Abstract: An edge protecting device for a variety of sports equipment, such as snow board, surf board and skate board, has been described. The edge protecting device includes multiple connecting elements and multiple edge covers. Further, the edge covers are connected to each other using the connecting elements. The connecting elements can be made of various materials, such as elastic cords, springs and connecting rods, so that the distance between the edge covers can be varied.

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: 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: 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 in-line skate frame assembly has a rigid frame and an elongate grinding insert releasably engaged with the frame. The frame and insert are secured together to the sole of a shoe or boot by frame bolts extending through upper portions of the frame and insert. The frame has spaced side walls with downwardly facing recessed regions in which the insert is mounted. The insert extends along a major portion of the length of the frame and has a downwardly facing, centrally located grinding surface which terminates short of the opposite ends of the insert. Different inserts with grinding surfaces of different shapes and lengths are releasably secured to the frame for performing alternative grinding maneuvers.

Abstract: A mounting and suspension system for mounting non-contact sliding measurement devices to the side of objects that slide on snow or ice like skis, snowboards, sleds, luges, and ice skates. A base component permanently attached to the sliding object allows a quick disconnect of the rest of the device. A linkage component permits the retraction of the measurement device relative to the sliding object in such a way that the measurement device remains aligned with the surface being measured while minimizing lateral displacement and fully retracted vertical height such that accurate measurement is obtained at any angle of sliding object relative to the surface of snow or ice. A bias device keeps the measurement device in firm contact with the surface without interfering with the use of the sliding object. A safety device prevents injury to user and damage to measurement device in case of impact with an external obstacle or fall.

Abstract: A gauge is disclosed for measuring squareness of a skate blade that has a pair of parallel side walls and a pair of bottom blade edges. The gauge includes a squaring frame that has a vertical blade contact surface fixed to a gauge plate. The gauge plate has a horizontal top surface. The vertical blade contact surface is selectively fixed to one of the side walls of the blade with a magnet having at least two parallel faces. Such a magnet is fixable between the skate blade and the blade contact surface. The gauge further includes a blade angle indicator having a flat lower surface and a parallel flat upper surface. Preferably the squaring frame of the gauge further includes an oblong vertical pivot aperture therein and the blade angle indicator includes an aperture therein, such that the squaring frame and the blade angle indicator may be pivotally fixed to each other with a pivot means.

Abstract: An ice skate strip-blade holder that provides a means to remove, replace, tension, and maintain tension in a strip-blade fastened and tensioned on the holder. In a preferred embodiment, the strip-blade holder assembly includes a front segment fixed to the skate plastic superstructure; a latched, pivoting rear segment arranged to apply and maintain tension in the strip-blade. In a preferred embodiment, the pivot and latch are positioned such that the pivot carries the majority of the tensile load maintained in the strip-blade and the latch carries a minor component of this tensile load. This arrangement provides for easy latch release. The latch provides release of the rear segment for subsequent pivoting and unhooking of the strip-blade for replacement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for canting a skier comprising a cant angle plate that locks on to the heel bearing surface of a ski binding. The cant angle plate has portions of varying thickness for inducing a cant angle when the heel of a boot rests on the cant angle plate locked on to the heel bearing surface of the binding. Thus, the cant angle plate alters the cant angle at which a boot supports a skier's foot and lower leg, relative to the longitudinal running surface or bottom plane of an attached ski.

Abstract: Snow ski attachments to toe of ski consisting of boat haul/navicular design bottom component J-tip 10 along with top support brace 30 and top cover 42. This will allow the ski to cut through the snow instead of bouncing over it and therefore reducing vibration and improving the control of the ski. These attachments will also strengthen the toe to body connection.

Abstract: A pocket token for use with a snowboard tether device. The pocket token comprises a knob and a magnet that surrounds the knob. The knob of the pocket token is sized so as to fit within a well on an underside of a movable part of a snowboard tether device. The movable part of the snowboard tether device comprises a magnet that surrounds the well on the underside of the movable part. When the knob on the pocket token is inserted into the well on the underside of the movable part, the magnets of the movable part and pocket token are attracted to each other, thereby holding the pocket token in place against the underside of the movable part. In an alternate embodiment, the magnet of the pocket token is replaced with a metal ring. The pocket token optionally comprises a bottle opener.

