CA2425866C - Improved apparatus for affixing climbing skins to skis - Google Patents
Improved apparatus for affixing climbing skins to skis Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2425866C CA2425866C CA002425866A CA2425866A CA2425866C CA 2425866 C CA2425866 C CA 2425866C CA 002425866 A CA002425866 A CA 002425866A CA 2425866 A CA2425866 A CA 2425866A CA 2425866 C CA2425866 C CA 2425866C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ski
- tail end
- skin
- clip
- retention system
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C7/00—Devices preventing skis from slipping back; Ski-stoppers or ski-brakes
- A63C7/04—Fastening-devices for skins
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C7/00—Devices preventing skis from slipping back; Ski-stoppers or ski-brakes
- A63C7/02—Skins; Substitutes for skins
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- Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
A retention system for retaining a climbing skin to a tail end of a ski comprises an elongated resilient tensioning member having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures, secured to one end of the skin; and a mounting clip separate from the ski and adapted to engage the tail end of a ski. The clip has: a base portion to underlie the tail end of the ski; a vertical section extending from the base portion to extend behind the tail end; and an upper portion extending from the vertical section to overlie the tail end of the ski. The upper portion comprises a projection operable to engage at least one of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures.
Description
TTT~.E ~)F THI~ il~l~T
TMPROVE13 APPARATUS FOR AFFIXING CLrM73gNG SiKINS TO SKIS
FIEL~1 OF TfrIE INVENTION
This inventiotz relates to a system for securing a climbing shin to the bottom of a ski. In particular, the invention relates to an system for securing a clxnnbing skin to orae end of a resilient tensioning member used to affix the skin to a ski.
BAGKGItOLIIyD ~OF TT~E INVE:I~fTH3N
IS
Climbing skins have bPxzi used on skis for many, many years to assist slrisrs in ascending slopes. Original climbing skins were made from the skins of animals. More recently, climbing skins have been made froth synthetic fabrics whXCh have a nap of stiff, rearwardly angled fibres pmojecting fa~m tt~.eir bottom surfaces. When the skins arc attached to the skis, the skis can be slid in a forward direction relatively easily, W hen the skis are moved inn a rearward direction then the fibres bite into the snow. By attaching climbing skins to both skis, a skier can up even a reasonably steep snow slope,by sliding one ski forward and then the other.
Attaching a climbing skin securely to the bottom of a ski in such a way that the cliu~.hing skin will hat be easily dislodged during use $nd snow will not build up between the base of the slri and the climbing shin can be diffienlt. 'Tl~.e problem. of securely attaching climbing skins to skis is exacerbated by the fact that a skier my repeatedly put climbing skins onto slcxs and take them, off dung the course of a days skiing.
Early climbing skins simply had straps which were used to attach the climbing skin to the ski. Typically straps were provided to stretch the climbing skin between the tip and tail of the ski and additional straps were provided along the edges of the climbing skin. ~'he additional straps could be used to tie the alimbiug skin to 'the slci itself.
Such climbing skins tended not to work very well because it is generally not possible to tie the skin to a ski tightly enough to prevent sn~w from building up underneath the ciixnbing skin.
~urthermoxe, the numerous straps were time consuming to attach and keep properly adjusted.
1~
More recently, adhesive climbing skins have been developed. Some adhesive climbing skins have a hook or the like which hooks over the tip of the slri. The skin is simply pressed against the ski base and is detachably held in place by a tacky adhesive. Such climbing skins provided acceptable performance when the base of the slci was dry.
However, if the adhesive on the climbing skins becomies covered twiCh snow or if the base of the ski becomes wet and has snow adhering to it then the adhesive may not properly hold the climbing skin to the base of the ski. In such cases, the climbimg ekifx can become unstuck from the ski especially at the fait.
~0 ~iirnbing skins which use an adhesive as well as tax! and tip straps to hold it in place have also becflme popular. This common tail fixation method is problematic in that it is usually necessary to modify the ski to provide a way to attach a strap to the tta..il end of the ski. Soxne current climbing skin systems have a fixture, such as a pin which is screwed into the tap surface of the ski near the tail. A strap from the rear end of a climbing skin caa then he stretched around the tail of the ski and attached to the pin.
'this is not desirable because it requires modification of the ski itself.
In another common tail fixation method, the skin is riveted to a pair of sandwiching metal plates that include an integral hook for engaging the tail end of the ski.
Because the metal hook is relatively rigid, the soap must be moved to the tip end of the ski. Tvu~o rectangular metal wire looks (clips) are typically connected by a short (about 4 inches longp elastic, rubbery strip. The skin is fed through a portion of one of these separate clips and is looped back to adhere onto itself. The clip on the other end of the elastic strip is hooked over the tip of the ski to hold the skin in place. having the elastic strip located at the tip can be a problem wuhen the skier accidentally hits the wire loop with t)xe opposite shi thereby knocking the clip completely off the tip of tire ski.
Qnce the skin is free from the tip of the ski, at can drag through the snow and the shin adhesive can become contaminated and eventually fail.
