GB2392847A

GB2392847A - Ski board

Info

Publication number: GB2392847A
Application number: GB0221322A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Trevor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-09-13
Filing date: 2002-09-13
Publication date: 2004-03-17
Also published as: GB0221322D0

Abstract

A device for use on snow or a similar surface, the device having a generally planar elongate support surface 11 adapted to enable a person to stand thereon, two ground engaging ski elements 12 arranged in spaced parallel relationship, and mounted parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support on either side of the said longitudinal axis, by means of two linkage arrangements spaced along the length of the skis 12 and connecting the support 11 to the skis 12 in such a way that when the support 11 is inclined relative to the ground, the ski elements 12 are inclined in the same sense. The linkage is preferably biased to a central position Fig 6 (not shown) where the ski elements 12 are parallel to the ground. Also disclosed is a snap fastener between the support surface and a shoe or boot enabling the user to quickly disengage from the board. Figs 8 and 9 (not shown).

Description

1 2392847

A recreational device The present invention relates to a recreational device for recreational use, such as skiing or sliding on snow or a similar surface such as sand, or skating on ice.

In addition to conventional skis, snowboards are also increasingly popular for recreational use for sliding downhill on snow, snowboards consisting of a single board which is relatively short but broad enough for a person to sit or stand on for sliding downhill. The present invention seeks to provide a device, called a ski board or trap, which combines the advantages of a snowboard and of conventional skis. The invention also seeks to provide means by which a person can obtain a secure safe attachment to the ski board which, at the same time, is easily detachable to enable the person to step off the ski board or to be easily detached from the skiboard in the event of an accident to avoid injury to ankles in particular. Another popular device for recreational use comprises a skateboard which consists of a board on which a person can stand which is mounted on a plurality of wheels. To facilitate manoeuvring of the board, it has upwardly curved end elements. The present invention seeks to combine attributes of a skateboard with attributes of skis or ice skates.

According to the present invention there is provided a device for use on ice, snow or a similar surface, the device having a generally planar elongate support surface adapted to enable a person to stand thereon, a pair of ground engaging slide elements arranged in spaced parallel relationship, and mounted parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support on either side of the said longitudinal axis by means of a linkage arrangement connecting the support to the slide elements in such a way that when the support is inclined relative to the ground, the slide elements are inclined in the same sense. Preferably, two pairs of said slide elements are provided, spaced in alignment along the longitudinal direction of the device, and one or two of said linkage arrangements may be provided for each pair of slide elements.

Preferably, the or each linkage arrangement comprises at least one multilink linkage having a first, lower transverse link, the slide elements each being pivotally connected to respective pivotal connections on opposite ends of the link, a second, upper transverse link to which the slide elements are each pivotally connected to respective ends thereof at a point a predetermined distance from the pivotal connections of the first transverse link, and the planar support having depending therefrom a link by which the support is pivotally connected to substantially the midpoints of both the first transverse link and the second transverse link.

Preferably, the position of the pivotal connections of the planar support on the second transverse link is adjustable in the vertical plane of the longitudinal axis relative to the end pivotal connections of the second transverse link. In alternative form, the second transverse link comprises two side links adjustably connected to the depending link. Preferably, the linkage includes resilient means to bias the planar surface and the ground engaging elements to a central position in which the ground engaging surfaces are parallel to the ground and maintain the support surface parallel to the ground. In one form, the resilient bias is provided by a torsion bar located at the pivotal connections of the ski board to the first transverse link, the torsion bar consisting of a short bar one end of which is non-rotatably secured to the centre pivot axis of the transverse link and the other end being non-rotatably connected to the depending link of the planar support.

Alternatively, the resilient bias could be provided by a torsion spring, a resilient rubber torsion bush or an elastic cord or even compression or tension springs located on each side of the pivot axis of the upper link and connected between the upper link and the underside of the support.

Preferably, the slide elements comprise skis or ice skating blades.

The present invention also provides a shoe binding to enable a shoe or boot to be releasably fastened to the planar surface, the binding consisting of snap fastening means having two inter-engaging parts, one on the shoe and one on the planar surface.