Abstract: A portable device for sharpening the edges of a ski is composed of a carriage equipped with first and second pressing means on the ski in lateral and transverse directions, and of a support mounted on the carriage and comprising fixing means of a machining unit. The fixing means enable translation of the machining unit with respect to the support in a first adjustment direction included in a lateral-transverse plane. The connecting means between the carriage and support enable on the one hand swivelling of the support through 90 degrees around a swivelling axis oriented in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral-transverse plane, and on the other hand translation of the support in a second adjustment direction included in the lateral-transverse plane and perpendicular to the first adjustment direction.

Abstract: A snowboard tether device comprising a base unit and a movable part. The base unit is affixed to a snowboard, and the movable part is connected to the base unit by a retractable cable. The cable is wound around a cable spool located inside the base unit. The base unit comprises a retractor housing that houses a retractor spring that causes the cable to retract. The base unit comprises a receiving area with a magnet, and the movable part comprises a magnet that is attracted to the magnet on the receiving area of the base unit. When the tether device is in use, the magnet on the movable part is coupled to a pocket token.

Abstract: A hand held protective ski appliance including a ski no longer than 18? inches long and including a handle extensive with the direction of the ski and spaced therefrom about 3? inches.

Abstract: A Snowboard Support System capable of relieving the load placed on the snowboarder's bound downhill foot and leg while riding on a chair lift. This invention is lightweight, compact, self retractable and safe. Most notably, the Snowboard Support System comprises a hooking mechanism that attaches to the chair lift, has an emergency releasable buckle, and an adjustment mechanism to change the length of the webbing to suit each snowboarder's height. The hooking mechanism is self retracted into an outer structure via a spring mechanism. The outer structure is fixed to the snowboard via U brackets and threaded inserts.

Abstract: A magnetic device comprises a magnet adapted to suspend free-floating from a hole in a bottom of a shoe, the magnet capable of attaching the shoe to magnetized metal on a sports board. The magnet can be raised and lowered in the shoe and is “on” when in a down position and “off” when in an up position. Switching between “on” and “off” by moving the magnet up or down in the shoe is accomplished manually. When the magnet is up or off the space in the shoe can be occupied with a plug. The design of the attachment system allows a rider optimal freedom of foot movement for doing tricks while attached to the board. The small surface area of the magnet relative to its significant strength, the round contour of the magnet's face, the magnet's suspended free-floating configuration from the support, the position of the magnets on the shoe, and the position of the magnetized metal on the sports board are all factors that contribute to increased maneuverability for the board rider using the invention.

Abstract: An exercise weight for a skate comprising a pair of similar elongated weight pieces. The skate comprises a boot, an elongated blade holder having spaced posts and a runner. The blade holder is secured to an underside of the boot and the runner is secured to blade holder. The weight is configured to be cooperatively releasably attached to the blade holder in a manner such that the weight pieces mateably conform to and engage with opposed side portions of the spaced posts below the boot and above the runner.

Abstract: An item of sports equipment includes a board with an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The sporting appliance has at least one image display device which is configured to display an at least two-dimensional image which can be seen on viewing the upper surface, the lower surface, and/or a side surface of the board.

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 comprising ski sides which converge toward a front end of the ski or snowboard, the apparatus comprising: (i) opposing first and second holders, each holder being configured to receive one of said converging ski sides; and (ii) a connector between the first and second holders which comprises at least one hinge. Also included is a kit comprising the apparatus of this invention and a climbing skin. Also included is a climbing skin comprising a fastener, the fastener comprising 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: A seated skiing device having an adjustable heel protrusion and a fixed toe protrusion is provided. The distance between the toe and heel protrusions are adjustable such that the seated the skiing device may engage toe and heel bindings of a snow ski set to a riders ski boot. In this manner, the seated skiing device is engageable to the snow ski of the rider without any additional tools. Also, a seated snowboarding device is disclosed herein. The seated snowboarding device is removably attachable to standard front and rear bindings of a snowboard.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maneuvering a snowboard includes a removable strap that straps around a boot that attaches to a board. The removable strap includes an upper strap portion, a lower strap portion, and a securing strap portion. The securing strap portion is positioned under the boot and is attached to the lower strap portion. The lower strap portion is strapped to the boot and the upper strap portion is strapped above the lower strap portion. Attached to an outward facing section of the upper strap portion is a first handle which has a semi-rigid loop portion. By pulling the loop portion, an end section of the board may be maneuvered. Attached to an inward facing section of the lower strap portion is a second handle for assisting in stabilizing the board and used as leverage in pulling up into a standing position.

Abstract: A kicktail concave skateboard includes a blank having opposite ends, at least one end being recessed. An element is mounted on the recessed end such that a portion of the element adjoining the blank is flush with the blank. The element is formed of a material having a lower mechanical damping capacity and a higher modulus of elasticity than the blank. The element includes a downwardly facing exposed side having a downward projection thereon, to facilitate the execution of an “ollie” maneuver.

