of skis so that the single ski could be used as a monoski. Thus, the deck structure included a two-part pedestal, the parts of which were rela-tively reciprocable in one vertical plane of the pedestal, and adapted to be superposed on a ski and interengaged with the bindings thereof. The deck structure also included a two-part platform which was mounted on the pedes-tal to support the skier. The parts of the platform were also relatively reciprocable in the vertical plane of the pedestal, so that the binding on the parts of the platform, adjacent the upper surface thereof could be interengaged with the boots of the skier. When the parts of the pedestal were interengaged with the bindings of the ski, the parts of both the pedes- -tal and the platform were fixed in relation to one another. However, it was also taught that the parts of the platform should be relatively recipro-cable in con~unction with the parts of the pedestal, and vice versa, auto-matically to transfer the functional relationship between the bindings of the ski, to the binder means on the parts of the platform.
~et another improvement in monoskis was provided in U.S. Patent No.. 3,758,127 patented by Michael D. Doyle and William L. Bahne, on Sept.
11, 1973. The single ski described in that patent was much wider and shor-ter than conventional skis and, due to its large concentrated area, was said to ride well on soft snow. Both feet were held in close side-by-side posi-tion in any suitable type of bindings or boot retainers, the constant sucure leg position making control more positive. It was alleged by the patentee that fast turns could be made at any speed with a minimum of effort and body motion, and that sharp pivot turns were possible, as op--;
posed to the usually long sliding turns made with dual skis. In a fall, the feet were alleged remained together and the skier could retain more ` control : ~ ' ' . ~ .
:1~190385 over the body and limbs to avoid in~ury.
The performance of the single ski disclosed in thc above patent was said to be not merely the result of the short wide shape. The pattern of flexibility through the ski was said to be important and there was a definite configuration that was said to be essential to ensure proper action. In such patented monoski, the central body portion was very stiff, the tail was torsionally flexible and the nose or tip was even more flexi-ble. Very little bottom camber was used and the ski did not have the pro-nounced hourglass shape used in most conventional skis to allow a tight radius turn. The patented ski has almost straight sides for high speed and stability, yet was said to be capable of sharp turns due to its novel design.
The patented ski had a length-to-width ratio on the order of 9 or 10 to 1. The patentee discussed the importance of proper torsional re-sistance. In a turn the tail of the ski was said to act as a rudder and was therefore said to bite into the snow without twisting away from the turn. The nose or tip must have enough torsional resistance to hold a transverse across a slope, but still be able to twist and release from the snow from a turn. A tip that is torsionally too stiff will tend to climb or hook into a slope and; if too soft, it will twist away from the surface and not hold a transverse. The patentee stated that a ski which was too stiff overall, or one which was too flexible, overall, did not have the performance of the properly proportioned patented ski.
While monoskis as above described were useful in powder snow, they were most difficult to control and to use in hard-packed or corn snow.
In an effort to provide a new and improved single ski on which both feet were held in close side-by-side relation, and a new and improved single snow ski which was-easily controlled and safer to use than conven-tional dual skis, not ~nly in powder snow, but in hard packed or corn snow, .
.
'.
.- :
.
the monoski of Canadian Patent No. 989,435 isslled ~lay 18, ]976 to t~t'C
Pedersen was developed. According to one embodiment of the invenL-ion of that patent, a single snow ski was provided comrpising: an elongated body having a central waist portion, having a maximum width of 6-1/4", an up-wardly curved forward tip region, having a maximum width of 6-1/2", and an upwardly tapered and outwardly flared tail portion, having a maximum width of 7-1/3", the ski having its greatest thickness at the central waist portion, and being reduced in thickness both towards the tail portion and the forward tip region, the minimum thickness being adjacent the for-ward tip region, and wherein the forward tip region defined by side edges flaring outwardly from the central waist portion towards to forward end of the ski, and then converging to join together at the tip, such forward tip region being wider than the central waist portion, and wherein the tail portion is wider than the forward tip region; wherein the ratio of the width of the tip to the width of the waist is 1.04 - 1.23 and wherein the ratio of the width of the tip to the width of the tail is 0.77 - 0.93 and ski bindings mounted on the ski adjacent the central waist portion for .
holding the feet of a skier in close side-by-side relation, with such ski bindings extending slightly over the side edges of the ski.
ZO According to another aspect of the invention, in the aforesaid patent, the ski included a pair of grooves in the base thereof, particular-ly wherein the grooves commenced 30 - 35 cm from the forward tip of the ski and extended through to the tail portion of the ski, especially where-in the grooves were parallel to one another and were spaced 6 mm apart, and also wherein the grooves were situated 1/3 of the ski width and were 2 to 3 mm deep, in either case, the ski having a camber of 12 - 14 mm.
According to yet another aspect of the invention in the aforesaid patent, the bindings extended from 0.5 to 1.1 cm over the side edges of the ski, and the bindings were located 6 cm rearward of the central part of the central waist portion thereof.
~. .
.
In anot~ r v;lr~.ltion, the bindin~s included a pair of toe members ll!o~ ted parallel to one allother on individual base plates, each such base plate being secured directly onto the ski, and a pair of heel members mounted parallel to one another on individual base plates, each such base plate being secured directly oneo the ski, while in another variation, the bind-ings comprised a pair of toe members mounted in side-by-side relation paral-lel to one another on a pedestal, such pedestal being secured to the mono-ski, and a pair of heel members mounted in side-by-side relation parallel to one another on a pedestal, such pedestal being secured to the monoski.
By a further aspect of the invention in the aforesaid patent, the monoski was formed of a foam core, with stiffening members of wood, and laminated to a glass fiber sheet, and a synthetic plastics material on the bottom, running surface, while in yet another aspect, the monoski was formed of a laminate of hickory, ash, and glass fiber, with an upper laminated surface of airplane aluminum, and a bottom running surface of a synthetic plastics material, in either case, the ski including steel running edges.
In another embodiment of the invention in that patent, the ski was from 90 to 185 cm long, was 16.5 cm wide at the forward tip region, was 15.3 cm wide at the central waist portion and was at least 18.5 cm wide at the tail portion. In another embodiment, the ski was 22 mm thick at the central waist portion, was 11 mm thick at the forward tip region and was 9 mm thick at the tail portion. Thus, in view of the essential variations in width of the ski at particular areas, there was no signifi-cance to any length-to-width ratio, as has been proposed in the past.
While the monoski described above was superior to monoskis pro-posed in the past, it was found desirable to effect further improvements.
Accordingly, objects of aspects of the invention include the provision of an improved monoski which includes a wider stance for balance, is adaptable to virtually all snow conditions, is li~hter in overall weight and is easler to use.
By one broad aspect of this invention, a twinski is provided com-prising: a mononose section and bifurcated tail sections separated by a longitudinal slot, the tail sections being at least five times as long as the nose section, the nose section including an upwi~rdly curved forward tip region, the tail sections including a pair of central waist segments comprising a central waist portion, and a pair of terminal tail segments comprising a tail portion, the twinski having its greatest thickness at the central waist portion, and being reduced in thickness both towards the tail portion and towards the forward tip, the minimum thickness being ad-jacent to the forward tip region; ski bindings adapted to be mounted on each of the tail sections of the ski adjacent the central waist portion for holding the feet of a skier in side-by-side relation; and bridge means at the tail portion adjustably and floatingly holding the tail sections in predetermined spaced-apart relation; and bridge means at the tail portion adjustably and floatingly holding the tail sections in predetermined spaced-apart relation, so that the lateral spacings are predetermined but yet the tail sections are allowed to move vertically.
By one variant, the width of the longitudinal slot is from 1/2 to 2 times the width of each of the tail sections.
By another variant, the width of the longitudinal slot is the same as the width of each of the tail sections.
By another variant, the bridge means comprises a connector plate secured to the end of each of the tail sections and a single continuous curved connecting rod secured at its ends to a respective one of the con-nector plates, By a variation thereof, each end of the curved connecting rod is pivotally connected to its respective connector plate.
By another variant, the bridge means comprises a connector plate provided with an upstanding post secured to the end of e.!~h of the t~
sections, and a connector bar interconnecting the upper ends of the up~tand-ing posts.
By a variation thereof, the connection between the connector bar and the upper end of each upstanding post is a universal joint to provide pivotal movement.
By another variation~ the connecting bar or rod is formed of ten-sion steel.
By still another variation, the connector bar or rod is adjustable in length to provide controlled spacing between the ends of tail.
By a further variant, the ski includes a groove in the base of each of the tail sections.