The straps, or elastic tensioning members, in strap-based skin attachment systems are usually made of plastic or raabber. These systems are prone to failure due to the harsh conditions they are exposed to. The plastic or rubber tensioning ireernbers can crack and tear in extreme cold. They are alsa subject to chemical breakdown through radiation exposure and oxidation. The metal plate and rivet systems used for fastening to the skin fabric can tear out of the comparatively weak fabric and ~ exixemely difficult to replace in the field. Existing tip and tai! systems shave not directly addressed the long-term reliability issues and xepair issues often-encountered in ski wuring.
2Q There is a need for ac attachment systeKn for climbing skins which allows climbing skies to be securely affixed by straps at botrc tip and tail ends of the ski and yet which is easy to use and does not require modification of the ski itself, There is also a need eo provide an attachment system between the strap and the skin that is strong, does not tear the skin fabric and is field serviceable.
SiiTMIVIA~t~' OF ~.'I~E INVFNTZ<~N
In. one of its aspects the invention is an assembly for attaching an elongated resilient tensioning member to a climbing skin. The assembly comprises a genertdly rectangular cutout extending Inward from one eztd of the skin, two flat rigid plates secured about opposite faces of the end of said skin bymeans of a plurality of rivets extending through apertures in the plates and through the skin, tit least one of the plates has an opening therethrough. ?'he tensioning member has an elongated body portion of substantially S uniform thickness. One end portion of the member has a thickness greater than the thickness of the opposite end and than the body postion, and the end portion is no longer than the length of the opening. The end parcian is retained in the opening between the plates and a portion of the tensioning member adjacent the end portion extends between the plates along the cutout.
1n another aspect of the invention, the portion of the tensioning member that is adjacent the end portion is wider than: the body portirnn and the width corresponds to the width of the cutout.
15 in another aspect of the invention, these axe at least lfiree rivets on at least thxee sides of the cutout.
In another aspect, the invention is a kit for a climbing skin system comprising an elongated climbing skit, a generally rectaatgular cutout extending inward from one end of 2D the skin, two flat rigid plates secured about opposite faces of the end of the skin by means of a plurality of rivets extending through apertures in the plates and through the skin, with at least one of the plates having an opening therethrough. The kit also includes an elongated resilient teu~sionang member comprising an elongated body portion of substantially uniform thickness and two ends, a first of said ends having a end portion 25 extending from said first end and having a thickness gxeater than the thickztess of a second of said ends annd greater than the thickness of said body portion, said end portion being no longer than the length of said opening.
Xn another aspect of the kit invention, a portion o~f the resilient tensioning member adjacent 'the end poztion is wider than the body portion and the width corresponds to the width of the cutout.
Ln a further aspect of the invention, there axe at least three rivets on at least three sides of said cutout.
Other aspects of the invention will be appz~eciated by reference to the detailed description which follows.
BRIEF DE~,CRIPTION ~F THHI~ DR:AWI11YGS
Tn drawi.ngs which illustrate r~arlaus non-limiting embodiments or the invention:
Figure 1 is a section through a climbing skin mouneing syseem on the rear of a ski;
Figure 2 is a top view theeeof;
Figure 3 is a bottoux view of the tail end of the ski, showirjg an attachment assembly according to the invention for attaching flue skin to the strap;
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the skin, strap and ~.ttachrnent assembly according to the invention;
Figure 5 is a schematic, partially cut-away top uiew of a mounting system according to an alternative embodiment which has a pair of cords held in a dual cord cord lock;
S
Figure 6 is a side clevatian'of a clip having a pin projecting frotri a location on its rear side;
higure 7 is a top view of a further alternative embodiment wherein a card is held between a pair of spring-loaded cans;
Fgure 8 is a section through a further alternative ernbodim~ent wherein a, strap is held by a tension lock; and figure 9 .is a side elevation of a clip ~ according to an alternative etxubodiment wherein a strap passes through an upright flange on the clip.
DET ED l) C I~ OF THE P D EIVDiODIMENT
Figures 1 and 2 show a sld 10 to which is :attached g climbitag skin 12.
Elongated clitnbing shin 12 has a nap 13 made of rearwardly angled bristles and is attached to the base 10A of ski 10 witty a suitable removable adhesive 14. .4n elongated tensioning strap 16 is affixed to the rear end of skin I2 as discussed in greater detail below.
strap 16 is affixed at ttze tail 108 of ski 10 with a mounting clip I8.
Mounting clip I8 is very generally C-shaped in cross-section and hooks around the tail IOB of ski 10. CIip 1$ has a low rigid fiat portion 15 uvhich extends underneath the i~ase I OA of ska I0. Clip 18 is rigid so that it can slide onto tail l OB of ski 1D
hut cannot rotate when it is on ski 10. Strap I6 has a number of spaced apart apeztures 17 in its distal portions. A user can apply tension to sump 16, pull strap 1~ around the rear end of clip I $
and then hold scrap I6 in place on clip 18 by hvoleing one of apertures I7 around a projecting pin 20 on clip i8.
In the prefeixed ermbodiment shown in Figure d, clip I8 has a raised portion 21 in which is an aperture 22. Strap 16 passes through aperture 22. Thus, clip 1 S remains on strap 16 even when skin 12 and strap 16 are removed from the ski 10. The shape of clip 1S tends to prevent clip 18 from rotating relative to trail 3 OB of ski 10 under the tensiozt forces S exerted on strap 18. Clip 18 may be made from any suitable n9aterial such as steel or a rigid plastic.
