Abstract: An apparatus for traveling across snow includes a ski having opposing ends, a top surface, a bottom surface, and an aperture extending therethrough between the top and bottom surfaces. The apparatus also includes a centerboard pivotally connected to the ski and disposed at least partially within the aperture in the ski. The apparatus further includes a binding plate configured to have a boot binding connected thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for ski training are disclosed herein for providing feedback to a skier regarding the orientation of their skis. The apparatus, system and method measure various distances between a first ski and a second ski, determine an angle between the first ski and the second ski based on information representative of various distances; and provide an indication of the measured angle.

Abstract: An instructional device for an instructor to use with a student for downhill skiing is disclosed. In use, the instructor skis to the side and behind the student skier. A curved extension member is provided at the end of a shaft and is placed against the student skier's midsection to provide stability and balance for the student. Two student handles can be attached to the extension member. The student handles serve two purposes. The device can be easily converted for use either from the student's right side or left side, depending on the instructor's preference. Second, the student handles can be added as the student progresses to help correctly position the student's hands and develop good posture for the eventual use of ski poles. An instructor handle is located along the shaft. The instructor handle may be adjustable along the length of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring arrangement (1) for testing skis and snowboards (2) or sports equipment with a planar contact surface, the arrangement comprising a sensor device, onto which at least one ski or snowboard (2) or piece of sports equipment can be laid. The sensor device has a sensor surface (3) which is predominantly sub-divided in a longitudinal and transverse direction into a plurality of sensor-surface sections (4), each of said sensor-surface sections (4) having at least one force sensor which outputs the force acting on the sensor-surface section (4) as an electrical signal that is evaluated by a computer unit (5).

Abstract: A blade measuring apparatus (21) to measure the radius and bend of skate blades along the longitudinal plane of the skate blade runner features a one-piece frame (1), thermally non-conductive handles (5), and adjustable, replaceable, and interchangeable magnetic force application components (9, 10) and assemblies.

Abstract: A belt buckle feeder comprises a stationary base (12) adapted to be fixedly mounted to the vehicle and a carriage (14) movable to a retracted position and to an extended position vis-à-vis the base (12), which carriage is connected to a belt buckle (20) via an intermediate plate (22) provided between the belt buckle (20) and the carriage (14). The intermediate plate (22) is tightly connected to the belt buckle (20) and there is provided a positive guidance by which the intermediate plate (22) is pivoted during traversing to the extended position by a predetermined degree vis-à-vis the carriage (14) so that in addition to the traversing movement of the carriage (14) along a tilting direction (N) the belt buckle (20) reversibly tilts from a home position to an inclined position.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide a slip prevention apparatus for snowboard and ski equipment. In certain embodiments, the slip prevention apparatus lifts the ski or snowboard off the ground or snow to temporarily immobilize the ski or snowboard. In certain embodiments, the slip prevention apparatus creates a point of traction, while providing a stable platform to stand while strapping into bindings. Certain embodiments include a stop element that provides a point of traction. Certain embodiments of the invention include a retractable tether. Certain embodiments of the invention provide various types of stop elements. Certain embodiments of the invention include a cord having a magnet on an end, and a corresponding magnet attached to a stop element. In certain embodiments, when the user has finished strapping in, the retractable tether returns a stop element to a secure position.

Abstract: A foot-deck-based vehicle, a front wheel support, and at least one accessory therefor are provided. The foot-deck-based vehicle has a foot-deck with a front end, a rear end, and at least one rear wheel proximal to the rear end. The foot-deck-based vehicle has a front wheel support comprising a pair of wheel interfaces, each of which is couplable to a front wheel, a main body extending between the wheel interfaces and coupled to the foot-deck, and at least one recess in the main body. At least one accessory is snugly securable within the at least one recess of the front wheel support to modify a resistance of the main body to bending under a bending load applied to the front wheel support through the foot-deck when the foot-deck supports a person.

Abstract: In a buckle device, wire ropes and a coiled cord run through the inside of a tubular buckle guide. Here, a partition wall is provided inside the buckle guide, and the inside of the buckle guide is partitioned by the partition wall into a wire rope side and a coiled cord side. Due to this, the coiled cord can be prevented from contacting the wire ropes inside the buckle guide.

Abstract: The slackline balance board is for use during slacklining It includes an elongated deck having an upper surface and a bottom surface. The deck includes opposite first and second end sections, and a medial cambered section interposed between the first and second end sections. The medial cambered section is arched upwards with reference to a longitudinal axis. Two spaced-apart slackline guides are secured to the bottom surface of the deck.

