WO1997011751A1

WO1997011751A1 - Sliding device dampener

Info

Publication number: WO1997011751A1
Application number: PCT/US1996/015257
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adrian J. Floreani
Original assignee: Floreani, Richard
Priority date: 1995-09-26
Filing date: 1996-09-25
Publication date: 1997-04-03

Abstract

A sliding device dampener (10) having a hollow, flexible chamber, preferably filled with a flowable mass (16), attached to the top surface of a sliding device (12) such as a ski. A soft flexible elongated element is provided, the elongated element being of a material selected from rubber, urethane, or other plasticized material, or any combination thereof. The elongated element is then affixed to a forward top section of the sliding device.

Description

SLIDING DEVICE DAMPENER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of sliding devices for sliding on top of a surface of snow or water, and, more particularly, to a sliding device dampener affixable to the top surface of the sliding device, such that the affixed dampener provides increased stability, shock absorption, inertial stability, vibration absorption, and increased grip with the running surface, allowing the user of the sliding device to have increased control and a smoother less tiring ride, while dramatically increasing effective stability under increasing user speed.

BACKGROUND

Individuals, such as snow or water skiers, affix ~sliding devices (e.g., skis) to their feet to aid in their travel along a surface, such a snow packed hill or water behind a water ski tow boat. These individuals (hereinafter referred to as an "user") strive to make their travel as effective and efficient as possible. In fact, many users undertake to improve their travel by attempting to improve the performance of a sliding device. In this regard, some users, for example, after a ski-type sliding device is manufactured change the ski boot binding mounting location, either fore or aft, or up or down with spacers made from rubber plastic and metal or any combination thereof. The user can change mounts to stiffen or soften the sliding device. He can add a stiffening rod. But presently no marketable device that can be added to the forward section of an existing sliding device after manufacture has proven to be effective in absorbing shock and vibration and to dampen the front of the device thereby improving its overall performance and control without changing the overall flexural and balance characteristics of the sliding device.

U. S. Patents No 4,778,197 and 5.301,965 (Floreani) disclose a ski with a non removable, hollow chamber filled with a flowable mass that cannot be placed on any other ski or sliding type device This chamber is also used as a monocogue structure adding torsional and flexural stiffness to the ski. These patents teach the principles and benefits of the liguid mass dampening system of the forward section of a short ski. However, they do not teach the increased dampening effect of containing this flowable mass in a flexible hollow chamber that can be easily placed on any existing sliding device after it is manufactured and without changing the flexural characteristics of the device. Specifically, the Floreani patents do not teach or suggest providing the dampening ability as may applied to other sliding devices such as snow boards, mono skis, snowmobile skis, surf boards and water skis. In addition, none of the referenced patents teach or suggest providing the dampening effect produced by a flexible soft hollow tube as applied to an existing already manufactured sliding device.

Swiss Patent No. 558,185 (Schwarz) discloses a rigid device added to the extreme toward tip of the ski. This implementation consists of a tall narrow chamber filled with loose undampened particles. This device has proven to be unmarketable because it dramatically moves the center of mass of the ski toward the tip, greatly increasing the swing weight and stiffness of the tip resulting in undesirable side effects that take away from the performance and control of the ski. Also, the added device's contact surface area of the ski is too small to be effective. In addition, the loose particles are not dampened and are less effective in absorbing vibration. Austrian Patent No. 337581 (Werner) discloses numerous small ridged hollow chambers filled with loose particles attached to the ski. Small individual chambers are used in order to not stiffen the ski. This approach was not successful because the chambers are too small and not connected. Each chamber is acting individually and not cumulatively. The resulting surface area of the ski in contact with the devices proved to be too small to be effective. The particles contained in these chambers are not dampened and in affect do not readily stabilize the ski. Therefore, what is needed is a sliding device dampener having the improved performance characteristics while providing added control, a smoother ride and better stability for the user. The present invention provides such a dampener.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a sliding device dampener that is added to an existing sliding device after the sliding device is manufactured such as to provide the user improved control at speed by absorbing shock and vibrations and adding inertial stability to the sliding device. The present invention provides the sliding device with better contact with the running surface without negatively affecting or changing the flexural characteristics, balance and cosmetics of the sliding device.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of and apparatus for decreasing vibrations and increasing stability and performance of a sliding device for sliding on top of a surface of snow or water, is disclosed, wherein a soft flexible elongated element is provided, the elongated element being of a material selected from rubber, urethane, or other plasticized material, or any combination thereof. The elongated element is then affixed to a forward top section of the sliding device. In one embodiment, the sliding device dampener includes a clear, flexible, flat durable urethane hollow chamber, semi-permanently attached to an existing sliding device, such as a snow ski. In addition, this chamber is filled with synthetic oil and gas (e.g. air) . In another embodiment, the filler may include fluid, air combined with a small mass of plated lead shot. Alternatively, glycerin, glycol, or other freeze resistant, temperature stable and viscous fluid, or any combination thereof, can be used to fill the hollow chamber. In another embodiment, a frame is provided to house the dampener. The frame is then affixed to the sliding device top surface. In another embodiment of the present invention end plugs are used to both seal each longtidunal end of the dampener while affixing the dampener and end plug to the sliding device, eliminating the need for any adhesive. In still other embodiments, a plurality of dampeners can be affixed adjacently on wider sliding devices, such as water skis and snowboards.

