WO2014131935A1

WO2014131935A1 - Ski sanding tools

Info

Publication number: WO2014131935A1
Application number: PCT/FI2013/050215
Authority: WO
Inventors: Göran HÖGLUND
Original assignee: Kwh Mirka Ltd
Priority date: 2013-02-26
Filing date: 2013-02-26
Publication date: 2014-09-04
Also published as: TW201436838A

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (200) and product (500) for treating a ski surface (220). The device (200) may comprise a body (201) having a first side (202) and a second side (203), an attachment improving layer (205) adjoined to the second side (203) of the body (201) and a guiding element (210) having capability to provide a treatment direction (DIR1) to a product (500) attachable to the attachment improving layer (205). The product (500) may comprise a surface having a first group (AG1) of abrasive zones (S₁₁,S₁₂) arranged on a first abrasive line (AL11) and a second group (AG2) of abrasive zones (S₂₁,S₂₂) arranged on a second abrasive line (AL12), wherein the second line (AL12) is parallel to the first line (AL11I).

Description

Ski sanding tools

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to treatment of ski surfaces. Background of the Invention The procedure of treating the bottom surface of a ski may comprise different operations to improve the performance of the ski when used. In general, the bottom surface of a ski may comprise a layer of coating which may be removed, followed by spreading of a new coating. The treatment of a bottom of a ski may be tedious work. Several different types of tools may be needed to obtain a satisfactory result.

Summary of the Invention

An objective of this invention is to provide an improved product for treating a ski surface, such as a bottom surface, edge, or a side surface of a ski along the length of the ski. The product may be used to abrade and/or to form structures to the surface along the length of the ski. The product may further be used to brush or polish the surface. A further objective of this invention is to provide an improved support device for treating a ski surface, such as a bottom surface or a side surface of a ski along the length of the ski.

An objective of this invention is to improve the quality of the treatment of a ski surface by providing an abrasive product and a support device that may be used together with the abrasive product. The combined use of the support device and the abrasive product may facilitate the treatment of the surface of a ski and improve the treatment results. The device and the product may provide an improved method for treating a ski surface.

Objects and embodiments of the invention are further described in the independent and dependent claims of the application. Description of the Drawings The drawings are schematic and may be out of perspective.

The drawings are intended for illustrative purposes.

In the drawings and in the description, the symbols S_x, S_y and S_z represent orthogonal coordinate directions perpendicular to each other. Figures 1 , 2 and 3 show reduced examples of a support device for treating a ski surface.

Figures 3a and 3b show a reduced example of a support device 200, for treating a ski surface.

Figure 4 shows a reduced example of a support device 200 comprising a circular shape.

Figure 5 shows a reduced example of a product for treating a ski surface.

Figure 6 shows a reduced cross-sectional view of a product for treating a ski surface.

Figure 7 shows an example of a product surface comprising two or more openings.

Figure 8 shows an example of a product surface comprising a recessed portion. Figure 9 shows an example of a product surface comprising abrasive zones arranged in a two-dimensional array.

Figure 10 shows an example of a product surface comprising abrasive zones arranged in a two-dimensional array, where the amount of openings is less than the amount of contact points. Figure 10a shows another example of a product surface comprising abrasive zones arranged in a two-dimensional array, where the amount of openings is less than the amount of contact points. Figure 1 1 shows an example of a product surface comprising abrasive zones arranged in a two-dimensional array.

Figure 12 shows an example of a product surface comprising abrasive lines arranged in a two-dimensional array.

Figure 13 shows a reduced example of a product, where adjacent abrasive zones in an abrasive line are adjoined to each other to form a continuous abrasive zone in an abrasive line. Figure 14 presents a 34 times magnified surface image with scale bar (500 μιτι) of an example of an abrasive product 500.

Figure 15 presents a 100 times magnified surface image with scale bar (200 μιτι) of an example abrasive product 500.

Figure 16 presents a 100 times magnified surface image with scale bar (200 μιτι) of an example abrasive product 500 (top view).

Figures 17 and 18 show a 70 times magnified surface images with scale bars (200 μιτι) of example abrasive products 500 made by screen printing on a backing layer 101 comprising polymer.

Figure 19 shows a 100 times magnified surface image with scale bar (200 μιτι) of an example abrasive product 500 comprising a porous structure.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Sliding on snow by using sport equipment is a popular past time in the northern hemisphere. This may take various forms such as downhill skiing, slalom, ski jumping, free-style skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing. Skiing in general is also a field where the condition of the used equipment has an effect on the performance. As an example, cross-country skiing is an operation where friction plays a role in more than one way(s). When a person with two skis wishes to increase velocity, a first ski may be used for acceleration. In acceleration, the first ski is pressed against the surface of the snow. The first ski should have a sufficient contact and grip from the surface of the snow to enable a pushing motion, which generates a force that may move the person forward. Following the pushing motion, the second ski may consume the generated force for sliding the person forward on the surface of the snow. In sliding, on the other hand, the second ski should have a minimal resistance with the surface of the snow to allow long forward sliding. At the end of the forward slide the movements may be repeated, wherein the second ski may be used for the pushing motion and the first ski for the sliding, or vice versa, depending of the style of skiing. In traditional style skiing, the skis are used alternatively for pushing and sliding, whereas in skating style or freestyle skiing the same ski may be used both as a support against the surface of the snow and for sliding, which operations may follow one another. While different ski types have been designed for different styles, skiing may require the equipment to be used in more than one way. Therefore, the ski should have a structure that would enable both a certain amount of rest friction that is required to prevent the ski from slipping backwards when used for support in a pushing motion, and at the same time provide efficient sliding forward to benefit from the pushing motion. This may be accomplished by providing a ski comprising a suitable bottom and / or side structure. A suitable structure may be, for example a structure on the bottom of the ski, which may comprise two parts. A first part of the structure on the bottom of the ski may be a part which in general is in contact with the surface of the snow during a pushing motion. A second of the structure on the bottom of the ski, may be a part in contact with the surface of the snow during a slide. While a manufacturer may provide a ski with a predetermined structure to obtain a better slide, it is often a challenge to predict the weather conditions. For example, in skating style skiing, and in particular in specific snow conditions when the snow is soft, the inner corners of the skis may cut too deep into the snow, which may slow down the speed of the skier. To overcome this, the ski edges would need to be treated such that the edges would not cut too far into the snow. Different snow conditions and temperatures may require different properties. Furthermore, the preferences and skiing style of the user may require further conditioning of the skis to obtain better performance. In addition to cross-country skiing, in various types of sport equipment used for sliding on snow, the preferences and styles of the user may require further conditioning of the skis, in particular the ski bottom, the sides, or the corners formed by bottom and a side. In this application, a ski refers to a sport equipment used for sliding on snow or water. The ski comprises a width, a length and a height, each a dimension perpendicular to one another. The length of the ski refers to the longest dimension of the equipment. The height of the ski may vary along the length of the ski. In addition, the width of the ski may vary along the length of the ski. The ski in general may comprise four surfaces, a first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface and a bottom surface, each surface having either a width or a height which may vary along the length of the equipment. Opposite surfaces, such as the first and the second side surfaces, may be substantially parallel to each other. Two planar surfaces sharing an edge may be substantially perpendicular to each other, such as the bottom surface and the first side surface. In general, the height of the ski is less than the width of the ski. Therefore, the side surface of the ski may have a height, and the bottom surface of the ski may have a width, wherein the height is less than the width. The ski may comprise a binding. The function of a binding is to enable a convenient attachment of a ski boot to the top surface of the ski. The binding may extend over the width of the ski from one or from both edges. In other words, the width of the ski may be less than the width of a binding attached to the front surface of the ski. In this context, the bottom of the ski refers to the surface of the ski on the side that is against the surface of the snow or water. Further, the bottom of the ski refers to the surface which, when a binding exists, is on the opposite side to the binding. In other words, the bottom of the ski is the underside of the equipment.