By a further variant, the grooves commence 30 - 35 cm from the forward tip of the twinski and extend through each of the tail sections of the twinski.
By another-variant, the ski has a camber of 12 - 14 mm.
By yet another variant, the bindings are secured to each of the bifurcated tail sections and extend slightly over the side edges thereof.
By a further variant, the bindings include a pair of toe members, mounted parallel to one another on individual base plates, each such base plate being secured directly onto a respective tail section of the twinski, and a pair of heel members mounted parallel to one another on individual base plates, each such base plate being secured directly onto a respective tail section of the twinski.
By another aspect of this invention, the twinski is formed of a foam core, with stiffening members of wood, and laminated to a glass fiber sheet envelope, with a synthetic plastics material on the bottom, running surface.
By a further aspect of this invention, the twinski is formed of a laminate of hickory, ash, and glass fiber, with an upper laminated - ' ' -": . . : - , 1~90385 surface of airplane aluminum, and a bottom running surface of a synthetic plastics material.
By another aspect of this invention, the ski is formed of a honeycomb core, either of a plastic material, or a metal, e.g., aluminum, laminated to a glass fiber sheet or to a sheet of airplane aluminum and a running surface of a synthetic plastic material.
By a variation of these aspects, the ski includes four steel running edges along the edges of the tail portions of the twinski.
By yet another variant of this invention, the width of the longitudinal slot is the same as the width of each of the tail sections.
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a twinski according to one aspect of this invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the twinski of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the twinski of Figure l;
Figurè 4 is a side elevational view of one variant of the tail bridge structure used in the twinski according to an aspect of this inven-tion;
Figure 5 is a top plan view of the tail bridge structure of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a side elevational view of another variant of the tail bridge structure used in an aspect of the twinski of an aspect of this invention;
Figure 7 is a top plan view of the tail bridge structure of Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a twinski through one tail section and the nose section indicating the thickness and camber thereof of a typical twinski of one embodiment of this invention;
Figure 9 is a top plan view of the twinski of Figure 8 showing typical dimensions thereof;
1~)9(~385 Figure 10 is a bottom plan view of the twinski of Figure 8;
Figure Il is a transverse cross-section through the tail section of one embodiment of the twinski of an aspect of this invention; and Figure 12 is a transverse cross-section through the tail section of another embodiment of the twinski of another aspect of this invention.
Turning to Figures 1, 2 and 3, it is seen that the twinski 10 comprises an elongated body having an in,tegral mononose section 11 and a bifurcated pair of tail sections 12, 13 separated by a slot 9. The twinski 10 includes an upwardly curved forward tip region 14 and a pair of central waist segments 15, 16 providing a central waist portion and a pair of out-wardly flared tail sections 17, 18 providing an outwardly flared tail portion. The tail sections 17, 18 are tied together in a "floating" manner to be described hereinafter by tail bridge structure 19. Each of the four side edges may be provided with a conventional steel wear-resistant edge 20. The underside of the twinski has a running surface 21 of polyethylene, or a similar plastic material, having a pair of parallel longitudinal grooves 22 extending from adjacent the forward tip 11 along substantially the full length of the body. Grooves 22 allow the twinski to unstick from the snow more readily and to reduce friction in running~ The tail portion 20 of the twinski is slightly upwardly tapered and preferably the tail sections 17, 18 may be protected by a reinforcing strip 23 of metal or thé
like.
The feet of the skier are held in side-by-side position on the central waist segments 15, 16 of the twinski 10 by any suitable bindings or boot retainers, represented as toe grips 24 mounted on binding plates 25 and heel clamps 26 mounted on binding plates 27. Many different bind-ings and quick-release fittings are available, and since they do not form part of this invention, need not be discussed further. Suitable securing means can be incorporated on the twillski 10 where needed.
It has been found that thc precise interrelationsllip of the - 11 - ` ' 1~90385 -~ configuration of the twinski 10 and the placement of the bindings 24, 26 causes the turning characteristics to be altered from that of conventional skis. Such characteristics become superior, and it is possible to effect turns uphill more smartly, faster and with greater safety, and to effect turns downhill to the fall line with equally smooth characteristics.
The bindings 24, 26 may be set side by side or may be moved, one slightly ahead of the other. It is preferred, however, that the bindings 24, 26 be set parallel to each other, equidistant from the forward tip 11 and the tail sections 17, 18.
10The waist effect at segments 15, 16 and the relative widths of the forward tip region 11 and the tail sections 17, 18 provide the stability and directional characteristics that are superior to conventional skis.
The twinski 10 is simple to ride with both feet held fairly close on the twinski 10 and there is no tendency for the feet to separate and get out of control in extreme manoeuvers. Very tight pivot turns can be made at substantially any speed without any substantial loss of stability.
The turning radius can be as little as one-third of that possible with con-ventional dual skis. The wide area enables the twinski 10 to plane effec-tively and to ride high in soft snow, which also facilitates manoeuvering.In a fall, the risk of injury is greatly reduced, since the feet do not fly in different directions, each with a long unwieldy ski attached.
It is believed that the likelihood of injury in the case of the use of the twinski 10 is reduced because the legs are fairly close together.
The majority of accidents results from crossed or diverging skis, with or without proper bindings. Preferred bindings are side release bindings of the safety type. They should be set 30 to 40% looser than is the usual ~practice. In test falls, a s~ier has been found to come down without dis-comfort in a sitting position. It is believed that this is due to the characteristics of the twinskis in unllsllal attitudes, and the weight of the .~
~ - 12 -109C~385 skier is essentially towards the rear.
Turning now to Figures 4 and 5, the tail bridge structure 19 comprises a turved tensile steel bar 40 disposed between two retaining members 41. Each retaining member includes a generally rectangular base plate 42 having a support base pedestal 43 thereon. Upstanding from pedestal 43 are a pair of spaced-apart lugs 44 provided with aligned aper-tures 45. The end plugs 46 of bar 40 are also provided with apertures 47.
A hinge pin 48 is mounted through apertures 47, 45 to provide a hinged con-nection between the base 42 and the bar 40, to allow "floating" intercon-nection.
Base plates 42 are provided with fastening apertures 49 to permitsecurement of the base plate 42 to the tail sections 17, 18 of the twinski 10 .
Turning now to Figures 6 and 7, the second variant of a tail bridge structure 19 is shown. It includes a horizontal bar structure 60 and a pair of vertical pedestal structures 61. Each pedestal structure includes a plate 62 with an upstanding cylindrical column 63 provided with an internally tapped bore 64. A threaded post 65 is threadedly secured to - bore 64 and to an internally tapped bore 66 in a universal 90 degree con-nection 67. The effective height of post 65, i.e., the vertical distance between the bottom of plate 62 and the top of connector 67 is controllably adjusted by nut 68.
90 degree universal connector 67 is provided witha spheroidal cup 69 in which a ball-joint 70 of a hollow connecting rod 71 is disposed.
Ro~d 71 is provided with an internally tapped bore 72. Universal connectors 67, connecting rods 71 and a threaded bar 73 constitute the horizontal bar structure 60. The span between the ends of connectors 67 is adjustably controlled by threading bar 73 into tapped bores 72.
Base plates 62 are provided with fastening apertures 74 to per-mit securement of the base plate 62 to the tail sections 17, 18 of the ,~ ~ - 13 -;
1~)903~35 twinski 10.
Turning now to Figures 8, 9 and 10, these show some typical inter-relationships of twinski thickness ~in Figure 8) and twinski width (in Figure 9) for a typical twinski according to one aspect of this invention, having a length of from 90 - 185 cm. The interrelationships are summarized below in the table.
Ski Thick~ess Ski Width (Figure 8)(~igure 9) (mm) (cm) 7 5.0 7 14.0 (single nose tip region) 7 16.5 bifurcated 11 16.3 tail section 14 16.0 16.5 15.8 19 15.7 15.4 (each waist area) 21 15.3 22 15.2 21 15.2 15.8 19 16.1 17 16.5 15.5 17.0 12 17.6 (each tail area) 10 18.2 -9 18.5 9 17.5 It will be observed, moreover, that the camber at the waist area is of each bifurcated tail section 12 - 14 mm. While the integral mononose and the tip region have been shown as a uniform 7mm thicklless, the thick-ness may vary to provide a degree of "softness" which can vary for weight variations of skiers. Thus, the tip may taper ln thickness to provide a softer tip for a lS0 lb. skier or it may be thicker than 7 mm, i.e., 8 mm thick to provide a stiffer tip for a 250 lb. skier.
