WO2016172700A1

WO2016172700A1 - Mounting assembly for attaching ski binding assembly to ski

Info

Publication number: WO2016172700A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/029200
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rodney L. STAKER
Original assignee: Staker Rodney L
Priority date: 2015-04-24
Filing date: 2016-04-25
Publication date: 2016-10-27

Abstract

A mounting plate is configured to convert a flat ski into a system ski. The mounting plate includes a base portion that is placed flush against a ski. The mounting plate includes a channel or slot that is configured to receive a base of a binder. The mounting plate includes at least two fasteners configured to removably fasten the mounting plate to the ski. Each ski includes first and second mounting plates situated a fixed length apart and that slidingly receive first and second ends, respectively, of the binder base therein. A central portion of the binder base is fastened to the ski at a location between the mounting plates. As the ski flexes or arcs over uneven ground, the first and second ends of the binder base flex or arc with the ski, and can slide within the slot of the respective mounting plate.

Description

MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR ATTACHING SKI BINDING ASSEMBLY TO SKI Background

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of US provisional application Serial No. 62/152,204, filed April 24, 2015, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to skis, and more particularly to an assembly that quickly and easily converts a conventional ski binding secured to a ski into a more flexible system ski assembly.

[0003] Often conventional ski bindings are rigidly affixed to a ski. Especially, with a ski boot attached to these ski bindings, the rigidly affixed ski binding inhibits free flexing and prevents a skier from having full control of his skis.

[0004] System skis generally provide more control. Therefore, there exists a need for a way to convert a conventional ski to a system ski to provide for more control.

[0005] Devices were found that relate to skis. For example, one prior device includes a simplified laminated construction by providing a glass fiber reinforced beam laminated on a tensile facing to a single laminate layer of stiffening material and a bottom running surface.

[0006] Still another device provides a ski having a sole equipped with discontinuous serrations comprising a smooth or light structured front portion and a strongly structured rear portion.

[0007] These devices however, fail to provide a mounting plate configured to receive a binding therein to convert a flat ski to a system ski.

Summary

[0008] The subject disclosure provides an assembly and associated method for converting a flat ski to a system ski.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, first and second mounting plates are fixedly secured to the ski in spaced relation on an upper surface of the ski. The first and second mounting plates each include an upwardly facing channel dimensioned to slidingly receive a respective one of a toe or heel portion of a ski binding. A central portion of the ski binding is secured or fixed to the ski.

[0010] The associated method of converting a ski from a flat ski to a system ski includes securing first and second mounting plates in spaced relation on to an upper surface of a ski. A first end portion of a ski binding is slidably received in the first mounting plate and a second end portion of the ski binding is slidably received in the second mounting plate. The method further includes subsequently fixing a central portion of the ski binding to the ski at a location between the first and second mounting plates.

[0011] A primary advantage of the present disclosure resides in the ability to create a system ski assembly.

[0012] Still another benefit is associated with converting a flat ski assembly to the system ski assembly.

[0013] The assembly mounts to the flat mounting surface of any ski regardless of manufacturer.

[0014] The new system ski improves performance of a ski by allowing the ski to create a truer arc.

[0015] The new system ski allows a ski to flex without inhibition of the boot and binding complex.

[0016] The new system ski contains a U-shaped channel configured to receive a system ski binding.

[0017] The new system ski enables a skier to improve his or her overall control and stability when skiing.

[0018] Still other benefits and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from reading and understanding the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a side perspective of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows an overhead perspective of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows an overhead perspective of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 shows an overhead perspective of the present invention. [0023] FIG. 5 shows a side perspective of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the positioning of the two mounting plates/brackets on an upper surface of a flat ski.

[0025] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing the fasteners for securing one of the mounting plates/brackets to the upper surface of the flat ski.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing initial insertion of a binding assembly into the first mounting plate/bracket.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing further insertion of the binding assembly through the first mounting plate/bracket and toward insertion into the second mounting plate/bracket.

[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates continued insertion of the binding assembly through the first mounting plate/bracket.

[0029] FIG. 11 shows the final inserted position of the binding assembly in the first mounting plate/bracket.

[0030] FIG. 12 shows insertion of a fastener through central portion of the binding assembly located between the first and second mounting plates/brackets and into the ski.

[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the binding assembly received in the first and second mounting plates/brackets and a central portion of the binding assembly fastened to the ski.

[0032] FIG. 14 is an elevational view of a ski boot received in the binding assembly/ski of Figure 13 on a level surface.

[0033] FIG. 15 is an elevational view similar to Figure 14 with the ski shown in a flexed position.

