US3834722A

US3834722A - Variable length ski

Info

Publication number: US3834722A
Application number: US00274751A
Authority: US
Inventors: E Rainer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-07-24
Filing date: 1972-07-24
Publication date: 1974-09-10
Anticipated expiration: 1991-09-10

Abstract

Disclosed is a snow ski which has a convex snow engaging surface for use by an individual in moving over a snow surface and binding means for releasably attaching the ski to a ski boot worn by an individual. Each ski is divided into front, center and rear sections which are attached together to form a rigid ski. Each of the sections is provided with a bottom snow engaging surface for aiding in moving the ski over the snow. In one embodiment the front section is provided with a socket portion into which the center section telescopes and the center section is provided with a socket portion into which the rear section telescopes. Latching means are provided on the front and center sections to selectively lock the relative positions of the sections as desired. In another embodiment, a plurality of front and rear sections are provided of varying lengths and each can be releasably attached to the center section to form skis of different lengths.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Rainer [111 3,834,722 1451 Sept. 10,1974

[ VARIABLE LENGTH SKI [22] Filed: July 24, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 214,751

[52] US. Cl. 280/l1.13 K [51] Int. Cl. A63c 5/02 [58] Field of Search 280/1 1.13 K, 20, 11.13 F;

Primary Examiner-Kenneth H. Betts Assistant ExaminerDavid M. Mitchell Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Richards, Harris & Medlock 57 ABSTRACT Disclosed is a snow ski which has a convex snow engaging surface for use by an individual in moving over a snow surface and binding means for releasably attaching the ski to a ski boot worn by an individual. Each ski is divided into front, center and rear sections which are attached together to form a rigid ski. Each of the sections is provided with a bottom snow engaging surface for aiding in moving the ski over the snow. In one embodiment the front section is provided with a socket portion into which the center section telescopes and the center section is provided with a socket portion into which the rear section telescopes. Latching means are provided on the front and center sections to selectively lock the relative positions of the sections as desired. In another embodiment, a plurality of front and rear sections are provided of varying lengths and each can be releasably attached to the center section to form skis of different lengths.

16 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures PAIENIEUSEP: 02m

SHEET 1 OF 3 om Nv I l 1 l l I...

VARIABLE LENGTH SKI BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to snow skis and more particularly to snow skis utilized in the graduated length method of instruction of beginner skiers wherein the skis are variable in length as the proficiency of the skier changes.

In the instruction and teaching of individuals to ski it has been a general practice to employ a short ski having a fixed length such as 3 feet during initial stages of instruction. This is due to the fact that it is easier for a beginner student to handle a shorter ski. As the student progresses the shorter skis are exchanged for progressively longer skis until the student reaches the stage where he can proficiently handle skis of a normal length, such as approximately 6 feet. This method of teaching is called the graduated length method. This method has been found to be very efficient in teaching beginners to ski. Even with the success of such a method, it has not proved entirely satisfactory under all conditions of service for the reason that large numbers of skis of various lengths are required by ski schools to utilize this method. For example, it is not unusual for a large ski school to have 100 students in the beginning stages of learning to ski. These lessons are usually taken over a period of a week with each student graduating through three to four separate lengths of skis between 3 and 6 feet in length. It can be seen that a ski school with 100 beginner students using the graduated length method will need at least 300-400 separate pairs of skis instead of the normal 100 pairs. This increase in number of skis substantially increases the investment in skis required for the ski school and thus necessitates an increase in rental rates. It is also to be noted that not only are at least 300-400 pairs of skis required but also at least 300-400 separate pairs of bindings are required for each separate ski must have its own binding.