Figure 10 is the bottom view of a twinski which is from 180 cm -210 cm long. The grooves 16 in each tail section are set equidistant from the center line and are 1 - 2 mm wide and 1 mm deep. They extend from 30 cm from the tip of the ski to the tail edge.
The ratio of the length of the integral mononose portion to the bifurcated tail portion generally is 1:5 to 1:6.5, although other propor-tions are permissible within aspects of this invention. The width of theslot 9 varies between 1/4 and 3/4 of the total average width of the twinski 10. Thus the slot 9 may be wider, the same width or narrower than the width of each of the bifurcated tail sections 12, 13.
The materials out of which the twinski may be made, and typical transverse cross sections of the tail sections 12, 13 of embodiments of aspects of this invention, are shown in Figures 11 and 12. In Figure 11, it is seen that the core of twinski 10 includes a laminate of edge-glued hickory strips 110, glass fiber sheet 111 and edge-glued strip 112 enveloped with a sheet of airplane aluminum 113. The running surface 30 is formed of polytetrafluoroethylene or any other suitable synthetic plastics material, having a single groove 22 (as disclosed in Figure 2) therein. The lower side edges are provided with steel edges 20. - --In Figure 12 there is shown a hard foam core 121 with a stiffen-ing layer of edge-glued sheet 122, a lower layer of edge-glued ash sheet 123 and lateral ash strips 124 with an envelope of a sheet of fiberglass 125. The running surface 30 is formed of polytetrafluoroethylene or any other suitable synthetic plastics material, having a groove 22 (as disclosed in Figure 2) therein. The lower edges are provided with steel edges 20.
I~hile two embodiments of twinski construction have been shown . .
- ~ :
and described, other structures may be used. Thus, the core may be made of a honeycomb structure, elther of a plastics material or of a metal, e.g., aluminum, which is laminated to a facing sheet, e.g., of glass fiber, or of a metal, e.g., airplane aluminum, and then provided with a lower running surface of a plastics material, e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene.
As described above, in plan form the twinski is shorter than a conventional ski, and is, on the average, approximately three to four times the width. While the exact dimensions may vary to suit the rider and the required performance characteristics, the basic proportions of a tested efficient ski are given below as typical.
In one embodiment, the twinski has a length of 180 cm. The width of the forward tip region is 16.5 cm, the width at the central waist area (including tail sections and slot) is 15 cm and the width at the tail area (including tail section and slot) is at least 17.7 cm. The bindings are located 5 cm rearward of the center part of the longitudinal axis. They are set to extend from 0.56 to 1.12 cm over the lateral edges of the twinski.
The grooves commence 35 cm from the forward tip and continue right through to each of the tail sections. The lateral positioning of the longitudinal grooves is approximately one-half of the width of each tail section and the depth is approximately 2 to 3 mm. The bottom of the twinski tapers up slightly at the tail portion. In addition, the camber of the twinski is greater than that of conventional skis.
Thus, by the present invention in its many aspects, a twinski is provided which is of sufficient width to hold both feet in fairly close side-by-side position in conventional bindings or boot retainers. The twinski has a relatively stiff central waist portion, with a flexible tip region, a flexible, outwardly flared tail and a maximum bottom camber. The relationship of the width at the tip region, at the waist portion and at the tail portion is important to the performance of the twinski. Also ~ 16 -.~
essential is the "floating" interconnection of the tail sections. This permits each of the bifurcated tall sections to move vertically indepen-dently. Moreover, the rear spacing of the tail section is adjustable.
Advantages of the twinski provided herein are extreme manoeuverability, good pivot turnability, controlled turns at all speeds and good support on powder snow and excellent manoeuverability in both packed and corn snow.
The four edges provide greater control and the twinski provides a wider stance for balance, enabling greater use by a novice. The interconnected tail sections work independently. Moreover, the twinski is lighter and easier to carry.
Supplementary Disclosure The Principal Disclosure provided a twinski comprising an inte-gral mononose section and bifurcated tail sections separated by a longitu-dinal slot, the tail sections being at least five times as long as the nose section. The integral mononose section included an upwardly curved forward tip region. The tail sections included a pair of central waist segments comprising a central waist portion and a pair of terminal tail segments comprising a tail portion. The twinski had its greatest thickness at the central waist portion, and had reduced thickness both towards the tail portion and the fonward tip, with the minimum thickness being adjacent to the fon~ard tip region. Ski bindings were adapted to be mounted on each of the tail sections of the twinski adjacent the central waist portion, for holding the feet of a skier in side-by-side relation. Bridge means were provided at the tail portion for adjustably and floatingly holding the tail sections in predetermined spaced apart relation, so that the lateral spacings were predetermined but yet the tail sections were allowed to move vertically.
By the present Supplementary Disclosure, certain important pre-ferred interrelationships and variants are described.
One variant resides in the fact that the total width of the tail (i.e., the width of the two tail sections and the width of the slot) does not have to be wider than the width of the tip at the mononose section.
By another variant, the length of the twinski will be from 100 cm to 225 cm.
By another variant, the twinski will be from 100 to 225 cm long.
By still another variant, each bifurcated tail section is wider than the slot, at the tail.
By still another variant, the slot converges from the tail to the integral mononose, and especially where the degree of convergence increases at the integral monollose.
10~()38S
By another variant, the integral mononose section is formed of exceptionally strong material to resist twisting moments of the tail sec-tions.
By other variantg, the slot may extend 1 - 5 cm into the integral mononose.
By other variants, the twinski may be 193 cm long with the inte-gral mononose section being 50 cm longJ or it may be 196 cm long, with the integral mononose section being 45 cm long.
By variations thereof, the slot can be from 145 - 180 cm long, desirably either 165 or 147 cm long.
By still other variants, the slot may converge from 6 cm at the tail to 4 cm at the mononose; or from 8 cm at the tail to 5 cm at the - -mononose.
By another variant, the bridge means is secured to the tail sec-tion by a bottom plate, substituting for a portion of a lower skin of the twinski, and an upper plate substituting for a portion of an upper skin of the twinski.
By a further variant, the bridge means comprises a connecting bar of semi-hoop-like shape, provided with an aperture therethrough at each end, whereby the connecting bar may be connected to spaced-apart ears on one of the plates, by means of a pin extending through aligned apertures in the ears and in the connecting bar.
By one variation, the spaced-apart ears are welded to the upper plate.
By another variation, the spaced-apart ears are welded to the lower plate, and pass through apertures in the upper plate.
By a further variation, the upper plate is secured to the lower plate by a bolt passing through the uppe~ plate, through the skir core and through tapped holes in the lower plate.
By another variation, the upper plate is provided with a pair of ~90385 spaced-apart ears, having aligned apertures; a connecting bar disposed between the ears, the connecting bar having an aperture therethrough at the lower end; and a pin extending through all the apertures to provide hinged connections.
By another variation, the lower plate is provided with a pair of upstanding, spaced-apart ears, which project through the twinski and the upper plate, the ears having aligned apertures; a connecting bar disposed between the ears, the connecting bar having an aperture therethrough at the lower end; and a pin extending through all the apertures to provide hinged connections.
By still another variation, the connecting bar is provided with a protective wrapper.
The length of the longitudinal slot is dependent, to some extent, upon the snow the twinski is adapted to be skied upon. For powder snow, the slot extends a lesser distance into the integral mononose tip than for hard packed snow. For example, some typical dimensions for a twinski particularly adapted to be used in hard packed snow are:
Total width of twinski at tail: 21.6 cm Width of each tail: 7.8 cm Width of slot segment: 6.0 cm Length of slot prior to apex (apex being the point where the sides of the slot converge sharply to join together in the integral mononose): 161.5 cm - 179 cm (depending on the material of construc-- tion of the mononose) Width of slot prior to apex: 4.5 cm - 4 cm Length of apex of slot 4.7 cm - 1.7 cm (depending on width of slot prior to apex) Width of twinski at mid-section (total): 20 cm Width of slot at mid-section: 6 cm Width of twinski at mononose: 20 cm Total length of twinski: 193 cm -Si - SD 20 -~)a0385 The integral mononose section must be made of exceptionally strong material, e.g., a metal, for example, aluminum, in order to with-stand the stress built up on the twinski due to the twisting action at the tail sections. Such twisting action is inherent in the "setting" of the edges of the twinski during skiing. Thus, it is essential that the tip be made very strong in order to avoid breakage. It is thus preferred that the metal integral mononose extend to the bifurcated portion, to a total length of integral mononose of, e.g., 50 cm.
