Snow Jet Generating Apparatus for Skis

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The present invention relates to a device attachable to a snow ski, or snowboard or incorporated into the ski base design, or boot binding, for generating a jet of snow during forward movement or descent and/or functioning as a braking mechanism for skiers, particularly novices.

[0002]The device can either be retrofitted to a ski or snowboard or incorporated into the ski or snowboard base design.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0003]Skiing is a sport and recreation enjoyed by millions of people every year. As numbers on the slopes increase, safety and visibility on the slopes is paramount. Further, there is always a desire to increase the fun of skiing to encourage new skiers on to the slopes.

[0004]Traditionally there has been a wariness of ski manufacturers to adapt ski designs, particularly for entertainment purposes. Manufacturers advise against the drilling of holes into skis as it may potentially compromise the integrity of the ski structure. Attaching additional components onto a ski, for example with glue, is also not advised as it may damage the ski if the component is to be removed.

[0005]The present invention relates to apparatus to create a jet or a plume of snow. The apparatus is arranged to be attachable to the rear of a ski or snowboard with the main purpose of creating a jet of snow as the skier descends a slope.

[0006]The apparatus offers a detachable attachment mechanism that neither damages the ski surface nor requires permanent alterations. The apparatus is readily detachable and re-attachable, facilitating any necessary ski bed maintenance or sanding without impediment from the apparatus. Additionally, the device allows an effortless removal without the need for tools, should the user opt to ski without the device.

[0007]The apparatus offers universal compatibility with various manufacturers' skis, accommodating disparities in width, thickness, and upward curvature of the ski's rear end. The apparatus offers adjustment and adaptability relating to the height relative to the snowline to ensure effective jet generation, while simultaneously remaining securely affixed to the ski against the three principal forces acting upon it: vertical lift, rearward drag, and lateral torque.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

[0008]According to a first aspect, there is provided, apparatus for generating a stream of snow during movement, the apparatus comprising a channelling member to be mounted on a ski or snowboard in use, the channelling member having an entrance positioned on or below the snow line during use, the entrance leading to an upwardly sloped channel and to an exit above the snow line, whereby movement of the ski or snow board across the snow line causes snow to enter the channel and be propelled upwardly out of the exit.

[0009]Preferably, the channel surface has a concave curve.

[0010]Preferably, the channelling member is located on a side edge of the ski or snowboard.

[0011]Preferably, the channelling member is mounted on, or forms part of, a front toe binder.

[0012]Preferably, the channelling member is mounted on, or forms part of, a brake assembly.

[0013]Preferably, the channelling member is located at one end of the ski.

[0014]Preferably, the apparatus further comprises: a first clamp member secured, in use to a surface of the ski or snowboard; an upper body member attachable to the first clamp member; and a second clamp member attachable to the upper body member; wherein the channelling member is secured to the second clamp member.

[0015]Preferably, the second clamp member is shaped to fit over the end of the ski.

[0016]Preferably, the channelling member comprises a snow jet generator and an exhaust member.

[0017]Preferably, the snow jet generator comprises a flexible torsion bar connected to the upper body member and a blade member extending downwardly therefrom.

[0018]Preferably, the blade member comprises a semi-annular member.

[0019]Preferably, the blade member is detachable from the torsion bar.

[0020]Preferably, the upper body member is made from a flexible material.

[0021]Preferably, the upper body member is made from a rubber material.

[0022]Preferably the apparatus comprises two channelling members positioned longitudinally adjacent and in opposed orientation.

[0023]Preferably, the apparatus comprises two channelling members one located on either side of the ski or snowboard.

[0024]According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a ski or snowboard having means to form a snow jet when moving across the ground, the snow jet forming means comprising a recess extending inwardly from at least one longitudinal edge of the ski or snowboard, the recess having a laterally extending wall, the wall being sloped upwardly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025]Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0026]FIG. 1 illustrates a snow jet generating apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention and mounted on a ski in use;

[0027]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the snow jet generating apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0028]FIG. 3 shows clamp of the apparatus separated from the main body;

[0029]FIG. 4 shows a side view of clamp;

[0030]FIG. 5 is a side cross section of the assembled apparatus mounted on a ski;

[0031]FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of the apparatus;

[0032]FIG. 7 is a side cross section view of the apparatus showing its position in relation to the snow line;

[0033]FIG. 8 is a side cross section view of the apparatus showing the direction of the snow jet;

[0034]FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the apparatus;

[0035]FIG. 10 illustrates a snow jet generating apparatus constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, mounted on a ski in use;

[0036]FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the apparatus of FIG. 10;

[0037]FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the apparatus of FIGS. 10 and 11;