Preferably, the dampener, or frame when the dampener is housed in a frame, includes a wide operating temperature (-10 to 150 F) pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the undersurface of the dampener or frame. In addition, the dampener, when affixed to to the sliding device, covers a major portion of the forward section of the sliding device.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings and description of the Invention contained below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the first embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the first embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line A -A of Fig. 2 of the first embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the second embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 8 is a rear view of the second embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 9 is a front view of the second embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along line C - C of Fig. 7 of the second embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view of a solid first embodiment of a sliding device dampener affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view of an air filled first embodiment of a sliding device dampener affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of a solid second embodiment of a sliding device dampener affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 14 is a sectional view of an air filled second embodiment of a sliding device dampener affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 15 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a water ski.

Fig. 16 is a side view of the third embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a water ski.

Fig. 17 is a rear view of the third embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a water ski. Fig. 18 is a front view of the third embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a water ski.

Fig. 19 is a sectional view taken along line E -E of Fig. 16 of the third embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a water ski.

Fig. 20 is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a snowboard.

Fig. 21 is a side view of the fourth embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a snowboard.

Fig. 22 is a rear view of the fourth embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a ^'snowboard.

Fig. 23 is a front view of the fourth embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a snowboard.

Fig. 24 is a sectional view taken along line F -F of Fig. 21 of the fourth embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener affixed to a snowboard.

Fig. 25 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener in a frame affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 26 is a side view of the fifth embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener in a frame affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 27 is a rear view of the fifth embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener in a frame affixed to a snow ski. Fig. 28 is a front view of the fifth embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener in a frame affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 29 is a sectional view taken along line AA -AA of Fig. 26 of the fifth embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener in a frame affixed to a snow ski.

Fig. 30 is a partial sectional view of the frame and an end plug implemented in the fifth embodiment of a liquid filled sliding device dampener in a frame.

Figs. 31a and 31b are partial sectional views of an embodiment of the present invention wherein an end plug is uεed to seal the longtidunal end of the dampener while affixing the dampener and end plug to the sliding device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first embodiment of the invention is best seen in FIGs. 1 - 5. Referring to Fig 1, dampener 10 is seen affixed to ski 12. Ski 12 has a mounting, such as binding 14 which accepts a skier's ski boot. Figs. 2, 3 and 4 show respectively side, rear and front views of dampener 10 affixed to ski 12. Dampener 10 is made from clear polyurethane lay flat tubing of approximately .060^" wall thickness and 90 durometer. It has been found that this material is very flexible, so that it will not alter the flex and stiffness of the ski after it is applied to a ski and yet hard enough to maintain it's shape. In addition, this material is one of the most durable materials that can withstand cuts and abrasions that may occur in a common ski- type use situations. The material is light weight and does not detract from the balance and swing weight of the ski. The preferred material is transparent so that it will not obstruct the view of the manufactured ski cosmetics.