To obtain a better performance, the frictional properties of the bottom of a ski may be selected by treating the bottom of the ski. In particular, a better performance may be obtained for various types of skis in addition to crosscountry skis, such as skis used in alpine or downhill skiing or in ski jumping. In particular, items such as uniblades, snowblades or snowboards are examples of sport equipments used for sliding on snow, and which comprise a bottom surface that may be conditioned to obtain better performance. For example, the surface roughness and structure may be selected depending on the situation, such as by snow conditions, snow temperature or outside air temperature. In particular, desired frictional properties may be obtained by performing one or more treatments to the bottom of the ski. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more treatments may be performed to the edges at the bottom of the ski. Further still, one or more treatments may be performed to at least one side perpendicular to the bottom of the ski.

The function of the coating is to change the sliding properties of the bottom of the ski depending on the situation. Advantageously, the coating is provided such that the composition and/or the structure of the coating improves the sliding in the given situation. The ski coating may comprise, for example a paraffin, a wax, a gel, an emulsion or a paste. Alternatively, the coating may be in a liquid form. Typically, the coating may be dispersed to the bottom of the ski, from the first edge to the second edge, along a certain length of the ski. A first coating may be used on a certain length of the ski, such as the end portion, and a second coating different from the first coating may be used on another length, such as the middle portion, of the ski. The coating may be attached to the bottom of a ski by various means, for example by adhesion and/or by heating. The coating may be applied by hand. The coating may be applied using a machine. Advantageously, the coating may be applied in a controlled manner to provide a surface formation, structure and/or roughness, which may improve the sliding performance of the ski.

The treatment of the bottom surface of a ski may comprise one or more types of treatments. At the same time, a simple and effective process is desired. The bottom of the ski may be, for example sanded or abraded to remove an existing previous coating or to improve a worn or scratched surface. The treatment may comprise abrasion with coarser particles, referred to as flat abrasion or surface abrasion. Further, the bottom of the ski may be polished or smoothened to obtain a glossy or matt surface. Furthermore, a structure may be provided on the bottom surface of the ski, to enhance the sliding and improve the frictional performance. The structure may be, for example, a striping extending along the length of the ski bottom, where the width and depth of the stripes is selected according to the skiing conditions. Further, the distance between the stripes along the width of the ski bottom may be selected to match the skiing conditions. The formed structure on the bottom of the ski may be improved by providing a coating. In skiing, the coating may be a wax coating, which is heated to the bottom surface of the ski. The treatment may thus comprise spreading of material together with other operations. The treatment may also comprise providing finishing structures by removal of minute particles such as abrasive hairs or fibers of material that may be attached to the surface after structuring. The finishing may comprise cleaning of a surface comprising a fine structure without destroying the structure. For example, loose particles may be brushed from the bottom to have a finished surface. Treatment of the ski surface may be done by hand or by a machine. While the ski may be attached on a fixed support for the treatment, it is a challenge to provide a simple and yet precise way to provide a desired structure to the bottom of the ski.

The bottom surface of a ski may be treated with an abrasive product. Examples of abrasive products are for example sandpapers, waterproof papers, film products, cloth products, knitted products, nonwoven sanding products and special engineered products with structured coating. The abrasive product may be used in a dry mode or in a wet mode. The properties of the abrasive product may be selected based on the application. Some ski surface treatments may require a durable and rigid abrasive product, whereas ski surfaces having a special coating may require a more conformable abrasive product, such as those used for polishing. When the quality of the abrasion is to be improved, or if the ski surface comprises materials which require a precise structure, an abrasion in wet mode may be used. Wet mode abrasion may be advantageous to create stripes to a coating material that has been conveyed and dispersed substantially uniformly. Wet mode abrasion may further be used to obtain a desired surface structure or a surface coating. The treatment may comprise use of a cork sheet for spreading coating material, such as ski wax. In addition, woven or knitted cloths with brush like surfaces may be used to obtain a desired structure. Advantageously, the abrasive product may comprise polymer backing material supporting an abrasive layer that enables formation of structures on a ski surface when used in a particular direction. In particular, knitted and woven abrasive products may be used to provide different kinds of structures depending on the cloth weight and density, as well as particle size. Furthermore, an abrasive product comprising a knitted or woven structure may be produced such that the knitted or woven structure comprises directionality. The strands in the structure may be placed such that the product may be used at certain angles to have longitudinal stripes. By selecting another angle, the product may be used for flat abrasion. In other words, a knitted or woven abrasive product comprising a coating structure in the longitudinal direction may be used to transfer such a structure to the bottom surface of a ski. An abrasive product comprising polymer material as a backing layer may be moulded and processed to a desired shape and thickness. Further, the backing layer of the abrasive product may be modified to comprise desired properties. The manufacturing methods of polymer materials provide means of producing abrasive products, which may have more than one layer. Furthermore, the abrasive products may be manufactured to obtain a desired shape.

While an abrasive product or other materials used for the treatment for the ski surfaces or edges may have the capability to create a desired structure or a surface finish, the quality of the result in general may be largely dependent on the user when used as such. In general, a ski coating is skimmed using a tool to remove excess coating material from the surface, followed by a brushing to remove excess coating left in the stripe structure and loose particles formed during the skimming. The challenge has been, that in each operation during the treatment the direction of the treatment should be parallel to the length of the ski to obtain the best results. However, the abrasion, coating, structuring and polishing done may require considerable skill, and despite having skills the results may vary between treatments. In general, a ski coating may be provided to the bottom of a ski. An objective of this invention is to improve the quality of the treatment of the surface of a ski by providing an abrasive product and a support device that may be used together with the abrasive product. The combined use of the support device and the abrasive product may facilitate the treatment of the surface of a ski and improve the treatment results.

SUPPORT DEVICE

Figures 1 , 2 and 3 show reduced examples of a support device 200 for treating a ski surface 220. The support device 200 comprises a body 201 having a first side 202 and a second side 203. The support device 200 may comprise a handle 230. The handle 230 may be attachable to the first side 202 of the device 200. The handle 230 may have different sizes and shapes. The handle 230 may, for example, be egg shaped, or elliptic. The handle may comprise a shape compatible to a hand such that the grip of the user is steady and requires less force. The body and the second side may comprise a height H_dev, a width W_dev and a length L_dev- The width W_dev and length L_dev of the second side 203 are substantially perpendicular to the surface normal N_s of the second side 203. In particular, the width W_dev may be less than the width of a bottom of a ski 221 . This allows only a part of the bottom of a ski 221 to be treated at a time, while rest of the ski 221 may be treated separately.