[0038]FIG. 13 illustrates a ski with snow jet generating apparatus constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

[0039]FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the apparatus of FIG. 13;

[0040]FIG. 15 shows a front toe binding assembly incorporating snow jet generating apparatus;

[0041]FIG. 16 is a side view of the front toe binding of FIG. 15;

[0042]FIG. 17 shows a ski brake assembly incorporating snow jet generating apparatus;

[0043]FIG. 18 shows the ski brake assembly of FIG. 17, in use;

[0044]FIG. 19 shows a snowboard incorporating a ski jet generating apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0045]FIG. 20 is a detailed view of the apparatus of FIG. 19;

[0046]FIG. 21 shows directional flow of snow jets when the snowboard is moved in a first direction; and

[0047]FIG. 22 shows directional flow of snow jets when the snowboard is moved in a second direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0048]FIG. 1 illustrates a snow jet generating apparatus 2 mounted on a ski 4.

[0049]The components of the apparatus 2 will now be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0050]A clamp 6 is bonded onto the surface of ski 4 with sections of ultra-high bond double sided tape 8.

[0051]An upper body 10, having a shape that is complimentary to the clamp 6, is attachable to the clamp 6 in use. The upper body 10 is made from polyurethane rubber or similar semi-flexible material and has a recess to receive a c-clamp assembly 12. The c-clamp 12 is constructed from hard plastic. The clamp assembly 12 comprises a base 14 that has a U-shaped end forming a slot to fit over the rear end 16 of the ski 4. Arms 18 extend from the opposing side of the base 14 to extend in use, over the upper body 10 of the assembly to connect the clamp 12 thereto. A central arm 20 extends between the two outer arms 18, to be received within a complimentary shaped recess 22 formed in the back of the upper body 10.

[0052]A snow jet generator device 24 and a snow jet exhaust 26 connect to each other and to the rear of the clamp assembly 12. A retaining pin 28 secures the snow jet exhaust 26 and jet generator 24 to the clamp 12.

[0053]FIG. 3 shows clamp 6 attached to the rear of the ski 4. The upper body assembly 10 is detachable from the clamp 6.

[0054]The upper body 10 has an aperture 30 through which is received a plug 32 formed on the clamp 6 to locate the upper body 10 on the clamp 6.

[0055]The base of the rear section of the clamp 6 has a plurality of laterally extending slots 34 which act as hinges. This allows the base of clamp 6 to be adaptable for skis with different curved end profiles.

[0056]As can be seen in FIG. 4, an array of upstanding ridges or teeth 36 are also provided on the base of the rear section of the clamp 6 which extend in use, through a slot 38 formed in the underside of the flexible rubber part of the body 10 to prevent sideways movement S of the upper body 10 relative to the clamp 6.

[0057]FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the assembly mounted. The upper body 10 is deformed to extend over the clamp 6. The plug 32 extends through the aperture 30 to stop the apparatus from moving in direction R relative to the base of the ski 4.

[0058]FIG. 5 also shows clamp assembly 12 fitted over ski end 16 to stop the apparatus from moving in direction P relative to the ski 4. When connected, the teeth 36 extend into the slot 38 with a clearance to allow for curved formations of the ski 4. In addition to the teeth 36, the flexibility of the rubber upper body 10 allows bending to accommodate curvature.

[0059]FIG. 6 shows the snow jet generator device 24 that forms part of the assembly. The device 24 comprises a main body forming a flexible torsion bar 40. The bottom face of the bar 40, includes a blade 42 in the form of downwardly extending semi-annular flange. The blade 42 is formed from plastics material. The device 24 attaches to c-clamp 12 via a keyway 44 extending from the upper face of the torsion bar 40. The keyway protrusion 44 is locatable into a complimentary shaped recess 46 formed in the rear of the central arm 20 of the c-clamp 12.

[0060]The bar 40 acts like a suspension unit that allows the hard plastic blade 42 to move in direction P and rotate about the keyway 44 in direction R so as to minimize forces acting on apparatus 2 that might otherwise dislodge the assembly from the back of the ski 4.

[0061]FIG. 7 shows the blade 42 positioned below the snow line V. If the assembly is fitted to a ski which has a curvature which causes the end of the ski 16 to be too high for the blade 42 to penetrate the snow, then the blade 42 can be removed from the bar 40 and replaced with one with a larger annulus to ensure the blade 42 is positioned on or below the snow line V.

[0062]The flexibility of the torsion bar 40 allows the blade 42 move to accommodate any hard surfaces at or below the snowline V without putting too much force on the upper body 10 which could otherwise dislodge it from the ski 4.