Abstract: A snow sliding apparatus for enabling sliding along a surface of snow, including: a plate-shaped deck configured to extend in a direction; and an auxiliary sliding part configured such that at least part thereof protrudes from both sides of the deck to have a width broader than and equal to that of edges of the deck, and configure to extend in a lengthwise direction of the deck, thereby protecting the edges of the deck during riding or assisting riding of the deck.

Abstract: A foot cover assembly comprising a foot cover and a base plate is disclosed. The foot cover releaseably attaches to the base plate. The base plate releaseably attaches to a board assembly. A portion of the foot cover is arranged over a deck of the board assembly. The foot cover selectively holds a foot of a rider of the board assembly between the foot cover and the deck.

Abstract: A hand ice skating mechanism in conjunction with an athletic protective mechanism utilizing a glove portion including a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion includes a blade retaining portion and a blade assembly in communication with the blade retaining portion.

Abstract: A combination device is featured for both tethering a snowboard to the boot of a user and for carrying a snowboard over the shoulder. The device has a retraction unit that houses a spring-wound strap within. The retractable unit has a flange for attaching the unit to one of the bindings of the snowboard. Screws are used to affix the flange, and hence the retraction unit, to the binding. The combination tether and carrying strap is easily accessible by pulling on the hooking latch, which is attached to the retractable strap.

Abstract: Systems for producing traction, wherein each traction system is an apparatus that provides traction on snow and ice covered surfaces. A pair of Back Country skis each are mounted with an apparatus; having DC powered controls, tilt switch, pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) gas powered pneumatic actuators operating gripping parts; controlled by a servo unit. A pair of foot wear (hiking boots) having a DC powered servo-solenoid-valve units controlling pressurized CO2, gas powering pneumatic rotors, operating, hydraulic pumps, actuators with gripping parts. A pair of snowmobile skis each having an assembly of parts; driven by an hydraulic rotor that pivots the skis, adjusting their position when cornering, providing traction, according to a snowmobile steering system. And is powered and controlled by at least one of: hydraulic steering system, an electro-hydraulic steering system; an electric power steering system using an electric motor instead of hydraulic rotor.

Abstract: A ski, snowboard, or monoboard includes a base layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, a blade disposed on an outer edge of the top surface of the base layer, a lower body layer disposed on the top surface of the base layer and the blade, a core disposed on the lower body layer, an upper body layer disposed on the core, and a depth indicator disposed in the base layer and extending inward from the bottom surface of the base layer. The depth indicator has a visually perceivable characteristic that varies as a function of depth in the base layer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an adapter for a board (1) is provided, comprising at least two different receptacles (20) for attaching different types of chassis.

Abstract: An insert for a sports board comprising an outer ring unit comprising a threaded top piece and a threaded bottom piece and an inner insert unit comprising a threaded top piece and a threaded bottom piece. The outer ring unit is installed into a mounting hole that penetrates through a sports board. The top and bottom pieces of the outer ring unit each comprises a flange with a diameter greater than the diameter of the mounting hole. The top piece and the bottom piece of the outer ring unit are both hollow, thereby creating an insert hole for the inner insert unit when the top piece and bottom piece of the outer are screwed together. The top piece and the bottom piece of the inner insert unit are installed into the insert hole created by the top piece and bottom piece of the outer ring unit and screwed together.

Abstract: In principle, the device comprises a supporting element for a ski that is placed beside the outer side of a ski boot, the supporting element having a movable part formed by a rotatable body and a fixed part on which the movable part is coupled rotatingly, while the rotatable body includes a receptacle for receiving the rear end section of the ski. It is characterized in that the receptacle of the rotatable body is delimited by an elastic frontal retaining and support rim (7) for the ski and adjustable runners (8) that can be adapted to the width of the ski (6).

Abstract: A ski instructional apparatus and method for teaching young children that allows for dry land training of a student on skis. The apparatus includes a pole that the student straddles. The pole has a cross piece that extends behind the students legs and beneath the buttocks and handlebars for the student to hold onto. Pulling the pole forward causes the cross piece to push the student from behind so little or none of the student's arm strength is needed to pull the student on skis along a dry surface. The tips of the skis are connected by a tether and a line attached to the tether is connected to the pole. The arrangement allows the instructor to move the student forward and, at the same time, to move the ski tips one towards the other or allow the tips to move apart by respectively raising or lowering the pole.

Abstract: A protective top surface (6) for a board for gliding, which comprises at least one decorative component (10; 10?) passing through at least one slot or hole (7; 7?) in the protective top surface (6), comprising at least one lower part (11; 11?) arranged under the protective top surface (6) and at least one upper part (12) arranged above the protective top surface (6).