In skis 221 having a substantially constant width along the length of the bottom, the support device 200 may slide along the length of the ski 221 in a treatment direction DIR1 substantially parallel with the longitudinal profile or length of the ski 221 . Downhill skis, such as carving skis, and snowboards, however, may comprise a distinctly narrower waist and a wider tip and tail. This profile facilitates the turning of the ski or board when skiing, as one side of the ski may be better inclined to change the direction of the ski. Therefore, such equipment do not have a substantially constant width along the length of the bottom, and may preferably be treated from each side separately. In particular, on each side, the treatment may be performed such that instead of the longitudinal profile, the support device 200 may slide along the side of the ski or board. Therefore, the structure to be formed may not be parallel to the longitudinal profile or length of the ski 221 , but may follow the edge line of the ski. In general, the edge line plays a larger role in downhill skiing and snowboarding than in cross-country skiing. In other words, when the support device 200 is guided from the same side along witch the treatment is performed, the stripes and the scratches may be provided parallel with their respective bottom edge line. An attachment improving layer 205 may be adjoined to the second side 203 of the body 201 of the support device 200. The attachment improving layer 205 functions to improve the attachment of an abrasive product 500 against the attachment improving layer 205. The abrasive product 500 may comprise a similar layer for attachment on the back surface of the product 500. The attachment improving layers may comprise mechanical means of attachment, such as a Velcro system, or they may comprise adhesive material, such as a sizing layer. The abrasive product 500 may be attached and detached from support device 200 by a user. The abrasive product 500 may comprise a layer thickness h2. The thickness h2 of the abrasive product 500 may be selected depending of the function of the product 500. The product 500 may be used for various functions, such as for abrasion, sanding, striping, brushing, smoothening or polishing. The product 500 may comprise more than one layer to provide increased functionality. For example, the product 500 may comprise an elastic foam layer to allow a low specific abrasive pressure to be applied on a coated surface and to retain a fluid or water. Soft surface layers may enable the abrasive product 500 to polish or clean fine structures with less damage to the structure. In particular, products for structuring or spreading material may be attached to the attachment improving layer 205. The abrasive product 500 materials are not limited to abrasive surfaces, but various materials comprising for example polymers, cork, cloth, knitted or woven materials or metallic elements may be used with the support device 200 for treating a ski surface 220. Therefore, the support device 200 may comprise a product 500 adjoined to the attachment improving layer 205.

The length L_dev may be selected such that a guiding element 210 may be attached to the second side 203 of the body 201 of the support device 200. The guiding element 210 functions to steer the device along the length of the ski 221 in a treatment direction DIR1 . The guiding element 210 may comprise one or more protruding parts GE1 , GE2, GE3, GE4 extending substantially parallel with the surface normal N_s from the second side 203 of the device 200 to a height hi . The height hi of the guiding element 210 may be selected such that the guiding element 210 extends through the abrasive product 500. Therefore, the height hi of the guiding element 210 is more than the thickness h2 of the abrasive product 500. Advantageously, the height hl of the guiding element 210 is in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm in the direction of the surface normal N_s, when measured perpendicularly from the second surface 203 of the product 200. In particular, the height hi may be selected such that the guiding element 210 has the capability to provide a treatment direction DIR1 , and may slide along the length of the ski without touching the bindings of the ski or a fixed support, such as a waxing station, holding the ski at place. Advantageously, the height hi of the guiding element 210 is less than an parallel operational height h3 of the vertical surface of the ski free of obstacles along the length of the ski. Further, the guiding element 210 may be used to provide orientation for the abrasive product. By providing a matching opening to the abrasive product 500 to receive the guiding element 210, the guiding element 210 may be used to align the abrasive product 500 in a desired direction. Therefore, the abrasive product 500 may be consistently positioned on the support device 200 such that the abrasive product 500 has an orientation along the length of the ski 221 in a treatment direction DIR1 . Further, the guiding element 210 may have capability to provide both alignment and a treatment direction DIR1 to the product 500 attachable to the attachment improving layer 205 of the support device 200.

The first contact line CL1 may be presented as the interface plane of the guiding element 210 to a side of a ski 221 . When the support device 200 is placed over a bottom of a ski 221 , such that the second side 203 of the support device 200 is facing the bottom surface of the ski 221 , the first contact line CL1 perpendicular to the surface of the second side 203 is formed between the guiding element 210 and the side of the ski 221 . The first contact line CL1 extending alongside the guiding element 210 further defines a first part 1 A and a second part 1 B of the body 201 , the first part 1 A having a larger surface area compared to the second part 1 B. The first part 1A may be used to treat the bottom of a ski 221 . The second part 1 B may be used to treat the side of a ski 221 , by turning the device into a substantially vertical position such that the guiding element 210 is placed against the bottom of the ski 221 and the second part 1 B is facing the side of the ski 221 . Therefore, the portion of the second surface 1 B may extend outside the guiding element 210 and comprise a width W_ext preferably equal to or less than the height hi of the guiding element 210.

The body 201 of the support device 200 may comprise a mounting site for the guiding element 210. The mounting site is advantageously provided near the perimeter of the surface area of the support device 200. This enables a larger surface area for the first part 1A, which may be used to treat the bottom of a ski 221 . The mounting site may be a depression, such as a socket, or it may extend through the body 201 in direction Sz. The mounting site may comprise means for attaching the guiding element 210 to the body. For example, the guiding element 210 may be bolted or screwed on place. The guiding element 210 may be magnetic, and held on place by a magnetic field. The guiding element 210 may be removable such that it may be attached to another mounting site. Alternatively, the guiding element 210 may be fixed, for example by using adhesive means. Alternatively, the guiding element 210 may be part of the support device 210. The support device 200 may comprise more than one guiding element 210. The width W_dev of the support device 200 may be selected such that it matches the width of a bottom of a ski 221 . Alternatively, the width W_dev may be equal to or more than the width of a bottom of a ski 221 . For example, a support device 200 having a width W_dev larger than the width of a bottom of a ski 221 may be arranged to comprise two guiding elements 210, such that the support device 200 may be used by a left handed user or a right handed used without changing the treatment direction DIR1 .

The guiding element 210 may comprise two or more protruding parts GE1 , GE2, GE3, GE4 aligned in the treatment direction DIR1 . The protruding parts, such as steering pins, comprise the same height hi as the guiding element 210. In particular, the use of more than one, such as two, three or four, protruding parts GE1 , GE2, GE3, GE4 in the guiding element 210 improves the functionality of the support device 200 by providing improved control for the operation of the support device 200. By providing additional contact points the treatment direction DIR1 may be maintained better even when the tip of the ski narrows and bends upwards. The protruding parts GE1 , GE2, GE3, GE4 may comprise a circular shape. The diameter dm1 of the protruding parts GE1 , GE2, GE3, GE4 may be in the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. Protruding parts having a circular shape may be arranged to rotate by means of bearings, for example by using ball bearings. This may reduce the friction of the guiding element 210 against the side or bottom of the ski when the support device 200 is moved. The protruding parts GE1 , GE2, GE3, GE4 may comprise an elliptical shape, having an elongated major axis and a shorter minor axis. Further, other geometric shapes may be used. When using polygonal shapes with corners, such as triangles, rectangles, rhombuses, pentagons or hexagons, the corners may be rounded. In particular, sharp corners such as formed by perpendicular sides may be prone to break or wear down faster in comparison to rounded corners. A guiding element 210 comprising multiple protruding parts GE1 , GE2, GE3, GE4 is advantageous in comparison to a guiding element 210 comprising only a single continuous protruding part. A single continuous protruding part may have an elongated shape, that may be used to provide a first contact line CL1 . While both types of guiding elements 210 may be arranged to receive an abrasive product 500 with protruding shoulders extending over the first contact line CL1 , multiple protruding parts GE1 , GE2, GE3, GE4 also enable formation of bridges between the protruding parts GE1 , GE2, GE3, GE4 such that a larger area of the abrasive product 500 may be used for treatment and to reach the edge of the bottom surface of a ski 221 .

The support device 200 may comprise a symmetrical shape. The support device 200 may comprise a rectangular shape. The width W_dev of the second side 203 may be in the range of 30 mm to 300 mm, advantageously at least 50 mm or less than 200 mm, more advantageously at least 60 mm and less than 150 mm. The length L_dev of the second side 203 may be in the range of 50 mm to 500 mm, advantageously at least 70 mm or less than 300 mm, more advantageously at least 100 mm and less than 200 mm. The width Wdev and length L_dev of the second side may be selected by each application. If only a part of the bottom width of a ski 221 is desired to be treated, a tool with smaller width and/or length may be selected, alternatively, for treatment of the whole width of the bottom of a ski 221 , a support device 200 with larger dimension may be selected.