[0063]The exhaust 26 has an annular body 48 and is also designed to sit on or below the snowline V. The exhaust 26 is made from a soft flexible material such as, for example, polyurethane to allow it to flex up and down to accommodate any hard surfaces.

[0064]FIG. 8 shows the blade 42 scooping up snow from below the snowline V in the direction P. The exhaust 26 then smooths the flow and controls the exit height. The angle of the jet of snow 50 created can be altered by adjusting the height of the exhaust 26.

[0065]The assembly can act as a brake for skiing on ice by replacing the increasing the rigidity of the torsion bar to increase downward force of the blade 42 into the ice.

[0066]As can be seen in FIG. 9 the upper body 10 includes a tab 52 which can be pulled in direction P to disconnect the body 10 from ski clamp 6 and the ski 4.

[0067]FIGS. 10 to 12 show a further embodiment of the invention. The figures show a snow jet generation assembly 54 mounted on the rear of a ski 4. The assembly comprises a plate body 56 made of flexible rubber material. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the rear of the ski 4 has fixings 58 onto which the plate body 56 ca be secured using fixing screws 60. The rear edge 62 of the plate body 56 also acts as a ski protector when skis 4 are placed upright on a hard surface during transportation or storage. Blades 64 are formed by an upwardly curved recess channel formed on each side of the plate body 56. The blades 64 act to scoop up surface snow and propel it upwards to produce a stream or jet of snow as the ski travels forward.

[0068]In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the back of the plate 56 has a flange that fits over the end of the ski to allow the user to disengage the assembly by simply flexing the flange away from the ski.

[0069]FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a further embodiment of snow jet generation assembly. In this embodiment the rear of the ski is formed with opposing inwardly extending recesses 66 the inner surfaces 68 of which are curved upwardly to form a blade to scoop up snow and project it upwardly.

[0070]FIG. 15 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention. Here, the snow jet generation blades 70 are formed as upwardly curved concave surfaces located either side a front toe binding assembly 72. FIG. 16 shows how the blades 70 can scoop snow from ground level L and project it upwardly in direction M.

[0071]FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. Here, the snow jet generation blades 74 are formed as upwardly curved concave surfaces located either side of the ski brake assembly 76. FIG. 17 shows the brake assembly at its closed position but the blade 74 remains engaged with the snow level L to produce a jet of snow in direction d. This brake position is where it would be with the ski boot inserted in the binding 78. FIG. 18 shows ski brake assembly 76 in the full down position which happens when a ski boot is not inserted in the boot binding 78. In this mode of operation, the ski brake effect is fully engaged.

[0072]FIGS. 19 to 22 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, double-bladed snow jet generators 80 are mounted either side of a snowboard.

[0073]As can be seen in FIG. 20, the blades 80 comprises to upwardly curved concave surfaces in opposite orientation on either side of a snowboard 82. Snowboarders and some skiers can travel in both directions on the snowboard or ski so a double-bladed ski jet can be used.

[0074]FIG. 20 shows double blade assembly 80 mounted on snowboard 82 traveling in direction s to cause a jet of snow in the direction t.

[0075]FIG. 21 shows the snowboard 82 traveling in direction u to cause a jet of snow in the direction v.

[0076]All the embodiments described utilise a blade that dips below or into the snowline to lift up a stream of snow. This stream of snow is then controlled and formed by directing it through the exhaust tube to produce a smooth jet of snow that makes it look like the skis is rocket or jet propelled. As can be readily understood from the description, the present invention offers adaptability to diverse ski geometries while maintaining its blade's optimal position relative to the snowline. All these adjustments should be made without compromising the device's resistance to detachment, given the three principal forces acting upon it.

[0077]Users can compete to see how high or large a jet of snow can be produced. The apparatus can also be used as an indication that the skier is ‘carving’ a turn properly rather than just skidding the ski during a turn.

[0078]Through generation of a snow jet up to 5 to 30-meters high, the apparatus can be used to signal the presence of a young skier, thereby discouraging adults from skiing too closely and to keep to the recognised minimum distance of 15 metres behind a child.

[0079]A range of interchangeable blade lengths can be provided to adapt to the varying rear elevations across different manufacturers' ski designs. This ensures adequate blade penetration into the snow. Furthermore, the exhaust part is also interchangeable, allowing for a variety of jet heights and effects, ranging from high jets to low jets and even split jets.

[0080]The exhaust may have a stylised outer shell, fixed or interchangeable. It could for example, take the appearance of a rocket, a jet airplane engine or a lion's head to give just a few examples.

[0081]Whilst the embodiments show the snow jet generation devices having upwardly curved concave surfaces, the surfaces may just have an angled slope without curvature.