Abstract: A street paddle for use with long board skateboards. The paddle has a shaft, a handle and an eight sided body. Two sides of the hexagonal body are hexagonal sides and the remaining sides are rectangular. The street paddle is used by wheeled skaters to propel a skateboard on a solid surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a skate includes a main body and a support arrangement. The apparatus supports the skate while the laces of the skate are being drawn by a seated user to secure the skate to a foot of the user. The main body has a surface against which the sole of the skate rests in use. The surface has a slot through which the blade passes in use. The support arrangement is connected to the main body to support the main body such that, in use, the sole of the skate is disposed in elevated relation to the floor surface with the heel of the skate below the toe.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a snowboard stop device includes a bottom portion having a snowboard-contactable side and a ground-contactable side. The ground-contactable side of the bottom portion has one or more protrusions. The snowboard stop device includes a top portion having a snowboard-contactable side, and a curved edge portion joining the bottom portion of the snowboard stop device to the top portion of the snowboard stop device. The snowboard stop device is clippable on an edge of a snowboard such that the snowboard-contactable side of the bottom portion at least partially contacts a bottom side of the snowboard and the snowboard-contactable side of the top portion at least partially contacts a top side of the snowboard. Friction is caused between the ground and the one or more protrusions on the ground-contactable side of the bottom portion such that the snowboard at least partially stops relative to the ground.

Abstract: An insert for a sports board comprising an outer ring unit comprising a threaded top piece and a threaded bottom piece and an inner insert unit comprising a threaded top piece and a threaded bottom piece. The outer ring unit is installed into a mounting hole that penetrates through a sports board. The top and bottom pieces of the outer ring unit each comprises a flange with a diameter greater than the diameter of the mounting hole. The top piece and the bottom piece of the outer ring unit are both hollow, thereby creating an insert hole for the inner insert unit when the top piece and bottom piece of the outer are screwed together. The top piece and the bottom piece of the inner insert unit are installed into the insert hole created by the top piece and bottom piece of the outer ring unit and screwed together.

Abstract: The miniature ski tote of the disclosed invention is characterized by a carriage body, wheel and strap or other means to removably bind the carriage body to a pair of skis disposed in bottom-to-bottom relationship. The carriage has a bottom, sides and a rear together forming a channel open to the front and top of the carriage body. The channel is configured to receive the front or rear portion of side edges of the of a pair of skis which are disposed in bottom-to-bottom relationship to one another. A strap or other binding means is used to removably bind the carriage body to the skis. A wheel projects rearwardly and downwardly of the carriage body when the front of carriage body is angled upwardly, enabling a pair of skis engaged therewith to be transported by rolling the end to which the carriage is attached.

Abstract: A snowboard system and methods are disclosed adapted for board stabilization while a user attaches the snowboard binding and boot from a standing position. The system includes an anchoring stake, a retainer and retractable cord, and an anchoring line, or loop. A safety retainer line from the stake may also be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus that receives a pole tip and assists a user to achieve a standing position in snow is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pole tip receiving member having a base and a pole tip engagement. The pole tip engagement engages a tip of a pole limits lateral movement of the pole with respect to the pole tip receiving member. a coupling secures the pole tip receiving member to the snow traversal device. Engagement of the pole by the pole tip receiving member transfers a pressure applied by the pole to a supporting substrate of the snow traversal device. The transfer of the pressure applied by the pole increases the effective surface area of the pole.

Abstract: A snow deflector for skis comprises a structure elongated along the ski, mounted on the top surface of the ski and convex at the top. An implementation with an A-shaped cross-section includes installing a cable between the boot and the ski tip, wrapping fabric over the cable and attaching the fabric to the edges of the ski. Other implementations include forming this convex structure with foam, fiberglass or carbon fibers. Yet another implementation utilizes a frame over which the fabric is draped. Yet another implementation utilizes an inflatable structure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a snowboard stop device includes a bottom portion having a snowboard-contactable side and a ground-contactable side. The ground-contactable side of the bottom portion has one or more protrusions. The snowboard stop device includes a top portion having a snowboard-contactable side, and a curved edge portion joining the bottom portion of the snowboard stop device to the top portion of the snowboard stop device. The snowboard stop device is clippable on an edge of a snowboard such that the snowboard-contactable side of the bottom portion at least partially contacts a bottom side of the snowboard and the snowboard-contactable side of the top portion at least partially contacts a top side of the snowboard. Friction is caused between the ground and the one or more protrusions on the ground-contactable side of the bottom portion such that the snowboard at least partially stops relative to the ground.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a solution for releasably attaching and fastening an end piece to a pole such as a ski pole suited for cross country skiing, downhill skiing roller skiing or walking. The end piece may be a basket providing a thrust bearing surface on snow or it may be an end piece with a sharp point for use in walking or roller skiing.