Preferably the rear portion 26 of clip 18 has a suuface 26A which is disposed at azx acute angle relative to base portion 15. Thus, when clip 18 as installed and strap l.6 is under tension, the tail end 1013 of ski 10 is wedged into the rear end of clip 18 between surface 2fA and lower portion 15 of clip 18. This tends to prevent clip 18 from sliding sideways in either direction on fhe tail 10~ of ski 10.
Preferably strap 16 and/or skin 12 are slightly resilient so that skin 12 and strap 16 remain 1.5 under tension while in use. Strap 16 may be made from a strip of fabric-reinforced rubber, or the like. Most preferably. the rearmost end 19 of strap 16 is broadened. This both prevents the accidental removal of clip 18 from strap 16 axed provides a convenient hand grip fos applying tension to scrap 1G when attaching skin 12 to a ski.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the scrap 1G is releasably affixed to clip 18 by means of a pin 20 on clip I8 which is received through an aperture 17 in scrap 16.
Other suitable means for holding the soap 1G is a tensioned manner to clip 18 may also be used.
For example, the clip may incllrde a jam lever which can be pressed down so as to hold the strap in place on the clip by corxepressing a strap betrueer~ a cam and a surface on the clip. Jam levers are ktaown in ehe art and can be readily purchased from various sources.
Preferably the jam lever is installed so that tension on stxap tends to tighten the cam, and thereby prevent the strap from becoming loose during use.
i~igures 3 and 4. show a novet attaclhment means for connecting the resilient strap 16 to the climtring skin 12. In the preferred embodiment, two flat rigid plates 64, fabricated from steel or other suitable materials, are positioned on the two opposite sides or faces of the skin material so as to sandwich the shin material between them. A
generally rectangular cutout 61 is anode in the central portion of the tail end of the skin to make room for the strap 16, i.e. it extends inward ftom the tail end of the skin.
'flwee holes are punched through the fabric to make roam for the rivets 62, inn the preferred embodiment, three soft, solid rivets 62 are deformed using a press or hammer to tightly squeeze the rigid plates 60 together, thereby securely pinching the skin fabric 12.
Preferably the rivets are provided on at least three sides of the cutout 61 to maximize the integrity of the connection and to minimize fabric tear.
At least one of the two plates 60 includes an opening 63 that is sized to allow the clip end of strap 16 to tae fed through opening 63 as will be explained below.
The end 64 of the strap that is adapted to be retained in the rivet assembly includes a thickened end portion, comprising opposed enlarged (tl~iekened) sides 66, 68.
The end portion is thicker thazt the elongated body portion of the strag 16 which has a substantially uniforrx~, thickness, and it is thicl~er than the .opposite end of the strap. The thickened end gortion is also preferably made no longer than the Length of the opening 63 so as to allow it to be seated within the opening and the cutout in order to minimize its profile against the snow or the ski as the case may be.
Preferably the body of the strap 15 and the broadened, clip end of the strap have a thickness of about 0.0$0 inches while the thickness through the combined raised portions 66, G8 of the strap is about 0.180 inches. Lt it contemplated that the conZbined thickness may range from 0.16 inches and 0.20 inches to achieve the objects of the invention.
The portion of the strap that is adjacent tile thickened end portion is broadened to a width approximately equal to the width of the cutout 61. Once the plates 60 are ~sembled with the rivets 62, the strap 16 can be fed rearward, i.e. starting at its unthickened clip end, through the opening b3 in the plates 6t?. The stirap 16 snaps unto place and is help within S the opening in the plates 60 by the dual opposing raised portions 66, 613 of the strap. The thickened end portion is then retained in opening 63 between the plates 6~ and the broadened portion of the strap 16 that is adjacent the thickened end portion extends between tlae plates along the cutout 61. It will be appreciated that the strap and skin attachment assembly can be provided as a kit for assembly by the skier, comprising the skin vz>,e end of which is provided already sandwiched between the two plates and an elongated strap I6 as described above including the thickened end portion and preferably the broadened adjacent portion matching the width of the cLttout.
The preferred embodiment of the strap and skin attachment asserrlbly provides numerous advantages over the sloes-of-the-art skin technology. Primarily, the assembly allows for quick and easy replacEment of strap 16 by the shier in the Feld. The skier simply slides s new scrap into the plate opening 63. In addition, the strap 16 cart be designed to have a breaking tension lower than the force required to pull or tear the plates 60 from the skin I2. The completed assennbly is lightweight, thin" reliable, and easily field serviceable.
Altenrradvely, strap 16 could comprise a cord instead of a flat strap or could comprise a flexible flat member having a cord attached to its end. Such a cord nught be attached to a climbing skin by passing it around the rear end of the clip to be held in place by a cord lock device. Cord lock devices of various types are well known in the art. One type has a plug slidably mounted within a housing. The plug is biased toward one side of the housing by a spring. The cord passes through apertures iat the housing and the plug and is jammed between the plug and the housing. A release button allows a user to displace the plug against the bias force exerted by the spring to release the eox°d. The card lock device is preferably of a type which is designed itt such a manner that tension on the cord tends to tighten the cord lock device.