Preferably, the part on the shoe comprises a stud adapted to be secured to the sole of a

shoe, the stud being releasably engageable with a snap action in an opening in the planar support. Preferably, the snap action engagement comprises a groove or recess in the stud engageable by a projection in the opening against a resilient bias. In a preferred form, the opening passes right through the support so that it does not get blocked up with snow, etc. Preferably, the projection comprises a plurality of upstanding resilient fingers disposed about the periphery of a generally circular base and having at their free ends, inwardly directed projections which provide a substantially circular projection engageable in the said groove or recess in the stud. Means may be provided to enable the force of engagement of the snap fastener to be adjustable to compensate for different weights and/or strength ofthe users.

The device preferably has a safety cord secured to the support preferably intermediate the length thereof and having at its free end a clip fastener or quick release device to enable the board to be clipped to a ski tow and readily released therefrom.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a device according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a side view of the device, Figure 3 shows a plan view of the device, Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a linkage arrangement, Figures 5, 6 and 7, show front views of the device in various dispositions, Figures 8 and 9 show respectively an exploded view and a side section view of a snap fastening, and Figures 1 Oa and 1 Ob show schematic views of a quick release clip fastener.

Referring now to Figure 1 there is shown an exploded perspective view of a device according to the present invention incorporating a planar upper support surface 11 on which a rider can stand or sit, and a pair of ground engaging slide elements in the form of ski elements 12 arranged in spaced parallel relationship and arranged to lie on

opposite sides of the longitudinal centreline of the support surface 11. The ski elements 12 are connected to the support surface 11 through two linkage arrangements 13, to be described in greater detail hereinafter. Each ski element 12 has upturned end portions 14 at each end to enable the device to slide over snow in either direction. The support surface 11 similarly has upturned end portions 15 which facilitate the control and steering of the device. The device also incorporates a safety cord 16 which, in use, will be fastened to the person using the ski board to stop the ski board flying out of control if the person steps or falls off. The safety cord 16 also doubles as a tow cord by which the board can be attached to a button or T-bar lift by means of a quick release fastening (Figures lea, lob). The device may also include a second retaining strap (not shown) which is secured to the board and has a securable band adapted to be secured round the ankle of a user Referring now to Figure 4 there is shown an expanded view of a linkage arrangement 13 as shown in the previous figures. As described previously, two of such linkages are spaced along the longitudinal length of the support surface 11 and the skis 12. Each linkage has an L-shape bracket 17 secured on each of the ski elements and having an upstanding link 18 and an L-shaped bracket 19 secured to the underside of the support surface 11 and having a depending link 20. A first transverse link 21 is connected to the two upstanding links 18 on the skis 12 by respective pivotal connections 22 at its free ends, the pivotal connections being formed by bolts or pins 23 located in respective bores 24, 25 in the two members. A second transverse link 26 is similarly connected to the upstanding links 18 by means of pivotal connections 27 spaced predetermined equal distances above the pivotal connections 22 of the first transverse link. The second transverse link 26 consists of a three-part member having a centre section 28 containing a plurality of bores 29 which are aligned with the vertical central axis of the device. Two side links 30a, 30b are secured to the centre section 28 through selected ones of a plurality of bores31. The inner edge faces 32 of the side links abut against shoulders 33, 34 on the centre section 28 to provide a rigid play-free connection.

In an alternative form (not shown) the link 26 is a one piece member

The support surface 11 through the L-shaped bracket 19 is pivotally connected to the lower transverse link 21 through a first pivotal connection 35 and to the second transverse link 26 through a further pivotal connection 36 (Figures 5, 6, 7) which is spaced above the first pivotal connection 35 by a distance equal to the distances between the pivotal connections 22 and 27 of the outer ends of the links 21, 26 on the upstanding links 18 of the L-shaped bracket secured to the ski elements.

The links and brackets of the linkage arrangement are preferably made of a strong but lightweight metal such as an aluminium and why, or alternatively, may be formed of a heavy duty plastics material such as Nylon or Teflon (registered trademarks).