Abstract: An exemplary motorized personal transportation apparatus is provided that may include a motorized heeling apparatus, a motorized heel bracket or a motorized wheel assembly. The motorized heeling apparatus may include a heeling apparatus and an electric motor mounted adjacent the heeling apparatus to impart forward rotation to at least one wheel adjacent the heel of a footwear to allow walking/running on forefoot, and transition to passive rolling and then electric powered rolling. The motorized heel bracket may include a heel support structure, which may be incorporated in footwear, for supporting at least a portion of the user's heel, wheel(s) mounted adjacent the heel bracket, and an electric motor positioned adjacent the heel support structure and operable to impart forward rotation to the wheel(s). The motorized wheel assembly includes an electric motor with a wheel around the motor such that the casing or external housing rotates to impart rotation to the wheel assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an end piece (2, 2?) for the front or rear end of a ski (1) or snow-board, 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: A shock absorbing mechanism for a suspension skateboard truck and skateboard is disclosed. A suspension skateboard truck includes a hangar. The hangar has opposing axle sleeves that extend to opposite distal ends along a lateral axis defined by an axle channel formed by each axle sleeve. The distal end of each axle sleeve includes a cavity that has a width greater than a width of the axle channel. The apparatus further includes an axle extending out from the axle channel and cavity of the distal end of each axle sleeve, and a shock absorbing mechanism occupying each cavity at least partially around the axle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively supporting sporting equipment such as a snowboard. Also systems and methods for removably or permanently attaching an apparatus to a snowboard boot, sole, or a sub-component thereof such that the apparatus may be used to support the weight of sporting equipment such as a snowboard while a user of the sporting equipment is seated (e.g., while riding a chairlift). Systems and methods for fabricating an integral support within a boot, sole, or a sub-component thereof. These systems and methods include after-market items affixed to commercially-available boots, soles, or sub-components thereof by a snowboarder, snowboard professional, or the like, or, alternatively, such systems and methods may be incorporated by a boot or sole manufacturer during manufacture of the boot, sole, or a sub-component thereof. The systems and methods may be permanent or removable.

Abstract: A mechanism for snowboard support while riding a chair lift is provided. The support mechanism includes a flexible retractable cable within a housing having a recoil mechanism. The housing is advantageously mounted to the snowboard or the snowboard binding mechanism. The recoil assembly has two main elements, a housing member which stores a retractable cable and a spring assembly that retracts the flexible cable advantageously into the housing member. The recoil assembly allows for adjustment of an elongation length of the retractable flexible cable.

Abstract: Skate and blade assemblies (31) include a mechanism for the removal of the drag tooth (46) to facilitate replication, during sharpening, of the skating surface's (36) rocker profile throughout its entire length. With primary emphasis in avoiding not only the inevitable progressive degradation of the frontal portion of the skating surface but actual profile mutilation because of the projecting drag tooth. Such mutilation commonplace with large diameter grinding wheel types of sharpeners adversely affects a skater's performance, ruining a career opportunity and inevitably an expensive pair of figure skates. The primary component of the mechanism is an attachable-detachable toe-pick element (33) preferably including all or most teeth required of the toe-pick including the drag tooth. Exacting docking provisions (40-44) are provided for the toe-pick element (33) with the skate structure (32) or blade (62).

Abstract: The invention relates to a new type of fastening device for fastening a skin to a glide board body, in particular a ski body, with at least one glide board body fastening element that can be anchored in the glide board body, forming at least one mount that is open on the bottom of the glide board, and with one skin-side fastening element, which can be inserted into the at least one mount in order to fasten the skin.

Abstract: An ornament is removably mounted to a sporting board. The sporting board can be manufactured with a mount or a mount can be added after the manufacturing process. An ornament can be removably mounted to the sporting board via the mount.

Abstract: A snow lubrication device attaches to a vehicle body of a snowmobile and includes a pair of snow rake rods extending from the vehicle body to contact a snow surface. A snow rake member located at the end of the snow rake rod scatters snow. The scattered snow lubricates gaps between a track belt and the slide rail and/or between the track belt and the drive wheel. The lubrication of the track belt improves operation of the snowmobile if the lower part of the snow rake rod strikes a stone or the like, the snow rake rod temporarily deflects further rearward. The snow lubrication device has relatively few components, is low in cost, and is hard to dislodge from a snowmobile.

