EP0327367A2

EP0327367A2 - Ski

Info

Publication number: EP0327367A2
Application number: EP89301015A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bert Leibetseder
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-02-03
Filing date: 1989-02-02
Publication date: 1989-08-09
Also published as: AU2963089A; EP0327367A3; JPH01291881A

Abstract

A groove (13) extends along an inner edge of a lower ground touching face (11) of a ski (10), the length of the groove (13) is such that it extends beyond the toe and the heel of a boot (15) provided on an upper face of the ski (10); the width of the groove (13) is narrow compared to the width of the ski (10). A bevel (14) can further be provided on an outer edge of the groove (13).

Description

This invention relates to improvements in skis and, in particular, to improvements which will increase the edge holding on a ski.
Skis of various sizes and shapes are well known and specific skis can be designed to operate optimally under different conditions. Variations in the shape of a ski which appear somewhat minor can, when the ski is being used to the extreme of its performance, make a perceptible difference in that performance. If, for example, the ski is being used for racing, the difference may be of great importance.
The object of the present invention is to provide a ski which increases the edge holding during turning and skiing transverse to a slope.
In accordance with the present invention a ski with a lower and an upper face is provided, having on an inner edge of the lower face a groove narrow relative to a width of the ski.
The groove may be of the order of 2mm wide and 0.2 to 0.5 mm deep.
The outer edge of the groove may be provided with a bevel.
The invention is described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig.1 is a side elevation of a ski showing the user's ski boot;
Fig.2 is an underneath view of the pair of skis incorporating the invention;
Fig.3 is a cross-section of the ski; and
Fig.4 is an enlarged view of the edge of the ski of Fig.3.

Generally the ski can be conventional and its overall form of construction will not be described herein.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a ski 10 is provided with an upper and a lower face 11. The upper face can be utilised for the fixing of a ski-boot 15 and the lower face 11 for contact with a surface, for example ground, snow, ice, dry ski-slope etc. Along an inner edge of the lower face 11 of the ski 10, a concave groove 13 is provided. The groove 13 extends approximately 10 to 15 cm forwardly beyond a toe of the ski-boot 15 and approximately 10 to 15 cm rearwardly of a heel of the ski-boot 15. The groove 13 may be of the order of 2 mm wide and 0.2 to 0.5 mm deep.
On an outer edge of the groove 13 a bevel 14 may be provided of, for example, between 0.5 degrees and 3 degrees and may run the length of the groove 13 or may, in fact, extend either the full length or over a substantial length of the ski 10.
The ski of the present invention provides features for skiers of all calibres.
Basically, the provision of the groove 13 and the adjacent edge increases the edge holding on the ski when turning or when skiing transverse to the slope, as it reduces the on-snow contact area and thus increases the downward pressure on the inside edge of the ski, which is the most critical part of the ski during such manoeuvres.
For skilled skiers racing, the skier can maintain higher speed during turning and can also decrease the radius of the turn.
For good skiers, the ski of the invention provides more consistent drive during turning and increased stability in changing conditions.
For the learner or the moderate skier, the ski of the invention provides greater security than otherwise in hard packed snow, man-made snow and in icy conditions.

Claims

1. A ski (10) with a lower face (11) for contact with a surface and an upper face for attachment to a boot (15) characterised by a groove (13) on an inner edge of the lower face (11), said groove (13) being narrow relative to a width of said ski (10).

2. A ski as claimed in claim 1, wherein at an outer edge of the groove (13) the ski (10) is bevelled (14).

3. A ski as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the groove (13) is of the order of 2mm wide and of the order of 0.2 to 0.5mm deep.

4. A ski as claimed in claim 2, wherein an angle of the bevel (14) is of the order of between 0.5 degrees and 3 degrees.

5. A ski as claimed in claim 4, wherein the groove (13) extends forwardly and rearwardly from a vicinity of the boot (15) by 10cm to 15 cm.

6. A ski (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said bevel (14) is of a length substantially that of said groove (13).

7. A ski (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said bevel (14) is of a length greater than that of said groove (13) but less than a length of said ski (10).

8. A ski (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said bevel (14) is of a length substantially that of said ski (10).