Figures 3a and 3b show a reduced example of a support device 200, where the guiding element 210 may be attachable to one or both sides of the body 201 of the support device 200. The body 201 of the support device 200 may comprise depressions 280 comprising a congruent shape to one or more mounted parts 290 of the guiding element 210. In respect, the guiding element 210 may comprise depressions 280 comprising a congruent shape to one or more mounted parts 290 of the body 201 , such that the depressions 280 and mounted parts 290 of the body and the guiding element 210 may be adjoined at an angle substantially perpendicular to each other. The depressions 280 of the support device 200 may provide means to attach the guiding element 210 on the support device 200. The guiding element may also be mounted closer to the centre of the support device 200, such that, the mounted parts 290 may be surrounded by the body 201 . Advantageously the product 500 attached to the second surface 203 of the body 201 may extend over the edge formed by the body 201 and the guiding element 210, such that the product may be used to abrade the edge of a ski 221 along the length of the ski 221 . A guiding element 210 attachable to one side of the body 201 of the support device 200 provides means to use the product 500 in a different manner. In particular, the product 500 may comprise a first portion 2A and a second portion 2B. The first portion 2A may be attached to the body 201 . The second portion 2B may be attached to the guiding element 210. The first portion 2A and the second portion 2B may differ from each other. The first portion 2A and the second portion 2B may be separate, such that each portion may be used independently from the other portion. In other words, the first portion 2A may be used without the second portion 2B, or vice versa. The first portion 2A may comprise a surface shape matching the surface 202 shape of the body 201 . The second portion 2B may comprise a surface shape matching the vertical surface shape of the guiding element 210 facing the side of the ski 221 . In other words, when separate, the second portion 2B of the product 500 may extend over the mounted parts 290 parts extending into the respective depressions 280 of the support device 200. The first portion 2A of the product 500 may, in a similar manner, extend over contact line CL1 and follow the surface shape and mounted parts 280 of the body 201 . Thus, the body 201 comprising the first portion 2A and the guiding element 210 comprising the second portion 2B of a product 500 may cross each other in the edge line of the ski 221 edge, overlapping the edge from both directions. By selecting each portion, 2A, 2B of the product 500 a separate finish maybe obtained both for the bottom surface 220 of the ski 221 and for the side of the ski 221 . Furthermore, the arrangement provides a method for rounding the edge of a ski 221 , if so desired. The guiding element 210 may also be used without any attached product 500.

Figure 4 shows a reduced example of a support device 200 comprising a circular shape. A support device 200 comprising a circular shape may have a diameter in the range of 30 mm to 500 mm, advantageously at least 50 mm or less than 300 mm, more advantageously at least 60 mm and less than 200 mm. A support device 200 comprising a round shape may be used to receive an abrasive product 500 that may be oriented in multiple ways, such that each orientation may comprise a different treatment effect. In other words, a single product 500 may comprise more than one direction that may be oriented parallel to the treatment direction DIR1 to obtain a desired treatment result. Optionally, the support device 200 with a circular shape may comprise mounting sites located such that the treatment direction DIR1 may be selected by attaching the guiding element 210 to another alignment.

ABRASIVE PRODUCT

Figure 5 shows a reduced example of a product 500 for treating a ski surface 220. Figure 6 shows a reduced cross-sectional view of a product 500 for treating a ski surface 220. The product 500 comprises a front surface 510 and a back surface 51 1 . The product has lenght L_pr0d, width W_pr0d and height Hprod dimensions. The width W_pr0d and lenght L_pr0d may match the width W_dev and length L_dev of the support device 200. The product 500 may be used together with a support device 200 to obtain a consistent treatment direction DIR1 and to obtain a desired surface structure for a bottom, side or edge of a ski 221 . The combined use of the support device and the abrasive product 500 may facilitate the treatment operation and improve the treatment results. The product 500 may comprise an injection moulded object, such as a metal, polymer or a composite object. The product may be a sheet or a film. The product 500 may also be a laminated polishing lamb wool pad, a knitted pad comprising capability for brushing, a foam pad with attachment layer, or a combination of these. The product 500 may be adjoined to an apparatus or to a support device 200 for a linear machine abrasion. The product 500 may be attached to an apparatus having capability for linear oscillation. In particular, the back surface 51 1 of the product 500 may comprise means for attachment of the product 500. The product 500 may be attached and removed repeatedly. The back surface 51 1 of the product 500 may comprise an adhesive improvement layer, for example adhesive material, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, or a stick-on system, such as velour. This enables an easy switching of the product 500 to another on the support device 200.

The product 500 may be shaped, for example, from a sheet by any known method. An exemplary way to form the product 500 from a sheet is by die- cutting. Alternatively, the product 100 may be formed from a sheet by using a laser technique to obtain a product 500 with a desired shape. The product 500 may also be made by injection molding of a backing directly to the desired shape and with a desired surface structure that may be selectively coated to give a desired scratch pattern when used with the support device 200. The product 500 may be provided with a foam layer attached to the back surface 51 1 of the product 500. For example, the product 500 may comprise a support layer having a front and a back side. The front side of the support layer may be adjoined to the back surface 51 1 of the product 500. The support layer may further comprise an attachment improving layer and/or a foam layer. The attachment improving layer may be, for example a polymer film laminated to the back surface 51 1 of the product 500. Alternatively, the attachment improving layer may be a layer improving mechanical attachment, such as a stick-on system or a grip attachment, such as Velcro. The attachment improving layer may alternatively, or in addition, comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adjoined to the back surface 51 1 of the product 500. Alternatively, or in addition, the attachment improving layer may comprise a friction coating. A friction coating may be used to increase surface friction of the back surface 51 1 of the product 500.

Figure 5 shows an example of a product surface 510, which may be used to obtain structures with direction, such as stripes, on a ski surface 220. In the example abrasive zones SAZ may be provided on the front surface 510 of the product 500 on groups AG1 , AG2 of abrasive zones SAZ- The abrasive zones SAZ may be provided, for example, as an abrasive layer having abrasive material arranged to abrade an object surface. In particular, to obtain a structured surface by abrasion, the abrasive layer may be discontinuous, such that groups AG1 , AG2 of abrasive zones SAZ or neighbouring abrasive zones SAZ may be separated from each other by non-abrasive material. Alternatively, or in addition, the abrasive zones SAZ may be elevated from the surface 510 level such that recessed areas are flanking each abrasive zone SAZ- The abrasive zones SAZ may comprise abrasive material, such as abrasive grains adjoined to an adhesive material, or other material such as metallic or polymer grains or fibers adjoined to an adhesive material.

Abrasive lines AL1 1 , AL12 having a direction may be obtained by having a first group AG1 of abrasive zones Sn , S12 arranged on a first abrasive line AL1 1 and a second group AG2 of abrasive zones S21 , S22 arranged on a second abrasive line AL12, wherein the second line AL12 is parallel to the first line AL1 1 . In order to obtain a stripe on a surface 220 of a ski 221 , at least two abrasive lines AL1 1 , AL12 separated from each other by a distance d1 are needed. The distance d1 may be measured as the shortest distance in a direction Sx perpendicular to the abrasive lines AL1 1 , AL12 between two neighbouring abrasive zones Sn , S21 from the geometrical centre of the zone. The groups AG1 , AG2 may comprise abrasive zones SAZ in a preempting manner, such as stripes, where an abrasive line AL1 1 , AL12 may be formed of a group AG1 , AG2 comprising a single abrasive zone SAZ- In particular, the adjacent abrasive zones S21 , S22 in the abrasive line AL12 may in addition be adjoined to each other such that a first group (AG1 ) of continuous abrasive zones (Sn , S12) is formed. Parallel abrasive lines may be obtained, for example, by selective coating of abrasive material on elevated ridges on a knitted cloth.