Thus it can be seen that the graduated length method has become an expensive investment for the ski schools. Those concerned with the instruction of skiers and the operation of ski schools have recognized the need for a ski system which allows the utilization of the graduated length method yet substantially reduces the investment required by the ski school in using the graduated length method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the general purpose of the invention is to provide a snow ski of sufficient quality for the training of beginner skiers, and which can be utilized in the graduated length method without the necessity of having a plurality of skis of separate lengths and the bindings therefor. To obtain this, the present invention contemplates the use of an improved ski structure arrangement which can be easily and simply altered in length to be utilized with the graduated length method.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is the provision of an improved snow ski for use by an individual.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved snow ski with means for varying the length of the ski.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of an improved. snow ski which can be changed to alter the skiing characteristics thereof.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an improved snow ski which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and use.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art as the same becomes better understood by reference to the detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of the improved ski of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation of the ski shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a section of the device taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 shows a section of the device taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation similar to FIG. 2 with the ski shown in a retracted position;

FIG. 6 shows a section of the device taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of a second snow ski;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side elevation of the snow ski of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded plan view of the ski shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 shows a section of the device taken on line 10-10 of FIG. 7 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 11 shows a section of the device taken on line l l] l of FIG. 7 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a pair of short front and rear sections shown detached from the center section;

FIG. 13 is a partially exploded plan view of a third snow ski;

FIG. 14 illustrates a plan view of another snow ski;

FIG. 15 shows a section of the device taken on line l5-15 of FIG. 14 looking in the direction of the arrows; and

FIG. 16 shows a section of the device taken on lines l616 of FIG. 14 looking in the direction of the arrows.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIGS. 1-6 a variable length snow ski which is generally designated by reference numeral 10 for purposes of description. This ski 10 is of the type which is used in pairs by individuals in learning to ski on snow surfaces. Each of the skis is normally provided with a ski binding which engages and is attached to a special ski boot or shoe worn by the individual.

The ski 10 is constructed from three separate sections which telescope into each other to allow the ski to change in configuration as desired by the skier. Normally, the ski is adjusted to a short length when the student skier begins skiing and is progressively lengthened as the student skier improves.

As can be seen, the ski is of the type which has a generally convex side which engages the surface of the snow and a concave side upon which the ski binding is attached. The ski 10 has a tip or front section 12 which is curved to aid the ski in moving over the snow surface. The ski 10 also has a center section 14 which is narrower in width than the tip 12 and is provided with an area 16 for attaching an ordinary ski binding to the ski. Numerous structures of these bindings are disclosed in the art and for purposes of description the same have been omitted from the drawings so that the ski of the present invention can be more easily visualized and described. A rear section 18 is also provided and is narrower in width than the center section 14. The trailing end of the rear section 18 is slightly curved at 20 as is the conventional ski.

The front section 12 and rear section 18 are each re leasably attached to opposite ends of the center section 14 to form a rigid snow ski. The rear end of section 12 is provided with a socket portion 22 into which slidably extends one end of the center section 14. The other end of the center section 14 is also provided with a socket portion 24 into which the fore end of the rear section 18 is adapted to slide. The front section 12 and center section 14 are each tapered at 25 to reduce the abrupt change in thickness of the ski 10 at these points. It is to be noted that the

socket portions

22 and 24 are each of a sufficient depth to allow the respective sections to extend or telescope therein to thus vary the effective length of the ski. If it is desired to shorten the length of the ski 10 the rear section 18 is telescoped into the socket 24 and the center section 14 is telescoped into the socket 22, as is illustrated in FIG. 5. If it is desirable to extend the length of the ski, the rear section 18 is telescoped out of the socket portion 24 while the center section 14 is telescoped out of the socket portion 22, as is illustrated in FIG. 1. Thus, it can be seen that through the relative telescoping movement of the various sections the effective length of the ski can be varied.

To prevent relative telescoping between the adjacent sections of the ski 10 at undesirable times, a pair of latch means 26 is provided. One of the latch means 26 is positioned on the front section 12 adjacent the center section 14. A second latch member 26 is provided on the center section 14 adjacent the rear section 18. The typical construction of both of the latch members 26 is shown in detail in FIG. 6 as comprising a button 28 which is attached to and supported from a lever 30. This lever 30 is pivotally attached at 32 to the center section 14. A pawl 34 is attached to the other end of the lever 30 and is resiliently biased by a spring 33 in a direction so that the pawl 34 will tend to move in the direction of arrow 36. The rear section 18 is provided with a plurality of blind bores 38 of a size to receive the pawl 34 therein. These bores 38 are spaced along the length of the section 18 to allow the section 18 to be locked in position with different lengths of section 18 extending from the socket portion 24. In a like manner, the section 14 is provided with a plurality of bores 40 spaced along its length for allowing the latch 26 to releasably engage the respective bores.