Consequently, in a twinski to be used in hard packed snow, the slot converges as it approaches the integral mononose and encroaches a greater distance into the integral mononose. The length of the slot can be varied depending on the material used in the integral mononose region.
Thus, for more flexible material, the slot need not be as long in order to provide a twinski which can twist under skiing conditions to "set" the edges.
In another example, for a twinski intended for powder snow, the typical dimensions are as follows:
Total width of twinski at tail:23.5 cm Width of each tail segment: 8 cm Width of slot: 7.5 cm Total width of twinski at mid-section: 20.2 cm Width of each mid-section: 7 cm Width of slot: 6.2 cm Total width of twinski at integral section: 22 cm Length of slot prior to apex:145.5 cm Width of slot at prior to apex: 5 cm Length of apex: 13 cm Total length of twinski: 196 cm In this example of twinski as well, the slot converges towards the integral mononose section. It will be observed that the slot extends ~ .
-}38S
into the mononose section to a lesser extent than for the previously des-cribed twinski.
In the drawings accompanying the present Supplementary Disclosure, Figure 13 is a rear end view of one variant of an assembled bridge section showing the upper plates, ears and semi-hoop-like bridge;
Figure 14 is a view of a portion of the bridge section of Figure 13 showing the securement of the upper p~ate of the twinski;
Figure 15 is a bottom perspective view of the tail segment of the twinski, showing the assembly of the upper and lower plates;
Figure 16 is a side elevation showing the ;ssembly of the bridge to the ears;
Figure 17 is a rear end view of a portion of a bridge section of another aspect of the invention, showing the securement to the twinski;
and Figure 18 is a top plan view of the bridge section of Figure 17.
As seen in Figure l3, the bridge section includes a pair of top plates 131, to each of which a pair of spaced-apart ears 132 are integrally provided, e.g., by welding 133 (see also Figure 6). The bridge means com-prises a circular rod 134, bent into a semi-hoop shape, the ends 135 of which are each provided with an aperture 136. The ears are provided with aligned apertures 137. A pin 138 passes through apertures 137, 136 to secure the bridge means 134 to the ears 132. The pin 138 is held in place with a washer/cotter pin arrangement 139. The bridge means 134 is covered with a protective rubber wrapping 140.
As seen in Figures 14 and 15, the tail segment 141 of the twinski is provided with the top plate 131, secured to .he ski core 142, where a section of the upper skin 143 of the twinski has been removed (see Figure 15). A section of the lower skin 144 has also been removed to provide means for insertion of a bottom plate 145. A bolt 146 securing the top plate 131 to the bottom plate 145 passes through the ski core 142 and engages in tapped holes 147 in the bottom plate.
- SD 22 _ , 11)~0385 As an alternative procedure for securing the lower plate 145 to the upper plate 131 as seen in Figure 15, the upper plate is provided with welded-on nuts 148. A screw 149 passes through countersunk holes in the bottom plate 145 to be secured into the nuts 148.
A further variation is shown in Figures 17 and 18. Here the bottom plate is provided with a pair of ears 152 provided with aligned apertures 156 in the same manner as ears 132. The ears 152 pass through apertures 153 in .he uppe- plate 131. The lower end of bridge means 134 is is secured to ears 152 by me.ns of pin 158. The upper plate 131 is pro-~0 vided with suitable locknuts 148, made of fiber material, or any othersuitable crown nut.
~et another improvement in monoskis was provided in U.S. Patent No.. 3,758,127 patented by Michael D. Doyle and William L. Bahne, on Sept.
11, 1973. The single ski described in that patent was much wider and shor-ter than conventional skis and, due to its large concentrated area, was said to ride well on soft snow. Both feet were held in close side-by-side posi-tion in any suitable type of bindings or boot retainers, the constant sucure leg position making control more positive. It was alleged by the patentee that fast turns could be made at any speed with a minimum of effort and body motion, and that sharp pivot turns were possible, as op--;
posed to the usually long sliding turns made with dual skis. In a fall, the feet were alleged remained together and the skier could retain more ` control : ~ ' ' . ~ .
:1~190385 over the body and limbs to avoid in~ury.
The performance of the single ski disclosed in thc above patent was said to be not merely the result of the short wide shape. The pattern of flexibility through the ski was said to be important and there was a definite configuration that was said to be essential to ensure proper action. In such patented monoski, the central body portion was very stiff, the tail was torsionally flexible and the nose or tip was even more flexi-ble. Very little bottom camber was used and the ski did not have the pro-nounced hourglass shape used in most conventional skis to allow a tight radius turn. The patented ski has almost straight sides for high speed and stability, yet was said to be capable of sharp turns due to its novel design.
The patented ski had a length-to-width ratio on the order of 9 or 10 to 1. The patentee discussed the importance of proper torsional re-sistance. In a turn the tail of the ski was said to act as a rudder and was therefore said to bite into the snow without twisting away from the turn. The nose or tip must have enough torsional resistance to hold a transverse across a slope, but still be able to twist and release from the snow from a turn. A tip that is torsionally too stiff will tend to climb or hook into a slope and; if too soft, it will twist away from the surface and not hold a transverse. The patentee stated that a ski which was too stiff overall, or one which was too flexible, overall, did not have the performance of the properly proportioned patented ski.
While monoskis as above described were useful in powder snow, they were most difficult to control and to use in hard-packed or corn snow.
In an effort to provide a new and improved single ski on which both feet were held in close side-by-side relation, and a new and improved single snow ski which was-easily controlled and safer to use than conven-tional dual skis, not ~nly in powder snow, but in hard packed or corn snow, .
.
'.
.- :
.
the monoski of Canadian Patent No. 989,435 isslled ~lay 18, ]976 to t~t'C
Pedersen was developed. According to one embodiment of the invenL-ion of that patent, a single snow ski was provided comrpising: an elongated body having a central waist portion, having a maximum width of 6-1/4", an up-wardly curved forward tip region, having a maximum width of 6-1/2", and an upwardly tapered and outwardly flared tail portion, having a maximum width of 7-1/3", the ski having its greatest thickness at the central waist portion, and being reduced in thickness both towards the tail portion and the forward tip region, the minimum thickness being adjacent the for-ward tip region, and wherein the forward tip region defined by side edges flaring outwardly from the central waist portion towards to forward end of the ski, and then converging to join together at the tip, such forward tip region being wider than the central waist portion, and wherein the tail portion is wider than the forward tip region; wherein the ratio of the width of the tip to the width of the waist is 1.04 - 1.23 and wherein the ratio of the width of the tip to the width of the tail is 0.77 - 0.93 and ski bindings mounted on the ski adjacent the central waist portion for .
holding the feet of a skier in close side-by-side relation, with such ski bindings extending slightly over the side edges of the ski.
ZO According to another aspect of the invention, in the aforesaid patent, the ski included a pair of grooves in the base thereof, particular-ly wherein the grooves commenced 30 - 35 cm from the forward tip of the ski and extended through to the tail portion of the ski, especially where-in the grooves were parallel to one another and were spaced 6 mm apart, and also wherein the grooves were situated 1/3 of the ski width and were 2 to 3 mm deep, in either case, the ski having a camber of 12 - 14 mm.
According to yet another aspect of the invention in the aforesaid patent, the bindings extended from 0.5 to 1.1 cm over the side edges of the ski, and the bindings were located 6 cm rearward of the central part of the central waist portion thereof.
~. .
.
In anot~ r v;lr~.ltion, the bindin~s included a pair of toe members ll!o~ ted parallel to one allother on individual base plates, each such base plate being secured directly onto the ski, and a pair of heel members mounted parallel to one another on individual base plates, each such base plate being secured directly oneo the ski, while in another variation, the bind-ings comprised a pair of toe members mounted in side-by-side relation paral-lel to one another on a pedestal, such pedestal being secured to the mono-ski, and a pair of heel members mounted in side-by-side relation parallel to one another on a pedestal, such pedestal being secured to the monoski.
By a further aspect of the invention in the aforesaid patent, the monoski was formed of a foam core, with stiffening members of wood, and laminated to a glass fiber sheet, and a synthetic plastics material on the bottom, running surface, while in yet another aspect, the monoski was formed of a laminate of hickory, ash, and glass fiber, with an upper laminated surface of airplane aluminum, and a bottom running surface of a synthetic plastics material, in either case, the ski including steel running edges.