Continuous abrasive zones on abrasive lines, forming a continuous zone of abrasive surface material in a direction Sx, where the abrasive zones have been elevated form the surface 510 level to a certain height, provides a simple method of producing an abrasive product 500 comprising two functions. The abrasive product 500 may be used in a first direction Sx for providing stripes and into a second direction different from the first direction Sx to flat abrasion or sanding. Further, by providing the continuous abrasive zones with a non-linear pattern, such as zigzagging pattern, the space between adjacent abrasive lines may be increased to reduce clogging. Furthermore, by providing a surface structure comprising holes between adjacent abrasive lines, the material may be conveyed away from the surface 510 in direction opposite to Sz and perpendicular to the surface direction Sx.

To obtain a stripe on a surface 220 of a ski 221 extending along the length of the ski 221 , the abrasive lines AL1 1 , AL12 need to be orientated parallel with the length of the ski 221 . The orientation may be accomplished by providing at least one opening OP1 on the product 500 for receiving a guiding element 210 of a support device 200. The opening OP1 may be formed on the product surface 510 by various means, such as by using die cutting or a punching press. The opening OP1 may have an elongated shape, which is substantially parallel with the first abrasive line AL1 1 . The opening OP1 may be arranged to comprise a first contact point CP1 and a second contact point CP2 , which define a first contact line CL1 . Advantageously, the first contact line CL1 is arranged to be substantially parallel to the abrasive line AL1 1 . The first contact point and CP1 and the second contact point CP2 may be defined as points having the shortest perpendicular distance d_min from the abrasive line AL1 1 to the opening OP1 . By providing at least one opening OP1 extending through the product 500, the guiding element 210 may be used to position or align the product 500 in a desired direction, such as the treatment direction DIR1 .

The first contact line CL1 also defines a first portion 2A and a second portion 2B for the product 500. Both the first portion 2A and the second portion 2B may comprise abrasive lines AL1 1 , AL12. As described, the first contact line CL1 may also be defined as the interface between the guiding element 210 and the side of a ski 221 . To enable that the product 500 has the capability to abrade over the edge of the bottom of the ski 221 , the product 500 may be arranged to comprise at least one abrasive shoulder zone S23 that crosses the first contact line CL1 . The abrasive shoulder zone S23 may extend over the first contact line CL1 from either the first portion 2A or from the second portion 2B side of the product. When the product surface 510 is facing a bottom of a ski 221 , abrasive shoulder zones S23 crossing the first contact line CL1 may extend over the edge of the ski 221 . Figure 7 shows an example of a product surface 510 comprising two or more openings. In particular, by providing more than one, such as two, three or four openings OP1 , OP2, OP3 on the product surface 510, more abrasive shoulder zones S23 may be provided between neighboring openings, which in turn may improve the functionality of the product surface 510. Further, the positioning of the product 500 to the guiding element 210 with additional openings OP1 , OP2, OP3 may be more precise. The openings OP1 , OP2, OP3 may comprise a circular shape. When using a circular shape, a second opening OP2 may be arranged to comprise the second contact point CP2 and a third opening OP3 may be arranged to comprise the first contact point CP1 . The contact points CP1 , CP2 define the first contact line CL1 . Advantageously, the first contact line CL1 is arranged to be substantially parallel to the abrasive line AL1 1 . In general, when two or more openings OP3, OP2 are provided, each opening OP3, OP2 may comprise a single contact point CP1 , CP2, which contact point CP1 , CP2 is the point having the shortest perpendicular distance d_min from the abrasive line AL1 1 to the opening OP2, OP3. These contact points CP1 , CP2 define the first contact line CL1 , which advantageously is arranged to be substantially parallel to the abrasive line AL1 1 .

Figure 8 shows an example of a product surface 510 comprising a recessed portion 1 1 , 12. As an alternative to one or more openings OP1 , OP2, OP3, the product surface 510 may comprise one or more recessed portions 1 1 , 12. A recessed portion 1 1 , 12 resides at the exterior boundary of the product 500 such that the recessed portion 1 1 ,12 is flanked by at least one protruding part 21 , 22. The protruding part 21 , 22, which may be referred to as shoulders, provide surface area for abrasive shoulder zones S23- The recessed portion 1 1 ,12 has the capability to receive a guiding element 210. The positioning or the product 500 may be obtained either by having a recessed portion 1 1 comprising the first contact point CP1 and the second contact point CP2, which define the first contact line CL1 . Alternatively, two or more recessed portions 1 1 , 12 may each comprise a single contact point CP1 , CP2 , which define the first contact line CL1 , which advantageously is substantially parallel to the abrasive line AL1 1 . In general, each contact point CP1 , CP2 may be located at a side of an opening OP1 , OP2 or a recessed portion 1 1 , 12.

Figure 9 shows an example of a product surface 510 comprising abrasive zones arranged in a two-dimensional array. This arrangement enables the positioning of the product 500 in two or more directions, such that each direction may provide a different treatment effect. In other words, the product 500 may comprise more than one direction that may be oriented parallel with the treatment direction DIR1 to obtain different striping widths with the same product 500. The lattice of the two-dimensional array may have a rectangular or rhombic configuration of adjacent abrasive zones Sn , S12, S21 , S22 defining two or more abrasive lines AL1 1 , AL12, AL21 , AL22. To enable operation of the product 500 in more than one direction, the abrasive zones Sn , S12, S21 , S22 may be separated from each other by non-abrasive parts of the product surface 510. The adjacent abrasive zones S21 , S22 in the abrasive line AL12 may be separated from each other by a distance d2 in the direction Sy. The abrasive zone S21 in the abrasive line AL12 adjacent to the abrasive zone Sn in the abrasive line AL1 1 may be separated from each other by a distance d1 in the direction Sx. In other words, the adjacent abrasive lines AL1 1 and AL12 may be separated from each other by a distance d1 , which is the shortest perpendicular distance between the abrasive lines AL1 1 and AL12. The abrasive zones Sn, S12, S21, S22 may define two or more abrasive lines AL21 , AL22 parallel with a second contact line CL2. Adjacent abrasive lines AL21 and AL22 may be separated from each other by a distance d2, which is the shortest perpendicular distance between the abrasive lines AL21 and AL22. The product 500 may comprise two or more openings OP1 , OP2, OP3, OP4, wherein a third opening OP3 comprises a third contact point CP3 and a fourth opening OP4 comprises a fourth contact point CP4. The third contact point CP3 and the fourth contact point CP4 define the second contact line CL2 intersecting the first contact line CL1 at an angle a. The contact lines CL1 , CL2 may be perpendicular to each other, such that the angle a is substantially 90 degrees. The contact lines CL1 , CL2 may intersect such that the angle a deviates from 90 degrees. Depending of the placement of the openings OP1 , OP2, OP3, OP4, the angle a at the intersection of the contact lines CL1 , CL2 may be equal to or less than 90 degrees. Alternatively the angle a may be equal to or larger than 90 degrees. Advantageously, the angle a between the first contact line CL1 and the second contact line CL2 is selected such that a desired abrasion result may be obtained. The angle a may be, for example, in the range of 15 to 90 degrees, or in the range of 90 to 165 degrees. To orient the product 500 along the length of the ski 221 parallel with the first contact line CL1 , the opening elements OP1 , OP2 may receive the guiding element 210, such that the abrasive lines AL1 1 , AL12 parallel with the first contact line CL1 are in addition oriented parallel to the treatment direction DIR1 . Alternatively, to orient the product 500 along the length of the ski parallel with a second contact line CL2, the opening elements OP3, OP4 may receive the guiding element 210, such that abrasive lines AL21 , AL22 parallel with the second contact line CL2 are in addition oriented parallel to the treatment direction DIR1 .