Abstract: A snowboard support device for use in lift assist transport. The device may have a base, an extension shaft and a handle member or the like. In one embodiment, the handle serves as a housing to cover the extension shaft in its closed position and provides an engagement surface for non-fixed, gravity-based engagement of a chair lift seat.

Abstract: A seated skiing device having an adjustable heel protrusion and a fixed toe protrusion is provided. The distance between the toe and heel protrusions are adjustable such that the seated the skiing device may engage toe and heel bindings of a snow ski set to a riders ski boot. In this manner, the seated skiing device is engageable to the snow ski of the rider without any additional tools. Also, a seated snowboarding device is disclosed herein. The seated snowboarding device is removably attachable to standard front and rear bindings of a snowboard.

Abstract: An oblong hoop formed of six tube pieces fitted together end to end has tube junctions at each of four beveled corners. A pair of telescoping side junctions preferably connects side tubes together to make the oblong hoop extendable and retractable in length. The hoop can be used in three ways during three stages of learning—first, with the pupil supported in the front region of the hoop and an instructor within the hoop and close behind the pupil, second, with the pupil remaining forward in the hoop and the instructor moving to a rear region of the hoop, and third, with the pupil remaining in the forward region of the hoop, and the instructor moving outside the hoop to hold onto a rear region of the hoop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lightweight ski systems. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a lightweight ski stability system for improving performance while maintaining lightweight characteristics. The ski stability system includes a ski and one or more weighted members. One weighted member is positioned on the upper surface of the ski within 10 centimeters of the tip contact point. A second optional weighted member is positioned on the upper surface of the ski within 10 centimeters of the tail contact point. The contact points refer to a lengthwise position before the tip or tail laterally curve upward. The weighted members weigh at least 3% of the ski weight. The disposition of these weighted members at one or both of the contact points increases the rotational inertia characteristics of the lightweight ski while minimizing the resulting weight. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of increasing the rotational inertia of a lightweight ski.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for indicating gliding board features using an indicator adjacent an attachment point on the board used to secure an associated component, such as a binding, to the board. The indicator may indicate a board type (beginner, expert, etc.), a component used in the board (e.g., a core material used), a supplier of the board, a rider stance location, or other feature. Indicators may be located adjacent an opening of an attachment point, such as a hole in a threaded insert or slot of a channel embedded in a board body.

Abstract: A gliding board comprising a connecting means (7) of the cable or bar type extending from a point (6) of connection with the gliding board as far as a moving connecting element (8; 18; 18?; 28; 48) of an adjusting device (5) mounted on the gliding board, wherein the adjusting device (5) comprises a lever actuator (10; 20; 30; 50) acting on the moving connecting element (8; 18; 18?; 28; 48) in such a way as to move it in order to alter the tension exerted on the connecting means (7), so as to alter at least one mechanical characteristic of the gliding board, and wherein the lever actuator (10; 20; 30; 50) is such that it returns to the same position after each actuation irrespective of the position of the moving connecting element (8; 18; 18?; 28; 48).

Abstract: A theft deterrent security device for a snowboard, the security device is mounted on the base portion of the snowboard binding so as to cover the screws that pass through a rotator plate which attach the binding to the board. Not being able to easily remove the rotator plate on the board, the security device acts as a deterrent to someone wanting to steal the board. The security device consists of a security cover having a recess portion to receive a lock structure. This lock structure locks the security cover to the binding and prevents access to the screws on the rotator plate.

Abstract: A kicktail concave skateboard includes a blank having opposite ends, at least one end being recessed. An element is mounted on the recessed end such that a portion of the element adjoining the blank is flush with the blank. The element is formed of a material having a lower damping coefficient and a higher modulus of elasticity than the blank. The element includes a downwardly facing exposed side having a downward projection thereon, to facilitate the execution of an “ollie” maneuver.

Abstract: A spinner apparatus retained on a wheel to change and enhance the appearance of a roller skate. The spinner apparatus includes a support member connected to the wheel by first and second leg passing through spokes in the hub and resiliently positioned adjacent the outer face of the wheel. The support member has a plurality of radial slots that extend from adjacent an axial opening that receives an axial projection on a disc to position the disc in a plane adjacent the outer face of the wheel. The support member rotates with the wheel while the disc independently rotates in the axial opening of the support member and as a result any light that passes through the first and second plurality of slots is interrupted to illustrate a difference in the rotation of the wheel and disc.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling the connection between a user and a gliding or rolling apparatus on which the user is retained by a releasable retaining system, i.e., such as between a skier and ski by means of a ski binding. According to the method, the values of at least two flexion and torsion angles between the user's upper leg and lower leg are measured and the values of these angles in relation with the angles that indicate a critical posture of the user are considered, and the release of the retaining system is caused if the angle values measured exceed the indicative values. The device includes a member for measuring at least two angles and a processing circuit in relation with a table of indicative values.