Referring to Fig. 5, which is a cross-section view of dampener 10 taking along Section A - A in Fig. 2, dampener 10 has its flat tube material partially filled with a clear synthetic oil 16 having a viscosity at operating temperature resembling that of latex wall paint. Synthetic oil is preferred because it is least effected by temperature change. It is non toxic. It is non reactive. It is water clear so that it will not obstruct the sliding device cosmetics (e.g., ski labels) and it is relatively inexpensive and readily available. The effective dampening characteristics can be increased by the addition of preferably 50 to 200 grams of Nickel plated lead shot. Lead shot is preferred because it is very dense and very little volume Is required to effect a great amount of dampening. It is Nickel plated for cosmetics reasons as well ac to seal the toxic and dissolving and wearing characteristics of pure lead. Still referring to Fig. 5, dampener 10 is attached to the front section of the ski, ahead of the binding 14, with a clear 5 mill, acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive 18. To affix dampener 10 to ski 12, one would simply remove from the dampener a backing release liner covering adhesive 18 which has been applied to an outside contact surface 20 exposing adhesive 18. Dampener 10 would then be affixed to a clean ski by pressing the dampener' s adhesive surface against the ski, similar to the method used to put on a bumper sticker. This type of adhesive is used because it is clear and will not obstruct the ski's cosmetics. It will not freeze. Water does not affect it. It is removable and reusable so that the user can move it from one ski to another without permanent damage to the ski or the dampener.

Referring back to Figs. 1 - 3, more details of the construction of dampener 10 is shown. As is depicted in Fig. 1, radius r is approximately 1". As depicted in Fig. 2, a slight taper tp exists at the radius end resulting from sealing after oil 16 (with or without lead shot) . As is depicted in Fig. 3, width w is approximately 2" and thickness t is approximately 3/8".

Referring now to Figs. 6 - 10, there is depicted another embodiment of dampener 10. In Fig. 6, rather than having a rounded end as depicted in Fig. 1, i.e., with a radius r, the embodiment of Fig. 6 has a more square like end having a length 1 or approximately 1". The depictions in Figs. 7 - 9, which show respective side, rear and front views of dampener 10 affixed to ski 12 and Fig. 10, which is a cross-section view of dampener 10 taking along Section C - C in Fig. 7, reflect aspects of the dampener similar to those depicted in Figs. 1 - 5, with the only difference being a more square, rather than more rounded lengthwise ends.

Referring now to Figs. 11 and 12, there is depicted cross-sections of two other embodiments of dampener 10 shown in Figs. 1 - 5. In Fig.11, dampener 10, rather than being filed with a fluid or fluid with lead shot, dampener 10 is solid throughout, namely having the clear polyurethane solid throughout rather than being tubular in form. In Fig. 12, rather than being filled with a fluid or fluid with lead shot, dampener 10 has merely air in the tube and would be sealed at each longitudinal end.

Referring now to Figs. 13 and 14, there is depicted cross-sections of two other embodiments of dampener 10 shown in Figs. 6 - 10. In Fig.13, dampener 10, rather than being filed with a fluid or fluid with lead shot, dampener 10 is solid throughout, namely having the clear polyurethane solid throughout rather than being tubular in form. In Fig. 14, rather than being filled with a fluid or fluid with lead shot, dampener 10 has merely air in the tube and would be sealed at each longitudinal end.

Another embodiment of the invention is best seen in Figs. 15 - 19. Referring to Fig 15, a pair of dampeners 10a, 10b are seen affixed to a water ski 22. The characteristics of the embodiment of Figs 15 - 19 are similar to those associated with Figs. 1 - 5, with a pair of dampeners being laid side by side to accommodate the wider water ski. Those skilled in the art can also appreciate that the embodiment depicted in Figs. 6 - 10 could be similarly used as the pair of dampeners.

Still another embodiment of the invention is best seen in Figs. 20 - 24. Referring to Fig 20, three dampeners 10a, 10b, and 10c are seen affixed to a snowboard 24. The characteristics of the embodiment of Figs. 20 - 24 are similar to those associated with Figs. 1 - 5, with the three dampeners being laid side by side to accommodate the even wider snowboard. Those skilled in the art can also appreciate that the embodiment depicted in Figs. 6 - 10 could be similarly used as the three dampeners.