In another embodiment of the invention in that patent, the ski was from 90 to 185 cm long, was 16.5 cm wide at the forward tip region, was 15.3 cm wide at the central waist portion and was at least 18.5 cm wide at the tail portion. In another embodiment, the ski was 22 mm thick at the central waist portion, was 11 mm thick at the forward tip region and was 9 mm thick at the tail portion. Thus, in view of the essential variations in width of the ski at particular areas, there was no signifi-cance to any length-to-width ratio, as has been proposed in the past.
While the monoski described above was superior to monoskis pro-posed in the past, it was found desirable to effect further improvements.
Accordingly, objects of aspects of the invention include the provision of an improved monoski which includes a wider stance for balance, is adaptable to virtually all snow conditions, is li~hter in overall weight and is easler to use.
By one broad aspect of this invention, a twinski is provided com-prising: a mononose section and bifurcated tail sections separated by a longitudinal slot, the tail sections being at least five times as long as the nose section, the nose section including an upwi~rdly curved forward tip region, the tail sections including a pair of central waist segments comprising a central waist portion, and a pair of terminal tail segments comprising a tail portion, the twinski having its greatest thickness at the central waist portion, and being reduced in thickness both towards the tail portion and towards the forward tip, the minimum thickness being ad-jacent to the forward tip region; ski bindings adapted to be mounted on each of the tail sections of the ski adjacent the central waist portion for holding the feet of a skier in side-by-side relation; and bridge means at the tail portion adjustably and floatingly holding the tail sections in predetermined spaced-apart relation; and bridge means at the tail portion adjustably and floatingly holding the tail sections in predetermined spaced-apart relation, so that the lateral spacings are predetermined but yet the tail sections are allowed to move vertically.
By one variant, the width of the longitudinal slot is from 1/2 to 2 times the width of each of the tail sections.
By another variant, the width of the longitudinal slot is the same as the width of each of the tail sections.
By another variant, the bridge means comprises a connector plate secured to the end of each of the tail sections and a single continuous curved connecting rod secured at its ends to a respective one of the con-nector plates, By a variation thereof, each end of the curved connecting rod is pivotally connected to its respective connector plate.
By another variant, the bridge means comprises a connector plate provided with an upstanding post secured to the end of e.!~h of the t~
sections, and a connector bar interconnecting the upper ends of the up~tand-ing posts.
By a variation thereof, the connection between the connector bar and the upper end of each upstanding post is a universal joint to provide pivotal movement.
By another variation~ the connecting bar or rod is formed of ten-sion steel.
By still another variation, the connector bar or rod is adjustable in length to provide controlled spacing between the ends of tail.
By a further variant, the ski includes a groove in the base of each of the tail sections.
By a further variant, the grooves commence 30 - 35 cm from the forward tip of the twinski and extend through each of the tail sections of the twinski.
By another-variant, the ski has a camber of 12 - 14 mm.
By yet another variant, the bindings are secured to each of the bifurcated tail sections and extend slightly over the side edges thereof.
By a further variant, the bindings include a pair of toe members, mounted parallel to one another on individual base plates, each such base plate being secured directly onto a respective tail section of the twinski, and a pair of heel members mounted parallel to one another on individual base plates, each such base plate being secured directly onto a respective tail section of the twinski.
By another aspect of this invention, the twinski is formed of a foam core, with stiffening members of wood, and laminated to a glass fiber sheet envelope, with a synthetic plastics material on the bottom, running surface.
By a further aspect of this invention, the twinski is formed of a laminate of hickory, ash, and glass fiber, with an upper laminated - ' ' -": . . : - , 1~90385 surface of airplane aluminum, and a bottom running surface of a synthetic plastics material.
By another aspect of this invention, the ski is formed of a honeycomb core, either of a plastic material, or a metal, e.g., aluminum, laminated to a glass fiber sheet or to a sheet of airplane aluminum and a running surface of a synthetic plastic material.
By a variation of these aspects, the ski includes four steel running edges along the edges of the tail portions of the twinski.
By yet another variant of this invention, the width of the longitudinal slot is the same as the width of each of the tail sections.
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a twinski according to one aspect of this invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the twinski of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the twinski of Figure l;
Figurè 4 is a side elevational view of one variant of the tail bridge structure used in the twinski according to an aspect of this inven-tion;
Figure 5 is a top plan view of the tail bridge structure of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a side elevational view of another variant of the tail bridge structure used in an aspect of the twinski of an aspect of this invention;
Figure 7 is a top plan view of the tail bridge structure of Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a twinski through one tail section and the nose section indicating the thickness and camber thereof of a typical twinski of one embodiment of this invention;
Figure 9 is a top plan view of the twinski of Figure 8 showing typical dimensions thereof;
1~)9(~385 Figure 10 is a bottom plan view of the twinski of Figure 8;
Figure Il is a transverse cross-section through the tail section of one embodiment of the twinski of an aspect of this invention; and Figure 12 is a transverse cross-section through the tail section of another embodiment of the twinski of another aspect of this invention.
Turning to Figures 1, 2 and 3, it is seen that the twinski 10 comprises an elongated body having an in,tegral mononose section 11 and a bifurcated pair of tail sections 12, 13 separated by a slot 9. The twinski 10 includes an upwardly curved forward tip region 14 and a pair of central waist segments 15, 16 providing a central waist portion and a pair of out-wardly flared tail sections 17, 18 providing an outwardly flared tail portion. The tail sections 17, 18 are tied together in a "floating" manner to be described hereinafter by tail bridge structure 19. Each of the four side edges may be provided with a conventional steel wear-resistant edge 20. The underside of the twinski has a running surface 21 of polyethylene, or a similar plastic material, having a pair of parallel longitudinal grooves 22 extending from adjacent the forward tip 11 along substantially the full length of the body. Grooves 22 allow the twinski to unstick from the snow more readily and to reduce friction in running~ The tail portion 20 of the twinski is slightly upwardly tapered and preferably the tail sections 17, 18 may be protected by a reinforcing strip 23 of metal or thé
like.
The feet of the skier are held in side-by-side position on the central waist segments 15, 16 of the twinski 10 by any suitable bindings or boot retainers, represented as toe grips 24 mounted on binding plates 25 and heel clamps 26 mounted on binding plates 27. Many different bind-ings and quick-release fittings are available, and since they do not form part of this invention, need not be discussed further. Suitable securing means can be incorporated on the twillski 10 where needed.
It has been found that thc precise interrelationsllip of the - 11 - ` ' 1~90385 -~ configuration of the twinski 10 and the placement of the bindings 24, 26 causes the turning characteristics to be altered from that of conventional skis. Such characteristics become superior, and it is possible to effect turns uphill more smartly, faster and with greater safety, and to effect turns downhill to the fall line with equally smooth characteristics.
The bindings 24, 26 may be set side by side or may be moved, one slightly ahead of the other. It is preferred, however, that the bindings 24, 26 be set parallel to each other, equidistant from the forward tip 11 and the tail sections 17, 18.
10The waist effect at segments 15, 16 and the relative widths of the forward tip region 11 and the tail sections 17, 18 provide the stability and directional characteristics that are superior to conventional skis.
The twinski 10 is simple to ride with both feet held fairly close on the twinski 10 and there is no tendency for the feet to separate and get out of control in extreme manoeuvers. Very tight pivot turns can be made at substantially any speed without any substantial loss of stability.
The turning radius can be as little as one-third of that possible with con-ventional dual skis. The wide area enables the twinski 10 to plane effec-tively and to ride high in soft snow, which also facilitates manoeuvering.In a fall, the risk of injury is greatly reduced, since the feet do not fly in different directions, each with a long unwieldy ski attached.
It is believed that the likelihood of injury in the case of the use of the twinski 10 is reduced because the legs are fairly close together.
The majority of accidents results from crossed or diverging skis, with or without proper bindings. Preferred bindings are side release bindings of the safety type. They should be set 30 to 40% looser than is the usual ~practice. In test falls, a s~ier has been found to come down without dis-comfort in a sitting position. It is believed that this is due to the characteristics of the twinskis in unllsllal attitudes, and the weight of the .~
~ - 12 -109C~385 skier is essentially towards the rear.
Turning now to Figures 4 and 5, the tail bridge structure 19 comprises a turved tensile steel bar 40 disposed between two retaining members 41. Each retaining member includes a generally rectangular base plate 42 having a support base pedestal 43 thereon. Upstanding from pedestal 43 are a pair of spaced-apart lugs 44 provided with aligned aper-tures 45. The end plugs 46 of bar 40 are also provided with apertures 47.
A hinge pin 48 is mounted through apertures 47, 45 to provide a hinged con-nection between the base 42 and the bar 40, to allow "floating" intercon-nection.