In operation, the button 28 is depressed thus causing the lever 30 to rotate and lift the pawl 34 from the bore 38. The section 18 can then be moved into or out of socket 24 as desired to alter the length of the ski 10. The button 28 can then be released allowing the spring 33 to move the pawl 34 into registry with one of the bores 38. Then the relative adjustment of the

sections

12 and 14 can be accomplished in a like manner.

A matched color marking code 42 is provided adjacent each of the

bores

38 and 40 on the

respective sections

14 and 18 so that the individual using the ski can easily correctly position the relative sections by observing the color marking codes 42.

In FIG. 5, the ski 10 is illustrated adjusted to its shortest length. This is accomplished by inserting the section 14 completely into the socket 22 and inserting the section 18 completely into the socket 24. The ski is shown in FIG. 1 in the fully extended position with the

sections

14 and 18 extending respectively into the

sockets

22 and 24 only a sufficient distance to rigidly connect the adjacent sections together. Thus, it can be seen that by adjusting the ski between the positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 that a variety of different lengths can be obtained.

It also can be seen that the relative adjustment between the adjacent sections will change the area of the snow contacting portion of the ski and the skiing characteristics of the ski.

Although for purposes of description the ski 10 is shown with a definite number of

bores

38 and 40, it is to be understood, of course, that more or less bores could be provided as desired.

Another embodiment of a ski which is variable in length is illustrated in FIG. 7 and is identified by reference numeral for purposes of description. This ski 60 is assembled from three sections which are connected together as was the ski disclosed in FIGS. l-6. The three sections are a front section 62, a center section 64 and a rear section 66, each of which are attached together by means which will be hereinafter more fully described. The principal difference between the ski disclosed in FIG. 7 and the one disclosed in FIGS. 16 is that the front 62 and rear 66 sections are detachably connected to the center section 64. To vary the length, each center section 64 is provided with a plurality of matched front and rear sections each of which can be releasably attached to the center section 64 to provide skis of different lengths. Not only can sections of different lengths be used but also sections of different widths, areas, shapes or curvatures can be used to vary the characteristics of the ski as desired.

Referring in detail to the FIGURES, it can be seen that the center section 64 is provided with an area 68 for supporting a ski binding for use in attaching the ski to the boot of an individual. A pair of

braces

70 and 72 extend from the front of the center section 64 while the pair of

braces

74 and 76 extend from the rear of the center section. In the present embodiment the braces are shown as having a rectangular cross section and extending from the center section 64 parallel to each other. It is to be understood, of course, that braces of other cross sections could be utilized by appropriately constructing the front and rear sections to receive the braces therein.

The pair of

sockets

78 and 80 are provided in the front section 64 and are of a size and shape to receive the

braces

70 and 72, respectively, therein. The pair of

sockets

82 and 84 are provided in the rear section 66 and are of a size and shape to receive the

braces

74 and 76, respectively, therein. These braces are constructed from a material of sufficient strength to aid in joining the sections together and provide a ski capable of being used. Each of the

braces

70, 72, 74 and 76 is provided with a cutout portion 86 for use in releasably attaching front and rear sections to the center section, as will be hereinafter described.

Latch members 88 are provided on each of the front and rear sections for engaging the cutout portions 86 on the braces. A typical structure of one of the latch mechanisms is shown in detail in FIG. 11, it being understood of course that the latch mechanism on each of the tip sections is identical. The latch assembly 88 is provided with a button 90 which when depressed in the direction of arrow 92 will impart rotary motion to a pair of levers 94 each of which are pivotally attached to the rear section 66 at 96. As the levers 94 rotate in the direction of arrows 92, a pair of pawls 98 attached to the levers 94 will be moved upward away from the cutouts 86 and will allow the rear section 66 to slide off of the

braces

74 and 76. A resilient spring 100 is provided below the button 90 to resiliently urge the button in the opposite direction of arrow 92 and to resiliently urge the pawls 98 into engagement with the cutouts 86.