Detailed Description

[0034] Conventional ski bindings are rigidly fixed to the ski. With a ski boot in them, it creates a rigid area in the ski itself and inhibits free flexing, thus interrupting the smoothness with which the ski traditionally arcs. A skier may feel that he or she has more control using a system ski but may not be able to afford a brand new set of skis, and would prefer to retrofit his or her current set of skis instead. [0035] The present disclosure includes a channeled rail system that allows any flat ski to become a system ski. This innovative product may comprise channeled rail sections attached to skis via fasteners. There are preferably two rail sections (sometimes referred to as a mounting bracket or channel) per ski, and each channel can be attached to a flat ski with four screws per section. Each ski includes a pair of mounting plates situated at a fixed length apart.

[0036] Once installed, a Marker RTM or similar binding may be slid into the rail sections and the binding is fixed with a single screw in its midsection to the ski. The channel may be rigid enough to hold the binding side to side and up and down, but still allow for back and forth motion, i.e., relative sliding of those portions (tow and heel portions) of the binding that are longitudinally spaced (i.e., in the direction of the elongated length of the ski) from the central mounting portion of the binding to the ski. Thus, the central portion of the binding is secured to the ski but opposite ends of the binding assembly can slide in respective channels so that when the ski is bent, the opposite ends of the binding portions can likewise flex or arc and have limited sliding movement relative to the underlying ski to provide desired improved control by the skier.

[0037] More specifically, the accompanying figures illustrate a preferred embodiment of the new disclosure. RTM Plates can be constructed using aluminum, steel, or other suitable materials. The binding may be attached to the flat mounting surface of any ski regardless of manufacturer. Exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary upon manufacturing.

[0038] A ski binding assembly 100 is shown and described herein. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an end view in Figure 1 and plan view in Figure 2 of an individual mounting plate 102. The mounting plate 102 is configured to convert a flat ski 104 (Figure 3) into a system ski. The mounting plate 102 as a generally C-shaped cross-section or channel shape in which a planar base 106 is placed flush against a upper surface 108 of the ski 104. Suitable fasteners such as screws 1 10 (four of which are shown for each mounting plate, although more or less fasteners may be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure) extend through corresponding openings 12 formed in the planar base 106 of the mounting plate 102 to fixedly secure each mounting plate to the ski 104. Preferably, first and second mounting plates 102 are secured to each ski 104 in longitudinally spaced relation, i.e. spaced along the length of the ski.

[0039] First and second sidewalls 120, 122 extend generally perpendicularly outward from the planar base 106 of the mounting plate 102 and when the planar base is mounted flush to the upper surface 108 of the ski 104, the sidewalls extend upwardly/outwardly from the ski surface. Terminal ends of the sidewalls 08, 10, include retaining flanges 124, 126 that extend perpendicularly a short dimension from the respective sidewall and extend toward the opposite side wall to define a slot or channel 128 formed between the planar base 106 and the retaining flange. The retaining flanges 124, 26 extend only a limited dimension from the respective sidewall 108, 1 10 to define an opening 130 defined between the retaining flanges along the elongated length of the mounting plate 102. The slot 128 and opening 130 of each mounting plate 102 are dimensioned to slidingly receive a portion of a conventional binder 140 therein. Specifically, an elongated base 142 of the binder 140 has an inverted T-shape where the wide portion of the T-shaped base 142 is received in the slot 128, and the narrower, stem portion of the base 142 extends upwardly and outwardly through the opening 130 in the mounting plate 102.

[0040] The sidewalls 108, 1 0 of each mounting plate 102 are sufficiently rigid and durable to limit side-to-side movement/motion of the elongated base 142 of the binder 140 relative to the mounting plate. Likewise, the retaining flanges 124, 126 are sufficiently rigid and durable to limit movement or motion of the elongated base 142 of the binder 140 in a direction perpendicularly outward from the planar base 106 of the mounting plate 102.

[0041] However, a central portion 144 of the elongated base 142 of the binder 140 is secured via a fastener 150 such as a screw to the upper surface 108 of the ski 104 at a location generally centrally positioned between the mounting plates 102. In this manner, the central portion 144 of the binder 140 is fixed against movement relative to the ski 104 where the elongated base 142 is secured via the screw 150 to the upper surface 108. Distal ends 146, 148 of the elongated base 142 of the binder 140 can slide relative to the respective mounting plate 102 (i.e. the distal ends 146, 148 of the elongated base 142 can slide within the slot 128 of the respective mounting plate). When the ski 104 flexes or arcs as the ski traverses over uneven ground, this freedom of movement of the distal ends 146, 148 of the elongated base 142 of the binder allows the binder ends to generally conform to the shape of the flexed ski and provide greater control to the skier. It is this movement or action of the ends 46, 148 in the slots 128 of the respective mounting plates 102 which allows the modified flat ski 104 to operate or mimic the controlled action of a system ski.

[0042] Thus, a series of mounting steps are shown in Figures 6 - 13. In Figure 6, the first and second mounting plates/brackets 102 are positioned along the upper surface 108 of flat ski 104. In Figure 7, fasteners 1 10 are shown securing one of the mounting plates/brackets 102 to the upper surface 108 of the flat ski 104. The other mounting plate/bracket is likewise fastened to the upper surface 108 of the flat ski 104.

[0043] In Figure 8, a first end portion of the binder 140, particularly the base 142, is advanced into the first mounting plate/bracket 102. Specifically, the base 142 is dimensioned for receipt in the longitudinal slot 128 defined by the retaining flanges 124, 126. Figure 9 illustrates the first end portion of the binder 140 after passing through the first mounting plate/bracket 102 and advancing toward the second mounting plate/bracket 102, and Figure 10 illustrates still further advancement of the binder into a desired final position as shown in Figure 1 1 . Also shown in Figure 1 1 is the fastener or screw 150 aligned over opening 152 in the central portion of the binder 144 fastening or securing the central portion of the binder to the ski 104 at a location between the first and second mounting plates/brackets 102 on one of the skis. The distal end portions 146, 148 of the base 142 of the binder preferably do not extend longitudinally outward from the remote ends of the mounting plates/brackets 102 when the ski 104 is planar (e.g., on a flat surface) (Figures 12-13). As will be appreciated, the same assembly steps are repeated for the other ski (not shown).

[0044] Figure 14 shows the ski 104, binding assembly 100, and a ski boot 160 received therein. The ski is shown in a planar configuration or confirmation as the ski would adopt over a flat surface. In Figure 15, opposite ends of the ski are flexed (i.e., the ski has an arcuate configuration). The central portion 144 of the binder maintains its fixed relationship with the ski 104 due to fastener 150. However, the distal ends 146, 148 of the binder 140 are free to slide within respective mounting plates/brackets 102 so that portions of the binder (e.g., distal ends 146, 148) spaced from or remote from the fastener 150 can slide and generally adopt the flex or arcuate shape of the flexed ski 104.

[0045] A binding such as a Marker RTM ("ride the mountain") binding or other similar ski binding attachments are configured via the present disclosure to convert a flat ski into a system ski. Each mounting plate features at least a pair (and preferably four) fasteners capable of being attached and secured to any make and model of skis.

[0046] This written description uses examples to describe the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure. Other examples that occur to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the invention if they have structural elements that do not differ from the same concept, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An assembly for an associated ski comprising:

first and second mounting plates dimensioned for receipt on an associated upper surface of the associate ski, the first and second mounting plates being secured thereto in longitudinally spaced relation, each mounting plate having a base portion that is flush with the associated upper surface of the associated ski and a slot;

an elongated base of a binder assembly having first and second ends

dimensioned for sliding receipt in the slots of the first and second mounting plates, respectively; and

a fastener for securing a central portion of the elongated base of the binder assembly to the associated ski at a location positioned between the first and second mounting plates.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the mounting plates further comprise sidewalls extending outwardly from the base portion that constrain side-to-side movement of the binder assembly base relative to the mounting plates.

3. The assembly of claim 2 further comprising retaining flanges extending outwardly from the sidewalls and generally parallel to the base portion to define the slot, the retaining flanges constraining movement of the binder assembly base upwardly from an upper surface of the associated ski.

4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the retaining flanges and base portion define an inverted-T-shape that slidingly receives the binder base portion therein.

5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second ends of the elongated base of the binder assembly do not extend beyond the mounting plates in a non-flexed position of the associated ski.

6. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising fasteners for securing the first and second mounting plates to an associated upper surface of the associated ski.

7. The assembly of claim 6 further comprising first and second flat skis wherein first and second mounting plates are secured to each ski.

8. A kit for converting a flat ski to a system ski comprising:

first and second mounting plates;

fasteners for securing the first and second mounting plates on an associated upper surface of the associated ski; and

a fastener for securing a central portion of an elongated base of an associated binder assembly to the associated ski at a location positioned between the first and second mounting plates.

9. A method of converting a flat ski to a system ski comprising: mounting first and second mounting plates on an upper surface of a ski,;

inserting a first end of an elongated base of a binder assembly through the first and second mounting plates, respectively; and

securing a central portion of the elongated base of the binder assembly to the ski at a location positioned between the first and second mounting plates.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising dimensioning slots in the first and second mounting plates to slidingly receive the base of the binder assembly.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the mounting step of the first and second mounting plates includes securing the mounting plates in longitudinally spaced relation on the upper surface of the ski.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising forming openings in the mounting plate to receive fasteners therethough for securing the base portion on the upper surface of the ski.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising forming an opening in a central portion of the binder to receive a fastener for securing the binder central portion to the ski.

14. The method of claim 9 further comprising forming an opening in a central portion of the binder to receive a fastener for securing the binder central portion to the ski.