In this way, as shown particularly in Figures 6 and 7, as, in use, the surface 11 is inclined by the rider to go round of a curve, the skis 12 are inclined to an identical degree thus mimicking the action of conventional skis. In certain cases, it might be desirable to alter the relative inclination between the board support 1 1 and the skis 12 and this can be achieved by altering the upper pivotal connection 36 by which the support surface 11 is pivotally connected to the upper transverse link 28. By making the distance between the two pivotal connections 35 and 36 larger, the skis 12 will incline more than the support surface 11 and by making it smaller, the skis will incline less. The ski elements 12 are designed to have a degree of flexure in use which facilitates steering of the device.

The device incorporates resilient means, shown schematically as a torsion spring 37 in Figure 4, to bias the linkage to the central position as shown in Figure 5 in which the ski elements 12 are parallel to the ground. The resilient means may comprise a torsion bar or bush such as an annular rubber bush bonded to an outer cylindrical metal sleeve which is a force fit in the transverse link and so bonded to a central pin which is secured rigidly to the L-shaped bracket. In an alternative form it may comprise a resilient rubber cord or cords connected between the underside of the support surface 11 and the outer ends of the transverse links 21, 26.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9 there is shown, in Figure 8, an exploded view of a snap fastener 38 and in Figure 9 a cross-sectional view of the snap fastener when a person is mounted on the board. It is highly desirable to have a means enabling a person

- to be fimnly located on the board when using it but which at the same time enables the person to step easily off the board, or to become detached when falling off to prevent damage to the ankles or other joints. The snap fastener 38 consists of a stud 39 which is screwed into the sole of a shoe or boot as is widely known for such sporting footwear as golf shoes or football boots. The stud has a peripheral groove or recess 40 extending around its periphery.

The support surface 11, as shown in Figure 1, has a plurality of openings 41 towards the front and rear of the support 11 each of which openings forms a female engagement element which is adapted to receive a snap fastening element formed by the stud 39. The female fastening element consists of a first guide element 42 which is secured in the opening 41 and which has an opening 43 in its lower part so that the fastener cannot fill up with snow. A spring element 44 is located in the first guide element 42 and rests on a peripheral flange 45 of the guide element, the spring element consisting of a generally cylindrical device having four axially extending slots 46 thereby defining four up- standing fingers 47. At the upper free ends each finger 47 has a radially inwardly extending projection so that the four fingers 47 provide a substantially cylindrical inwardly directed projection 48 which is able to move resiliently inwardly and outwardly by virtue of the resilience of the fingers. The spring element 44 is retained by an annular screw cap 50 engaged with the first guide element 42.

In operation, as shown in Figure 9, a stud 39 can be inserted in the snap fastener where its peripheral groove 40 engages with the projections 48 on the spring element.

The force of engagement is such that the rider is located firmly enough on the board so is not to be easily dislodged and yet can easily snap the shoe out of the fastener when he wishes to alight from the board.

As shown in Figure 1, the board includes a safety line 49 which is usually attached at the front of the support] I and to the rider so that if the rider becomes detached from the board the board does not fly away. The safety cord also doubles as a tow cord for use on ski lifts.

Figures lea and l Ob illustrate an example of a snap fastener 51 by which the cord can be releasably attached to the tow bar 52 of a T-lift. The snap fastener 51 has a first rigid, generally C-shaped link 53 having an opening 54 partially closed by a spring link 55 pivotably mounted on one end of the opening 54 and biassed to a central position by a spring to partially close the opening. In this position the width of the opening is rather smaller than the diameter of the tow bar 52. A curved link 56 is pivotally connected to the end 57 of the C-shaped link opposite the spring link 55, and the free end ofthe curved link 56 is connected to a release cord 58 which passes through a guide 59 on the C-

shaped link adjacent the spring link 55. The curved link is biassed by a spring to a position in which it substantially overlies the C-shaped link as shown in Figure 1 Oa.