In operation, when it is desired to disconnect front or rear sections from the center section, the button 90 is depressed and the sections are slid off of the braces. A different set of front and rear sections can then be attached to the center section and locked in place by the pawls 98 engaging the cutouts 86.

Although the latch 88 is shown as being of a specific form, it is to be understood of course that other types of conventional latches could be utilized to attach the front and rear sections to the center section.

In FIG. 12, a typical pair of front 102 and rear 103 sections of a shortened length is shown to illustrate the fact that front and rear sections could be made with different length and/or shape dimensions as desired and may be interchangeably attached to center section 64 as is required during the training of an individual skier.

It is envisioned that each center section will be combined with a plurality of pairs of front and rear sections of different lengths, shapes and sizes to allow the skier to assemble the ski as desired.

In FIG. 13, another embodiment of a ski 104 is shown which is adjustable in length. This ski 104 is provided with a front section 106 which is attached to the center section 108 in the same manner as the section illustrated in FIGS. 7-12. The rear section 110 telescopes within the center section 108 in the same manner as the rear section illustrated with respect to FIGS. 1-6.

In FIGS. 1416, another embodiment of an adjustable length ski 112 is shown. This ski 112 is provided with a front section 114 and a rear section 116 which telescopes into the front section 114 in the same manner as the sections illustrated in FIGS. 16. Latch as- V sembly 118 and bores 120, similar to the ones shown in FIG. 6, are provided to allow for adjustment of the length of the ski 112. A ski binding support assembly 122 is mounted on the upper surface of the front section 114 to allow for longitudinal adjustment of the position of the ski binding on the ski as required by changes in the length of the ski.

As can be seen in FIGS. and 16, this comprises an elongated member 124 with a channel-shaped cross section. Centrally mounted along the length of both sides of the channel-shaped member 124 are a pair of pins 126. These pins 126 have a semi-circular cross section and are fixed in place within the groove formed by the channel member 124.

Slidably mounted within the groove formed by the channel member 124 is a binding frame assembly 128. To this binding frame assembly 128 can be attached conventional ski bindings (not shown). This binding frame assembly 128 comprises a pair of guides 130 and front and rear connector bars 132 and 134, respectively. The guides 130 are of a size to snugly slide within the groove of the channel member 124. Each of the guides 130 is provided with a plurality of semicircular notches 136 of a size corresponding to the pins 126. Each of these notches 136 is positioned to selectively engage the pins 126 when the guides 130 are forced to move in a direction away from each other. The rear connector 134 is pivotally attached between the guides 130 at points 138. The: front connector 132 is provided with a pair of slots 140 which overlie a portion of the guides 130. Pins 142 extend from the guides up through the slots 140 and allow the guides 130 to slide with respect to the front connector 132.

An eccentric 144 is pivoted at 146 to rotate between a locked position shown in solid lines in FIG. 16 and the unlocked position shown in phantom lines. Means (not shown) such as a slot head are provided on the eccen tric 144 to rotate it as desired.

In operation, the length of the ski 112 can be adjusted as desired as explained with reference to FIGS. 16. The position of the binding on. the ski can also be adjusted by rotating the eccentric: 144 to the unlocked position. The notches 136 on the two guides 130 can then be disengaged from the pins 126, by allowing the pins 142 to slide in slots 140. The longitudinal position of the frame assembly 128 can the-n be adjusted and the eccentric 144 rotated to the locking position, wherein the eccentric 144 contacts the guides 130 and forces the notches 136 into locking engagement with the pins 126. Appropriate corresponding, color marking 148 can be placed on the ski 112 to guide in the corresponding adjustment of the length and binding posiiton.

