Abstract: A lateral flex sports board includes an elongated load supporting board having a top major surface, the top major surface configured to support a user, wherein the elongated load supporting board includes a portion that flexes transversely to the top major surface.

Abstract: A lateral flex sports board includes an elongated load supporting board having a top major surface, the top major surface configured to support a user, wherein the elongated load supporting board includes a portion that flexes transversely to the top major surface.

Abstract: A semi-rigid boot and releasable binding system for use on water skis. The semi-rigid boot provides lateral support to the ankle and lower leg of the water skier but allows the required flexibility in the fore/aft directions. The boots are non-releasably attached to the top surface of a plate. The bottom surface of the plate is provided with a hook and loop-type fastener surface. A mating surface of hook and loop-type fastener is attached to the upper surface of the ski. The plate is releasably secured to the water ski using the mating hook and loop-type fasteners on the bottom of the plate and the top of the water ski.

Abstract: An improved composite ski structure comprising a core with a successful layering of at least two alternately diagonally offset composite layers, covered by two outer longitudinal layers. Both the top and bottom surfaces of the core are layered in this fashion, and the composite layers are preferably applied as a multi-layered outer laminate wrapped fully around the core. In a preferred form, a multi-functional epoxy is applied to bond the inner surface of the composite laminate to the core. In a further form of the invention at least the tip, and preferably also the tail of the core are formed from composite inserts, and at least the tip section of the outer laminate is cut in a herringbone pattern to be wrapped around a curved/angled tip without stress cracking. The invention also comprises a method for making a ski structure as described.

Abstract: A method for decorating a composite fiber/resin ski pole, by applying a pre-printed transfer sheet of sublimation ink graphics in a conforming fit around the resin surface of the shaft, heating the transfer sheet to transfer the graphics from the sheet to the surface of the ski pole shaft, and subsequently removing the decorated shaft. In a preferred form, the transfer sheet is a sleeve having a pole-receiving slot whose inner surface contains the sublimation ink graphics and which conforms to the surface of the ski pole shaft when the shaft is inserted in the slot. In a most preferred form the sleeve defines multiple slots so that multiple poles can be inserted and simultaneously decorated by placing the sleeve in a suitable heating die.

Abstract: A device for reducing wind resistance or drag on a ski pole shaft comprising a wing foil device rotatably mounted over a significant portion of a cylindrical ski pole shaft for self-aligning rotation about the shaft axis. In one embodiment the wing foil device is an essentially hollow, thin-walled element having a rounded internal bearing surface at its leading edge which rotates on the surface of the shaft. An internal wall or rib structure maintains the primary internal bearing surface against the ski pole shaft and prevents lateral movement or rattle. In a preferred embodiment the top and bottom edges of the wing foil device are angled to be parallel with air flow when the poles are held at a predetermined angle while skiing.

Abstract: A novel ski glove/grip interlock system is disclosed in which the ski pole grip is releasably attached to the glove in a manner to maintain it in proper reflexive grasping position with a preferred swing angle relative to the skier's hand. In one embodiment, a transverse lock bar is positioned immediately adjacent the intersection of the V between thumb and forefinger on the glove for pivotal connection to a clip formed on the ski pole grip. The position and tension of the lock bar on the glove can be adjusted with a series of straps. The connection between glove and ski pole grip permits pivoting of the grip and ski pole relative to the hand at a preferred swing angle while maintaining proper position of the ski pole grip relative to the glove.

Abstract: An improved fiber/resin composite tapered ski pole shaft and a method for making it. The shaft is hollow and is formed from a fiber/resin composite in which the resin is a thermoplastic material capable of being reheated and reformed. A straight, non-tapered, preformed shaft is heated at the lower end until the thermoplastic resin becomes workable, and then pressure is applied to taper the lower end of the shaft toward the tip. The shaft is held at a constant length during the tapering step such that the displaced thermoplastic material increases the wall thickness of the lower end of the shaft uniformly toward the tip. The rate of taper can be such that the tip becomes solid.