Base plates 42 are provided with fastening apertures 49 to permitsecurement of the base plate 42 to the tail sections 17, 18 of the twinski 10 .
Turning now to Figures 6 and 7, the second variant of a tail bridge structure 19 is shown. It includes a horizontal bar structure 60 and a pair of vertical pedestal structures 61. Each pedestal structure includes a plate 62 with an upstanding cylindrical column 63 provided with an internally tapped bore 64. A threaded post 65 is threadedly secured to - bore 64 and to an internally tapped bore 66 in a universal 90 degree con-nection 67. The effective height of post 65, i.e., the vertical distance between the bottom of plate 62 and the top of connector 67 is controllably adjusted by nut 68.
90 degree universal connector 67 is provided witha spheroidal cup 69 in which a ball-joint 70 of a hollow connecting rod 71 is disposed.
Ro~d 71 is provided with an internally tapped bore 72. Universal connectors 67, connecting rods 71 and a threaded bar 73 constitute the horizontal bar structure 60. The span between the ends of connectors 67 is adjustably controlled by threading bar 73 into tapped bores 72.
Base plates 62 are provided with fastening apertures 74 to per-mit securement of the base plate 62 to the tail sections 17, 18 of the ,~ ~ - 13 -;
1~)903~35 twinski 10.
Turning now to Figures 8, 9 and 10, these show some typical inter-relationships of twinski thickness ~in Figure 8) and twinski width (in Figure 9) for a typical twinski according to one aspect of this invention, having a length of from 90 - 185 cm. The interrelationships are summarized below in the table.
Ski Thick~ess Ski Width (Figure 8)(~igure 9) (mm) (cm) 7 5.0 7 14.0 (single nose tip region) 7 16.5 bifurcated 11 16.3 tail section 14 16.0 16.5 15.8 19 15.7 15.4 (each waist area) 21 15.3 22 15.2 21 15.2 15.8 19 16.1 17 16.5 15.5 17.0 12 17.6 (each tail area) 10 18.2 -9 18.5 9 17.5 It will be observed, moreover, that the camber at the waist area is of each bifurcated tail section 12 - 14 mm. While the integral mononose and the tip region have been shown as a uniform 7mm thicklless, the thick-ness may vary to provide a degree of "softness" which can vary for weight variations of skiers. Thus, the tip may taper ln thickness to provide a softer tip for a lS0 lb. skier or it may be thicker than 7 mm, i.e., 8 mm thick to provide a stiffer tip for a 250 lb. skier.
Figure 10 is the bottom view of a twinski which is from 180 cm -210 cm long. The grooves 16 in each tail section are set equidistant from the center line and are 1 - 2 mm wide and 1 mm deep. They extend from 30 cm from the tip of the ski to the tail edge.
The ratio of the length of the integral mononose portion to the bifurcated tail portion generally is 1:5 to 1:6.5, although other propor-tions are permissible within aspects of this invention. The width of theslot 9 varies between 1/4 and 3/4 of the total average width of the twinski 10. Thus the slot 9 may be wider, the same width or narrower than the width of each of the bifurcated tail sections 12, 13.
The materials out of which the twinski may be made, and typical transverse cross sections of the tail sections 12, 13 of embodiments of aspects of this invention, are shown in Figures 11 and 12. In Figure 11, it is seen that the core of twinski 10 includes a laminate of edge-glued hickory strips 110, glass fiber sheet 111 and edge-glued strip 112 enveloped with a sheet of airplane aluminum 113. The running surface 30 is formed of polytetrafluoroethylene or any other suitable synthetic plastics material, having a single groove 22 (as disclosed in Figure 2) therein. The lower side edges are provided with steel edges 20. - --In Figure 12 there is shown a hard foam core 121 with a stiffen-ing layer of edge-glued sheet 122, a lower layer of edge-glued ash sheet 123 and lateral ash strips 124 with an envelope of a sheet of fiberglass 125. The running surface 30 is formed of polytetrafluoroethylene or any other suitable synthetic plastics material, having a groove 22 (as disclosed in Figure 2) therein. The lower edges are provided with steel edges 20.
I~hile two embodiments of twinski construction have been shown . .
- ~ :
and described, other structures may be used. Thus, the core may be made of a honeycomb structure, elther of a plastics material or of a metal, e.g., aluminum, which is laminated to a facing sheet, e.g., of glass fiber, or of a metal, e.g., airplane aluminum, and then provided with a lower running surface of a plastics material, e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene.
As described above, in plan form the twinski is shorter than a conventional ski, and is, on the average, approximately three to four times the width. While the exact dimensions may vary to suit the rider and the required performance characteristics, the basic proportions of a tested efficient ski are given below as typical.
In one embodiment, the twinski has a length of 180 cm. The width of the forward tip region is 16.5 cm, the width at the central waist area (including tail sections and slot) is 15 cm and the width at the tail area (including tail section and slot) is at least 17.7 cm. The bindings are located 5 cm rearward of the center part of the longitudinal axis. They are set to extend from 0.56 to 1.12 cm over the lateral edges of the twinski.
The grooves commence 35 cm from the forward tip and continue right through to each of the tail sections. The lateral positioning of the longitudinal grooves is approximately one-half of the width of each tail section and the depth is approximately 2 to 3 mm. The bottom of the twinski tapers up slightly at the tail portion. In addition, the camber of the twinski is greater than that of conventional skis.
Thus, by the present invention in its many aspects, a twinski is provided which is of sufficient width to hold both feet in fairly close side-by-side position in conventional bindings or boot retainers. The twinski has a relatively stiff central waist portion, with a flexible tip region, a flexible, outwardly flared tail and a maximum bottom camber. The relationship of the width at the tip region, at the waist portion and at the tail portion is important to the performance of the twinski. Also ~ 16 -.~
essential is the "floating" interconnection of the tail sections. This permits each of the bifurcated tall sections to move vertically indepen-dently. Moreover, the rear spacing of the tail section is adjustable.
Advantages of the twinski provided herein are extreme manoeuverability, good pivot turnability, controlled turns at all speeds and good support on powder snow and excellent manoeuverability in both packed and corn snow.
The four edges provide greater control and the twinski provides a wider stance for balance, enabling greater use by a novice. The interconnected tail sections work independently. Moreover, the twinski is lighter and easier to carry.
Supplementary Disclosure The Principal Disclosure provided a twinski comprising an inte-gral mononose section and bifurcated tail sections separated by a longitu-dinal slot, the tail sections being at least five times as long as the nose section. The integral mononose section included an upwardly curved forward tip region. The tail sections included a pair of central waist segments comprising a central waist portion and a pair of terminal tail segments comprising a tail portion. The twinski had its greatest thickness at the central waist portion, and had reduced thickness both towards the tail portion and the fonward tip, with the minimum thickness being adjacent to the fon~ard tip region. Ski bindings were adapted to be mounted on each of the tail sections of the twinski adjacent the central waist portion, for holding the feet of a skier in side-by-side relation. Bridge means were provided at the tail portion for adjustably and floatingly holding the tail sections in predetermined spaced apart relation, so that the lateral spacings were predetermined but yet the tail sections were allowed to move vertically.
By the present Supplementary Disclosure, certain important pre-ferred interrelationships and variants are described.
One variant resides in the fact that the total width of the tail (i.e., the width of the two tail sections and the width of the slot) does not have to be wider than the width of the tip at the mononose section.
By another variant, the length of the twinski will be from 100 cm to 225 cm.
By another variant, the twinski will be from 100 to 225 cm long.
By still another variant, each bifurcated tail section is wider than the slot, at the tail.
By still another variant, the slot converges from the tail to the integral mononose, and especially where the degree of convergence increases at the integral monollose.
10~()38S
By another variant, the integral mononose section is formed of exceptionally strong material to resist twisting moments of the tail sec-tions.
By other variantg, the slot may extend 1 - 5 cm into the integral mononose.
By other variants, the twinski may be 193 cm long with the inte-gral mononose section being 50 cm longJ or it may be 196 cm long, with the integral mononose section being 45 cm long.
By variations thereof, the slot can be from 145 - 180 cm long, desirably either 165 or 147 cm long.
By still other variants, the slot may converge from 6 cm at the tail to 4 cm at the mononose; or from 8 cm at the tail to 5 cm at the - -mononose.
By another variant, the bridge means is secured to the tail sec-tion by a bottom plate, substituting for a portion of a lower skin of the twinski, and an upper plate substituting for a portion of an upper skin of the twinski.