It is to be understood, of course, that the camber,

groove and flex of each of the described skis can be controlled to be that of a conventional ski through the selection of materials and relative sizes of the parts. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is: 1. A snow ski for an individual comprising: at least two separate sections forming an elongated body, said body having a direction of normal travel with front and rear ends on said body; surface means on said body for contacting and sliding over a snow surface; means attached to said body for engaging and supporting the foot of an individual; length varying means interconnecting adjacent sections for selectively varying the length of said ski between a maximum and a minimum length, said interconnecting means comprising socket means on the forward adjacent section for allowing said rear adjacent section to telescope into said forward section; and

means on said sections releasably attaching said sections to selectively prevent telescoping movement between adjacent sections and to establish various lengths between said maximum and minimum length.

2. A ski as defined in claim 1 additionally comprising means for moving the position on said body of said means for engaging and supporting the foot of an individual.

3. A ski as defined in claim 1 additionally comprising means on adjacent sections for indicating the relative insertion of the rear section into the forward section.

4. A ski as defined in claim 3 additionally comprising means for moving the position on said body of said means for engaging and supporting the foot of an individual.

5. A ski as defined in claim 1 wherein the forward sections are tapered adjacent to the connection to the rear sections.

6. A ski as defined in claim 5 additionally comprising means for moving the position on said body of said means for engaging and supporting the foot of an individual.

7. A ski as defined in claim 5 additionally comprising means on adjacent sections for indicating the relative insertion of the rear section into the forward section.

8. A ski as defined in claim 7 additionally comprising means for moving the position on said body of said means for engaging and supporting the foot of an individual.

9. A snow ski for an individual comprising:

an elongated narrow body having a front and a rear end, said body being divided into at least two separate sections;

surface means on said body for contacting and sliding over a snow surface, said body being sufficiently flexible in one direction to allow said surface means to conform with the contour of the snow surface;

means on said body for engaging and supporting the foot of an individual;

length varying means interconnecting adjacent sections for selectively varying the length of said ski between a maximum and a minimum length, said interconnecting means comprising socket means on the forward adjacent section for allowing said rear adjacent section to telescope into said forward section; and

means releasably attaching adjacent sections together to selectively prevent telescoping movement between adjacent sections and to establish various lengths between said maximum and minimum lengths.

10. A ski as defined in claim 9 additionally comprising means for varying the position on said body of said means for engaging and supporting the foot of an individual.

11. A ski as defined in claim 9 additionally comprising means on adjacent sections for indicating the relative insertion of the rear section into the forward section.

12. A ski as defined in claim 11 additionally comprising means for moving the position on said body of said means for engaging and supporting the foot of an individual.

13. A ski as defined in claim 9 wherein the forward sections are tapered adjacent to the connection to the rear sections.

14. A ski as defined in claim 13 additionally comprising means for moving the position on said body of said means for engaging and supporting the foot of an individual.

15. A ski as defined in claim 13 additionally comprising means on adjacent sections for indicating the relative insertion of the rear section into the forward section.

16. A ski as defined in claim 15 additionally comprising means for moving the position on said body of said means for engaging and supporting the foot of an individual.

Claims

1. A snow ski for an individual comprising: at least two separate sections forming an elongated body, said body having a direction of normal travel with front and rear ends on said body; surface means on said body for contacting and sliding over a snow surface; means attached to said body for engaging and supporting the foot of an individual; length varying means interconnecting adjacent sections for selectively varying the length of said ski between a maximum and a minimum length, said interconnecting means comprising socket means on the forward adjacent section for allowing said rear adjacent section to telescope into said forward section; and means on said sections releasably attaching said sections to selectively prevent telescoping movement between adjacent sections and to establish various lengths between said maximum and minimum length.

9. A snow ski for an individual comprising: an elongated narrow body having a front and a rear end, said body being divided into at least two separate sections; surface means on said body for contacting and sliding over a snow surface, said body being sufficiently flexible in one direction to allow said surface means to conform with the contour of the snow surface; means on said body for engaging and supporting the foot of an individual; length varying means interconnecting adjacent sections for selectively varying the length of said ski between a maximum and a minimum length, said interconnecting means comprising socket means on the forward adjacent section for allowing said rear adjacent section to telescope into said forward section; and means releasably attaching adjacent sections together to selectively prevent telescoping movement between adjacent sections and to establish various lengths between sAid maximum and minimum lengths.