Figure 5 shows a clip 18C in which a skin 12 is tensioned on a ski 10 with a dual-cord cord loch 40. Cords 32 pass between a wedge 42 and inclined walls 43.
',f°ension on cords 32 tends to pull wedge 43 rearwardly, thereby tightly gripping cords 32.
The ~errgles of walls 43 relative to the longitudinal center of clip 18C are exaggerated in Figure S. In the lEigurc 5 embodiment cords 32 pass around locating gzooves in the rear end of clip Z 8C. Locating grooves 44 guide cords 32, When a strap is affixed to a clip 16 by a way of a tab which projects through a hole in the strap, it is not necessary that the tab be Docated in the same position shown in Figures I
and 2. figure 6 shows a clip 18D according to an alternat~'ve embodiment wherein a tab 2~A projects generally rearwardly from clip 18. This embodiment is not preferable because of the enhanced liDrelihood that strap 16 may become accidently dislodged f=nzn tab 20A in the Figure b embodiment duriag use.
Figure 7 shows a further alternative embodiment wherein. a cord 32 which is attached to the rear etzd of a climbing skin passes around clip 1 gE and is held in place v~rhile 2~ tensioned between a pair spring-loaded cams 46. xarger versions of such cans are used, for example, to secure ropes on sailing boats.
Figure 8 shows a clip I8F according to a further alternative embodiment wherein a strap 16 is held in place by a tension kick asserr~bly 50. Tension locks are well known and are commoaly used to adjust the lengths of straps vn backpacks. in a tension lock, a strap is doubled back on itself around a number of surfaces tending to re.~ist slippage.
As described above, is preferred embodiments the clip I8 is slidably disposed on the strap or cord which is attached to skin 12. This prevents clip I S from becoming lost la vrv#~en skin 12 is detached from ski 10. The embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 shows the scrap 16 passing through a pair slots on either side of a bend in the upper portion of clip 18. Clip 18 could be can:~gurEd in any of various alternative ways which also cause clip 18 to be slidably disposed on a strap or cord when the skin is detached from.
a ski. For example, figure 9 shows a clip I$G wherein a strap or cord passes through an aperture 5~ in a flange 56 which projects upwardly from a top surface of clip 1$G. A
strap or cord could also pass through a loop of cord or elastic attached to a clip 18.
'While it i.s not pre~Ferred, a strap 16 could also be held to the: top of clip 18 by a section of I O hook and loop fastener material such V'>rLCRO'~"", having one part on the clip x~nd another part art the strap. ,A strap or cord could also be retained on a clip 18 by a snap fastener, mechanical clamp, or the like. Where a mechanical clat'ap is used a user could pull a strap or cord tight and theta secure the strap or cord in place by turning a screw or the like.
It wiil be appreciated that while the embodiments of the iwvention have been described in some detail, modifications and alterations thereto , nnay be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention.
TMPROVE13 APPARATUS FOR AFFIXING CLrM73gNG SiKINS TO SKIS
FIEL~1 OF TfrIE INVENTION
This inventiotz relates to a system for securing a climbing shin to the bottom of a ski. In particular, the invention relates to an system for securing a clxnnbing skin to orae end of a resilient tensioning member used to affix the skin to a ski.
BAGKGItOLIIyD ~OF TT~E INVE:I~fTH3N
IS
Climbing skins have bPxzi used on skis for many, many years to assist slrisrs in ascending slopes. Original climbing skins were made from the skins of animals. More recently, climbing skins have been made froth synthetic fabrics whXCh have a nap of stiff, rearwardly angled fibres pmojecting fa~m tt~.eir bottom surfaces. When the skins arc attached to the skis, the skis can be slid in a forward direction relatively easily, W hen the skis are moved inn a rearward direction then the fibres bite into the snow. By attaching climbing skins to both skis, a skier can up even a reasonably steep snow slope,by sliding one ski forward and then the other.
Attaching a climbing skin securely to the bottom of a ski in such a way that the cliu~.hing skin will hat be easily dislodged during use $nd snow will not build up between the base of the slri and the climbing shin can be diffienlt. 'Tl~.e problem. of securely attaching climbing skins to skis is exacerbated by the fact that a skier my repeatedly put climbing skins onto slcxs and take them, off dung the course of a days skiing.
Early climbing skins simply had straps which were used to attach the climbing skin to the ski. Typically straps were provided to stretch the climbing skin between the tip and tail of the ski and additional straps were provided along the edges of the climbing skin. ~'he additional straps could be used to tie the alimbiug skin to 'the slci itself.
Such climbing skins tended not to work very well because it is generally not possible to tie the skin to a ski tightly enough to prevent sn~w from building up underneath the ciixnbing skin.
~urthermoxe, the numerous straps were time consuming to attach and keep properly adjusted.
1~
More recently, adhesive climbing skins have been developed. Some adhesive climbing skins have a hook or the like which hooks over the tip of the slri. The skin is simply pressed against the ski base and is detachably held in place by a tacky adhesive. Such climbing skins provided acceptable performance when the base of the slci was dry.