By a further variant, the bridge means comprises a connecting bar of semi-hoop-like shape, provided with an aperture therethrough at each end, whereby the connecting bar may be connected to spaced-apart ears on one of the plates, by means of a pin extending through aligned apertures in the ears and in the connecting bar.
By one variation, the spaced-apart ears are welded to the upper plate.
By another variation, the spaced-apart ears are welded to the lower plate, and pass through apertures in the upper plate.
By a further variation, the upper plate is secured to the lower plate by a bolt passing through the uppe~ plate, through the skir core and through tapped holes in the lower plate.
By another variation, the upper plate is provided with a pair of ~90385 spaced-apart ears, having aligned apertures; a connecting bar disposed between the ears, the connecting bar having an aperture therethrough at the lower end; and a pin extending through all the apertures to provide hinged connections.
By another variation, the lower plate is provided with a pair of upstanding, spaced-apart ears, which project through the twinski and the upper plate, the ears having aligned apertures; a connecting bar disposed between the ears, the connecting bar having an aperture therethrough at the lower end; and a pin extending through all the apertures to provide hinged connections.
By still another variation, the connecting bar is provided with a protective wrapper.
The length of the longitudinal slot is dependent, to some extent, upon the snow the twinski is adapted to be skied upon. For powder snow, the slot extends a lesser distance into the integral mononose tip than for hard packed snow. For example, some typical dimensions for a twinski particularly adapted to be used in hard packed snow are:
Total width of twinski at tail: 21.6 cm Width of each tail: 7.8 cm Width of slot segment: 6.0 cm Length of slot prior to apex (apex being the point where the sides of the slot converge sharply to join together in the integral mononose): 161.5 cm - 179 cm (depending on the material of construc-- tion of the mononose) Width of slot prior to apex: 4.5 cm - 4 cm Length of apex of slot 4.7 cm - 1.7 cm (depending on width of slot prior to apex) Width of twinski at mid-section (total): 20 cm Width of slot at mid-section: 6 cm Width of twinski at mononose: 20 cm Total length of twinski: 193 cm -Si - SD 20 -~)a0385 The integral mononose section must be made of exceptionally strong material, e.g., a metal, for example, aluminum, in order to with-stand the stress built up on the twinski due to the twisting action at the tail sections. Such twisting action is inherent in the "setting" of the edges of the twinski during skiing. Thus, it is essential that the tip be made very strong in order to avoid breakage. It is thus preferred that the metal integral mononose extend to the bifurcated portion, to a total length of integral mononose of, e.g., 50 cm.
Consequently, in a twinski to be used in hard packed snow, the slot converges as it approaches the integral mononose and encroaches a greater distance into the integral mononose. The length of the slot can be varied depending on the material used in the integral mononose region.
Thus, for more flexible material, the slot need not be as long in order to provide a twinski which can twist under skiing conditions to "set" the edges.
In another example, for a twinski intended for powder snow, the typical dimensions are as follows:
Total width of twinski at tail:23.5 cm Width of each tail segment: 8 cm Width of slot: 7.5 cm Total width of twinski at mid-section: 20.2 cm Width of each mid-section: 7 cm Width of slot: 6.2 cm Total width of twinski at integral section: 22 cm Length of slot prior to apex:145.5 cm Width of slot at prior to apex: 5 cm Length of apex: 13 cm Total length of twinski: 196 cm In this example of twinski as well, the slot converges towards the integral mononose section. It will be observed that the slot extends ~ .
-}38S
into the mononose section to a lesser extent than for the previously des-cribed twinski.
In the drawings accompanying the present Supplementary Disclosure, Figure 13 is a rear end view of one variant of an assembled bridge section showing the upper plates, ears and semi-hoop-like bridge;
Figure 14 is a view of a portion of the bridge section of Figure 13 showing the securement of the upper p~ate of the twinski;
Figure 15 is a bottom perspective view of the tail segment of the twinski, showing the assembly of the upper and lower plates;
Figure 16 is a side elevation showing the ;ssembly of the bridge to the ears;
Figure 17 is a rear end view of a portion of a bridge section of another aspect of the invention, showing the securement to the twinski;
and Figure 18 is a top plan view of the bridge section of Figure 17.
As seen in Figure l3, the bridge section includes a pair of top plates 131, to each of which a pair of spaced-apart ears 132 are integrally provided, e.g., by welding 133 (see also Figure 6). The bridge means com-prises a circular rod 134, bent into a semi-hoop shape, the ends 135 of which are each provided with an aperture 136. The ears are provided with aligned apertures 137. A pin 138 passes through apertures 137, 136 to secure the bridge means 134 to the ears 132. The pin 138 is held in place with a washer/cotter pin arrangement 139. The bridge means 134 is covered with a protective rubber wrapping 140.
As seen in Figures 14 and 15, the tail segment 141 of the twinski is provided with the top plate 131, secured to .he ski core 142, where a section of the upper skin 143 of the twinski has been removed (see Figure 15). A section of the lower skin 144 has also been removed to provide means for insertion of a bottom plate 145. A bolt 146 securing the top plate 131 to the bottom plate 145 passes through the ski core 142 and engages in tapped holes 147 in the bottom plate.
- SD 22 _ , 11)~0385 As an alternative procedure for securing the lower plate 145 to the upper plate 131 as seen in Figure 15, the upper plate is provided with welded-on nuts 148. A screw 149 passes through countersunk holes in the bottom plate 145 to be secured into the nuts 148.
A further variation is shown in Figures 17 and 18. Here the bottom plate is provided with a pair of ears 152 provided with aligned apertures 156 in the same manner as ears 132. The ears 152 pass through apertures 153 in .he uppe- plate 131. The lower end of bridge means 134 is is secured to ears 152 by me.ns of pin 158. The upper plate 131 is pro-~0 vided with suitable locknuts 148, made of fiber material, or any othersuitable crown nut.
Claims (41)
1. A twinski comprising: an integral mononose section and bifurcated tail sections separated by a longitudinal slot, the tail sec-tions being at least five times as long as the integral nose section, the integral nose section including an upwardly curved forward tip region, the tail sections including a pair of central waist segments comprising a central waist portion, and a pair of terminal tail segments comprising a tail portion, said twinski having its greatest thickness at the central waist portion, and being reduced in thickness both towards the tail portion and the forward tip, the minimum thickness being adjacent to said forward tip region; ski bindings adapted to be mounted on each of said tail sections of said ski adjacent said central waist portion for holding the feet of a skier in side-by-side relation; and bridge means at the tail portion adjustably and floatingly holding the tail sections in predeter-mined spaced-apart relation, so that the lateral spacings are predetermined but yet the tail sections are allowed to move vertically.
2. The twinski of claim 1 wherein the width of said longitudinal slot is from 1/2 to 2 times the width of each of the tail sections.
3. The twinski of claim 2 wherein the width of said longitudinal slot is the same as the width of each of said tail sections.
4. The twinski of claim 1 wherein said bridge means comprises a connector plate secured to the end of each of said tail sections and a single continuous curved connecting rod at its ends secured to a respective one of said connector plates.
5. The twinski of claim 4 wherein the ends of said curved connec-ting rod is pivotally connected to its respective connector plate.
6. The twinski of claim 1 wherein said bridge means comprises a connector plate provided with an upstanding post secured to the end of each of said tail sections, and a connector bar interconnecting the upper ends of said upstanding posts.
7. The twinski of claim 6 wherein said connector bar is connected to the posts by a universal joint, to provide pivotal movement.
8. The twinski of claim 7 wherein said connector bar is adjus-table in length to provide controlled spacing between the ends of said tail sections.
9. The twinski of claims 4, 7 or 8 wherein said connecting rod is formed of tension steel.
10. The twinski of claim 1 wherein said bindings are secured to each of said bifurcated tail sections and extend slightly over the side edges thereof.
11. The twinski of claim 1 including a groove in the base of each of said tail sections.
12. The twinski of claim 11 wherein said grooves commence 30 -35 cm from the forward tip of said twinski and extend through each of said tail sections of said twinski.
13. The twinski of claim 1 having a camber of 12 - 14 mm.
14. The twinski of claim 10 wherein said bindings extend from 0.5 to 1.1 cm over the side edges of said twinski.
15. The twinski of claims 1 or 10 wherein said bindings include a pair of toe members mounted parallel to one another on individual base plates, each said base plate being secured directly onto a respective tail section of said twinski, and a pair of heel members mounted parallel to one another on individual base plates, each said base plate being secured directly onto a respective tail section of said twinski.
16. The twinski of claim 1 formed of a lamination of a foam core with stiffening members of wood, and a glass fiber sheet envelope with a synthetic plastics material on the bottom, running surface.