Figure 10 shows an example of a product surface 510 comprising abrasive zones arranged in a two-dimensional array, where the amount of openings OP1 , OP2, OP3 is less than the amount of contact points CP1 , CP2, CP3, CP4. The product 500 may comprise, for example, two or more openings OP1 , OP2, OP3, wherein the first opening OP1 may comprise the first contact point CP1 , the second opening OP2 may comprise both the second contact point CP2 and the third contact point CP3 in a position different from the position of the second contact point CP2. A third opening OP3 may comprises the fourth contact point CP4. The first contact point CP1 and the second contact point CP2 may define the first contact line CL1 . The third contact point CP3 and the fourth contact point CP4 may define the second contact line CL2 intersecting the first contact line CL1 at an angle a.

The number of openings may be less than the number of contact points. For example, as shown in Figure 10a, three openings OP1 , OP2, OP3 may form a triangular arrangement. The first opening OP1 may then comprise both the fifth contact point CP5 and the first contact point CP1 , such that the position of the fifth contact point CP5 is different from the position of the first contact point CP1 . Further, the second opening OP2 may comprise both the second contact point CP2 and the third contact point CP3, such that the position of the third contact point CP3 is different form the position of the second contact point CP2. Further still, the third opening OP3 may comprise both the fourth contact point CP4 and the sixth contact point CP6, such that the position of the fourth contact point CP4 is different form the position of the sixth contact point CP6. The first and the second contact points CP1 ,CP2 may define the first contact line CL1 , the third and the fourth contact points CP3,CP4 may define the second contact line CL2, and the fifth and the sixth contact points CP5,CP6 may define the third contact line CL3, where the direction of the third contact line CL3 deviates from the direction of the first contact line CL1 , and the direction of the third contact line CL3 deviates from the direction of the second contact line CL2.

As an alternative (figure not shown), a product 500 may comprise single opening OP1 having three sides, each side having a length and each side defining a contact line CL1 , CL2, CL3 intersecting at an angle α, β. The length of each side may be equal or differ from one another. The direction of the third contact line CL3 may deviate from the direction of the first contact line CL1 , and the direction of the third contact CL3 line may deviate from the direction of the second contact line CL2. The second contact line CL2 may intersect the first contact line CL1 at an angle a. The third contact line CL3 may intersect the first contact line CL1 at an angle β. The product 500 may be oriented along the length of the ski 221 by one side of the opening OP1 parallel with contact line CL1 , CL2, CL3 receiving the guiding element 210. Thus abrasive lines parallel with the selected contact line CL1 , CL2 or CL3 are in addition oriented parallel to the treatment direction DIR1 .

Figure 1 1 shows an example of a product surface 510 comprising abrasive zones arranged in a two-dimensional array. This arrangement may provide at least three contact lines CL1 , CL2, CL3 where each contact line CL1 , CL2, CL3 may comprise a direction deviating from the other. Abrasive lines AL1 1 , AL21 , AL22, AL31 , AL32 may be provided by abrasive zones Sn , Si₂, Si₃, S₃2, S₃₃ on the product surface 510. Openings OP1 , OP2, OP3, OP4, OP5, may further provide contact points CP1 , CP2, CP3, CP4, CP5, CP6 defining contact lines CL1 , CL2, CL3, where the direction of the third contact line CL3 may deviate from the direction of the first contact line CL1 , and the direction of the third contact CL3 line may deviate from the direction of the second contact line CL2. Therefore, the product 500 may be arranged to comprise at least three different treatment directions DIR1 , such that each direction may provide a different treatment effect.

As shown in Figure 1 1 , a fifth contact point CP5 and a sixth contact point CP6 may define a third contact line CL3 where the direction of the third contact line CL3 deviates from the direction of the first contact line CL1 , and the direction of the third contact line CL3 deviates from the direction of the second contact line CL2. The fifth contact point CP5 may be positioned on the first opening OP1 in a position different from the position of the first contact point CP1 . The sixth contact point CP6 may be positioned on a fifth opening OP5 in a position different form the position of the first contact point CP1 . Abrasive zones S13, S33, may define an abrasive line AL32 and abrasive zones S12, S32, may define an abrasive line AL31 parallel with the abrasive line AL32 and the third contact line CL3. The adjacent abrasive lines AL31 , AL32 may be separated from each other by a distance d3, which is the shortest perpendicular distance between the abrasive lines AL31 and AL32. The third contact line CL3 may be selected to intersect the first contact line CL1 at an angle β deviating from 90 degrees. Depending of the placement of the openings OP1 , OP2, OP3, OP4, OP5 the angle β at the intersection of the contact lines CL1 , CL3 may be less than 90 degrees. Alternatively the angle β may be larger than 90 degrees. Advantageously, the angle β between the first contact line CL1 and the third contact line CL3 is selected such that a desired abrasion result may be obtained. The angle β may be, for example, in the range of 15 to 85 degrees.

Figure 12 shows an example of a product surface 510 comprising abrasive lines AL1 1 , AL12, AL21 , AL22, AL31 , AL32 arranged in a two-dimensional array. The abrasive product 500 may be oriented parallel with the contact lines CL1 , CL2, CL3 in at least three directions differing from each other by an angle a, β. In each direction the distance d1 , d2, d3 between two parallel abrasive lines, such as abrasive lines AL1 1 and AL12, or abrasive lines AL21 and AL22 or abrasive lines AL31 and AL32 may be different. The different distances d1 , d2, d3 may be used to provide different structures on a bottom of a ski 221 .

Figure 13 shows a reduced example of a product 500, where the adjacent abrasive zones SAZ in the abrasive line AL12 are adjoined to each other such that a first group AG1 of continuous abrasive zones Sn , S12 is formed. The adjacent abrasive zones Sn , S12 in the abrasive line AL12 may be adjoined such that the first group AG1 comprises a substantially rectangular form having linear sides. Alternatively, the adjacent abrasive zones SAZ may comprise a length differing from a width such that adjacent abrasive zones SAZ may be adjoined in a zigzag pattern. In general, the adjacent abrasive zones SAZ adjoined in a zigzag pattern are advantageous as such abrasive groups AG1 comprises more space between the adjacent abrasive lines. The increased space reduces clogging of the abrasive product. The abrasive zone SAZ may comprise a zone width W_Az, which is the width of the abrasive zone SAZ perpendicular to the abrasive line AL12. The abrasive product 500 may comprise a network structure, such as a grid or a fishnet - type structure, where a topmost surface layer comprises parallel groups AG1 of zigzagging patterns in a direction SY, and the layer beneath and adjacent to the topmost surface layer comp zigzagging patterns in a perpendicular direction Sx. The grid structure of the abrasive product may be obtained, for example by weaving or knitting fibres, such as threads or synthetic fibres, or injection moulding polymers. An abrasive product 500 comprising continuous abrasive zones Sn , S12 on abrasive line AL12 in a zigzag pattern may be used in a first direction Sy parallel to the contact line CL1 to provide different structures on a bottom of a ski 221 . The abrasive product 500 comprising continuous abrasive zones Sn , S12 on abrasive line AL12 in a zigzag pattern may in addition be used in a second direction Sx parallel to the contact line CL2 to flat abrasion or sanding. For example, three openings OP1 , OP2, OP3 may form a triangular arrangement. The first opening OP1 may then comprise both the first contact point CP1 and the third contact point CP3, such that the position of the first contact point CP1 is different form the position of the third contact point CP3. Further, the second opening OP2 may comprise the second contact point CP2. Further still, the third opening OP3 may comprise the fourth contact point CP4. The first and the second contact points CP1 , CP2 may define the first contact line CL1 and the third and the fourth contact points CP3, CP4 may define the second contact line CL2, where the direction of the second contact line CL2 deviates from the direction of the first contact line CL1 . Examples of abrasive products 500 comprising continuous abrasive zones Sn , S12 on abrasive line AL12 in a zigzag pattern are presented in Figures 14, 15 and 16.