Abstract: A ski pole assembly and a ski pole and ski glove combination. The grip includes a central core member of a relatively hard low friction material and an outer sheath member of a relatively soft high friction material. The core member includes raised pads proximate the upper end of the grip and the sheath includes windows receiving the pads so as to expose the pad surfaces and provide low friction pivot areas proximate the upper end of the grip to facilitate the swinging movement of the pole. The core member includes a downwardly opening bore receiving the upper end of the shaft of the ski pole and allowing the shaft to be adjustably positioned in the bore to selectively vary the overall length of the ski pole.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible ski pole which is virtually indestructible comprises a filament-reinforced, polymeric matrix composite shaft having a diameter of less than 0.5 inches and a tensile strength on the order of 140,000 psi or higher. The shaft is of three-layer construction, having a center layer whose filaments are diagonally offset at a bias angle for lateral bending strength. The shaft may be hollow or solid, and may be formed by either a pultrusion or table-rolling method.

Abstract: A novel ski glove/grip interlock system is disclosed in which the ski pole grip is releasably attached to the glove in a manner to maintain it in proper reflexive grasping position with a preferred swing angle relative to the skier's hand. In one embodiment, a transverse lock bar is positioned immediately adjacent the intersection of the V between thumb and forefinger on the glove for pivotal connection to a clip formed on the ski pole grip. The position and tension of the lock bar on the glove can be adjusted with a series of straps. The connection between glove and ski pole grip permits pivoting of the grip and ski pole relative to the hand at a preferred swing angle while maintaining proper position of the ski pole grip relative to the glove.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible ski pole which is virtually indestructible comprises a filament-reinforced, resin-matrix composite shaft having a diameter of about 0.05 in or less and a tensile strength of about 140,000 or higher. The shaft may be severely bent without damage or deformation. A surface coating of acrylic paint is applied by dip coating. A metal tip is adhesively applied, as are hand grip and basket. The shaft may be solid or hollow, straight or tapered near the lower end. If hollow and tapered, the tapered end is reinforced with a short reinforcing rod.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible ski pole which is virtually indestructible comprises a filament-reinforced, polymeric matrix composite shaft having a diameter of less than 0.5 inches and a tensile strength on the order of 140,000 psi or higher. The shaft is of three-layer construction, having a center layer whose filaments are diagonally offset at a bias angle for lateral bending strength. The shaft may be hollow or solid, and may be formed by either a pultrusion or table-rolling method.

Abstract: A strong, lightweight, flexible ski pole and a method for making it. The ski pole comprises a filament-reinforced, resin-matrix composite shaft with anti-splinter material to prevent filament splinters from protruding from the outer surface of the shaft. In one embodiment, the shaft comprises a filament-reinforced, resin-matrix composite hollow outer shaft continuously integrally pultruded about a core member. In another embodiment of the invention, the shaft comprises a filament-reinforced, resin-matrix solid pultruded body. In both embodiments, a polyester veil is wrapped around the filaments within the resin matrix to prevent filament splinters from protruding from the outer surface of the ski pole shaft. Cut lengths of the ski pole shaft are fitted with a basket adaptor, a basket, a tip and a grip to make a finished ski pole.

Abstract: A window-mount ski rack comprising a frame having spaced pairs of threaded rods mounted thereon, the inboard ends of the rods carrying suction cups which bear against the window, and the outboard portions of the rods carrying plastic sleeves upon which the skis rest. Flexible rubber ties bind the skis to the rods. Flat metal hangers extend from the frame to and over the top of the window to hold the rack in place. The rack fits any side or rear window and is quickly and easily mounted and demounted.

Abstract: A window-mount ski rack comprising a frame having spaced pairs of threaded rods mounted thereon, the inboard ends of the rods carrying suction cups which bear against the window, and the outboard portions of the rods carrying plastic sleeves upon which the skis rest. Flexible rubber ties bind the skis to the rods. Flat metal hangers extend from the frame to and over the top of the window to hold the rack in place. The rack fits any side or rear window and is quickly and easily mounted and demounted.