Abstract: A foot support device configured for use on a snowboard includes a base having a bottom surface and an upper surface, with the bottom surface being configured to attach to a top of a snowboard. The device further includes a strap adapted for removable attachment to the upper surface of said base. In certain arrangements, the base comprises at least two loops, so that the strap is configured to be selectively routed through at least one of the loops. In one embodiment, the strap generally defines a longitudinal axis that passes through the at least two loops when said strap is secured to the base. The base and the strap can define an opening for at least partially receiving a boot therein. In other arrangements, the base comprises a plurality of upwardly extending protruding members configured to provide traction to a boot positioned thereagainst.

Abstract: A snowboard or other glide board has a receptacle and plug accessory system for quickly incorporating additional and interchangeable functionality to the board. A user can readily switch functionality in and out of the board by way of the plug and receptacle system. Various plugs contain different features. The receptacle can be incorporated during manufacturing, such as in a manner compatible with existing manufacturing practices, as a retrofit to existing boards. The receptacle is a plate embedded into the board, in line with the core and sandwiched between the strength layers that are typically comprised of fiberglass. The receptacle sidewall has a one side of a latch mechanism in its interior walls. In one implementation, the plug accessory can latch fit into the receptacle. The plug can be disengaged with one hand without tools. The plug accessory can incorporate a camera, a light, a flag, and a rooster tail duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a climbing skin to a ski or snowboard is provided as are kits and climbing skins joined to such apparatus. Included is an apparatus for attaching a climbing skin to a front portion of a ski or snowboard, the front portion including ski sides which converge toward a front end of the ski or snowboard, the apparatus including: (i) opposing first and second holders, each holder being configured to receive one of the converging ski sides; and (ii) a connector between the first and second holders which includes at least one hinge. Also included is a kit including the apparatus and a climbing skin. Also included is a climbing skin having a fastener, the fastener including a portion which is retained between layers of the skin and one or more portions which extend from the skin for attachment of the skin to a ski or snowboard.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a telescoping pole to help direct a longboard comprising a first and second portion. The first portion includes a first end, a second end and a first tubular shaft. A first handle is positioned at the first end, while a second handle is positioned along the first tubular shaft between the first and second end. The second portion also has first end, a second end, and a second tubular shaft (having a diameter less than the first tubular shaft). The first end of the second portion is attached to the first portion through a first coiled spring. A wheel assembly having a spinning wheel is affixed to the second end of the second portion having a third tubular shaft having diameter less than the second tubular shaft. A second coiled spring is placed over the third tubular shaft, which engages the second portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for balancing a skier comprises a Heel Mounting (“HMP”) that locks on to the heel bearing surface of a ski binding. The HMP has a specified thickness to increase the height of the heel portion a ski boot over the toe portion when mounted in the ski binding. Thus, the HMP plate alters the ramp angle at which a boot supports a skier's foot and lower leg.

Abstract: A ski grinding system comprising a ski grinding device operable with a ski, the ski grinding device comprising a riser having a grinding surface, the riser being attached or otherwise secured to a ski so that the grinding surface is flush with or extends beyond the outside edge of the ski. The ski grinding device further comprises a plate attached to the riser and extending beyond the grinding surface of the riser. Secured to the bottom of the overhanging portion of the plate is a grinding pad, such that the grinding pad comes in contact with objects being grinded upon.

Abstract: The current disclosure presents a ski-pole coupling assembly wherein the attachment point is permanently housed on the ski, does not interfere with skiing activity, and does not become impaired by ice and snow. The current disclosure has a pair of brackets on each ski placed proximate the ski bindings. The brackets are of such height that, when placed on the brackets, the poles are not hindered by the bindings. The poles are removably affixed to the brackets by a flexible securing member, attached to the brackets. The securing members could be attached to the brackets by a number of different methods, such as by snaps, clips, rivets, etc. or a combination thereof.

Abstract: In principle, the device comprises a supporting element for a ski that is placed beside the outer side of a ski boot, the supporting element having a movable part formed by a rotatable body and a fixed part on which the movable part is coupled rotatingly, while the rotatable body includes a receptacle for receiving the rear end section of the ski. It is characterized in that the receptacle of the rotatable body is delimited by an elastic frontal retaining and support rim (7) for the ski and adjustable runners (8) that can be adapted to the width of the ski (6).