In still another embodiment, Figs. 25 - 29 show dampener 10 of present invention being held on the ski by the use of an additional, preferably clear, thin, light and strong plastic frame 26. The frame surrounds dampener 10, other than being open on top 28. so that it will not add a possibly negative increase in stiffness or weight to the ski. As can be best seen in a partial sectional view depicted in Fig. 30 each of the two longitudinal ends of frame 26 can accommodate removable end caps or plugs 30. The plugs 30 would typically also be of a clear, light but strong plastic. The user can simply open an end cap or plug and remove the dampener. In this application, the user can easily and quickly change the weight, volume, location and length of the dampener most effective for various operating conditions or parameters. The frame is preferably attached to ski 12 using pressure sensitive adhesive 18 as has been described above. End plug 30 would have a tapered portion 31, typically a 15° slope, for air flow minimization. Note: for clarity, Figs. 25 - 29 do not show end plugs 30 installed within frame 26.

Referring now to Figs. 31a and 31b, another embodiment of the invention is depicted. In the previous embodiments, the longitudinal ends of dampener 10 are sealed by conventional means, such a plastic welding. However, in the present embodiment end plug 32 can be used to not only seal the longitudinal ends of the dampener but also affix the dampener and end plug to the sliding device 12 without the use of an adhesive. Referring to Fig. 31a, in this embodiment a threaded insert 34 is inserted in sliding device 12 at a location approximately near where the longitudinal ends of dampener 10 are to be generally situated on sliding device 12. End plug 32, also typically of a clear, light but strong plastic, has a countersink and through-hole 36 through which screw 38, such as a 1/4- 20 screw, passes. End plug 32 has a shoulder portion 40 within which a section of longitudinal end 42 is situated. End plug 32 has a tapered portion 41 for minimizing air flow resistance. Referring to Fig. 31 b, upon screw 38 being tighted to engage threaded insert 34, end plug 32, which is loosely coupled to sliding device 12 and has a gap 44, gap 44 begins to close as screw 38 seats in the countersink portiion of countersink and through-hole 36. As screw 38 seats in the countersink and gap 44 closes, shoulder 40 presses on the longitudinal end 42 of dampener 10, sealing the end. As such, end plug 32 not only provides for the end plug affixing itself to the sliding device 12 without the use of any adhesive or frame, but also provides the ability to seal the end of the dampener, thereby eliminating the need to have the dampener necessary sealed upon manufacture.

Such can allow customization of the dampener filling and the sealing/affixing thereafter. In a preferred embodiment, end plug 32 would be approximately 1/2" in height, 2" in length

'and of a width adequate to seal the dampener' s longitudinal end, e.g., at least 2" for the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1.

The preferred manufacturing process of all the embodiments, including the dampener tube and frame, is that of extrusion. Continuous extrusion is the most cost effective and fastest process. Injection molding is also possible.

The preferred flexible soft flat tube used in implementing the present invention has a typical longitudinal length in the range of 15" to 24" and has been found to absorb vibration through its flexible soft walls. The addition of a mixture of preferably two thirds oil and one third air further and dramatically can increase the effectiveness of the dampener in it's ability to deaden vibrations through the viscous fluid as well as the splashing and foaming effect of the air and oil combination as well as the flexing of the wails of the tube by the splashing and foaming action. This combination has proven to add the most amount of dampening for the least amount of added weight to the ski. The above-discussed addition of 50 to 200 grams of lead shot has been found to add an additional two to four times the dampening and stability to the ski using this invention This means that, for example, the user of a giant slalom ski, can make it as stable as a much longer down hill ski. Or a slalom ski to which this dampener is attached will stabilize that ski to the level between a longer slalom ski with just air and oil, to as much as a super giant ski with the addition of lead shot to the air oil combination. Snow boards mono skis, water skis, surf boards, snowmobile skis and other skis experience vibration and tip bounce when sliding over irregular surfaces. This invention has the same stabilizing and vibration reducing effects when applied to these type of sliding devices. This invention having been described in its preferred and alternative embodiments. it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous modifications and embodiments within the ability of those skilled in the art. Thus, it should be understood that various changes in form and usage of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A method of decreasing vibrations and increasing stability and performance of a sliding device for sliding on top of a surface of snow or water, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a soft flexible elongated element; and