Figure 14 presents a 34 times magnified surface image with scale bar (500 μιτι) of an example of an abrasive product 500 for striping and/or sanding. The product surface 510, comprises a repeating pattern of rhombuses, where each rhombus shares the sides with four other rhombuses. Abrasive coating has been applied as continuous abrasive zone SAZ on the abrasive line AL1 1 (marked by a black/white line). Adjacent abrasive zones SAZ in the, such that adjacent sides of each rhombus form a consecutive zigzagging pattern in a direction of abrasive zones. The product surface 510 comprises a knitted cloth structure with an abrasive line distance d1 of approximately 1 .2 mm.

Figure 15 presents a 100 times magnified surface image with scale bar (200 μιτι) of an example abrasive product 500. The product surface 510, comprising the adjacent abrasive zones SAZ in the abrasive line AL1 1 (marked by a black/white line) are adjoined to each other such that a first group AG1 of continuous abrasive zones SAZ (marked by dashed white lines) is formed. The abrasive line AL1 1 may be separated from the adjacent abrasive line AL12 (marked by a black/white line) such that a space is formed between the abrasive lines AL1 1 , AL12. The space between the abrasive lines AL1 1 , AL12 may comprise holes extending into the abrasive product 500 in the direction SZ which may further enhance conveying of abraded material away. The holes may further enable conveying of liquids or material to and from the abrasive product surface 510 through the abrasive product 500 in direction S_z. This function may providing means to reduce clogging and improve the treatment results. Further, the empty space between the abrasive lines AL1 1 , AL12 and the holes may be arranged to receive abraded material. This is advantageous in particular as the product 500 may be used in a second direction perpendicular to the abrasive lines AL1 1 , AL12 for flat abrasion or sanding.

Figure 16 presents a 100 times magnified surface image with scale bar (200 μιτι) of an example abrasive product 500. The product surface 510, has been imaged from above (top view). The adjacent abrasive zones SAZ in the abrasive line AL1 1 are adjoined to each other such that a first group AG1 of continuous abrasive zones SAZ (marked by dashed white lines) is formed.

Figures 17 and 18 show a 70 times magnified surface images with scale bars (200 μιτι) of example abrasive products 500 made by screen printing on a backing layer 101 comprising polymer. The two-dimensional arrays comprises adjacent abrasive lines separated from each other by a distance. In Figure 17 the adjacent abrasive lines comprise a first distance d1 of about 350 micrometres, a second distance d2 of about 300 micrometres and a third distance d3 of about 225 micrometres. The product 500 in Figure 18 is an example of a striping product for very fine and close stripe patterns comprising a first distance d1 in the range of 30 micrometres to 300 micrometres. With such short stripe patterns the alignment of the support device 200 may be improved by shortening the length L_dev of the second side 203 of the support device 200. A shorter support device 200 facilitates the striping to reach desired striping precision. Figure 18 shows another 70 times magnified surface image with scale bar (200 μιτι) of an example abrasive product 500 made by screen printing on a backing layer 101 comprising polymer. Here as well the two-dimensional array comprises adjacent abrasive lines separated from each other by a distance. By comparison of the abrasive zones SAZ in Figures 17 and 18, it can be seen that a height H_Az of the abrasive zone SAZ may be selected. For an abrasive zone SAZ comprising material that wears down in use, such as abrasive slurry, the height H_Az of the abrasive zone SAZ in the direction Sz may be equal to or less than the abrasive zone width W_Az- For an abrasive zone SAZ comprising material for permanent use, such as polymer or metal or fibres to brush a surface, the height H_Az of the abrasive zones SAZ in the direction SZ may be less than or equal to or more than the abrasive zone width W_Az- The height H_Az may be, for example, in the range of 50 micrometres to 10 millimetres. When the abrasive zones SAZ are used for providing stripes, the height H_Az of the of the abrasive zones SAZ defines the depth of the stripe provided on the bottom of the ski 221 by the abrasive product 500, and may be selected to fit the purpose. In particular, with materials comprising abrasive zones which wear down when used, such as slurry comprising resin and abrasive grains, the height H_Az may be equal to or less than the abrasive zone width W_Az- Adjacent abrasive zones SAZ in the abrasive line AL12, which are adjoined to each other such that a first group AG1 of continuous abrasive zones Sn , S12 is formed, are supported by the structure of the continuous abrasive zones in an abrasive line. When adjacent abrasive zones SAZ in the abrasive line AL1 1 , are separated from each other by distance d2 in the direction Sy, and two adjacent abrasive line AL1 1 , AL12 are separated from each other by a distance d1 , the abrasive zones SAZ are not supported by each other. Therefore, the height H_Az may be less, for example less than the abrasive zone width W_Az- The products 500 in Figures 17 and 18 are examples of striping products for very fine and close stripe patterns. The products may comprise a first distance d1 in the range of 30 micrometres to 300 micrometres. With such short stripe patterns the alignment of the support device 200 may be improved by shortening the length L_dev of the second side 203 of the support device 200.

A printed abrasive coating further facilitates providing an abrasive product 500 comprising abrasive lines AL1 1 , AL12 close together, such as in the range of 30 micrometres to 300 micrometres, or in the range of 30 micrometres to 2000 micrometres. Further, only part of the abrasive product 500 surface 510 area may comprise the abrasive zones SAZ- Alternatively, part of the surface 510 of the abrasive product 500 may be uncoated. For example, a surface 510 area comprising a width in the range of 10 to 30 mm across an abrasive product 500 comprising a larger width in the direction perpendicular to the treatment direction DIR1 may be covered by abrasive zones SAZ- Further, the length of the surface area comprising the abrasive zones SAZ may be reduced. The areas on one or both sides of the area covered by abrasive zones SAZ may be free of abrasive zones and comprise a height equal to or less than the area covered by the abrasive zones SAZ- This provides means for a cleaner striping with improved precision. Alternatively, a short stage with a thickness less than the thickness h2 of the abrasive product 500 may be provided between the second side 51 1 of the abrasive product 500 and the second side 203 of the body 201 of the support device 200 to elevate a part of the abrasive product 500. In particular, these methods may be used to obtain an improved contact with the bottom surface 220 of the ski 221 and to provide a cleaner striping.

Figure 19 shows a 100 times magnified surface image with scale bar (200 μιτι) of an example abrasive product 500 comprising a porous structure. The product 500 comprises an abrasive top surface 510 of interconnected fibers. The product 500 is an example of a stripe smoothening product comprising a soft surface construction adjacent to a soft foam layer. The foam layer may be adjoined to abrasive product 500 by various means, such as by lamination or adhesion. The soft structure refers to elasticity, which enables the product to clean and smooth a fine structured surface without destroying the stripe structure, the thickness of the foam layer may be a few millimeters, such as in the range of 1 to 10 mm, for example 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 millimeters. By increasing the thickness, the elastic behavior of the product 500 may be increased.