However, if the adhesive on the climbing skins becomies covered twiCh snow or if the base of the ski becomes wet and has snow adhering to it then the adhesive may not properly hold the climbing skin to the base of the ski. In such cases, the climbimg ekifx can become unstuck from the ski especially at the fait.
~0 ~iirnbing skins which use an adhesive as well as tax! and tip straps to hold it in place have also becflme popular. This common tail fixation method is problematic in that it is usually necessary to modify the ski to provide a way to attach a strap to the tta..il end of the ski. Soxne current climbing skin systems have a fixture, such as a pin which is screwed into the tap surface of the ski near the tail. A strap from the rear end of a climbing skin caa then he stretched around the tail of the ski and attached to the pin.
'this is not desirable because it requires modification of the ski itself.
In another common tail fixation method, the skin is riveted to a pair of sandwiching metal plates that include an integral hook for engaging the tail end of the ski.
Because the metal hook is relatively rigid, the soap must be moved to the tip end of the ski. Tvu~o rectangular metal wire looks (clips) are typically connected by a short (about 4 inches longp elastic, rubbery strip. The skin is fed through a portion of one of these separate clips and is looped back to adhere onto itself. The clip on the other end of the elastic strip is hooked over the tip of the ski to hold the skin in place. having the elastic strip located at the tip can be a problem wuhen the skier accidentally hits the wire loop with t)xe opposite shi thereby knocking the clip completely off the tip of tire ski.
Qnce the skin is free from the tip of the ski, at can drag through the snow and the shin adhesive can become contaminated and eventually fail.
The straps, or elastic tensioning members, in strap-based skin attachment systems are usually made of plastic or raabber. These systems are prone to failure due to the harsh conditions they are exposed to. The plastic or rubber tensioning ireernbers can crack and tear in extreme cold. They are alsa subject to chemical breakdown through radiation exposure and oxidation. The metal plate and rivet systems used for fastening to the skin fabric can tear out of the comparatively weak fabric and ~ exixemely difficult to replace in the field. Existing tip and tai! systems shave not directly addressed the long-term reliability issues and xepair issues often-encountered in ski wuring.
2Q There is a need for ac attachment systeKn for climbing skins which allows climbing skies to be securely affixed by straps at botrc tip and tail ends of the ski and yet which is easy to use and does not require modification of the ski itself, There is also a need eo provide an attachment system between the strap and the skin that is strong, does not tear the skin fabric and is field serviceable.
SiiTMIVIA~t~' OF ~.'I~E INVFNTZ<~N
In. one of its aspects the invention is an assembly for attaching an elongated resilient tensioning member to a climbing skin. The assembly comprises a genertdly rectangular cutout extending Inward from one eztd of the skin, two flat rigid plates secured about opposite faces of the end of said skin bymeans of a plurality of rivets extending through apertures in the plates and through the skin, tit least one of the plates has an opening therethrough. ?'he tensioning member has an elongated body portion of substantially S uniform thickness. One end portion of the member has a thickness greater than the thickness of the opposite end and than the body postion, and the end portion is no longer than the length of the opening. The end parcian is retained in the opening between the plates and a portion of the tensioning member adjacent the end portion extends between the plates along the cutout.
1n another aspect of the invention, the portion of the tensioning member that is adjacent the end portion is wider than: the body portirnn and the width corresponds to the width of the cutout.
15 in another aspect of the invention, these axe at least lfiree rivets on at least thxee sides of the cutout.
In another aspect, the invention is a kit for a climbing skin system comprising an elongated climbing skit, a generally rectaatgular cutout extending inward from one end of 2D the skin, two flat rigid plates secured about opposite faces of the end of the skin by means of a plurality of rivets extending through apertures in the plates and through the skin, with at least one of the plates having an opening therethrough. The kit also includes an elongated resilient teu~sionang member comprising an elongated body portion of substantially uniform thickness and two ends, a first of said ends having a end portion 25 extending from said first end and having a thickness gxeater than the thickztess of a second of said ends annd greater than the thickness of said body portion, said end portion being no longer than the length of said opening.
Xn another aspect of the kit invention, a portion o~f the resilient tensioning member adjacent 'the end poztion is wider than the body portion and the width corresponds to the width of the cutout.
Ln a further aspect of the invention, there axe at least three rivets on at least three sides of said cutout.
Other aspects of the invention will be appz~eciated by reference to the detailed description which follows.
BRIEF DE~,CRIPTION ~F THHI~ DR:AWI11YGS
Tn drawi.ngs which illustrate r~arlaus non-limiting embodiments or the invention:
Figure 1 is a section through a climbing skin mouneing syseem on the rear of a ski;
Figure 2 is a top view theeeof;
Figure 3 is a bottoux view of the tail end of the ski, showirjg an attachment assembly according to the invention for attaching flue skin to the strap;
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the skin, strap and ~.ttachrnent assembly according to the invention;
Figure 5 is a schematic, partially cut-away top uiew of a mounting system according to an alternative embodiment which has a pair of cords held in a dual cord cord lock;
S
Figure 6 is a side clevatian'of a clip having a pin projecting frotri a location on its rear side;
higure 7 is a top view of a further alternative embodiment wherein a card is held between a pair of spring-loaded cans;
Fgure 8 is a section through a further alternative ernbodim~ent wherein a, strap is held by a tension lock; and figure 9 .is a side elevation of a clip ~ according to an alternative etxubodiment wherein a strap passes through an upright flange on the clip.
