FR2554728A1 - Ski - Google Patents

Abstract

A ski of the injected type comprises a lower running sole 1, an upper covering plate 2, and two sides 3 constituting a box structure filled with foam 4, preferably polyurethane foam. The side 3 consists of a metal edge 5, a strip of relatively soft material 8 and a lateral piece of rigid form 9. Impacts on the edges 5 are absorbed partially by the strip 8 before being transmitted to the rigid piece 9, which prevents it being damaged to the point at which it cannot be repaired. The strip 8 and the lateral piece 9 may be in different colours in order to identify the mechanical characteristics of the ski.

Description

Ski.

The present invention relates to a ski in the sides -which is housed a load distribution insert.

 It is common to make skis consisting of an element similar to a box in which a chemical substance is transformed into foam to fill the entire interior of the structure.

This technique is used as an alternative to a much more expensive technique in which the skis have a laminated structure with several layers glued to each other.

In practice, a ski comprises a lower sole cooperating with a metal edge arranged on the side and adapted to increase the grip on the ground, a shaped lateral piece being mounted on this edge to close the ski laterally and constitute a box structure with an upper covering element.

The interior filler foam is usually a fine cell polyurethane foam.

One of the main disadvantages of skis made with this technique is the weakness of their sides. In fact, any significant local impact on the edge is transferred laterally to the side, which can easily give way and bend, or even break, which results in the ski being irreparably damaged.

Consequently, the sides of a ski must be formed with a material with high resistance, which involves machining and a considerable loss of material.

It is an object of this invention to provide a ski which can have an appropriate resistance on its sides, while using the technique of filling the structure with foam.

Another object is to provide a ski structure which can absorb impacts, even violent ones, without being damaged to the point of being unable to be repaired.

Another object is to provide a ski structure which can be easily manufactured by techniques comparable to those used hitherto.

Another important aim is to provide a ski with a robust structure, both from the construction point of view and from the aesthetic point of view.

These aims, as well as others which will appear below, are achieved by a ski of the injected type, characterized in that it comprises on its sides a combination of a sharp edge intended to increase the grip on the ground, d 'A strip of a relatively soft material introduced above this edge and of another rigid lateral piece of form constituting a limiting wall for the foam core.

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description, given below by way of example only, of a preferred embodiment, in conjunction with the attached drawing, in which FIG. 1 is a partial view of a ski according to the invention; and FIG. 2 is a partial view in cross section of the ski, showing the parts which constitute the side of the ski.

Referring to the drawing, a ski according to the invention comprises a lower sole 1 and an upper plate 2 which are connected together by a side piece 3 thus defining an enclosure similar to a box, which is then filled with polyurethane foam identified in 4.

Starting at the bottom, the side piece 3 comprises a metal edge 5 having a sharp edge 6 to increase the grip of the ski on the ground, the edge also having an inner wing 7 adapted to be embedded in the foam 4.

A strip 8 of a relatively soft material is placed on this edge 5 and has a constant cross section over the entire length of the ski.

To completely close the side piece 3, a form-shaped side piece 9 of a rigid resistant material is placed on this strip.

The association of these different parts can be achieved by gluing, but they can also be held together by the foam 4 adhering to them from the inside.

With a structure according to the invention, any violent local impact on the edge 5 is partially collected by the soft strip 8, which transfers it to the lateral part 9 by distributing it widely.

Thus, an improved impact resistance is obtained, in the sense that it prevents fractures of the lateral part 9, which would irreparably damage the structure of the ski.
The lateral part 9, whose configuration matches the lateral shape of the ski as a function of the thickness thereof, can be appropriately formed from a colored material of various colors, which, in addition to a visually aesthetic effect , can also be used to identify or diversify skis according to their mechanical characteristics.

It will be noted from the preceding description that all the stated goals have been achieved and that in particular a lateral structure has been provided which can withstand impacts, even of considerable importance, by distributing them over lengths such that it easily withstands damage and fractures.

Consequently, with a ski structure as shown, extremely robust and safe skis can be obtained without increasing the price, and using the same manufacturing techniques as those currently known in the industry.

Of course, it is possible to choose the materials and the dimensions of the various parts appropriately as a function of the results and the characteristics sought.

Claims (5)

Claims. 1. Ski of the injected type, characterized in that there is provided on its sides a combination of a sharp metal edge (5) adapted to increase the grip of the ski on the ground, of a strip (8) of a material relatively soft inserted above the edge and another rigid side clamp (9) constituting the limiting wall of the foam core (4). 2. Ski of the injected type according to claim 1, characterized in that the edge increasing the grip on the ground is covered by a strip of a soft material, this material preferably being a semi-rigid plastic acting as a load distributor . 3. Ski of the injected type according to claim 1, characterized in that this strip made of a relatively soft material preferably has a constant cross section over the entire length of the ski. 4. Ski of the injected type according to claim 1, characterized in that a lateral shaped part (9) made of a rigid material is placed on the strip of a relatively soft material (8) and extends over the entire length of the ski to complete the boundary wall along the side considered. 5. Ski of the injected type according to claim 1, characterized in that this strip and this lateral shaped part can suitably be colored differently to identify, if necessary, the mechanical characteristics of the ski.