Further, a product 500 may be designed for brushing a surface 220 of the ski. The brushing product 500 may be aligned by the guiding element for a directional and parallel movement. When treating a bottom of a ski 221 , directional treatment along the length of the ski 220 is preferred. In particular, striping, which is the formation of structures along the length of the ski 221 , and brushing after paraffin coating are two operations where directional treatment along the length of the ski 220 is desired. The brushing result in a treatment direction DIR1 may be improved by providing a brushing product 500, which may retain a brush tread in a stripe. The brushing product 500 may comprise abrasive zones SAZ arranged as a two-dimensional array on a surface 510. The brushing product 500 may be attached to the support device 200 such that the guiding element 210 orientates the brushing product 500. The brushing product 500 may comprise, for example, knitted or woven materials or metallic elements. For example, the brushing product 500 may be provided by knitting a strong cloth with loops of stiff polymer material, such as polyester or polyamide. Alternatively, the brush may knitted by using metal wire, such as brass. The brushing product 500 may comprise woven cloth having the same construction. The brushing product 500 may be an injection moulded product. The abrasive zones SAZ on the brushing product 500 may comprise protruding fibers, such as tread ends or loops. The height HAZ of the abrasive zones SAZ on a brushing product 500 may be equal to or less than the height of the stripes to be brushed, for example equal to or less than 10 mm, or in the range of 1 to 10 mm, such as 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 mm. Advantageously, the height H_Az of the abrasive zones SAZ on a brushing product 500 may be may in the range of 1 to 8 mm. In particular, when producing a knitted brushing product 500, the height H_Az may more advantageously be in the range 2 to 6 mm, such as 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 mm. These fibers may be cut and attached to the surface 510 of the brushing product 500. The abrasive zones SAZ comprising fibers may be arranged to parallel lines or in a grid formation. The fibers may be spread to fill the surface 510 of the brushing product 500. In other words, the brushing product 500 may function to remove excess material and to finish a bottom surface of a ski 221 . Once the brush tread sets on a track between adjacent stripes, the treatment direction DIR1 is parallel to the length of the track and follows the track. The back surface 51 1 of the brushing product 500 may be fixed with an impregnating agent to provide stiffness for the product. The back surface 51 1 of the brushing product 500 may comprise an adhesive improvement layer, for example adhesive material, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, or a stick-on system, such as velour. This enables an easy switching of the brushing product 500 to another product 500 on the support device 200. Therefore a product 500 may comprise abrasive zones SAZ having a height HAZ in the range of 1 to 10 mm, arranged to parallel lines or in a grid formation and where the abrasive zones comprise protruding fibers of stiff polymer material or metal wire. The figures showing abrasive zones and abrasive lines are schematic and do not show the abrasive zones in any scale. In general, the distance d1 , d2 and d3 between two abrasive lines may be in the range of 30 micrometers to 1500 micrometers. The surface area between abrasive zones may be uncoated backing material.

For the person skilled in the art, it will be clear that modifications and variations of the products according to the present invention are perceivable. The drawings are schematic. The particular examples described above with reference to the accompanying drawings are illustrative only and not meant to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1 . A product for treating a ski surface (220), said product (500) comprising a surface having a first group (AG1 ) of abrasive zones (Sn, S12) arranged on a first abrasive line (AL1 1 ) and a second group (AG2) of abrasive zones (S21 , S22) arranged on a second abrasive line (AL12), wherein the second line (AL12) is parallel to the first line (AL1 1 ).

2. The product according to claim 1 , comprising at least one opening (OP1 ) extending through the product (500) for receiving a guiding element (210) of a device (200).

3. A product for treating a ski surface (220), said product (500) comprising at least one opening (OP1 ) extending through the product (500) for receiving a guiding element (210) of a device (200).

4. The product according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a first contact point (CP1 ) and a second contact point (CP2) defining a first contact line (CL1 ) substantially parallel to the abrasive line (AL1 ).

5. The product according to claim 4, wherein the first contact line (CL1 ) crosses at least one abrasive shoulder zone (823)-

6. The product according to any of the claims 2 to 5, comprising an opening (OP1 ) having a shape elongated substantially parallel with the first abrasive line (AL1 ).

7. The product according to any of the claims 4 to 6, wherein the first contact line (CL1 ) defines a first portion (2A) and a second portion (2B) and where both the first portion (2A) and the second portion (2B) comprise abrasive lines (AL1 , AL2).

8. The product according to any of the claims 2 to 7, where the adjacent abrasive zones (S21 , S22) in the abrasive line (AL12) are separated from each other by a distance (d2) in the direction (SY).

9. The product according to any of the claims 2 to 7, where the adjacent abrasive zones (S21 , S22) in the abrasive line (AL12) are adjoined to each other such that a first group (AG1 ) of continuous abrasive zones (Sn , S12) is formed.

10. The product according to any of the claims 2 to 9, where the first abrasive line (AL1 ) and the second abrasive line (AL2) are separated from each other by a distance (d1 ).

1 1 . The product according to any of the claims 2 to 10, wherein each contact point (CP1 , CP2) is located at a side of an opening (OP1 , OP2) or a recessed portion (1 1 ).

12. The product according to any of the claims 2 to 1 1 , comprising a third contact point (CP3) and a fourth contact point (CP4) defining a second contact line (CL2) where an angle (a) between the first contact line (CL1 ) and the second contact line (CL2) is in the range of 30 to 90 degrees.

13. The product according to any of the claims 2 to 12, comprising two or more openings (OP3, OP4), wherein a third opening (OP3) comprises a third contact point (CP3) and a fourth opening (OP4) comprises a fourth contact point (CP4).

14. The product according to any of the claims 2 to 13, comprising abrasive zones (Sn , S12_, S21 , S22) defining two or more abrasive lines (AL21 , AL22) parallel with the second contact line (CL2).

15. The product according to claim 14, comprising a fifth contact point (CP5) and a sixth contact point (CP6) defining a third contact line (CL3) where the direction of the third contact line (CL3) deviates from the direction of the first contact line (CL1 ), and the direction of the third contact line (CL3) deviates from the direction of the second contact line (CL2).

16. The product according to claim 15, comprising abrasive zones (S13, S33) defining an abrasive line (AL32) parallel with the third contact line (CL3).

17. The product according to any of the claims 1 to 4, comprising abrasive zones SAZ having a height H_Az in the range of 1 to 10 mm, arranged to parallel lines or in a grid formation and where the abrasive zones comprise protruding fibers of stiff polymer material or metal wire.

18. The product according to any of the claims 2 to 17, comprising means for attachment of the product (500) on the back surface (51 1 ) of the product.

19. A device (200) comprising a product (500) according to any of the claims 1 to 18.

20. A device (200) for accommodating a product (500) for treating a ski surface (220), said device (200) comprising a body (201 ) having a first side (202) and a second side (203), an attachment improving layer (205) adjoined to the second side (203) of the body (201 ), characterized by a guiding element (210) having capability to provide a treatment direction (DIR1 ) to the product (500) attachable to the attachment improving layer (205)

21 . The device according to claim 20, wherein the guiding element (210) comprises one or more protruding parts (GE1 ) extending substantially parallel with the surface normal (N_s) from the second side (203) of the device (200) to a height (hi ).

22. The device according to any of the claims 20 to 21 , wherein a width (Wdev) and a length (L_dev) of the second side (203) are substantially perpendicular to the surface normal (N_s).

23. The device according to any of the claims 20 to 22, wherein the second side (203) of the device (200) has a circular shape.

24. The device according to any of the claims 20 to 23, wherein two or more protruding parts (GE1 , GE2, GE3, GE4) are aligned in the treatment direction (DIR1 ).

25. The device according to any of the claims 20 to 24, comprising one or more of the protruding parts (GE1 ) having a circular shape.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein the protruding parts are arranged to rotate by means of bearings.

27. The device according to any of the claims 20 to 26 wherein the body (201 ) comprises a mounting site for the guiding element (210).

28. The device according to any of the claims 20 to 27, comprising a handle (230), such as a handle (230) attachable to the first side (202) of the device (200).

29. The device according to any of the claims 20 to 28, wherein a first contact line (CL1 ) extending alongside the guiding element (210) defines a first part

(1A) and a second part (1 B) of the body (201 ), the first part (1A) having a larger surface area compared to the second part (1 B).

30. The device according to any of the claims 20 to 29 comprising a product (500) adjoined to the attachment improving layer (205).

31 . Use of a product 500 according to any of the claims 1 to 18 with a device according to any of the claims 20 to 30.

32. The product according to claim 1 , where the parallel abrasive lines are obtained by selective coating of abrasive on elevated ridges on a knitted cloth.

33. The product according to any of the claims 2 to 18, where the product (500) is provided with a foam layer attached to the back surface (51 1 ) of the product.

34. The device according to any of the claims 20 to 30, attached to an apparatus having capability for linear oscillation.