In operation, the fastener is clipped on to the tow bar 52 by moving the spring link 55 inwardly against its spring bias to enable the bar 52 to enter. The spring link 55 then returns to its central position. The towing force is transmitted through the C-shaped link 53 to the line 49. To releases the board from tow bar 52, the release cord 58 is pulled downwardly so that the curved link 56 engages the tow bar 52 and, as shown in Figure lob, pivots to push the bar out of the fastener, the spring link 55 being pushed outwardly to enable the tow bar to leave the fastener before returning to its central position. During normal operation, the safety cord 49 is attached to one end of the surface l l so that it does not interfere with the rider. Although not shown, it is envisaged that the support win incorporate a clip for the cord which lies towards the centre point of the board. In this way, when being towed, the towing force will be applied towards the centre of the board which will aid stability.

In an alternative embodiment, the ground engaging elements comprise ice skating blades. It is also possible for two pairs of ground engaging members to be provided spaced in alignment along the longitudinal direction of the device. Each pair may have one or two linkage arrangements connecting them to the support.

Claims

1. A device for use on ice, snow or a similar surface, the device having a generally planar elongate support surface adapted to enable a person to stand thereon, a pair of ground engaging slide elements arranged in spaced parallel relationship, and mounted parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support on either side of the said longitudinal axis by means of a linkage arrangement connecting the support to the slide elements in such a way that when the support is inclined relative to the ground, the slide elements are inclined in the same sense.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein two pairs of said slide elements are provided, spaced in alignment along the longitudinal direction of the device.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein a said linkage arrangement is provided for each pair of slide elements.

4. A device according to claim 1, 3 or 3, wherein the or each linkage arrangement comprises at least one multi-link linkage having a first, lower transverse link, the slide elements each being pivotally connected to respective pivotal connections on opposite ends of the link, a second, upper transverse link to which the slide elements are each pivotally connected to respective ends thereof at a point a predetermined distance from the pivotal connections of the first transverse link, and the planar support having depending therefrom a link by which the support is pivotally connected to substantially the midpoints of both the first transverse link and the second transverse link.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the position of the pivotal connection of the planar support on the second transverse link is adjustable in the vertical plane of the longitudinal axis of the device relative to the end pivotal connections of the second transverse link.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the adjustable connection consists of a row of spaced bores.

7. A device according to claim 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the second transverse link comprises a two-part link having two side links adjustably connected to respective opposite sides of the depending link.

8. A device according to any one of claims I to 7, wherein the linkage includes resilient means to bias the planar surface and the slide elements to a central position in which the ground engaging surfaces are parallel to the ground and maintain the support surface parallel to the ground.

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the resilient bias is provided by a torsion bar located at the pivotal connection of the support to the first transverse link, the torsion bar consisting of a short bar, one end of which is firmly secured to the transverse link and the other end being connected to the depending link of the planar support.

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the resilient bias is provided by a torsion spring, a resilient rubber torsion bush or an elastic cord.

10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, having a safety cord secured to the support and having at its free end a clip fastener or quick release device to enable the board to be clipped to a ski tow and readily released therefrom.

11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slide elements comprise skis.

12. A device according to any one of claims 1 to JO, wherein the slide elements comprise ice skating blades.

13. A shoe binding for use with a device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising snap fastening means having two interengaging parts, one adapted to be mounted on the shoe and one on the planar surface.

14. A shoe binding according to claim 13, wherein the part on the shoe comprises a stud adapted to be secured to the sole of a shoe, the stud being releasably engageable with a snap action in an opening in the planar support.

IS. A shoe binding according to claim 14, wherein the snap action engagement comprises a groove or recess in the stud engageable by a projection in the opening against a resilient bias.

16. A shoe binding according to claim 15, wherein the resilient bias is adjustable.

17. A shoe binding according to claim

IS or 16, wherein the projection comprises a plurality of upstanding resilient fingers disposed about the periphery of a generally circular base and having at their free ends, inwardly directed projections which provide a substantially circular projection engageable in the said groove or recess in the stud. 18. A shoe binding according to claim 17, wherein the opening extends all the way through the support to allow snow to fall through.

19. A device for use on ice, snow or a similar surface, substantially as described herein, with reference to and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.