DET ED l) C I~ OF THE P D EIVDiODIMENT
Figures 1 and 2 show a sld 10 to which is :attached g climbitag skin 12.
Elongated clitnbing shin 12 has a nap 13 made of rearwardly angled bristles and is attached to the base 10A of ski 10 witty a suitable removable adhesive 14. .4n elongated tensioning strap 16 is affixed to the rear end of skin I2 as discussed in greater detail below.
strap 16 is affixed at ttze tail 108 of ski 10 with a mounting clip I8.
Mounting clip I8 is very generally C-shaped in cross-section and hooks around the tail IOB of ski 10. CIip 1$ has a low rigid fiat portion 15 uvhich extends underneath the i~ase I OA of ska I0. Clip 18 is rigid so that it can slide onto tail l OB of ski 1D
hut cannot rotate when it is on ski 10. Strap I6 has a number of spaced apart apeztures 17 in its distal portions. A user can apply tension to sump 16, pull strap 1~ around the rear end of clip I $
and then hold scrap I6 in place on clip 18 by hvoleing one of apertures I7 around a projecting pin 20 on clip i8.
In the prefeixed ermbodiment shown in Figure d, clip I8 has a raised portion 21 in which is an aperture 22. Strap 16 passes through aperture 22. Thus, clip 1 S remains on strap 16 even when skin 12 and strap 16 are removed from the ski 10. The shape of clip 1S tends to prevent clip 18 from rotating relative to trail 3 OB of ski 10 under the tensiozt forces S exerted on strap 18. Clip 18 may be made from any suitable n9aterial such as steel or a rigid plastic.
Preferably the rear portion 26 of clip 18 has a suuface 26A which is disposed at azx acute angle relative to base portion 15. Thus, when clip 18 as installed and strap l.6 is under tension, the tail end 1013 of ski 10 is wedged into the rear end of clip 18 between surface 2fA and lower portion 15 of clip 18. This tends to prevent clip 18 from sliding sideways in either direction on fhe tail 10~ of ski 10.
Preferably strap 16 and/or skin 12 are slightly resilient so that skin 12 and strap 16 remain 1.5 under tension while in use. Strap 16 may be made from a strip of fabric-reinforced rubber, or the like. Most preferably. the rearmost end 19 of strap 16 is broadened. This both prevents the accidental removal of clip 18 from strap 16 axed provides a convenient hand grip fos applying tension to scrap 1G when attaching skin 12 to a ski.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the scrap 1G is releasably affixed to clip 18 by means of a pin 20 on clip I8 which is received through an aperture 17 in scrap 16.
Other suitable means for holding the soap 1G is a tensioned manner to clip 18 may also be used.
For example, the clip may incllrde a jam lever which can be pressed down so as to hold the strap in place on the clip by corxepressing a strap betrueer~ a cam and a surface on the clip. Jam levers are ktaown in ehe art and can be readily purchased from various sources.
Preferably the jam lever is installed so that tension on stxap tends to tighten the cam, and thereby prevent the strap from becoming loose during use.
i~igures 3 and 4. show a novet attaclhment means for connecting the resilient strap 16 to the climtring skin 12. In the preferred embodiment, two flat rigid plates 64, fabricated from steel or other suitable materials, are positioned on the two opposite sides or faces of the skin material so as to sandwich the shin material between them. A
generally rectangular cutout 61 is anode in the central portion of the tail end of the skin to make room for the strap 16, i.e. it extends inward ftom the tail end of the skin.
'flwee holes are punched through the fabric to make roam for the rivets 62, inn the preferred embodiment, three soft, solid rivets 62 are deformed using a press or hammer to tightly squeeze the rigid plates 60 together, thereby securely pinching the skin fabric 12.
Preferably the rivets are provided on at least three sides of the cutout 61 to maximize the integrity of the connection and to minimize fabric tear.
At least one of the two plates 60 includes an opening 63 that is sized to allow the clip end of strap 16 to tae fed through opening 63 as will be explained below.
The end 64 of the strap that is adapted to be retained in the rivet assembly includes a thickened end portion, comprising opposed enlarged (tl~iekened) sides 66, 68.
The end portion is thicker thazt the elongated body portion of the strag 16 which has a substantially uniforrx~, thickness, and it is thicl~er than the .opposite end of the strap. The thickened end gortion is also preferably made no longer than the Length of the opening 63 so as to allow it to be seated within the opening and the cutout in order to minimize its profile against the snow or the ski as the case may be.
Preferably the body of the strap 15 and the broadened, clip end of the strap have a thickness of about 0.0$0 inches while the thickness through the combined raised portions 66, G8 of the strap is about 0.180 inches. Lt it contemplated that the conZbined thickness may range from 0.16 inches and 0.20 inches to achieve the objects of the invention.