(b) affixing said elongated element to a forward top section of the sliding device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing a soft flexible elongated element includes the step of providing an elongated element having a hollow interior portion.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of introducing a flowable mass into said hollow interior

-portion.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing a soft flexible elongated element includes the step of providing a solid elongated element.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing a soft flexible elongated element includes the step providing said elongated element of a material selected from rubber, urethane, or other plasticized material, or any combination thereof.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of introducing a flowable mass into said hollow interior portion said includes the step of selecting the flowable mass from oil, glycerin, glycol, shot granular material, or other freeze resistant, temperature stable and viscous fluid, or any combination thereof.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of introducing a flowable mass includes the step of providing a volume of gas within said hollow interior portion.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of affixing said elongated element includes the step of affixing to the forward section of said sliding device a frame for housing said sliding device dampener.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of affixing includes the step of applying a pressure sensitive adhesive to the elongated element.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of affixing includes the step of providing removable frame end caps affixable to each longitudinal end of the frame.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of affixing includes the step of providing a sliding device mountable end plug mechanically engageable with the sliding ^" device, the sliding device mountable end plug having a recess to engage a longitudinal end of the sliding device dampener and means to compress and seal the longitudinal end when seated within the recess.

12. A method for decreasing vibrations and increasing stability and performance of a sliding device for sliding on top of a surface of snow or water, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a plurality of soft flexible elongated elements, each of said elongated elements being of a material selected from rubber, urethane, or other plasticized material, or any combination thereof; and

(b) affixing adjacently each of said elongated elements to a forward top section of the sliding device.

13. A sliding device dampener for decreasing vibrations and increasing stability and performance of a sliding device for sliding on top of a surface of snow or water comprising:

(a) an elongated element, said elongated element being of a soft flexible material; and

(b) means for affixing said elongated element to a forward top section of the sliding device.

14. The sliding device dampener of claim 13, wherein said elongated element has a hollow interior portion.

15. The sliding device dampener of claim 14, further comprising a flowable mass contained within said hollow interior portion.

16. The sliding device dampener of claim 13, wherein said elongated element is solid.

17. The sliding device dampener of claim 13, where said elongated element is of a material selected from rubber, urethane, or other plasticized material, or any combination thereof.

18. The sliding device dampener of claim 15, wherein said flowable mass is selected from oil, glycerin, glycol, shot granular material, or other freeze resistant, temperature stable and viscous fluid, or any combination thereof.

19. The sliding device dampener of claim 15, wherein a volume of gas is included within said hollow interior portion.

20. The sliding device dampener of claim 13, wherein said means for affixing includes a frame for housing said sliding device dampener, the frame including means for fastening the frame to the forward section of said sliding device.

21. The sliding device dampener of claim 20, wherein said means for fastening is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

22. The sliding device dampener of claim 20, wherein said frame includes removable frame end caps affixable to each longitudinal end of the frame.

23. The sliding device dampener of claim 13, wherein the means for affixing includes a sliding device mountable end plug mechanically engageable with the sliding device, the sliding device mountable end plug having a recess to engage a longitudinal end of the sliding device dampener and means to compress and seal the longitudinal end when seated within the recess.

24. A sliding device dampener for decreasing vibrations and increasing stability and performance of a sliding device for sliding on top of a surface of snow or ^'water comprising:

(a) a plurality of elongated elements, each of said elongated elements being a soft flexible material; and

(b) means for affixing adjacently each of said elongated elements to a forward top section of the sliding device.

25. The sliding device dampener of claim 24, wherein said elongated elements have a hollow interior portion.

26. The sliding device dampener of claim 25, further comprising a flowable mass contained within said hollow interior portion of each of said elongated elements.

27. The sliding device dampener of claim 24, wherein each of said elongated elements is solid.

28. The sliding device dampener of claim 24, wherein each of said elongated elements is of a material selected from rubber, urethane, or other plasticized material or any combination thereof.

29. The sliding device dampener of claim 26, wherein said flowable mass is selected from oil, glycerin, glycol, shot granular material, or other freeze resistant, temperature stable and viscous fluid, or any combination thereof.

30. The sliding device dampener of claim 26, wherein a volume of gas is included within each said hollow interior portion.

31. The sliding device dampener of any of claims 1 - 30, wherein said elongated element is transparent.