17. The twinski of claim 1 formed of a laminate of hickory, ash, and glass fiber, an airplane aluminum envelope, with a bottom running sur-face of a synthetic plastics material.
18. The twinski of claim l formed from a lamination of a honey-comb core, an envelope of a sheet of glass fiber or airplane aluminum, and a bottom running surface of a synthetic plastics material.
19. The twinski of claim 18 wherein said honeycomb core is formed of a plastic or of a metal.
20. The twinski of claims 1, 16 or 17 including four steel running edges along the edges of the tail sections of the twinski.
21. The twinski of claims 1, 16 or 17 including four running edges of a hard plastics material, selected from polyurethane and nylon along the edges of the tail sections of the twinski.
Claims Supported by the Supplementary Disclosure
Claims Supported by the Supplementary Disclosure
22. The twinski of claim 1 which is from 100 to 225 cm long.
23. The twinski of claim 1 wherein the total width of said tail sections is equal to the width of the tip at said integral mononose section.
24. The twinski of claim 1 wherein each bifurcated tail section is wider than the slot, at the tail.
25. The twinsk of claim 1 wherein said slot converges from said tail to said integral mononose.
26. The twinski of claim 25 wherein the degree of convergence increases at said integral mononose.
27. The twinski of claim 25, for use on hard packed snow, wherein said slot extends from 1 - 5 cm into said integral mononose.
28. The twinski of claim 1 wherein said integral mononose section is formed of exceptionally strong material to resist twisting moments of said tail sections.
29. The twinski of claim 28 which is 193 cm long, and wherein said integral mononose section is 50 cm long.
30. The twinski of claim 28 wherein said slot is 160 - 180 cm.
31. The twinski of claim 28 wherein said slot converges from 6 cm wide to 4 cm wide.
32. The twinski of claim 28 which is 196 cm long, and wherein said integral mononose section is 45 cm long.
33. The twinski of claim 28 wherein said slot is 145 cm long.
34. The twinski of claim 29 wherein said slot converges from 8 cm wide to 5 cm wide.
35. The twinski of claim 1 wherein said bridge means is secured to the tail section by a bottom plate, substituting for a portion of a lower skin of said twinski, and by an upper plate substituting a portion of an upper skin of said twinski.
36. The twinski of claim 35 wherein said bridge means comprises a connecting bar of semi-hoop-like shape, provided with an aperture there-through at each end, whereby said connecting bar may be connected to spaced-apart ears on one of said plates, by means of a pin extending through aligned apertures in said ears and in said connecting bar.
37. The twinski of claim 36 wherein said spaced-apart ears are welded to said upper plate.
38. The twinski of claim 36 wherein said spaced-apart ears are welded to said lower plate, and pass through apertures in said upper plate.
39. The twinski of claim 35 wherein said upper plate is secured to said lower plate by a bolt passing through said upper plate, through said ski core and through tapped holes in said lower plate.
40. The twinski of claim 35 wherein said lower plate is secured to said upper plate by screws passing through said lower plate, through said ski core and through nuts secured around apertures in said upper plate.
41. The twinski of claim 36 wherein said connecting bar is pro-vided with a protective wrapper.
Priority Applications (7)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA299,045A CA1090385A (en) | 1978-03-14 | 1978-03-14 | Twin ski |
| GB8014664A GB2043461B (en) | 1978-03-14 | 1979-03-12 | Twin ski |
| EP79300381A EP0004713A3 (en) | 1978-03-14 | 1979-03-12 | Twinski |
| DE19792953026 DE2953026A1 (en) | 1978-03-14 | 1979-03-12 | DOUBLE SKI |
| FR8009595A FR2457109A1 (en) | 1978-03-14 | 1980-04-24 | TWO-BLADE TWIN SKI |
| SE8004473A SE8004473L (en) | 1978-03-14 | 1980-06-17 | TWIN SKI |
| IT86263/80A IT1148221B (en) | 1978-03-14 | 1980-07-11 | DOUBLE SKI STRUCTURE |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA299,045A CA1090385A (en) | 1978-03-14 | 1978-03-14 | Twin ski |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1090385A true CA1090385A (en) | 1980-11-25 |
Family
ID=4111006
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA299,045A Expired CA1090385A (en) | 1978-03-14 | 1978-03-14 | Twin ski |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0004713A3 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1090385A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2953026A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2457109A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2043461B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1148221B (en) |
| SE (1) | SE8004473L (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2501515A1 (en) * | 1981-03-12 | 1982-09-17 | Grange Ulysse | DEVICE FOR MAKING TWO SKIS SOLIDARITY BY MAINTAINING THEM SIDE BY SIDE |
| FR2521864A1 (en) * | 1982-02-19 | 1983-08-26 | Dayde Thierry | Board for sliding on snow - has front part formed as ski and back part divided into two parallel parts |
| CH646337A5 (en) * | 1982-04-06 | 1984-11-30 | Hubert Vuignier | Snowboard. |
| DE3522373A1 (en) * | 1985-06-22 | 1987-01-02 | Rainer Gebert | Device for the parallel guiding of two skis |
| GB8703801D0 (en) * | 1987-02-18 | 1987-03-25 | Sadler S | Board |
| IT1266098B1 (en) * | 1993-12-10 | 1996-12-20 | Nordica Spa | IMPROVED SLIDING SKI OR SNOW BOARD STRUCTURE |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3549162A (en) * | 1968-11-27 | 1970-12-22 | Harold Y Coutts | Ski construction |
| CH484682A (en) * | 1969-03-13 | 1970-01-31 | Muggli Robert | Device for parallel guidance of a pair of skis |
| AT340812B (en) * | 1976-03-24 | 1978-01-10 | Richard Thurnbichler | CHIARTING SPORTS EQUIPMENT |
| DE2704858A1 (en) * | 1977-02-05 | 1978-08-10 | Martin Hilleprandt | Deep snow ski with forked rear end - has wedge shaped slot at fork, spanned by curved tapered flexible sheet |
-
1978
- 1978-03-14 CA CA299,045A patent/CA1090385A/en not_active Expired
-
1979
- 1979-03-12 GB GB8014664A patent/GB2043461B/en not_active Expired
- 1979-03-12 DE DE19792953026 patent/DE2953026A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1979-03-12 EP EP79300381A patent/EP0004713A3/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1980
- 1980-04-24 FR FR8009595A patent/FR2457109A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1980-06-17 SE SE8004473A patent/SE8004473L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1980-07-11 IT IT86263/80A patent/IT1148221B/en active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0004713A2 (en) | 1979-10-17 |
| EP0004713A3 (en) | 1979-10-31 |
| IT1148221B (en) | 1986-11-26 |
| SE8004473L (en) | 1980-06-17 |
| GB2043461B (en) | 1982-12-15 |
| IT8086263A0 (en) | 1980-07-11 |
| FR2457109A1 (en) | 1980-12-19 |
| DE2953026A1 (en) | 1981-03-26 |
| GB2043461A (en) | 1980-10-08 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US3947049A (en) | Mono-ski | |
| US4275904A (en) | Mononose conversion for twinskis | |
| US4007946A (en) | Short ski | |
| US4974868A (en) | Modified snowboard | |
| EP0253660B1 (en) | Alpine ski | |
| CA2686334C (en) | Snowboard | |
| US4696487A (en) | Ski which is stiff in torsion and relatively weak in beam | |
| EP0496352A1 (en) | Monoski | |
| US4995631A (en) | Mono-ski deep side cuts for user stability control | |
| US4211433A (en) | Twin ski | |
| US4676521A (en) | Kneeling skis with handles | |
| CA1090385A (en) | Twin ski | |
| US5782475A (en) | Snowboard binding assembly | |
| US4165091A (en) | Snowboard | |
| CA1298328C (en) | Device for linking ski tips | |
| US5871225A (en) | Short, wide ski and binding | |
| US6394482B1 (en) | Snow skis having asymmetrical edges | |
| CA1127678A (en) | Twinski connecting arch structure | |
| US4592568A (en) | Ski boot mounting structure for facilitating monoskiing on snow | |
| US6053513A (en) | Multiple segment pivoting snowboard | |
| WO2018075348A1 (en) | Binding and support assembly for a snow sports board | |
| US4653763A (en) | One runner ski sled with outriggers | |
| CA1106863A (en) | Mononose conversion for twin skis | |
| WO1991004770A1 (en) | Short, wide ski and binding | |
| CA2129508A1 (en) | Sailing ski with board for use on snow and ice |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |