WO2010136034A2

WO2010136034A2 - Ski apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2010136034A2
Application number: PCT/DK2010/000067
Authority: WO
Inventors: Helge Vangenstein Skjold
Original assignee: Helge Vangenstein Skjold
Priority date: 2009-05-26
Filing date: 2010-05-26
Publication date: 2010-12-02
Also published as: WO2010136034A3

Abstract

A ski apparatus (10) includes at least two glide boards (2OA, 20B) coupled to a foot receiving arrangement (30A, 30B) for receiving a user's feet or footwear (220). The at least two glide boards (2OA, 20B) are mechanically coupled together via at least one coupling mechanism (6OA, 6OB, 120A, 120B) which includes a plurality of transverse pivotally-attached members (100) operable to move in a parallel manner for enabling snow-engaging surfaces (70) of the glide boards (2OA, 20B) to remain mutually parallel in operation in at least a region of the coupling mechanism (6OA, 60B) when the apparatus (10) is in use. The ski arrangement (10) enables enhanced user control during snow-boarding activities, thereby enhancing user satisfaction and enjoyment.

Description

SKI APPARATUS

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to ski apparatus, for example implemented as a form of snowboard.

Background of the invention

Conventional snowboards are each implemented as a substantially flat planar board with upwardly-curved front and rear edges, and with two show-fastening devices included within an operably upwardly facing surface of the planar board. Snowboards have become very popular for slalom slopes in ski establishments equipped with ski lifts. Snowboard technique is very different to slalom skiing technique: whereas slalom technique involves appropriate relative positioning, angle and pitch of slalom skis attached to each user's foot as well as appropriate distribution of user's body weight, snowboard technique relies considerably on appropriate positioning of user's body weight as well as foot pitch to control relative snowboard angle to corresponding snow surfaces in operation. When using a snowboard, it is conventional technique to apply user's body weight towards a trailing edge of the snowboard to provide a braking action; a typically V- configuration employed for braking with conventional slalom skis is not possible when using a snowboard.

It is known to link slalom-type skis together in a longitudinal pivotal manner as described in a published United States patent application no. US 2003/0155726A1 (Dieter Braun). In this published patent application, there is described a gliding board including two gliding board halves on which shoe-fastening devices are mounted. Both gliding board halves are connected pivotally via a linkage construction whereby a bearing is attached to each show-fastening device. Each gliding board half is fitted with a pole which is operable to rotate about an axis which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of its board half. The pole is extending underneath the show-fastening device, whereby the two gliding board halves can be pivoted in relation to the pole. A coupling device connects the poles, the coupling device being operable to rotate relative to the poles, whereby each pole is kept at such a distance from surfaces of the gliding board halves. Moreover, the coupling device is constructed to prevent contact with the gliding board halves due to deflection or tilting whilst skiing.

In practice, it is found that the gliding board halves configured as described provide a degree of control during skiing which is less than desirable for optimal skiing control, thereby resulting in sub-optimal user satisfaction and enjoyment. The present invention is aimed at addressing this problem.

Summary of the invention

The present invention seeks to provide in a first aspect a ski apparatus which is capable of providing a greater degree of control when skiing and yet also has a form akin to a snowboard. Furthermore, in a second aspect, the present invention relates to a coupling mechanism for coupling together at least two glide boards. In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the ski apparatus or of the coupling mechanism according to the first or second aspect of the invention, respectively, in the (professional) exercise of doing sports.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ski apparatus as claimed in appended claim 1 : there is provided a ski apparatus including at least two glide boards coupled to a foot receiving arrangement for receiving a user's feet or footwear,

characterized in that the at least two glide boards are mechanically coupled together via at least one coupling mechanism which includes a plurality of transverse pivotally-attached members operable to move in a parallel manner for enabling snow-engaging surfaces of the glide boards to remain mutually parallel in operation in at least a region of the coupling mechanism when the apparatus is in use.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coupling mechanism for coupling together at least two glide boards, as set out in claim 30.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of the ski apparatus or of the coupling mechanism according to the first or second aspect of the invention, respectively, in the (professional) exercise of doing sports, as set out in claim 55.

The invention is of advantage in that it is able to provide users with more control during snowboarding-type activities, thereby enhancing user enjoyment and satisfaction.

The ski apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention

Optionally, the ski apparatus is implemented so that the plurality of transverse pivotally-attached members are planar, or have planar extent, parallel to a plane of the engaging surfaces when the apparatus is placed on a flat bearing surface.

Optionally, the ski apparatus is implemented so that receiving arrangement includes at least one planar member for receiving the user's feet or footwear, the at least one planar member being mounted to at least one of the glide boards via one or more flexible mountings accommodating at least one of pivotal motion and linear motion of the at least one planar member relative to respective one or more glide boards. More optionally, the ski apparatus is implemented so that the one or more flexible mountings are operable to deflect when stress applied thereto in operation exceeds a threshold stress. Such an operating characteristic enables fine control to be utilized by the user whilst protecting both the user and the ski apparatus against damage when the apparatus experiences excessive stress in operation.

Optionally, the ski apparatus includes two glide boards. Alternatively, the ski apparatus includes three glide boards. Such plurality of glide boards imparts greater control stability and braking performance to the ski apparatus in comparison to a conventional snowboard.

Optionally, the ski apparatus is implemented so that the one or more flexible mountings include an electrical generator arrangement, so that flexing of the one or more flexible mountings in operation generates electrical energy for providing electrical power to at least one of:

(a) one or more light sources included in the apparatus;

(b) one or more acoustic radiating devices included in the apparatus;

(c) one or more heating devices coupled to the apparatus.

Such additional functionality which synergistically utilizes energy generated in the ski apparatus when in use is susceptible to enhancing user safety, excitement and thereby satisfaction.

In a preferred embodiment of the ski apparatus according to the invention, said plurality of transverse pivotally-attached members 100 are arranged in a plurality of pivot arrangements 105.

In such an embodiment said plurality of transverse pivotally-attached members 100 are arranged in pairs of two pivotally-attached members 102,104 in a plurality of pivot arrangements 105. In a preferred embodiment, the ski apparatus according to the invention comprises 2, 3, 4 or 5 pairs of pivot arrangements 105.

In a preferred embodiment of the ski apparatus according to the invention, one member 102 of said pivot arrangements 105 in the orientation intended for use is arranged above the other member 104 of said pivot arrangements 105.

In respect of each pivot arrangement 105 in the ski apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferred that said pivotally-attached members 102 each having a first end 102 A and a second end 102B, and wherein said pivotally-attached members 104 each having a first end 104 A and a second end 104B, and wherein said first ends 102A,104A of said members 102,104 are pivotally coupled to a first support member 120A, and wherein said second ends 102B,104B of said members 102,104 are pivotally coupled to a second support member 120B.

In the first and second aspect of the present invention, each support member 12OA, 120B may comprise a plurality of supporting elements for improving stangth and stability. Preferably, each support member 120A, 120B comprises two or three supporting elements.

In a preferred embodiment of the ski apparatus according to the invention one or more of said coupling of said ends 102A,104A,102B,104B of said members 102,104 to said support members 120A, 120B is provided via pivots 110, such as pins, bolts or rivets.

It is preferred that each pivot arrangement 105 comprises a first support member 120A and a second support member 120B, and one transverse pivotally-attached member 102 and one transverse pivotally-attached member 104.

In one embodiment of the invention, in the orientation intended for use the two set of ends 102A,102B; 104A,104B of the members 100,102,104 each extends upwards and inwards towards the centre of the board, e.g. in a curved fashion. This provides for the possibility of a larger vertical displacement of the two glide boards. In another embodiment, the members 100,102,104 are planar or having a planar extent.

In a preferred embodiment of the ski apparatus according to the invention, at least two of said pivot arrangements 105 are coupled to each other by pivot arrangement coupling means 130.

In such an embodiment it is advantageous that said pivot arrangement coupling means 130 comprises a first pivot arrangement coupling means 130A and a second pivot arrangement coupling means 130B, wherein said first pivot arrangement coupling means 130A couples together first support members 120A of the respective pivot arrangements 105; and wherein said second pivot arrangement coupling means

130B couples together second support members 120B of the respective pivot arrangements 105.

In such an embodiment, said pivot arrangement coupling means 130 may comprise one or more rods extending from one pivot arrangement 105 to another pivot arrangement 105.

In that embodiment it is preferred that one or more of said rod(s) comprises a tube and a solid core arranged in the centre of said tube. Such tube and/or such core may comprise a composite material, such as VEC.

In a preferred embodiment of the ski apparatus according to the invention, a resilient material is arranged between said pivotally-attached member 102 and said pivotally- attached member 104 for better manoeuvrability.

In a preferred embodiment of the ski apparatus according to the invention, said support members 120A, 120B comprise attachment means 140 for attachment to a glide board. Such attachment means 140 may be in the form of a wedge-like arrangement 160 adapted to be fitted by sliding and locked into a corresponding longitudinal wedge- like recess 162 in a standard ski.

Alternatively, such attachment means 140 may be in the form of a number of brackets 170 adapted to be fitted onto a corresponding bracket 172 in a standard ski.

In a preferred embodiment of the ski apparatus according to the invention said apparatus comprises a foot receiving arrangement 30A,30B for receiving a user's feet or footwear 220.

Said foot receiving arrangement 30A,30B is preferably adapted to receive two feet or two pieces of footwear.

It is preferred that said foot receiving arrangement 30A,30B is attached to said pivot arrangement coupling means 130,130A, 130B.

In one embodiment of the present invention said foot receiving arrangement 30A,30B is of a type traditionally and/or conventionally employed for a snowboard.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention each glide board is a ski. It is preferred that each of said ski is a carving ski. Carving skis provides provide for improved manoeuvrability.

The coupling mechanism according to a second aspect of the present invention

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a coupling mechanism for coupling together at least two glide boards 20A,20B, such as ski. This invention has the advantage that if a person already is in the possession of a pair of glide boards, such as a pair of ski, he can provide such coupling mechanism for coupling together two glide boards without the necessity for purchasing the skis themselves.

The details and advantages of the second aspect of the present invention correlates with the corresponding details and advantages in respect of the ski apparatus as set out in the section above under the heading "The ski apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention".

Accordingly, in the second aspect of the invention, preferred embodiments are as set out in claims 31-54.

The use according to a third aspect of the present invention

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a ski apparatus according to the apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention or of a coupling mechanism according the second aspect of the present invention in the exercise of doing sports.

Such sports may be e.g. any kind competition, optionally on a professional scale or on a semi-professional scale.

It will be appreciated that features of the invention are susceptible to being combined in any combination without departing from the scope of the invention.

Description of the diagrams

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: FIG. 1 is an illustration in plan view of a first embodiment of a ski apparatus pursuant to the present invention;

FIG. 2A is an illustration in longitudinal view of a coupling mechanism of the ski apparatus of FIG. 1 wherein glide boards of the ski apparatus are coupled so that their gliding surfaces remain parallel when a pitch angle θis varied in operation;

FIG. 2B is an in longitudinal view of a similar coupling mechanism of the ski apparatus of FIG. 1 , wherein the pivotally-attached members extends upwards and inwards from its respective ends.

FIG. 3 is a plan view and side view illustration of the coupling mechanism of

FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4 is an illustration in plan view of a second embodiment of a ski apparatus pursuant to the present invention including V-form coupling mechanism for its glide boards;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of shoe engaging mechanism of the ski apparatus of

FIG. 1 and FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a third embodiment of a ski apparatus pursuant to the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is an illustration in longitudinal view of a coupling mechanism of the ski apparatus of FIG. 6 wherein glide boards of the ski apparatus are coupled so that their gliding surfaces remain parallel when a pitch angle θ is varied in operation. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of a coupling mechanism of a ski apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the coupling mechanism of the ski apparatus of FIG. 8 coupled to two skis.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a preferred embodiment of the coupling mechanism of the ski apparatus of FIG. 8 coupled to two skis.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a standard ski having a wedge-like recess for attachment of foot receiving arrangements.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a standard ski having a brackets for attachment of foot receiving arrangements.

In the accompanying diagrams, an underlined number may be or is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number may relate or relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non- underlined number may be or is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

Description of embodiments of the invention

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an embodiment of a ski apparatus pursuant to the present invention. The ski apparatus is indicated generally by 10. The apparatus 10 includes two elongate glide boards 2OA, 2OB whose ends are upwardly curved as illustrated in side profile 20V. Each glide board 2OA, 2OB includes corresponding foot rests 3OA, 3OB coupled via one or more flexible dampers 4OA, 4OB as illustrated to the glide board 2OA, 2OB. The dampers 4OA, 4OB are beneficially gas-filled devices, but are optionally implemented as helical coiled springs, rubber blocks or similar. There are also provided resilient buffers 5OA, 5OB to receive an underside of the foot rests 3OA, 3OB in an event of excessive deflection of the foot rests 3OA, 3OB in operation, or large-angle pitching of the glide boards 2OA, 2OB in operation. Moreover, the apparatus 10 includes coupling mechanisms 6OA, 6OB in near proximity to the foot rests 3OA, 3OB which maintain in operation snow-engaging underside surfaces 70 of the glide boards 2OA, 2OB mutually parallel in a vicinity of the coupling mechanisms 6OA, 6OB; it will be appreciated that the glide boards 2OA, 2OB are operable to flex slightly along their elongate length and hence and the coupling mechanisms 6OA, 6OB can, for example, momentarily be of mutually different angular deflection ΘD when in operation.

The mechanism 6OA, 6OB employs a parallelogram-type arrangement of two or more beams 100 which are pivotally mounted by pivots 110 at their ends; the pivots 110 have an axis of rotation which is parallel to an elongate axis of the glide boards 20 A, 2OB. The beams 100 are optionally of mutually similar length with regard to spatial disposition of their pivots 110, wherein the pivots 110 are included substantially at ends of the two or more beams 100. The pivots 110 are coupled via support members 120A, 120B to the glide boards 2OA, 2OB.

In FIG. 3, there is illustrated the coupling mechanisms 6OA, 6OB in greater detail in side view. The beams 100 beneficially include one or more axial holes 150 along their length for reducing their weight. Moreover, the beams 100 are beneficially planar in form, namely having dimensions X and Y such that X > 1.5 x Y. In operation, longitudinal axes of the beams 100 remain parallel as their angle relative to their glide boards 2OA, 2OB varies in operation, namely utilizing a parallelogram- type motion. As shown in FIG. 2B the pivotally-attached members or beams 100, 102, 104 may extend upward and inward from their resoective ends.

In FIG. 4, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a ski apparatus 10 pursuant to the present invention, wherein the coupling mechanisms 6OA, 6OB are implemented using V-shape beams 200 as illustrated. The V-shape beams 200 are of benefit in that they effectively resist relative forward-backward movement of the glide boards 2OA, 2OB whilst ensuring that the snow-engaging underside surfaces 70 of the glide boards 2OA, 2OB remain mutually parallel whilst their relative angles θ of their mechanisms 6OA, 6OB vary in operation.

Referring next to FIG. 5, there is shown the foot rest 3OA. The foot rest 3OB is implemented in a generally similar manner to the foot rest 3OA. The flexible dampers 4OA are operable to flex in a vertical direction as denoted by z, and also allow for pivoting motion denoted by an angle f of the foot rest 3OA. Beneficially, the flexible dampers 4OA are operable to remain rigid for stress forces applied thereto below a threshold value, and to flex when the stress forces exceed the threshold value. A foot 220 of a user of the ski apparatus 10 is coupled in operation to the foot rest 3OA, for example in a manner as illustrated in FIG. 5 wherein toe and heel support is provided. The flexible dampers 4OA, likewise the dampers 4OB, render the apparatus 10 more comfortable in use, whilst also protecting the user from shock injury. Optionally, the flexible dampers 4OA are provided with a release mechanism when mechanical stresses become excessive, thereby releasing the foot 220 from engagement to the foot rest 3OA.

Optionally, the apparatus 10 includes a configuration of three parallel glide boards 2OA, 2OB, 2OC as illustrated, namely the glide board 2OC is interposed between the aforementioned glide boards 2OA, 2OB. The glide board 2OC includes two support members 120C for coupling into the coupling mechanisms 6OA, 6OB in a manner as illustrated FIG. 7. In operation, snow-engaging underside surfaces 70 of the glide boards 2OA, 2OB, 2OC remain substantially parallel, subject to differential flexing along longitudinal axes of the glide boards 2OA, 2OB, 2OC. The glide boards 20 are beneficially in a range of 0.5 to 2.0 metres long, and in a range of 10 cm to 30 cm wide. With regard to embodiments of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, it will be appreciated that two or more glide boards 20 are susceptible to being employed. Moreover, at least one mechanism 60 is beneficially employed, more optionally two such mechanisms 60, and optionally more than two such mechanisms 60, for example three or four such mechanisms. Optionally, the glide boards 20 are of mutually different lengths wihin a given apparatus 10.

The glide boards 20 are beneficially fabricated from at least one of: fibre glass, carbon fibre, wood, together with a plastics material binding agent. The support members 120 and the beams 100 are beneficially at least one of: injection moulded plastics material components, machined metallic components, cast metallic components.

Optionally, flexure of the flexible dampers 40 is beneficially used to generate electricity for energizing at least one of:

(a) one or more light emitting sources 500, for example one or more light emitting diodes, included in the ski apparatus 10 for visual effects, illumination during night use and/or visual warning;

(b) energizing electrical heaters, for example in electrically heated sockets of the user, in boots of the user, in gloves of the user although other uses are also possible;

(c) energizing digital data logging apparatus 500 included within the apparatus 10 for monitoring skiing performance of the user; and

(d) sound-emitting acoustic devices which optionally improve a quality of life and/or enjoyment for the user.

Optionally, function (a) and/or function (d) are activated when stress applied in operation to the flexible dampers 40 exceeds their threshold stress, for example to flash LEDs and generate an "ooch" sound for providing enhanced user excitement and interest, as well as enhancing operating safety by informing the user that the ski apparatus 10 has experienced excess stress in operation. Optionally, the ski apparatus 10 includes a mechanism for optionally binding the two glide boards 2OA, 2OB together so that the apparatus 10 is capable of operating in a manner of a conventional snowboard.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of coupling mechanism of a ski apparatus of the invention. FIG. 8 shows that the coupling mechanism comprises two pivot arrangements 105 each comprising two pivotally attached members 100,102,104. Each pivotally member comprises a first end and a second end 102A,102B; 104 A, 104B respectively. Furthermore, each end 102A,102B; 104A,104B is pivotally mounted on a set of support members 120A, 120B. The support members 120A, 120B comprises attachment means 140 for attaching to a glide board. The attachment means are in the form of a wedge-like arrangement adapted to be fitted by sliding and locked into a corresponding longitudinal wedge-like recess 162 in a standard ski.

The support members 120A, 120B in FIG. 8 are attached to each other by a pivot arrangement coupling means 130. Such arrangement improves strengths and durability of the coupling mechanism.

As can be seen in FIG. 8, each rivet is suspended by two similar supporting elements 120A in respect of one support members 120. Each support member 120A, 120B may comprises two or three supporting elements. Such design improves strength and stability.

Furthermore, FIG. 8 shows a pair of fastening brackets 28A,28B comprising a base plate 28 for a foot receiving arrangements 30A,30B for attachment thereof. The fastening brackets 28A,28B are attached to the same pivot arrangement coupling means 130 in the form of a rod that couples together the support members 120A, 120B in each pair of the two pivot arrangements 105. The fastening brackets 28A, 28B also comprises a wedge-like arrangement adapted to be fitted by sliding and locked into a corresponding longitudinal wedge-like recess 162 in a standard ski.

FIG. 9 depicts the coupling mechanism of a ski apparatus of the invention coupled to two skis. It is seen in FIG. 9 that the attachment means of the support members 120A, 120B and of the fastening brackets 28 A, 28B are in the form of a wedge-like arrangement fitted by sliding and locked into a corresponding longitudinal wedge- like recess 162 in a standard ski having such wedge.

FIG. 10 shows a plane view of a similar embodiment of a ski apparatus of the invention coupled to two skis.

In FIG. 11 is depicted a standard ski having a wedged-like recess 162 for acommodating standard foot receiving arrangements.

In Fig. 12 is depicted another standard ski comprising an alternative way of fixing a standard foot receiving arrangement, viz in the form of brackets 172 which fits corresponding brackets on the foot receiving arrangement.

Various forms of standard foot receiving arrangement are known from the companies Blizzard (e.g. IQ Power Frame) and K2.

Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "consisting of, "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.

Claims

1. A ski apparatus (10) including at least two glide boards (2OA, 20B) coupled to a foot receiving arrangement (30A, 30B) for receiving a user's feet or footwear

(220),

characterized in that

the at least two glide boards (2OA, 20B) are mechanically coupled together via at least one coupling mechanism (6OA, 6OB, 120A, 120B) which includes a plurality of transverse pivotally-attached members (100) operable to move in a parallel manner for enabling snow-engaging surfaces (70) of the glide boards (2OA, 20B) to remain mutually parallel in operation in at least a region of the coupling mechanism (6OA, 60B) when the apparatus (10) is in use.

2. A ski apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of transverse pivotally-attached members (100) are planar, or have planar extent, parallel to a plane of the engaging surfaces (70) when the apparatus (10) is placed on a flat bearing surface.

3. A ski apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving arrangement (30A, 30B) includes at least one planar member for receiving the user's feet or footwear, said at least one planar member being mounted to at least one of the glide boards (2OA, 20B) via one or more flexible mountings (4OA, 40B) accommodating at least one of pivotal motion and linear motion of the at least one planar member relative to respective one or more glide boards (2OA, 20B).

4. A ski apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more flexible mountings (4OA, 40B) are operable to deflect when stress applied thereto in operation exceeds a threshold stress.

5. A ski apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, including two glide boards (2OA, 20B).

6. A ski apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, including three glide boards (2OA, 2OB, 20C).

7. A ski apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said one or more flexible mountings include an electrical generator arrangement, so that flexing of the one or more flexible mountings in operation generates electrical energy for providing electrical power to at least one of:

(a) one or more light sources (500) included in the apparatus (10);

(b) one or more acoustic radiating devices (500) included in the apparatus (10); and , (c) one or more heating devices coupled to the apparatus (10).

8. A ski apparatus according to anyone of the claims 1 - 7, wherein said plurality of transverse pivotally-attached members (100) are arranged in a plurality of pivot arrangements (105).

9. A ski apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said plurality of transverse pivotally-attached members (100) are arranged in pairs of two pivotally-attached members (102,104) in a plurality of pivot arrangements (105).

10. A ski apparatus according to any of the claims 8 - 9, wherein, in the orientation intended for use, one member (102) of said pivot arrangements (105) is arranged above the other member (104) of said pivot arrangements (105).

11. A ski apparatus according to any of the claims 9 - 10, wherein in respect of each pivot arrangement (105), said pivotally-attached members (102) each having a first end (102A) and a second end (102B), and wherein said pivotally-attached members (104) each having a first end (104A) and a second end (104B), and wherein said first ends (102A,104A) of said members (102,104) are pivotally coupled to a first support member (120A), and wherein said second ends (102B,104B) of said members (102,104) are pivotally coupled to a second support member (120B).

12. A ski apparatus according to claim 11, wherein one or more of said coupling of said ends (102A,104A,102B,104B) of said members (102,104) to said support members (120A, 120B) is provided via pivots (110), such as pins, bolts or rivets.

13. A ski apparatus according to any of the claims 8 - 12, wherein each pivot arrangement (105) comprises a first support member (120A) and a second support member (120B), and one transverse pivotally-attached member (102) and one transverse pivotally-attached member (104).

14. A ski apparatus according to any of the claims 8 - 13 comprising 2, 3, 4 or 5 pivot arrangements (105).

15. A ski apparatus according to claim 14, wherein at least two of said pivot arrangements (105) are coupled to each other by pivot arrangement coupling means (130).

16. A ski apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said pivot arrangement coupling means (130) comprises a first pivot arrangement coupling means (130A) and a second pivot arrangement coupling means (130B), wherein said first pivot arrangement coupling means (130A) couples together first support members (120A) of the respective pivot arrangements (105); and wherein said second pivot arrangement coupling means (130B) couples together second support members (120B) of the respective pivot arrangements (105).

17. A ski apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said pivot arrangement coupling means (130) comprises one or more rods extending from one pivot arrangement (105) to another pivot arrangement (105).

18. A ski apparatus according to claim 17, wherein one or more of said rod(s) comprises a tube and a solid core arranged in the centre of said tube.

19. A ski apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said tube and/or said core comprises a composite material, such as VEC.

20. A ski apparatus according to any of the claims 9 - 19, wherein a resilient material is arranged between said pivotally-attached member (102) and said pivotally- attached member (104) for better manoeuvrability.

21. A ski apparatus according to any of the claims 11 - 20, wherein said support members (120A, 120B) comprise attachment means (140) for attachment to a glide board.

22. A ski apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said attachment means (140) is in the form of a wedge-like arrangement (160) adapted to be fitted by sliding and locked into a corresponding longitudinal wedge-like recess (162) in a standard ski (20A,20B).

23. A ski apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said attachment means (140) is in the form of a bracket (170) adapted to be fitted onto a corresponding bracket (172) in a standard ski (20A,20B).

24. A ski apparatus according to any of the claims 1 - 23, wherein said apparatus comprises a foot receiving arrangement (3OA,3OB) for receiving a user's feet or footwear (220).

25. A ski apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said foot receiving arrangement (30A,30B) is adapted to receive two feet or two pieces of footwear.

26. A ski apparatus according to claim 24 or 25, wherein said foot receiving arrangement (30A,30B) is attached to said pivot arrangement coupling means (130, 130A.130B).

27. A ski apparatus according to any of the claims 24 - 26, wherein said foot receiving arrangement (30A,30B) is of a type traditionally and/or conventionally employed for a snowboard.

28. A ski apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each glide board is a ski.

29. A ski apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said ski is a carving ski.

30. A coupling mechanism (60A,60B,120A,120B) for coupling together at least two glide boards (20A,20B), said at least two glide boards each comprising a snow- engaging surface (70), wherein said coupling mechanism comprises a plurality of transverse pivo tally-attached members (100) operable to move in a parallel manner for enabling said snow-engaging surfaces (70) of the glide boards (20A,20B) to remain mutually parallel in operation in at least a region of the coupling mechanism (60A,60B) when the apparatus (10) is in use.

31. A coupling mechanism according to claim 30, wherein said plurality of transverse pivotally-attached members (100) are arranged in a plurality of pivot arrangements (105).

32. A coupling mechanism according to claim 31, wherein said plurality of transverse pivotally-attached members (100) are arranged in pairs of two pivotally- attached members (102,104) in a plurality of pivot arrangements (105).

33. A coupling mechanism according to any of the claims 31 - 32, wherein, in the orientation intended for use, one member (102) of said pivot arrangements (105) is arranged above the other member (104) of said pivot arrangements (105).

34. A coupling mechanism according to any of the claims 31 - 33, wherein in respect of each pivot arrangement (105), said pivotally-attached members (102) each having a first end (102A) and a second end (102B), and wherein said pivotally-attached members (104) each having a first end (104A) and a second end (104B), and wherein said first ends (102A,104A) of said members (102,104) are pivotally coupled to a first support member (120A), and wherein said second ends (102B,104B) of said members (102,104) are pivotally coupled to a second support member (120B).

35. A coupling mechanism according to claim 34, wherein one or more of said coupling of said ends (102A,104A,102B,104B) of said members (102,104) to said support members (120A, 120B) is provided via pivots (110), such as pins, bolts or rivets.

36. A coupling mechanism according to any of the claims 31 - 35, wherein each pivot arrangement (105) comprises a first support member (120A) and a second support member (120B), and one transverse pivotally-attached member (102) and one transverse pivotally-attached member (104).

37. A coupling mechanism according to any of the claims 31 - 36 comprising 2, 3, 4 or 5 pivot arrangements (105).

38. A coupling mechanism according to claim 37, wherein at least two of said pivot arrangements (105) are coupled to each other by pivot arrangement coupling means (130,130A,130B).

39. A coupling mechanism according to claim 38, wherein said pivot arrangement coupling means (130) comprises a first pivot arrangement coupling means (130A) and a second pivot arrangement coupling means (130B), wherein said first pivot arrangement coupling means (130A) couples together first support members (120A) of the respective pivot arrangements (105); and wherein said second pivot arrangement coupling means (130B) couples together second support members (120B) of the respective pivot arrangements (105).

40. A coupling mechanism according to claim 38 or 39, wherein said pivot arrangement coupling means (130) comprises one or more rods extending from one pivot arrangement (105) to another pivot arrangement (105).

41. A coupling mechanism according to claim 40 wherein one or more of said rod(s) comprises a tube and a solid core arranged in the centre of said tube.

42. A coupling mechanism according to claim 41, wherein said tube and/or said core comprises a composite material, such as VEC.

43. A coupling mechanism according to any of the claims 32 - 42, wherein a resilient material is arranged between said pivotally-attached member (102) and said pivotally-attached member (104) for better manoeuvrability.

44. A coupling mechanism according to claim 34, wherein said support members (120A, 120B) comprise attachment means (140) for attachment to a glide board.

45. A coupling mechanism according to claim 44 wherein said attachment means (140) is in the form of a wedge-like arrangement (160) adapted to be fitted by sliding and locked into a corresponding longitudinal wedge-like recess (162) in a standard ski.

46. A coupling mechanism according to claim 44 wherein said attachment means (140) is in the form of a bracket (170) adapted to be fitted onto a corresponding bracket (172) in a standard ski.

47. A coupling mechanism according to claim 30, wherein said mechanism comprises a foot receiving arrangement (30A,30B) for receiving a user's feet or footwear (220).

48. A coupling mechanism according to claim 47, wherein said foot receiving arrangement (30A,30B) is adapted to receive two feet or two pieces of footwear.

49. A coupling mechanism according to claim 47 or 48, wherein said foot receiving arrangement (3OA,3OB) is attached to said pivot arrangement coupling means (130).

50. A coupling mechanism according to any of the claims 47 - 49, wherein said foot receiving arrangement (30A,30B) is of a type traditionally and/or conventionally employed for a snowboard.

51. A coupling mechanism according to any of the claims 30 - 50 for coupling together two glide boards.

52. A coupling mechanism according to any of the claims 30 - 50 for coupling together three glide boards.

53. A coupling mechanism according to any of the claims 30 - 52, wherein each glide board is a ski.

54. A coupling mechanism according to claim 53, wherein each of said ski is a carving ski.

55. Use of a ski apparatus according to any one of claim 1 - 29 or of a coupling mechanism according to any of the claims 30 - 54 in the exercise of doing sports.