Abstract: In some embodiments, a tip fastener configured to removably attach to a tip of a snow ski includes a clamp, a lever and a push link. The clamp includes a base and opposing upper and lower jaws extending from the base. The lever is rotatably coupled to the clamp. The push link is rotatably coupled to the clamp and is rotatably coupled to the lever.

Abstract: A brake assembly for a skate of the type having parallel rails connected to the bottom of a boot. The skate brake bracket for mounting outside the rails and a brake wheel mounted to the skate brake bracket. The tension of the brake wheel may be adjusted.

Abstract: A multi-adaptable power automated apparatus used for gaining traction on various surfaces comprising: snow, and/or ice to name some. Further assisting with accelerating, decelerating, turning, and/or stopping of a person(s) and/or vehicle(s); yet further compatible in/or on water.

Abstract: A ski skin includes a directionally oriented flock applied to a carrier surface. The flocked textile material may be further processed directly (glue application, assembly) as skin, or it may be laminated onto other, additional carriers. The fibers of the directionally oriented flock extend at an acute angle relative to the carrier layer.

Abstract: A base for a slalom pole or ski pole having brush bristles extending from an acircular axially extending base, preferably having a polygonal or hexagonal configuration, the bristles extending from a circular surface adjoining a circular brush section. The base can also be used as a pole anchor.

Abstract: The retractable wheel system of the present invention may be installed on a snowmobile ski without affecting its structural integrity by installing the system on the reinforced portion of the snowmobile ski. When a user circulates in a path with little or no snow, the retractable wheel system is positioned in the extended configuration by the user and the system will automatically return to the retracted configuration when the user returns in a snowy zone. This is realized by using a pre-tensioned spring that will reposition the wheel in the retracted configuration. The spring transmits a rotational movement to the member on which the wheel is fixed.

Abstract: A transporting assembly having a housing with an open end, an opposite closed end, and a sidewall for receiving ski equipment that is mounted on wheels where a swing door is pivotally connected to the housing and can be secured to the housing.

Abstract: A ski comprising a front runner (1), a centre runner (2) and a rear runner (3); the runners (1, 2, 3) connectable together to form a longitudinal running surface, the centre runner further comprising a locking mechanism (4) operable to urge the front and rear runners into engagement with the centre runner. Part (5, 7) of the locking mechanism is concealed within the body of the ski and the remaining part (12, 13) is positioned in-between the ski boot (16) bindings so that when the ski boot is clamped into the bindings it forms a protective canopy over the locking mechanism and the assembly takes on the appearance of a one piece ski When the ski is dismantled it can be carried in a case compatible with automated luggage handling systems and inside automobiles without the need for a roof rack.

Abstract: The miniature ski tote of the disclosed invention is characterized by a carriage body, wheel and strap or other means to removably bind the carriage body to a pair of skis disposed in bottom-to-bottom relationship. The carriage has a bottom, sides and a rear together forming a channel open to the front and top of the carriage body. The channel is configured to receive the front or rear portion of side edges of the of a pair of skis which are disposed in bottom-to-bottom relationship to one another. A strap or other binding means is used to removably bind the carriage body to the skis. A wheel projects rearwardly and downwardly of the carriage body when the front of carriage body is angled upwardly, enabling a pair of skis engaged therewith to be transported by rolling the end to which the carriage is attached.

Abstract: The invention relates to an end piece (2, 2?) for the front or rear end of a ski (1) or snowboard, which end piece (2, 2?) has at least a first and a second portion (6, 7). A distance (10, 10?) between mutually adjacent zones (8, 9) of the first and second portion (6, 7) or a width or length measurement of at least one of the zones (8, 9) can be varied. Alternatively, the first and second portion (6, 7) are connected to one another in the mutually adjacent zones (8, 9) by means of an articulated joint and/or an elastically stretchable and rebounding bridging element and/or an elastically deformable middle portion (12) and the zones of the first and second portion (6, 7) remote from the mutually adjacent zones (8, 9) can be respectively connected to oppositely lying side edges of a ski (1) or snowboard by articulated joints and/or with an interconnected elastic deformation zone. This positively influences the performance of a ski (1) or snowboard with a variable geometry or size.

Abstract: Systems are described for use in removing toxic airborne contaminants from a waxing environment where wax is being applied to sporting equipment. The systems include a base, at least one platform coupled to the base and an airflow generator. The at least one platform is configured to securely receive sporting equipment to be waxed. Each platform includes a first surface that is in contact with the waxing environment, an opposing second surface and at least one opening that extends between the first and second surfaces of each platform. The airflow generator is configured to generate an airflow for pulling harmful airborne contaminants through the at least one opening in each platform in a direction from the first surface to the second surface.