Abstract: A collapsible snowboard pole is presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a snowboard pole can be provided with a manually expandable and compressible shaft, a basket at the tip, and a handle at the top. The basket can slide between a lower tip-ward (distal) position for storage and an upper top-ward (proximal) position for use. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the pole can be expanded to full length and disengaged from a docking mechanism located at the back of a snowboard with one hand, while a user is in motion on the snowboard. Once disengaged, the user can easily deploy the basket to its full upward extension for use. Additionally, a user can dock a collapsed pole and secure it in a docking mechanism, or can insert the pole tip in a docking mechanism, then collapse the pole and then secure it in the docking mechanism, all with one hand while in motion on the snowboard.

Abstract: An apparatus for binding a boot to a base plate of a snowboard, having: a first band mounted on a first side of the base plate; a second band mounted on a second side of the base plate opposite the first side of the base plate in a width direction, the second band being removably attached to the first band, so as to fasten a toe end portion of the boot to the base plate wherein the second band fastens the toe end portion at an acute angle with respect to the base plate and the toe end portion of the boot.

Abstract: An edge protecting device for snowboards and the like. The device includes an elastic elongate member that is capable of being positioned on the snowboard such that the elongate member covers the edge portions so that first and second reinforcing members align with the toe and heel edge portions, respectively and a strap removably attaches to the elongate member such that the elongate member is held snugly against the side edge portions of the snowboard.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding board, in particular alpine ski or snowboard, with a sliding-board basic body and a binding-receiving plate. According to the invention, the binding-receiving plate is integrated as a supporting part in the central region of the sliding-board basic body, in which it is used, by being surrounded positively at the sides by raised regions of the sliding-board basic body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boot-retaining unit of a ski binding for securing one end, in particular the toe end, of a ski boot by way of two boot or sole holders which can be pivoted about vertical axes, engage around an end region of the sole periphery or ski boot from the side, front and/or top and interact with a spring arrangement, which biases the boot or sole holder against the boot or sole periphery and allows the ski boot to be disengaged counter to a disengaging resistance, wherein the sole holders are designed as double-armed levers, those lever arms of the sole holders which are remote from the sole interacting with pistons which are guided in a displaceable manner in the direction of the transverse axis of the ski binding and, by means of a spring which is common to both pistons and is clamped in between the pistons, are forced against the lever arms which are remote from the sole.

Abstract: A system for alerting a skater when the skater's feet touch during a maneuver. The system comprises a wrap that bears a pocket positionable on an item of footwear, such as an ice skate. The wrap includes lateral portions extending around the ankle of the skate and may further include an instep strap coupled to the lateral portions and extending beneath the skate. The system further includes a contact device in communication with an indication device. The contact device is configured to detect an amount of contact from a nearby object, such as a skater's other foot. Upon detecting the amount of contact, the indication device provides a human perceptible indication to the skater that indicates that a sufficient amount of contact was made to trigger the contact device.

Abstract: A hand held protective ski appliance including a ski no longer than 18? inches long and including a handle extensive with the direction of the ski and spaced therefrom about 3? inches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ski clip, which is used to fasten ski poles (6a, 6b) to skis (7). In general the simultaneous transport of a pair of skis (7)and a pair of ski poles (6a, 6b) poses problems as the use of both hands is required. It is therefore difficult to simultaneously hold the skis (7), ski poles (6a, 6b) and other objects or to hold onto retaining bars in buses and gondolas when transporting skis (7). The disadvantage of attachments for solving said problem in prior art is that the ski pole holders have to be stored separately when not in use and in addition are inconvenient to use. The invention solves said problem by the permanent attachment of a fixing device (1a, 1b) to the ski pole (6a, 6b), whereby a forked clamping piece (5a, 5b) that can be folded out is fastened to said fixing device and a pair of skis (7) can be clamped between the limbs (9) of said piece.

Abstract: The guard is formed of moldable, flexible material and has a number of wheel-receiving wells formed in an in-line configuration in its upper wall. The forward and rear edges of each well are located high enough to prevent a wheel from rolling forward or rearward within the well. Laterally extending grooves are formed in the wells to minimize forward and backward movement of the wheels within the wells while the side walls of the wells contact the side walls of the wheels in order to minimize lateral movement.