The portion of the strap that is adjacent tile thickened end portion is broadened to a width approximately equal to the width of the cutout 61. Once the plates 60 are ~sembled with the rivets 62, the strap 16 can be fed rearward, i.e. starting at its unthickened clip end, through the opening b3 in the plates 6t?. The stirap 16 snaps unto place and is help within S the opening in the plates 60 by the dual opposing raised portions 66, 613 of the strap. The thickened end portion is then retained in opening 63 between the plates 6~ and the broadened portion of the strap 16 that is adjacent the thickened end portion extends between tlae plates along the cutout 61. It will be appreciated that the strap and skin attachment assembly can be provided as a kit for assembly by the skier, comprising the skin vz>,e end of which is provided already sandwiched between the two plates and an elongated strap I6 as described above including the thickened end portion and preferably the broadened adjacent portion matching the width of the cLttout.
The preferred embodiment of the strap and skin attachment asserrlbly provides numerous advantages over the sloes-of-the-art skin technology. Primarily, the assembly allows for quick and easy replacEment of strap 16 by the shier in the Feld. The skier simply slides s new scrap into the plate opening 63. In addition, the strap 16 cart be designed to have a breaking tension lower than the force required to pull or tear the plates 60 from the skin I2. The completed assennbly is lightweight, thin" reliable, and easily field serviceable.
Altenrradvely, strap 16 could comprise a cord instead of a flat strap or could comprise a flexible flat member having a cord attached to its end. Such a cord nught be attached to a climbing skin by passing it around the rear end of the clip to be held in place by a cord lock device. Cord lock devices of various types are well known in the art. One type has a plug slidably mounted within a housing. The plug is biased toward one side of the housing by a spring. The cord passes through apertures iat the housing and the plug and is jammed between the plug and the housing. A release button allows a user to displace the plug against the bias force exerted by the spring to release the eox°d. The card lock device is preferably of a type which is designed itt such a manner that tension on the cord tends to tighten the cord lock device.
Figure 5 shows a clip 18C in which a skin 12 is tensioned on a ski 10 with a dual-cord cord loch 40. Cords 32 pass between a wedge 42 and inclined walls 43.
',f°ension on cords 32 tends to pull wedge 43 rearwardly, thereby tightly gripping cords 32.
The ~errgles of walls 43 relative to the longitudinal center of clip 18C are exaggerated in Figure S. In the lEigurc 5 embodiment cords 32 pass around locating gzooves in the rear end of clip Z 8C. Locating grooves 44 guide cords 32, When a strap is affixed to a clip 16 by a way of a tab which projects through a hole in the strap, it is not necessary that the tab be Docated in the same position shown in Figures I
and 2. figure 6 shows a clip 18D according to an alternat~'ve embodiment wherein a tab 2~A projects generally rearwardly from clip 18. This embodiment is not preferable because of the enhanced liDrelihood that strap 16 may become accidently dislodged f=nzn tab 20A in the Figure b embodiment duriag use.
Figure 7 shows a further alternative embodiment wherein. a cord 32 which is attached to the rear etzd of a climbing skin passes around clip 1 gE and is held in place v~rhile 2~ tensioned between a pair spring-loaded cams 46. xarger versions of such cans are used, for example, to secure ropes on sailing boats.
Figure 8 shows a clip I8F according to a further alternative embodiment wherein a strap 16 is held in place by a tension kick asserr~bly 50. Tension locks are well known and are commoaly used to adjust the lengths of straps vn backpacks. in a tension lock, a strap is doubled back on itself around a number of surfaces tending to re.~ist slippage.
As described above, is preferred embodiments the clip I8 is slidably disposed on the strap or cord which is attached to skin 12. This prevents clip I S from becoming lost la vrv#~en skin 12 is detached from ski 10. The embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 shows the scrap 16 passing through a pair slots on either side of a bend in the upper portion of clip 18. Clip 18 could be can:~gurEd in any of various alternative ways which also cause clip 18 to be slidably disposed on a strap or cord when the skin is detached from.
a ski. For example, figure 9 shows a clip I$G wherein a strap or cord passes through an aperture 5~ in a flange 56 which projects upwardly from a top surface of clip 1$G. A
strap or cord could also pass through a loop of cord or elastic attached to a clip 18.
'While it i.s not pre~Ferred, a strap 16 could also be held to the: top of clip 18 by a section of I O hook and loop fastener material such V'>rLCRO'~"", having one part on the clip x~nd another part art the strap. ,A strap or cord could also be retained on a clip 18 by a snap fastener, mechanical clamp, or the like. Where a mechanical clat'ap is used a user could pull a strap or cord tight and theta secure the strap or cord in place by turning a screw or the like.
It wiil be appreciated that while the embodiments of the iwvention have been described in some detail, modifications and alterations thereto , nnay be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (13)
1. A retention system for retaining a climbing skin to a tail end of a ski comprising:
a) an elongated resilient tensioning member having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures, secured to one end of the skin; and b) a mounting clip separate from the ski and adapted to engage the tail end of a ski, the clip having:
i) a base portion to underlie the tail end of the ski; and ii) a vertical section extending from the base portion to extend behind the tail end; and iii) an upper portion extending from the vertical section to overlie the tail end of the ski, the upper portion comprising a projection operable to engage at least one of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures.
a) an elongated resilient tensioning member having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures, secured to one end of the skin; and b) a mounting clip separate from the ski and adapted to engage the tail end of a ski, the clip having:
i) a base portion to underlie the tail end of the ski; and ii) a vertical section extending from the base portion to extend behind the tail end; and iii) an upper portion extending from the vertical section to overlie the tail end of the ski, the upper portion comprising a projection operable to engage at least one of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures.
2. The retention system of claim 1, wherein the projection extends toward the ski when the mounting clip is engaged on the tail end of the ski.
3. The retention system of claim 1, wherein the upper portion comprises a first part that extends from the vertical section and a second part that extends towards the ski when the mounting clip is engaged on the tail end of the ski.
4. The retention system of claim 3, wherein the second part terminates in the projection adapted for engaging at least one of the plurality of longitudinally space apertures.
5. The retention system of claim 3, wherein the first part extends at an acute angle from the vertical section and the second part terminates in the projection adapted to engage at least one of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures.
6. The retention system of claim 1, wherein the mounting clip further comprises an aperture adapted to receive the tensioning member therethrough.
7. The retention system of claim 6, wherein the aperture is within the upper portion.
8. The retention system of claim 5, wherein the mounting clip further comprises an aperture adapted to receive the tensioning member therethrough,
9. The retention system of claim 8, wherein the aperture is within the upper portion.
10. A retention system for retaining a climbing skin to a tail end of a ski comprising:
a) an elongated resilient perforated tensioning member secured to one end of said skin;
and b) a generally C-shaped mounting clip separate from the ski and adapted to engage the tail end of the ski, the clip having:
i) a base portion to underlie the tail end of the ski;
ii) a vertical section extending from the base portion to extend behind the tail end of the ski; and, iii) an upper portion extending from the vertical section and terminating in a projection adapted to engage the perforated tensioning member, wherein the projection extends toward the ski when the mounting clip is engaged on the tail end of the ski.
a) an elongated resilient perforated tensioning member secured to one end of said skin;
and b) a generally C-shaped mounting clip separate from the ski and adapted to engage the tail end of the ski, the clip having:
i) a base portion to underlie the tail end of the ski;
ii) a vertical section extending from the base portion to extend behind the tail end of the ski; and, iii) an upper portion extending from the vertical section and terminating in a projection adapted to engage the perforated tensioning member, wherein the projection extends toward the ski when the mounting clip is engaged on the tail end of the ski.
11. The retention system of claim 10, wherein the upper portion comprises a first part that extends from the vertical section and a second part that extends towards the ski when the mounting clip is engaged on the tail end of the ski and the second part terminates in the projection adapted for engaging the perforated tensioning member.
12. The retention system of claim 11, wherein the first part extends form the vertical section at an acute angle.
13. The retention system of claim 10, wherein the mounting clip comprises and aperture within the upper portion to receive the tensioning member therethrough.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2332217 CA2332217C (en) | 2001-01-24 | 2001-01-24 | Improved apparatus for affixing climbing skins to skis |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2332217 Division CA2332217C (en) | 2001-01-24 | 2001-01-24 | Improved apparatus for affixing climbing skins to skis |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2425866A1 CA2425866A1 (en) | 2002-04-01 |
| CA2425866C true CA2425866C (en) | 2007-04-10 |
Family
ID=4168172
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002425866A Expired - Lifetime CA2425866C (en) | 2001-01-24 | 2001-01-24 | Improved apparatus for affixing climbing skins to skis |
| CA 2332217 Expired - Lifetime CA2332217C (en) | 2001-01-24 | 2001-01-24 | Improved apparatus for affixing climbing skins to skis |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2332217 Expired - Lifetime CA2332217C (en) | 2001-01-24 | 2001-01-24 | Improved apparatus for affixing climbing skins to skis |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA2425866C (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1533007A1 (en) * | 2003-11-19 | 2005-05-25 | Nicama GmbH | Apparatus for affixing climbing skins to the tail end of skis |
| EP1731201B1 (en) * | 2005-06-10 | 2008-09-03 | Nicama GmbH | Device for fastening an extremity of a ski skin to a ski |
| EP1875946A3 (en) * | 2006-07-03 | 2009-05-20 | Nicama GmbH | Device for attaching a ski skin to the rear end of a ski |
| DE502007003275D1 (en) * | 2006-07-26 | 2010-05-12 | Toedi Sport Ag Glarus | A holder for attaching an end of a ski skin to an end of a ski |
| US10434398B1 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2019-10-08 | G3 Genuine Guide Gear Inc. | Reinforced climbing skins |
| US10543418B1 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2020-01-28 | G3 Genuine Guide Gear Inc. | Climbing skin attachment apparatus, methods, and systems |
-
2001
- 2001-01-24 CA CA002425866A patent/CA2425866C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-01-24 CA CA 2332217 patent/CA2332217C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2332217C (en) | 2006-04-04 |
| CA2425866A1 (en) | 2002-04-01 |
| CA2332217A1 (en) | 2002-04-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20210125 |